Last Updated on 10/24/2018 by Mark Beckenbach
There are Fujifilm cameras for everyone; from beginners and enthusiasts, to professional photographers and videographers.
Fujifilm’s lineup of cameras is incredibly exciting, and the company is carving out a nice slice of the Mirrorless market for themselves. There are some quite remarkable Fujifilm cameras on the market right now and the current line up will appeal to many different people. From the fixed lens X100F to the medium format monster the GFX 50S, photographers of all types and skill sets can find something for themselves in the Fujifilm ecosystem.
In this article we are going to take a look at the best Fujifilm cameras for beginners and enthusiasts, the semi pro and hobbyist, the full time pro, commercial photographers, and videographers.
For the Beginner/Enthusiast – Fujifilm X100F
The X100F may be one of the best Mirrorless cameras on the market for the someone just embarking on their photographic journey, and for those who are enthusiasts and just want a camera to carry around with them that is both lightweight and powerful.
The retro rangefinder design is timeless, and the build quality is excellent. With this being a fixed lens camera, it’s perfect for those who just want to focus on getting the basics, such as the exposure triangle and composition, down before moving on to an interchangeable lens camera.
In our review we said:
“Itâs small, autofocuses quickly, has a low profile, delivers great image quality, has a hybrid EVF/OVF, some of the best battery life of any APS-C mirrorless camera out there, and is very reliable.”
The Fujifilm X100F is capable of producing some truly gorgeous images thanks to the 23mm f2 lens, 325 autofocus points, good detailed shots up to ISO 6400, and the tried and tested 24.3 Megapixel X-Trans APS-C sensor.
The physical dials on top of the camera make changing settings a breeze, while the 3-inch LCD display, and the hybrid electronic and optical viewfinder will enable you to see exactly how your images will look before you even take the shot.
When you throw in the excellent film simulations, full HD video recording, eight frames per second burst mode, a built-in three stop ND filter, a digital teleconverter, and great battery life, you have a pocket sized powerhouse. This is one of the best Fujifilm cameras to help you grow as a photographer, or to serve you well if you are a casual photographer who demands more out of your images.
Buy now ($1,199): Amazon
Fujifilm X100F Image Samples
Pro Tip:Â Not all cameras have the luxury of being weather sealed. Put a couple of inexpensive rain covers in your camera bag in case you get caught in an unexpected downpour. This way you can keep you gear nice and dry.
For the Semi-Pro and Hobbyist – Fujifilm XT-20
The Fujifilm X-T20 is the camera we suggest to those who want to move beyond the fixed lens X100F. The X-T20 is another powerful Mirrorless camera that will open up access to the amazing world of Fujifilm prime and telephoto lenses. Like the X100F, the Fujifilm X-T20 packs powerful features into a small body, but don’t let the size fool you. This is one great camera.
In our review we said:
“The Fujifilm X-T20 is quite honestly a fantastic camera. Itâs small, lightweight, can perform very well, has fast autofocus and really nice image quality.”
The Fujifilm X-T20 features the same 24.3 Megapixel X-Trans processor and X Processor Pro imaging chip as the revered X-T2 which means this camera is no slouch. Image quality is simply stunning especially when paired with a lens like the Fujifilm 35mm f2. When paired with any lens though this camera will produce amazing results.
You will also have access to all of the classic film filters which can really help cut down on time in post, and images are still fairly clean when shot at ISO 6400. The X-T20 is capable of producing RAW files that are nice to work with, and JPEGS that look great too.
With a burst mode that can fire off up to eight frames per second, 325 autofocus points, a tilting 3-inch touch touchscreen, 4K video, and a premium build quality with that classic retro Fujifilm look, you have a camera that is not only seriously powerful, it looks amazing too. The camera is light, weighing in at just 3.5lbs, and it feels really nice in the hands. The physical dials are easy and satisfying to use, while the electronic view finder will help you nail the shot the first time.
When it comes to Fujifilm cameras for those those want to perhaps become more involved in photography, and who want to experiment with different lenses and what they can do, the X-T20 is the camera you should look at.
Buy now ($749): Amazon
Buy now – Fujifilm 35mm f2 ($349): Amazon
Fujifilm X-T20 Image Samples
Pro Tip:Â Use a quality camera sling instead of the stock strap that comes with your camera. Slings offer far more comfort during long shooting sessions.
For the Professional Photographer – Fujifilm X-T3
The Fujifilm X-T3 is the newest kid on the block in the world of Fuji. The X-T3 builds on the massive success of its predecessor, the X-T2, and it firmly cements Fujifilm’s position in the Mirrorless market. Other manufacturers need to take note because this camera is a beast, and it will find its way into the hands of many professional shooters.
In our review we said:
“The Fujifilm X-T3 is a phenomenal camera, delivering significant improvements over the already impressive X-T2 in terms of autofocus and low light performance. While USD $1,499 is certainly a premium price tag, itâs actually cheaper than the X-T2 when it first launched, which retailed for an additional $100. The price tag is actually very reasonable when you consider everything Fujifilm has packed into the X-T3.”
The X-T3 is every bit a professional camera. The build quality is outstanding, the weather sealing is first class, the overall fit and finish is tight, and the controls are all placed just right. The X-T3 has a 3-inch tilting, pivoting touch screen, can shoot eight frames per second with its mechanical shutter, 14 frames per second with the electronic shutter, and a whopping 30 frames per second in sports mode. Yes, I said 30!
The X-T3 sports a new 26.1 Megapixel X-Trans sensor and a new 4-core X-Processor imaging chip. Both of these combined produce some seriously stunning images. When you add in a lens like the Fujifilm 56mm 1.2 (which is perfect for portrait photographers) you will be simply blown away by the image output. Images at ISO 6400 are virtually noise free, and images at ISO 12,800 are still very usable. 425 autofocus points cover almost 100 percent of the sensor, object tracking works incredibly well, face and eye autofocus make taking portraits a piece of cake, and the touch screen makes using it live view easy.
Another feature that lends this camera to professionals is the fact that there are two UHS II SD card slots. The camera is also capable of recording 4K video at 10 bit, 60 frames per second as well. The X-T3 is just a fantastic camera all around; a jack of all trades if you will. But at no point does it compromise quality in any area. This may not be considered the flagship in the Fujifilm cameras line up, but when it comes to photography for the pros, this is the one you should get.
Buy now ($1,499): Amazon
Buy now – Fujifilm 56mm f1.2 ($899): Amazon
Fujifilm X-T3 Image Samples
Pro Tip:Â Cameras always need to be clean and ready to go. Buy a quality camera cleaning kit so that you can ensure your gear is in tip top condition.
For the Commercial Photographer – Fujifilm GFX-50S
The GFX 50S is an absolute monster in terms of performance and is squarely aimed at commercial, fashion, fine arts photographers, and serious landscape and architectural photographers. This medium format camera is capable of producing jaw dropping images thanks to the 51.4 Megapixel G Format sensor. The sensor is paired with the outstanding X-Processor Pro image processor.
In our review we said:
“The Fujifilm GFX 50s is an absolutely fantastic camera in so many ways. It boasts the fastest medium format autofocus system that Iâve seen on top of some exemplary image quality.”
The GFx 50S is not a camera for the everyday photographer. The camera is quite large and weighs in at 5lbs before you even mount a lens to it, however having said that we had no issues lugging this camera about. Just keep in mind that you certainly won’t be keeping a low profile while using this camera. The Fujifilm GFX 50S features the same 3.69 million dot OLED electronic viewfinder as the X-T3, and it has a 3-way tilting 3.2-inch touchscreen.
425 autofocus points are nearly edge-to-edge across the sensor, a 3D electronic level system will help ensure your images are true, ISO ranges are from 100-12,800, and expanded range are ISO 50, 25,600, 51,200, and 102,400. Second curtain sync is a nice addition, as is built in Wi-Fi, and face detection.
The build quality is phenomenal. Thanks to the weather sealing this camera can withstand, wind, rain, dust, snow, and temperatures down to – 10 Celsius (14 degrees Fahrenheit). Autofocus performance is incredibly zippy for a medium format camera, in fact its the fastest we have ever tested, and when paired with Fujifilm 63mm f2.8 G Mount lens, you”ll have a camera that is capable of taking fashion images that will blow your socks off.
If you want the absolute best image quality from any of the Fujifilm cameras currently on the market, you absolutely need to look no further than the GFX 50S.
Buy now ($5,499):Â Amazon
Buy now – Fujifilm GF 63mm f2.8 ($1,265.99): Amazon
Fujifilm GFX-50S Image Samples
Pro Tip:Â Shooting images with a medium format camera, or using Fujifilm cameras to shoot video will require a lot of storage space. Make sure you stock up on fast memory cards so that you can shoot all day and all night.
For the Videographer – Fujifilm X-H1
The Fujifilm X-H1 is one of the more interesting Fujifilm cameras. It’s billed as being the flagship device for the Japanese company, but unlike the X-T3 that can do all things well, the X-H1 (while still being a great stills camera) is best suited to videographers thanks to the in-body image stabilization (IBIS).
In our review we said:
“The Fujifilm X-H1 is a fantastic camera in many respects. The company gave it bar none the best autofocus of any APS-C camera out there. On top of that there is great image quality, in-body image stabilization and the addition of great video. Plus itâs weather sealed and has menus that are pretty simple to use.”Â
In terms of image quality you are going to get the same great visuals that many other Fujifilm cameras deliver thanks to the 24.3 Megapixel X-Trans sensor. This is the same sensor that can be found in the X-T2, X-T20, and so on. Images will be fantastic all the way from the lowest ISO up to 6400, and even then there will be a little headroom to push further. The 3-inch tilt touch screen is useful as always, and the electronic view finder is a joy to use.
325 autofocus points and six continuous focusing modes make it easy to get the shot you’re after, especially with the IBIS. During our testing we were able to shoot down as low as 1/5 sec and still got usable results. You will also have access to the film simulation effects that are liked by so many. Like the other top spec’d Fujifilm cameras, the X-H1 features some really good weather sealing. So no matter what is going on outside you can just keep on going, and there are also two SD Card slots.
The 4K video this camera body is capable of is really quite special, and when coupled with the 5-axis in-body stabilization the X-H1 really comes into its own. The X-H1 supports the digital cinema aspect ratio (17:9), and is able to record video at a bit rate of 200 Mbps. Film Simulation modes can also be used when recording video, including the new Eterna simulation. You also have the option to shoot in F Log so that you can grade your videos professionally in post. The X-H1 is also capable of recording slow motion video as well.
If you want a camera that is capable of producing some really great 4K video, and you want in-body image stabilization, out of all the Fujifilm Cameras available, the X-H1 is the one for you. Use it with a good constant aperture lens like the Fujifilm 16-55mm 2.8 and you will be making videos like a pro.
Buy now ($1,649): Amazon
Buy now Fujifilm 16-55 2.8 ($999):Â Amazon
Fujifilm X-H1 Image Samples
