Fujifilm X Series Buying Guide for 2022

With the recent announcement of Fujifilm’s fifth-generation sensor and processor in the new X-H2S, some consumers may be wondering which currently available X Series camera is best suited for their creative needs. Do we really need the latest and greatest from Fujifilm? Do we need 6.2K video or 40 frames per second continuous shooting? Others may be wondering if we should wait to see what’s coming or just grab what’s currently available while we still can? I’ve had the opportunity to review each of these cameras over the past few years and have a good idea of what each camera is capable of. There are no bad cameras here, so it’s not a matter of which is the best camera. Moreover, I’ve been able to create amazing images with each of these cameras. In this article, we will review the current X Series lineup, highlight each camera’s strengths and best use-case scenario, and see which camera is right for you.

Fujifilm X-H2S ($2499 USD)

Overview: This is Fujifilm’s latest and greatest camera, the new flagship in the X Series. It uses the fifth generation 26.1MP APS-C X-Trans Stacked BSI Sensor and X Processor 5 for fast data throughput and improved autofocus. If you are mainly a videographer and need higher spec video features, such as 6.2K, 4K 120fps, Black Magic RAW or ProRes, this is the right camera for you. Although the image resolution and high ISO performance are similar to the previous generation, autofocus speed and accuracy improvement are immediately noticeable. In addition, if you need high-speed continuous shooting, the X-H2S can shoot up to 40FPS in electronic shutter mode, and write quickly to the CF Express type B card slot. Although the interface and ergonomics are more DSLR-like than previous X Series cameras, the layout is designed for speed, especially when switching between stills and video. For those with large hands or when using big lenses, the deep grip on the X-H2S is very much appreciated.
Pros: New stacked sensor, processor and CF Express type B card slot for fast and powerful stills and video features. Fifth-generation features such as HEIF compressed format, Subject Detect autofocus, and refined menu system.
Cons: PASM interface (for classic X Series users), lack of traditional ISO and shutter speed dials.
Best suited for: Hybrid stills and video creators, sports or event photography.

Click here for my detailed first impressions review of this camera.

Fujifilm X-Pro3 ($1799 USD)

Overview: The X-Pro series is the first and oldest X Mount camera, and perhaps the most beloved amongst X Series ‘purists’. The classic rangefinder styling and interface brings the joy of film photography into the digital realm with a hybrid electronic and optical rangefinder-like viewfinder, unique to Fujifilm. The X-Pro3 continues the digital-analogue experience by reversing the rear LCD to face inwards, so the screen is covered while in the closed position. Instead, what you see is a small sub-screen that mimics the film-tab holder by displaying your selected film simulation. The X-Pro3 further distinguishes itself from other X Series cameras by using titanium for the top and bottom plates with two optional Duratect finishes for an additional $200. Although the X-Pro3 is missing some of the more utility features found on other X Series cameras (IBIS, HDMI output, drive dial, optional battery grip, etc.); it’s still a professional camera (weather-sealed, dual card slot) and shares the same sensor and processor as the X-T4 and X-T3, thus capable of capturing the same quality images. If you love the rangefinder aesthetic with high-end build quality and a unique interface, there’s no other camera available like it, not even from Leica!

Pros: Unique film-like shooting experience, titanium top and bottom plates, pro build quality with weather-sealing, dual card slots, still made in Japan.
Cons: Reverse hidden LCD screen (for some), style over function, expensive.
Best suited for: Those who want a film-like shooting experience with the advantage of shooting digital. Those who want a digital Leica M but at 1/4 of the price.

Click here for my detailed first impressions review of this camera.

Fujifilm X-T4 ($1699 USD)

Overview: The X-T4 was the last professional X Series camera released before moving on to the fifth-generation X-H2S. It is the most refined and feature-rich X Series camera, while still staying true to Fujifilm’s classic camera interface and ergonomics. Although the X-T4 seems like a logical evolution of the previous X-T3, it shoots like a completely new camera. Both share the same sensor and processor combination and thus are still fourth-generation products. However, the X-T4 further refines the X-T3 by adding IBIS, an improved NP-W235 battery, a fully articulating screen, a quick sub-dial to switch between stills and video and tweaked firmware, including newer film simulations. If you are a hybrid photographer-videographer but don’t need the higher-end specs of the new X-H2S, this is a great alternative, while saving $800. it’s not the sexiest Fujifilm X Series body, but it’s one of the most capable.

Pros: IBIS, NP-W235 battery, fully articulating screen (for videographers), pro build quality, refined interface and firmware.
Cons: Fully articulating screen (for some), awkwardly tall optional battery grip.
Best suited for: Professional photographer-videographer, those who need IBIS in a pro body.

Click here for my detailed first impressions review of this camera.

Fujifilm X100V ($1399 USD)

Overview: The X100 is the original X Series camera, and has stayed true to its original concept throughout its five versions ( the ‘V’ in X100V is the Roman numeral for five or fifth version). With each iteration, Fujifilm continued to refine the camera but the latest X100V has been the most dramatic. It’s the first time Fujifilm updated the lens since the first version, the first to get an articulating screen and the first weather-sealed X100 body (with the addition of an adapter and filter to weather-seal the lens mechanism). The X100 and X-Pro series are sibling cameras, both maintaining a traditional rangefinder aesthetic and interface, including the same hybrid electronic and optical viewfinder. Of all the cameras in this article, the X100V is the only camera that has an integrated lens. You’re stuck with the 23mmF2 lens, but this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. This is a sharp lens, better than the XF23mmF2 R WR, especially at close distances. The leaf-shutter design allows for almost silent shooting while allowing for high-speed flash sync, great for street photography. In addition, this design allows for a built-in 4-stop ND filter.

Many non-Fujifilm photographers also enjoy the X100V, taking advantage of its unique film-like aesthetic, interface and image output, without having to invest in the X Series ILC eco-system of bodies and lenses. Due to the universal popularity of the X100V, this camera is always out of stock and back-ordered. Of all the cameras on this list, if you think you want this camera, don’t hesitate. Just get it.

Pros: Unique camera with no direct competition, all-in-one compact vintage design, made-in-Japan premium camera, sharp 35mm equivalent lens, leaf-shutter for quiet photography.
Cons: Not truly weather-sealed (need to add lens adapter and front lens filter), difficult to find new.
Best suited for: All-in-one compact design for everyday carry, vacation, street photography, film photographer who wants a similar shooting experience but with a digital camera.

Click here for my review of the X100V as my everyday camera.

Fujifilm X-T3 ($1099 USD)

Overview: The X-T3 was launched in September of 2018, the first fourth-generation camera using the then-new 26.1MP APS-C X-Trans BSI CMOS 4 Sensor and X-Processor 4 with quad-core CPU. Although it lacks IBIS, it had everything a professional needs: a rugged magnesium alloy weather-sealed body, a large high-resolution EVF, dual UHS-II SDXC card slot, multiple dials, sub-dials, customizable buttons, d-pad + focus lever and optional battery grip. For many Fujifilm photographers, the three-way articulating screen on the X-T3 is preferable to the fully articulating screen on the X-H2S, X-T4 and X-S10. The X-T3 also makes a good video-centric camera, capable of 4K60p at 4:2:0 10-bit internal, or 4:2:2 10-bit external via HDMI. Although the X-T3 is similar to the X-T4 except for IBIS, the articulating screen and the new NP-W235 battery, the firmware is lagging behind. Fujifilm has not given the X-T3 a kaizen firmware update to catch up to the newest fourth-generation cameras, including the prosumer X-S10 and X-E4. If build-quality, a large EVF and dual card slots are important, this is the cheapest professional X Series body that Fujifilm currently offers.

Pros: Traditional interface, rugged build, large EVF, 3-way articulating screen (for some).
Cons: Uses older NP-W126S battery, older version of 4th gen. firmware.
Best suited for: Professional photographer who needs weather-sealing, dual card slot, large EVF, and optional battery grip.

Click here for my review of this camera.

Fujifilm X-S10 ($999 USD)

Overview: The X-S10 is a unique X Series body from Fujifilm. It’s a hybrid of the X-H1 and X-T4 but in a small prosumer body. It has IBIS and a fully articulating screen like the X-T4 and has a deep grip and non-threaded shutter button like the X-H1. The interface is unusual for an X Series body, relying on a PSAM dial instead of Fujifilm’s traditional shutter speed dial + aperture ring set-up. This utility DSLR-like interface (much like the latest X-H2S) might not be what most Fujifilm shooters are used to, but for those new to Fujifilm, this is the preferred layout. Although this isn’t the prettiest camera from Fujifilm (it doesn’t offer optional finishes except for plain black, perhaps to hide its awkward proportions); if you need a deep grip and IBIS in a compact form factor, the X-S10 will not disappoint. Because this is not a professional series body, there is no weather-sealing, dual UHS-II card slot, or a large EVF with a comfortable eye cup. However, it’s $700 cheaper than the X-T4, while using the exact same sensor and processor. It’s also smaller and lighter, perfect for vloggers or as a compact B-camera set-up.

Pros: IBIS in a compact design, deep hand grip, fully articulating screen (for some)
Cons: Single UHS-I card slot, no weather-sealing, small EVF, PASM interface (for some)
Best suited for: Vloggers, hybrid shooters who need an articulating screen and IBIS.

Click here for my first impressions review of this camera.

Fujifilm X-T30 II ($899 USD)

Overview: The X-T30 II is a slightly upgraded version of the original X-T30. The only reason to get this version over the original is the firmware update that gives all the latest bells and whistles, including the newest film simulations. The X-T30 II is the little brother to the X-T3, except it actually has the better firmware. Unlike the other two prosumer bodies (X-S10, X-E4), the X-T30 II still has most of the traditional X Series dials and buttons, including a dedicated view mode button, dedicated Drive dial, front and rear command dials, and a focus mode selector. Like the other two prosumer bodies, it’s not weather-sealed, uses a smaller EVF and only has a single UHS-I card slot (thus limited to 4K30p video @ 200mbps). Moreover, if you like the traditional SLR interface but in a compact form factor, the X-T30 II is the only prosumer model that still offers it. If you currently have a professional X Series body and want a capable backup, I recommend the X-T30 II as the best of the compact bodies.

Pros: Traditional button-dial layout in a compact form-factor, latest firmware.
Cons: Single UHS-I card slot, no weather-sealing, small EVF.
Best suited for: Travel photography, back-up to X-T3, those who like the classic SLR interface and form-factor.

Click here for my comparison of the X-T30 II and original X-T30.

Fujifilm X-E4 ($849 USD)

Overview: The latest X-E series body is all about minimalism. The marketing tagline for the X-E4 was ‘Make More With Less’. Fujifilm announced the X-E4 with the updated XF27mmF2.8 R WR, making it the smallest X Series ILC kit. For those that want the smallest body with minimal buttons and dials, the X-E4 is the camera for you. However, to achieve this diminutive size and minimalist aesthetic, Fujifilm removed the rear dial, rear thumb grip, front grip, front focus select dial, rear view mode button, detachable pop-up flash and AE-L button (and merged it with the AF-L button). It also replaced the standard eyelet strap lug with a slotted lug – unusual for such a compact body. You can add the optional hand grip ($85) and thumb rest ($70), but now you’re as big as the X-T30 II and more expensive than the X-S10, but with fewer features. The one stand-out feature of the X-E4 is the unique flip-up articulating screen, similar to the one on the discontinued X70. In addition, you can buy the kit with the XF27mmF2.8 R WR for an additional $200. Although this is my least favourite of all the X Series camera bodies, this camera is constantly sold out. For many, size and style does matter.

Pros: Smallest X Series body, minimalist aesthetics, flip-up articulating screen.
Cons: lack of buttons and dials, minimal design at the cost of control features and ergonomics.
Best suited for: Those who want the smallest possible body with minimal buttons and dials. Everyday carry for someone who doesn’t want to carry around a full-featured camera.

Click here for my first impressions review of this camera.

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