Yesterday Fujifilm announced their successor for the x100t, the x100f. As a huge fan of the X100t and long time owner, I was keeping an eye out for the successor and whether it would convince me to upgrade. The short answer is that although it looks good, I’m not upgrading and I suspect you won’t either.
The x100f looks great
Let’s start with what’s good about the new X100f. It certainly has had some nice improvements that are worth praising as they have dealt with some of the issues of the X100 series.
These include
- shifting the controls across to the right hand side
- a new 24megapixel sensor (the same as the x-Pro2 and X-T2)
- new film simulations like Acros
- a larger battery (although all your old batteries no longer fit)
- the dedicated ISO dial in the shutter control
Those are some nice features, the new layout in particular is a great advance over the old one and will help avoid some accidental button pressing and make the finger positioning more natural…but.
the X100t is still great
The X100t hasn’t got any worse (well mine is a little battered now but its minor wear and tear) and it still has the same great spec as before. My photos haven’t got any worse since yesterday. The only difference is there is something newer and shiny out there. This is one of those logical fallacies whereby our frame of reference changes so it makes things seem more different than they really are.
It doesn’t seem to address my main issues
I wrote some of my main wishes in a camera upgrade for the X100t and my gripes with the x100t, it was interesting to see what Fuji addressed and the issues that I didn’t really appreciate but am glad they did tackle (like the controls). However, my main issues (like weather proofing) still haven’t been addressed. Sure, I no longer feel like I need nor want a full frame version but there are other issues I wish they had addressed.
More megapixels, More problems
More megapixels means larger files and can make each megapixel lower quality (I’m not saying the second issue is the case here. The pixels usually improve fast enough that the quality issues caused by placing them next to each other aren’t an issue.) With the way I store image, I don’t necessarily want a larger file taking up more space, especially as I don’t usually crop my images.
A new camera won’t make me a better photographer
There are some exceptions to this statement where a different camera can open up some new possibilities that you couldn’t get with the same camera you normally shoot, but the idea that a new camera will make us magically better is a lie marketing companies tell us to sell stuff we don’t need. The X100F mostly focuses on experience improvements (battery life, controls etc) with one or two image quality improvement (the higher megapixel count and new film simulations). The higher megapixel count I’ve already mentioned the downsides (especially as I don’t specialise in high detailed images) and the new film simulation can be recreated after the fact with a film filter app like VSCO.
I’d rather spend the money on something else
One of the cognitive biases we often do is compare doing something with not. When in reality we can usually do other things instead. For example, instead of thinking
Do I buy this new camera or not
It’s better to ask
Do I buy this camera for $1000 or get the old version for half that price and buy a couple of photobooks and a flight somewhere.
A whole new camera for cheap
If you have an X100t and want to get a new experience for cheaper, here are a few ideas.
- Try out the TCL-X100 tele converter (and shoot at 50mm equivalent)
- Try out the WCL-x100 wide converter (and shoot at 28mm equivalent)
- Get a new strap
- Get a leather case for the camera
- Get a grip for the x100t
- Use a different film simulation than your normal one
- Upgrade your SD card
- Change what function your buttons serve
If my fuji x100t dies then I’d almost certainly get the X100F, likewise, if someone asked what camera they should get for street photography, I’d have the X100F as one of my top picks.
yuri rasin says
Good points Chris. Who i can see upgrading: 1- someone switching from another camera system (like me) 2- someone who can afford it 3- someone who is just not happy with their current gear (and can afford it)
In the end – cameras dont make pictures, people do!
Chris Wilson says
Good points Yuri, I can certainly see why someone would buy this as their first camera (or if their camera died) and I think it does make some good improvements, but as you say. Camera’s don’t make pictures, people do (well and light 😉
@streetfujiman says
I agree with all of this. As a lover of my X100t and street photographer I was hoping that the F might actually get simpler rather than more complex. I long for the day when Fujifilm come up with the equivalent of the Leica M -D – minimal menus, no rear screen (yes!) or at least a reversible one like the new Olympus Pen. For me simpler is better.
Chris Wilson says
I think there has been a bit of simplification with some of these controls. A couple of buttons are gone, they’ve been moved to the same side, ISO now has it’s own dial. Of course, it could go further (I have little Lecia hands on experience so I can’t vouch that it would be better). A reversible rear screen could be a great option (especially for some low level shooting). I have mine off most of the time to save power anyway!
Zoran Krnjajic says
Both thumbs down!
Chris Wilson says
Hi Zoran, Do you mean both thumbs down to the X100f or to my reasons for not upgrading?
Tom says
Thanks for sharing your thoughts Chris!
The X100F sure seems to be the best X100 to date but as you point out the X100T doesn’t suddenly stop being good at what it does; taking pictures.
I will continue shooting with the T and use your tip by saving money for travel. So many beautiful places to visit with the X100 and take some good memories back!
Regards from Holland,
Tom
Chris Wilson says
Great perspective Tom, I agree it does sound the best X100 yet and If I were to get into the x100 series, I may well start with the x100F, but it’s certainly not a must buy upgrade. Have great fun making your memories!
ichsan says
Hi Chris nice perspective. What do you think about upgrading from x100s to X100F, I haven’t try x100t yet so i have no idea about the T. Thanks
Chris Wilson says
I think the F (and to some degree the T) have a couple of features over the S that might well make it worth upgrading (though I know the S is no bad camera). I find the Wifi to be very useful in my T and that’s obviously in the F, The F has the upgraded sensor, some new film simulations and the twin viewfinder (I don’t use that too often, but when I do, I like that I have it). Plus the F seems to have a much improved performance in terms of speed with focus, number of shots per second and the buffer time.
I think you could be very happy with an S and not upgrade, but if you’ve had it for a while, can afford the upgrade and one of those features really appeals to you, then why not. (maybe you can try it in a shop or rent it to get a better idea).
Johan says
All true, and a good article, but I guess the second part of your statement is open for interpretation: “I’m not upgrading and I suspect you won’t either.” History learns that people will upgrade once there is something new. And no matter how you look at it; the X100F brings stuff to the table (e.g. ACROS, 24mp sensor) that the X100T doesn’t have.
Personally I will only upgrade when Fujifilm introduces a WR version. But I suspect that many people will sell the “T” and upgrade to the “F” once it becomes widely available.
Chris Wilson says
good points Johan and since I first wrote this I’m starting to think that there are a couple of features that could make the X100F an appealing upgrade to many people. The reason I stated that I suspect people who are reading this aren’t interested in upgrading is that they probably searched for this article and if they started to read it, they probably are looking for reasons not to upgrade. Maybe I’m wrong about that though. Thanks for your input.
Maciek says
I know that this post is two-years-old now but only now did I come to your website 🙂
I would mention two more advantages of X100F: joystick and front command dial – both very useful!
And about battery: I use batteries from my old X-T10 with X100F and I didn’t notice any problems 🙂
That said I agree that X100T is still amazing camera 🙂
P.S. Do you still live in Krakow? I studied there (AGH) and I’m going to run in Cracow’s Royal Half Marathon in two weeks from now 😉
Best regards from Rzeszów
Chris Wilson says
Hi Maciek, I’m so sorry for the late reply. I was busy with work and becoming a father and left this blog by the side for a while. Those are definitely some great advantages of the 100F and I’m sure I’d enjoy it more than the 100T (I know Martin Waltz sings its praises) and perhaps I’ll upgrade when the next 100 series comes out.
I am still in Kraków. Well, technically Wielicka. I’d love to visit Rzeszow sometime, if just to force my folks to try and pronounce its name 😉