Best Fujifilm Camera 2021: Mirrorless, Instax and Compact

February 18, 2021 | Mark Goldstein | Best Cameras | Comment |

10 years ago, Fujifilm made the brave decision to transform themselves from a manufacturer of mainly mass-market compact cameras into a producer of high-end interchangeable lens cameras for enthusiasts and professionals.

It's fair to say that they've been very successful in doing so, with the X-series range of classic-looking, yet thoroughly modern cameras proving to be very popular indeed with their target audience.

With the recent introduction of the medium-format GFX camera system, Fuji have further spread their wings, hoping to entice professional users away from the smaller 35mm full-frame market.

Their extensive range of Instax film cameras, printers and accessories have also proven to be a runaway success, especially with teenagers and young adults.

Fuji do still make a few compact cameras too, most notably the popular premium X100 series and the tough XP range.

All of this choice can be confusing, though, so we've compiled our definitive list of the very best Fujifilm cameras that money can buy.

We've chosen five different models from Fujifilm's APS-C mirrorless range, three from their GFX medium-format line-up, two Instax film cameras, and two of their compacts - there really should be something here for everyone.

We've independently and expertly reviewed virtually every camera that Fujifilm has released in the past 15 years, so rest assured that you can trust our recommendations.

What is the Best Fujifilm Camera in 2021?

Here's our list of the best Fujifilm cameras that you can buy in 2021:

  • Fujifilm X-T4
  • Fujifilm X-Pro3
  • Fujifilm X-S10
  • Fujifilm X-T30
  • Fujifilm X-T200
  • Fujifilm GFX 100S
  • Fujifilm GFX 100
  • Fujifilm GFX 50R
  • Fujifilm Instax Square SQ1
  • Fujifilm Instax Mini 11
  • Fujifilm X100V
  • Fujifilm FinePix XP140

Best Fujifilm Mirrorless Camera 2021

Fujifilm have always concentrated on making mirrorless cameras, not DSLRs like two of their main rivals, Nikon and Canon.

And within mirrorless, they've focused entirely on APS-C cameras, rather than the full-frame models that Sony, Canon, Nikon and Panasonic have targeted in recent years.

Consequently, Fuji have the best, most extensive range of APS-C mirrorless cameras and lenses of any camera manufacturer, so if you like this sensor size, the Fujifilm X-series is the one to choose.

There are many different X-series cameras listed on the Fujifilm website, covering a variety of different price points, so there really is something for everyone.

Best Fujifilm Camera 2021

Fujifilm X-T4

The Fujifilm X-T4 is the best APS-C mirrorless camera on the market

Price

$$$$

Key Specs

  • 26 megapixel APS-C X-Trans sensor
  • 4K/60p video
  • 1080/240p video
  • 6.5 stops of IBIS
  • 30fps burst shooting

Likes

  • Excellent stabilisation system
  • Best X-series video
  • Greatly improved battery life

Dislikes

  • Pricey

As the flagship camera in the X-series range, the X-T4 has a lot to live up to, and it certainly delivers the goods for both stills photographers and videographers alike.

Fujifilm have made a number of significant improvements to the XT4, including in-body-image-stabilisation, greatly improved battery life, quicker and quieter mechanical shutter and enhanced continuous AF.

These all add up to make this the best Fujifilm mirrorless camera, and the best APS-C sensor camera from any manufacturer.

It's also the best Fuji camera that you can buy for video, with 4K/60p and 1080/240p modes and 10-bit internal recording all present and correct.

In short, if you want all of the latest and greatest Fujifilm technologies in one camera, the X-T4 is the model to choose.

Our verdict: "All in all, the Fujifilm X-T4 is a delightful blend of old and new. It packs a wondrous photo and video capability and high-speed performance inside an attractive, premium quality body."

Read our expert Fujifilm X-T4 Review

Best Fujifilm Camera 2021

Fujifilm X-Pro3

The traditional rangefinder design makes this the street photographer's choice

Price

$$$$

Key Specs

  • 26 megapixel APS-C X-Trans sensor
  • 4K/30p video recording
  • 3-inch touchscreen
  • 30fps burst shooting
  • Advanced Hybrid Viewfinder

Likes

  • Hybrid viewfinder is a joy to use
  • A slower, more traditional way of taking photos

Dislikes

  • Marmite hidden LCD screen
  • No 4K/60p mode

This is the default X-series camera of choice for street, reportage and wedding photographers who love an eye-level viewfinder.

With a unique LCD screen that's actually harder to use, not easier, it's clear that the X-Pro3 is aimed at stills photographers who prefer composing with an eye-level viewfinder and hate chimping images in-camera.

The X-Pro has always been a niche series of cameras for a small subset of users, and the latest X-Pro3 model takes this blueprint even further.

Instead of focusing solely on key specifications, Fujifilm have tried to take a more personal approach with this camera.

If you fit the profile, the XPro3 will probably fit you like a glove, and could be the only camera that you either need or desire.

Our verdict: "The key aim of Fujifilm's X-Pro series has always been to deliver a more traditional, film-based way of taking photos, and in most ways the new X-Pro3 delivers on that promise, whilst incorporating a lot of the modern key features from the X-T3."

Read our expert Fujifilm X-Pro3 Review

Best Fujifilm Camera 2021

Fujifilm X-S10

Takes the X-series in a new design direction whilst offering most of the X-T4's core features

Price

$$$

Key Specs

  • 26 megapixel APS-C X-Trans sensor
  • 4K/30p video recording
  • 3-inch touchscreen
  • 30fps burst shooting
  • Pop-up Flash

Likes

  • Core features of X-T4, but smaller and cheaper
  • PASM dial is instantly familiar

Dislikes

  • Lacks the usual Fuji manual controls
  • No 4K/60p mode

In terms of its specification, the X-S10 is very similar to the flagship X-T4, only really lacking the more expensive cameras 4K/60p mode, 15fps burst shooting with the mechanical shutter and weather-sealing.

In terms of its design, though, the XS10 marks something of a radical departure from the usual Fujifilm X-series blueprint.

Instead of the classic array of manual controls that adorn most Fuji X cameras, the X-S10 has a traditional PASM dial just like the one found on DSLRs.

It's also much smaller and lighter than its big brother, the XT4, and has a much simpler interface in order to try and make it more appealing to less experienced users.

If you like the Fujifilm image quality and colour science but prefer a less cluttered interface, this is the X-series camera to choose.

Our verdict: "...the X-S10 successfully takes the Fujifilm X-series in a new direction, unashamedly attempting to appeal to a broader audience, but still retaining the same image quality and colour science that Fuji fans have come to know and love."

Read our expert Fujifilm X-S10 Review

Best Fujifilm Camera 2021

Fujifilm X-T30

Offers all the core features of the X-T3 in a smaller, cheaper package

Price

$$

Key Specs

  • 26 megapixel APS-C X-Trans sensor
  • 4K/30p video recording
  • 3-inch touchscreen
  • 30fps burst shooting
  • Pop-up Flash

Likes

  • Core features of X-T3, but smaller and cheaper
  • Excellent auto-focusing

Dislikes

  • Quick menu button too easily pressed
  • Focus lever oddly positioned

Not everyone needs all the bells and whistles offered by a flagship model, which is where a camera like the X-T30 comes in.

It has 90% of the features of the more expensive X-T3 in a smaller, more compact and much cheaper body.

In fact, on launch its auto-focusing system was actually more advanced than the X-T3's (although a later firmware update made them the same).

The X-T30 strikes the right balance between the latest cutting-edge tech and affordability - if you can't stretch your budget to the top-of-the-range, this is the model to go for instead.

Our verdict: "...the X-T30 make a lot more sense for the majority of enthusiast photographers, offering most of the same functionality in a more portable format at a price that is a lot easier to bear. Fujifilm have definitely hit that sweep-spot with the X-T30, making it a deserved winner of our Highly Recommended award!"

Read our expert Fujifilm X-T30 Review

Best Fujifilm Camera 2021

Fujifilm X-T200

The cheapest Fujifilm mirrorless camera here is great for vlogging

Price

$$

Key Specs

  • 24 megapixel APS-C Bayer sensor
  • 4K/30p video recording
  • 3.5-inch touchscreen
  • Electronic viewfinder

Likes

  • 3.5-inch vari-angle touch-screen
  • Auto-focusing has been improved

Dislikes

  • Bayer rather than X-Trans sensor
  • A little pricey

The X-T200 is a great mirrorless camera for vloggers, with a number of features that make it easy to use.

These include a large 3.5-inch 6:9 ratio touchscreen, support for 4K/30p and 1080/120p recording, and digital gimbal and HDR video modes.

The special edition Vlogger's Kit does look like very good value for money if you're more heavily into shooting video.

On the stills side, the XT200 uses a conventional Bayer rather than Fujifilm's unique X-Trans sensor, but the image quality is still very good.

This is a great step-up camera for people who want to upgrade from a point-and-shoot or smartphone.

Our verdict: "...the new Fujifilm X-T200 is an even better step-up camera than its predecessor, successfully bridging the gap between complete beginner and more experienced enthusiast without too many compromises in either regard."

Read our expert Fujifilm X-T200 Review

Best Fujifilm Medium Format Camera 2021

Instead of joining the 35mm full-frame bandwagon, Fujifilm decided to go one sensor size bigger and launched the GFX range in 2017.

These cameras all have a medium-format sensor that is 1.7x bigger than a 35mm sensor, which promises to offer more megapixels, better low-light performance and greater depth of field.

Fujifilm have made great strides in making their GFX cameras as small as possible, culminating in the astonishing new GFX 100S, which is similar in size to a pro-level DSLR.

There are currently two 100 megapixel models - the GFX 100 and GFX 100S - and two 50 megapixel models - the GFX 50S and GFX 50R.

Best Fujifilm Camera 2021

Fujifilm GFX 100S

This 100 megapixel marvel is only slightly bigger than many full-frame DSLR cameras

Price

$$$$

Key Specs

  • 100 megapixel medium-format sensor
  • 5-axis image stabilisation
  • 3.69 million dot fixed EVF
  • Weather-resistant
  • 5fps continuous shooting
  • 4K/30p video

Likes

  • Surprisingly affordable
  • Very effective IBIS
  • Great AF system

Dislikes

  • No battery grip option

The GFX100S is smaller, lighter, and cheaper than the flagship GFX 100 model, yet it offers virtually all of the same features, image quality and performance.

The GFX 100S takes a radically different approach to the 18-month old GFX 100, being much more compact and portable than its studio-focused big brother.

It even offers an improved IBIS system worth up to 6 stops and the same AF system, weather-resistance, 5fps burst shooting and 4K/30p video recording.

Somewhat incredibly, it's priced at only £5,999 / $5,999, a whopping 40% cheaper than the cost of its big brother. We're not quite sure how Fujifilm did it.

Our verdict: "The new GFX 100S is a much smaller, much simpler and crucially much cheaper camera than the GFX 100, yet in some ways it even slightly out-performs its big brother, most notably burst shooting and its IBIS system."

Read our expert Fujifilm GFX 100S Review

Best Fujifilm Camera 2021

Fujifilm GFX 100

The flagship GFX camera is equally suited to life inside and out of the studio

Price

$$$$$

Key Specs

  • 100 megapixel medium-format sensor
  • 5-axis image stabilisation
  • 5.76 million dot removable EVF
  • Weather-resistant
  • 5fps continuous shooting

Likes

  • 100 megapixels!!!
  • Great AF system
  • IBIS
  • 4K/30p video

Dislikes

  • Very, very pricey
  • Big and heavy

The Fuji GFX 100 is a 100-megapixel medium-format monster that can also record 4k/30p video!

It is also the first ever medium format camera to feature in-body image stabilization (IBIS) worth up to 5.5 stops.

High-resolution medium-format cameras are traditionally only suited to life inside a studio, but the GFX 100 bucks that trend by being fully weather-proof.

It has a phase-detection AF system and 5fps burst shooting that also help to make it a lot more versatile than some of its main rivals.

Our verdict: "It's both a tantalising glimpse into the future for the majority of photographers and a superb everyday worktool for those lucky few who can justifiably use it in their day-to-day business."

Read our expert Fujifilm GFX100 Review

Best Fujifilm Camera 2021

Fujifilm GFX 50R

The cheapest GFX camera blurs the line between medium-format and full-frame

Price

$$$$

Key Specs

  • 50 megapixels
  • X-Processor Pro
  • Tilting LCD screen
  • 1080/30p video
  • 3fps burst shooting

Likes

  • Very compact design
  • Outstanding still images

Dislikes

  • Fixed viewfinder
  • Only 1080p video

If you've ever wanted to try medium-format digital photography but been put off by the cost, then you owe it to yourself to take a look at the GFX 50R.

The cheapest GFX camera is a stunner - it's smaller, lighter, cheaper and easier to use than its main rivals.

Priced at £3999 / $4499, it's also very affordable, on par with a high-end full-frame camera rather than most medium-format cameras.

The rangefinder-style 50R is very nice to use, compact and light, capable of stunning image quality, and doesn't cost the earth.

Our verdict: "The GFX 50R blurs the boundaries between 35mm full-frame and medium format more than ever before, bringing the larger format into closer reach of high-end DSLR and mirrorless users both financially and in terms of the overall system size."

Read our expert Fujifilm GFX 50R Review

Best Fujifilm Instax Camera 2021

Instax has been a huge hit for Fujifilm, outselling the rest of their camera range by a huge margin.

Especially popular with teens, the ability to take a photograph and immediately print it out has captured the imagination of people everywhere.

Fuji offer an extensive range of Instax cameras, printers and hybrid devices, plus a multitude of different print sizes and accessories.

Best Fujifilm Camera 2021

Fujifilm Instax Square SQ1

One of the most stylish and straight-forward square-format instant cameras

Price

$$

Key Specs

  • Square film format
  • Auto-exposure mode
  • Built-in 'selfie' lens setting
  • 300 shot battery life

Likes

  • Easy to use
  • Stylish looks

Dislikes

  • Rather sensitive shutter button
  • Annoying automatic flash

This truly point-and-shoot Instax camera delivers great looking square prints with the minimum of fuss.

It has a refreshingly modern look that blends together both style and substance.

The rotatable lens barrel that's used to switch the camera from Off-On-Selfie is a very clever bit of product design.

Our verdict: "...if you want a square-format Instant film camera that delivers good-looking prints most of the time with the minimum of fuss, then the new Fujifilm Instax Square SQ1 certainly fits the bill."

Read our expert Fujifilm Instax Square SQ1 Review

Best Fujifilm Camera 2021

Fujifilm Instax Mini 11

One of the cheapest ways to get into Instax film photography

Price

$

Key Specs

  • Uses Instax Mini paper
  • Auto-exposure mode
  • Built-in 'selfie' lens setting

Likes

  • Very easy to use
  • Lovely print quality

Dislikes

  • Limited exposure range
  • Annoying automatic flash

The Mini 11 is a budget Instax camera that punches above its weight, delivering great looking prints with the minimum of fuss.

The new auto exposure mode and easy-to-use built-in selfie mode help make it a cinch to use.

If you are on the lookout for a budget-friendly instant film camera and like the style of the Fujifilm Instax Mini 11, look no further.

Our verdict: "It's simple really - if a camera doesn't work the way that you hoped it would (or if it's running cost is prohibitive), you won't use it and the dust soon gathers. If we owned a Fujifilm Instax Mini 11, we would want to carry it around. That's about the best complement to extend to an instant film camera."

Read our expert Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 Review

Best Fujifilm Compact Camera 2021

The days of Fujifilm making an array of different compact cameras in seemingly every colour under the sun have long gone, instead now concentrating on the premium compact and tough compact niches.

So they offer the excellent, long-running X100 series, a camera with a 35mm fixed focal length lens that's aimed predominantly at street photographers, and the XP range of rugged compacts that's especially well-suited to family life.

Best Fujifilm Camera 2021

Fujifilm X100V

The latest X100-series premium compact camera is the best one yet

Price

$$$

Key Specs

  • 26 megapixel APS-C sensor
  • 4K/30p video recording
  • Tilting LCD monitor
  • 20fps burst shooting
  • Weather-proof

Likes

  • Latest sensor and processor
  • Super slim LCD screen

Dislikes

  • Need to buy adapter and filter to be fully weather-proof
  • No rear navigation pad

Fujifilm have further refined the X100 blueprint to create the best ever version of this much-loved classic.

The Fuji X100V is simply faster, sharper, and more capable than its predecessors, whilst maintaining the handling and feel that fans of the series have grown to love.

The only real mis-step is that full weather-proofing is achieved via the addition of a costly adapter and filter that makes the camera bigger and heavier.

Otherwise, the X100V is nigh-on perfect - if you simply love shooting with a 35mm lens, then buy this camera!

Our verdict: "While it's not radically different to the cameras that have come before it, and therefore unlikely to attract too many new fans, the Fujifilm X100V is definitely the best X100 camera ever, and well worth upgrading to if you're a dedicated follower of the venerable series."

Read our expert Fujifilm X100V Review

Best Fujifilm Camera 2021

Fujifilm FinePix XP140

An affordable tough camera that can certainly take a beating

Price

$

Key Specs

  • 16 megapixels
  • 4K/30p video
  • 5x zoom lens
  • Water, freeze, dust and shock proof

Likes

  • Good value
  • Responsive performance

Dislikes

  • Not a lot of features
  • Dated design

If you want a tough camera that can withstand the rigours of family life, then you could certainly do a lot worse than the Fuji XP140.

This vibrantly-coloured pocket cam is built to survive virtually everything that you could possibly throw at it, and throw it into.

Image quality is good for this type of camera thanks to its 16.4 megapixel back-illuminated CMOS sensor, and there's also the added bonus of 4K/30p video recording.

Priced at £179 / $199, the XP140 is also very affordable too, which should give you more money to spend on that dream holiday.

Our verdict: "if you don't need a bunch of bells and whistles or 4K shooting at a more 'standard' 30fps, and just want something that can take pictures in otherwise challenging conditions for a regular camera or smartphone, the Fujifilm FinePix XP140 comes up trumps as one of the better toughened options out there right now for the cash-strapped."

Read our expert Fujifilm FinePix XP140 Review

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are Fujifilm cameras made?

Most Fujifilm cameras and lenses are both designed and made in Japan. Some of its cheaper cameras and lenses are manufactured in China to save costs.

Are Fujifilm cameras good for photography?

Yes! Fuji understands the needs of the stills photographer very well and has a wide range of cameras at different price points aimed at people of different experience levels. They've been making cameras for a long time, since well before the advent of digital photography, and they back that knowledge up with excellent customer service.

Is Fuji good for video?

Although early models were predominantly aimed at stills photographers, Fujifilm have made great strides recently on the video front, with the X-T4 delivering 4K/60p 10-bit video with a front-facing screenand lots of other videographer-friendly bells and whistles.

So definitely don't discount Fuji if you're looking for the best video camera.

Which Fujifilm camera is the best?

If you're a professional who takes photos for a living, the GFX medium-format cameras are hard to beat - we'd suggest the newest GFX 100S as the best model.

For something smaller, the X-T4 is hard to beat. It offers the best combination of stills and video from any Fuji camera.

If you're an amateur for whom photography is a hobby and you don't want to spend too much money, then the X-S10 is very hard to beat, offering the same image quality as the flagship models at a much lower price-point.

The X100V is a great travel camera that's easy to carry all day and which doesn't attract unwanted attention.

Can I use a Fujifilm camera as a webcam?

Yes, many of the latest Fuji cameras can now be used as webcams via the FUJIFILM X Webcam software program thanks to a number of recent camera firmware updates.

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