In summary
Like the X100S, Fujifilm’s X100T has been mainly designed for serious photographers who are happy to work with a fixed focal length lens.
It could appeal to photojournalists and street photographers who need an inconspicuous camera because it can operate silently when its electronic shutter and the Silent shooting mode are selected and is usable in poorly-lit situations.
The X100T addresses some of the main criticisms levelled at previous models – it has a re-designed viewfinder and larger, higher-resolution monitor that should appeal to fans of the company’s rangefinder cameras.
Buyers should have few complaints about image quality or overall performance and usability and, for these reasons, we have listed the camera as an Editor’s Choice.
Full review
The third model in Fujifilm’s rangefinder-styled camera range, the X100T, has the same lens as its predecessors and the same APS-C-sized 16.3MP X-Trans CMOS II sensor and EXR Processor II as the X100S. Its body is almost identical to its siblings but it has a larger, higher resolution monitor and adds an electronic rangefinder to the X100S’s Hybrid Viewfinder system.
Angled view of the Fujifilm X100,silver version. (Source: Fujifilm.)
Like its siblings, the X100T is offered in silver and black colour versions. It has the same 23mm f/2 lens as the X100S, which features an all-glass lens configuration (6 groups/8 elements), designed around a single double-sided aspheric lens. All lens elements have been treated with multilayer Super EBC (Electron Beam Coating) to minimise ghosting and flare.
The table below compares the three models in the X100 series of fixed-lens cameras with APS-C sized sensors.
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|
X100 |
X100S |
X100T |
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Announced |
September 2010 |
January 2013 |
September 2014 |
|
Current average selling price AU$ / US$ |
AU$800 / US$700 (limited availability) |
AU$1300 / US$1100 |
AU$1600 / US$1300 |
|
Effective resolution |
12.3 megapixels |
16.3 megapixels |
|
|
Lens focal length (35mm equivalent) |
23mm (35mm) f/2 |
||
|
Optical design |
8 elements in 6 groups 1 glass-moulded aspherical) |
||
|
Minimum focus distance (macro) |
80 cm (10 cm) |
50 cm (10 cm) |
|
|
Monitor |
2.8-inch, 460,000 dots |
3-inch, 1.04 million dots |
|
|
Viewfinder |
Hybrid optical/electronic |
Hybrid optical/electronic with electronic rangefinder |
|
|
Shutter type / speed range |
Mechanical / 30 to 1/4000 second |
Mechanical & electronic / 30 to 1/32000 second |
|
|
Exposure compensation |
+/- 2EV in 1/3EV steps |
+/- 3EV in 1/3EV steps |
|
|
ISO range |
ISO 100 – ISO 12800 |
ISO 100- ISO 25600 |
ISO 100 – ISO 51200 |
|
Continuous shooting (max) |
5 fps |
6 fps |
|
|
Movie recording |
1280 x 720 pixels (24fps) |
1920 x 1080 pixels (60fps/30fps) |
1920 x 1080 pixels / 1280 x 720 pixels (60fps, 50fps, 30fps, 25fps, 24fps) |
|
Battery |
NP-95 Li-ion battery |
||
|
Battery capacity (CIPA) |
Approx. 300 shots/charge |
Approx. 330 shots/charge |
|
|
Integrated Wi-Fi |
No |
Yes |
|
|
Dimensions (wxhxd) |
126.5 x 74.4 x 53.9 mm |
126.5 x 74.4 x 52.4 mm |
|
|
Weight (body only) |
Approx. 405 grams |
Approx. 400 grams |
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Who’s it For?
Like the X100S, the X100T has been mainly designed for serious photographers who are happy to work with a fixed focal length lens. It could appeal to photojournalists and street photographers who need an inconspicuous camera because it can operate silently when its electronic shutter and the Silent shooting mode are selected and is usable in poorly-lit situations.
Landscape photographers might also find it attractive, although its 35mm (equivalent) angle of view won’t provide the dramatic coverage some landscape photographers desire. There are lighter cameras with similar capabilities (and interchangeable lenses) that will be better suited to travellers and outdoor photographers looking for a lightweight and compact camera system.
Build and Ergonomics
Like its siblings, the rangefinder-style body of the X100T is made from metal, with die-cast magnesium alloy top and base plates. Although slightly lighter than the X100S, it is still a relatively large and heavy camera for its type. And, unlike some competing cameras, it’s not environmentally sealed.
Separate metal manual dial controls are located on the top panel for adjusting exposure compensation and shutter speeds, while an aperture ring surrounds the base of the lens. Manual shutter speed settings range from 1/4 second to 1/4000 second with T and B settings also provided for longer exposures. (The electronic shutter is engaged automatically.) As in the X100S, the T setting is used for setting exposures between 1/2 second and 30 seconds in 1/3 EV steps.
Front, back and top views of the X100T.(Source: Fujifilm.)
Like the X100S, the X100T limits the maximum shutter speed to 1/1000 second when the aperture is set at f/2, which can cause over-exposure in very bright conditions. A 3-stop neutral density filter is available on page 2 of the shooting menu to correct this problem. Unfortunately, it can only be switched on or off. But it can be allocated to one of the seven customisable buttons and will enable users to shoot with wide apertures or slow shutter speeds in bright conditions.
The aperture ring on the lens carries settings from f/2 to f/16 in 1/3EV steps, which are controlled by a 9-bladed diaphragm. A manual focusing ring is located near the front of the lens. The closest focus available is 10 cm, which limits the camera’s suitability for close-up shooting.
You can fit an optional lens hood or add-on filters (including close-up lenses) but you must first unscrew the ring around the front of the lens and replace it with an optional adapter ring (AR-X100) with a 49 mm thread. This is a somewhat clumsy and probably costly system that could deter some potential purchasers.
Fujifilm has also developed two add-on lenses to extend the camera’s capabilities. The WCL-X100 Wide Conversion Lens expands the view to a 19mm wide angle (28mm in 35mm equivalent), while the TCL-X100 Tele Conversion Lens multiplies the focal length by 1.4x, providing the equivalent to 50mm on a 35mm format camera. Both converters attach directly onto the camera’s lens.
The 3-inch monitor has a resolution of 1,040,000 dots, which far exceeds the 460,000-dot resolution of the 2.8-inch screen on the X100S. But, like that screen, it is quite vulnerable to fingermarking as well as nose grease when the viewfinder is used for shooting.
The viewfinder represents another improvement over the X100S, although most specifications (resolution, magnification, eyepoint and dioptre adjustment) are the same in both cameras. However, the X100T’s optical ‘finder provides slightly wider frame coverage, its image display is smoother, particularly in dim lighting, and many users will find the new electronic rangefinder handy.
Users can switch between optical and electronic viewing with a lever on the front panel of the camera body. It’s within easy reach of a finger when the camera is held to the user’s eye.
Three options are available and shown in the illustration below, which was sourced from Fujifilm’s website.
The orientation of information displayed changes automatically when the camera is held vertically or horizontally. Real-time Parallax Correction has been added to ensure more accurate framing for close-up shooting. Unfortunately, you can’t use the EVF in macro mode, which means parallax correction is only available with subjects that are 50 cm or more from the lens, at which point it is almost unnecessary.
The AF system is the same as the X100S’s and uses a combination of conventional contrast-detection and phase detection using pixels embedded in the surface of the sensor. It’s fast and generally accurate, even in low light levels and Fujifilm claims it can lock-on in as little as 0.08 second.
Manual focusing assistance is provided in four ways:
1. By using the distance scale on the lower edge of the viewfinder (both OVF and EVF). A red bar indicates the focused distance while a white bar shows depth of field.
2. Focus peaking will highlight areas in the subject that are in focus. Users can choose between three colours (red-white and blue) and two levels (high and low) of intensity.
3. The Digital Split Image method simulates the rangefinders on film cameras by displaying dual images that have to be aligned for accurate manual focusing.
4. The electronic rangefinder provides a magnified view of the focus area in the lower right hand corner of the image. The EVF updates the view as you turn the focusing ring.
The Q button on the rear panel provides quick access to 16 frequently used shooting settings, among them ISO, DRO, white balance, noise reduction, image size and quality, Film Simulation mode, highlight and shadow tone, sharpness and contrast adjustments and focus mode. The arrow pad and rear control dial are used to select and adjust them.
In-camera Effects
Like other current Fujifilm cameras, the X100T provides the company’s regular range of in-camera effects, which are applied to JPEG files as they are created. The new Classic Chrome setting has been added to the range of Film Simulation modes, which have been developed to replicate the effects of popular Fuji Film emulsions. Examples of these settings are reproduced below.
Provia/Standard;
Velvia/Vivid;
Astia/Soft;
Classic Chrome;
PRO Neg Hi;
PRO Neg. Standard;
Monochrome;
Monochrome +Yellow Filter;
Monochrome +Red Filter;
Monochrome +Green Filter;
Sepia.
Most of these effects are quite subtle and most are also easy to replicate with post-capture adjustments with capable image editing software. The advantages of post-capture adjustments are that they can be applied to converted raw files, adjusted to suit individual photographers’ tastes and undone if you don’t like them. The main advantage of in-camera pre-sets is that they will consistently produce the same adjustments with no great effort from the photographer.
Sensor and Image Processing
The APS-C sized (23.6 x 15.6 mm) sensor in the X100T provides the same 16.3-megapixel effective resolution as the X100S’s sensor but it has been coupled with a new EXR Processor II, which has provided some significant performance improvements. Image sizes remain the same as for the X100S.
The new camera’s sensitivity range has been extended to encompass a range from ISO 100 to ISO 512,000, although only for JPEG capture. If you shoot raw files you’re restricted to a minimum of ISO 200 and a maximum of ISO 6400.
Fujifilm has provided three Auto ISO control settings that enable users to set a default sensitivity (minimum ISO 200), a maximum sensitivity (up to 6400) and a minimum shutter speed (1/4 second being the lowest available). Users can program these settings to suit different types of subjects, for example having one for low light shooting, another for landscapes and a third for street photography.
Continuous shooting speeds are the same as in the X100S, with a maximum of six frames/second. Both focus and exposure are set on the first frame in the burst and you must wait for the burst to be processed before shooting another at that speed.
The multiple exposure mode is also unchanged. Located in the Drive sub-menu, it allows two exposures to be combined and output as a JPEG file. Also in the Drive sub- menu is the Motion Panorama function, which captures a sequence of frames as the camera is panned through a minimum of 120 degrees. Users can choose between 120- and 180-degree sweeps and select the direction of the pan (horizontal/vertical, left-right, up/down).
Video
Significant improvements have been made to the X100T’s movie capabilities with a boost in resolution to Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels) recording. Users can choose between 60, 50, 30, 25 and 24 frames/second (fps) for both Full HD and HD (1280 x 720 pixels) clips. VGA resolution isn’t supported.
Aperture, shutter speed and ISO settings can be adjusted during recordings, with sensitivity restricted to ISO 200-6400. Film simulation is also available in movie mode.
There’s no dedicated movie button; instead the Fn button is set for movie recording by default. Pressing it starts and ends recording and the viewfinder automatically switches to the EVF. The electronic rangefinder can be used.
Fujifilm has added a new 2.5mm stereo microphone jack to augment the camera’s built-in stereo microphones. There’s also a new HDMI port for connecting the X100T to a high-definition TV set, but you’ll have to supply your own cable.
Wi-Fi
Built-in Wi-Fi is introduced for the first time in the X100 series. It’s similar to the facilities provided in other current Fujifilm cameras and requires the Fujifilm Camera Remote App, which is available for Android and iOS, to be installed on the connected smart-phone or tablet.
Using this app you can browse images on the camera’s memory card, transfer selected shots to the connected smart device and control the camera remotely. Supported adjustments include shutter speed, aperture, exposure compensation and ISO sensitivity as well as the self-timer, flash and Film Simulation settings. You can also geotag images using location data from a connected smart-phone.
The ‘Touch AF’ function in the app enables focusing by touch from a phone or tablet.
The app also supports wireless transfer of photos and movie clips, either at their original size (which takes a long time and will probably fill the storage capacity of the receiving device unless you can add more storage). A data limit of 2GB applies to multiple file transfers.
The camera can also be configured to auto-save images and movie clips to a network-enabled computer via Wi-Fi using the PC AutoSave mode in the camera’s menu. Instant printing of JPEG images is available via the instax SHARE app, which connects the camera to a Fujifilm instax SHARE Smartphone Printer SP-1. The credit-card sized prints are 62 x 46 mm in size with a resolution of 10 dots/mm.
Playback and Software
Nothing much has changed in either category and both remain pretty standard for Fujifilm cameras. Unfortunately, the bundled software doesn’t enable users to extract the best from the image files produced by the camera and the Silkypix-based raw file converter has consistently delivered very low resolution in converted raw files from most recent Fujifilm cameras we have tested.
Fortunately, we have found free software that provides decent conversion for raw files from Fujifilm’s X-Trans cameras. The latest version of Raw Therapee (V.4.2), which is available for downloading from http://rawtherapee.com/, can produce 16-bit TIFF conversions which deliver similar results in our Imatest tests to the results we would have expected if we had been able to process the files with Adobe Camera Raw, our preferred raw file converter. We recommend owners of Fujifilm cameras use this software in preference to the bundled application.
Performance
Subjective assessments of images captured with the review camera showed them to be similar to shots from other cameras we’ve used that have X-Trans sensors. JPEGs straight from the camera were sharp, colour-accurate and, in the main, well-exposed.
Imatest confirmed our subjective impressions and showed the camera to be capable of above-average resolution for both JPEG and RAF.RAW files. Processing the RAF.RAW files with Raw Therapee 4.2 with minimal adjustments resulted in TIFF files that had significantly higher resolution than out-of-camera JPEGs. The graph below shows the comparison between JPEG and converted RAF.RAW files across the review camera’s ISO range. (Note: Raw files cannot be recorded at ISO 100 or the three top sensitivity settings.)
Shots taken at high ISO settings were consistently clean and noise-free up to ISO 6400. Softening was apparent in shots taken at ISO 12800 and shots taken at ISO 25600 appeared both soft and slightly granulated. At ISO 51200, images acquired a strong blue cast.
Our Imatest tests revealed the lens suffered from slight edge softening at wider aperture settings, although it wasn’t particularly obvious in most test shots. Highest resolution was recorded at f/5.6, although centre-of-frame resolution was high between about f/3.2 and f/8, where diffraction took effect. The graph below plots resolution across the camera’s aperture range.
Lateral chromatic aberration was negligible, creeping just into the ‘low’ band at f/2. We found no evidence of coloured fringing in test shots. In the graph below showing the results of our Imatest tests, the red line marks the border between ‘negligible’ and ‘low’ CA.
We found few instances where flare affected image quality, although it was possible to force the lens to flare by including a bright light source in the image frame. Normal backlighting was handled well and in-camera dynamic range adjustment helped to prevent excessive contrast.
The auto white balance setting produced close-to-neutral colours under fluorescent lighting but, as expected, failed to eliminate the orange cast that characterises incandescent illumination. The tungsten and fluorescent pre-sets came close to correcting both colour casts and manual measurement produced neutral colours under both types of lighting. Plenty of in-camera adjustments are available to fine-tune colour balance.
Video quality was significantly better than the X100S’s but not a stand-out feature in this camera since the lack of stabilisation and ISO limitations restrict the situations in which it can be used. (We suspect most buyers will use the X100T mainly for shooting stills.)
Clips recorded in bright outdoor lighting tended to have higher contrast and saturation than still images recorded with the Provia/Standard Film Simulation setting. The Astia/Soft setting reduced both parameters slightly but not quite enough to produce smooth tonal transitions in contrasty lighting.
Soundtracks were clearly recorded but stereo ‘presence’ was limited by the small size and close proximity of the built-in microphones. The provision of an external microphone jack will enable users to fit an external microphone to improve audio recording. But there’s still no wind-cut filter.
Our timing tests were carried out with a 32GB SanDisk Extreme Pro UHS-1 SDHC card, the fastest we have. The review camera took roughly one second to power up. We measured an average capture lag of 0.3 seconds, which was eliminated by pre-focusing. Shot-to-shot times averaged 0.15 seconds.
On average, it took 0.9 seconds to process each Large/Fine JPEG file and 2.9 seconds for each RAF.RAW file. RAW+JPEG pairs were processed within 3.3 seconds.
The continuous shooting modes, which set focus and the exposure on the first frame in a burst, performed to specifications. The top speed of 6 frames/second (fps) will be maintained if shutter speeds are faster than 1/100 second but capture rates will fall to 3 fps with slower shutter speeds.
With brightly-lit subjects we were easily able to maintain the 6 fps capture rate and record bursts of 28 JPEG frames before slight slowing occurred. It took 15.3 seconds on average to process such a burst.
Unfortunately we found the buffer memory was limited to seven RAF.RAW files or RAW+JPEG pairs. It took 21.5 seconds to process a burst of 7 RAF.RAW files but 27.2 seconds for the RAW+JPEG pairs.
Conclusion
Although not a huge ““ or particularly exciting ““ update, Fujifilm’s X100T addresses some of the main criticisms levelled at previous models and should appeal to fans of the company’s rangefinder cameras. Buyers should have few complaints about image quality or overall performance and usability and, for these reasons, we have listed the camera as an Editor’s Choice.
As a general-purpose camera, however, it has many limitations and its high price tag will mean most buyers will be purchasing it for a particular reason. We’re not sure the built-in Wi-Fi will provide a compelling incentive for potential buyers, although it will provide the only way to geotag shots using location data from a smart device.
Overall, the X100T provides improvements to both still imaging and movie performance. Equally attractive for its inconspicuousness, its re-designed viewfinder and larger, higher-resolution monitor make it a little more attractive than its predecessor. But whether that justifies the price differential is debatable.
Photographers looking for a camera with Leica-like handling and image quality in a more affordable package could benefit from shopping online. Most Australian re-sellers have this camera priced at less than AU$1600 with local warranty coverage, with a few offering it at around AU$1400. That’s better than sourcing the camera off-shore.
SPECS
Image sensor: 23.6 x 15.6 mm (APS-C) X-Trans CMOS II sensor with 16.7 million photosites (16.3 megapixels effective)
Image processor: EXR Processor II
A/D processing: unknown
Lens: Fujinon 23mm f/2-f/16 (35mm in 35 mm format)
Image formats: Stills – JPEG (DCF / Exif 2.3), RAF.RAW, RAW+JPEG; Movies – MOV (H.264 / Linear PCM stereo audio)
Image Sizes: Stills – 3:2 aspect: 4896 x 3264, 3456 x 2304, 2496 x 1664; 16:9 aspect: 4896 x 2760, 3456 x 1944, 2496 x 1408; 1:1 aspect: 3264 x 3264, 2304 x 2304, 1664 x 1664; Motion Panorama: 180 ° Vertical: 9600 x 2160, Horizontal: 9600 x 1440, 120 ° Vertical: 6400 x 2160, Horizontal: 6400 x 1440; Movies – 1920 x 1080, 1280 x 720 pixels at 60fps, 50fps, 30fps, 25fps, 24fps
Shutter speed range: Mechanical Shutter: 30 sec. to 1/4000 sec. plus Bulb (max. 60min.) and Time (2 sec. to 30 sec.); Electronic Shutter: 1 sec. to 1/32000 sec. (P / A / S /M mode) plus Bulb / Time
Self-timer: 2 or 10 seconds delay
Image Stabilisation: No
Exposure Compensation: +/- 3EV in 1/3EV steps
Bracketing: AE Bracketing : +/1/3EV, +/2/3EV, +/1EV; Film Simulation Bracketing : Any 3 type of film simulation selectable; Dynamic Range Bracketing : 100% / 200% / 400%; ISO sensitivity Bracketing : +/1/3EV, +/2/3EV, +/1EV; White Balance Bracketing: +/1, +/2, +/3
Focus system/range: Intelligent Hybrid AF (TTL contrast AF / TTL phase detection AF) with Single AF, Continuous AF, MF modes; range: 50 cm to infinity; macro 10 cm to 2 m
Exposure metering/control: TTL 256-zone metering with Multi, Spot and Average patterns
Shooting modes: Programmed AE, Shutter priority AE, Aperture priority AE, Manual exposure
In-camera effects: Film Simulation (Provia/Standard, Velvia/Vivid, Astia/Soft, Classic Chrome, PRO Neg Hi, PRO Neg. Std, Monochrome, Monochrome +Yellow Filter/ Red, Filter/ Green Filter, Sepia), Advanced filter (Toy camera, Miniature, Pop colour, High-key, Low-key, Dynamic tone, Partial colour, Soft focus)
ISO range: ISO 200-6400 with extension to ISO 100, 12800, 25600 and 51200 (JPEG only)
White balance: Automatic scene recognition plus Fine, Shade, Fluorescent light (Daylight), Fluorescent light (Warm White), Fluorescent light (Cool White), Incandescent light, Underwater, Custom, Colour temperature selection
Flash modes/range (ISO auto): Auto, Forced Flash, Suppressed Flash, Slow Synchro, Commander; red-eye reduction is available; range 50 cm – 9 m (ISO 1600)
Sequence shooting: Max. 6 frames/second
Buffer memory depth: 28 JPEGs, 7 raw files, 7 RAW+JPEG
Storage Media: Approx. 55MB internal memory plus SD/SDHC/SDXC extension slot
Viewfinder: Hybrid optical/electronic viewfinder; Reverse Galilean OVF with electronic bright frame display, 0.5 x magnification, approx. 92% coverage; 0.48-in., approx. 2,360K-dot colour EVF with 100% coverage, 0.65x magnification, electronic rangefinder
LCD monitor: 3:2 aspect ratio, 3.0-inch, approx. 1040K-dot, TFT colour LCD monitor (Approx. 100% coverage)
Wi-Fi: IEEE 802.11b / g / n; supports Geotagging, Image transfer, View & Obtain Images, Remote camera shooting, instax printer print, PC Autosave
Interface terminals: micro USB 2.0, Type D HDMI Micro connector, ø2.5mm, stereo mini connector for microphone/shutter release
Power supply: NP-95 rechargeable lithium-ion battery; CIPA rated for approx. 330 shots/charge
Dimensions (wxhxd): 126.5 x 74.4 x 52.4 mm
Weight: Approx. 440 grams (with battery and memory card)
TESTS
Based on JPEG files:
Based on RAF.RAW files converted with RawTherapee V. 4.2.16:
SAMPLES
Auto white balance with incandescent lighting.
Auto white balance with fluorescent lighting.
30-second exposure at ISO 100, f/8.
5-second exposure at ISO 1600, f/8.
2-second exposure at ISO 6400, f/11.
1-second exposure at ISO 12800, f/11.
1-second exposure at ISO 25600, f/16.
1/2-second exposure at ISO 51200, f/16.
Close-up; ISO 200, 1/300 second at f/2.8.
Strong backlighting with Velvia/Vivid Film Simulation; ISO 200, 1/250 second at f/7.1.
ISO 5000, 1/30 second at f/2.8.
No Dynamic Range optimisation; ISO 400, 1/400 second at f/9.
Dynamic Range optimisation at 400%; ISO 640, 1/800 second at f/6.4.
ISO 400, 1/85 second at f/10.
Still frame from Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels) video clip recorded at 50 fps.
Still frame from Full HD video clip recorded at 30 fps.
Still frame from Full HD video clip recorded at 25 fps.
Still frame from Full HD video clip recorded at 24 fps.
Still frame from HD (1280 x 720 pixels) video clip recorded at 50 fps.
Still frame from HD video clip recorded at 30 fps.
Rating
RRP: AU$1749; US$1299
- Build: 8.8
- Ease of use: 8.5
- Autofocusing: 8.5
- Image quality JPEG: 8.8
- Image quality RAW: 9.3
- Video quality: 8.5
