Review: Fujifilm X-T50 APS-C Mirrorless Camera

The Fujifilm X-T50 features a 40-megapixel sensor, 6.2K video at 30fps with F-Log2 and 7 stops of in-body image stabilisation (IBIS). Fujifilm has also added the Reala Ace film simulation, which is inspired by the legendary Fujicolor Superia Reala Ace 100 colour negative film.

The Fujifilm X-T50 has been causing a lot of buzz as a midrange addition to the Fujifilm lineup. Using the same X-Trans 5 HR CMOS sensor and X-Processor 5 as the Fujifilm X-T5 and Fujifilm X-H2, the X-T50 packs plenty of power in a much smaller body.

In May 2024, ahead of its release, we got our hands on the Fujifilm X-T50.

X-Trans CMOS 5 HR Sensor

The biggest change from its predecessor—the Fujifilm X-T30 II—is the 40-megapixel, X-Trans 5 HR sensor, which is the beating heart of the X-T50. The sensor makes all those features possible. For many Fujifilm photographers, it’s a worthwhile upgrade from the older X-Trans 4.

The camera’s handling of gradients—like this pink-purple sunset—is impressive for an APS-C sensor.

The X-T50’s colour rendition is particularly pleasing, with all these vibrant pink and green hues bursting out of the frame.

Body and Design

The Fujifilm X-T50 has a few noteworthy design updates. The most notable change is the film simulation mode dial, which lets you quickly change film simulation on the fly.

We were particularly impressed with the black-and-white film simulations, capturing this rugged photo of a Rhino at Port Lympne Safari Park in Kent, UK.

Fujifilm has finally upgraded to a 3.5mm jack—no more fiddly adapters! Due to the added IBIS mechanism, the X-T50 (438g) is slightly bigger and heavier than the X-T30 II (378g), but Fujifilm has made every gram count.

Impressive Video

For a small and clearly travel-friendly camera, the X-T50 packs some pretty good video specs. At max settings, it can shoot 6.2K 30p, with 4:2:2 10-bit internal and F-log2 for 13 stops of dynamic range.

If that isn’t enough data for you, then you’re in luck—the Fujifilm X-T50 can record ProRes RAW video to an external recording monitor via HDMI. With the addition of IBIS, we have dramatically smoother shots and can reach up to seven stops of image stabilisation.

Autofocus & Subject Tracking 

As many would expect, Fujifilm has added its ‘Deep Learning AI Subject Detect’ to the X-T50. The camera also has a useful AI-assisted autofocus feature for eye tracking.

Fujifilm has improved X-T50’s subject detection system, which can now detect animals, birds, cars, motorbikes, trains and planes.

Note: if you are photographing drones, then switch the camera to either birds or planes, and the X-T50 will be able to detect drones in flight!

During our time with the X-T50 at Port Lympne, we had plenty of opportunities to put the X-T50’s animal autofocus to the test. The camera nailed focus on these Goldfinches, Squirrel Monkeys and Giraffes pretty easily.

The APS-C sensor—with a crop factor of 1.5x—provides the perceived extra ‘reach’. And, at 40 megapixels, there’s enough resolution to crop in and blow up your subject a little in post-production. 

Paired with the Fujifilm 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR, the X-T50 is a more than capable camera for wildlife photography — like the X-T3, which made our list of the best camera gear for wildlife photography.

Comparison: Fujifilm X-T50 vs X-T30 II

The X-T50 comes with a number of upgrades over its predecessor, the X-T30 II.

As you can see, there are some pretty solid improvements across the board. The X-T50's specs bring them in line with the X100VI, with a few additional benefits, and close the gap to the pro-level X-T5.

In May 2024, Fujifilm announced the XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 R LM WR, designed to be super compact and resolve on the X-T50’s 40-megapixel sensor. The zoom doesn’t extend, which is perfect for videographers using a gimbal—as the weight doesn’t shift around. Speaking of weight, the XF 16-50mm only weighs an impressive 240g—ideal for any travel photographer or vlogger looking for a lightweight setup.

Together, the X-T50 and XF 16-50mm make a pretty versatile setup, capable of everything from impromptu portraits to travel photography.

Sample Images

The X-T50 carries on Fujifilm’s reputation for capturing beautiful imagery. Read our Fujifilm X-T5 review and our recommended Fujifilm X100V & VI alternatives to see what Fujifilm cameras can do.

We spent the day with the X-T50 and were impressed with the stills it created.

Verdict

Here at MPB, we’ve always admired Fujifilm’s compact and stylish mid-range cameras, starting with the Fujifilm X-T10 and Fujifilm X-T20 through to the Fujifilm X-T30 and Fujifilm X-T30 II.

Our first impression is that we really like the X-T50. The IBIS is great, the image quality is fantastic and the autofocus works well—and the camera’s nice and small, too.

But is the X-T50 worth the upgrade from the X-T30 II? Some photographers will prefer the X-T30 II’s drive dial, which was replaced by a film simulation dial on the X-T50. But the later model’s benefits—IBIS, upgraded sensor and better processor—may outweigh all else.

We love that Fujifilm tends to make sure its flagship technology moves down through the different camera ranges. If you’re tempted by the fixed-lens compact Fujifilm X100VI, but you’d prefer the freedom to use different lenses, then the X-T50 ticks all the same boxes—plus a few more. Likewise, if the pro-level Fujifilm X-T5 is beyond your budget, then the X-T50 could be the right camera for you. 

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