First impressions of the Fujifilm X-T50

Friday 31 May 2024, 16:32 by Nando Harmsen | 3,651 views | 0 comments

This article was translated from Dutch with the help of AI. Read the original.

I had the opportunity to photograph with the new Fujifilm X-T50. Using the camera was surprisingly enjoyable. Although it certainly is not the manufacturer's top model, the camera is not inferior in any way. I expect it could become a successful camera.

The Fujifilm X-T50 is the successor to the X-T30 Mark II. As you can see, the number 40 has been skipped. This is a deliberate choice, as the camera has the fifth-generation sensor and image processor. It is striking that the X-T50 has the same sensor as the popular X100 VI.

Small, compact, lightweight, versatile: this is the Fujifilm X-T50
The sensor is the 40-megapixel X-Trans CMOS 5 HR sensor. This makes it the smaller sibling of the top model, the X-T5. In-body image stabilisation of up to 7 stops is now available, along with the new REALA-ACE film simulation thanks to the processor.

The camera body has been completely redesigned. The grip is better and the edges of the camera have been rounded off. Although the dimensions are slightly larger than those of its predecessor, this is not noticeable. The camera is very compact and easy to use.

The Fujifilm X-T50 feels good in the hand. This makes it a pleasant camera to use.
The X-T50 is focused on using the famous film simulations. Instead of an ISO dial, you now have a selection dial for these simulations. With this, Fujifilm is effectively targeting photographers who like to use these options.

Some specifications

• Back Side Illuminated 40.2-megapixel X-Trans CMOS 5 HR APS-C sensor
  
• Improved pixel structure for the most efficient signal-to-noise ratio
  
• Electronic shutter of up to 1/180,000 second
  
• 8 frames per second (mechanical) and 13 frames per second (electronic)
  
• Up to 20 frames per second with an additional 1.29x crop
  
• AI-powered image recognition for animals, birds, cars, insects and aeroplanes
  
• 20 film simulations, including the new REALA-ACE
  
• Film simulation dial
  
• Grain effect and Color Chrome effects
  
• Built-in 1.4x and 2.0x teleconverter
  
• 5-axis IBIS of up to 7 stops
  
• 6.2K 30p video with full autofocus
  
• Up to 60 minutes of video
  
• Optimised ergonomics with improved buttons
  
• Built-in pop-up flash
  
• Tilt 3-inch LCD screen with 1.84 million pixels and touchscreen functionality
  
• OLED EVF with 2.46 million pixels
  
• CIPA battery rating of up to 390 photos in economy modes
  
• Single UHS-II SD card slot
  
• Body weighs 438 grams, including battery and memory card
  

First impressions

The camera is very small and easy to handle. The improved ergonomics make it pleasant to use. The grip provides a good hold and the buttons have a good press point. However, not every button has the same design, so the user experience varies.

The tilting screen makes photographing from the hip very convenient. This lets you take photos unnoticed.
The size of the camera makes it a perfect alternative to the popular X100 VI. Without a lens, the X-T50 is even slightly more compact than the older X100T. The combination with the new FUJINON XF 16-50mm f/2,8-4,8 R LM WR feels perfect.

The new standard zoom lens fits the X-T50 perfectly.
The thumb grip on the back has a new design, making it less likely that you will accidentally press the Q button. It is indeed an improvement, but unfortunately it is not yet optimal. It also depends on how you use the camera and the way you take photos.

Both the EVF and the LCD screen are pleasant to use. The camera is not very conspicuous, and the term friendly certainly applies. This makes photographing people feel less 'threatening'. This is ideal for candid photography and street photography.

In-camera JPEG with the new REALA-ACE film simulation (16mm, ISO 400, f/5, 1/100 sec)
The film simulation dial invites you to use the different film simulations. It is no longer necessary to dive into the menu, which was always a barrier to using these options. The X-T50 shows the rotation of the film simulation dial very clearly in the viewfinder and on the LCD screen.

As film simulations are essentially intended exclusively for JPEG photographers, the X-T50 also feels like a camera for JPEG photographers. You can shoot perfectly in raw format, or both, but film simulations have no use in that case. If you are a raw photographer, the dial loses its functionality.

Switching quickly from Acros black and white to a colour film simulation is simply a matter of turning the dial. (16mm, ISO 640, f/5, 1/17 sec)
Because of the limited time available to me, I could not properly test the autofocus and subject recognition. As the capabilities are almost identical to those of the Fujifilm X100 VI, they should be good. A more extensive test could confirm this.

Provisional conclusion

As there was so little time available, I can only give a provisional conclusion. However, there is no doubt that the X-T50 is a very attractive camera. It invites you to take photos and is great fun to use. The autofocus works well, as far as I could see, and setting the film simulations is very user-friendly.

The camera's ISO performance is very good. This makes it easy to keep photographing handheld. The IBIS helps too. (50mm, ISO 640, f/6,4, 1/15 sec)
There are some disadvantages to this camera. The buttons have been improved but do not provide the same feedback. The position of the Q button remains a sore point. However, these are disadvantages you can work around quite well with some getting used to.

The film simulations are easily accessible with the dial. However, if you are a photographer who mainly or exclusively works in raw format, this dial is completely useless. It was also striking that the touchscreen functionality is very limited. It would have been good if it could have been used more.

The different film simulations Fujifilm is known for. REALA-ACE is the new addition. You can set it with the dedicated dial.
Aside from these minor points, the Fujifilm X-T50 is a fantastic little powerhouse. The price of 1,899 euros with the new lens is attractive, especially when you see what you get for it.

I would even dare to say that the X-T50 could be a better choice than the famous X100 VI. But that is very personal.

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