Fujifilm
Fujifilm has long been one of the biggest and most trusted film manufacturers on the planet, but they also have a long history in cameras and optics as well (who can forget the GW690 "Texas Leica" medium format rangefinders?). Increasingly long is their history of innovative digital technologies, including the novel SuperCCD sensors with their variable pixel binning concepts and the current X-TRANS sensors with their unique non-Bayer color filters. With so much imaging history, it's little surprise that their current line of digital cameras inspired by retro aesthetics has proven massively successful and popular with photographers of all types.
X Mirrorless Digital Cameras
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Why should I choose an X series camera?
Why X Series?
Fujifilm's X series mirrorless cameras utilize an APS-C sensor to provide the optimum balance between total image quality and portability. Available in both rangefinder or SLR styled bodies, the X series offers solutions for practically every type of photographer. Some X series cameras also use Fujifilm's X-TRANS sensor, which uses a different color array than the usual Bayer filter found on most other digital cameras and offers a unique rendering quality and slightly increased resolution for the same megapixel count. The new X-H line represents Fujifilm's entry into more video-centric cameras and includes in-body stabilization. For all other X series cameras you'll need to look for lenses with stabilization if that's important to you.
If you need the absolute best image quality possible, you should look into the GFX medium format line instead.
X Mount Prime Lens
X Mount Prime Lenses
What do the letters on X-series lenses mean?
About Fujifilm X-Series Lenses
Fujifilm offers a very comprehensive line of lenses for its X series cameras. Different letters let you know which lenses will be best for you depending on your needs.
XC
Lenses that begin with an XC designation are made to be more economical choices for the budget-conscious shooter. These are very similar to the 'kit' lenses offered by other brands. They use a more plastic construction.
XF
Lenses that begin with an XF designation are Fujifilm's premium lenses, and feature more metal construction.
Beyond those main designations, there are a couple other letters you might see in Fujifilm lenses that can help guide your purchase:
R
The R designation means the lens has a dedicated aperture ring. These aren't mechanical, it's still electronically controlled, but if you prefer being able to see your cameras settings by just glancing or changing your settings without having to power the camera on, this dedicated aperture ring can be incredibly useful. It also greatly enhances the 'retro' feel of the higher end X cameras, if that's an aspect of them that appeals to you.
WR
Lenses marked WR are weather-resistant, and feature durable builds and ample o-rings and gaskets to protect you when shooting in rough conditions.
APD
The APD designation means the lens has a built-in apodization filter which helps create more appealing bokeh rendering at wide apertures.
LM
The LM designation indicates the lens uses a linear motor for focusing, making it more desirable for shooters who do a lot of video work and need the smoother, quieter focus transitions.
OIS
This indicates the lens has image stabilization. Since only the X-H line has in-body stabilization, it is important to look for this in a lens if you need image stabilization.
Like rangefinders? If you prefer the rangefinder style bodies, like the XPro series, look for the f2 primes with a narrower lens snout. These were introduced specifically to block the viewfinder less when using those bodies.
GFX Mirrorless Digital Cameras
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Why Medium Format?
Why Fuifilm's GFX Series?
Rather than produce a full frame camera, which offers only a small improvement over what their APS-C X-series offers, Fujifilm has dedicated themselves to affordable medium format via their GFX series for shooters who need more image quality and resolution. With a 43.8 x 32.9mm sensor that's 67% larger than a full frame sensor and almost four times the size of their APS-C sensors the GFX line represents a serious jump in image quality, making it a sensible compliment to the compact X line. It is also currently the most affordable medium format digital system, and with a rapidly expanding lens lineup and regularly updated lens roadmaps for future entries, it seeks to be one of the most comprehensive as well.
If you are looking for a lower price point or prefer a more compact system, you should look at the X series line-up!
X Premium Compact Camera
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Why Fujifilm Compact Cameras?
About Fujifilm compact cameras
If the image quality of the X-series interchangeable lens cameras appeals to you, but you'd rather have the lower cost and simplicity of a point-and-shoot, the X-series compacts are perfect for you. They still have the same high-quality APS-C sensors of their bigger brothers, but are paired with a fixed lens that helps keep the cost down and simplifies choices while out shooting. The X100 series is already well-regarded for its handsome, retro looks and classic 35mm equivalent street-ready lens, and now the series is expanding to offer further choices for more budget-sensitive shooters who want DSLR-performance in a stylish and compact form to carry with them.
