Hardik Kalyani 2/21/19 Hardik Kalyani 2/21/19

Fujifilm X-T100: The Entry Level Mirrorless Camera

In 2018, Fujifilm released its entry level mirrorless camera that look a lot like an old SLR camera. The plus points of this device is that it has an electronic viewfinder and it has an aluminium body that gives it a rich elegant and retro look.

GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS

Sensor: 24.2-million APS-C CMOS sensor

Output size: 6000 x 4000 pixels

Focal length mag: 1.5x

Lens mount: Fujifilm X-mount

Shutter Speed: 30secs-1/4000sec (30secs-1/32000sec in electronic shutter mode)

Sensitivity: ISO 200-12,800 (standard) ISO 100-51,200 (extended)

Exposure modes: PASM, SR+, Auto

Metering: Multi, Spot, Average

Exposure Compensation: –5 to +5 EV, in increments of 1/3EV

Continuous shooting: 6fps

Screen: 3in, 1,040k-dot 3-way tilt touchscreen

Electronic Viewfinder: 0.39in, 2,360k-dot 0.62x magnification with 100% coverage

Video: 4K (15p) Full HD (60/50/24/23p)

External mic: 2.5mm stereo mini connector

Memory Card: SD, SDHC, SDXC

Power: NP-W126S battery

Battery life: 430 shots

Dimensions: 121.0x83.0x47.4mm

Weight: 448g with battery and card

AT A GLANCE

It has a 24.2MP APS-C size sensor, weighing in just under 450 grams and records videos at 4K for up to 30 minutes at any given time. The viewfinder on the X-T100 is a 0.39-inch 2,360K-dot OLED colour unit which can also be viewed on a 3-inch LCD touchscreen that can be tilted to be used on tight angles. The camera is enabled with WiFi and Bluetooth v5.0 LE and will thus let you transfer videos and photos to other devices wirelessly.

Other photography features include Advanced SR AUTO, Eye detection AF, Face Detection, Interval timer shooting, Electronic Level and HDR mode. The battery on the X-T100 will be able to last you up to 90 minutes of 4K video recording or an average of 430 stills depending upon how long you keep switching on the camera.

FEATURES

Even though Fujifilm endorses the X-T100 as just an entry level mirrorless camera, they have tried to incorporate as many features as they could to make it more desirable amongst budding photographers as well as to target those who wish to transition from DSLR to mirrorless.
Some of the best features that make this camera usable as well as convenient are:

Wireless Connectivity
Film Simulation
4K Burst Shooting
Multi Focus

The above features not only make a X-T100 a convenient camera but also makes it an unstoppable, robust machine.

BUILD AND HANDLING

Other than having a strong resemblance like the other X-T models, for being an entry level camera, it is built very well. The feel isn’t as similar to an X-T2 or X-T3, but the dial placement and the leather finish shows where the design has come from.

The X-T 100 is very light when you even compare it to the native mirrorless camera because of its aluminium and plastic body. The front handling front the right side of the camera is not very reliable which can be improved by attaching a detachable-grip that comes with the box. It would have been nice to see a rubberised thumb rest at the rear too. As it is it’s made of hard plastic and can be prone to get slippery with wet or sweaty hands.

Like the professional cameras the Fujifilm X-T100 is not weather or dust resistant so we had to be cautious with it while shooting under wet or humid environment.

VIEWFINDER AND SCREEN

Having the option to raise the X-T100 to your eye and clearly see what’s contained in the frame is one of the huge advantages of this camera. The viewfinder is very good for reviewing images in bright sunlight too, however you will notice there’s a momentary delay before each image is rendered sharp.

Its is also possible to use the EVF with the touch screen for actions such as moving auto focus points and double tapping the screen for detailed magnified view.

When it comes to the 3-way articulating screen, it is very handy for vloggers. It can be angled out by 180 degrees to aid with self-portrait shooting. It is very convenient and the touch screen function still works when its tilted out in any way.

PERFORMANCE

Despite a few criticism regarding the slow response time of the touch screen, X-T100 is very reliable when it comes to capture images. It may not have an X-trans sensor but the colours of this camera are very active and lively, exactly what we expect from Fujifilm.
The camera provides accurate focus in bright or low-light situations. For those who’d like to shoot discreetly, there’s the option to take shots silently by activating the electronic shutter.
The image quality of this camera is very good, you can get detailed images with high ISO range. The X-T100 is capable of resolving fine detail, with a good amount of scope to crop in when required. Detail holds up well beyond ISO 800 and only starts to dip when you push past ISO 3200.

Other than that it has:

4K Burst
HDR
High Speed Shooting (6 fps)
Film Simulations

When it comes to video, it does not offer much versatility. You can only record in 15p when it comes to 4K, continuously for 30 minutes which heats up very fast. In HD you can record up to 59.94p / 50p / 24p / 23.98p for 30 minutes straight and the camera does not heat up that much compared to 4K.
It is advisable to use a card with UHS Speed Class 3 or higher when recording 4K.

LENS

The X-T100 is only available with the XC 15-45mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens. This is Fuji’s first attempt at making a compact motorised zoom. The lens extends by 24mm in length when the camera is switched on and it’s operated via two control rings: an inner one that operates the zoom in power assisted mode, and an outer ring that either acts as a focus ring. It’s good the lens automatically reverts to the last focal length setting used when the camera is switched off and back on again, but its motorised nature does slow you down.

VERDICT

Those who would like to enter the mirrorless world or who are advancing from the world of mobile photography this shall serve you as a loyal subject. As a camera designed for first-time users it has the features that go up to par with most of the camera’s in the market. Of course, it cannot compete with the professional camera Fuji has introduced such as X-T2 or X-T3 but it has a few features which make it stand out from the crowd, from both an aesthetic and performance point of view.

Those who would like to relish the infamous Fujifilm colours then this is the camera for you. The X-T100 is arguably the most attractive entry-level camera on the market at its price point.