Fujifilm is redefining its camera lineup. It’s elevating its basic models to match the high-end ones. The Fujifilm X-T50, unlike its forerunners, boasts in-body image stabilization, a 40.2MP sensor, an enhanced processor, and a first-time film simulation dial. However, these significant improvements come with a hefty price tag.
Advantages:
- Film simulation dial
- Up to 7 stops of IBIS
- Excellent handling
- Video quality up to 6K/30p
Disadvantages:
- Uncomfortable joystick and button layout
- Could benefit from a larger grip
- Screen only tilts
- Lacks weatherproofing
FUJIFILM X-T50 Review: QUICK OVERVIEW
Fujifilm’s X-T line has two paths. The double-digit models like the X-T30 and X-T30 II were entry-level. You’d expect the X-T30 II’s successor to be a slightly better entry-level camera. But Fujifilm has disrupted this pattern. The new X-T50 aligns more with the advanced X-T5, skipping the T40 model.
The X-T50 shares the 40.2MP APS-C sensor and X Processor 5 imaging engine with the X-T5. It also adopts the same 5-axis in-body image stabilization, offering up to 7 stops of compensation.
The X-T50’s sensor has a superior signal-to-noise ratio than the X-T30 II, allowing for a base ISO sensitivity of 125, compared to 160 in the older model. The X-T50’s electronic shutter speed is also faster, dropping to 1/180,000 second. It features improved AI subject detection autofocus with eye tracking, aligning it more with the X-T5 and making it a significant upgrade over the X-T30 II. The X-T50 can now capture up to 6.2K/30p video clips.
These upgrades make the X-T50 an exceptional camera, delivering top-quality images and videos. However, one physical change suggests it might still be more beginner-friendly than an advanced enthusiast camera.
Fujifilm has repurposed the Drive mode dial on the X-T50 to provide easy access to up to 11 Film Simulations. This makes the camera more user-friendly for beginners, but serious photographers might prefer the original Drive mode dial.
Other features suggest this is more a beginner camera than one for demanding enthusiasts – the X-T50 lacks weather sealing, inherits the EVF from the X-T30 II, and the rear display remains a tilting type with the same resolution of 1.84 million dots.
While the X-T50’s chassis looks identical to the X-T30 and X-T30 II, there are changes to the button layout. The grip is still small and could be uncomfortable for long periods, and the joystick is awkwardly placed. The quick menu button is beside the thumb rest, but it’s reachable without taking your eye off the EVF.
Compact and lightweight, the X-T50 could be one of the best travel cameras on the market. However, its steep price makes it harder to recommend over the X-T5.
| FUJIFILM X-T50 FEATURES | |
|---|---|
| Sensor | 40.2MP APS-C BSI X-Trans CMOS 5 HR |
| AF points | 425 |
| Video | 6.2K/30p, 4K/60p, 1080/240p, 4:2:2 10bit internal recording |
| Viewfinder | 0.39-inch OLED 2.36m-dot |
| Memory card | Single SD/SDHC/SDXC UHS-II |
| Rear display | 3.0-inch tilt-type touch LCD, 1.84m-dot |
| Max burst | 20fps with electronic shutter |
| Weight | 438g with battery and SD card |
FUJIFILM X-T50 Review: LAUNCH DATE AND COST
Unveiled on May 16, 2024, the Fujifilm X-T50 hit the market on June 17, 2024. The initial price for the body alone was $1,399 / £1,299 / AU$2,599. Bundles with the new XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 R LM WR lens were also available.
Considering the enhancements over the X-T30 II, it’s not surprising that the X-T50 is pricier. However, the significant price jump from its predecessor’s launch price of $899 / £749 / AU$1,585 is quite startling. Even accounting for inflation and the upgrades, it’s a hefty increase!
For those interested in a kit, the X-T50 paired with the new XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 R LM WR lens is available for $1,799 / £1,649 / AU$ 3,149.
Interestingly, the X-T50’s launch price isn’t much lower than the current price of the Fujifilm X-T5, which is $1,699 / £1,449 / AU$2,899 for the body alone. The X-T5 offers better value with more advanced features, including dual card slots. Keep an eye out for major sales, as you might snag the X-T5 for less than the X-T50’s cost.
FUJIFILM X-T50 Review: A Closer Look at the Design
The Fujifilm X-T50 mirrors the X-T30 II in design, with slight modifications. A Film Simulation dial graces the top plate. However, it lacks weather sealing.
The X-T50 exudes a vintage appeal, much like its predecessor, the X-T30 series. But it’s not a carbon copy. Fujifilm has made minor adjustments to the X-T50, claiming it’s more user-friendly. I beg to differ.
The X-T50’s body is a tad more curved than the X-T30 series. Yet, its grip is still smaller compared to the sturdier X-T5 and X-S series. It’s a joy to handle, but holding it all day could be uncomfortable.
A first for Fujifilm cameras is the Film Simulation dial on the body. It’s a repurposed Drive mode dial. It features eight preset Simulations, with three additional assignable options (FS1, FS2, FS3). The ‘C’ mark, surprisingly, stands for Auto, not Custom. So, you only have 11 of the 20 Simulations readily available. Sadly, you can’t assign your simulation recipe to the custom FS options.
Operating the dial requires two hands, as the camera’s grip isn’t sufficient for one-handed operation. Regardless, your chosen simulation is displayed on the EVF or rear monitor, depending on your framing preference. So, you don’t need to focus on the dial.
If you’ve used the X-T30 or X-T30 II, you’ll notice a different rear button layout. The AF-L is missing, replaced by an AF-ON option for autofocus and metering. The AEL button has been relocated above the joystick.
Other minor changes include an unlabeled View Mode button next to the EVF and a small Bluetooth icon below the Display/Back button.
The rest of the body remains unchanged, including the pop-up flash, exposure and shutter speed dials on the top plate, the inconveniently placed joystick, and the Q button.
The EVF and rear display are the same as the X-T30 II, featuring a 2.36 million-dot OLED EVF and a 3-inch tilt-type touchscreen with a resolution of 1.84 million dots.
The camera still has a single card slot, but it now supports UHS-II speed devices, an upgrade from the X-T30 II. The slot is inconveniently located in the battery compartment at the bottom, making it hard to access when using a tripod. Despite the price increase, the camera still lacks weather sealing.
The X-T50 comes in three colors: black, silver, and charcoal.
A Closer Look at the Fujifilm X-T50: Specifications and Functionality
The Fujifilm X-T50 takes after the X-T5, boasting a high-resolution sensor and a quicker processor. It also features in-body image stabilization, offering up to 7 stops of compensation, and a digital teleconverter for 1.4x and 2x zoom.
The X-T50 may look similar to its predecessor, but its features set it apart. It’s essentially a mini X-T5. The X-T50 borrows heavily from the X-T5, including the 40.2MP sensor and the processor. These flagship specs make the X-T50 a superior camera to the X-T30 II. The added resolution allows for image cropping without significant quality loss.
Fujifilm has also added a digital teleconverter to the X-T50, offering 1.4x and 2x magnification, similar to the X-T5 and the Fujifilm X-S20. The built-in teleconverter is a better option for indoor use as it doesn’t lose a stop of light as a physical one would. However, using the digital teleconverter results in some resolution loss as it applies to a crop. This reduces the file size and limits further cropping during edits, but the image quality remains high.
For the first time, entry-level Fujifilm X-T cameras feature in-body image stabilization, a bonus for photographers and videographers. The X-T50 uses the same IBIS as the X-T5, offering up to 7 stops of compensation for the camera shake. I tested the new Fujinon XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 R LM WR lens, which lacks built-in optical image stabilization (OIS), and found that the IBIS alone wasn’t enough to reduce shake for a video clip while walking. However, it should perform better when paired with a Fujinon lens with OIS.
Despite borrowing heavily from the X-T5, the X-T50’s maximum burst shooting speed is 8fps with the mechanical shutter and up to 20fps with the electronic shutter engaged and no crop. This is the same as the X-T30 II. While the 20fps speed is sufficient for many scenarios, including wildlife and sports photography, the buffer memory at this speed is limited, topping out at about only 20 frames during my testing. At 8fps, Fujifilm claims the camera can save over 1,000 JPEG frames a second.
The X-T50’s electronic shutter speed is impressively fast, dropping down to as low as 1/180,000 of a second, the same as the X-T5. This is impressive as more premium pro cameras like the Nikon Z9 top out at 1/32,000 second. This allows you to shoot wide open with a large aperture lens.
The X-T50 features Fujifilm’s latest AI-driven autofocus system, which can detect animals, vehicles, and more. It performed well during my testing, quickly picking up boats, birds, and people even at a distance. However, its performance is largely lens-dependent, and you may struggle a bit if you’re using older X-series lenses.
The X-T50’s features are a significant upgrade over the X-T30 II and bring it closer to the X-T5. This blurs the lines between what is, on paper, a new addition to Fujifilm’s entry-level line but has the specs and price tag of a flagship.
FUJIFILM X-T50 Review: A Deep Dive into Image and Video Quality
The Fujifilm X-T50, like the X-H2 and X-T5, boasts a 40.2MP X-Trans CMOS 5 HR sensor. It can capture videos up to 6.2K/30p. The native base ISO is now 125, a step up from the X-T30 II’s ISO 160.
The X-T50’s performance is no surprise, given its shared sensor and processor with the X-T5. Both stills and videos are impressive. The high resolution and faster processor enhance the camera’s performance. Directly out of the camera, JPEGs look stunning. Shooting in RAW offers more flexibility for adjustments. Even after cropping a JPEG of a flower by 38%, the image quality remains acceptable.
Film simulations add to the image quality. With 20 options to choose from, creativity is at your fingertips. The Eterna Bleach Bypass is a personal favorite. The Auto mode on the Film Simulation dial often defaults to the Vivid color profile.
The higher resolution also improves ISO performance. Images taken at ISO 3200 are good, provided you don’t crop. Noise starts to appear at ISO 4000, but the images are still usable. Even at ISO 6400, the results are acceptable. I pushed the camera to ISO 12,800. While the image wasn’t great, ISO 10,000 is fine in a pinch, but expect noise.
The X-T50 is more photo-centric but handles video well. You can shoot at up to 6.2K at 30fps, but this incurs a 1.23x crop, as does the oversampled 4K mode. This is similar to the X-T5. Fujifilm’s subject-detection autofocus performs well in video.
Each video shooting mode lists a time duration, but the camera starts to heat up before reaching its limit. During testing, I stopped recording when the camera got too warm. The SD card you use will also limit you.
Despite the IBIS, capturing stable footage while walking slowly was challenging. However, panning with the IBIS engaged was easier. The camera’s built-in mic picks up sound well, but for outdoor vlogging, an external mic is recommended. Note that there’s no headphone jack.
Fujifilm X-T50 Review: Score table.
| Aspect | Score (out of 100) | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Image Quality | 85 | The 40MP sensor delivers impressive image quality. |
| Image Stabilization | 80 | The in-body image stabilization is a welcome addition. |
| Film Simulations | 80 | A variety of Film Simulations are now available via a dial. |
| Processor | 80 | The upgraded processor is a significant improvement. |
| Battery Life | 60 | The battery life is poor. |
| Price | 70 | The camera is expensive, but it offers good value for its features. |