Having arrived two years after the previous X100T model, the Fujifilm X100F predictably sweeps up a whole range of features that have surfaced inside many X-series models released between the two.
Much like previous X100-series members, it can't be said to be a huge departure from the model it updates, but many X100T owners will still no doubt be wondering whether the newer arrival is worth the upgrade.
For the benefit of those users, and anyone else torn between the two, here is a quick summary of the similarities and differences between the core feature set.
Design and ergonomics
The X100F’s rear plate is decidedly more minimal in design than the X100T’s, with just a handful of physical controls, many of which are easily accessible with the right-hand thumb. This contrasts with the more even distribution around the X100T’s back-plate, which saw buttons lining both sides of the rear display.
As with the X-T2 and X-Pro2, Fujifilm has integrated a joystick-type among these. This is principally used to help to speed up AF point selection, and is a very welcome control on such a camera, although it can also be used for other operative tasks.
X100T - Front
X100F - Front
The previously seen combined ISO/shutter speed dial has also made it across to the X100F, and this is a feature that’s split opinion, ever since the first version* of this control appeared on the X-T2’s body.
Proponents will argue that it provides convenient access to the camera’s sensitivity settings and shutter speed while those opposed to it highlight the fiddly nature of the control and the awkwardly small window through which ISO is viewed.
The presence of this control means that you can no longer change ISO through the menu system, something the X100T allowed. Those who tend to stick to Auto ISO may not be bothered either way, but if you find yourself changing this with some frequency it’s likely you will have a preference for one way or another.
Fujifilm has also now integrated a command dial around the X100F’s front plate, while a smaller change is that the exposure compensation dial now gains a ‘C’ option that allows you to dial in up to -/+5EV.
*Unlike the X-Pro2’s dial, the dial on the X100F lacks a locking button in its centre, and also finishes its shutter speed range at 1/4000sec rather than the X-Pro2’s 1/8000sec.
Image Quality
For many people the sensor is what matters the most in a new camera, and the two models very much show their age here.
Whereas the X100T makes use of the APS-C-sized 16. 3MP X-Trans CMOS II sensor that also appeared inside the previous X100S, the X100T inherits the newer 24. 3MP, third-generation alternative that featured inside the X-Pro2 and X-T2. This is quite a step up and, among other things, makes the X100F’s images better suited to heavier cropping.
X100T - Back
X100F - Back
The X100F also gains the latest X-Processor Pro engine, first seen inside the X-Pro2 but later incorporated into the X-T2 and X-T20. Further additions include the previously seen monochrome ACROS Film Simulation option and a two-strength Grain mode, features that were not included in the X100T nor made available through a subsequent firmware update.
As with the remainder of the X100 line, both the X100T and X100F are designed with the same Fujinon 23mm f/2 lens that provides the user with a focal length equivalent to 35mm (in 35mm terms). Should you want to shoot with a different focal length, you can attach the new WCL-X100 II or TCL-X100 II conversion lenses, which provide effective focal lengths equivalent to 23mm and 50mm respectively.
Special Features
As with the X-T2, Fujifilm has almost doubled the number of focusing points from the X100T, with 91 against the previous 49. This can also be expanded to 325 points where required, and, thanks to the new processor, AF speeds are also said to be as fast as 0. 08sec.
Fujifilm has also raised the 6fps burst rate of the X100T to 8fps for the X100F, and expanded the buffer to maintain this speed for longer. The specs of the hybrid viewfinder are broadly similar to before, although its upped the refresh rate of the electronic viewfinder to 60fps – admittedly a minor increase from the X100T’s 54fps.
X100F - Top
X100F - Top
Up until the X100F, Fujifilm’s X100 models all used the same NP-95 battery. The X100F, however, adopts the more powerful NP-W126S battery that ships with the X-Pro 2 and X-T2, as well as the more recent X-T20.
This battery is said to provide approximately 390 shots per charge when using the optical viewfinder, which compares favourably with the 330-shot life of the X100T, and around 270 when using the electronic one.
Video Quality
Sadly, the option to record 4K video that was first seen on the X-Pro2 hasn't trickled down to the X100F. Like the X100T, the X100F still records Full HD footage at a wide choice of frame rates from 24fps to 60fps, and does so for up to 14 minutes at a time (or 27 minutes when set to standard HD quality).
Conclusions
In a nutshell, the X100F picks up where the X100T left off, boosting its sensor and processing engine to the current X-series standard and making its AF system more powerful, while tweaking the design for more refined operation.
So, on top of a handful of more minor tweaks, is this enough to persuade existing X100T owners to ditch their cameras and trade up? Perhaps not. That’s not to say the improvements aren't valid, of course, just that Fujifilm got a lot right with the X100T, with the benefit of feedback from its initial X100 and X100S offerings.
The current wide difference in asking price between the two is yet another factor that may discourage X100T users, so unless you’re new to the line and have to have the very best compact Fujifilm has to offer, you’ll no doubt view the X100T as a mightily compelling option at a far more reasonable price.
. digitalrev.com2017-2-17 03:00
