Fujifilm X100T Conclusion

Fujifilm X100T Conclusion

While the X100S was a vastly superior camera to the original X100, the new Fujifilm X100T brings a host of refinements and subtle improvements rather than drastic changes to Fuji's cool, compact rangefinder-style camera, making the new model all the more functional. For starters, Fujifilm, it seems, took the philosophy of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" regarding the imaging pipeline of the X100T. Keeping the same 16.3-megapixel X-Trans CMOS II image sensor and EXR Processor II image processor, as well as the same 35mm-equivalent f/2 prime lens, the X100T's resulting image quality is practically identical to its predecessor-- and that's not a bad thing. The image quality from the Fuji X100T is very good, with excellent dynamic range, accurate color and fantastic high ISO performance for its class.

Video quality wasn't the X100S' strong suit, though, and the same can be said for the X100T. Video image quality is not terrible, but like its predecessor and other X-Trans-based cameras we've seen, there are artifacts and other moiré-like issues visible in various finely-detailed areas and objects in X100T videos. Also, the lack of image stabilization, while not as big a deal for photos -- especially with the nice f/2.0 lens -- really makes it tough to get smooth handheld video.

Autofocus also remains largely unchanged, with a similar hybrid AF system comprised of both contrast-detection and on-sensor phase-detect pixels -- though the X100T does gain face detection and multi-area AF, which the X100S lacked. For the most part, the AF system is quick and snappy as long as you're in good to fair lighting, but in low-light situations, just as we found with the X100S, focus performance struggles. The Fuji X100T's AF continues to feel sluggish and a bit inaccurate in low-light, unfortunately.

In other performance measures, the X100T gets mostly high marks, with decent shot-to-shot speeds and a burst rate of just over 6fps (a bit faster than the 5.7fps we tested with the X100S). However burst depth when shooting RAW or RAW+JPEG files actually fell slightly, from 8 to 7 frames in our lab tests. Although Fujifilm claims the X100T's JPEG buffer depth has also been reduced (from 31 to 25), we found both models slowed down after 16 Fine JPEG frames in the lab. (Note, though, that our lab target was designed to be difficult to compress, so you should get deeper JPEG buffers with more typical subjects.)

Perhaps the most notable changes, despite first glance, are actually to the exterior design, and in particular, the rear panel of the camera. While exterior styling remains largely unchanged, with its metal body construction and, sadly, still rather slippery textured covering, controls get a subtle but welcomed refresh. Gone is the flimsy, easily mis-pressed multi-directional scroll wheel/button in favor of a simpler and customizable 4-way button cluster. Also, the rear thumb control dial up on the top edge has been swapped for a fully rotating dial rather than the awkward rocker button, which is a great improvement. This dial can still be depressed, functioning as a button, just like in the X100S. Users also get more tick marks on the exposure compensation dial  (+/-3EV) and the ability to adjust aperture in 1/3-stops via the lens aperture ring.

Overall, the Fuji X100T is a lot like the earlier X100S. It's not light-years ahead and vastly improved over the earlier model, but it does offer a handful of physical and cosmetic improvements, especially in terms of better controls, a larger LCD and improved EVF/OVF (with a cool pop-up picture-in-picture-style EVF when using the OVF). The performance and image quality characteristics are basically the same, which if you like the X100S, you'll be pleased with the "T" model. That said, if you're already an X100S owner, the X100T might not provide much of an incentive to upgrade. However, if you still have an original X100, or are just now looking to jump into the Fujifilm X-series, the X100T is a great option, capable of producing stunning images. And thanks to its cool, timeless design and compact size, you can carry the Fuji X100T with you practically anywhere...and look good doing so.

Despite the lack of major changes and improvements, the Fuji X100T is an excellent camera with both great image quality, good performance, and a cool, compact design, and most definitely deserves a Dave's Pick.

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