Someone wrote to me and asked for clarification on Fujifilm’s X-series camera line. “There are a lot of options,” he said, “but I don’t get why. What’s the purpose of each model? How can I know what one is right for me?” I’ve seen this question a lot, so I thought I’d attempt to clear it up. Hopefully, by the end, you’ll better know why each camera exists and whether it is good for you or not. For this article, we’ll start at the bottom of the lineup and work our way up.

Just as a reminder—most of you are well aware, but some might not be—I don’t work for Fujifilm. This shouldn’t be seen as an official understanding of each camera by the company. These are my personal opinions, which could be different—maybe much different—than Fujifilm’s. For some reason, sometimes people think that my words are official positions of the brand, but my affiliation with them is very loose. I’m definitely independent. I’m just a guy who really loves using Fujifilm cameras, and I write about my experiences and share my Fujifilm Recipes.

X half

The Fujifilm X half, which is also called X-HF1, is only kind-of sort-of an X-series camera. Technically it is, but it’s the only one currently with a 1″ sensor or that’s not X-Trans. Those things in and of themselves don’t exclude it from the X-series, as Fujifilm has used small-sensors and the Bayer-array for the X-series in the past. What makes the X half only sort-of an X-series model is that it shares a heritage with the Instax Evo cameras. In other words, the X half is a bridge between the two systems, and is intended to convince some Instax users to dip their toes into the X-series world. It’s a super fun fixed-lens camera for casual photography and a film-like experience, and the very first with vertical sensor. If you are looking for something unique, well, you won’t get much more so than the X half! With that said, I don’t recommend it for “serious” photography, only as an enjoyable snapshot camera. The elephant in the room is that it’s a little expensive for what it is, although not nearly as much as some have hyperbolically claimed across the internet.

X-M5

Situated as the base entry-level model, the Fujifilm X-M5 is a rangefinder-styled camera that leans slightly towards video-centric. It has a PASM dial instead of the traditional tactile controls that Fujifilm is known for. It’s the smallest, lightest, and least expensive X-series camera; however, it lacks an EVF and IBIS, so there are some obvious tradeoffs. It’s a fifth-generation camera that pairs the 26mp X-Trans IV sensor with X-Processor 5. The X-M5 is a good option for those on a tight budget, those looking for their first “real” camera, or those who want the absolute smallest and lightest model—if that’s not you, take a look at the options below. Still, I’ve heard positive things about the X-M5, so don’t let its position within the lineup scare you away.

X-T30 III

The Fujifilm X-T30 III is another entry-level model, but not quite as stripped down as the X-M5. Leaning stills-centric, it has an SLR shape, with an EVF in the center. It lacks IBIS, but that’s a fair tradeoff for the inexpensive price tag. The X-T30 III is probably the best value (what you get for what you pay) in the entire X-series, and is my top recommendation for those who are on a tight budget, looking for their first “real” camera, or who want a small and lightweight model. Like the previous camera, the X-T30 III pairs the 26mp X-Trans IV sensor with X-Processor 5.

X-S20

I have two Fujifilm X-S20 cameras in my household: one belongs to my wife, Amanda, and the other to my son, Jonathan. Most of the Fuji X Weekly YouTube and social media videos over the last year-and-a-half were recorded on an X-S20. This camera is a lower-mid-tier model that is video-centric. Like the X-M5, it has PASM in lieu of the traditional tactile controls that Fujifilm is known for. Like both of the previous two cameras, this one pairs the 26mp X-Trans IV sensor with the X-Processor 5. The X-S20 is a hybrid model with IBIS that is intended to be appealing to those coming from a Canikony brand background. If you are more of a videographer than photographer, this is an easy recommendation; if you are a photographer first-and-foremost, this is a good camera, but I would lean more towards the stills-centric models, like the next few below.

X-T50

The Fujifilm X-T50 is a mid-tier version of the X-T30 III. It’s not a successor to the X-T30, but a similar line. While the X-T30 III has the “old” 26mp X-Trans IV sensor and lacks IBIS, the X-T50 has the “new” 40mp X-Trans V sensor and includes IBIS. The X-T50 looks a little different, too, with a slightly more rounded and angular design. Overall, though, the two cameras are a lot more alike than not. The X-T50 is more premium, while the X-T30 III is a better value, and which of those two things are more important to you (best overall features vs best for the money) will determine which one to get. Between the X-T50 and X-E5, aside from their shape, the two cameras are nearly identical (only small differences), and you can’t go wrong with either; however, I like the X-E5 just a little more myself, for the styling, the ability to save Recipes into FS1-FS3 on the Film Dial (I hope that Fujifilm someday gives the X-T50 this option via a firmware update), and the feel of the camera.

X-E5

The X-E series used to be more entry-level, culminating with the X-E4, which served as the base model during its all-too-short run; however, the Fujifilm X-E5 is all grown up, and is now solidly mid-tier, sporting the 40mp X-Trans V sensor, better build quality, and IBIS. The camera is likely as close as you’re going to get to an interchangeable-lens X100VI. Because Fujifilm discontinued the X-Pro3 over three years ago and has not yet announced a successor, the X-E5 is currently Fujifilm’s highest-end interchangeable-lens rangefinder-styled camera. I’m really happy with mine, and look forward to creating many photographs with it in the coming years.

X100VI

Everyone’s favorite model—the most-viral camera of all-time—the Fujifilm X100VI is already beyond legendary. The fixed-lens camera, which has the 40mp X-Trans V sensor and IBIS, is perfect for street and travel photography. It’s also perfect for those who want to dip their toes into the X-series and find out what it’s all about without investing a bunch of money into a whole kit. While it isn’t fully weather-sealed, a filter adapter and filter will finish that task, giving more confidence in extreme conditions. Two conversion lenses add focal-length versatility. While not nearly as difficult to find as it used to be, the X100VI can still require patience and perseverance to buy. If I could only own one in this list, it would be this one—my “desert island” camera. If you’re ok with the one-camera-one-lens experience, the X100VI is a must-have; however, I do find that the X100-series makes the most sense when an interchangeable-lens option is also available to you—the X-E5 and X100VI pair especially well together as a combo.

X-T5

I purchased the Fujifilm X-T5 when it was first released, and it’s been a workhorse ever since. I’ve gotten a lot of use out of mine, both for stills and video. In a lot of ways, it’s the quintessential interchangeable-lens X-series camera. It’s also the most-premium of the traditional tactile control models, fitting a lower-top-tier placement. In addition to the 40mp sensor and IBIS, it’s weather-sealed and has dual card slots. If you use longer or heavier lenses, the X-T5 is a better base than the mid-tier and entry-level models. While stills-centric, the camera is no slouch when it comes to videography. There’s a lot to love about it, and if you are after the best full Fujifilm experience, the X-T5 is the camera to get. If you want to save a little, the X-T50 is similar, just without weather-sealing and with only one card slot, and in a smaller and lighter body.

X-H2

The Fujifilm X-H2 is Fujifilm’s flagship X-series stills-centric-leaning model, although it is also great for video, making it a great hybrid camera. While it has nearly identical features and specs as the X-T5, it is a step above it, offering better performance and heat dispersion. The most obvious difference is the design, which is more reminiscent of the GFX100S II. Like the X-M5 and X-S20, it has PASM instead of the traditional tactile controls that Fujifilm is known for. The X-H2 is intended to be appealing to those coming from a Canikony brand background. For those using larger and heavier lenses, this camera is the best base, due to the larger grip and better weight balance. If you’re a photographer that often uses large telephoto lenses, or you just need the best performer, the X-H2 is for you.

X-H2s

The X-H2s is outwardly identical to the X-H2 (aside from an S engraved on the front), but inwardly it’s notably different, with a 26mp X-Trans V stacked sensor designed for speed. This camera is the most video-centric X-series model, but it’s also the most ideal for those who need fast autofocus for stills, making it another great hybrid option. As such, it is the most premium model in the X-series lineup—the cream of the crop. If you are merely after the best-of-the-best, this is it, the camera that sits atop the highest tier. The majority of Fujifilm’s YouTube and social media videos over the last few years were recorded with this model. If you are a videographer or a sports or wildlife photographer, the X-H2s is the camera to get.

To summarize Fujifilm’s fifth-generation X-series lineup:
– The X half is the most fun, but X-series photographers are not the target audience.
– The X-M5 is the smallest, lightest, and cheapest, but that comes with compromises.
– The X-T30 III is also entry-level, but a step above the X-M5, and is the best overall value in the lineup.
– The X-S20 is a video-centric mid-tier model with PASM.
– The X-T50 is a stills-centric mid-tier model.
– The X-E5 is a stills-centric mid-tier model, currently the most premium interchangeable-lens rangefinder-style camera in the lineup.
– The X100VI is the viral fixed-lens rangefinder-style camera that everyone wants.
– The X-T5 is a stills-centric upper-tier model with weather-sealing and dual card slots.
– The X-H2 is a hybrid (but leans toward stills) flagship model with PASM.
– The X-H2s is a hybrid (but leans towards video) flagship model with PASM, and is the only stacked sensor option in the lineup.

For those on a budget, the X-T30 III is my top recommendation. For those who are primarily videographers, I’d suggest either the X-S20 or X-H2s. For those who want a solid camera that’s not too big or small, or too feature-rich or too basic, or too expensive or too cheap, the X-T50 and X-E5 are two to strongly consider. The best overall traditional tactile control interchangeable-lens camera is the X-T5. The most fun camera is the X half, but it’s not for everyone. The X100VI is the most desired model. For sports or wildlife photographers, the X-H2 or X-H2s are the top options to consider.

I really wish that Fujifilm had reserved the top-tier highest-level camera for those who prefer the traditional tactile controls. You know, the ones that have been faithful customers for years and years. Those who have owned an X-Pro1, and an X-T1, and an X-H1, and an X-Pro3, and an X-T4 and/or an X-T5, who would really love to buy the best-of-the-best X-series camera, but just really dislikes the PASM experience. Those long-time loyal customers would really appreciate an X-H2/X-H2s type model, but with a shutter knob and ISO dial, and maybe a bit more classic styling. When Fujifilm reinvented the X-H line to obviously be most appealing to potential new customers and not the base, it seemed a tad disrespectful to some. I get why they did it (and there were both positive and negative consequences for it), but I believe a market exists for a top-end premium camera that isn’t the X-H2/X-H2s. Perhaps that is Fujifilm’s vision for the next X-Pro? I have no idea, but that would not match the historical characteristics of that line, so I really don’t think so. I truly hope that this is something Fujifilm has been considering, and perhaps might make happen sometime within the sixth-generation of the X-series.

I also think two other cameras that Fujifilm should strongly consider are 1) a long, long overdue successor to the much-beloved X70, and 2) a pocket zoom utilizing the 1″ sensor from the X half. The Fujifilm GFX100RF is a medium-format X70-like model; an X-series version would be extremely popular. A spiritual followup to the XQ2 or X30, but utilizing a 1″ sensor, would be very well received. Small fixed-lens cameras are all the rage right now, so Fujifilm should strike while the iron is hot.

This post contains affiliate links, and if you make a purchase using my links I’ll be compensated a small amount for it.

Fujifilm X half in black:
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Fujifilm X half in silver:
Amazon, B&H, Nuzira
Fujifilm X half in charcoal:
Amazon, B&H
Fujifilm X-M5 in black:
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Fujifilm X-M5 in silver:
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Fujifilm X-T30 III in black:
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Fujifilm X-T30 III in silver:
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Fujifilm X-T30 III in Charcoal:
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Fujifilm X-S20:
Amazon, B&H, Moment, Nuzira
Fujifilm X-T50 in black:
Amazon, B&H, Moment, Nuzira
Fujifilm X-T50 in silver:
Amazon, B&H, Moment, Nuzira
Fujifilm X-T50 in charcoal:
Amazon, B&H, Moment
Fujifilm X-E5 in black:
Amazon, B&H, Moment, Nuzira
Fujifilm X-E5 in silver:
Amazon, B&H, Moment, Nuzira
Fujifilm X100VI in black:
Amazon, B&H, Moment, Nuzira
Fujifilm X100VI in silver:
Amazon, B&H, Moment, Nuzira
Fujifilm X-T5 in black:
Amazon, B&H, Moment, Nuzira
Fujifilm X-T5 in silver:
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Fujifilm X-H2:
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Fujifilm X-H2s:
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