With the introduction of the X100VI, the entire X-series cameras become an even better bargain.
Since the release of the FujiFilm X100, it has been a camera that I’ve always coveted but could never justify the $1000+ price tag. Even with the subsequent releases of the X100S, X100T, and the X100V, the prices of the older models remained too expensive for me, even when considering used models.
I rented an X100V for a week during a Disneyland trip last year and thoroughly enjoyed using it. Not only was the camera fun and incredibly easy to use, but the pictures it produced were surprisingly great for someone like me, who considers themselves a beginner in photography. Renting the camera, along with an SD card and an extra battery, cost only around $100 for over 5 days, which was a fantastic deal.
After renting the camera, I realized that it might be a better alternative to continue renting it when needed, instead of investing a significant amount of money in a camera that might not be used frequently. With a new baby on the way and more events happening in recent years, I recognized the need for a better camera available rather than having to plan ahead to rent one.
I also came to appreciate the quality of pictures I took with my wife’s old Nikon DSLR for tech photos that I sometimes used for Techuisite. Not only were the pictures better, but it was also necessary when capturing images of my iPhone — something I typically use for photography.
While the camera on my iPhone 13 Pro is excellent, and so is the camera on my wife’s iPhone 15 Pro, it makes sense that our phones are still used for most photos we take. However, having a separate camera for special moments or high-quality photos of gadgets led me to search for a used X100T.
I opted for the X100T because, at the time, the X100VI was not yet available, making it impossible to find a cheap X100V. The X100T could be found for well under $700 on eBay and Amazon, so that was the model I kept an eye out for. After a few weeks of searching, I found one at the price I was looking for, and it was in excellent condition.
Instead of feeling disappointed about missing out on a better deal with the X100V now that the X100VI is out, I have been thoroughly enjoying using the X100T. I took the camera with me to the hospital to capture pictures after our new baby was born and brought it to the baby shower my wife had a couple of weeks before his arrival.
I also brought it with me to a birthday party at an Aerospace Museum in Sacramento and plan to take it with me on our trip to Utah to visit family this summer. The camera has become a staple for my wife and me whenever we go somewhere, and I’ve been trying to use it casually around the house with our family instead of relying on my phone.
Not only does it provide a more intimate and intentional interaction when taking pictures, but I also feel like the photos turn out better. This might be obvious to experienced photographers or those accustomed to using traditional cameras alongside smartphones, but I had become so reliant on my phone for all my photography needs.
I’ve also noticed an improvement in the photos I take for my tech posts. While the FujiFilm X100T may not offer the highest resolution at 16 megapixels, its mirrorless sensor and other features produce fantastic-looking JPEGs straight out of the camera. I do enjoy some editing in Lightroom for experimentation with filters, but most of the photos are excellent as-is.
Using a traditional camera like this isn’t always straightforward to get good pictures, but with good lighting available, I feel like the camera assists me greatly in capturing shots that I wouldn’t normally be able to with a more complex DSLR. After spending some time with it, I believe I’m getting the hang of how the dials and settings work to my advantage.
The only accessory I got so far for the camera is a Peak Design Leash Camera Strap. The reason I chose this one specifically is because I like that I can make it long enough to just wear over one shoulder so the camera can hang low under one arm. Plus, I plan to buy the Cuff Camera Wrist Strap, that also works with the clips that came with the strap.
I’m not a professional photographer, nor do I intend to become one. I’m not familiar with all the technical jargon, and I don’t plan to delve into street photography or pursue anything professionally with this camera. I see the FujiFilm X100T as a new tool for blogging, primarily as a family camera for those moments when my wife and I prefer not to use our phones.