In this Fujifilm X-T50 review, we’ll unveil the newest APS-C digital mirrorless marvel from the land of the rising sun.
The new offering from Fujifilm is a unique beast to behold.
I use the term ‘beast’ as it offers features akin to the entry-level X-T30 II yet packs pro-grade X-T5 power under the hood.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Fujifilm X-T50
Stunning, fuss-free design and exceptional performance make this APS-C camera perfect for photographers of all levels.
The X-T50, announced at the recent Fujifilm X Summit 2024 Sydney, nearly broke the internet – in the digital camera world.
The new camera juxtaposes performance and features that straddle the boundaries of generational leaps.
One thing is obvious: the X-T50 is a very compelling choice for entry-level, hobbyist, and enthusiast photographers.
Fujifilm X-T50 Specs
Pros
Flagship-level performance that matches the X100 VI
High res image quality
In Body Image Stabilization, delivering 7-stops of light
20 Fujifilm Film Simulations
Gorgeous retro-inspired aesthetics
Handy Auto switch and pop-up flash are ideal for newcomers
New Film Simulation dial for easy access to favorite sims
Accessible command dials and menu system
Record 6.2K 29.97p video
Cons
Lower capacity WP126s battery
Lack of weather sealing
Low-resolution EVF by today’s standards
Only marginally cheaper than the flagship X-T5
Sensor – 40.2MP (APS-C) X-Trans CMOS 5 HR
Processor – X Processor 5
Maximum Resolution – 7728 x 5152
ISO – 125~12800 (64-51200 Extended Output)
Viewfinder – 0.39″ 2.36 Million Dot EVF
LCD – 3.0″ 1.84 Million Dot vari-angle Touch Screen Color LCD Monitor
Stabilization – 7-stop 5-axis Sensor-Shift
Focus – 425 point Intelligent Hybrid AF (TTL contrast AF / TTL phase detection AF)
Max Shutter – 1/4000 MS 1/180000 ES
Movie Recording – 6.2K 29.97p
Storage – UHSII Single Slot
Flash – Pop-Up
USB – USB Type-C (USB3.2 Gen2x1)
Battery Life – Approx. 390 frames/Approx. 45min. (6.2K 29.97p)
Weight – 438g (0.97lb) with battery and memory card
Dimensions – 123.8 x 84 x 48.8mm (4.87 x 3.31 x 1.92″)
Build & Appearance
Fujifilm X-T50 + XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 R LM WR
In this review, I’ll extensively compare the Fujifilm X-T50 to the pro-level Fujifilm X-T5.
After all, they share the same 40.2MP (APS-C) X-Trans CMOS 5 HR image sensor, 5-axis In Body Image Stabilization, and X Processor 5.
The new Fuji camera has the same retro, film camera-inspired design and aesthetics, making it instantly attractive.
A synthetic textured grip covers the lower body, and the top has a metallic finish in black, charcoal, and silver.
The Fujifilm X-T50 feels solid and robust the instant you pick it up.
It weighs a comfortable 438g (0.97lb) compared to its bigger brother’s 557g (1.23lb).
As for the dimensions, the two cameras aren’t too different; the X-T5 features a larger grip to support the bigger NP-W235 battery.
Fujifilm X-T50 + XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR
A critical difference is the lack of weather sealing on the X-T50.
The front of the camera is minimal, with a protruding grip, a single customizable command dial, a focus mode switch, and the X-mount.
To the left is a hinged-door housing the 3.5mm Mic/Remote port, HDMI-Mini port, and a USB-C port for charging.
The right side features the grip and the thumbrest with the recessed Q button.
The rear of the Fujifilm camera is home to the 0.39″ 2.36 Million Dot EVF.
It’s bright, with a 0.62x magnification, but I struggled to keep the viewfinder aligned with my glasses on, and the resolution could be improved.
It’s especially tricky while shooting in portrait orientation.
The X-T5 features a 0.5″ 3.69 Million Dot EVF with a 0.8x magnification.
The rear tilting screen is a 3.0″ 1.84 Million Dot vari-angle Touch Screen Color LCD Monitor with good resolution and high responsiveness to touch input.
The rear of the X-T50 also houses a second customizable dial, a focus toggle, and five key buttons, including one to access the drive modes.
Fujifilm X-T50 + XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 R LM WR
As with all Fuji cameras, the action is all on the top plate.
The standout star of the show is the new FILM Simulation dial. While the X-T50 boasts 20 Fujifilm Simulations, the dedicated film simulation dial features the eight most common.
It replaces the Drive mode dial typically found on other Fujifilm cameras.
It also allows you to program additional film sims to spare spots on the dial.
The new animated film dial graphic on the rear screen is a neat feature. For added nostalgia, it shows the original film-stock film reel.
The top plate features a raised shutter speed dial, a neatly recessed Exposure Compensation dial, and the FILM dial.
The shutter dial returns a nice clicky feedback when turned.
The On/Off toggle also houses the shutter release; to its right is a recessed customizable button.
The top also features a hot shoe and a pop-up flash to the right of the film sim dial.
While it feels robust now, its mechanism involves complex hinges and springs that may wear over time.
The final noteworthy feature is the AUTO switch nestled against the dedicated Shutter Speed dial.
The single SD card slot sits flush against the battery.
Overall, the Fujifilm X-T50 looks fantastic and feels great in the hand.
Ergonomics & Handling
Fujifilm X-T50
Paired with a smaller prime like the Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8 or the new Fujifilm XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 R LM WR kit lens, the Fujifilm X-T50 is well-balanced and comfortable.
The camera weighs less than 500g (1.1lb), so it’s comfortable to carry all day with a wrist or lighter shoulder strap.
The pronounced front grip and rear thumbrest are deep enough to offer good ergonomic support.
As a result, single-handed shooting is a breeze.
The front and rear command dials are easy to control with thumb and forefinger.
I typically set one to act as an ISO dial and the other to Shutter Speed for fast response to changing conditions.
The AEL, Focus toggle, Menu/OK, and Disp/Back buttons are close to the thumbrest.
Extending your thumb over the touch screen to select on-screen focus points is also very easy and comfortable.
Fujifilm X-T50 + XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 R LM WR
The Fujifilm menu system allows quick and easy access to seven neatly organized vertical folders: Image Quality, AF/MF, Shooting Settings, Flash Settings, Movie Settings, Setup, and Network Settings.
The Q Menu, accessible via the Q button on the thumb rest, allows for customizing image output.
The branching sub-menus offer a sensible breakdown of functions dependent on the level of detail, functionality, and customization required.
I think it’s one of the easiest in the digital camera world to navigate.
The Fujifilm X-T50 is easy to pick up, get comfortable with, and be out and about with, capturing high-resolution images without much fuss.
Focus Performance
Fujifilm X-T50 + XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 | 1/1000 SS | 400 ISO | f/4.8
Given that the Fujifilm X-T50 boasts the same flagship sensor and processor as the X-T5, it’s no surprise that focus performance is excellent.
Fujifilm has improved focus performance for its cameras and lenses in recent years.
The X-T50 features the same 425-point Intelligent Hybrid AF (TTL contrast AF / TTL phase detection AF) focusing system.
It’s fast and responsive, and key features include a range of modes and subject-tracking options.
Focus modes offer customizable Single Point, Zone, Wide, and ALL.
The X-T50 includes Eye/Face subject recognition modes for portraiture and additional modes for Animals, Birds, Automobiles, Motorcycles/Bikes, Airplanes, and Trains.
I found the subject detection modes incredibly accurate.
They allowed me to detect everything from my cats in a dimly lit room to motorbikes while on a street walk, and I was guaranteed a sharp image.
Paired with the impressive SS of up to 1/180,000 with the electronic shutter, nothing will escape your gaze.
The Fujifilm X-T50 boasts fast focus performance in any lighting conditions.
Low Light Performance
Fujifilm X-T50 + XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 | 1/125 SS | 3200 ISO | f/8
While reviewing the Fujifilm X-T5, I put it through its paces in various conditions – including low light.
I was incredibly impressed with the camera’s low-light performance.
Given that the Fujifilm X-T50 houses the same sensor, processor, and IBIS, it’s no surprise that it’s equally impressive.
The IBIS delivers up to 7 stops of additional light to compensate for any camera shake.
In low light or with a narrower aperture, you can confidently drop the shutter speed to 1/30 or 1/15 of a second.
Thanks to the dynamic range, highlights and shadows are easily balanced.
Furthermore, the X-T50 boasts excellent noise management with a 125~12800 (6451200 Extended Output) ISO range.
Shooting with the equally new Fujifilm XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 kit lens demonstrated that the X-T50 meets low light demands.
Image Quality
Fujifilm X-T50 + XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 | 1/250 SS | 250 ISO | f/8
I’ve always been a massive fan of Fujifilm’s color rendering and accuracy, not to mention the Film Simulation modes.
It’s hard to fault Fujifilm’s color management.
The Fujifilm X-T50 captures sharp, high-resolution images thanks to the 40.2MP (APS-C) X-Trans CMOS 5 HR image sensor.
Color reproduction is accurate to life, and exposure control is exceptional. Thanks to its high dynamic range modes, highlights and shadows are effectively managed.
As for the Film Simulation options, the X-T50 features 20 of Fujifilm’s best simulations of classic and current film stock.
The FILM dial has pre-installed settings for 8 of the most popular Film Simulations, while another four slots offer customizable options.
Regardless of capturing RAW files or JPEG images, the level of data is excellent, and film sims are baked into straight-out-of-camera JPEG images.
RAW photographers can apply any film simulation in image editing software.
Fujifilm X-T50 Sample Images
Here are some sample images I took using the Fujifilm X-T50 with the Fujifilm XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 R LM WR and the XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR lenses.
I love using Classic Chrome as my film simulation mode of choice.
Fujifilm X-T50 + XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 | 1/125 SS | 3200 ISO | f/8
Fujifilm X-T50 + XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 | 1/500 SS | 1250 ISO | f/5.6
Fujifilm X-T50 + XF 27mm f/2.8 | 1/2000 SS | 125 ISO | f/2.8
Fujifilm X-T50 + XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 | 1/250 SS | 160 ISO | f/8
Fujifilm X-T50 + XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 | 1/250 SS | 1250 ISO | f/8
Fujifilm X-T50 + XF 27mm f/2.8 | 1/500 SS | 400 ISO | f/8
Fujifilm X-T50 + XF 27mm f/2.8 | 1/125 SS | 400 ISO | f/4
Fujifilm X-T50 + XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 | 1/125 SS | 500 ISO | f/8
Fujifilm X-T50 + XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 | 1/125 SS | 400 ISO | f/5.6
Fujifilm X-T50 + XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 | 1/125 SS | 800 ISO | f/9
Overall Performance
Fujifilm X-T50
The Fujifilm X-T50 is an incredibly fast, accessible, versatile, and capable camera.
Anyone familiar with the Fujifilm ecosystem will be amazed at this camera’s ability to be picked up and played with.
Everything is where you expect and need it to be – it feels right.
The X-T50 is super quick to start up, and thanks to the inclusion of the AUTO mode switch, newcomers don’t need to worry about command dials.
Plus, the X Series range now features forty optically sharp and fast prime and zoom lenses.
The X-T50 is highly capable and, with the right lens, will deliver excellent performance and outcomes in almost any setting.
The X Processor 5 delivers quick read-out speeds even when shooting RAW high-resolution image files or capturing 6.2K video.
I appreciate the inclusion of a UHS-II card slot instead of the older and slower UHS-I slot on the Fujifilm X100 VI.
With the accurate subject detection modes on or off, the X-T50 delivers a reasonable 13fps continuous shooting with the electronic shutter and 8fps with the mechanical shutter.
It also offers a 30fps ES mode with a 1.29x crop factor.
For its intended audience, the Fuji X-T50 is fast and reliable and will more than meet the needs of most photographers.
Other Useful Features
Fujifilm cameras offer far more than incredible performance, features, and output for photographers.
The X-T50 is also a capable video camera, thanks to the X Processor 5’s ability to capture amazing video quality.
The camera records 6.2K (6240 x 3510) 30P 4:2:2 10bit internal and 12bit RAW to external recorders for up to 45 minutes.
The impressive format range includes the ability to record 4K (3840 x 2160) at 60P and Full HD high speed at 240P.
While the new APS-C camera features a standard 3.5mm microphone port, it doesn’t feature a dedicated headphone port.
Instead, you must use a dongle to connect a 3.5mm headphone jack to the USB-C port.
Being the latest Fujifilm camera to hit the market, the X-T50 boasts current-generation connectivity.
As featured with the X100 VI, the X-T50 includes Frame.io Camera To Cloud connectivity – even in movie mode.
Frame.io allows you to instantly upload photo and video files from the camera directly to a cloud platform.
The Fujifilm X-T50 also features wireless transfer and Bluetooth 4.2.
How I Tested the Fujifilm X-T50
Fujifilm X-T50 + XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR
I tested the Fujifilm X-T50 with the equally new Fujifilm XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 R LM WR kit lens.
The XF 16-50mm replaces the highly capable XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 R LM OIS kit lens.
I also tested the X-T50 with Fujifilm’s smallest lens – the XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR compact prime.
I recently put the XF 27mm f/2.8 lens through its paces in a Fujifilm Single Lens Challenge.
The Fujifilm X-T50 is light and relatively compact, so I carried the camera with a simple wrist strap.
I’m typically a street photographer; however, I tested the X-T50 in various situations and lighting conditions.
I found the focus performance excellent, and low light performance wasn’t an issue.
Alternatives to Fujifilm X-T50
It goes without saying that the best alternative to the Fujifilm X-T50 is the pro-grade Fujifilm X-T5.
Both feature the 40.2MP (APS-C) X-Trans CMOS 5 HR image sensor, 5-axis IBIS, and X Processor 5.
Aside from the X-T50 being a little smaller and lighter, they have the same gorgeous aesthetics and styling.
The X-T5 is a flagship camera with a higher-capacity battery, improved grip, weather resistance, higher FPS, and dual SD card slots.
If you’re looking for a more affordable option, the Fujifilm X-T30 II is an excellent choice – or any of the previous Fujifilm models secondhand.
The X-T30 II is ideal for entry-level newbies thanks to its user-friendly features. It boasts a 26MP (APS-C) X-Trans CMOS 4 image sensor and X Processor 4.
Regardless of your choice, Fujiiflm offers over forty premium X Mount prime and zoom lenses, and the range is continuously expanding.
Value for Money
At the start of this article, I mentioned that the announcement of the Fujifilm X-T50 nearly broke the internet.
There was confusion about what this model represented, who it was for, and where it stood in the X Series lineup.
Above all else, many photographers wondered, “Is this still an entry-level Fujifilm?”
The Fujifilm X-T50 seems to follow the lineage of the Fujifilm X-TXX series, which began with the X-T10 and saw its most recent addition, the X-T30 II.
The new entry is an expensive camera when performing a price comparison with the previous models.
The X-TXX series offers an entry-level, affordable, paired-back version to its powerful X-TX siblings.
However, the X-T50 retails for around US$1,700 for the camera body only.
It boasts the latest 40MP X Trans sensor, IBIS, and X Processor 5, which is great value for money.
Many find it frustrating that the flagship X-T5 retails for around US$1,900.
For a few hundred dollars more, you gain dual SD card slots, a bigger battery, a better EVF, faster FPS, and weather resistance.
The big question is whether that price difference makes sense to consumers – time and sales numbers will tell.
Fujifilm X-T50 Review | Conclusion
The Fujifilm X-T50 is an incredible camera offering excellent performance, exceptional image quality, and a platform for new and experienced photographers.
Looking at the new camera in isolation, it’s impressive how much Fuji magic the Japanese company has squeezed into an (almost) compact camera.
However, when comparing the X-T50 with the flagship X-T5, you have a pair of cameras with little to differentiate them.
It raises an important point – perhaps it’s not the successor to the capable X-T30 II.
Perhaps the Fujifilm X-T50, with its impressive spec sheet and FILM dial, is a new range of X-mount cameras.
Entry-level photographers will love the accessibility and simplified layout the camera offers.
Enthusiasts and professional photographers looking for a new or second camera body will benefit greatly from the X-T50.
That raises another good point about the new camera’s place in the Fuji ecosystem; perhaps it’s the best camera for anyone!
Regardless of the skill level or intended use, the Fujifilm X-T50 is a powerful, feature-packed X Mount camera that won’t disappoint.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Fujifilm X-T50
Stunning, fuss-free design and exceptional performance make this APS-C camera perfect for photographers of all levels.
