My short and sweet Fuji X100T review by Steve Huff

93 Comments

1. I’m waiting for my refurb (as new) X100s from Germany. I should have it early next week and it only cost €600. I had the original X100 but found it too inconsistent and it frustrated me. I bought it on launch as it reminded me of the camera I used in college, a Minolta SRT 101 which I love and still take out on occasion with a roll of Fuji slide film. When I got it right with the X100 I loved it, but I just had too many shots that went straight in the bin so it had to go. Maybe I should have waited for all the firmware updates but I have a good feeling about the X100s.

2. “The X100T will shift its window to show you exactly what you are going to capture. This is a godsend for many. ” My X100 does that too, I don’t understand. The lines in the viewfinder adjust themselves after pressing the shutter release.

3. FWIW I am generally a Fuji user – I’ve used others but have stuck with the Fuji X-system and from the start learned to run with the idiosyncrasies…

   Until the X100T.

   I know a lot of discussion has been had over whether an X100s user should go up to the X100T or not – they’re the same right?

   Well to me the X100T is a very different camera from the ‘S’ – and the upgrade was exactly that – an upgrade.
   It’s faster (Operational & AF), better EVF – much easier to MF now, and much better, sleeker control layout. Wi-Fi rocks more than you think it would. The things that you want and know, are already there but improved: The same sensor (faster processor), The same Lens (New Aperture Stops), Exposure Comp (Extended)

   It’s not a point upgrade. Once the subtleties of shooting click into place it becomes (to me anyway) a completely new prospect.

   If you use the X100 series regularly then you’ll know what I’m saying here. The X100T is, to me, at the top of the pile in this category.

4. Face detection is a hit or miss, some cameras do it better like Olympus with nearest eye focus, but others are a miss in that it focuses on the nose or other parts of the face. I use face detect if I’m shooting my daughter who won’t sit still but if I have control and the subject remains relatively still then I’ll move the AF point myself.

5. I enjoy the GR, I’ve bought and sold it twice over. Very small, lightweight, attach the included wrist strap is all you need. B/W conversions are lovely and the continued firmware updates show that they mean business. TAv mode is great as well. But I found the OVF to be next to useless. Really like that it shoots RAW in DNG format.

6. wow all this talk of the x100 series and options and only one mention of the X-E2 no mentions of the Sony A6000 2 of the nicest cameras of 2014 (in my humble opinion). You can pick up a used X-E2 for $600 or less, you can buy a Sony A6000 for $650 new, which leaves plenty of cash to buy some lovely glass for either. the form factor on both is akin to the x100’s though not quite as elegant but the X-E2 you can put any of Fuji’s amazing lens’s like the 23mm, 35mm, 14mm, 56mm (I like primes) as well as any other 3rd party glass like Leica and Ziess.

   If I won the lotto tomorrow I’d turn in my Canons, Sony A7s, the Panasonics, the A6000 and go with the Fuji XE-2. I love it and I’m shocked how awesome the photos look, in both Monochrome and color.

   • This is a review of the X100T, I already reviewed the A6000 and X-E2 long ago, which is where comments and mentions of those cameras can be found. The A6000 and X-E2 are MUCH different than an X100 style camera. The X-E2 is IMO, near the bottom of the heap when it comes to cameras in 2015. Its slow, built very cheap, mis focuses, has sensor issues and while it can give great IQ in good light it fails in many areas. The Sony A7s and A7II destroy the X-E2 in every single way and in all light. But as always, it is about what lens you use. That is the heart of the system.

   • I shot with the X-E2 for over a year. Using 14mm/35mm/56mm. I shot around 10.000 frames in all light conditions. I am selling my X-System now, after tried Sony A7s and even Ricoh GR beats Fuji in IQ easily. Before seeing the other files, I thought it was ok, which the Fuji is in good light – the sensor gives you nice colors (except blowing the highlights very quick in harsch light condition, which like the M8 dont in the same situation…i tested that myself).

     I find the build quality cheap, to many issues with missed AF, RAW workflow (using 3rd party like Iridient is not convenient for me) and waxy , painted JPG , especially higher ISO. That is (for me) a fact.

     I think it is a combination of lens and sensor but at the end it is the type of rendering one is looking for, which expresses ones vision the best. For me , it is the M8. I like the files, even though the sensor seems not up to standard. It has a signature which fits to my style of shooting. B/W is beating Fuji in every aspect. I am not talking about test charts, the feeling of the image when looking at it and especially when printed.

     At the end, find it, keep it, use it and make pictures you are satisfied with.

     Happy shooting

7. I had the original X100 and sold it shortly after buying due to the hunting and lack of accurate focus, and also the exposure/WB were quite inconsistent. Never really had a thing for the “Fuji color” either. Even now with the X100t, the color is still kind of weird to my eyes, there is blue cast in many scenes and the colors look rather muted. The images look flat compared to the RX1 that I own and love now.

   Now that I own a Leica M240, the X100 looks like a cheap knockoff, in both build and paint quality. (I know it’s an outrageous comparison due to the price, but since thats what Fuji is aiming to copy, it has to be mentioned lol)

   • I hear you Kevin. I bought a M8.2 few weeks ago. After uploading the pictures to my computer, I was amazed. 3D look, nice sharpness, organic look…after comparing my Fuji x100 files, they just dont have it (talking about RAW). X100T files look even more digital and flat. Until I saw the Leica files on my screen, I liked my x100…but now they seem to be 2D.

     Yes, the combo Leica M8.2 and 28 Elmarit 2.8 ASPH is around 2x X100T, but its worth it for me.

8. I just upgraded from the X100S to the T… going back and forth between the models, I definitely notice an overall bump in responsiveness. Maybe not as big of a jump as going from the X100 to X100S, but it is there. I was a bit bummed with the EVF – I didn’t notice much of an improvement.

   The big features that drove me to upgrade were face detection, +/- 3 exposure compensation, and option to use exposure compensation with auto ISO in manual mode. Face detection may be gimmicky, but I love using it for quick candids when out with family and friends (were the X100T gets used most of the time). Also nice to have when you hand the camera over to a non-photographer.

   +1 for going back to a standard sensor

9. Steve, I had a similar reaction to the Fujis. On a recent trip to Ohio to visit family i found a local Dodd’s camera store that rented them for a very reasonable price. So i rented the Fuji XT1 and several lens for a couple days. From my own reading of it before actual hands on, and from my sense of what i was looking for, i was expecting to love it. After two days of shooting and looking at the results, i thought, “What’s the big deal?” I shot both Raw and Jpeg and worked on them in LR5. Didn’t find anything particularly amazing about it. I did like the smaller form factor, and the hokey of the 35mm lens was beautiful. And their B&W Jpeg setting options do some very nice rendering. But all this isn’t enough to win me over to a new and price camera system. I thought the colors were just different, not nicer or more realistic. Just different. The speed of refresh of the Olympus OM1s EVF seemed to outweigh the size of the Fuji’s. But I haven’t found such great dynamic range, or that the light meter worked so amazingly. The white balance in mixed light was impressive. So, have walked away from considering the fujis. Hey, if they work for others, then great. But bottom line for me, i’m looking elsewhere. Steve, i take my hat off to you for calling it as you see it! Craig

10. Hi,
    Thanks a lot for your review.
    I think one new feature of the 100T is the AF face detection, isn’t it? How was your experience with that?
    Thanks,
    Bert

    • Face Detection to me is a gimmick so I never use it but I think mostly all cameras have it these days.

      • Face detection is a hit or miss, some cameras do it better like Olympus with nearest eye focus, but others are a miss in that it focuses on the nose or other parts of the face. I use face detect if I’m shooting my daughter who won’t sit still but if I have control and the subject remains relatively still then I’ll move the AF point myself.

        • It can be very reliable if you practice it and have capable camera in this regard (I own X-T1 and use it quite frequently). It used to be be gimmick and still is if poorly implemented.
          Surely, if you have time and ask your subject to stay steady you can control the AF point yourself…..but it can be hit or miss too. In a party, the face detection can really helpful (again on a proper camera).

11. Thanks for the review!

    I feel that, given the viewfinder and wifi technology, fuji should have been a bit braver and released an edition without lcd.

    • you can always switch it off to a dark …..and put a nice sticker on it to protect yourself against temptation to switch it on back ( 🙂 )

      • I’d still know it was there ^_^ and it is an excellent place to put an iso dial. I even figured out a nice name: x100 edition 60 ^_~

12. Hi all,
    let me just bring some short experience with my brand new, lovely X-T1 (yes, it is not the X100 but the X-trans device is essentially the same).
    There is an argument about the Fuji colours/rendition on this any other forums and despite it being highly subjective (yes, some people do not like bright, flashing, over-saturated colours-some are for them) it is just worth to mention that it is controllable on the Fuji cameras (like basically on ant other cameras). So if you like the latest film simulation from Fuji but the colours are subdue, just turn them up. Or turn the Velvia down. That is simple and obvious.
    There are the other parameters not very obvious and known: the tonality control and the dynamic range control (the latter is not a free lunch since it turn up the ISO). The tonality control will have significant impact over the image perception, it may have more influence over an image than the colour itself. So try to play with these options so that your image is more pop, or understated (both can be advantage, depending what YOU like). Combine it with the sharpness control and definitely decrease the noise reduction down to -2 (or sometimes -1).

    Recommended day to day settings are:

    Sharpness +1 (or 0 if you desire smooth faces on your pictures)
    Highlights -1 (or 0 depending on the film simulation)
    Shadows -1
    Dynamic range 100 or 200
    Noise reduction -2
    Colour 0 (-1 for Velvia, +1 for Classic Chrome…this works for me, for you can be ugly)

    White balance is measured/set by the camera extremely well so in most situations you can let it go with the auto.

    For RAW shutters these settings do not do anything and you can find the Fuji colour profiles for some of the converters (I work with Capture one and there are the profiles created for it – just search them).
    They are not perfect and do not address the tonality so the latter you will have to adjust yourself to mimic the Fuji camera settings.

    Best regards

    • I use the same settings as you do on my X100S (except I use 0 for sharpness). The dynamic range of this camera is simply outstanding when you set the shadows/highlights to -1. I find that it’s better than shooting RAW and adjusting in post.

      My buddy’s EM-1 is awesome and feels great, but it’s the DR of the Fuji cameras that I’ve become addicted to.

      • I get better DR from my E-M1. No blown highlights ever yet the Fuji blows them in harsh lighting even with EV comp dialed way down. Shown this in my X-T1 review. But we like what we like and the X100 in any version is a fantastic camera.

        • Steve, will all respect…I disagree with you: the X-T1 dynamic range is better than any m43 camera (also E-M1 which is still very good one) but the default settings just keep the shadows darker and the highlights lighter. The exposure compensation may not be enough to address that. The highlights control is the way to go as is the DR control (but with some penalty of having a higher ISO of 400 or 800. The ISO 400 on the Fuji is amazing so no issue here).
          So there is a lot of potential in this camera but it may require some tweaking.

          Thanks for any all the reviews and especially the daily inspirations (this is real photo stuff we are looking for. Too much Pixel P. around …)

          • Well we can agree to disagree. I have shot with EVERYTHING and EXTENSIVELY. I have shot both side by side, X-T1 and E-M1. My E-M1 beat the Fuji for IQ, DR, Color, and file quality. Was no contest. Of course those who OWN the Fuji will always disagree with me but I am not saying what I am from brand loyalty, I say this as it is true. Fuji blows highlights VERY easily, especially in the harsh sun of AZ. If you have not shot your Fuji in Phx AZ in the summer, give it a try and see 🙂 You can dial back on EVf comp and still get harsh blown highlights that are not recoverable. My E-M1 does not do this, at all. Neither do my Sony’s or even Leica M. The worst cameras I have used for DR in 2014 were all Fuji. I do not believe in saying things to please companies, the masses or individuals. I say it as it is in my experience and there is no way Id ever give up my E-M1 for any Fuji made today, period.

            With that said, many will disagree some will agree as no one agrees on everything all of the time. The most important thing is that the Fuji works for YOU and you enjoy it. That is ALL that matters. What I say or think or do does not, its just my opinion after using them all.

            But I am me, you are you 🙂 Difference of opinion is always welcome but it will never change my mind as I go from real life experience.

            Thank you and keep shooting!

          • well, just do not want to argue for the sake of arguing but there is technical data and people experience which says otherwise…..
            And I before I decided to take the Fuji I was equally considering the Olympus so I do not have any bias towards any camera. Just needed to finally chose my system.
            In fact, the Fuji’s files are shifted towards highlights but your statement that the whole DR is worst from all cameras you tested in 2014 is at least unfair.
            And definitely is not true for RAW files.

            There are measurements like this to show it is not true:

            http://www.optyczne.pl/245.8-Test_aparatu-Olympus_OM-D_E-M1_Zakres_tonalny.html

            and then http://www.optyczne.pl/264.8-Test_aparatu-Fujifilm_X-T1_Zakres_i_dynamika_tonalna.html

            The better color of the Oly? It is just subjective.
            The files quality is better for Fuji if processed with proper tool like Capture one (note: default settings are not optimal )

            The JPEGs? Great on both systems, just different.

            Regards,

            kecajkerugo

          • The Fuji vs E-M1 is no contest. The E-M1 is a pro body. Super fast, accurate, weather sealed, in body 5 axis IS, amazing color, and amazing IQ that rivals Leica’s own M (if you have not seen the work done by Pro Neil Buchan Grant on this very site showing this, you should) – The Fuji can not stand a chance to the E-M1 in real world use, period. Totally different class of body and totally different cameras as well. The Fuji sensors make you jump through hoops just to get great results. Many do not have the time for that. For example all Fuji guys say “you can’t use Adobe products to process Fuji files”!! Guess what 90% of us use? Abobe. Why would Fuji release a sensor like this? They had no idea it would be a problem. In any case, I like the X100T but I prefer the original X100.

          • Steve, is the E-M10 IQ on par with the E-M1? I like the small seize of the E-M10.

          • Yes, it is. The body is much smaller but pretty much same IQ imo.

          • Thanks Steve…amazing build quality of e-m10. No comparison to Fuji x bodies…wow.

          • and the E-M1 is built to a much higher standard that that! Now you know what I mean when I say the Fuji’s tele “hollow” – that is because i compare them to Olympus, Sony, Etc. Enjoy!

          • Now you cannot have been serious here. Fujis cameras may not be build as tough as an E-M1. Even the X-T1 is not. But to name Sony and Olympus in the same breath when it comes to build quality is a stretch. Sonys first generation A7 felt hollow as hollow can be. Very cheap. I was considering an A7 vs an X-T1 and it truly is no contest. The A7 was a cheap body around a very good sensor, while the X-T1 is a very solid body around a good but not great sensor. I shoot both Olympus (Pen E-P5) and Fuji (X-T1 and X100). I have no problems with Sony. The second generation A7 series is build well and the RX1R2 is a sensational fixed lens camera (which I can’t afford), but to say the build is generally better than Fujis is far from the truth. On top of that Fuji has the best build lenses in the mirrorless world on average.

          • I have had them all in hand at the same time, shot with them at the same time and tested them, many at the same time. I own a Sony A7s, A7RII and RX1RII as well as an Rx100IV. The Olympus E-M1 and E-M5II are here as well, and I have a Fuji X-E1 here as well. Of all of these the Fuji feels like a toy. It is hollow, cheaply made, dials and buttons are the least solid and feel low end. The Sony A7RII, A7II and A7SII are on another league in build over ANY Fuji, even the X-T1. ALL Fuji’s feel hollow, empty and like a step up from the cheap cameras but a step down from the Sony’s, Olympus, Leica, etc. Their pricing sort of reflects this though. They can take great photos, any camera can…but build quality is not in the league of the A7II’s and Olympus E-M1 and neither is the IQ. I have a feeling Fuji will be slipping in 2016 as they are not pushing forward, at all. Same old APS-C sensor, same type of bodies..no groundwork for anything really WOW coming, etc. Maybe an X100 XT which will offer more of the same.

            Fuji needs a redesign of the X100, made in full frame. This way they can compete with Sony and Leica (RX1 and Q). Fuji needs a top end pro body that is also full frame. Sadly they will probably not go this route as they would need all new lenses, and that is a serious commitment.

          • Yes, i understand your real life experience better now. Thats what i love about your work here. It inspired me to look to M8 and E-M10. The M8 IQ surpasses any Fuji X-Trans Sensor. It’s amazing that this “old” Kodak Sensor is so good. Black and white is just stunning, 3D is pulling you in the frame. Fuji cant do this in my experience. Even the olympus files looking more natural in comparison to x-Trans. This is sad because I really tried to love Fuji. Spend alot of effort and money, but now, thanks to your website, i am happy with the leica and olympus .
            THANKS steve.

          • It was good to argue/discuss when the argument was supported by some technical facts. Now it is useless and it is really surprising that such words come from the recognized expert like Steve. Bringing such arguments like ” no contest” (if fact no contest: Fuji will always win in lowlight), body is hollow compared to….(engineers call it weight, weight matters, the Fuji is just lighter than the Oly, both are metal construction, both are sealed), both are fast. Oly is fraction of second faster, it is also faster than the Sony stuff, but Fuji is faster when the tracking is concerned (yes!). Oly is pro and Fyji is not pro…..I am sorry….there are many who thinks the other way and there are also places you can find pro grade pictures made with Fuji.
            Both systems build pro-level lenses lines.
            These are just DIRECT competitor with all pros and cons on both sides.

            90 % use Adobe ? I do not care (majority in Europe drive VW or Renault or Fiat…..).

            The are RAW converters which do the right things and you can pull out excellent images from the X-trans.

            And it is not about definite winner selection pressure, not about spreading hate against a brand – many cameras now are simply great and just different so that we can take them per our personal preferences.

            Still will be looking here to see the great stuff some people do and share on this forum.

            Technical discussion…..there are better places elsewhere on the network.

          • You are so wrong on so many levels here. Fuji is actually NOT even close to winning for low light use and it is in no way faster than the E-M1 in any way, shape or form. Their bodies feel hollow compared to the E-M1, Sony A7 series, Any Leica, Etc. They can take beautiful photos in the right light and lackluster in anything but great light. I have used them ALL and my guess is that you have not owned them all. I write the truth after extensive use with every one of these cameras so I base what I write on y experience with all of them, so readers will get the best for their money. I like Fuji, I do but they are not the best or be all end all camera. My likes for Fuji are the design of the bodies, feel of the bodies, color signature and the ability to create dramatic photos with pop in great light. I dislike the Fujis for the AF inaccuracies, their overexposure tendencies, the hollow feeling bodies and lenses and their quirkiness. The E-M1 is an all around masterpiece for Olympus. The A7II is amazing in all areas. Al you lose out on is the Fuji color signature, which for some is the reason to go with Fuji all in itself, and I can understand that as I also like the colors you can get out of a Fuji, but I still say their original NON X Trans sensors were better, and I am not alone in that thinking.

          • I have to agree with Steve here. Was an owner of the original X100, and the camera body indeed feels hollow. If you press down on the top plate, it actually slightly bends. The same goes with the XT-1 that I demoed recently. The RX1 that I own is super solid like a brick, no flex whatsoever.
            Also, Fuji high ISO SEEMS to be great, until you look closely there is so much noise reduction going on there is no detail left. Other cameras like Leica M240, D800, RX1 (which I own) do not exhibit this problem. Sure there is grain, but it looks a lot more natural, even when you resize it down.
            As for the AF, the X100 may be slightly faster than RX1, but it is the most inaccurate camera I’ve used to date. It hunts, or actually back focuses when it tells you it’s in focus. In lowlight the situation is even worse. And I can’t even use MF because the MF ring was so unresponsive.

            All in all I really tried to love the X100 during the time I had it, but all these quirks made me end up selling it. Never looked back since.

          • If you are an Artist, Find your tool, so you can Express your art in the best way. For me, This has nothing to do with Technical specifications. This is feeling, experience in real life usage.

            I prefer ricoh gr , olympus and leica m8 over Fuji and canon, because i tried them over a period of time to Find my Tool.

            And this website giving inspiration and Type of guidance to maybe Find your Tool.

          • And Kevin, i agree with you (and steve). And i used several x bodies for 1 1/2 years.Also, the ISO number seems not be Right as compared to leica or ricoh, Fuji adds one Stop at least. I shoot m8 160 or 320, Fuji giving me 400/800…

13. With Autofocus too slow compared to many DSLR’s the camera has a BIG strike against it.
    Low light and missed focus are problems with it that just won’t go away.

    No Thanks.

    • In particular because I think Fuji has a problem with the motorization of those lenses and the way the firmware was conceived, not just the bodies. No ultrasonic drives but something little spectacular that clearly lags behind anything we know in the DSLR world. It surprises me that such a big third party lens builder is having this kind of problem since day 1. I keep on saying that the setpoint was to develop a premium compact range, not something that had to beat the best pro cameras in the market and precisely there, they got stuck now to meet the real pro-expectations.

14. You’re spot on it, Steve. I have been a very early adopter of both Fuji X100 and later, the X-Pro1. But see, so many years later, I still use my DSLR gear as mainstream tool (with a lot of joy btw). One of the reasons is that I experienced way too many workflow issues and quirks, in the sideline also a few manufacturing quality-issues with both my 35mm lens and the X-Pro1-body itself. I stopped investing in Fuji, didn’t sell it because I had high hopes in that ‘every few months again promised’ X-Pro2. Love is a strange thing – I still like the original X100-concept and after the FW-update not so long ago it became a different, much better responding camera, still capable of stunning images. My logical step to the X-Pro1 – a relationship that started about 3 yrs ago – has know a lot more turbulence. I never found the X-Pro1 and also the XF-lenses having the same feel and manufacturing quality. Nevertheless I couldn’t afford a Leica, so this still looked a valid choice to come as near as I could to Leica. But an immediate impression was that this 16MP with its weird CFA didn’t performed much better than the X100’s 12 MP with its traditional Bayer. Using RAWs from the X-trans-sensor has been an extremely disappointing misery from the beginning – I can’t understand how Fuji still manages to release new cameras without taking ownership of these issues, really a shame. But see, all these fanboys never seem to have a problem, they just shoot jpg’s I’m afraid. My camera is after 12 or 13 FW updates still locking up once in a while, frequently refuses to fire the flash (only a full camera reset can bring it back to life), is having a very unpredictable AF & shutter lag behavior, after the 3 or 4th FW change, the bright frame in the OVF still fails to cope with nearby subject parallax issues. It also feels like a bad ghost gets into the machine once it gets dark – impossible to get a decent focus, some lenses like the 60mm or 55-200mm are hunting all the time and ISO-behavior is to the current standards not spectacular – most amateur DSLRs outperform it hands down now. When I read all those over-positive review blogs on about Fuji X and XF lenses, I really get a very strange feeling. I’m an aging, very experienced photographer, but many pictures shown in these blogs – mostly the studio-sessions, dynamic street and low light pictures – surprise me. I wouldn’t be capable to reproduce them with my X-Pro1 under the same circumstances. Or it was just luck or – let me weigh this carefully – the truth has been a bit polished in favor of Fuji X system. There’s another possibility (I don’t believe) that the current line of X-Pro1s – is better responding than my very early copy. The question that my X-Pro1 can replace a DSLR,…it would be similar to ‘can a Suzuki Swift win a F1 race?’ Yes, it can if all the other get out of the race 😉 ! Am I really the only to come to this conclusion? Anyhow Fujifilm imaging, if someone should read this – I’m not a satisfied client and mostly your after sales service in my country is nothing less than a frustration.

    • I have had a similar experience with my X-Pro1. Love the form factor and physical dials, still love some of the color rendering (skin tones and pastel), but the flaws and issues I had don’t make it a good experience. I also was often disappointed with the rendering, actually preferring that of my old Pen with primes to the one of the X-Pro with primes. It’s funny to hear customers and sellers in shops rave about the X-Trans FF quality, because I used the Fuji system for 3 years very intensely, and wanted to love it, but did not find most of the things people apparently find (IQ and Zen experience).

      I moved from Fuji to a FF DSLR and it’s just a different world. I also agree with Steve regarding the comparison with Olympus as a much more mature, reliable mirror less system, capable of producing very good results, and most importantly taking the picture (not hunting around), and for this price tag I would definitely consider an OMD or a PEN with a prime.

15. Thanks for the Review, steve.
    What i really Like is :”I may prefer the old X100 sensor but that does not mean my word is final. Many prefer and adore the X Trans sensors and thousands of others can not be wrong.”

    I felt exactly like that after using the T for about 5 weeks. The Is something “Magic” about the x100 V1 and the newer fuji Sensor isn’it that “Organic” no more.

    But that is just me and as you said, so many others cant be wrong.

16. One area where the X100 series tramples all other digital cameras is flash sync speed! I realize that many users may not care about this, but those that shoot flash understand how amazing it is to be able to sync at 1/1000. It’s total flash freedom. In theory, the X100 cameras can actually sync up to 1/4000 (!!), but in practice it’s useless since you’d need to be at f5.6 or smaller.

17. Seems to me the camera overexposes a bit.

    Steve, did you ever get your hands on a Panasonic Leica 1.7/15?? Did you not like it and thus didn’t review it? Or you’ve never had it?

    • I did and I loved it but did not have it long enough to review it. I hope to review it in Feb.

18. The original X100 seems like a better buy IMO. I love the sensor but not sure if I can handle the slow operation. I’ve never used the X100 and wonder if the personality of the images would be worth the slow operation?? The X100T seems great if you don’t already own a Fuji X100 (s) but it sounds like it wouldn’t be a huge upgrade.

    • I have borrowed an X100T an own the X100. I don’t think the X100T is significantly faster in autofocusing. After a while you just get to know what to focus on to get the camera to lock on and avoid hunting. The firmware upgrades have made a huge improvement. Where the X100T is faster is with the use of the Q Menu and general handling is better. For me, the X100 has the better image quality. I really wanted to love the X100T but I just personally prefer the original X100 images. They have a certain wow factor that I personally don’t see in the X100T. It’s a bit hit and miss and I agree with Steve that the files just look flat in less than ideal light. I owned the XE1 for about a year and sold it for the same reason and because they hadn’t yet implemented minimum shutter speed selection in auto iso at the time. I do love the quicker handling of the X100T and the wifi feature but apart from that, I’d stick with the original and pick up a bargain on eBay.

      • Thanks for the info!! I agree and think I’ll buy the older X100 and see what happens.

      • Thanks…
        I 100% agree and went threw the same. Have a X100 since 1 year, borrowed an T and shot for 5 weeks with it, for one week side by side. I prefer the JPG engine and IQ of the x100 much more. I also have to say, that AF speed in good light is not much slower – that´s how i felt. In low light the X100 T is better. The respnsiveness is better also, but I love the “slowness” of the X100. Meaning, I dont switch all kinds of stuff, one filmsimulation, using manuell setting and lock focus at a certain distance…good to go…

        I still have a X-E2 since 1 year, but something with the X-Trans sensor I dont like…X-Pro 1 been much better IQ wise…but again, thats just me.

19. Steve rightfully criticizes the original X100 as having been unbearably sluggish. Question for Steve: Did you make that observation before or after the firmware updates.

    While still not a speed demon, the difference is night and day, and to this day I now see no reason to get anything else.

    • The original X100 was dog slow at launch/release. After several FW updates it sped up considerably. Today it is still slower than an S or T but very usable. I would not hesitate to own one again if I needed a camera but the S and T are more ‘finished” products.

20. Dear Steve ,
    Why do you prefer X100 sensor ?
    It is only 12 MP vs X100st 16MP .

    • Megapixels do not matter. That is mainly marketing talk. For example, I would MUCH rather have a nice 12MP sensor over a 36 MP sensor. With more MP comes more noise and more issues. 12-18 is the sweet spot for APS-C. Full frame sweet spot is anywhere from 12-24.

      • Thank you for that reply , but , why do you prefer the X100 sensor to the S or T ?

        • I just speak for me and i am Only shooting jpg
          : the x Sensor looks more artificial, painting, waxy, especially on higher ISO.
          You really see it when shooting people. This is for my xe2 and when i tried the x100 T, and also the xT1.

          The x100 renders more natural, just in my eyes beautiful. Especially black and white is awesome.

          But many people prefer the x-trans Sensor, especially when using RAW.

          • Don´t use adobe software if you shoot RAW! Instead try to convert raw files using Iridient Developer program. The difference is huge both in sharpness and with those weird waxy details!

        • You can google the DPreview “Studio shot comparison” tool and use it to see the difference between the original X100 and the X100s with the X-trans sensor.

21. Hi Steve… Nice review… I love my Olympus and Canon gear very much, but the little Fuji x100 still works great for high sync with flash outdoors…Not to many other bodies have a leaf shutter… I used to use an old D70.. than later a D40… but the little Fuji X100 is smaller and just fills the bill…Cheers

22. Great review Steve. I’ve owned an x100 and x100s and sold both for reasons similar to what you’re saying. I love that they made me want to shoot and I love the feel of them but the AF/speed just wasn’t there. The X100t does add WiFi which is something I’ve gotten hooked on. I also wish they’d go to the same battery as the bigger x-mounts. Make the grip slightly thicker if you must but it’d be great if they shared the same battery AND it’d have better battery life… Also, as for suggestions against it, what about the a6000? Pair it with one smaller lens and it’s smaller all around (but f/2.8 or with the PZ). Or go with one faster but slightly bigger lens (the 24mm is amazing). You get a similar overall package but one that out performs the fuji in almost every way. The ricoh GR would be another much cheaper option (or the nikon version) but it’s AF is somehow even slower and it’s also an f/2.8 only option, but much smaller/lighter.

23. Sticking with my Ricoh GR…

    • Agreed. Ricoh Gr rocks! That dynamic range kills the x100, not to mention b&w conversions

24. I would appreciate a comparison of the new and old sensors. A handful of pictures would be just amazing. 🙂

25. I have an X100s and the only feature that has me looking at the x100t is the wifi. The mini display within a display is also intriguing. Perhaps we have the “same old” X100 because Fuji nailed the design mostly perfectly for what the camera is designed to do. It’s comforting in a world of disposable DSLRs and mirrorless cameras being updated and obsoleted with each iteration (the Sony A7II has people wanting to toss their formerly $1700 A7 bodies now selling at about $1,000), that one camera seems to stand the test of time. Some people even think the original X100 Bayer sensor is better than the newer Fuji X-Trans, etc. I’m amassing a new Sony Alpha system, but I will hang on to the X100s for its leaf shutter and it’s helpful built-in fill flash which recently made all the difference on a couple of snaps. Long live the X100 in all its generations and may it continue to evolve. And long live Fuji for trying to do the right thing with its entire lineup of cameras and lenses. If I didn’t care about video quality, I’d go with Fuji and be done.

26. Had an S and sold it again because I hated the plastic skin look of the xtrans sensor. Kept my original X100. After the latest firmware improvement it is not so bad anymore speed wise. To me, the original is also the best.

    • I feel the same too!

27. The 4 way pad instead of the circular dial alone proved to be a pretty big improvement for me. Such much easier to press, especially with some gloves on. Not worth upgrading for that fact alone, but certainly a feature that I noticed when I was comparing with my S model.

28. Steve, how do you think the X100T compares to the Nikon Coolpix A? The lenses are a little different, but I think they still fall somewhat in the same category of camera.

    • If I had to choose a from X100T and Nikon Coolpix A I’d take a Ricoh GR

      • why would you choose Ricoh over the the x100t and Nikon? For its better IQ “in your opinion” or are there other reasons?

        • For some, the Ricoh is preferred as it is smaller, has a bit better IQ, is faster and has features other cameras lack. IQ wise, I feel the GR beats the Fuji X100t for IQ. BUT, the X100T for me offers a better user experience due to the EVF and body size/shape. Everyone has their preferences of course.

        • the ricoh really goes in your pocket. I have it with me all the time. You can shot one handed. I used the GR side By side with x100T and i also find ricoh raw files and IQ beats the Fuji. You can attach the optical viewfinder which works ok.

          WB and color shifts are the biggest problems with the GR, Fuji therefor is much better. As a b/w camera the ricoh is awesome.

          But what really makes the ricoh outstanding to me is the snap focus function. Also, you can get really close to your subject without them Paying attention.

29. In over 50 years of photography (and GAS) I think that my X-100 is the best camera I’ve ever owned. Of course multiple lenses confuse me and zoom lenses bore me so…. My problem is that my 12 year old grand daughter has “borrowed” my X-100, calls it her B&W camera, and her work shames mine so I’m imagining a new X-100 soon. I like the remote capabilities of the T model but I’m not sure about the sensor.

30. WIFI is kind of awesome. Probably won’t use the remote feature but its cool to transfer photos to iphone/ipad on the go. WIFI is actually the main reason why I bought the T, but classic chrome is pretty awesome and will eventually come to the S. It was beta tested on the S via firmware with several fuji people so no reason why it can’t come.

31. I am curious as to what service you use? I assume it isn’t Adoramapix 🙂

32. Some great pictures in this review. I can see the draw of the x tran sensor it does have it’s own signature.

33. Did I miss something? The X100T has WIFI like the X-T1 and paired with the Fuji “Cam Remote” app it is a fantastic feature.

34. So if you already own an X100S and don’t use use the OVF, there’s really no reason to upgrade especially since Fuji will probably add the Classic Chrome simulation to a future firmware update.

35. As my comment is being moderated I meant- I can NOT afford a M240!… wry-thanx-D.

36. Steve- Happy New Year. PHEW- you must be clairvoyant! I picked up a x100 (knowing its finicky AF/issues) in 8/2012 and despite its issues, it opened up a wonderful photographic experience that has lead me to also acquiring a M6,M5, and 35mm(ASPH)/50mm Cron shooting in B&W film: (https://www.flickr.com/photos/30137376@N05/…. BUT I have have been anxious to replace the x100 with the x100t to improve the AF speed and accuracy for my digital street work. BUT to your point, it seems that it may not still be there AND to your point, x100 V1 sensor has a special mojo aspect to it…. which leaves me with not too many options & sad. I may rethink it all, take advantage of my Leica glass and throw them on a Sony A7II or A7s. though certainly not a street option which as my images show is 90% of what I shoot. Are there any other options? I can afford a M240. An M9? …. as always- I thank you in advance and thats to you and your original x100 insight, it opened up another creative avenue… Daniel

37. Great shots as always Steve. Even though I’ve been a reader for a while now, this is my first comment on your site. I’d like to know your personal opinion about the called “digital rangefinder” from this camera. Doesn’t it make the whole experience even more distracting? (having Leica’s simplicity on mind). I’d miss so much a DOF scale on the lens barrel even if it means a longer lens (the camera won’t fit in my pocket anyway). Thanks!!

38. Thanks fo the review Steve!
    I am now in considering between two cameras, this Fuji and Pansasonic LX100.
    Is there a chance to see LX100 review from you? It will be part on my final decision 🙂
    Thanks,Leonid

    • I did not end up liking the LX100. Mushy details, missing AF on many occasions, massive lens flare issues..

      • Funny, I picked up the Leica D-Lux (109) and I really like it. None of the issues you describe. Perhaps you got a lemon?

      • I´ve tested the LX100 and the D-Lux (109) as well and couldn´t find any of the problems you describe. Maybe you had a preproduction version? It is a great camera. The files looked sharp on the computer and the AF was GH4-like fast. Things like 4K-video, in-camera-RAW-conversion and X100-like-manual controls make it a joy to use.

        • I have a full production version, came as a retail unit from B&H. The lens flare is awful, one of the worst I have ever used, and many others point it out as well. Never shoot into the sun. Side by side with the X100T and Sony RX100 V1, the LX100 lost out in my personal tests – from color to detail to lens flare. It’s not a bad camera, I just feel there are better cameras out there for that money. For one, my $999 Hasselblad stellar beat the LX100 for speed, color, detail and ease of use in my tests. It’s the same as the RX100 that can be had for $450. The LX100 did OK in some shots but the images all had a murkiness to them that was absent in other similar price ranged cameras. It’s a well made and well thought out camera but has its issues. I only tested the LX100 and NOT the Leica version, which is made in Japan in a different factory and may be a tad better.

39. Hey steve I’m wondering if you have thought about making large prints from the cameras you review. That would be an interesting addition to your already wonderful reviews. Thanks!

    • Funny you mention this as I just had some made from my Sony A7s and A7II files. They are gorgeous. I will consider this for future reviews.

      • Hey steve! Very interesting that you mention that. I own the a7s. How big did you Print and how does the prints (a7s a7ii) compare to wach other? I Can remember reading Review of The a7s that the printed pictures get as close to medium format Quality as it can get. Best regards. Sascha

      • Right on!

40. I am usually a big fan of Fuji but if I were to buy a 35mm fixed lens camera it would have to be the Sony RX1R.

    • Agree, only if $$$ is not an issue and willing to pay double the price!

      • Also, not as good of a camera for people pictures. Fuji X100/s/t etc is just the best social camera.

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