Those who have read some of my “What’s in my camera bag” posts over the years will know that I shoot with Fujifilm’s X-series cameras and since owning the XT2 back in 2017, I’ve always had a second, “backup” camera.
This was particularly useful when towards the end of 2022, my XT2 decided to die while out taking photos in my local woodland. It had taken a few knocks and had a fall when my tripod tipped over shortly before, so I wasn’t shocked it happened. But with the XT5 about to be released, I decided against having it repaired and used my X-T30 camera for a month or two while waiting for the XT5 to be delivered.
The good news is that accidents and camera malfunctions are pretty rare, but having a backup camera for those just-in-case moments can mean that most of the time, it’s sat on a shelf, unused and depreciating.
So, how can I ensure I have a second camera, both as an adequate backup, and at the same time ensuring it gets used regularly? I could simply buy the same model again and rotate the cameras, knowing that they are both used half the time, reducing the normal wear and tear they typically get. That would work just fine, but can I take it a little further?
For all five generations of Fujifilm’s XT series cameras, they have had a philosophy to have a bigger, more robust flagship model (the XT1-5 range) and a smaller, less feature-rich range being the X-T10 to the newly released X-T50.
My lightweight camera gear from early 2023 featuring my backup Fujifilm X-T30
The key differences between the two are size, weight, construction (weather resistance), memory card slots and tweaks to the control/buttons. But what I particularly like about the smaller, lighter X-TXX range is that they use exactly the same sensor and image processor as their bigger brother.
My primary camera for landscape photography is a Fujifilm XT5
In late 2022, shortly after my XT2 failed, I ordered the newly announced Fujifilm XT5 to use as my primary landscape photography workhorse and after around 6 months of regular use, I wrote a review from the point of view of a landscape photographer. So, if you want to know more about that camera, click here.
Why I chose the Fujifilm X-T50 as a second camera
I chose to use the phrase “second camera” on purpose as I don’t like the idea of just having a backup camera (as I mentioned already). I wanted a second camera that has its own unique role to play, to contribute positively to the work I create while at the same time being a backup to the XT5. This is where the X-TXX range and more specifically the X-T50 comes in.
I wrote this article to not only explain why I decided to own both the XT5 and X-T50, but to also provide help to anyone considering buying one of them but needs help deciding which. I also acknowledge that this is not a scientific gear review, and everyone will have their own reasons and opinions for the gear they buy, and these are mine. If I make an error with any of the technical features and specifications, then feel free to correct me but if you don’t agree with some or all the points I make, well,… then,… that’s ok. We can agree to disagree there.
The Fujifilm X-T50 is smaller and lighter than the XT5
I spend a lot of my time walking the streets of London and even more so while I create work for my Timeless City project and when carrying a camera in your hand or around your neck for a few hours at a time, keeping the weight down is important. When I’m not lugging so much weight around with me (like I might on a landscape or woodland photography shoot), it feels more freeing, and I can manoeuvre faster to find those more interesting compositions by crouching low or climbing to get a higher vantage point.
Same sensor, same image processor, same quality
When selecting a camera from other brands, you often have to choose between the latest sensor in their flagship models or previous generation sensors with their lower-end models. In essence, the more you spend, the higher quality imaging capabilities. This seems pretty fair, but Fujifilm does it a little differently. For both their flagship XTX and less expensive X-TXX models, they have always used their latest sensor and image processor.
With the same 40.2MP sensor in each, I never have to compromise on image quality or resolution when deciding what camera to use for a given situation. This also applies to when I might have to use the X-T50 as a backup camera both exclusively or alongside the XT5. In truth, if they didn’t have the same sensor, I might have just bought another XT5 and rotated between them. So, this was a key point in my final decision.
The X-T50 uses the same X-mount lenses as the Fujifilm XT5
The advantage of a second camera being the same brand as my primary camera is that they use the same X-mount lens system. This means I can use any lens I own with both cameras and equally as important, I only have to invest in one set of lenses for all of my photography endeavours.
My current collection of Fujifilm x-mount lenses
The X-T50 now has in-body stabilisation
As I mentioned, the smaller and lighter body helps when using the camera in hand-held situations such as when photographing in the city, travelling and photographing my family. On top of the form factor, Fujifilm have now found a way to add up to 7-stops of in-body stabilisation (IBIS) which means sharper hand-held photos in low light situations.
Familiar Menus, design and button layout
A back of the camera shot of the Fujifilm X-T50’s menu system and buttons
I know I’m not alone when I say that I do not like replacing my cameras and will only do so if there is an obvious advantage to doing so, as even the slightest of changes between camera generations means there is some level of adapting to new button layouts or features. What Fujifilm do well is keep their camera designs and menus incredibly consistent and although there is always some level of adapting when picking up a new Fujifilm camera, it is kept to a minimum.
So, when I pick up either my XT5 or X-T50, I know I won’t have to spend any time relearning how to dial in my settings for any given shooting situation.
The X-T50 is a fun camera to use
I’m not sure if it’s psychological or not but with it being bigger, heavier and more robust, I see my XT5 as the workhorse in my kit. It’s my serious camera, one I use for my slower, more considered landscape photography work. On the other hand, I see the X-T50 (and previous generations I’ve owned) as the fun, everyday camera. It’s a strange thing to say on one hand, as the X-T50 is just as capable in terms of image quality as its bigger brother but whatever the reason, I just find it more fun to use.
The downsides of choosing the X-T50
It’s not all a bed of roses as from a landscape photography point of view, the Fujifilm XT5 is still a superior camera compared to the X-T50. So, what features and capabilities am I giving up? To clarify, these are not criticisms of the X-T50 as I researched the features in detail before I bought it and knew what I would be giving up. This is more to help those undecided and looking for a comparison between the Fujifilm XT5 and X-T50.
The X-T50 is not weather-resistant
Having a weather-sealed camera is a must for any serious landscape photographer as some of the best photos can be taken during inclement weather and I certainly considered the X-T50’s lack of weather resistance when making my decision to buy this camera. The weather-sealed XT5 is still my go-to camera for my landscape photography outings, so for those times I’m standing there in the rain taking photos, I will have that camera with me. If the XT5 is temporarily out of action and I need to rely on the X-T50 for landscape photography, for the odd time it might be raining, I will have both my ThinkTank rain cover and an umbrella with me just in case.
The Fujifilm X-T50 uses the smaller NP-W126S batteries
The NP-126S battery used in the Fujifilm X-T50
This means I have to buy and maintain 2 different sets of batteries. That’s not such a big issue for me as I already had a couple from when I owned the X-T30 but to some, it might be something to consider. Also, the battery is smaller and has less capacity than the NP-W235 used in the XT5. Sure, that might mean fewer images per charge but there is no way the camera would be as small if it was designed to use a bigger battery. So, I think Fujifilm made the right call there.
The X-T50 only has one memory card slot
The Fujifilm XT5 has dual memory card slots and I’ve configured the camera to write new images to both cards, meaning if one were to fail before I get around to backing them up, I still have all the images safe and sound on the other card. With only one memory card slot in the X-T50, I need to be mindful of how a card failure could result in the loss of images and if I were taking photos for a paid job or at a location I know I can’t return too, then I would be using my XT5 anyway. For the typical situations where I use the X-T50 and in the unlikely event my memory card was to fail before backing up the images, it would certainly be frustrating but not the end of the world.
Hopefully, you found that comparison and some of my rationale for buying the X-T50 useful. As I mentioned, this kind of article is quite subjective, with no right or wrong reasons for deciding what camera gear one decides to buy. The most important thing in my opinion is that we all make the most informed decisions we can as the investment we make in camera gear can be significant and the least we can do is help each other to make the right decision.
Until next time.
Trevor
