The brand-new Fujifilm X-T50 was just announced! It’s both surprising and intriguing. This might be Fujifilm’s most contentious model since the X-Pro3, but it shouldn’t be controversial at all. What exactly is the X-T50? Is it the right camera for you? I’ll try to answer those questions in this article.
The double-digit X-T line has traditionally been Fujifilm’s mid-level, enthusiast-grade, interchangeable-lens, SLR-styled models (that’s a mouthful!). It’s the little brother of the single-digit X-T cameras, like the X-T2 and X-T3. With the discontinuation of the low-end triple-digit X-T series, the double-digit X-T cameras have become Fujifilm’s de facto entry-level option. The Fujifilm X-T30 II, which was released in November of 2021, is the current base model, although it’s neither cheap in quality or price—it’s still a mid-tier APS-C camera.


The X-T50 is not the successor to the X-T30 II, but a whole new (yet highly similar) line. Fujifilm plans to sell the X-T30 II alongside the X-T50, similarly to what they did with the X-T3 and X-T4 a few years back. This also means that there is a potential future successor to the X-T30 II, perhaps called the X-T30 III or X-T40; I don’t know that for sure, but I think it is a fair assumption. The main thing for you to know is that the X-T50 is not a replacement for any previous model, but a whole new camera.
There are some key things that set the X-T50 apart from the X-T30 II. First is the 40mp X-Trans V sensor, the same sensor found in the X-H2, X-T5, and X100VI; the X-T30 II has the 26mp X-Trans IV sensor. Second, like the other 40mp cameras, the X-T50 has IBIS; the X-T30 II doesn’t. Perhaps the biggest difference—and the one that is most contentious—is the Film Dial. The X-T30 II has a Drive Dial on top, but in its place on the X-T50 is a brand new knob for switching between the film simulations (Drive is a button on the X-T50, like on the X100VI and X-E4). Aside from that, the X-T50 is a tad bigger than the X-T30 II, has a more rounded design, and costs quite a bit more ($1,400 for the body-only). The X-T50 is more premium than the X-T30 II, but, unsurprisingly, it’s not at the same level as the X-T5. I’d call it an upper-mid-tier model, higher than the X-T30 II but lower than the X-T5.

The Film Dial is a brilliant move by Fujifilm. I know that some may not “get it” and that’s ok; not every camera is for every person. Film simulations are such an intrinsic part of the Fujifilm experience for many users. Placing it on top of the camera in a position of importance makes film simulations a more immersive experience, one that invites exploration. The Film Dial alone will sell the X-T50; 40mp, IBIS, 6K video, etc., are merely bonuses. By simply taking an already existing and loved feature, and moving it from an Fn button or Menu position to the top plate, Fujifilm reinvented the functionality of their camera.
It’s not that the X-T50 does something that the X-T5 (or any other Fujifilm camera) doesn’t, it’s only how it is presented to the photographer. You can use the exact same Film Simulation Recipes on the X-T50 that you can on the X-T5, X100VI, and X-H2, and the analog-like output is identical between each of those models. What is unique about the X-T50 is that a turn of the Film Dial will instantly change the film-like aesthetic. That experience differentiates this cameras from all the others—not just other Fujifilm models, but from every brand. The Film Dial makes the X-T50 a “digital film” camera.


I don’t want to get too deeply into what the Film Dial is and how to get the most out of it, because I have a whole article that explains it in detail (click here). What’s important to know is that the knob only changes the film simulation and nothing else. On the dial, there are eight (out of the 20) hard-set film sims (Provia, Velvia, Astia, Classic Chrome, Reala Ace, Classic Negative, Nostalgic Neg., and Acros), plus three customizable positions for your favorites that were left out. The “C” position simply disables the Film Dial.
If Fujifilm had asked for my input, I would have suggested a couple of changes. First, a C1-C7 Dial (or, better yet, a C1-C11 Dial, since there are 12 positions) would have been most ideal for those who use Film Simulation Recipes. That would’ve been less contentious, and I think a lot of current Fujifilm users would be excited for that; however, I understand why Fujifilm didn’t choose that route: a Film Dial is more inviting and less intimidating to the uninitiated. My advice to Fujifilm is to release an X-T55, which would be the exact same camera, but with a C1-C7 (or C1-C11) Dial in lieu of the Film Dial. Second, since they didn’t do that, I think it would have been really cool if each film simulation on the Film Dial could be customized into a Recipe. If Highlight, Shadow, Color, Dynamic Range, Grain, etc., etc., etc., could be custom set to each film sim on the Film Dial, that would be awesome. While Fujifilm could make that change with a Kaizen firmware update (and I very much hope they do), it would be surprising if they did. But, no worries, because I’ve figured out a good strategy for how to use the Film Dial as-is, and it’s highly enjoyable.

There are probably a number of people who are concerned that the X-T50 uses the “old” NP-W126 battery, and not the new NP-W235. I took this camera with me on multiple trips, and shot with it literally all day several times, and only once did I actually have to use a spare battery. So as long as you have two NP-W126 batteries, you should be good-to-go. Perhaps a second spare is a good idea if you record a lot of video footage.
So who is the Fujifilm X-T50 for? Is it worth buying? Should a different camera be considered instead? There are a few groups that the X-T50 makes a lot of sense for, and a couple of groups that I think it could potentially be a good option for.


First, the Fujifilm X-T50 is great for those who shoot film, but want to get into digital photography. With film prices so high right now, there are a number of analog photographers who are seriously considering their first digital camera. Or perhaps they haven’t picked up a digital camera in a long time because they didn’t appreciate the experience of it, and are searching for something that is more reminiscent of film photography. I can relate to this, personally. I have no doubts that it will be highly appealing to this group of people—after all, the X-T50 is Fujifilm’s “digital film” camera.
Next up are those who succumbed to the Fujifilm X100VI hype but cannot secure a camera due to the unprecedented demand. Specifically, I’m talking about those who are not current Fujifilm users—those who have a different brand of camera or perhaps no “real” camera at all currently. They will see the X-T50 as an alternative that they have a better chance at actually getting their hands on. Since most of the specs are exactly the same, it won’t take much to convince someone in this group to buy it instead of the X100VI. Obviously, there are some significant differences between the two models, but there are enough similarities that the X100VI’s demand (and Fujifilm’s inability to fulfill it) will notably fuel X-T50 sales. The X100VI’s hype is real, and, in my opinion, well deserved; the X-T50 is not an X100VI, but certainly close enough for many people.
Third, the X-T50 will be appealing to video content creators who desire streamlined color grading. The Film Dial works in video mode, and film simulations can reduce or even eliminate some editing steps. This is an underrated and underutilized aspect of Fujifilm cameras that I think will be employed more on the X-T50 simply because of the Film Dial.
Then there are Fujifilm X-T5 owners who want a smaller and lighter option—but with an identical output—to be a companion camera. Some might appreciate the divergent shooting experience, while others might not. I think, for this group, the X-T50 is contentions, and either you’re intrigued by it or put off, and your opinion has likely already been made.
The last group are those who have an older double-digit X-T camera, or perhaps even a triple-digit model, and are eager to upgrade to something brand-new. The X-T5 is a little too big, heavy, and/or expensive for you, while the X-T30 II doesn’t have the latest two film simulations or features like 6K video and IBIS. If you appreciate the Film Dial, the X-T50 could be perfect; otherwise, this might not be the double-digital X-T camera that you were wishing for.
I really like the Fujifilm X-T50, personally. It’s fun, and offers a divergent experience from the other retro-inspired models. But, no camera is perfect, and none are for everyone. Each person has their own preferences. I think the X-T50 will, generally speaking, appeal more to non-Fujifilm photographers than current Fujifilm owners. On one hand, that’s really good. The X-T50 will be a lot of people’s gateway into Fujifilm. On the other hand, there are plenty of people who will complain that Fujifilm should have designed it another way. I do wish that the new knob had been implemented just a little differently, but I completely understand why they did it. Just because this camera might be more well-received by those buying their first Fujifilm model, doesn’t mean that current Fujifilm enthusiasts can’t or won’t like it, too, because I think many will (I enjoyed it); however, there are some who definitely won’t.
The Fujifilm X-T50 is brilliant, as it blurs the line a little between digital and analog, and gives users a unique photography experience. I have no doubts that the Fujifilm X-T50 will be a huge success, and the new Film Dial will be a big reason for it.
This post contains affiliate links, and if you make a purchase using my links I’ll be compensated a small amount for it.
Fujifilm X-T50 in black:
Amazon, B&H, Moment, Wex
Fujifilm X-T50 in silver:
Amazon, B&H, Moment, Wex
Fujifilm X-T50 in charcoal:
Amazon, B&H, Moment, Wex
Example pictures, all camera-made JPEGs using various Film Simulation Recipes on a Fujifilm X-T50:
See also:
How To Add Film Simulation Recipes To Your Fujifilm Camera
The Essential 7 Film Simulation Recipes to Program Into Your Fujifilm Camera First
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