Fujifilm X-T200

Fuji X-T200: full review

The Fujifilm X-T200 is the entry level mirrorless model that is proposed as the successor to the X-T100, of 2018. Available in three different versions - black, dark silver and champagne gold - the Fuji X-T200 is a good middle ground between professional and amateur photography. From an aesthetic point of view, it’s very similar to the T100, the X-T200 however has a new handle in the front section of the camera body that the previous model did not have. And then, this is the main news, it can boast a large fully orientable display, one of the main improvements over the X-T100.

With the usual slightly vintage design of this series, the Fuji X-T200 has in itself the most appreciable innovations starting from a 24.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, more advanced and with new specifications that allows it to read faster. It is not the most valuable X-Trans, intended for Top cameras, but the revised CMOS offers an ISO sensitivity that can be extended up to 51,200. The AutoFocus of this Fujifilm X-T200 has also improved: 425 points with Face and Eye Detection. Let's not forget the 4K 30fps video recordings (without crop) and a burst of 8 frames per second, two more than the X-T100.

Fujifilm X-T200: ergonomics and body design

Compared to the X-T100, the Fujifilm X-T200 shows some differences in ergonomics and usability. First, the more stable and pronounced handle compared to the T100 model. A better grip is felt during long sessions, in this case, there has been an improvement. With a larger display, the layout of the controls in this Fuji X-T200 are reduced and the D-Pad is not there anymore, instead there’s a joystick that has not convinced us very much, because it is not very friendly especially if you use the electronic viewfinder.

The Fujifilm X-T200 has minute dimensions (121x83.7x55.1mm) and has been assembled with cheaper plastic materials than the X-T30. The camera body of only 370 grams does not offer great tactile sensation, despite the overall structure being quite discreet. The buttons on the rear panel are few and small, and the presence of the joystick does not facilitate usability.

The mode dial is located on the top and is accompanied by two other small wheels (shutter, exposure) that require the movement of the hand from the handle. On the left side (always on the top side) there is another ring in a more convenient position, also for usage during video recordings. It's smooth and easy to reach with the thumb, positioned next to the flash button.

Fujifilm X-T200: the display and the EVF viewfinder

From the Fujifilm X-T200 display you can access most of the camera features and this is the reason why the keys, as just seen, are very few. For those coming from a smartphone photographic experience, the SR + automatic mode can be selected for a shooting experience that is quite reminiscent of the one on phones.

Besides being larger than the previous model, the 3.5-inch LCD display is fully articulated and with a higher resolution (2.76 megapixels) which makes this panel very sharp. The 16:9 format seems to be meant for video bloggers and selfie lovers, due to its similarity to smartphone displays.

From the monitor you can also adjust the audio levels, which can also be viewed on the viewfinder - a 2.36 megapixel EVF OLED , 0.62x magnification - whose presence is the most obvious difference as compared to the Fuji X-A7. The Fujifilm X-T200 has a 3.5mm microphone input but unfortunately does not have a headphone jack.

Fujifilm X-T200: technical characteristics

Sensor (24.2 MP): APS-C, 23.5 x 15.7 mm (aspect ratio 3: 2, multiplication factor 1.5x compared to FF sensor)
ISO sensitivity: 200-12800 (1/3 step); Extended output: ISO100 / ISO25600 / ISO51200

Exposure: Shutter speed 4”- 1/32000; Compensation: +/- 5 stops in 1/3 steps; Exposure Mode: M, S, A, P, Scene
AutoFocus : 425 points
Burst : 8fps
Shutter speed : 4s-1 / 4000s (mechanical shutter)

Display LCD Touchscreen: 3.5 inch, aspect ratio 16: 9, 2.760K points, various -angle, TFT color
Resolution EVF viewfinder: 1024 x 768 px
Flash : manual pop-up

Video mode : 4K (3840x2160p) 30 FPS; Full HD (1920 x 1080); HD (1280 x 720); 1: 1 Full HD (1080 x 1080); 1: 1 HD （720 x 720)
High Speed Movie (1920x1080): 2x / 4x / 5x
Video File Format : MPEG-4

Dimensions and Weight : 121x83.7x55.1mm / 370 grams
Storage Media : SD Card (-2GB) / SDHC Card (-32GB) / SDXC Card (-256GB) UHS-I
Connectivity : WiFi 802.11b / g / n, Bluetooth 4.2 LE, USB-C, micro HDMI
Battery: Li-Ion (Fujifilm NP-W126S, capacity 8.70 Wh )
Battery life : 270 shots (in economy 450)

Fujifilm X-T200: Performance and image quality

The Fuji X-T200 has a hybrid AutoFocus system (with Face and Eye Detention) and 425 phase detection points with four modes: All, Zone, Wide angle/Tracking and Single Point (the mode in which you have the maximum AF points, otherwise it’s 117). For a camera of this range this is a remarkable AF system, which gives its maximum while being in still life photography mode. The face detection works very well , even when a person has glasses, but when it comes to the AF Tracking a subject the Fuji X-T200 misses a few shots, especially if you decides to trace a subject other than the one automatically detected, with the "touch to focus" mode. Nothing serious, because overall it is a very good system. The continuous shooting instead has some major flaws because the barrage only perfectly detects the middle frame, due to buffering little snappy. In video clips, subject detection is not provided.

The Fujifilm X-T200 sensor returns good details and natural colors even in non-ideal situations. The dynamic range is not enhanced, but here we are in a full entry level range and the problem can be avoided by intervening on the RAW in post-production, working on the light / shadow parts. The digital noise is rather limited, even in HDR mode is not reached at 3 EV, when even the details start getting lost.

Among the settings of the Fuji X-T200 there is also some tricks that will make smartphone photographers happy, there are also several more advanced functions that are very useful for those who want to approach photography more consciously, such as different exposures, white balance and film simulation.

In terms of ISO sensitivity, nothing to complain about on this Fuji X-T200: the chromatic tone remains good even at 12,800, returning more than acceptable details. Obviously when it comes to image quality, you cannot ignore the type of lens used and the one in the X-T200 kit, not very bright, imposes ISO 6400 for high photographic quality.

Fujifilm X-T200 vs. Fuji X-A7

It has often been said that the big difference between the two models is the absence of the EVF viewfinder in the X-A7, a smaller and 50 grams lighter camera than the X-T200. Very true, but a quite remarkable difference between the two machines is the price. The Fujifilm X-T200 can be purchased on Amazon for 850 dollars with the XC15-45mmF3.5-5.6 OIS PZ basic lens, while its rival is around 750 dollars (with equivalent lens). Currently the Fuji X-A7 is therefore the cheapest choice (with the same sensor, AutoFocus, ISO range and articulated LCD monitor).

On video performance - 4K / 30fps - the good news is that both cameras do not have the crop but with the X-T200 you can also record videos in Full HD 1080p up to 120 fps (against 60 of the X-A7). In addition, the Fuji X-T200 offers a new HDR video mode with improved dynamic range (only up to 60 fps) and the "digital gimbal" which, thanks to the gyroscope and an algorithm, makes videos more stable when not using a support; a useful function when traveling, not to be confused with the stabilization systems of the most advanced cameras. 

On the battery - on average between 300 and 400 shots - there are no big differences and between the two models the gap is given by the size, some new video features and by the presence of the viewfinder in the Fuji X-T200. When the prices will end up being the same ... the T200 will undoubtedly be preferred to the (almost) identical rival.