Fujifilm X-T50 Hands-on Review
Summary Verdict
The Fujifilm X-Txx series of small APS-C format mirrorless cameras have always punched above their weight but the Fujifilm X-T50 takes a major step up with the switch to a 40MP sensor and an excellent subject detection system.
Score: TBC
For
Same image quality as the X-T5
Excellent handling
Compact size
Against
Not weatherproof
2-way tilting screen not 3-way
What is the Fujifilm X-T50?
The Fujifilm X-T50 is an APS-C format mirrorless camera and the successor to the 26.1MP Fujifilm X-T30 II (which is set to continue in the line). It benefits from the 40.2MP backside-illuminated (BSI) CMOS 5 HR sensor and X-Processor 5 combination that we’ve before in the Fujifilm X-T5 and X-H2. As well as making a significant jump in resolution from the X-T30 II, these changes introduce subject detection and tracking.
Fujifilm is aiming the X-T50 at enthusiast photographers, and its smaller size in comparison with the X-T5 makes it an attractive option for travel photography. Paired with a small prime lens, it’s also an attractive alternative to the Fujifilm X100 VI (review coming soon).
Fujifilm X-T50 Price and Availability
The Fujifilm X-T50's price is:
£1299 / $1399 / €1499 body only
£1399 / $1499 /€1599 with the XC 15-45mm lens
£1649 / $1799 / €1899 with the 16-50mm lens.
The X-T50 goes on sale body-only or with the XC 15-45mm lens 17th June 2024 and is available in black, silver or graphite. The X-T50 with the new 16-50mm lens kit is on sale from 28th May.
Fujifilm X-T50 Key Specifications
Camera type: APS-C format mirrorless
Announced: 16th May 2024
Sensor: 40.2Mp APS-C (23.5mm×15.6mm) X-Trans CMOS 5 HR
Processor: X Processor 5
Lens mount: Fujifilm X
Sensitivity: ISO 125 to 12,800 (expandable to ISO 64 to 51,200)
In-Body Image Stabilisation (IBIS): 5-axis giving up to 7 stops shutter speed compensation
Autofocus system: Intelligent Hybrid AF (contrast AF / phase-detection AF) with up to 425 selectable AF points
Subject Detection AF: Human Eye/Face or Animal, Bird, Automobile, Motorcycle & Bike, Airplane, Train
Viewfinder: Electronic 0.39 inch approx. 2.36 million dots OLED Colour
Screen: 3.0-inch 1.62 million dots touchscreen with 100% coverage
Key video specifications: 6.2K/30P, 4K/60P, 1080/240P / 4:2:2 10-bit / F-Log2 /Pro-Res/BMD Raw
Maximum continuous shooting: Electronic shutter: 20fps, Mechanical shutter: 8fps
Storage: 1x SD/SDHC/SDXC UHS-II card
Dimensions (WxHxD): 123.8 x 84 x4 8.8 mm
Weight: 438g
The Fujifilm X-T50’s screen can be tilted up or down in landscape orientation, but not in portrait orientation.
Features
As I mentioned earlier, the Fujifilm X-T50 has the same 40.2MP APS-C format (23.5 x 15.6mm) backside-illuminated (BSI) X-Trans CMOS 5 HR sensor and processing engine as the Fujifilm X-T5. This means that it has many of the same features and it's capable of producing exactly the same image quality with a sensitive range of ISO 125 to 12,800 (expandable to ISO 64 to 51,200).
Like Fujifilm’s other recent cameras, the X-T50 gains the ability to record 10-bit HEIF instead of Jpegs if you prefer. HEIF files capture greater dynamic range and tonal variation than 8-bit Jpegs, but they’re not yet supported widely by image-editing software. Consequently, raw files are likely to be a more popular choice for photographer wishing to get the best from the X-T50’s sensor.
For the first time in a Fujifilm X-Txx series camera, the X-T50 has in-body image stabilisation (IBIS). In this case, it uses information from the IBIS gyro and the image sensor to calculate the degree of shake compensation that’s required to get a sharp image. It’s claimed to offer up to 7EV of shutter speed compensation.
According to Fujifilm, the X-T50 is around 20% more power efficient than the X-T30 II, but most of this is gobbled up by the IBIS system, so the battery life is broadly similar at 390 shots with the NP-W126S battery.
A key bonus of having the X-Trans CMOS 5 BSI imaging sensor and X-Processor 5 engine is that they bring Fujifilm’s most advanced autofocus system complete with subject detection and 3.33-million phase detection pixels covering 100% of the sensor. The subject detection system can be set to Animal, Bird, Automobile, Motorcycle & Bike, Airplane and Train, plus there’s Face/Eye detection for photographing humans.
It’s also possible to shoot at up to 8fps (frames per second) with the mechanical shutter or 20fps with the electronic shutter. And when the electronic shutter is in use, the maximum shutter speed is 1/180,000 seconds.
Fujifiilm hasn’t made any changes to the viewfinder or rear screen in comparison with the X-T30 II. Consequently, the X-T50 has a 0.39-inch 2.36M-dot OLED electronic viewfinder and a 3.0-inch 1.62M-dot 2-way tilting touch screen (LCD).
Fujifilm X-T50 Video Features
Although the Fujifilm X-T50 is primarily aimed at photographers, it can record 6.2K video at 30P, 4K video at up to 60P and 1080 video up to 240P. In addition, 4:2:2 10-bit colour is supported and F-Log2 is on hand for capturing flat footage with dynamic range reaching over 13EV. Pro-Res Raw or Blackmagic Design Raw footage can be recorded to an external device via a Micro HDMI connection. It's also possible to connect an external microphone via the dedicated 3.5 mm port while headphones can be connected via an adapter in the USB-C port.
The Fujifilm X-T50 has a pronounced grip and thumb rest that help make it feel secure in your hand.
Build and Handling
While the Fujifilm X-T50 isn’t weatherproof or quite as robust as the Fujifilm X-T5, it feels solid and beautifully constructed. The top and bottom plates are made from metal alloy, giving a high-quality look and durable feel without excessive weight. It would be nice to see a three-way-tilting screen, but Fujifilm has stuck with the two-way tilting version and made it sit more flush with the body than on the X-T30 II.
To accommodate the IBIS (in-body image stabilisation) unit, the X-T50 is a little larger than its predecessors, it’s also more curvaceous, but it’s still a small camera. It’s well-shaped, so it fits comfortably in your hand. When I hold the X-T50 to shoot, with my index finger on the shutter release, there’s room on the grip for my next two fingers, but my little finger slips under its body. Occasionally, I let the tip of my ring finger slide under the body as well. Meanwhile, my thumb buts up against the small but pronounced rest on the rear of the camera.
With the new XF16-50mmF2.8-4.8 R LM WR kit lens (announced at the same time), the X-T50 feels very nicely balanced, I can hold it confidently in my hand without feeling a desperate need for a strap. As it has the Fujifilm X-mount, the X-T50 can accept any of the company’s X-series lenses, but it’s more a more natural pairing with small, lightweight lenses. If you want to use a telephoto lens for instance, the XF 70-300mm f4-5.6 R LM OIS WR is a better match than the XF 150-600mm f5.6-8 R LM OIS WR.
There are 8 pre-set Film Simulation modes on the Film Simulation Mode dial and three that can be set to access your preferred modes. When the C option is selected, the Film Simulation Mode is set via the Main or Quick Menus.
Despite the small size of the X-T50, I don't find the controls small or fiddly. I can also reach all of the controls on the left side of the camera very comfortably.
I haven’t been able to compare the X-T50 directly with the X-T30 II or the X-T30, but the rear thumb rest has been 'optimised' and I think it feels a little more pronounced on the X-T50 than on its predecessors. Crucially, the Q button, which accesses the Quick Menu is also a little higher on the thumb rest than before and I’m happy to say that after shooting with the camera for several hours, I haven’t pressed the Q button accidentally at all. Not once. That’s great news because even after the firmware update to the X-30, I found it way too easy to pull up the Quick Menu by accident.
Like the X-T5, the X-T50 has traditional exposure controls. These comprise a dedicated shutter speed dial with values marked in 1-stop steps, an exposure compensation dial and compatibility with lenses that have an aperture ring. In the absence of an aperture ring, the aperture value can be adjusted using a command dial on the camera. There’s no sensitivity (ISO) dial, however, so ISO must be set via the camera’s menu.
In a change from the X-T30 II, the dial on the left of the top-plate of the X-T50 is used to set the Film Simulation mode. The drive mode is now set by pressing a button to access the options and selecting the option you want via a command dial or using the joystick on the back of the camera. The Film Simulation mode dial has 8 pre-set options, but there are three settings marked FS1, FS2 and FS3 that can be assigned to activate any of the other Film Simulation modes (there are 20 in total). In addition, the monochrome Acros setting can be customised to any of the three options that replicate the impact of using a colour filter. I’d be inclined to set mine to access Acros with a red filter to boost contrast in many situations.
Viewfinder and Screen
During my time with the X-T50 so far, I found its viewfinder and screen show a good amount of detail, and the exposure and colour match what I saw when shooting. As usual, in bright conditions, the screen is harder to see, but it doesn't suffer from reflections more than any other camera.
The controls on the right side of the back of the Fujifilm X-T50 are all within easy reach. Also, unlike the X-T30 and X-T30 II, the Q button doesn’t get pressed accidentally frequently.
Performance
I’ve been able to shoot with a full-production sample of the Fujifilm X-T50 for a few hours ahead of its announcement and I was able to give the autofocus and subject detection system a good test at a safari park.
Generally, when the subject detection system is set to Animal, the X-T50 does a great job of identifying an animal in the frame and focusing on its eyes if they are in the frame. Shooting through wire fencing presents more of a challenge as the camera doesn’t have such a clear view and the contrast level is often lowered. If the camera insisted on focusing on the fence, I found focusing quickly on a more distant tree or adjusting the focus manually to get the focus nearer to the right point, helped the subject detection system spot its intended target.
The camera doesn't spot animals' eyes quite so readily as it does humans, but it usually manages to identify their head or body, and jumps to their eyes when they are close enough for it to make a difference to the image. At the safari park, it coped with a range of animals, including a variety of apes, giraffes, big cats, zebra and bears, plus a range of antelope.
As it has the same sensor at the X-T5 and X-H2, it’s no surprise to find that the X-T50 captures an excellent level of detail and controls noise well through its standard ISO range (ISO 125-12,800). That said, some fine details in shadow areas look a little mushy at ISO 1600 in Jpeg files. I will examine the raw files when they can be processed, but I expect them to be better.
Overall, I would aim to make ISO 6,400 the highest sensitivity setting if possible, but I wouldn’t stress if I pushed up to ISO 12,800 with raw files.
Fujifilm’s colour reproduction is widely respected and with 20 Film Simulation modes to choose from, there’s one for just about every situation. Naturally, the output can be treated as a starting point for raw files. The presence of the Film Simulation Mode dial makes it more likely that you’ll change the setting between shots, and it’s nice to be able to set three settings to access your favourites if they don’t have a dedicated setting. However, it would be even better if you could create three bespoke film Simulation Modes to your own preferences.
Fujifilm X-T50 Sample Images
Image Credit: Angela Nicholson This image was captured using the new X F16-50mm F2.8-4.8 R LM WR kit lens at the 50mm point and at an aperture setting of f/8.
Image Credit: Angela Nicholson The contrast of this image has been reduced by the fencing between the camera and the subject, but that can be improved very easily. There’s excellent detail in the fur even though it was shot at ISO 2500.
Image Credit: Angela Nicholson The subject detection system was quick to detect the nearest giraffe and the focusing system got it sharp in a flash.
Image Credit: Angela Nicholson Noise is controlled well in this image shot at ISO 12,800.
Image Credit: Angela Nicholson I used a very small AF point to get the focus onto the baby gorilla’s face as the dominant fencing confused the subject detection system.
Image Credit: Angela Nicholson Another subject that the subject detection system was quick to latch onto.
Image Credit: Angela Nicholson Even with subject detection activated, you can use a small AF point to get the focus on a non-detectable subject.
Early Verdict
I like the Fujifilm X-Txx series cameras. They offer a great range of features in a robust, small body that gives you quick control over the key features. The Fujiflm X-T50 takes things up a significant notch with a 54% jump in resolution and a much-improved autofocus system. It feels ready for anything, and while it's better-balanced with small lenses rather than long optics, it can be used with any of Fujifilm's extensive X-Series lens line.
Travel photography encompasses a wide range of photographic genres and subject detection and snappy AF system are a realy bonus on many occasions. The 40MP sensor also allows for hefty cropping if you cant get quite as close to the subject as you would like.
Fujifilm has addressed my main niggle with the X-T30 and X-T30 II with a tweak to the rear thumb rest and Q button on the X-T50. And while I still have some further testing to do before this review is completely, the Fujifilm X-T50 gets an emphatic thumbs up from me so far.
