Fujifilm X-T100: First Look and Impressions

Fujifilm has been on a roll recently when it comes to creating new categories within their own line-up of digital camera bodies. The newly announced Fujifilm X-T100 is one of these cameras, nicely tucked in between the EVF-less consumer level X-A5 and the workhorse little brother to the X-T2, the X-T20. Although the inside is more like the X-A5, the outer design and features are closer to the X-T20, although the X-T100 brings a few new tricks that neither camera has. Let’s take a quick look at the highlights of this new X Series camera, as well as my initial impressions.

• 24.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor. Bayer type colour filter array with no anti-aliasing filter
• 3.0” articulating LCD screen allowing tilt up, tilt down, and forward facing
• Touch screen control, including playback features, shooting features, swipe Fn and focus select
• 2.36M-dot 0.39″ 0.62x magnification EVF (similar to the X-T20 and X-E3)
• Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.1
• USB charging, standard NP-W126S Li-ion battery, wall charger adapter
• 4K @ 15FPS video recording, HD 720P at 100fps for super-slow-motion movies
• Full HD 1080P 59.98/50/24/23.98 continuous recording up to approximately 30 min
• External 2.5mm microphone input (left side of body)
• 6fps high-speed continuous shooting using the mechanical shutter
• 11 Film simulation modes are available for photos or video, including PROVIA (standard), the vibrant tones and saturated colors of Velvia (vivid), the soft tones of ASTIA (soft), the documentary-style tones of CLASSIC CHROME, Monochrome and Sepia. No ACROS
• Intelligent Hybrid AF: TTL contrast AF / TTL phase detection AF with Enhanced Auto Focus modes, including Zone and Wide/Tracking
• Single point AF: 7×13 (Changeable size of AF frame among 5 types), Zone AF: 3×3 / 5×5 / 7×7 from 91 areas on 7×13 grid, Wide/Tracking AF: (up to 18 area)
• ISO Performance: AUTO1 / AUTO2 / AUTO3(up to ISO6400) / ISO200 to 12800(1/3 step) Extended output sensitivity : ISO100 / 25600 / 51200
• Up to 430 images per charge with the included rechargeable Li-ion battery. 
• Dimensions: 121.0(W)mmx83.0(H)mmx47.4(D)mm/4.8in.(W)x3.3in.(H)x1.9 in. (D)(Minimum depth: 33.4 mm/1.3 in.)
• Weight:  Approx. 448g / 15.8 oz. (including battery and memory card). Approx. 399g / 14.1 oz. (excluding accessories, battery and memory card)
• MSRP $599.95 USD body only (black, dark silver, champagne gold)

What distinguishes the X-T100 from every other Fujifilm X Series camera body is the forward facing articulating screen. Why is this important? Well, it might not be for you, but for many who shoot selfies, group photos or video, this is a must have feature. The touch screen is also improved over every other touch screen that proceeded it, with improved performance and increased capabilities. While this body won’t replace your X-T2 or X-Pro2, it might be a consideration as a back-up or vacation camera. Although the current X-A5 might not be your cup of tea, the X-T100 has a lot going for it. Not only does it have an EVF for ‘serious shooting’, the X-T100 has a few customizable features that aren’t found on any other X Series camera bodies. For instance the top left dial has no markings because you can choose any one of 18 functions, including DEFAULT (the camera decides which is the best function based on what mode you are in). For me the most functional use is either ISO or film simulation). The unmarked right top dial is not customizable, but does change according to the mode you’re in. Most of the time (P.A.S.) it is the exposure compensation dial (+/- 5 stops), but in M mode it’s the shutter speed dial, while the rear command dial is aperture (unless the lens already has it’s own dedicated aperture dial).

The biggest distinction between the X-T100 and the X-T20/X-E3 is the sensor and processor. Instead of using the X-Trans colour filter array found on all of the top end Fujifilm ILC cameras (except for the GFX 50S), the X-T100 uses the more common Bayer type CMOS APS-C sensor. According to Billy Luong of Fujifilm Canada, since this sensor has 24MP and newer software processing, there was no need for an anti-aliasing filter (or  optical low-pass filter) to restrict artifacts and moiré. What does this mean? Sharper images! I did a test comparing the sensor on the X-T100 and the X-H1 for detail, and in some areas I did see a difference (more on this in a future article). I also tried various film simulations (Classic Chrome, Pro Neg Std.) and the X-T100 still has that beautiful Fujifilm colour science.

Where you will notice the difference in terms of performance is with the processors that are driving these cameras. The X-Processor Pro is a workhorse, it’s the engine that drives the entire camera. It’s the reason why the X-H1 and GFX 50S can do what it can do, and the same reason why the X-T100 will have limits. Although the D-Ram has been improved over the X-A5, the AF algorithms will not match the X-T20 and X-E3. It’s also the reason why 4K video is limited to only 15 FPS instead of 30 FPS. Although the unnamed processor in the X-T100 is capable, it’s one of the big reasons why it’s $200-300 cheaper than the X-T20 and X-E3. However, I wouldn’t let this stop me from purchasing the X-T100. It can do 80-90% of what the X-T20 and X-E3 can do, including creating beautiful 24MP RAW and Fine JPEG images, in-camera RAW conversion, and 11 film simulations. Most of us using the higher end Fujifilm cameras aren’t shooting 4K video and most of us are quite happy with non-continuous shooting single point AF. The build quality on the X-T100 is also very high. In the hand it feels as good as the X-T20 and X-E3; and in some ways feels better due to the heftier weight and slightly larger size (in comparison to the X-T20).

What you lose on the X-T100 in dedicated function dials and buttons (no focus type dial selector, no front command dial, no AF-L or AE-L buttons); you gain back with an articulating screen, an improved touch touch, and a customizable top dial. For those of you who shoot video, you gain the ability to have a front facing articulating touch screen, and still have a dedicated hotshoe with the ability for external microphone input. You also gain the ability to shoot full HD 1080P at 59.94 FPS for 30 minutes, something that the X-E3 and X-T-20 can do but for only 15 minutes. Besides these, if you were wanting to shoot on a BAYER type CMOS sensor while using Fujifilm film simulations, and you don’t have the cash to buy the GFX 50S, the X-T100 is a good option. I will have more tests comparing the X-T100 with the X-T20 and X-E3 in the coming weeks. For now, please look at the full specs from Fujifilm:

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