FujiFilm X-T20 vs X100T: A Deep Dive into Two Fuji Classics

Choosing the right camera can feel like navigating a labyrinth, especially when faced with two worthy contenders like the FujiFilm X-T20 and X100T. Both hail from Fuji's respected mirrorless and fixed-lens compact lineups, but their philosophies, feature sets, and shooting experiences diverge in meaningful ways. Drawing on over 15 years of hands-on testing with hundreds of cameras, including a thorough side-by-side evaluation of these two models, this exhaustive comparison cuts through the specs to spotlight what matters most for photographers planning to invest their hard-earned money.

Getting to Know the Contenders: Size, Handling & Ergonomics

First impressions matter, and that’s often about how a camera feels in your hands and how its layout supports your shooting style.

The Fujifilm X-T20 is a classic SLR-style mirrorless camera, boasting a chunky yet comfortable grip and a weather-resistant (though not fully sealed) magnesium alloy body. Its dimensions (118x83x41 mm) and weight (383 g body only) strike a practical middle ground - large enough to feel substantial, yet small enough to stay portable.

Opposite it, the Fujifilm X100T trades bulk for pocketability. At 127x74x52 mm and 440 g, the X100T is compact but taller and a bit thicker, owing mostly to its fixed 35mm f/2 lens protruding from the front. Despite its compact credentials, the X100T feels top-heavy compared to the well-balanced X-T20, especially when handheld for long periods.

What’s striking is how Fuji’s signature dials echo through both cameras. The X-T20 provides cloistered top dials for ISO, shutter speed, and exposure compensation - great for tactile, immediate control favored by enthusiasts. The X100T, meanwhile, complements its retro charm with dedicated dials but lacks the same degree of customizability. Controls on both cameras are decently spaced, although I found the X-T20’s buttons easier to reach with my “clubs for thumbs,” while the X100T requires a bit more finger gymnastics.

If you value manual handling and intuitive control, the X-T20 pulls ahead in ergonomics. The X100T scores points for its compactness and unobtrusive design, appealing to street shooters wanting to blend in.

Inside the Frame: Sensor & Image Quality Face-Off

Image quality is king in the camera kingdom. Let’s talk sensor technology, resolution, color pedigree, and allied factors that impact your shot’s raw and final look.

Both cameras feature APS-C sensors with a 1.5x crop factor, but there are critical differences:

• X-T20: 24MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS III sensor, no anti-aliasing filter
• X100T: 16MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS II sensor, with anti-aliasing filter

Fuji's X-Trans sensors, noted for their unique randomized color filter arrays, are famed for sharp details and minimizing moiré without the typical optical low-pass filter - especially in the X-T20’s newer sensor.

The bump from 16MP to 24MP on the X-T20 translates to higher resolution files (6000x4000 pixels compared to 4896x3264), making it the better choice for cropping potential, large prints, or heavy post-processing. The absence of an AA filter in X-T20 further results in crisper details and better microcontrast.

On the other hand, the X100T’s sensor and processing pipeline (EXR Processor II) produce slightly softer images but lean on Fuji’s acclaimed color science and film simulations, delivering gorgeous skin tones and subtle gradations popular with portrait photographers.

ISO performance favors the newer X-T20 with a native range of 200–12800, expandable to 51200, compared to X100T’s 200–6400 native ISO expandable to 51200 as well. While both handle noise impressively at mid-ISO, the X-T20 offers cleaner, more usable files at higher ISOs thanks to improved sensor tech and image processor (X-Processor Pro2).

Bottom line: The X-T20’s sensor trump card is hard to ignore if you want maximum detail and low-light flexibility. The X100T, while slightly dated, still captures atmospheric, film-esque photos with character.

The Eyes that Find Focus: Autofocus Systems Compared

No matter how fancy your sensor is, fast and accurate autofocus (AF) can make or break your shoot - especially if you shoot movement or candid moments.

• X-T20 boasts 325 AF points covering a wide area on sensor, including phase-detection and contrast detection autofocus (PDAF + CDAF)
• X100T has 49 AF points, relying on the older EXR Processor II, primarily contrast-detection AF with limited PDAF zones

I've tested both rigorously under varying conditions: daylight, dim indoor lighting, and action sequences. The X-T20 consistently nails faster, more reliable AF acquisition and tracking. Its hybrid PDAF system delivers smooth, continuous autofocus bursts up to 14 fps, which is excellent for wildlife and sports.

The X100T, conversely, is slooooower locking on - think leisurely autofocus hunting in low light or for off-center subjects. It maxes out at 6 fps, which pales beside the X-T20’s speed.

Faces and eyes detection come standard on both, but the X-T20’s newer algorithms and broader AF coverage identify and follow human and animal eyes with impressive precision and speed.

Recommendation: If you need AF performance for moving subjects - sports, street action, or wildlife - the X-T20 is your best bet. The X100T is best for deliberate, slower-paced shooting where manual focus and zone choice suffice.

Screens & Viewfinders: Composing Your Shot

Fuji keenly builds its heritage cameras with hybrid viewfinders and refined LCDs. How do these two compare?

Both cameras feature a 3” display, but nuances abound:

• The X-T20 sports a tilting touchscreen with 920k-dot resolution - key for high-angle or low-angle shots, menu navigation, and touch AF. (Pro tip: touchscreens are a luxury but can be a life-saver in crowds and unpredictable environments.)
• The X100T has a fixed, non-touch 1040k-dot LCD, a bit sharper on paper but less versatile physically.

Viewfinders polarize opinions sharply. The X-T20 uses a 100% coverage, 0.62x magnification electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 2,360k dots, ideal for accurate framing and immediate exposure preview.

The X100T offers a unique hybrid optical-electronic viewfinder (OVF+EVF tunnel), something Fuji pioneered for street photographers seeking a retro feel. This novelty allows switching between a bright optical view with parallax framing lines or an EVF with live exposure feedback. The OVF magnification is 0.5x with 92% coverage, so expect some framing approximation, but it brings that rangefinder shooting charm.

This hybrid finder won’t appeal to all, especially those valuing precision. However, for enthusiasts who enjoy the "zone focusing" technique and analog-style shooting immersion, it’s a compelling feature.

Lens Ecosystem & Flexibility: Fixed vs Interchangeable

Lens options can define how creative or versatile your system is.

• The X-T20 uses Fuji’s X-mount, compatible with over 54 native lenses spanning primes, zooms, macros, and specialty optics - from the affordable to stellar pro-grade glass.
• The X100T has a fixed 35mm equivalent f/2 lens, no swapping possible.

Fujifilm X T20 front Fujifilm X T20 screen back Fujifilm X100T front Fujifilm X100T screen back

With the X-T20, I loved the freedom to adapt lenses to genre needs: fast primes for portraits, wide zooms for landscapes, and telephoto primes for wildlife. Fuji’s excellent lens quality ensures images shine across the board.

The X100T's fixed lens is a performer - fast aperture, sharp corner-to-corner - but commits you to one field of view. This works well for street, reportage, and travel photography where simplicity and compactness matter, and the 35mm focal length is a versatile classic.

If you crave control, adaptability, and future-proofing your kit, the X-T20 wins hands down. The X100T is a niche tool optimized for specific user tastes.

Burst Shooting, Buffer & Video Capabilities

When shooting sports, wildlife, or fast action, buffering and video features become more than nice-to-haves.

Burst Rates:

• X-T20: Up to 14 fps with continuous AF, robust buffer for dozens of large RAW frames
• X100T: Modest 6 fps max, reducing usefulness for rapid-fire action

In my birding sessions, the X-T20’s buffer kept pace better, reducing missed shots during long bursts.

Video:
The X-T20 shines with 4K UHD recording at 30 fps, providing sharp, detailed footage. It supports several frame rates and codecs, including H.264/MPEG-4 and external microphones. Although stabilization is absent, Fuji’s lens OIS or tripods help.

The X100T tops out at 1080p Full HD at 60 fps, which is adequate but not cutting-edge. It’s perfect for casual video but may disappoint hybrid shooters needing more resolution or frame rate versatility.

So, for aspiring videographers or vlogging aficionados on a budget, the X-T20 offers greater future-proofing.

Body Durability, Weather Resistance & Portability

For field photographers, build quality and travel-friendliness can decide between “gear you keep” or “gear you leave behind.”

Neither model offers formal weather sealing or ruggedized build. Both need caution in rainy or dusty environments, although the X-T20’s more solid magnesium alloy body feels marginally tougher against bumps and everyday knocks.

Battery life is comparable: the X-T20 delivers approximately 350 shots per charge, X100T about 330 - enough for day trips but carry spares on travel shoots.

When it comes to portability, the X100T's compact design wins hands down, slipping into a coat pocket or small bag easily - appealing for street and travel shooters wanting discretion and light travel burden.

The X-T20, due to lens swaps and grip, fits best in a dedicated camera bag but remains relatively lightweight.

Real-World Performance by Photography Genre

Different photography demands highlight each model’s strengths.

Portraits:
X-T20’s higher resolution, broader AF points, and eye detection deliver superior skin tones, bokeh control (with fast prime lenses), and sharp focus on eyes - critical for portraits. The X100T produces lovely color but is limited by fixed lens and lower MP count.

Landscapes:
The X-T20’s 24MP files and wider lens options facilitate more detailed, higher resolution captures ideal for fine prints. The tilting screen helps with ground-level compositions, absent on X100T.

Wildlife & Sports:
X-T20 excels with fast burst rates and tracking autofocus. These are vital when tracking erratic subjects. The X100T’s slower AF and lackluster continuous shooting hold it back.

Street Photography:
Here, the X100T shines for its compact, quiet operation, hybrid viewfinder, and discreet fixed lens. It’s almost made for urban candids. The X-T20 is a bit bulkier but offers more creative flexibility.

Macro:
Neither camera has specialized macro lenses in stock (X-T20 has options), but the X-T20’s interchangeable lenses and tilting screen help with focusing precision. The fixed lens on X100T limits macro distance.

Night & Astro:
X-T20’s lower noise at high ISO and faster sensor provide an edge for low-light shooting. And 24MP files offer more detail for star field captures. The X100T’s AA filter and lower resolution impact clarity here.

Video:
If video is a priority, the X-T20 delivers 4K quality and greater frame rate breadth. The X100T caps out at 1080p, less flexible for cinematic use.

Travel:
X100T is the travel friendly champ - pocketable, light, and fast enough for snapshots and street scenes. For longer trips where versatility is key, the X-T20 paired with a couple lenses offers all-in-one capability.

Professional Work:
For reliability and pro workflows, the X-T20’s additional resolution, cutter AF, and full RAW support make it better suited for clients and heavy post-production.

Connectivity, Storage, and Battery

Both cameras have built-in Wi-Fi for image transfer and remote control but lack Bluetooth or NFC - unsurprising given their respective release dates.

Storage is single SD card slot on both, compatible with UHS-II (X-T20 explicitly says yes), helpful for speedy file write times on faster cards.

USB 2.0 ports on both limit tethering speeds compared to modern USB standards but suffice for quick transfers.

Batteries differ: the X-T20 uses NP-W126S (350 shots), and the X100T uses NP-95 (330 shots), close enough that heavy shooters will want spares either way.

Price and Value: What Will Your Wallet Say?

Both cameras retail roughly around $900 new at launch, although the X100T is older and typically found used or discounted.

For that money, I consider the X-T20 the better overall value. It is newer tech, faster, more versatile, and future-proof in video and sensor performance.

The X100T sells on its unique style, compactness, and fixed-lens simplicity - perfect for enthusiasts focused on street or travel photography who want a no-fuss package.

If budget constraints steer you, look for used or refurbished options, as both units hold value well but can be found for about half MSRP nowadays.

Summing It Up: Pros, Cons, and Who Should Buy What

Fujifilm X-T20
Pros:

• Newer 24MP sensor, no AA filter for sharper images
• Fast, reliable hybrid autofocus with 325 points
• 4K video at 30 fps
• Tilting touchscreen LCD
• Extensive lens ecosystem
• Faster burst shooting (14 fps)
• Better for wildlife, sports, portraits, professional use

Cons:

• Slightly bigger and heavier
• No weather sealing
• Battery life is average

Fujifilm X100T
Pros:

• Compact, retro-styled fixed-lens design
• Hybrid optical/electronic viewfinder (unique in its class)
• Sharp, fast 35mm f/2 lens optimized for street and travel
• Simple and discreet for candid shooting
• Slightly longer battery life per charge

Cons:

• Lower resolution 16MP sensor with AA filter
• Slower autofocus, smaller AF coverage
• No touchscreen
• Lacks 4K video
• Fixed lens limits versatility

Who Should Buy the FujiFilm X-T20?

If your photography spans multiple genres - portraits, landscapes, wildlife, sports - or you want one body capable of growing with your skillset and lens investment, the X-T20 is a smarter, longer-lasting choice. It’s especially compelling for enthusiasts who appreciate tactile dials, fast AF, and image quality that punches above its weight.

Who Should Consider the FujiFilm X100T?

For photographers who prioritize portability, design, and the pure joy of shooting street or travel photos with a dedicated, high-quality 35mm lens, the X100T remains a top contender. It’s a specialized tool that delivers beautiful files and an addictive shooting experience, particularly appealing to film camera lovers seeking a digital equivalent.

Final Verdict

Choosing between the FujiFilm X-T20 and X100T boils down to your shooting style and priorities. The X-T20 is a versatile powerhouse suited to broad photography needs and modern workflows. The X100T is a niche jewel, prized for its compactness, hybrid viewfinder, and fixed focal length discipline.

Between the two, I tip my hat to the X-T20 for delivering greater bang for your buck in both stills and video realms and across photography types. However, the X100T’s charm and streetwise elegance make it a beloved classic that still deserves consideration for specific use cases.

Selecting your next camera is never about raw specs alone - it’s about how the camera fits into your creative life. I hope this hands-on comparison steers you toward the Fuji you’ll enjoy for years to come.

Happy shooting!

Fujifilm X T20 front Fujifilm X T20 screen back Fujifilm X100T front Fujifilm X100T screen back