Is the Fujifilm X-T50 Worth It? Key Features and Trade-offs

The Fujifilm X-T50 offers nearly all the advanced features of its pricier siblings but in a more compact and affordable package. With a 40-megapixel sensor and in-body stabilization, it’s designed to bridge the gap between high-end performance and portability.

Coming to you from Andy Mumford, this thorough video breaks down what you can expect from the X-T50 and how it compares to its bigger sibling, the X-T5, as well as to the smaller X-S20. One key point Mumford makes is about the build quality. The X-T50 feels solid, with an all-metal body and metal buttons, though it lacks weather-sealing. While this may concern some, Mumford notes that he’s used earlier models like the X-T10 and X-T30 in extreme conditions without issue, suggesting that the lack of weather-sealing may not be a deal-breaker for everyone.

Another major discussion is the X-T50’s size and ergonomics. The camera weighs just 438 grams, making it over 100 grams lighter than the X-T5, and it feels noticeably smaller. While this might appeal to those looking for a lightweight camera to carry everywhere, it also means some compromises in comfort, especially if you have larger hands. The smaller size results in a more cramped grip and smaller buttons, which could be tricky to handle, especially if you’re shooting in colder climates with gloves.

Mumford also touches on the camera's controls, noting that while the X-T50 scales down the exposure controls from the X-T5, it replaces the ISO dial with one for film simulations. This choice could be divisive, depending on how much you rely on Fuji’s film simulations. If you shoot raw primarily, this might be a downside, but for those who use JPEGs often, it could simplify access to these popular Fuji features.

One area where the X-T50 doesn’t quite match up is in battery performance. Despite the in-body stabilization and 40-megapixel sensor, it still uses the smaller battery from previous models, resulting in about 305 shots per charge. This is significantly less than what you’d get from the X-T5, which could be a drawback if you plan to shoot extensively without easy access to a charger. On the video side, while it offers solid specs like 6.2K at 30 fps and 4K at 60 fps, the limited battery life also affects video recording time, making it less ideal for longer shoots. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Mumford.

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Alex Cooke is a Cleveland-based portrait, events, and landscape photographer. He holds an M.S. in Applied Mathematics and a doctorate in Music Composition. He is also an avid equestrian.

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