The Ultimate Fujifilm X100T Review

The Fujifilm X100T is the third generation of the brilliant, retro-styled X100 camera. The original X100 was the camera that first drew me to Fujifilm and to mirrorless photography back in early 2011. From there, I upgraded to the Fujifilm X100S, a camera that quite literally went everywhere with me in its little brown leather case, documenting some of my favourite memories from 2013 and 2014, including encounters with Jim Broadbent, Two Door Cinema Club, and Vivian Campbell, to name just a few.

When Fujifilm announced the X100T, I initially assumed it would be an incremental update to the X100 line. I found myself wondering what they could realistically change—and how they could improve on what I already considered a work of brilliance in the X100S. Early commentary from other photographers suggested the same: the lens was unchanged, the sensor was the same, and physically the camera looked almost identical. On paper, there didn’t seem to be enough to justify an upgrade.

However, within minutes of using the X100T, the differences were immediately apparent. This is a genuine leap forward but please don’t mistake that statement as dismissive of the X100S. It remains a superb camera. Where the X100S is smart, the X100T is a genius. It feels as though Fujifilm has packed a supercomputer into this camera, both in terms of features and performance.

The Fujifilm X100T Buttons

One of the first things I noticed was the revised button layout compared to the X100S. The buttons feel firmer and of higher quality, there’s a new dedicated Wi-Fi button, and the rotating wheel found on the X100S has been replaced with a four-button directional selector, similar to those on the X-E2 and X-T1.

Change can be a challenge, but interestingly the new layout feels entirely natural—both ergonomically and in terms of placement. Fujifilm consulted extensively with professional X100-series photographers during development, and it clearly shows. The revised button layout and control system are definite improvements.

Function Buttons

Another major upgrade is the level of customisation now available. Both the Fn buttons and the Q menu can be easily configured to suit your shooting style. This isn’t limited to the small Fn button on the top plate—all seven buttons on the rear of the camera can be reassigned. It’s a genuinely brilliant addition.

LCD and Viewfinder

Everything about the X100T has been refined. The hybrid viewfinder has been updated, now offering 92% coverage and enhanced functionality—particularly for manual focus users. The rear LCD has also been upgraded to a 3.0-inch, 1.04-million-dot display, delivering excellent image previews and a sharp live view.

The new optical viewfinder (OVF) is an absolute joy to use. I have every available overlay option enabled, allowing me to see virtually every aspect of the image while composing. It even provides a magnified digital preview of the focus area in the bottom-right corner of the finder. Images simply don’t do the OVF justice—you really have to experience it in person to appreciate how impressive it is.

Film Simulation: Classic Chrome

I habitually shoot RAW, but over the years I’ve come to fully appreciate the quality of JPEG files produced by Fujifilm’s X-series cameras. Recently, I’ve moved away from shooting RAW+JPEG and now shoot JPEG only. There are several advantages to this approach: you can store more images on a memory card, write speeds are faster, and JPEGs can be transferred wirelessly without requiring in-camera conversion.

The real benefit, however, lies in Fujifilm’s film simulation modes.

The addition of Classic Chrome is particularly welcome. Like the other simulations, it remains true to its film roots and produces results that are considerably better than anything I can replicate in post-processing. The JPEG output from Fujifilm cameras is exceptional, and I suspect the X100T will remain locked in Classic Chrome for most of my shooting—the tonal rendering is simply beautiful.

Note: If you prefer to shoot RAW and use Adobe Lightroom, you can still apply Fujifilm film simulations by navigating to the Camera Calibration panel in the Develop module and selecting a profile from the Profiledropdown.

In addition to film simulations, the X100T includes eight “artistic” filter effects. While modes such as Toy Camera and Miniature feel slightly out of place on a camera of this calibre (at least to me), it’s good to see the excellent panorama feature carried over from the X100S. Banding remains a rare issue.

Fujifilm X100T Focus Options

Autofocus performance on the X100T feels even quicker than on the X100S—which was already impressive. The progress made since the original X100 is remarkable. Combine this speed with the improved OVF and the result is a thoroughly enjoyable photographic experience.

The X100T introduces both face detection and multi-target focus areas. I’ve used both extensively and found them reliable in a range of scenarios. Face detection, in particular, works with impressive accuracy and is ideal for social photography. While the multi-target system is useful, I expect to switch mainly between single-point AF and face detection.

Another major improvement is that spot metering now follows the focus point. Move the focus area, and the metering adjusts accordingly. This is a very welcome change and will be especially useful for music photography.

Fujifilm X100T Wi-Fi

Fujifilm’s Wi-Fi implementation is excellent. I previously covered it in my X-T1 review, and the X100T uses the same system. Features include:

• Live view on a smartphone or tablet
• Remote capture
• Image preview
• Wireless transfer of up to 30 images
• GPS data tagging during capture

The free Fujifilm Wi-Fi app is available from the relevant app stores and is simple to use.

Fujifilm X100T: Network Autosave

The X100T also allows images to be automatically transferred to a computer over Wi-Fi. Setup takes only a few minutes through the camera menu. I found the manual setup easier than the “Simple” option—just enter your Wi-Fi key and install the PC Autosave application (a Mac version is also available).

Once paired, images can be sent wirelessly to a chosen folder using the playback menu. While not a replacement for tethered shooting, it’s a useful option—though still slower than a USB cable or card reader.

Fujifilm X100T USB Charging

The X100 series has always focused on simplicity, and the X100T takes this further with USB charging—a first for me in a camera. It’s perfect for travel photography. The X100T already offers the longest battery life in the X range, rated at 330 shots, or up to 700 shots with OVF Power Save enabled.

Being able to charge the camera via USB means you can travel extremely light and top up the battery from a laptop or power bank. I’ve found this feature incredibly useful and detail my experience further in my Elgato Smart Power review.

Intervalometer

Unlike earlier models, the X100T includes a built-in intervalometer, removing the need for external accessories. You can set the interval, duration, and start time directly in the menu.

Battery life is often the biggest limitation for time-lapse photography, but USB power effectively allows the camera to run indefinitely. You can still use the camera while connected to USB—the battery doesn’t charge during use, but it doesn’t appear to drain either.

At 24 frames per second, the X100T’s 700-shot battery capacity equates to approximately 29 seconds of finished time-lapse footage.

Macro Mode

I regularly used macro mode on the X100S, but it feels noticeably improved on the X100T. Control is easier at shallow depths of field, and the resulting images are exceptionally sharp.

Depth of Field and Shutter Speed

The X100T features a 9-blade aperture diaphragm and an electronic shutter capable of 1/32,000 sec. This is a massive improvement over the X100S’s 1/4,000 sec limit. The faster shutter allows you to shoot wide open in bright conditions while still achieving beautifully blurred backgrounds—something that was frustratingly difficult on sunny days with the X100S.

The X100T feels noticeably faster, both when capturing images and navigating menus. Everything feels immediate—from adjusting settings via the Q menu to moving through the refined menu system.

Fujifilm X100T Accessories

This is my first black X100-series camera, having previously used silver versions. While the colour obviously has no impact on image quality, it does mean rethinking accessories.

I’ve replaced my original brown leather case with Fujifilm’s black leather case, which is just as well made and offers excellent everyday protection. The updated design includes a small access door for the battery and SD card.

I’ve also added the dedicated X100T lens hood. On photo walks, I use the lower half of the case with the hood attached. My existing Lee Filters X100 system remains compatible, so I’m looking forward to experimenting with long exposures. Check out: 5 Essential Accessories for the Fujifilm X100VI

Fujifilm X100T Conclusion

If you’re currently using a DSLR, the Fujifilm X100T may be the best introduction to mirrorless photography available. For years, I missed shots simply because I didn’t have a camera with me. The X100T is compact and light enough to go anywhere, yet powerful enough to handle a wide range of photographic situations with ease.

I genuinely didn’t think Fujifilm could significantly improve on the X100S yet there are still enhancements I haven’t even covered here, many of which I suspect will feature in future posts.

This isn’t really a conclusion; it’s the beginning. The X100T is a worthy successor to the X100S as my everyday, take-everywhere camera—and the adventure is just getting started. I can’t recommend it highly enough.

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100 Photos captured with the Fujifilm X100VI
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