First thoughts. Minimum cost and size to meet my needs. GAS Relief: FUJIFILM X-T100

Update: Still a great looking and capable tool for stills, but I have found that despite its video-friendly articulating screen and mic port it is not suitable for video due to unfortunate video AF performance. More here.

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I have tried for years to find a cost-effective and compact every day digital camera solution. The goal is a camera that:

The EOS M50 is great on paper, but the lens selection is poor and it just does not do it for me aesthetically. The last part won’t make you shoot better, but if I am going to carry a camera everywhere good looks would not hurt. Full frame solutions, like the Leica Q, EOS RP, or A7 models, are too big and/or too dear for pocket-friendly everyday use. The rundown of past contestants I have tried:

Fuji’s have been what I wanted in an APS-C camera. I almost pulled the trigger a few times, but could not decide what line and vintage. Loved the looks and ergonomics of the X-Pro # line, the features of the X-T# line and the good value of the X-T #0 line. Annoyingly they all held their value well and are larger than I would like for a carry-around camera.

I like the X100 line, but their premium price and fixed lenses were deal breakers. I looked at the X-E# line, but the screen does not articulate at all and it was pricey.

Enter the sale price X-T 100.

The X-T 100 flew under my radar somehow. I watched the DPReview review and the only real ding had to do with video. I rarely shoot video, but I never looked at the camera again.

Had not looked at Fuji lenses in a while, but thought, like Sony, that their lenses were all too big and expensive.

Then I realized a couple of things.

Body:

When I saw the sale price for the X-T100 new that was cheaper than every other Fuji I was looking at new or used I took a closer look. A 30% drop from $499 to $349 changes things. What I noticed this time:

• One ups the PEN-F with a dedicated dial at the top for film simulations. And unlike the PEN-F the dial can be reprogrammed.
• It has a new articulating touch screen and viewfinder that would not be out of place on a much more expensive camera.
• Has 24MP sensor tech for less money than a 16MP X-Pro1 used.
• While video and AF-C are limited compared to more expensive small Sonys it offers much better aesthetics, ergonomics, and IQ for a lot less money. You can even dress it up a bit with a two-tone champagne gold or gray model. I went with all black since my local shop had a leftover kit that included the $299 15-45mm PZ for only $50 more.
• It has a built-in flash that I really like for easy fill in a pinch.
• Even with its SLR shape, it is still very small. (Comparison here.).
• Has consumer features right on the dial, like panorama, so they can be accessed without menu diving.

Lens:

Not sure how, but back when I shot Fuji I had no idea the 27mm f/2.8 pancake existed. And unlike near every other Fuji lens, it actually depreciates quite a bit (KEH Listing.). Picked one up from KEH for much less (almost $200) than new. Solid reviews, great Flickr samples, and even Ken Rockwell likes it.

So new camera and lens for less than most any other camera body I was seriously considering. Feel like I am getting an interchangeable lens X100 for hundreds less.

I have been attempting to use a “pro level” full-frame camera like the A7 for daily use (not optimal) or force myself to use a camera with unfortunate ergonomics and meh IQ for casual use because it uses lenses I have (also not optimal). Hoping this camera works out.

Too early to tell if it will be a keeper, but I just got it last night and initial impressions are favorable. Downsides first.

Minuses:

• 4K at 15fps. Basically useless, but I do not shoot video often at all and when I do it is at 1080p since that better fits my needs. This is a stills camera that can shoot video and do light blog duty when need be.
• Some mention 6fps, but that is fine for my needs and day one continuous focus speeds are also fine for my needs.
• Given the price point nothing else really. I do not believe anyone is or should be, looking for top video and sports specs from such a small and affordable camera.

Pluses:

• A looker in all black. I intended to buy a gold two-tone copy, to jazz it up a bit but bought an all-black copy from my favorite local store to get a near free lens and it is still quite a handsome little camera.

• Best screen articulation I have ever owned. I personally do not like the small flip hinge swivel front-facing screen solutions like I have had on a few cameras. Much better than the over engineered setup on the Pentax K-1s I owned. This new to me solution is pretty slick. (Pardon the dust.)

• I really like the jacket pocket-friendly grip-free profile of the camera. Also surprised a just big enough small grip is provided for free. Free? That is appreciated.

• Really like the small flash. My NX300 does not have a flash and I like this more traditional setup over the popup arm of the a6000.

• The port doors are well implemented and close confidently.

• The top plate and dials are aluminum, feel good to the touch, and belie the low cost of the camera.

• Great, clear viewfinder.

• USB charging.
• Great phone app with WiFi and Bluetooth. You can even do firmware updates through the app.
• While it does have very consumer-friendly features like all auto modes it also has all of the necessary manual controls anyone would need.
• Most entry-level cameras sacrifice control dials, but this camera has three.
• Really like the film simulation dial. Actually fun to use.
• The rear dial is well built and has a push function that includes acting as a shutter in selfie mode.

• And most importantly a great photography experience. Very similar to the results I remember from the more expensive Fuji models I once owned.
  • Detail filled 24MP images.
  • The phase focusing system is plenty fast and accurate.
  • Great IQ and colors.
  • Quick lowlight test shots.
• Mechanical shutter up to a humble 1/4000s, but all digital shutter brings 1/32,000s.
• Really liking the 4K burst and multi-focus stills features. Nice to have and wonderfully implemented.

Already had the opportunity to put the X-T 100 and PZ to use today at a parade and it did very, very well. Very intuitive in use. It was perfect for the task, I did not miss my larger gear, and was able to get the kit in my jacket pocket even with the zoom. This is exactly what I wanted this set up for. Here is an ongoing sample gallery and here are some sample shots:

There is no reason I could not use this camera for real photography work. Add a Godox trigger and it would be a great fit for my current flash gear. I could very well use this to build a small kit for travel work or if I just do not want the risk of loss or weight burden of my main kit. I would easily recommend this camera to any user on any level. This is all the camera most would need. All for much less than a grand with a couple of lenses.