In this article, we’ll discuss the Fujifilm X and GFX cameras and consider the choice between compactness and comfort.
Like all consumer products today, ergonomic design considerations are central to optimizing the human experience and interaction.
Fujifilm X and GFX series digital mirrorless cameras have a distinct design style that recalls retro film cameras.
They’ve led the charge in modernizing cameras while staying true to core design principles such as aesthetics, functionality, and ergonomics.
However, it’s essential to consider the balance between the compact nature of many Fujifilm X Series cameras and their comfort level.
One of the most contentious issues with any camera is the size and comfort of the camera grip.
Some cameras feature massive grips or offer additional vertical grips for portrait shooting. Others, such as the smaller Fujifilm X100 series, barely host a grip at all.
When making your next Fujifilm purchasing decision, it’s essential to consider the question of compactness versus comfort.
Let’s get into it!
Camera Design Through The Ages
Back in my day, digital cameras of all makes went through a period where bigger was better.
DSLRs were incredibly guilty of this as camera manufacturers worked to pack in more complex systems and functions.
As a result, cameras went from compact 35mm film SLRs or point-and-shoots to far heavier and bulkier SLRs and later DSLRs.
Battery technology and power consumption weren’t optimal, and bigger batteries were needed.
Metal alloy use was still a process in development, and as a result, components were far heavier.
It was a necessary evil that resulted in heavy cameras taking center stage and capturing photographers’ hearts.
However, in some cases, bigger DSLRs were larger than needed.
I recall my first Canon APS-C DSLR. It was big but felt hollow or empty as Canon tried to make it look like a pro-DSLR at a budget price.
It felt cheap and a little too plastic-fantastic for my liking.
It wasn’t so long ago that pro-level DSLRs like the Canon 1DX were considered monoliths and weighed over 1.5kg (3.31lb).
Fortunately, it wasn’t long before technology caught up and higher capability components began to shrink.
Shrinking Technology Leads The Way
Fujifilm X100 VI
Back then, digital camera technology wasn’t quite ready for the micro-digitalization we enjoy in our gadgets today.
For example, today, the new Apple iPad Pro with the M4 chip is a technological marvel compressed into a 5.1 mm-thin shell – half the thickness of my little finger.
Current generation smartphones and tablets boast several million times more RAM than the Apollo 11 Guidance Computer!
Fortunately, camera design makes the most of shrinking technology, rare metal processing, and silicon optimization.
More and more performance enhancements and functions squeeze into compact forms.
It’s important to realize how much tech is inside your camera.
Aside from fitting in a battery and an SD card or two, there’s a lot of engineered wizardry at play.
The EVF, LCD, sensor, processor, in-body image stabilization, heat sink, and shutter fit precisely within an alloy frame.
Looking at the Fujifilm X Series cameras, the original Fujifilm X100 fixed-lens compact camera housed an early X Processor and a 16MP X Trans image sensor.
Today, the Fujifilm X100 VI is roughly the same size as the original.
Yet it houses the latest X Processor 5, 40MP image sensor, 5-axis image stabilization via sensor shift, high-resolution EVF and LCD, and the ability to capture 6K video.
In the space of 12 years, the X100 has undergone several generational leaps and now competes with higher-end mirrorless cameras from other brands.
Fujifilm has embraced shrinking technology to retain form while improving the function of its cameras.
Form, Function, And Ergonomics
In university, I studied Industrial Design as I wanted to be a designer of consumer products.
I’ve always had an eye for design and the ergonomic considerations that products either do or don’t include.
Of course, ergonomics must conform to guiding principles, but what a person finds comfortable is a very individual experience.
As in other consumer product industries, designers and engineers must consider several important factors when designing cameras.
Several vital technological items must be checked off the list.
These include the sensor, IBIS, processor, heat sink, battery, EVF, LCD, connectivity ports, user interface, and more.
The next stage is to consider how they want the product to look – something that Fujifilm does a lot of.
Of course, they also have to consider the cost of manufacturing, manufacturing processes, component availability, and more.
Finally, the design team must consider the ergonomics or human interaction with the camera and lenses.
It’s essential to consider the size, weight, grip, comfort, access to critical functions with the dominant hand, and what it’s like to shoot with.
Being a Fuji fanboy, I believe Fujifilm pays special attention to making its cameras feel good in the hand and delivering the joy of photography.
That’s less formulaic and more about how people connect with a Fujifilm camera.
Ergonomics are paramount to the photographer’s experience.
However, it’s not always evident that camera designers have considered or prioritized it as a critical element.
Some absolute shockers have been released in past years that are downright uncomfortable to shoot with.
In those cases, the designers have chosen form, aesthetics, and function over ergonomics and handling.
The Growing Fujifilm Grip
One of the most significant elements of camera ergonomics is the grip. Navigating this proposition can be tricky for a brand like Fujifilm.
The original X100 had a similar look and form to a Leica camera.
There was no grip protruding from the front of the camera for the photographer to hold onto securely.
Some photographers found it uncomfortable to shoot with.
The camera could slip through your fingers if it weren’t for the textured body wrap.
Over the generations, the Fujifilm X100 series has developed an ever-increasing front grip or bump.
The X100 VI now features a grip that provides greater comfort and control, and a sense of security.
It’s also important to consider that a Fujifilm X100 VI weighs 521g (1.15lb).
At that weight, a large grip isn’t needed to ensure optimal control, as most people can manage a 500g camera single-handedly.
Fujifilm X70
Even the Fujifilm X70 featured a small ergonomic grip at the front and a thumb rest at the back. It’s enough to provide a comfortable carry, given the camera weighs just 340g (0.72lb).
Larger Fujifilm X Series cameras have also enjoyed generational changes to increase the bump at the front of the body to a more prominent grip.
In some cases, these have been welcome changes as more photographers use Fujifilm cameras for professional work.
As a street photographer, the original Fujifilm X-T1 (440g or 0.97lb) and Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8 (84g or 0.19lb) made a lightweight and compact kit.
It was an ideal travel combo with a wrist strap that was very comfortable to carry all day.
It wasn’t taxing and didn’t cause much muscle fatigue. While it didn’t feature a deep or highly comfortable grip, it was still ergonomically sound.
The current Fujifilm X-T5 flagship photography camera has a far deeper grip to offer greater ergonomic support and to house the larger NP-W235 battery.
Accessorize For Comfort
Fujifilm X-E4 with MHG-XE4 and TR-XE4
While some find the smaller Fujifilm X Series cameras too small for their big hands, there are ways to optimize comfort while retaining a compact form.
Fujifilm and many reputable third-party brands develop accessories for most X and GFX cameras.
In some cases, Fujifilm promotes its own accessories when the camera launches.
When the Fujifilm X-E4 launched in early 2021, Fuji promoted a range of accessories for the camera, including the MHG-XE4 Metal Hand Grip.
The accessory added a sturdy grip to the front of the camera and an Arca-style alloy plate to the entire camera base.
It screwed into the camera’s ¼” thread while retaining battery door access and a way to mount the camera to a tripod.
The second accessory promoted with the Fujifilm X-E4 was the TR-XE4 Thumb Rest. The metal alloy component was slotted into the hot shoe, providing a comfortable rest for the right thumb.
Without these two accessories, the Fujifilm X-E4 has minimal grip, keeping in mind that it’s lightweight.
With the MHG-XE4 and TR-XE4, the ergonomics elevate considerably, providing a comfortable and assuring photography experience.
It turns a compact camera into a comfortable daily carry without compromising its overall form or weight.
Some of Fujifilm’s larger cameras offer similar and even more advanced accessories to elevate the shooting experience and comfort level.
Earlier generations of the Fujifilm X-T series also paired with Fujifilm vertical battery grips.
The grips are mounted to the camera’s base while adding additional battery storage.
It featured vertical shooting comfort by adding control dials and a shutter button to the leading edge.
Fujifilm doesn’t offer a battery grip for the Fujifilm X-T5 as it boasts improved battery performance and a larger, more comfortable grip.
However, they do offer an MHG-X-T5 grip similar to the one provided for the X-E4. It adds a reasonable amount of grip to the front of the camera while also adding an Arca-type mounting base plate.
Of course, there are other ways to optimize the look, comfort, and joy your Fujifilm cameras bring you.
Some more glamorous options include leather half and full cases, braided leather or paracord camera straps, bronze shutter release buttons, and wooden hand grips.
It all comes down to personal preference and how you define comfort.
What’s The Most Comfortable Fujifilm Camera?
As mentioned, comfort heavily depends on personal preference – and the size of your hands.
It also depends greatly on your physical capabilities regarding how much you can carry and how long you’ll need to carry it.
It’s fair to ask what the most comfortable Fujifilm camera is.
For Photographers
Fujifilm X-T5 + Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8 WR
Having shot with almost every Fujifilm camera past and present, I have my own opinions about this question.
I’d have to say that the Fujifilm X-T series have always been the most comfortable Fujifilm cameras to use.
I recently spent time testing and reviewing the Fujifilm X-T5. It’s a gorgeous camera inside and out.
What impressed me most was the overall comfort and experience of shooting with such a capable flagship X Series camera.
Shooting handheld in various situations with only a wrist strap attached was a joy.
The Fujifilm X-T5 paired with the Fujifilm XF 23mm f/2 WR lens weighs 737g (1.62lb). But it pairs gorgeously with every Fujifilm lens!
Its solid heft grants confidence and assurance in the build quality and how it feels during a shoot.
Furthermore, it features a large and comfortable eye cup and EVF.
While I find the Fujifilm X-T5 the most comfortable camera in the range, others have different views, including the original X100, the superior X-HS2, and the whopper Fujifilm GFX 100 II.
I recently met a friend for a photo walk in Melbourne (Australia). He had just purchased the new Fujifilm GFX 100 II with the additional VG-GFX100 II battery grip.
The 100MP medium format digital camera weighs 1030g (2.27lb), and the grip weighs an additional 471.7g (1.04lb) without the extra batteries on board.
The grip alone weighs almost as much as the X-T5!
With three batteries and the Fujifilm GF 20-35mm f/4 WER lens, his GFX camera and grip combo weighed 2227g (4.91lb).
Yet, my friend, who typically shoots fine art and portraits, carried it around like it was the most comfortable thing in the world. Once again, comfort is very individual.
For Videographers
Fujifilm X-S20 + Fujifilm XF 16mm f/2.8 WR
The Fujifilm X-S20 and X-H2S are both considered video-centric digital cameras.
They both have one thing in common: the prominent and highly comfortable deep grip at the front of the camera.
Many videographers and photographers shooting professionally with these cameras consider them the most comfortable.
While they both feature deep and large grips, they’re also heavier and bulkier cameras to shoot with.
I recently reviewed the Fujifilm X-s20 and wasn’t a fan of its design and aesthetics. It felt like someone had stuck a right-angled grip onto a Fujifilm X-T30.
Granted, it was comfortable, but it was also awkward-looking and bulkier, making it difficult to shoot all day with. My fingers got caught between the grip and the lens.
The Fujifilm X-H2S is another flagship X Series camera with extensive video functionality and performance.
The large and comfortable grip, combined with a larger body than most X-mount cameras, makes it ergonomically great. However, it’s just not for me.
If the larger grip on the Fujifilm X-H2 or X-H2S still doesn’t meet your comfort standards, you can always add a vertical grip.
The FT-XH File Transmitter Grip [Amazon] fits both X-H2 and X-H2S cameras. It adds a vertical grip and features wired LAN connectivity and high-speed wireless communications.
Alternatively, the VG-XH offers vertical grip comfort for portrait work minus the connectivity features of the FT-XH.
What’s More Important – Comfort Or Compact?
Fujifilm X-E4 + Fujifilm X-T5
I often get asked if I prefer the comfort of the larger Fujifilm cameras over the compact form of the smaller options.
It’s not a question I answer directly or easily.
I have personal preferences based on my shooting style, preferred genre, and physical capabilities.
Having only recently recovered from spinal surgery, I’m incredibly grateful I stuck with the lightweight Fujifilm X-E4 with the grip and thumb rest attached.
I also shoot with smaller compact primes, such as the Fujifilm XF 16mm f/2.8 and XF 23mm f/2.
Whether in my hand or bag, it’s lightweight and compact and does not strain my neck.
I’m also a street and travel photographer, so the small form factor and discreet design make it ideal.
Of course, if someone hands me a Fujifilm X-S20 or a Fujifilm GFX 50S II, I’ll gladly shoot with them and appreciate the ergonomic design and larger grip.
However, I wouldn’t choose a larger camera as my daily driver.
Final Thoughts
Fujifilm X-E4 + Fujifilm XF 8mm f/3.5
Congratulations on making a good choice if you’re considering the Fujifilm X or GFX range of digital mirrorless cameras.
Before you rush to hand over your cash, stop and do some homework – some hands-on homework!
Consider the size of your hands, physical capabilities, and what you intend to use the camera for. Also, consider what you’ve shot with in the past and your comfort level.
It’s also essential to consider the size and weight of the lenses you’ll shoot with. That’s a whole other article!
I wouldn’t consider a GFX 100 II or X-H2S with a vertical grip for street or travel photography. Larger cameras and lenses also add complexity and burden to travel.
However, if I were shooting professionally in a studio environment, I’d consider a larger camera easier to master.
I recommend joining a Fujifilm photography community and talking to other photographers about their experience with specific Fuji cameras.
Head into a camera store and ask the shop assistants to take the camera out of the case so you can hold it and determine if it will be comfortable.
Remember that sometimes less is more.
What are your thoughts on the comfort versus compact question when choosing a camera? Share your experiences in the comments below and don’t forget to share this with your friends.
