16 Jun
Blog

Fujifilm X-T200 Review: All the Camera You Need

Fujifilm x T200 review product DM 1500px6

Fujifilm X-T200 review: all the cameras you need

"With substance and style, Fuji's second attempt at an X-T entry-level camera is successful."

  • Great design

  • Function control layout

  • Large high resolution screen

  • 4K / 30 video

  • Improved auto focus

  • No image stabilization in the body

  • Continuous AF could be better

When I complained about the slow autofocus of the Fujifilm X-T100 in my video review in 2018, I did a lot of flack on YouTube.

"Dude, what do you expect from this camera? This is an entry-level camera (sic). Lol, ”said an angry observer.

"OMG is realistic," said another.

What people seemed to be missing is that autofocus performance is at least as important in entry-level cameras as it is in professional models.

Yes, there are high-end cameras that have been specially developed for shooting sports and offer autofocus performance beyond the rest. For the most part, however, a professional or enthusiastic photographer is the one who spends more time on exposure – they can afford to be patient. Because of this, the Hasselblad X1D II 50C can have a notoriously slow auto focus, and still costs $ 5,750.

You can find Leica rangefinders worth over $ 8,000 that have no auto focus at all.

However, a casual photographer who tries to take a photo of his child or dog does not have the luxury of patience. The camera has to work. Now.

The X-T100 looked even worse after Sony brought its real-time autofocus to the entry-level A6100. There is no longer an excuse for an entry-level camera with poor autofocus.

When the X-T100 has fiddled, the X-T200 has picked up the ball and started running. It brings back everything I loved about the X-T100 while fixing its biggest problems. This is Fujifilm's biggest effort so far to produce a premium camera for an entry-level customer.

At $ 600 for the camera body or $ 700 with a 15-45mm kit lens (tested), this is also an exceptional value.

design

It may be an entry-level camera, but the X-T200 is the photographic equivalent of getting dressed for the job you want, not the job you have. Style is still Fujifilm's main advantage over rival Sony, and I don't think that's a point that needs to be emphasized lightly. The appearance of a camera can inspire you to use it. If all other factors are the same, you can choose the camera that looks best around your neck.

Nor is it all form about function. The multiple dials that give the camera its retro look offer a lot of direct access control, but are easily ignored by anyone who finds their presence complicated. Compared to single-digit X-T cameras, the X-T200 may have run down, but you still have special dials for shutter speed and aperture, so many entry-level cameras, especially DSLRs, don't require a modifier button.

There is also a function wheel on the left shoulder that can be programmed for numerous settings. By default, film simulations (color profiles, with any other name) are run, but I found that reprogramming for ISO control was much more useful – and brought it in line with my personal X-T2, which has a dedicated ISO dial-up position .

Compared to the X-T100, it usually runs as usual, but there are some notable design changes. The first is the built-in handle. Because it's so small, it's not the most ergonomic grip in the world, but it helps your hand find a solid buy for the camera. On the other hand, this somewhat ruins the clean lines that have given the X-T100 such a classic, minimalist look. This camera was supplied with a screw-on accessory handle.

The electronic viewfinder with 2.36 million points is unchanged, but that's pretty solid for this camera class. However, the LCD touchscreen is new. It measures 3.5 inches with a resolution of 2.78 million pixels in a 16: 9 ratio, making it larger and sharper than the X-T100. This screen is shared with the X-T200's sister camera, the Fujifilm X-A7, and is one of the best I've used for an entry-level camera.

On the back of the camera is the four-way button cluster of the X-T100, which has been replaced by a joystick to select the auto focus point. Although I appreciate the recording, I would prefer to have both the joystick and the buttons, but such a setup seems to be reserved for single-digit X-T cameras. It wouldn't have matched the new, wider touchscreen, which also offers a new user interface – also borrowed from the X-A7 – to replace some of the functions of lost keys.

However, the X-A7 does not have a viewfinder. With this camera you always stare at the LCD screen. Touch controls are therefore more useful. You can see what you need to touch. However, if you keep an eye on the viewfinder of the X-T200, you cannot use the touch controls. Physical buttons that let you navigate by feel would have worked better.

This is an admittedly minor complaint. The X-T200 offers more control than most customers want or need.

Image quality and functions

I appreciate the level of control for manual mode, but the truth is that most people who buy the X-T200 are likely to rely on automatic exposure at least initially. Fortunately, that works well too.

Fujifilm's Advanced Scene Recognition Auto mode (identified by the SR position on the mode dial) adapts to the scene and subject. I found that it did a good job of both focusing and exposure, balancing highlights and shadows in a high-contrast scene. Portraits (in this case selfies – hooray for social distancing) were exposed perfectly.

JPEGs, both in detail and in color, look fantastic directly from the camera, which is not surprising to Fujifilm. You can get more out of the files by shooting RAW, but casual photographers won't want to stick to JPEG.

When you put the screen in the selfie position, the auto focus for face and eye detection is automatically activated in every exposure mode (you can also activate it for non-selfies in the menu system). It worked very well, with the focus box sticking to my eye or face even when I moved the camera quickly.

While it performs admirably for single shots, it is a little less reliable for continuous shooting or video if the subject moves towards or away from the camera. Still, I think performance would be fine in most real-world situations. The camera records around 16 RAWs or 25 JPEGs at 8 frames per second, which is not bad for the class.

There are also numerous sub-modes for the self-timer to fire the camera based on what it sees. You can choose to have an image taken when a face, smile, "buddy" or group is displayed. I couldn't test the last two closely, but the triggers for face and smile work pretty well, though they didn't always recognize my smile (maybe it could see that I was faking it). I'm also not sure how useful it is to release the shutter when a face appears in the frame, but you might find a use for it.

What is more impressive is that it includes a number of advanced features that I would not expect from a camera of this level, such as interval shooting and time-lapse movies in the camera. There is also an advanced bracketing mode that allows you to set up to seven exposures in steps of 1/3 to 3 stops. There is even a built-in flash commander mode that enables remote flash control.

These are not features that the novice photographer is likely to deal with, but it's nice that Fujifilm includes them. It means that you should use the X-T200 sufficiently for some time.

Video

The X-T200 now offers true 4K images at 24 or 30 frames per second and is suitable for videos. The X-T100 offered 4K, but only at 15 fps, which basically makes it unusable.

And that's not all. The X-T200 can also record Full HD at 120 fps for slow motion playback. The clean HDMI output – but without 10-bit color or the flat F-Log profile from high-end Fujis – is suitable for use as a webcam. An HDR (High Dynamic Range) film mode helps maintain color and detail in high-contrast scenes, although it's limited to 1080p.

There is no sensor shift stabilization yet, but the optical stabilization in the kit lens works well for videos. There are also two forms of digital stabilization: Digital Image Stabilizer and Digital Gimbal. The latter is more extreme, but leads to a strong cropping of the video. In practice, I didn't find that useful either – but maybe a non-stabilized lens would help with standard digital stabilization. If you were not filming while running, I would avoid the digital gimbal as it sacrifices too much resolution.

For reasons I don't understand, the lowest ISO available in film mode is 400 – compared to 200 for still images – which can be problematic when shooting outdoors in direct sunlight. However, you can at least record videos in full manual exposure by turning the mode dial to M and then pressing the appropriate start / stop button for recording. If you instead turn the mode dial to the red film mode icon, you are limited to automatic exposure.

Our opinion

The X-T200 is exactly the camera it needs to be. While performance may not be perfect, it is far above the frustrating X-T100. It is a capable and elegant machine for the casual photographer.

Enthusiasts might want to save for the X-T30, which is between the X-T200 and the flagship X-T3 and X-T4, but I was still pleasantly surprised by the wealth of advanced features of the X-T200. Not only is this a great first camera for beginners, it also offers plenty of room to grow for anyone who wants to turn their photographic hobby into a passion.

Is there a better alternative?

The Sony A6100 is the obvious comparison. It's the winner when it comes to autofocus, but otherwise the X-T200 is the nicer camera. Sony's screen is much less detailed at 3 inches and less than a million pixels. The situation is similar with the EVF, which has only 1.44 million pixels. The X-T200 simply feels like a premium product, even if it doesn't outperform the A6100.

How long it will take?

In contrast to the X-T100, the X-T200 is designed for several years. From the point of view of specifications, I don't see much room for significant improvement, other than minor improvements and continued auto focus optimizations.

Should you buy it

Yes. For most people, the X-T200 is the camera you need – but I would recommend investing in some better lenses.

Editor's recommendations




11 Mar
Blog

Fujifilm X-T4 Hands-on Review: Near Photographic Perfection

Fujifilm X-T4

Fujifilm X-T4

"There is still room for improvement, but the X-T4 is the closest to the perfect camera."

  • Great 5-axis stabilization

  • Fully movable screen

  • 600-shot battery

  • Mechanical shutter at 15 frames per second

  • Refined video control

  • RIP headphone jack

  • No high-resolution recording mode

When Fujifilm launched the X-T4 in February, I was concerned that we finally had the perfect camera. It was supposed to fix every problem I've ever addressed with previous X-T flagships by adding image stabilization in the body, a fully moving screen and (finally!) A higher capacity battery. Would I have nothing more to list in the "Disadvantages" section?

Fortunately, from a reviewer's perspective, there is still room for criticism. Fujifilm's inexplicable decision to take a step out of Apple's book and remove the headphone jack isn't the end of the world, but it's a disappointment.

When the capabilities and costs of a product like the X-T4 improve, expectations also change. A missing function that I may have previously ignored is suddenly a point of longing. And when the price of this mark approaches $ 2,000, the inevitable comparison with full-frame cameras becomes part of the conversation.

But don't be upset about Fujifilm fans. The X-T4 may not be perfect, but it is a class-defining camera and one of the most sophisticated and feature-rich cameras at all costs.

Note: I was provided with a pre-production camera for this practical device, which still had some errors and inconsistencies in the fit and finish. I have not included these questions in my judgment.

New functions and improvements

The X-T4 looks like an X-T3 that has been in the gym for a few months. Although the difference is small and difficult to discern without direct comparison, it is physically larger and heavier and more robust in the hand.

This Swol frame supports a 5-axis IBIS (In-Body Image Stabilization) system, a variable-angle LCD screen that folds forward a full 180 degrees, and a 2200 mAh battery – about 1,000 mAh more than the previous battery.

This is not the first time that we have seen the sensor displacement stabilize in the Fujifilm X series. This loan goes to the larger and more expensive Fujifilm X-H1; A camera that I praised for its video functions, but which was surpassed by the X-T3 in every way (except stabilization).

Fujifilm had to develop a completely new gimbal to integrate IBIS into the smaller X-T body style. In fact, however, it is better than the stabilization of the X-H1 and offers up to 6.5 levels of blur reduction on some lenses and no less than 5 on the others.

Interestingly, the optically stabilized lenses do not offer the best performance. Even the first generation primes, like my 35mm 1: 1.4R and 23mm 1: 1.4R, are suitable for 6.5 stops. In fact, the lowest rated lenses are among the optically stabilized sets, including the 80mm F2.8 OIS macro, which is the only lens that offers only 5 levels of blur reduction.

The X-T4 is not the first camera in the X series to have a fully moving screen. However, the X-T4 is the first flagship with such a screen and a blessing for vloggers and YouTubers who need an easy way to monitor themselves in front of the camera.

An articulated monitor isn't much of an advantage for Fujifilm's core audience of still photographers, but the X-T4 is ready to break out of the brand's niche. Because of the excellent video capabilities, I expect that many customers will use the new monitor.

Both still photographers and videographers will appreciate the larger battery. It is designed for up to 600 exposures in economy mode, 500 in normal mode and 480 in boost mode. For occasional use, there's nothing wrong with keeping the camera in economy mode, but I haven't found any reason to worry about battery life in boost mode either, which improves autofocus speed and LCD / EVF frame rates. This is the most comfortable way to use the camera.

design

Aside from major new features, a few small design improvements solidify the X-T4's position as a focal point for professionals.

The new shutter mechanism is designed for 300,000 exposures during its lifetime, twice as much as the X-T3. It can also shoot at 15 frames per second in continuous mode, an impressive feat for a mechanical shutter that can only be achieved by much more expensive, bespoke sports cameras.

For the inexperienced eye, the control layout looks identical to the X-T3, but a few buttons have been repositioned and a button change made: A switch for the still image / film mode has replaced the measurement mode selector switch nested under the shutter speed. This is a more intuitive way to activate film mode, which was previously just an option on the drive mode dial.

Still and film modes now have different menus, so you can save different settings for each mode. For hybrid shooters, this saves time and ensures that you don't accidentally forget to change a setting when you switch modes.

The video mode is largely the same as the X-T3 and internally records 10-bit 4K at up to 400 megabits per second. However, Full HD videos can now be recorded at 240 frames per second, even if cropped, for up to 10 times slow motion playback. You get better quality at lower frame rates, but it's fun.

However, a small change is an undeniable negative, and that is removing the headphone jack. The X-T3 and the X-T2 both offered this. Fujifilm includes a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter in the box, but is still an additional accessory that you need to carry with you. This is a strange omission for a camera that is otherwise friendly to videographers.

There is also no external charger included, although the camera can be charged via USB-C. Again, it's not a deal-breaker for the average user, but a bit strange for a camera that appeals to enthusiasts and professionals who often need to charge a battery while taking pictures with another. For those who need it, an optional dual battery charger will be available for $ 70.

I can't blame Fujifilm too much. This was probably a step to keep the cost of the camera as low as possible. At $ 1,700, the X-T4 starts at $ 300 less than the X-H1, but is a better camera in every way except that it doesn't have an upper LCD display.

Photo and video quality

The X-T4 uses the same 26-megapixel X-Trans sensor and the same X-processor-4 image processor as the previous model. So there is nothing new to say about RAW image quality. It's very good, although high ISO shots are certainly louder than the best full-frame cameras.

Without a new film simulation, however, this would not be a new Fujifilm camera, and with the X-T4 we get the Eterna Bleach Bypass. This is based on the Eterna simulation that was introduced with the X-H1 (which I liked very much), but mimics the film development technique known as bleaching bypass.

Skipping the bleaching step would leave a color film with the silver layer intact, which would result in a semi-transparent monochromatic image overlaid on a color photo. The result is an image with low saturation and high contrast.

The Eterna Bleach Bypass does not provide a look that everyone likes, but it is a unique in-camera effect that matches some motifs and moods. For this review I took all my pictures with a film simulation exposure series so that I can try out Eterna Bleach Bypass without taking the risk of sticking to it.

The film simulation exposure series applies up to three simulations to the same exposure and thus enables multiple looks (in my case Eterna Bleach Bypass, regular Eterna and Provia). This is not a big deal if you can shoot RAW and change profiles later, but JPEGs in the camera do not have the same flexibility.

However, the biggest contribution to image quality is the IBIS system. This allows you to shoot at slower shutter speeds without worrying about camera shake, which can result in sharper images. In some situations, shooting with a slower shutter will allow a lower ISO, resulting in less noise.

In practice, I am not sure that I have reached the full 6.5 stops with my lenses, but it is important to note that this rating comes from standard CIPA tests that only take pitch and yaw movement into account and vertical and horizontal shifts are ignored.

Nevertheless, I only shot 1/8 of a second with the 35 mm and achieved sharp, usable results. This is good enough for most situations. With the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III, you cannot take handheld night sky shots, but otherwise the stabilization of the X-T4 is excellent.

As with the X-H1, I recommend setting the stabilization to "continuous operation". This keeps IBIS constantly active, which stabilizes the image preview and gives you a perfect frame. Otherwise, IBIS is only activated when you take a picture. This can extend battery life, but it will show a blurry thumbnail.

A function that I would have liked to have seen with the X-T4 is a high-resolution mode, as can be found in many Panasonic and Olympus cameras with sensor shift stabilization. By multiple exposures and shifting the sensor by one pixel each additional resolution and color accuracy can be recorded. I am not an engineer, but I suspect that the complex pixel arrangement of X-Trans sensors would make it difficult to apply the same pixel shifting technique used by cameras with standard Bayer sensors.

The Fujifilm X-T4 is a great camera

With $ 1,700, the X-T4 is pushing into full-screen territory. The excellent Nikon Z 6, which was less than $ 1,850 at the time of writing, offers better image quality in low light and comparable 5-axis stabilization.

Even this camera lacks the speed and video functions of the X-T4 (at least without adding an external recorder). It's also bigger overall, especially if you consider the full-frame lenses.

The Sony A6600 is the closest direct competitor and is currently significantly cheaper thanks to manufacturer discounts that cost just under $ 1,200. That's a lot of camera for the money, even if the X-T4 outperforms it in some ways, from continuous shooting to video quality to shutter speed and EVF resolution.

As a dedicated APS-C system, Fujifilm has the most comprehensive portfolio of format-specific lenses. You don't have the full-screen upgrade path you get with Sony, but for most of us, it just means you don't need it.

It's also worth noting that the X-T3 remains in Fujifilm's product range at a reduced price of $ 1,300. It is still a fantastic camera.

I have no problem calling the Fujifilm X-T4 the best APS-C camera I've ever used. It is a first-class act, elegantly designed for the photography enthusiast, with a love of detail that only Leica competes with. They shoot not only for the results, but also for the joy of the experience.

I can't say that about the competition.

Editor's recommendations