In the last few months, I’ve been reading many blogs and reviews on the Fuji X100T, and there is this thing they all seem to imply, “The X100T isn’t worth the upgrade if you already own the X100s.”
I couldn’t say whether or not I agreed with this since I have never owned any Fuji camera since the Fuji X100T. But honestly, only a few bloggers have any business talking about Fuji cameras. Zack Arias and Patrick Laroque, to name two. Most other blogs, including this one, should be taken with a grain of salt. The reason is, Fuji cameras are special, there is something unique these cameras offer to photographers that goes beyond tech specs and sensor sizes. It’s something that is not quantifiable and can’t be measured by DXOMark, and most people don’t understand that.
So, to get to the bottom of this, I decided to borrow a Fuji X100 and try it out for a week to see how it felt compared to the X100T. Most people have the X100s before trying out the X100T, whereas I’ve been using the T and am returning to the S. And wow! The T is a serious upgrade. It’s hard to believe the S is only a year and a half old. Feels more like five years.
Fuji X100T vs .X100s – 9 Reasons Why You Should Upgrade
After using the X100T and trying out the S for a while, here are a few of the big things that stood out that made the X100T a great update.
1. Focus Speed and Accuracy
For this little experiment, I wanted to test the focus speed. Not only is the focus speed significantly faster on the X100T, but it’s also significantly more accurate. I had to create high contrast X marks on candle holders and turn my Einstein modeling lamp on full power for the X100s to give me consistent results. When just shooting normal objects around the house in normal lighting, the X100s would spend much more time seeking and missing focus. So, I had to improve the conditions so the X100s could keep up.
I also had a few other cameras on me at the time and decided to compare them.
But the real winner here is the Panasonic LX100.
2. Improved EVF / LCD Refresh Rate
You can also see how this plays out in the focus test above. As I pan back and forth between candle holders, you’ll notice that the X100T back screen has a better refresh rate than the X100s. It’s significant enough of a change, and you can really feel it.
3. Classic Chrome Is Awesome
One of Fuji’s marketing spiels is that “they have over 80 years of experience creating looks for photography.” Most people probably roll their eyes when reading this. Still, after learning photography on film in a darkroom over ten years ago and then moving into digital, it is refreshing to have the look of film again. I was shooting Canon and Sony as my digital cameras, and their color profiles don’t hold ground against the looks you get out of the camera from Fuji.
Classic Chrome is my new favorite look from Fuji. And Adobe nailed the look in Lightroom for RAW shooters. Check out my comparison of Classic Chrome RAW vs JPEG.
4. Built-In Wifi
It doesn’t seem like something you’ll use until you start using it. You can connect to your phone or tablet and transfer files or use your phone as a remote. Great for studio selfies or studio photography in general. Not only that, but if you own one of the Fuji Instant printers, you can also sync and print photos on instant paper.
5. More Responsive UI
Navigating and switching between the red and blue options in the menu is much quicker than switching from EVF to OVF modes. There is little delay on the X100T.
6. Improved Button Layout and Design
The button configuration, rear dial, function button layout, and everything else feel more thought out. I like the button configuration and layout of the T over the S. The Q button is right where it should be instead of being at the bottom right corner. I would even say it’s the best-designed camera I’ve ever used. Although I also really like the Panasonic LX100 as well.
7. Added Aperture Stops
This is nice for fine-tuning your exposure. There are now two aperture clicks between each stop. You have to love that.
8. Expanded Exposure Compensation
I use this often, especially for shooting landscapes when I need multiple exposures. The exposure composition dial at -+2 just wasn’t good enough. The same thing applies to shooting when your subject is heavily backlit.
9. More Manual Focus Assists Settings
Before your focus peaks, it could only be white; now, you can change the color to Red high or low and Blue high or low. The alternate color options are nice in high-contrast environments.
Fujifilm X100T vs X100s Conclusion
No one of these is a game changer, but add everything together, and you’re looking at a seriously upgraded camera that creates a different shooting experience.
Now, if you’re an all-manual guy who only uses the OVF and you’re still rocking a Pentium 4 and flip phone, then yeah, these added features won’t justify the upgrade for you.
Buying The T Or Waiting For The Next One?
We are entering an era where you won’t see significant image quality boosts from cameras anymore. You might see slightly more Dynamic Range, a few more megapixels, or improved low ISO performance each generation. Still, future cameras from this point forward will be about improving usability, speed, and accuracy. And I feel the X100T did that perfectly. You should go for it if you’re on the fence about upgrading to the T. Sell your S. It’s worth it, and you’ll be happy about it.
I doubt we’ll see an upgrade for a few years, probably a year and a half to two. But by then, I’m sure we’ll have 20 megapixels and possibly improved optics to maintain resolution. The processor will also be quicker, and there will probably be new and improved ways of connecting the camera to our devices. But I wouldn’t wait for that.
What are some things you like about the T that the S doesn’t have?
