Not everyone is aware of which cameras are currently available in the Fujifilm X-series lineup, or who each one might be for. I did this last year, and thought it would be good to update it for 2024. These are my opinions, and not everyone is likely to agree with them, but I hope that some of you will find this helpful.
If you are looking for the too-long-didn’t-read version, it’s simply this: the X-H2/X-H2s is the premium flagship, the X-T5 is the top-notch retro-styled option, the X-T50 is nearly as good as the X-T5 but with a few notable differences, the X100VI is impossible to get, the X-S20 is the smaller sibling of the X-H line, the X-T30 II is the oldest option but is the best value for stills, and the X-M5 is the newest camera and is pretty good for a base-level model. Oh, and there’s a bonus at the end.
Fujifilm X-H2 / X-H2s
The X-H2 and X-H2s are Fujifilm’s flagship X-series models. These are top-of-the-line hybrid cameras with the greatest features. The X-H2s has a stacked 26mp X-Trans V sensor for maximum speed—think sports and wildlife—while the X-H2 has a high-resolution 40mp X-Trans V sensor. I’ve met a number of talented and successful photographers and videographers who use these models for their professional work, and they speak quite highly of them.
Fujifilm intended the X-H2 and X-H2s to compete against the Canikony brands. Fujifilm wanted those unhappy with their Canon, Nikon, or Sony models—particularly the lower-to-mid-tier full-frame bodies (the GFX line competes more against higher-end full-frame)—to take a close look at these cameras. It seems to be a successful strategy; my rough guestimate from my own experiences within the community is that more than half of those who purchased an X-H2/X-H2s did so as their first Fujifilm model.
If you are coming from another brand and want the easiest transition and also the top-of-the-line model, the X-H2/X-H2s is my best recommendation. For a pro (or aspiring pro) photographer or videographer, this definitely should be strongly considered. Personally, I don’t like the PASM dial philosophy, and so these models are not for me. For those who appreciate Fujifilm’s traditional tactile controls and vintage styling, the X-H2 and X-H2s might not be for you, either; however, no camera is for everyone, and just because this camera “isn’t for me” doesn’t mean that it shouldn’t exist, because there definitely is a need for it, and some people really love this line.
Fujifilm X-H2:
Amazon, B&H, Moment, WEX, Nuzira
Fujifilm X-H2s:
Amazon, B&H, Moment, WEX, Nuzira
Fujifilm X-T5
The Fujifilm X-T5 is nearly as capable as the Fujifilm X-H2, but smaller, lighter, and cheaper, and with traditional tactile controls and vintage styling. This camera is no video slouch, but it is a bit more stills-orientated than the flagship line. It has the 40mp X-Trans V sensor, and competes well against some full-frame models. If you want the full Fujifilm experience, this is my top recommended camera. I know some who use the X-T5 for both professional stills and video work, so it is more than capable for whatever it is you need to capture.
From what I can tell, the majority of people who own an X-T5 have previously owned other Fujifilm models. It’s not typically one’s introduction to the X-series. I purchased the X-T5 immediately after it was released, and I have no regrets—it’s a great camera! If you have an older Fujifilm model that you’d like to upgrade from—or a lower-tier body that you want to step-up from—the X-T5 is one to strongly consider.
Fujifilm X-T5 in black:
Amazon, B&H, Moment, Wex, Nuzira
Fujifilm X-T5 in silver:
Amazon, B&H, Moment, Wex, Nuzira
Fujifilm X-T50
The Fujifilm X-T50 is the X-T5’s little brother—the technical specs are pretty much identical, and it is essentially equally as capable. The X-T50 is smaller, lighter, and cheaper. It is not weather-sealed (although I’ve taken it out in the rain a few times with no issues), has only one SD-Card slot, and a lower-quality EVF. Also, instead of an ISO Dial (something that the X-T00 series has never had, but the X-T0 series does have), the X-T50 has a Film Dial, which I personally like, but not everyone does.
Between the X-T5 and X-T50, I think if you are new to Fujifilm, I would steer you towards the X-T50; however, if you’ve been in the system awhile, the X-T5 is better and not all that much more expensive. Since the X-T50 is smaller and more lightweight, it might be the better option for travel or walk-around photography. You cannot go wrong with either, but the X-T5 is the more premium option of the two, if you are simply after the best. I like both models, and appreciate them for different reasons.
Fujifilm X-T50 in black:
Amazon, B&H, Moment, Wex, Nuzira
Fujifilm X-T50 in silver:
Amazon, B&H, Moment, Wex, Nuzira
Fujifilm X-T50 in charcoal:
Amazon, B&H, Moment, Wex
Fujifilm X100VI
This is the camera that everyone wants but few can get. The X100VI is by far the most pre-ordered camera in the history of photography, with unprecedented demand. Some who ordered one on the first day that it was available for purchase are still waiting. If you want to buy one, you’ll have to get in a really long line. I was quick to get my preorder in, but I still had to wait a little while; those who weren’t quite as fast have been waiting a lot longer, unfortunately.
The Fujifilm X100VI is my desert-island camera. If I could only ever have one model for the rest of my life, it would be this one. I almost always have it with me. I love the 23mm f/2 fixed lens, the leaf shutter, built-in ND filter, hybrid EVF/OVF, etc., etc.. This camera is extremely difficult to get right now, but hopefully it will be a little easier in 2025. Fujifilm has been manufacturing them at about 4 times the rate that they did the X100V, and eventually they’ll get caught up.
Fujifilm X100VI in black:
Amazon, B&H, Moment, Wex, Nuzira
Fujifilm X100VI in silver:
Amazon, B&H, Moment, Wex, Nuzira
Fujifilm X-S20
The X-S20 is the little brother of the X-H line. It has a 26mp X-Trans IV sensor paired with the X-Trans V processor. While it is a very capable stills camera, it is more video-centric, and is especially appealing for video content creators. I talked with several professional videographers who own both this and an X-H model, and they like using this camera over the flagship model for more casual work, such as social media videos and shorter-length YouTube videos. A couple even told me that the X-S20 is their top favorite Fujifilm X-series model.
This is another Fujifilm camera that has PASM and is intended to attract Canikony brand photographers. It competes well against Canikony brand APS-C and even some low-tier full frame offerings. From my experience, the majority of people who purchased it did so as their first Fujifilm model. It’s a great option for someone just getting into the system—especially if they’re more interested in video than stills—or as a smaller and lighter companion to their X-H2/X-H2s.
Fujifilm X-S20:
Amazon, B&H, Moment, WEX, Nuzira
Fujifilm X-T30 II
The Fujifilm X-T30 II is the oldest X-series camera that Fujifilm is currently selling. It is quickly approaching the three-years-old mark, but it was an extremely minor refresh (mostly, just a firmware update) over the nearly identical X-T30, which was released in 2019. It uses the same X-Trans IV sensor as the X-S20, but with the X-Trans IV processor (not X-Trans V).
While the X-T30 II is quite similar to the X-T50, Fujifilm has stated that the X-T50 is not its successor. Aside from the newer sensor and processor, as well as a Film Dial instead of a Drive Dial, the X-T50 has IBIS, is marginally larger and heavier, and is significantly more expensive. While I have seen some amazing video work created with an X-T30 II, the camera is definitely more stills-centric. If you’re not especially interested in video, and simply want the best value camera that will do well for photography, the X-T30 II is my top recommendation, and is an excellent introduction to Fujifilm or a good upgrade from an older model. If video is important, or if you just want the more premium option, the X-T50 is a great alternative.
Fujifilm X-T30 II in black:
Amazon, B&H, Moment, Wex, Nuzira
Fujifilm X-T30 II in silver:
Amazon, B&H, Moment, Wex, Nuzira
Fujifilm X-M5
The X-M5 is the newest camera from Fujifilm. It is both their smallest and most affordable model, and is very well equipped for its price point. One notable feature that its missing is an EVF. Like the X-S20, it has a 26mp X-Trans IV sensor paired with the X-Trans V processor. I think it could be an excellent first camera for someone, a solid upgrade from an old X-A model, or a good travel option due to its diminutive size.
For stills photography, if you can spend a little more, the X-T30 II is a step up despite being much older. For video, the X-M5 is better than the X-T30 II, but not quite as good as the X-S20 or X-T50; however, those cameras are a lot more money.
Fujifilm X-M5 in black:
B&H, Moment, Wex, Nuzira
Fujifilm X-M5 in silver:
B&H, Moment, Wex, Nuzira
Fujifilm X-T4 ES
This is kind of a bonus. The Fujifilm X-T4 ES (Extended Spectrum) infrared camera is a unique model that’s not necessarily easy to get. It’s an “ordinary” X-T4, but without the IR filter that is normally over the sensor, which means it is sensitive to the invisible light spectrum—both IR and UV (a.k.a. “full spectrum”). As far as I’m aware, you can only buy it from B&H right now, and only as a special item, which means that you either have to call them or go in-person to their store. I’ve been having a blast with it, the X-T4 ES is so much fun!
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