Hands on with Fujifilm’s new X100F and X-T20

Fujifilm announced two new cameras today, the fixed-lens X100F and the interchangeable lens X-T20. Both cameras are updates to prior models in Fujifilm’s lineup, and introduce the 24.3-megapixel sensor and new processor from the company’s higher-end cameras. While the biggest update in both cameras is indeed the new image sensor, there are some tweaks to the features and design of both, so I spent some time with them this morning to see what’s new.

The X100F has seen the largest number of changes to its design. It still looks very much like an X100 (or X100S or X100T), but it has some refinements to its controls scheme that trickled down from the top-of-the-line X-Pro2. The shutter speed dial now has an integrated ISO dial, so it’s not necessary to dive into menus to change ISO anymore, and there’s a new front command dial that can be programmed to control a variety of parameters.

The biggest upgrade is on the back of the camera, though, as it gains the joystick autofocus control that the X-T2 and X-Pro2 have, making it much easier to select an AF point while shooting. All of the controls have been moved to the right of the display, which makes it easier to shoot with just your right hand.

Grid View

The X100F’s performance is improved as well, especially for autofocus. While older models could best be described as “pokey”, the X100F snaps in focus very quickly, without the back and forth hunting that older versions succumbed to. I’m eager to test it out for a longer period in more challenging lighting, but if its focus system is anywhere near as good as the X-T2’s, it should perform quite well.

The X-T20 has fewer changes — the most significant one being the addition of a touchscreen, which allows for precise focus point selection while shooting and pinch-zoom and swiping through images during review. The X-T20 doesn’t have a joystick to control AF points, like the other cameras, but the touchscreen should provide an alternative option in the field.

Pricing-wise, the X100F will cost $1299, and the X-T20 will range in price from $899 to $1199. We’ll be spending more time with the cameras when we get closer to their February availability, but safe to say, 2017 is shaping up to be an interesting year for Fujifilm fans.