Fujifilm X-T50 First Impressions - Flagship or Budget Camera?

Fujifilm Does It Again

I got the incredible opportunity to test the latest Fujifilm X-T50, a camera that perfectly blends cool new features with a user-centric design. Its seamless frame.io integration for better connectivity sports a nifty film simulation dial for quick, creative tweaks.

The overall feel and functionality of the camera are making me rethink my loyalty to the X100VI. The X-T50 is a real treat that combines practicality with the joy of shooting and a super ergonomically solid feel. The X-T50 sports a smoother, more rounded body and a beefier front grip than its cousin, the X-T30, making it a joy to hold and shoot with.

Screen-wise, it's equipped with a 3-inch tilting display, rocking a sharp 1.84 million dots. It's the same screen as the X-T5, though it sticks to a two-axis tilt instead of three. Regarding the viewfinder, the X-T50 opts for a smaller 0.62x EVF with 2.36 million dots, stepping down from the X-T5’s larger 0.8x magnification and 3.69 million dots.

Performance is another area where the X-T50 and X-T5 part ways. The X-T50 delivers a solid eight fps with its mechanical shutter and can push up to 20 fps electronically. While it might not match the X-T5’s blistering 15 fps (mechanical) and 20 fps (electronic), plus the 160-megapixel pixel shift capability, it still packs plenty of punch for most photography enthusiasts.

But here’s the question: Is this camera a true flagship powerhouse or more of a budget-friendly pick for hobbyists?

Film Simulations

A standout feature of this camera is the film simulation dial. I always appreciate Fujifilm's innovative efforts. Normally, I assign different film simulations to specific custom settings on the PASM dial. For example, C1 is always set to Classic Chrome and C2 to Acros, allowing quick switches between them. I often wouldn’t bother adding many other looks because the lighting and environment don’t reflect how the simulation would look in the situation I would be capturing photos. With the X-T50, I can switch simulations on the fly and see if something like Reala Ace might be more suitable than the one I was using.

Image Quality

Since the X100VI and this model feature the same sensor, I've been cropping or using the digital teleconverter more frequently. At 40.2 megapixels, you can zoom into details without significantly losing quality. Unfortunately, I can't show super detailed examples yet, as Lightroom currently doesn't support Fujifi;m's RAW files, but this will be something to test for the future.

The Video

The X-T50 offers DCI4K at 60p and a 30p HQ mode that outputs 4K video with 6.2K oversampling for extra detail and crispness. Plus, it includes F-Log2, which steps up the game with up to 13 stops of dynamic range—that’s one more than the original F-Log. Though it has just one UHS-II SD card slot, which means some high-end video formats like ProRes and Blackmagic RAW need to be recorded externally, this camera still impresses with its internal recording capabilities. It can handle a whopping 6.2K at 30p internally in 4:2:2 10-bit color, which is seriously impressive for its class.

Since getting my hands on the camera, I haven't used the video feature much. However, I reviewed some footage that Jasmine captured — and at first glance, it looked great.

The quality is similar to the X100VI, but this model's interchangeable lenses could inspire much more creativity and flexibility since users are not limited to the 23mm fixed lens a seen on the X100VI.

The Pop-Up Flash

I've come to appreciate the pop-up flash more over time. Initially, it was just a feature of entry-level cameras and not something professionals with an on-camera flash would use. However, as I've used Fujifilm cameras more extensively, I've realized the importance of capturing the moment, which often results in the best photos. This feature eliminates the need to return to my bag to grab a flash for a quick shot. Sometimes, I even wish my X-H2S or X-T5 had this feature, especially now that I use cameras like the X-S20 and the X-T50, where all it takes is a flick of a switch.

Frame.io Integration

Fujifilm has been incorporating frame.io integration into all of its new cameras and some earlier models that initially lacked this feature. I've really been enjoying this addition, and the X-T50 handles it as well as any other model.

Ergonomics

I truly love how the camera feels. There's something uniquely satisfying about a mechanical shutter. Despite its relatively small and lightweight design, the camera has a robust grip and reassuring weight. The X-S20 feels like a miniature X-H2S, but this one feels exactly like a smaller version of the X-T5. The experience is very familiar, except for the ISO dial, now dedicated to film simulations for a more manual feel. If I could suggest an improvement for a future model, it would be to include the same vertical tilting screen as the X-T5, making shooting from low angles easier. Using this camera has made me reconsider whether I still want the X100VI or prefer this model. It truly offers a fantastic shooting experience.