Fujifilm X100T Review

Compact camera with large sensor

With the X100T, the Fujifilm X100 series enters its third generation. Already in 2010, much more than a decade ago, the X100 was able to impress with its optical-electronic hybrid viewfinder, retro design, powerful wide-angle fixed focal length and large image sensor. The X100T is in no way inferior to this and offers interesting and useful improvements, such as the rangefinder simulation or the accelerated autofocus with hybrid technology.

Short evaluation

Pros

• High quality processed camera in classic design
• Groundbreaking hybrid viewfinder (but EVF with low dynamics)
• Traditional operating concept paired with direct keys and quick menu
• Sensor with high resolution and low noise up to ISO 3,200

Cons

• Lens shows strong edge loss of resolution
• Autofocus somewhat slow
• Short battery life
• No image stabilizer

The silver-black Fujifilm X100T has a particularly retro design. Inside, however, there is state-of-the-art technology, such as the 16 megapixel CMOS sensor with integrated phase-autofocus sensors. [Photo: Fujifilm]

One of the highlights of the Fujifilm X100T is its hybrid viewfinder. It is an optical viewfinder with high-quality lenses in the construction, which should provide for a perfect viewfinder picture without large distortion. The viewfinder has a 0.5x magnification at a focal length of 35 millimeters and is supposed to offer a comfortable viewing angle of 26 degrees. The electronic viewfinder display can be transparently faded into the optical viewfinder via a prism, for example the illuminated frame or information on exposure time, ISO sensitivity and aperture. New is the possibility to focus manually with the optical viewfinder. For this purpose, an image section is displayed in selectable magnification as soon as you rotate the manual focus ring. Focus peaking as well as a cut image simulation are also available. The parallax compensation frame is always adjusted to match the focus distance to compensate for the offset of the viewfinder and lens. By means of a lever, it is also possible to switch to a purely electronic viewfinder with 2.36 million pixels and 100 percent field coverage.

The 23 mm fixed focal length lens offers a maximum aperture of F2, the aperture is set with an aperture ring on the lens. A swing-in ND filter with a light reduction of -3 EV allows photography with an open aperture even in brighter environments. It also allows you to photograph running water with extended exposure time. A new feature is the electronic shutter with a shutter speed of up to 1/32,000 second, which further extends the scope in bright environments. In addition, the camera then triggers even quieter than before. The minimum focus distance of 10 centimeters allows macro photography. The APS-C large CMOS sensor of the Fujifilm X100T has a resolution of 16.3 megapixels. Phase autofocus sensors are integrated on it, which further accelerate the autofocus. In combination with the contrast autofocus, focusing is fast and precise, according to Fujifilm within 0.08 seconds. The X-Trans color filter arrangement is similar to the analog film grain, a resolution-reducing low-pass filter for suppressing moirés is not necessary. In addition, the color filter arrangement offers a particularly good horizontal and vertical color resolution, since all primary colors are present in every row and column. The image processor EXR Processor II ensures fast image processing and short reaction times. Switch-on time and shooting interval are only half a second, a maximum of six continuous shots per second are achieved with 31 consecutive shots.

The X100T records videos in full HD resolution at 24, 25, 30, 50 or 60 full frames per second. Storage at 36 Mbit/s is intended to guarantee high quality. Aperture, exposure time, exposure compensation and ISO sensitivity can be adjusted, and for the first time filming is possible using the optical viewfinder. The film simulation modes can be used not only for photos, but also for video recordings. The “Classic Chrome” is a new feature that sets itself apart from the previous film simulation modes with its subtle colour saturation and steep gradation. Color filters can also be simulated for the black-and-white films. In addition, the X100T offers various filter effects for photos, such as pop color, miniature or pinhole camera. Fujifilm has also integrated a WLAN module that not only enables wireless transmission of photos and videos, but also controls the camera using an app that can be installed on a smartphone or tablet with Android or iOS.

The Fujifilm X100T is also available in black. The optical hybrid viewfinder can be superimposed with an electronic viewfinder image; alternatively, a purely electronic viewfinder image can be displayed. [Photo: Fujifilm]

The lens of the Fujifilm X100T also has a focal length of 23 millimetres, which corresponds to a 35 millimetre equivalent focal length. With an initial aperture of F2, the lens is very fast. [Photo: Fujifilm]

Fujifilm has also improved the operation. The exposure correction can now be set in the +/-3 EV range, while the mechanical wheels for adjusting sensitivity and exposure time are of course still available. A total of seven function keys allow you to customise the operation, and the Q menu also provides access to other important functions. The screen has a diagonal of 7.6 centimetres and a resolution of around 1.04 million pixels.

Fujifilm has certainly not shied away from implementing long-forgotten operating concepts from the era of analogue photography with the now almost legendary X100. Now the third incarnation of this camera, the X100T, has started for testing at digitalkamera.de. Probably the biggest innovation of the X100T is its extended hybrid viewfinder, in which Fujifilm wants to combine the advantages of an optical viewfinder even better with those of a video viewfinder.

Made of robust metal, the Fujifilm X100T looks like a classic rangefinder camera

The hybrid viewfinder of the Fujifilm X100T combines an optical viewfinder with electronic fade-ins, optionally it also works completely electronically.

With the Fujifilm X100T, aperture, exposure time and exposure correction are set using classic control wheels on the camera body and lens.

Ergonomics and workmanship

Fujifilm remains true to its line and practically doesn’t change the design of the X100T. Like the original model of the series, the X100T presents itself in the guise of a classic rangefinder camera. It is unusually large for a compact camera. On the other hand, the X100T conveys an extremely robust impression, which is certainly due to the quite high weight of 440 grams. Especially with our text in silver with black leather it becomes clear how much metal Fujifilm has used in the X100T. For all those who love it more discreetly, the camera is also available in pure black. The exterior may flatter the eye, but in the hand the camera feels a bit uncouth. This is also due to the very weakly pronounced handle, which does not provide enough grip for one-handed photography.

With the X100T, Fujifilm doesn’t just put modern digital technology in the guise of an analogue rangefinder camera. Rather, the operation also follows concepts from analog times long past. Thus one searches in vain for a program selector wheel on the X100T. Instead, there is a large selector wheel on the head plate for setting the shutter speed, and the aperture is set in third stages in the classic manner with a ring on the lens. Both the timer dial and the aperture ring have the “A” position to switch to aperture or time auto. If both are set to the A-position, the X100T controls the exposure by program automatic. What sounds logical at first, however, proves to be somewhat cumbersome in practice. To switch between “M” and “P” mode, two different setting aids must be used. On the other hand, the fact that the X100T is equipped with a dedicated setting wheel for exposure correction has proven to be practical in use.

The fact that the X100T is a digital camera becomes clear when you take a look at its back. There is an opulent display which is framed by some buttons. The display has a very high resolution of over one million pixels, but is firmly installed and can neither be folded nor swivelled. But most of the time you will look through the viewfinder of the Fujifilm X100T anyway. Because it really has it in it: With a small lever on the front of the camera you can switch between a classic optical viewfinder and an EVF. But the optical viewfinder is not that classic: If desired, it can overlay the viewfinder image with a variety of information. With this hybrid viewfinder, Fujifilm combines the advantages of an optical viewfinder with those of an electronic viewfinder. With this concept, the X100T offers much more than its predecessors: When focusing manually, the camera fades in an electronic focus magnifier or shows an electronically generated marker. In this way, manual focusing is child’s play with the X100T, especially since the focus ring on the lens can be rotated easily and sensitively. In practice, the concept is fully convincing – and mercilessly uncovers the weaknesses of the electronic viewfinder. The resolution is very fine, but it shows the viewfinder image with much too high contrasts and distorts the colors.

At the back, the Fujifilm X100T offers a normal screen with a resolution of 1.04 million pixels and a diagonal of 7.6 centimeters in addition to the viewfinder. [Photo: Fujifilm]

Thanks to the many dedicated switches and buttons, the X100T is easy to operate. In addition, there is a quick menu with twelve positions, which is very easy to navigate through. So a visit to the main menus is rarely necessary, and that is a good thing. Because the Fujifilm X100T displays two completely different menus on the screen after pressing the MENU button, depending on whether the camera is in shooting or playback mode. However, there is one good thing about this strange dichotomy: the main menus remain clearly arranged; there are no lists where you have to scroll beyond the edge of the screen.

The sides of the camera body are very clear. On the left there is only a switch to select the AF mode. On the right side, USB, HDMI and microphone ports disappear under a plastic flap that closes cleanly. The battery and memory card disappear into a slot accessible from below. Unfortunately the tripod thread is right next to it (and outside the optical axis), so the battery compartment is not accessible when the tripod plate is attached.

The metal tripod thread of the Fujifilm X100T is outside the optical axis.

Behind the interface flap on the right side of the Fujifilm X100T are the connectors for HDMI, USB and microphone.

On the left side of the Fujifilm X100T housing, you can switch between autofocus, tracking autofocus and manual focus.

Equipment

The rather mechanical appearance of the X100T may give the impression that Fujifilm has saved on the camera’s functionality. However, this is not the case. Sure, there are no motif programs or even a fully automatic. But for those who can do without such assistants and have dedicated themselves more to pure photography, the X100T offers a cornucopia of functions and options. For example, the X100T is equipped with an electronic shutter that enables exposure times down to 1/32,000 sec. Welcome side effect of the electronic shutter: The camera releases almost silently. If, on the other hand, a long exposure time is desired, the X100T offers an integrated gray filter that can be swivelled into the beam path. It’s also nice that Fujifilm has implemented a real interval function in the X100T. The X100T also has a bulb function on board, as well as a T function, in which the exposure is initiated by pressing the shutter release button and ended with a second press.

Although the X100T is equipped with a fixed focal length of 35 millimetres (related to 35 mm), the lens also accommodates two special converters. The WCL-X100 shortens the focal length to 28 millimetres and the TCL-X100 extends it to 50 millimetres. What’s great about the X100T is that Fujifilm provides automatic parallax compensation. Thus, the visible image section in the optical viewfinder practically does not change when focusing from near to far (or vice versa). Less inspiring in practice, however, was the rather leisurely autofocus: It takes about 0.5 seconds to focus – other cameras in the X100T class are much faster. Otherwise, the autofocus offers everything you can expect from a contemporary camera. The 49 AF fields can be selected individually and, if necessary, the selected AF field can be paired with the spotlight meter. New to X100T is an automatic face recognition feature that helps you focus on portrait shots.

The X100T offers eight effect filters ranging from “pinhole camera” and “soft focus” to a color key with selectable color for the individual look of the shots. Those who come from the world of analogue photography will find it much more interesting that the X100T also simulates the look of classic films from the Fujifilm range. By default this is the Provia, but in practical use the simulation of the Astia with rather weakly saturated colours has also proven to be pleasant.

Although the massive housing of the X100T would certainly have left room for a fold-away on-board flash, Fujifilm has only provided the camera with a small emergency flash that sits directly above the lens. It is quite weak on the chest with a guide number of approx. 4.5, but also illuminates the edges of the picture in an acceptable way. In practice, however, you won’t want to rely on this little flashlight, but rather place the X100T with a potent light source, which is no problem thanks to its ISO shoe. You benefit from the central shutter of the camera, which synchronizes the flash light down to a very short shutter speed of 1/2,000 seconds. However, flash photography is not possible with the electronic shutter. In principle, the X100T has all the flash functions you’d expect from a contemporary camera on board – including Fujifilm system flash units for wireless control. But why she is denied the possibility of synchronizing to the second shutter curtain is not comprehensible.

With its fixed focal length, which does not allow zooming, Fujifilm is not exactly predestined for video recording – they are still possible. The maximum film resolution is Full HD (1,920 x 1,080 pixels) at a frame rate of up to 50 frames/second. Unlike its predecessor, the X100T now also allows you to film in HD resolution (1,280 x 720 pixels). If desired, the X100T can track the focus during video shooting, slowly but without annoying pumping and almost silently.

The Fujifilm X100T shares a battery and memory card compartment.

The new X100T has WiFi on board. In combination with the app “Fujifilm Camera Remote” (available for Android and iOS) this opens up interesting possibilities. For example, the camera can be controlled remotely from a mobile device and recordings can also be transferred immediately to a tablet or smartphone. If desired, the X100T also takes the location coordinates from a mobile device and stores them in the EXIF data of the image files – in this way, the X100T can do without its own GPS receiver. Like its predecessors, the X100T also offers extensive editing functions in playback mode. This includes the possibility to develop RAW files already in the camera, the results are then saved as a JPEG copy.

Picture quality

At first glance, the image sensor of the X100T has changed little compared to its predecessor, the X100S: The APS-C sensor still resolves around 16 megapixels, and Fujifilm dispenses with a resolution-reducing low-pass filter. This is made possible by the fact that Fujifilm does not use a Bayer array for color reproduction, but rather the X-Trans array developed in-house. This much more complex color filter array is designed to improve color resolution, minimize the moiré effect, and increase overall resolution.

The impression left by the lens is 23 mm / 1:2 (35 millimetres referred to 35 mm): The resolution in the image center is very high and from aperture F2.8 is consistently over 50 line pairs per millimeter (lp/mm). Towards the edges of the image, however, the resolution of the lens drops sharply and only climbs to over 40 lp/mm at F11. This large drop in resolution at the edge of the image is visible in the image of flat subjects and is simply too high for a camera with the X100T’s demands. Fujifilm, on the other hand, has excellently corrected chromatic aberrations, color fringes on contrast edges are hardly measurable, let alone visible. The lens also doesn’t get naked when it comes to distortion; with a maximum of 0.5 percent barrel-shaped distortion, it remains well within the green range. This also applies to edge darkening, which can only be measured by measurement.

There is little to criticize about the noise behaviour of the X100T and the associated detail resolution with increasing ISO values. At least up to ISO 3.200 the world is ok and the noise suppression intervenes to such an extent that image noise is not disturbing. From ISO 6.400 on, the influence of noise reduction becomes clearly visible, the images appear soft and low in detail. If you screw the ISO sensitivity one step higher, there will be a significant loss of structure in the recording – more than ISO 6.400 should not be expected of the X100T. From a measurement point of view, this becomes visible through a steady decline in texture sharpness, which is initially very high, but from ISO 3.200 only satisfactory. Fujifilm can be credited with the fact that the X100T produces a very pleasant noise, whose still small grain size gives high-ISO images a rather analog touch.

In fact, the X100T does without any loud effects when it comes to image processing. The tonal value curve drops more gently, so the camera focuses more on finely differentiated midtones than on crisp contrast reproduction. This is all the more true as the X100T only has a somewhat limited input dynamic range. Between ISO 200 and ISO 6.400 it processes a contrast range of 9 EV or more. High-contrast motifs are therefore less of a thing for the X100T. Especially when it comes to depth differentiation it has some difficulties and shows dark areas in shadow areas where other cameras still subtly dissolve the differences in tonal values. The X100T also shows itself to be mixed in terms of color and brightness differentiation, which is supposed to be a domain of X-Trans technology: at low ISO levels, the output tonal range is excellent in all color channels, but is already well below ISO 200, and at best is still mediocre from ISO 1,600. It’s also a pity that the X100T doesn’t take the color fidelity quite so exactly, the measured color deviations are on average just about as good.

Bottom line

Fujifilm has improved the X100T in many details compared to its predecessor. These include above all the famous hybrid viewfinder, which now offers even more possibilities. However, the X100T fails at one important point: The lens shows the same weaknesses in edge resolution as its predecessor. The X100T is a fascinating piece of technology for those who can live with it. The digital camera takes not only the design but also functionally so many borrowings from the analog era as hardly any other model on the market. The case quality is beyond any doubt, the range of functions is high and the overall picture quality is impressive. However, Fujifilm also demands a quite high price for what’s offered – the lover and connoisseur won’t mind, though.