FUJIFILM X-T50

Were you expecting an affordable new entry-level option for Fujifilm’s X Series? This camera is something more

- Gareth Bevan

There was a time when a certain phone manufacturer would release tame S-versions of its flagship phones in between major numerical releases, both as a refinement of the previous model and to build momentum for the next big update. When Fujifilm opted to name the X-T30’s successor not the X-T40, but the X-T30 II, it felt like a refined but tame update to see Fujifilm through, and on which to debut a smattering of updates ahead of the next model.

It’s safe to say, however, that the X-T50 is not another simple refinement. It has received big updates, both inside and out, which should put this camera firmly on the radar of anyone who’s looking for a premium retro-styled model.

Traditionally, the X-T30 II and its predecessors have featured tech from Fujfilm’s latest X-Trans camera (currently the X-T5), although with some significant compromises in the build quality and features to keep the price as low as possible. There is some of that tradition again here, with the Fujifilm X-T5 acting as the pioneer for the X-T50’s updates.

I don’t think an X-Tx and X-Txx camera have ever been closer than these two. Both feature the latest 40MP sensor, the latest processor, in-body image stabilisation and 6K video. It is perhaps easier to focus on what separates them, with the X-T50 getting only a single SD card slot, a slightly inferior viewfinder, a smaller battery, and no weather-sealing.

Therefore, the X-T50 raises a few questions. With the X-T50 receiving such a feature-set bump, and a higher price to reflect that, is the X-T50 even a successor to the X-T30 II anymore, or is there now a third camera in the X-T range? And is there enough daylight between the X-T50 and the X-T5 for the newcomer to make a clear case for itself? Let’s dig in.

Build and handling