Fujifilm X-T100 vs X-T2: An In-Depth Comparison from Real-World Use

Choosing between the Fujifilm X-T100 and X-T2 can feel daunting at first glance. Both cameras share the iconic SLR-style mirrorless design, Fujifilm’s excellent color science, and access to the same X-mount lens ecosystem. But as someone who’s put both through extensive tests in portrait studios, wild landscapes, buzzing stadiums, and starry skies, I can tell you they serve very different users and photographic ambitions. Over the next few thousand words, I’ll dive deep into how these models stack up through hands-on use, covering everything from sensor performance and autofocus to ergonomics and video capabilities.

This isn’t just a specs comparison based on chore charts. It’s informed by years of shooting thousands of images, running side-by-side tests in challenging conditions, and piecing together practical advice for photographers of all levels.

First Impressions: Size, Build, and Handling

When you first hold the X-T100 and X-T2 side by side, the difference in build quality and weight is immediately noticeable.

The X-T100 is light and compact at 448 grams (body only), making it an inviting entry-level option. Its smaller grip and streamlined controls lend it a friendly feel, especially for enthusiasts stepping up from smartphones or compact cameras. In contrast, the X-T2 weighs in at 507 grams and feels significantly sturdier in the hand. The magnesium alloy body offers excellent weather resistance (sealed against dust and moisture), which instantly inspires confidence if you shoot outdoors in varied conditions.

Ergonomically, the X-T2 features dedicated dials for shutter speed, ISO, and exposure compensation - all tactile and crisp - a nod to seasoned photographers who prefer quick manual access without digging into menus. The X-T100 has more streamlined controls suitable for beginners: fewer physical dials, touchscreen operation, and a more simplified layout.

If you’re prioritizing portability and easy handling for travel or casual street photography, the lightweight X-T100’s compactness is a bonus. For professionals or enthusiasts demanding ruggedness and fast control, the X-T2’s build is truly reassuring.

Sensor and Image Quality: Two APS-C Contenders

Both cameras utilize 24MP APS-C sensors, but their characteristics diverge sharply on image quality and performance.

The X-T2 employs Fujifilm’s X-Trans CMOS III sensor without an optical low-pass filter (OLPF), which yields sharper images and greater resolving power in fine detail. This sensor design coupled with the X-Processor Pro 2 offers excellent dynamic range performance, even in challenging highlights and shadows. The absence of the anti-aliasing filter means you get crisp textures - invaluable for landscape photographers craving every nuance.

Conversely, the X-T100’s 24MP CMOS sensor includes an OLPF, which slightly softens images but reduces moiré at the cost of ultimate sharpness. Fujifilm’s color profiles shine on both cameras, rendering skin tones and vibrant scenes faithfully. The X-T100’s sensor is adequate for most enthusiasts, but its lower-end processor limits low-light capabilities and dynamic range compared to the X-T2.

On a practical shoot with both cameras side by side, portraits captured with the X-T2 showed crisper details in hair strands and fabric textures, while the X-T100 images were slightly softer but still pleasing. In landscapes, the X-T2 preserved more information in the sky and shadow gradients, handling tricky exposure transitions with less clipping.

For extended high ISO testing (native max ISO 12800), the X-T2 was noticeably cleaner with less noise and better color fidelity. The X-T100 allowed a boosted ISO up to 51200, but the results beyond 6400 were increasingly unusable for professional work.

Viewing and Interface: Touch and Feel

Both models feature tilting LCD screens, but their usability differs.

The X-T100 sports a 3-inch touchscreen (1040k dots), which proved extremely helpful for quick focusing and menu navigation. The touch interface made it easy to adjust settings on the fly - ideal for beginners or those accustomed to smartphone-style controls. However, it lacks articulating functions, limiting flexible shooting angles somewhat.

In contrast, the X-T2 offers a slightly larger 3.2-inch non-touch LCD with 1040k dots resolution. While less interactive, the screen tilts up and down farther, supporting low and high-angle compositions more comfortably. For me, while I missed touch on the X-T2, the superior tilt range and color accuracy helped in composition outdoors, especially under sunlight.

Both cameras have high-resolution electronic viewfinders (EVF) at 2360k dots, but the X-T2 features a higher magnification (0.77x vs 0.62x on X-T100), making manual focus and detail checking easier through the eyepiece.

Autofocus Performance: Precision vs Accessibility

Here we see a very sharp distinction that affects many photography styles.

The X-T2 boasts 325 phase-detection autofocus points spread broadly across the frame, enabling speedy and confident subject tracking. Its hybrid AF system excels at locking onto moving subjects with accuracy and tracking continuity - vital for sports, wildlife, and event photography. Autofocus modes include face detection and wide-area tracking that rarely faltered during my fast-action shoots.

Meanwhile, the X-T100 uses a more basic 91-point hybrid system with phase- and contrast-detection, which is slower to lock focus and less effective at maintaining it during movement. I often found the X-T100 hunting or missing focus when tasked with erratically moving subjects like kids or wildlife. Yet for static compositions like portraits or landscapes, it performed competently.

In the accompanying image gallery, notice how the X-T2 nails sharp eyes even in low light with subtly blurred backgrounds, courtesy of more reliable eye detection autofocus. The X-T100’s bokeh is pleasing but less consistently sharp on key details.

If compelling autofocus is a priority - whether tracking a runner at a marathon or snapping wildlife on a safari - the X-T2 is the clear winner.

Burst Shooting and Buffer: Catch the Moment

This directly impacts action photographers and event shooters.

The X-T2 can shoot up to 14 frames per second in continuous burst mode with a substantial buffer, perfect for catching decisive moments in sports or wildlife sequences. Real-world testing confirmed the buffer seamlessly handled rapid JPEG and RAW shooting for over a dozen seconds before slowing down. This responsiveness felt incredibly reliable during fast-paced shoots.

In contrast, the X-T100 tops out at 6 fps burst, with a smaller buffer that fills quickly if shooting RAW. For casual birdwatching or children’s birthday parties, this may suffice. But for professional sports or fast wildlife tracking, it’s limiting.

Video Capabilities: Entry-Level vs Prosumer

Looking at video, the X-T2 again pulls ahead with a more robust feature set:

• X-T2: 4K UHD recording up to 30fps, 1080p up to 60fps, with clean HDMI output and microphone input. The video quality is excellent for its class, although it lacks headphone jacks. Fujifilm’s Film Simulation modes carry over nicely to video, offering creative color options.

• X-T100: Offers 4K UHD video but limited to 15fps, making it more a curiosity than a serious video tool. 1080p is capped at 60fps. The camera has a microphone input but no headphone jack. Practically, the video experience felt stuck more in photo-centric shooting.

For filmmakers or hybrid shooters wanting solid 4K at smooth frame rates, the X-T2’s options are a key benefit.

Professional Features and Workflow Support

The X-T2 is geared heavily toward professionals and serious enthusiasts:

• Dual UHS-II SD card slots support overflow recording or backup, crucial for reliability during important shoots.
• No built-in flash, encouraging use of external units for flexible lighting setups.
• Weather sealing enables shooting through dust, rain, or cold weather.
• USB 3.0 fast data connection for quicker transfers.
• Superior shutter speed range (max 1/8000 s vs 1/4000 s on X-T100).

The X-T100 lacks these pro-level touches but is still a very capable camera for entry-level users and hobbyists.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

Both cameras share the Fujifilm X-mount and have access to the same expansive lineup of 54 native lenses ranging from wide-aperture primes to versatile zooms.

Fujifilm’s consistency here simplifies lens purchasing decisions; you won’t be limited regardless of camera choice. The main difference is that the X-T2’s superior autofocus system complements fast, telephoto, and wide lenses better in demanding conditions.

Battery Life and Storage

The X-T100 impresses slightly on battery endurance, rated at around 430 shots per charge, which is excellent for an entry-level mirrorless. The X-T2’s larger sensor and faster processing consume more power, rated at 340 shots per charge. I’ve generally carried extra batteries regardless, but the difference means fewer swaps in the field with the X-T100.

The X-T2 wins on storage flexibility with dual card slots supporting UHS-II cards, speeding up write times and adding backup security.

Connectivity and Extras

• X-T100 includes built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for easy connection to smartphones, an advantage for social shooters or travel photographers wanting quick image sharing.
• X-T2 has built-in Wi-Fi but no Bluetooth; it compensates with faster USB 3.0 data transfer.
• Neither camera offers GPS.

Performance Ratings and Genre-Specific Suitability

Let’s bring in some scores based on empirical testing:

Breaking down performance by photography genre reveals nuanced strengths:

• Portraits: Both produce beautiful skin tones and bokeh, but the X-T2’s sharper sensor and better eye-detection autofocus deliver more consistently crisp portraits.
• Landscapes: The X-T2’s superior dynamic range and resolution edges it ahead.
• Wildlife and Sports: X-T2’s autofocus speed, tracking, and burst rates clearly excel.
• Street Photography: X-T100’s smaller size and quieter operation may appeal more.
• Macro: Both cameras perform similarly, but lack built-in stabilization makes lens choice critical.
• Night/Astro: X-T2’s improved high ISO performance and lower noise make it preferable.
• Video: X-T2 offers more professional video features.
• Travel: The lighter X-T100 with longer battery life is attractive here.
• Professional Work: X-T2 offers reliability, ruggedness, and pro workflow integration.

Real-World Examples: Seeing the Differences

During a recent portrait shoot, I alternated lenses and cameras to isolate image quality differences. Though both cameras’s colors were vibrant and skin tones natural, the X-T2’s sharper rendering allowed me more confidence in cropping and printed enlargements. Eye focus locked fast even with moving subjects.

On a landscape workshop, the X-T2 revealed subtle tonal gradations in shadowed clouds and glistening water reflections not fully caught by the X-T100.

A late-night urban shooting session underscored the improved high ISO noise control of the X-T2, essential for street scenes in low light.

The Bottom Line: Who Should Buy Which?

Having logged countless hours and thousands of frames on both cameras across diverse conditions, here are my distilled recommendations:

Choose the Fujifilm X-T100 If:

• You are a beginner or enthusiast looking for a beginner-friendly, affordable, lightweight mirrorless camera.
• You shoot primarily static subjects like portraits, street, or travel photography.
• You appreciate touchscreen convenience and longer battery life.
• You have a tighter budget and want access to Fujifilm’s lens ecosystem without complexity.
• You prioritize portability over ruggedness and professional durability.

Choose the Fujifilm X-T2 If:

• You are a serious enthusiast or professional demanding robust build, weather sealing, and a pro-level user experience.
• You need fast and accurate autofocus for sports, wildlife, or event photography.
• You require excellent image quality with no compromises in dynamic range or sharpness.
• You shoot video seriously and want full 4K at 30fps and advanced features.
• You want dual card slots and solid workflow integration.
• You often shoot in challenging environmental conditions.

Closing Thoughts: A Tale of Two Cameras

With the X-T100 and X-T2, Fujifilm offers two compelling mirrorless cameras that reflect distinctly different user philosophies. The X-T100 represents an accessible gateway into the Fujifilm system - intuitive, portable, and affordable - perfect for enthusiastic hobbyists. Meanwhile, the X-T2 demands respect as a serious photographic tool, engineered with professional needs in mind, from durability to performance.

In my experience, neither is simply “better” - it’s about matching the tool to your vision, style, and practical needs. I encourage you to consider your shooting priorities and budget, review sample images and handling impressions, then follow up with in-store hands-on testing if possible.

Feel free to reach out with questions - it’s a pleasure to help photographers make well-informed choices.

All performance assessments here are based on extensive side-by-side testing in both controlled studio and dynamic field environments over several months. Both cameras tested were final production units.

Appendix: Image Gallery and Reference

The compact and lightweight X-T100 (left) contrasts with the robust, weather-sealed X-T2 (right).

Dedicated dials on the X-T2 facilitate fast manual exposure adjustments.

APS-C sensor differences: X-T2’s X-Trans CMOS III vs X-T100’s conventional CMOS.

X-T100’s touchscreen helps beginners navigate easily.

Portraits illustrating autofocus precision and bokeh quality.

General performance comparison across critical metrics.

How each camera fares in specific photography genres.

Thank you for reading this detailed comparison. Happy shooting!