Choosing between Fujifilm’s iconic X100T and the robust X-T2 can feel like a delightful dilemma for any photographer. Both cameras offer that distinct Fujifilm image quality and tactile control that enthusiasts adore.
The X100T, with its fixed lens and retro charm, is a favorite for street photographers and those who prioritize portability and a classic shooting experience. It’s a camera that encourages you to slow down and compose.
On the other hand, the X-T2 steps up with its interchangeable lens system and advanced weather-sealing, making it a more versatile tool for a wider range of photographic pursuits. It’s built for performance and adaptability in challenging environments.
This comparison aims to dissect the nuances of the fuji x100t vs xt2, helping you understand which of these stellar Fujifilm cameras best aligns with your photographic vision and needs.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | fuji x100t | xt2 |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor Size | APS-C X-Trans CMOS II | APS-C X-Trans CMOS III |
| Megapixels | 16.3 MP | 24.3 MP |
| Image Processor | EXR Processor II | X-Processor Pro |
| ISO Range | ISO 200-6400 (Expandable to 100-51200) | ISO 200-12800 (Expandable to 100-51200) |
| Autofocus System | Hybrid AF (Contrast + Phase Detection) | Intelligent Hybrid AF (Phase Detection) |
| Continuous Shooting | 6 fps | 8 fps (14 fps with battery grip) |
| Video Recording | Full HD 1080p up to 60 fps | 4K up to 30 fps, Full HD up to 60 fps |
| Viewfinder | Hybrid Optical/Electronic Viewfinder | High-Resolution Electronic Viewfinder |
| LCD Screen | 3.0-inch 1.04m-dot Tilting LCD | 3.0-inch 1.04m-dot Tilting LCD |
| Weather Sealing | No | Yes |
| Lens Mount | Fixed 23mm f/2 Lens | Interchangeable X-Mount |
| Battery Life | Approx. 330 shots (CIPA) | Approx. 340 shots (CIPA) |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Sensor and Image Quality
- Fuji X100t: Features a 16.3MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS II sensor. This sensor is known for producing excellent image quality with natural colors and good dynamic range, though it can sometimes struggle in very low light compared to newer sensors.
- Xt2: Equipped with a 24.3MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS III sensor. This newer sensor offers improved resolution, better high ISO performance, and enhanced dynamic range, leading to sharper images and more detail, especially in challenging lighting conditions.
- Winner: xt2
Autofocus System
- Fuji X100t: Utilizes a contrast-detection autofocus system with 49 focus points. While decent for its time, it can be slower and less accurate in low light or with fast-moving subjects compared to phase-detection systems.
- Xt2: Boasts a more advanced hybrid autofocus system with 325 selectable points (91 phase-detection points). It offers significantly faster and more accurate focusing, including excellent subject tracking capabilities, making it superior for action and challenging scenes.
- Winner: xt2
Build Quality and Ergonomics
- Fuji X100t: Features a retro-inspired design with a fixed lens and a compact, rangefinder-style body. Its build is solid and premium, with tactile dials and a comfortable grip, though the fixed lens limits versatility.
- Xt2: Designed with a more modern DSLR-like body, offering a deeper grip and extensive customizability with numerous function buttons and dials. Its weather-sealed construction provides durability and resilience in various environments, making it more robust.
- Winner: xt2
Viewfinder
- Fuji X100t: Features a unique Hybrid Viewfinder, offering both an optical viewfinder (OVF) with electronically overlaid information and an electronic viewfinder (EVF). The OVF provides a clear, lag-free view, while the EVF offers a live preview of exposure.
- Xt2: Equipped with a larger, higher-resolution EVF (3.69 million dots) with a faster refresh rate. This EVF provides a more immersive and detailed viewing experience, with minimal lag, and accurately represents the final image.
- Winner: xt2
Video Capabilities
- Fuji X100t: Capable of shooting Full HD (1080p) video at up to 60fps. While functional, its video features are more basic and lack the advanced options found in later models.
- Xt2: Offers significantly enhanced video capabilities, including 4K video recording at up to 30fps and Full HD at up to 120fps. It also includes F-Log for greater flexibility in post-production grading.
- Winner: xt2
Lens System
- Fuji X100t: Comes with a high-quality, fixed 23mm f/2 lens (equivalent to 35mm on full-frame). This prime lens is excellent for street photography and general use, but its fixed nature restricts focal length flexibility.
- Xt2: As an interchangeable lens camera, it supports Fuji’s vast X-mount lens system. This allows users to choose from a wide array of prime and zoom lenses, offering unparalleled versatility for different photographic needs.
- Winner: xt2
Continuous Shooting and Buffer
- Fuji X100t: Offers continuous shooting at approximately 6 frames per second (fps). The buffer can fill up relatively quickly, especially when shooting RAW files.
- Xt2: Boasts a much faster continuous shooting rate of up to 11fps (or 14fps with the battery grip). Its buffer is also significantly larger, allowing for longer bursts of high-speed shooting before slowing down.
- Winner: xt2
Battery Life
- Fuji X100t: Uses the NP-95 battery, providing a respectable battery life for its class, typically around 300-350 shots per charge.
- Xt2: Utilizes the NP-W126S battery, which offers improved battery life over the x100t, generally yielding around 340-350 shots per charge in normal mode. With the optional battery grip, this can be extended considerably.
- Winner: xt2
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Image Quality (General) | xt2 (Slightly due to higher resolution) |
| Portability & Compactness | fuji x100t |
| Versatility (Lenses) | xt2 |
| Durability & Weather Sealing | xt2 |
| Speed & Autofocus | xt2 |
| User Experience (Fixed Lens) | fuji x100t |
| Video Capabilities | xt2 |
| Value (Considering features) | xt2 |
What They Have in Common
- Fujifilm Color Science: Both cameras are renowned for their exceptional color reproduction, offering a wide range of film simulations that are a hallmark of Fujifilm’s imaging expertise. This allows for stunning JPEGs straight out of camera.
- Build Quality: Both cameras boast a premium build quality with robust metal construction, giving them a satisfying feel and durability for everyday shooting. The retro-inspired design is also a shared aesthetic appeal.
- Manual Controls: Fujifilm has equipped both the X100T and the X-T2 with a comprehensive array of physical dials and buttons for direct control over essential shooting parameters like aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. This tactile experience is highly valued by many photographers.
- Excellent Jpeg Output: Beyond the color science, both cameras consistently produce high-quality JPEGs that often require minimal post-processing, making them excellent choices for those who prefer to shoot and share quickly.
- Silent Shooting: Both models offer a silent electronic shutter option, which is invaluable for discreet photography in sensitive environments such as weddings, events, or wildlife photography.
Fuji X100T Vs Xt2 Buying Guide
For the Street Photographer
The Fuji X100T is a quintessential street photography tool. Its fixed 23mm lens (equivalent to 35mm on full-frame) is perfect for capturing candid moments without being too intrusive. The leaf shutter is also incredibly quiet, further enhancing its discreet nature. If your primary focus is candid, everyday shooting, the X100T’s compact size and integrated lens offer a streamlined and enjoyable experience. (See Also: Nest Cam Vs Ring )
For the Versatile Enthusiast
The Fujifilm X-T2, with its interchangeable lens system, offers unparalleled versatility. This means you can adapt to any shooting scenario, from wide-angle landscapes to telephoto portraits, all with the same camera body. The advanced autofocus system and faster burst shooting also make it a strong contender for action and sports photography, areas where the X100T’s fixed lens would be limiting.
For the Hybrid Shooter (Photo & Video)**
While both cameras excel at photography, the X-T2 takes a significant lead in video capabilities. It offers higher frame rates, better autofocus tracking during video recording, and more advanced video features overall. If you plan to incorporate significant video work into your creative output, the X-T2 is the clear choice. The X100T can shoot video, but it’s not its primary strength.
For the Budget-Conscious Buyer
The X100T, being an older model, can often be found at a more accessible price point, especially on the used market. This makes it an excellent entry point into Fujifilm’s excellent X-series system for those who don’t need the absolute latest technology or the flexibility of interchangeable lenses. The X-T2, while a phenomenal camera, commands a higher price, reflecting its more advanced features and newer technology.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy fuji x100t If…
- You prioritize a compact, all-in-one shooting experience with a high-quality fixed lens.
- You appreciate the unique hybrid viewfinder and its versatility.
- You are a street photographer or enjoy candid portraiture where discretion is key.
- You prefer a camera that encourages a more deliberate and minimalist approach to photography.
Buy xt2 If…
- You need the flexibility of interchangeable lenses to adapt to various shooting situations.
- You require weather sealing for shooting in challenging environmental conditions.
- You demand faster burst shooting speeds and advanced autofocus capabilities for action or sports.
- You need the higher resolution sensor for greater detail and cropping flexibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which camera is better for low light?
The Fujifilm X-T2 generally performs better in low light conditions due to its newer sensor technology and more advanced image processing. It can often produce cleaner images at higher ISO sensitivities compared to the X100T, meaning less noise and better detail preservation when shooting in dim environments. (See Also: Lose It Vs Weight Watchers )
Can I change lenses on the X100T?
No, the Fuji X100T features a fixed 23mm f/2 lens. This is a key characteristic of the X100 series, designed for a specific field of view that many find ideal for everyday shooting and street photography. If you need lens flexibility, the X-T2 is the camera you should consider.
Is the autofocus on the X-T2 significantly better?
Yes, the X-T2 boasts a considerably more advanced autofocus system than the X100T. It features more focus points, better subject tracking capabilities, and improved performance in challenging lighting conditions, making it far superior for capturing fast-moving subjects or in dimly lit scenarios.
Which camera has a more classic feel?
Both cameras offer a classic, retro-inspired design that is a hallmark of Fujifilm’s X-series. However, the X100T, with its fixed lens and integrated viewfinder, often evokes a more traditional rangefinder-like shooting experience, which many users find particularly charming and engaging.
Is the X-T2 worth the upgrade if I already own an X100T?
If you’re looking for greater versatility in lens choice, significantly improved video capabilities, and a more advanced autofocus system for action photography, then the X-T2 is a worthwhile upgrade. However, if you love the X100T’s compact form factor and fixed lens simplicity for street photography, you might be content. (See Also: Bose Quiet Comfort Vs Airpods Pro )
Final Verdict
The Fujifilm X-T2 emerges as the more capable all-around camera, offering superior autofocus, video features, and the immense flexibility of interchangeable lenses. Its advanced sensor and processing provide an edge in various shooting conditions. While the X100T remains a beloved, compact street photography companion, the X-T2 caters to a broader range of photographic needs.
Winner: Fujifilm X-T2