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There’s something truly magical about cameras with optical viewfinders. When you see the world as it really is, instead of as a bunch of tiny pixels, you notice even the smallest details and can better appreciate the beauty of nature.
The Fujifilm X100 is the world’s first combined optical and electronic viewfinder camera, and it’s still as relevant today as it was when it was first released, especially because Fujifilm has released several improved versions since then.
Fujifilm X100 + X100F + X100T Review
Instead of reviewing each Fujifilm X camera separately, we’ve decided to compare them and summarize their strengths and weaknesses. When Fujifilm X100 was released, it was described as a revolutionary camera because of its optical viewfinder with the ability to display captured images along with all the essential camera information you may be used to from DSLRs.
Key features
The Fujifilm X100 has an SLR-size APS-C sensor and traditional analog control dials, hiding modern technology behind an appealing retro façade. The sensor has a resolution of 12 MP, and the camera comes with a fixed prime lens with a focal length of 35 mm.
The Fujifilm X100T features an APS-C size X-Trans CMOS II sensor, which provides better low-light performance and 16.3 million effective pixels.
The newest member of the Fujifilm X family is the X100F, which comes with an APS-C size X-Trans CMOS III sensor and has 24 MP. It can record HD video footage and simulate analog film to offer smooth gradation, deep blacks, and beautiful textures without any post-processing.
The Fujifilm X100F also has a significantly improved electronic viewfinder, making it an easy choice for those who can afford it.
Regardless of which Fujifilm X camera you choose, you’ll be able to take stunning pictures without hauling a heavy DSLR camera or fighting with awkward smartphone camera controls.
Pros: Gorgeous retro design. Optical viewfinder. Easy to use. Lightweight and portable. Great low-light performance.
Cons: The original X100 has been discontinued, and its successors are expensive.
Top 7 Best Alternatives to Fujifilm X100
1. Sony RX1
The image sensor inside your Android or iOS smartphone measures just a few millimeters. The image sensor inside the Sony RX1 measures 35 mm, which is the same size as 35 mm format film. In fact, the RX1 is the world’s first compact digital camera with a 35 mm full-frame sensor, producing results that were not possible to achieve without a large DSLR camera not too long ago. The only problem is that you have to pay $2,399 to enjoy a full-frame sensor in a compact camera body. If you can justify the steep price, we guarantee the RX1 from Sony will serve you well.
Pros: Full-frame sensor. Compact camera body. Extremely fast and reliable autofocus. Suitable for professional use.
Cons: Expensive. Comes only with a fixed-length lens.
2. Olympus E-M10 II
The Olympus E-M10 II is a likable companion for photographers that don’t know what the word compromise means. It’s small, lightweight, has Wi-Fi connectivity, interchangeable lenses, and optical image stabilization. Its Micro Four Thirds sensor has a resolution of 16 MP, and the camera is protected against dust and water splashes. We like that its possible to tilt the 3-inch LCD display on the back of the camera for over-the-head or ground shots, but you can also compose pictures using the built-in electronic viewfinder.
Pros: High-quality sensor with great color reproduction. Built-in optical image stabilization. Interchangeable lenses.
Cons: The shutter mechanism could be quieter, but it’s still much better than the sound DSLR cameras make.
3. Canon G1 X III
Not everyone is keen on spending hundreds and thousands of dollars on interchangeable lenses just to dabble in multiple photography genres. The Canon G1 X III comes with a versatile zoom lens whose quality matches that of many DSLR lenses. With a range of 24–72 mm, the lens lets you capture both wide-angle shots of nature and events as well as portraits and pictures of animals. Thanks to the DIGIC 7 image processor, low-light photography is more than possible, and the camera’s reliable autofocus works even when light is limited.
Pros: Large image sensor with fantastic low-light performance. Versatile zoom lens. Comfortable grip.
Cons: Sub-par battery life. Can’t record 4K video.
4. Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX100
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX100 is a premium compact camera with the ability to record 4K video at 30 or 24 frames per second. The camera can extract high-resolution 8MP images from the recorded video. Its lens has a focal length of 24 to 75 mm and f/1.7-2.8, allowing you to create a stunning Bokeh effect when shooting portraits or close-ups.
Pros: Built-in Wi-Fi connectivity for easy photo transfer. Electronic viewfinder that makes it easier to compose shots when facing the sun.
Cons: Low battery life. Screen doesn’t tilt nor supports touch.
5. Fujifilm X-E3
The Fujifilm X-E3 is a compact camera with interchangeable lens for photographers who believe in minimalism. It delivers best-in-class performance in a compact package and provides direct access to the most often used settings. The camera feels great in hands, and its touchscreen LCD lets you pick a focus point with your finger. You can connect the Fujifilm X-E3 to your computer, smartphone, or tablet via Bluetooth to transfer pictures and videos wirelessly.
Pros: Impressive image quality delivered in a compact package. Touchscreen LCD. Interchangeable lenses.
Cons: No dedicated ISO dial.
6. Panasonic ZS100
If you want a stylish compact camera with a large image sensor and an extremely versatile zoom lens, you can’t do much better than the Panasonic ZS100. This modern compact camera has a lens-mounted control ring that brings DSLR-like exposure control to the compact point-and-shoot market segment, giving you all the precision you need to compose shots without any delay. The camera can record 4K video and bring you closer to your subject with its 10x zoom.
Pros: 10x optical zoom in a compact body. Built-in Wi-Fi connectivity. 4K video recording capabilities.
Cons: LCD screen doesn’t tilt.
7. Canon G5 X
There’s a middle ground between compact cameras for amateur photographers and professional DSLRs: the Canon G5 X. This prosumer G-Series camera has a brilliant 1.0-inch 20.2 MP high-sensitivity CMOS sensor that’s larger than the sensors in most compact cameras, and it uses Canon’s HS SYSTEM to let you take beautiful low-light shots with minimal noise and impressive detail.
Pros: Excellent photo and video quality at an affordable price. DSLR-like controls without DSLR-like bulk.
Cons: Doesn’t record 4K video.
Conclusion
The Fujifilm X series of compact cameras is easy to recommend to all avid photographers who want to take stunning pictures and look discrete while doing so. As revolutionary as the original Fujifilm X100 was when it was first released, there are now many other similar compact cameras with large sensors and professional features on the market, so amateur and professional photographers alike have much more options.
