Camera Reviews / Fujifilm Cameras / Fuji X i Now Shooting!

24.20 Megapixels	Fujifilm X	APS-C size sensor

Fujifilm X-T200 Review -- Now Shooting!

by William Brawley
Preview posted: 01/23/2020

Updates:
10/23/2020: Gallery Images added

For those looking to get an entry-level interchangeable lens camera from Fujifilm, historically, most of the options were rangefinder-style cameras from the X-A line. Those that wanted a camera with a built-in EVF and an SLR-style camera had to jump up to a more advanced camera like the X-T20 or X-T30, which meant a jump up in price as well.

Back in 2018, however, Fujifilm introduced the X-T100, a new entry-level ILC that, for the most part, combined the specs and features of the viewfinder-less X-A5 rangefinder-esque camera with a stylish X-T30-ish SLR-shaped camera body with built-in EVF.

And now, as we get into 2020, the update cycle begins once more, with the introduction of the successor model, the Fujifilm X-T200. As expected, while the X-T100 was essentially an X-A5 with an EVF, the new X-T200 follows suit, bringing the specs and features of the newer X-A7 into a camera body with a center-mounted EVF and SLR-like shape. It's an easy-to-use camera that comes in at a very affordable price point for beginner and entry-level photographers and video creators, who are looking for quality and features beyond point-and-shoot cameras and smartphones.

Key Features & Specifications

• SLR-styled camera body with EVF
• 24.2MP APS-C Bayer-filter CMOS sensor
• Hybrid AF system with on-sensor phase-detect pixels
• Faster image processing and AF speeds
• 8fps Continuous Shooting
• Face/Eye Detection AF
• 4K UHD video up to 30fps
• Full HD up to 120fps
• HDR video mode
• New Electronic Stabilization option for video
• Larger 3.5-inch 16:9 articulating touchscreen display
• Traditional PASM mode dial
• Film Simulations
• Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Low-Energy
• Low price: $699.95 (body only); $799.95 (with 15-45 kit lens)

The X-T200 features an updated body design with a handgrip. (Shown here with new XC 35mm f/2 lens)

Body & Design

As one might expect, the overall design of the Fuji X-T200 mirrors its predecessor very closely. However, the shape is tweaked for better ergonomics, and some controls and buttons have been modified or removed altogether. The physical size of the camera remains largely unchanged compared to the X-T100; however, the weight has been reduced slightly by about 80g (2.82oz).

Most notably, the X-T200 now features a fairly sizable front handgrip. The previous X-T100 was practically one flat slab with only a small rear thumb grip protrusion. It's by no means a large grip, as the X-T200 still remains small and compact, but the camera should now feel a bit more secure and comfortable in the hand.

Turning to the rear of the camera, we also see several changes compared to the earlier model, the most obvious being a larger, wider rear touchscreen. The 3.5-inch, 16:9 touchscreen also offers full articulation and the ability to flip the screen outward to face the front, making it much easier to shoot self-portraits and videos. The TFT LCD panel itself gets a nice upgrade in resolution, too, going from a 1.04-million dot display to 2.76-million dot LCD.

The EVF, meanwhile, remains unchanged, with a high-res 0.39-inch, 2.36M-dot OLED electronic viewfinder, providing approximately 100% coverage and a 0.62x magnification ratio.

The other major change to the controls on the back of the camera is the lack of the 4-way directional button cluster, which has been replaced altogether by a joystick control. This design change follows a number of other recent Fuji cameras, such as the X-T30, X-Pro3, and of course, the X-A7, which all feature a single multi-directional joystick and no 4-way buttons. In the cases of the X-T200 and X-A7, this was likely done to make room for the larger, wider touchscreen. As mentioned, the overall physical dimensions of the X-T200 are virtually identical to the X-T100, so there clearly isn't room for the older 4-way buttons.

Coinciding with the joystick control, other buttons have been shifted around slightly as well, including two non-unlabeled Function buttons on the right of the EVF. Also of note, there's no longer a rear/thumb control dial on the back surface like on the previous model. Instead, controls dials now sit on the top of the camera, one at the rear corner like on the predecessor and a new second one towards the front, surrounding the shutter release button.

The Fuji X-T200 (top) compared to the X-T100 (bottom)

And speaking of that top-deck, the design and control layout here remains largely unchanged. To the left of the EVF sits a large Function dial, which allows for quick settings adjustments that varies depending on the particular shooting mode. Below that sits the pop-up flash trigger switch.

On the right side, there’s a traditional PASM mode dial that includes the SR+ Automatic shooting mode, which is designed to detect the subject and scene simultaneously. As mentioned, the shutter release is updated, with a new control dial surrounding the shutter release button itself. The ON/OFF switch has therefore been moved to its own button. Lastly, there's a small video start/stop button.

Image Quality

When it comes to image quality, the resolution remains unchanged at 24-megapixels. However, as with the X-A7, Fujifilm states they are using a newer 24MP APS-C sensor that utilizes copper wiring for better noise control and faster readout speed -- 3.5 times faster according to Fuji -- resulting in fewer rolling shutter effects.

Unlike most X Series cameras, the APS-C sensor in the X-T200 is a traditional Bayer-filtered sensor and not their unique X-Trans sensor. Nevertheless, in our testing of previous Fujifilm Bayer-sensor cameras, the image quality remains very high, with lots of detail and excellent high ISO performance for this sensor size.

Though Fuji doesn't specify the type or generation of image processor used in the camera, the X-T200's ISO range remains the same as found in the previous model. The X-T200 offers a native ISO range of 200 up to 12,800, but the sensitivities are expandable down to ISO 100 and up two stops at ISO 25,600 and ISO 51,200.

The camera uses a mechanical focal plane shutter but also offers an electronic shutter mode as well. The mechanical shutter tops out at 1/4000s, while the electronic shutter hits up to 1/32000s. Slow shutter shooting is possible down to 30s in exposure modes outside of Program Auto, and Bulb Mode offers slower shutter speeds up to a maximum of 60 minutes.

Exposure compensation is available at +/-5EVs, and flash sync works up to 1/180s.

In traditional Fujifilm fashion, the X-T200 offers the full array of 11 Film Simulation modes, as well as a whole host of in-camera creative presents, including 20 advanced filters. There's a new "Clear Filter" option added to the Advanced Filters selection that Fuji says allows for enhanced "bright mode" performance.

Video

While it looks like a photo-centric camera, Fuji's also put a healthy dose of video shooting performance into the X-T200, including better 4K video capabilities. The original X-T100 could also shoot at up to 4K, but the frame rate was pegged at an awkward 15fps, making it very choppy for traditional video applications. With the X-200, the camera now shoots 4K UHD video at 24p and 30p (as well as 25p for PAL regions).

Full HD and 720p HD video is also available at up to 60fps in normal recording mode, but the camera also offers High-Speed shooting for Full HD at up to 120p for slow-motion video.

Additionally, likely added for social media video shooting, the X-T200 can also shoot square/1:1 aspect ratio video. Full HD (1080 x 1080) and HD (720 x 720) can be recorded at up to 60p.

Video recording is not unlimited, unfortunately, with 4K UHD capped at 15 minutes of continuous recording. The other video resolutions can record up to 30 minutes continuously.

To help keep handheld shooting as smooth and as stable as possible, the X-T200 has a new Electronic Stabilization feature. Called the Digital Gimbal Function, this electronic image stabilization uses a new gyro sensor built into the camera to help further stabilize video beyond traditional optically-stabilized lenses.

There is also a new HDR video recording mode that helps capture more detail in high-contrast scenes.

To make it easier to shoot and share videos straight from the camera, the X-T200 offers in-camera video editing functions, including the ability to trim video clips and then share them using the built-in Wi-Fi connection.

Autofocus & Performance

Specifics on the X-T200's autofocus system are rather thin, but like the predecessor, the X-T200 offers a hybrid AF system with on-sensor phase-detect pixels. Fujifilm does state that the camera uses updated AF algorithms for faster AF performance for both general use and with its Face/Eye Detection system.

Fujifilm does not specify the number of AF points or phase-detect pixels, however with the X-A7, it is said to offer 8.5 times as many phase-detection autofocus pixels as the X-A5, so it stands to reason it's a similar affair here with the X-T200.

When using the LCD screen in front-facing position, the X-T200 offers several automated focusing modes, including Main Subject Recognition, which lets you select a subject and have the camera automatically track it within the frame.

Ports, Storage & Connectivity

The X-T200 features a USB Type C (USB 3.1 Gen1) port that supports in-camera charging (the camera does not feature a standalone battery charger for the NP-W126S Lithium-ion rechargeable battery).

There is also a Micro-HDMI (Type D) connector and a 2.5mm microphone mini-jack. There is no headphone jack on this model.

In terms of wireless features, the camera includes both built-in Wi-Fi connectivity and Bluetooth Low-Energy for easy sharing of photos and video with a paired smart device.

The camera offers a single UHS-1 compatible SD card slot.

Pricing & Availability

The Fuji X-T200 will be sold as a body-only option and as a kit with the XC 15-45mm f/3.5-5.6 OIS PZ lens. The camera body comes in three colors: Silver, Dark Silver, and Champagne.

The X-T200 is scheduled to go on sale in late February 2020 with retail prices as follows: - X-T200 camera body only: $699.95 USD ($899.99 CAD) - X-T200 kit including camera body and XC 15-45mm f/3.5-5.6 OIS PZ lens: $799.95 ($1,049.99 CAD)

Announced alongside the X-T200, Fujifilm also introduced a new FUJINON XC 35mm f/2 prime lens, giving an equivalent to 52mm field of view in 35mm format. Weighing just 130g and measuring 46.5mm in length, this new prime lens has nine elements, including two aspherical lens elements in six groups. AF operation is quick and near-silent thanks to the use of an internal focus system and a stepping motor, which is used to drive the focusing elements quickly and accurately. The XC 35mm f2 lens will retail for $199 USD ($259.99 CAD).