Kirk Williamson is a semi-retired photojournalist. After 40 years in the newspaper business he now runs photography workshops and teaches college level photography courses. He also owns and runs Cape Ann Photo Tours on the North Shore of Massachusetts.you can see more of his work at capeannphototours.com and krwphoto.com.
Nice review. When I use manual focus with Fujifilm lense, there is feature of automatic zoom focus. When I turn focus ring, it digitally zoom to the subject automatically making more precise focus. May I ask you, does it work same way if we adapt Leica M lens 6 bits with this Fujifilm adapter? Thank you.
Hi Peter - Since the Leica or any M mount glass will not electronically zoom in for focus assist. You will have to setup your camera to do it manually by pressing in the rear wheel. That’s how my camera is setup.
Great video. I have a 50-140 that I use with my X-T3 to shoot my son’s high school soccer games. It’s not long enough and I’m trying to decide between getting the 1.4 teleconverter vs the 70-300. What are your thoughts? I’ve used the 100-400 which is great for the far end of the field but too long for near side. Thank you and love your channel.
Hi Michael, I use the 100-400 for soccer! Hands down better than the 50-140 and the 1.4 TC. The 70-300 does not do well focusing while zooming but can be a good choice if you are careful focusing.
@@KirkWilliamsonphotography Thank you! I’d heard that a firmware update earlier this year resolved the focusing issues on the 70-300. I don’t know if that’s true or not. I will continue using the 100-400 for this season. What AF-C custom setting do you find works best for soccer? I go between custom 2 and 5. I’m still figuring it out though. I enjoy your channel and content.
@@KirkWilliamsonphotography Six years ago, I performed an angle-of-view comparison test on the following lenses: 16-55mm f/2.8 Fujinon 23mm f/1.4 Fujinon 23mm f/2 Fujinon 24mm f/2 Nikon The 16-55mm set at 23mm and the 23mm f/1.4 had an identical horizontal angle-of-view. The 23mm f/2 had an angle-of-view more like a 22mm lens.
I’ve just bought an XT-50, which is my first Fuji camera. I’ve been a hobbyist photographer for decades and wanted a camera with analogue style dials (my other camera is a Leica and I wanted a similar feel). I thought about the XT-5 but decided to go with the XT-50 because I prioritise size and weight. I don’t care about the film sim dial because I don’t use it, just as I don’t care about the drive mode because I just use single shot mode in raw. What I wanted very much was IBIS. I have two issues First, the battery life is awful. Second, it has too many buttons. I’ve turned off as many as I can and moved the Q button to the top plate because I kept pressing the original button every time I picked up the camera. I mainly shoot landscape and street and have never had an issue with weather proofing, regardless of weather I’m using cameras with official IP ratings or not. Off to test it in anger on a hiking trip next month so let’s see if I still have the same opinion after being rained on!
I come from Leica as well and non of them are weather sealed. My MP 240 is resistant but not sealed especially around the lens flange. Yes the battery issue is large and in my next video coming out on Sunday I address that issue and how I have customized the buttons of which there are far less than other cameras. My biggest issue with this camera is the battery I dont care about the weather sealing. Most of the lenses i own are weather sealed so it’s less of a problem.
@@KirkWilliamsonphotography I’m still fiddling with my button setup so I’ll be interested to see how you set yours up! On Leica, I’ve never worried about taking my M11 out in poor weather but if it is raining very hard I’ll probably reach for my Q2 which is weather sealed
I just recently bought an x-t20, and the d-pad can be customised. Im just wondering since this doesn't have a d-pad, which parts do you customise instead? And can the joystick directions be customised? On the x-t20, i customised the top fn button to work with the ADV1 on the drive dial, so that i can quickly change between advanced filters and see on screen previews. Can you do that with the x-t50?
As I would use it as a backup camera, the biggest barrier for me is that it uses the older smaller battery. The process of taking two chargers and two types of batteries is off putting for me. In terms of value I think it’s reasonable as the sensor and ibis are a big upgrade. However you can buy a used X-T5 for the same price- so that would be a better purchase for many.
Hi Kirk, I hope everything is going well for you, my friend. Another great review on a camera that, from what you're saying, seems to be just what you're looking for. It has almost everything you need, similar to the XT5. This is a good choice, even though I don't use Fuji anymore. I guess it's because I love my Leica's. I fully understand why you use them; they're much better for the work you do. For pleasure, I guess any camera will do. But for me, as a Leica photographer, I like the simplicity it offers-just point and shoot, well, sort of. Cheers, mate.
I own both, using them on the XE4 and the XT5. I prefer the "lighter one", even though the size is larger, I find the Viltrox quite amazing in street photography
The old battery is a deal breaker, having to carry two different battery's is just crazy, for the price Fuji want for it there's no excuse not to have put the new battery in there and made the grip slightly bigger, no one would have cared. for the small amount of difference in price the XT-5 is just a better all round body, in fact I would have waited for a 2nd hand XT-5 to come along. Same battery dual card slots and a better back for the other XT-5.
Suggestion: Start a series of videos on how to FULLY exploit the use of X-T50, e.g. use an 18mm fix lens and then crop the images cos the sensor has plenty of pixels, i.e. use it as Leica Q2(that's your speciality as well).
Wait 1-2 years(*) for the second market. The price would be < 3/4 of the original price. I am NOT a pro photographer. I can wait. * most likely experiencing a deep recession by then.
Interesting to hear your thoughts on the XT-50. I have an XS-10 that I love however I'm done with the battery on that thing. Although I have half a dozen batteries I always seem to get caught out with the battery dying at a crucial time. It always seems to go from 1 bar showing to dead in 5 minutes. I'm waiting for the XT-6 or an XS-30 to come out that has the larger battery and the 40 mega pixel sensor. After having the XS-10 for almost 4 years I have gotten used to the PASM dial and I like it so the XS-30 would probably be my choice. Also hoping that Fuji makes huge strides as far as AF is concerned on the next generation cameras. If Sony, Canon and Nikon can produce cameras with brilliant AF then it's just not acceptable that Fuji are still lagging way behind. If Fuji fail on that front with their new cameras I will seriously consider selling all my Fuji gear and buy a Sony as I am 100% confident in their AF system.
I have the Smallrig grip which is a perfect match and easy enough to put on and take off. The snag is that your fingers get trapped with fatter lenses like the 56mm, but useable. The auto switch is great when you need to change quickly to a bird or dog autofocus mode. Less chance of missing “that” shot. Bigger battery means bigger camera. The battery is small so carrying spares is OK. I don’t take video so the battery is less of an issue. I got a good price for the new kit lens that came with it, so the camera cost me £1,050 which is good value! You can make this work like an X100VI so why wait for that? This is a superb camera!
Thought about the XT50, then realized the few advantages over the XS20 is the 40mp sensor and just $100 cad more. The battery definitely inferior to the new XS20. The buttons are more customizable on the XS20. Looks are ok on both. XS20 are more leaning to shooting more videos. I feel the grip is better on the XS20. The processors are the same on both. So it comes down to the 40mp sensor. I'm leaning toward the XS20.
For me the XS20 is a no go because of the flippy screen. I do so little video that it does not make sense to me. I wanted to have the same sensor as my main camera.
@@dquarks The XS20 is a fine camera…I much prefer the custom settings and flexibility of the PSAM operation. Extremely fast ! The flip screen is a neutral issue for me because I rarely use it because of glare… additionally you can shoot at any angle you want with the flip screen do not see that as a disadvantage on the XS20. The ergonomics are also fantastic ! Solid choice.
I like the XS20, however it was more video-centric. The XT50 seemed more geared to photography. The larger battery would have been nice, but I understand the smaller batter to keep the size down. Size was a big consideration for me.
I want to talk about inflation. I ran numbers for inflation between the release of the X-T30, through X-T30 II and the X-T50. Turns out that one will be paying between 100 to 150 £ or US $ for the big sensor and other enhancements. It takes time for us humans to normalise all sorts of changes. That includes the price of goods we buy. Essentially making a direct price comparison between the X-T50 and the preceding models doesn't really help. People are feeling the pinch and for many a camera is a discretionary purchase. And here we meet the tension between companies that exist to sell products and RU-vidrs who earn a living advertorialising products by building excitement and asking the question 'is it time to change' and the real needs of end users. If your kit worked for you last week last month or last year for the genres you shoot it'll be good enough next month or next year. If your work would benefit from IBIS and 40 MP (mine does I have an X-T5) great go ahead if you can afford it. Otherwise save your cash for a nice lens or some archival paper for your printer or even a really good printer or lights, filters whatever. Generally lots of us are or have been too hung up on gear and 'SPECS'. Lastly look at the prices of used cameras on MPB and KEH. And compare to the retail of the X-T5 and X-T50. The at KEH an X-T1 is over US $ 500 maybe the pursuit of technical innovation becomes a fools errand unless one is pro and not even then unless action and sports.
I owned an X-T5 and returned it. Owned an X100VI and sold that too. Now I own an X-T50 and love it. Why? Small prime lenses (versatility), 40MP and IBIS -- and the fact that the X-T50 is so small and light, it "gets out of the way" when not being used. My entire Fujifilm kit fits inside a small sling bag! The only thing that bothers me (a little) is the lack of WR. But then again, I had shot with an X-T30 II with some WR lens in the rain on multiple occasions and nothing broke. Granted, I shoot mainly with my Leica Q3, but the X-T50 goes everywhere my Leica goes... because I love the SooC film recipes. My X-T50 is permanently on just JPG for SooC shots.
I personally wouldn’t be too fussed about the battery as being so small it’s easy enough to take another one or two. Yes a bigger one would be nice but it wouldn’t be a deal breaker for me. Also anyone who’d previously had an x-t30 might have spares
I agree with you that the X-T50 is overpriced, even though it is a very good camera. You trading your older X-T bodies does make sense to help purchase the X-T 50. Under these circumstances this purchase is a wise decision, due to the fact that 40 megapixel sensors are Fuji's X-T lineup future. I am beginning to realize how massive the 40 megapixel sensor is on an aps-c sensor. I can do a fairly significant crop on an image from my 40 megapixel Fuji cameras and still get an approximate 12x16" print size. What we need to do is to be patient for Fuji to release new lenses that are better suited for the 40 megapixel sensor. I recently photographed a large dance benefit gala using my X-H2, and even my Fuji 16-55mm 2.8 couldn't quite resolve the 40 megapixel photos. I needed to use Topaz for sharpening. My Fuji 50-140 2.8 had no problems at all. This is one of Fuji's best lenses. I purchased Fuji's 16-50mm 2.8-4.8, but the variable aperture is not suited for low light action photography. This lens does, however, resolve the 40 megapixel images beautifully. This is my travel and everyday lens.
I was on the fence about buying the XT50 as a second body. I really like the changes they made to the body. But the price, original battery and non-WR turned me off. I ended up purchasing a second XT5 instead. This made sense for me also because of the larger EVF. Very pleased with my decision. Enjoy your new camera Kirk, and others.
@@KirkWilliamsonphotography I’d say you can’t go wrong either way but I agree that the price is a big increase compared to its predecessor. Not that much more to step into an XT5 which offers a whole lot more, with the exception of slightly smaller package. I’m also pleased that I’m down to one (better) battery type as well.
Kirk, I loved this video. It reminded me of times when I get G.A.S. (Gear Acquisition Syndrome). You sounded like my subconscious when a new camera comes out. I tell myself It costs too much, what I have is good enough, etc. but eventually I usually find a way to justify it. (bad GAS). I bought an X-T30 but returned it for an X-T3 mostly because my index finger naturally hit the shutter speed dial instead of the shutter button. It looks like the X-T50 is a little longer and wider so maybe I should look at it. (Back to sleeping on the couch) Great video👍
Hi. I sold my XT3 a while back and I honestly regret it. That camera was a gem. Wouldn't it make sense to keep it as it's weather sealed which the XT50 is not. My back up cam is the X100V. I'll be keeping it for a long time to come. Enjoy your new camera.
My thinking on the price has changed. What they're asking is fair if you consider the X-T50 to be a smaller X-T5 with a smaller battery and no weather sealing. And if it were going to be your main camera.
I tried the XT 50 for a few weeks then returned it. I really like it, and will re order it when/if: firmware updated to allow custom recipes to be saved to film sim dial AND price drops $200 or so. It’s a great $1000 to $1100 camera. Needs weather sealing and larger battery to justify current price in my opinion.
@@davidcompton4885 unfortunately I do not think prices are going down but used would get you there. $$$$. Also weather sealing would be a new camera launch. The battery thing I understand but I ALWAYS carry a spare just n case. While everyone generally has a budget Cameras are expensive propositions for sure
Absolutely agreed. The idea about the Film Sim Dial is good, but if only thing that changes is the actual simulation then I don't like it. I need the highlights, shadows, color, WH shift etc. to change as well. Otherwise my current settings won't work with aby sim I turn the dial to.
The Battery would not bother me as I have several of them, I use an X-T3 and X100VI (in our company we also have an X-T5 and another X-T3) I like the ISO dial, but it is certainly not a deal breaker that would stop me getting an X-T50. Every camera has it's use, The X100 VI is just special, I changed the command ring from Digital TC to Film Sim, as I like using film sims as a starting point in editing When working in the Studio, I like my X-T3 and 26MP is enough and I have had zero autofocus problems since day one, but I never expected every single shot to be in focus and the type of photography I do, is pretty much exclusively in Single Shot with AF set to AF-S or AF-C. In situations where cropping may be an issue (outside the studio) The X-T5 gives more scope, as does the X100 VI. I can get a full day of use with a single battery in the X100 VI (or almost) so I expect the X-T50 is similar. If you are shotting in CH or CL and taking thousands of photos you'll eat through the battery quicker. If an X-T3 dies (we'd probably not replace it) if both die, we'd get another X-T5 or X-T50, or what would actually make more business sense would be to get an X-H2s since the X-T3's are also used for video, so the 26MP is enough for the studio photos, and the X-H2s has way more video features... kind of still wish an X-T5s was released. WR is nice but it is not really a deal breaker for me, If it's raining, I'm not taking photos (and if I have to I'll take a WR camera) I did have an X-T10 for 4 years took photos in all weather neither it or the XF 35 F/1.4 that was almost permanently attached had any WR and both are/were working fine to this day (the camera was sold but the lens is still in use and 10+ years old without an issue despite no WR)
I've got the X-t3, X-e3 and others. I almost jumped on the X-T50, but didn't because of the price, and because the auto focus wasn't as good as the competition. I also have Nikon. I decided to get the Nikon Z6III instead because of the better auto focus. The full frame also lets me get the best out of my old F-mount glass, or use the fantastic Z glass. Still love my Fuji. Fuji just has to up the game on the auto focus.
Great thoughts, but I’ll stick to my X-H2 as my main and X100V for walkarounds. My thoughts are: I’ll just wait a few generations before buying a new camera.
Good thought process, I have an X-M1 and X-E4. I just went through the same thoughts and realised the Panasonic Lumix S9 I bought and I was initially thinking it could replace the Fuji's and move me into full frame; I have realised the S9 is really a 'B' camera for the Lumix S5; trouble is I don't have an S5, so it's up for sale and I'll take the hit. Currently thinking I'll stick with the X-E4 and see what the new X-M5 and X-E5 look like this or next year.
I appreciate your rationale and open mind. I'm in the same boat, I have the X-T5 and use a X-T3 as a b-cam. Great back up, but the X-T5 has spoiled me, both in upgrades to command dials, interface, resolution, AF and IBIS. Might be selling it to pick this X-T50 up. Good looking rig
Price is not crazy in fact only the XS20 is the only new Fuji camera with IBIS that is less $$$. The XT 50 has the Top processor, sensor and now IBIS. The lack of IBIS was always my objection to the XT3 & XT30Ii etc. Not sure if I would buy this vs XH2 in lieu of the XT 5 as I prefer the PSAM navigation but that is a bit a matter of personal preference. I do not place any importance on the Retro Tactile experience but rather how efficient the camera is to manipulate, the PSAM has it in spades. I believe that Fuji will launch a new XS camera in 2025 that incorporates the 5th Generation processor and sensor and become the baby bro to the XH2. Love your channel Kirk !,,❤ Regarding the battery … they are very small, small enough to take a spare in your pocket or bag.
Smaller & Lighter is a feature, not a bug, and worth paying a bit for. I have both the X-T5 & X-T30ii. Don’t feel an immediate need to upgrade to X-T50, but IBIS would be nice & film sim dial fun
