Fujifilm Photography Cameras: Which One is Right For You?

Buying a new camera is exciting but daunting as there are pages of specifications and fierce debate online about the right choice. This begs the question; which Fujifilm camera is right for you?

Fujifilm offers mirrorless cameras in every price range; if you are a beginner looking to get your first mirrorless, consider buying from the low range of their X-Series, such as the X-T30 II. For intermediate and professional photographers, consider buying from the upper range of their X-Series, such as the X-T5 or their GFX Series, such as their GFX 50S II.

These cameras are all great options, but why? Keep reading as I highlight some of their essential specifications.

Is Fujifilm Beginner Friendly?

Fujifilm cameras are easy to use, full of features, and packed into lightweight, affordable bodies making them perfect for beginners. Their medium and large format cameras, in tandem with their premium lenses, can take professional photos.

When it comes to mirrorless cameras, Fujifilm offers excellent options at every price point. Fujifilm cameras hold up well over time, making the used market a viable option if you want to save money.

Many photographers like the look of Fujifilm cameras because they are modelled after retro film cameras while still incorporating cutting-edge technology. Their cameras have physical dials for ISO and shutter speed, and most lenses have physical aperture rings.

For a good reason, Fujifilm has long been praised for its colour science. Their cameras come with film simulations that give your pictures a retro feel and make it possible to, in tandem with their wireless function and smartphone app, go straight from the camera to social media with no editing.

Fujifilm X Series

Camera	Sensor	Battery Life	Storage	Weight
X-T30 II	X-Trans CMOS 4 26.1 Megapixels	390 Shots	Single SD Card Slot	378g
X-T3	X-Trans CMOS 4 26.1 Megapixels	390 Shots	Dual SD Card Slots	539g
X-T5	X-Trans CMOS 5 40.2 Megapixels	740 Shots	Dual SD Card Slots	557g

The X-T30 II, released in November 2021, is an excellent option for beginners looking to introduce themselves to mirrorless cameras. It uses the same X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor and battery as the X-T3. The X-T30 II has excellent autofocus, including face/eye detection. It also can wirelessly connect to your smartphone through the Fujifilm Camera Remote app. What makes this camera great for beginners is the AUTO mode, where the camera controls all of your settings.

The X-T3, released in September 2018, is an excellent option for intermediate photographers looking to get into client work. That being said, some professionals still opt to use this camera because of its pro-level capabilities. Though it houses the same 26.1 Megapixel sensor as the X-T30II, the X-T3 has a few extra features that earn it a mid-level price tag. Two main features are dual SD card slots and a weather-resistant body.

Want to learn more about the X-T3? Check out my article answering the question: Is the Fujifilm X-T3 a professional camera?

The X-T5, released in November 2022, is an excellent option for intermediate and professional photographers. It houses Fujifilm’s 40.2 Megapixel X-Trans CMOS 5 sensor and utilizes the newer NP-W235 battery, close to doubling its batter life for still images compared to the X-T3. Like the X-T3, the X-T5 has dual SD card slots and a weather-resistant body.

Fujifilm X100V

Camera	Sensor	Battery Life	Storage	Weight
X100V	X-Trans CMOS 4 26.1 Megapixels	350 Shots	Single SD Card Slot	478g

The Fujifilm X100V, released in February 2020, has skyrocketed in popularity recently as point-and-shoot cameras have become the new trend. This camera is labelled “point-and-shoot” because it features a fixed length 23mm F/2.0 lens that cannot be changed. It also has a built-in 4-stop ND filter. This camera includes the same film simulations as the others featured in this article, making it incredibly easy to have a fantastic photo ready to go quickly.

Fujifilm GFX 50S II

Camera	Sensor	Battery Life	Storage	Weight
GFX 50S II	CMOS Bayer Array 51.4 Megapixels	455 Shots	Dual SD Card Slots	900g

The GFX 50S II, released in September 2021, comes from Fujifilm’s top-of-the-line GFX series. This camera is perfect for professionals looking to sell prints or blow up their photos. Its 51.4 Megapixel large format CMOS Bayer Array sensor makes this possible. This camera also utilizes Fujifilm’s G Mount system for its premium lenses.

Should I Buy A Used Fujifilm Camera?

Used Fujifilm cameras are great options to save money; photographers often sell off their old gear as newer models come out. However, you should ensure you are buying reputable sources and have all the necessary information when looking at the used market.

Pick a good seller. If you buy from a company like B&H, you don’t have much to worry about as they list their inspection process and any item defects. If you buy from a marketplace such as Amazon or Facebook Marketplace, ensure you get a clear answer as to whether or not there are any defects before you buy.

Ask to see the shutter count. The shutter count of a camera tells you how much it has been used; most cameras have a shutter count rating to help asses the lifespan of the camera. Though Fujifilm does not provide this rating, as a general rule of thumb, treat it as around 200,000, an average in the industry for mid-level cameras. This means the closer a shutter count is to that number, the more it should be reflected in the price.

Try it out. I understand this isn’t always possible, especially when buying from a large retailer, but if you can see it in person, do it. The last thing you want is to unbox your new (used) camera and see a large scratch on the sensor or have a loose shutter button. If you can try it out, you take these risks out of the equation.

Check the battery. Since some Fujifilm cameras share the same battery, photographers will often keep the OEM battery and give a third-party, cheaper battery when they sell their camera. This is fine given two things; they are transparent about the swap, and the exchange is reflected in their asking price. That doesn’t mean there is always malice behind this swap, we are all human, and we all forget. Just be sure you, as the buyer, don’t forget to check.

Whether you’re a beginner looking to introduce yourself to the world of mirrorless cameras, or a seasoned professional looking to branch out of your current camera brand, Fujifilm has a range of cameras that are perfect for you.

For a more in-depth look at one of Fujifilm’s cameras, check out my real-world review of the Fujifilm X-T2.