In the last few months I’ve been reading a lot of blogs and reviews on the Fuji X100T, and there is this thing they all seem to imply, “The X100T isn’t really worth the upgrade if you already own the X100s.”
I couldn’t really say whether or not I agreed with this since I 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 should be taken with a grain of salt, including this one. 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 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 X100s 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, where as I’ve been using the T and am going back 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 awhile, here are a few of the big things that stood out to which I feel make 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, 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 in order for the X100s to even give me consistent results. When just shooting normal objects around the house in normal lighting, the X100s would spend a lot more time seeking and missing focus a lot. So I had to improve the conditions so the X100s could keep up.
I also happened to have a few other cameras on me at the time and decided to compare them as well.
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 the X100T back screen has such a better refresh rate over 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 there eyes when reading this, but after having learned photography on film in the dark room over ten years ago, then moving into digital, It really is refreshing having the look of film again. I was shooting Canon and Sony as my digital cameras and there color profiles just don’t hold ground against the looks you get out of 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, if you own one of the Fuji Instant printers, it will also allow you to sync and print photos on instant paper.
5. More Responsive UI
Navigating and switching between the red options and the blue options in the menu is much quicker as well as 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, everything feels more thought out. I really like the button configuration and layout of the T over the S. The Q button is right where it should be instead of being down 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 a lot, especially for shooting landscapes when I need multiple exposures. The exposure composition dial at -+2 just wasn’t good enough. Same thing applies to shooting when your subject is heavily back lit.
9. More Manual Focus Assist Settings
Before your focus peaks could only be white. Now you can change the color 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 single one of these are game changers, but add everything together and you’re looking at a seriously upgraded camera that creates a whole different shooting experience.
Now if you’re an all manual guy that only uses the OVF and you’re still rocking a Pentium 4 and flip phone, then yeah, these added features won’t really justify the upgrade for you.
Buying The T Or Waiting For The Next One?
I believe we are going into an era where you won’t really 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, but future cameras from this point forward will be about improving usability, speed and accuracy. And I feel the X100T did that perfectly. If you’re on the fence about upgrading to the T, then you should go for it. Just 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 some megapixels and possibly improved optics to maintain resolution. Processor will also be a bit quicker and there will probably be some new and improved way 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?