Big test
PERFORMANCE: ISO
The X-T50’s native ISO range is 125-12,800 – with expansion to ISO 64 at the bottom end and to 51,200 at the other extreme. This set of test shots of Southsea’s South Parade Pier was taken after sunset. The base ISO 125 exposure was 0.7sec at f/8. And the camera was mounted to a Leofoto LS-324C tripod and fitted with the new kit zoom: the XF16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 R LM WR. The Raws were processed via Adobe Lightroom with default noise reduction. We have had experience with the 40.2-megapixel X-Trans sensor and X-Processor 5 on the X-H2 and X-T5, so we know it’s a great duo. In the X-T50, image quality is first-rate and, when viewed at 100% on screen, is clean up to ISO 1600. There’s some grain at ISO 3200, but it’s still modest and doesn’t impact the fine detail greatly. It becomes more obvious from ISO 6400 upwards. Considering no noise reduction was applied to our test shots, the X-T50 has a solid ISO performance with potential for strong results in poor light at high ISOs.
125
800
1600
3200
25,600
51,200
6400
12,800
which film mode has been selected. There is also the option of pressing the Q button to learn more about the style’s characteristics. The Film Simulations apply to the JPEG/HEIF output, but Raw shooters can enjoy them too. Set HEIF/JPEG and Raw to capture an image with the selected colour style. Shoot Raw only and you still get the appropriate colour style during shooting. If you are a fan of the look, the style can be applied in Capture One and Adobe Lightroom – with 16 simulations offered in Lightroom v13.3.1. Some unkind reviewers might consider the Film Simulation dial to be a gimmick. After all, the film modes on any Fujifilm camera can be accessed via the menu or a function button, so accessing them was never too arduous. But having spent some time with the X-T50, the film modes being in front of you is a constant reminder that they are available. I was regularly trying different settings in a way I wouldn’t do if I had to dig into a menu. In that context, the Film Simulation dial did its job brilliantly. By shooting Raw and HEIF together, I achieved the best of both worlds. It was pleasant to produce out-of- camera shots in modes like Classic Chrome or Nostalgic Neg. By using HEIF, I saved space compared with JPEGs and, in theory, 10-bit capture is better than 8-bit.
FILM SIMULATION DIAL
The X-T50 is Fujifilm’s only camera with a dedicated Film Simulation dial, which is located on the left-hand side of the top-plate. There are eight set positions: STD (Provia/Standard), V (Velvia/Vivid), S (Astia/Soft), CC (Classic Chrome), RA (Reala Ace), NC (Classic Neg), NN (Nostalgic Neg) and A (Acros). With the three customisable FS settings and C, you can quickly engage 12 of the 20 Film Simulation settings. The colour modes not on the dial as defaults are Eterna/Cinema, Eterna Bleach Bypass, Sepia, Pro Neg Hi and Std, Monochrome (Std and three filter options). In each setting, the Q button brings up an explanation of what each Film Simulation setting offers, helping users with less experience. ON-SCREEN VISUAL Use the Film Simulation and virtual dial in the EVF – the monitor shows what colour style has been engaged
DETAILS ON SPEED DIAL Eight dedicated settings and three custom options – plus C – give the choice of 12 Film Simulation modes
PERFECT CONTROL The top-plate’s layout ensures intuitive camera operation
the 40.2-megapixel sensor. To be honest, though, the results I received looked great; the lenses consistently autofocused accurately and speedily. The X-T50 has an updated AF algorithm for better tracking, especially in zone AF mode and low- contrast situations. The camera did well in stills and video modes during testing. There’s the option of creating your own zone AF configurations – for example to handle prominently upright and thin subjects, perhaps runners. There is also face as well as subject detection AF with the choice of animals, birds, cars, motorcycles/ bikes, aeroplanes and trains. Testing the camera’s IBIS with the non-OIS 16-50mm zoom, I took
Whether the novelty of the new control will wear off in time, who’s to say. But certainly in this test, when there was time, I regularly tried four or more settings to inspect the effect. Like other cameras from Fujifilm, the X-T50 features Film Simulation bracketing, which offers a quick way to apply three colour styles. It would be interesting to see the brand expand the bracketing feature so any number of the 20 simulation modes can be applied to shots. I tested the X-T50 with the new standard zoom as well as the XF23mm f/2, XF18mm f/2, XF35mm f/1.4 and XF55-200mm f/4-5.6 lenses. The last three are not on Fujifilm’s list of optics to get the most from
MUTED PALETTE Shot using the Classic Neg Film Simulation mode with an XF18mm f/2 lens on the X-T50. Exposure was 1/3000sec at f/2 and ISO 800
28 Photography News | Issue 116
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