Fujifilm X-T50 rumored to follow up the in-demand X100VI – and it could be the better buy
Fujifilm’s low-cost retro X-T30 II tipped to get a powerful successor
If the Fujifilm X100VI has caught your eye but it's a little out of your budget or you're not keen on a potential lengthy pre-order wait, there could be another low-cost alternative on the horizon – the rumored Fujifilm X-T50.
According to Fujifilm Rumors, the 'fifth generation' model will replace the out-of-stock Fujifilm X-T30 II that was launched in September 2021 as a minor refresh of the X-T30 from 2019, and it could include some of the same tech found in cameras like the Fujifilm X-T5 and yes, the X100VI.
It'll sit below the X-T5 in Fujifilm's budget-friendly, retro-styled line of cameras that have often featured in our best travel cameras guide and is a potentially tantalizing mix of value, style, and powerful features for those wanting an X100VI alternative.
The X-T30 II list price is around half that of the X100VI (and X-T5), though if you're new to the line you'll need to fork out for a lens to go with it, too. It'll probably be available bundled with a kit lens, but if you want to recreate the X100VI experience, there are pancake lenses available.
With the money saved – we don't know what the potential X-T50 would cost but probably a little over the body only $899 / £799 / AU$1,149 for an X-T30 II (which as a reminder is out-of-stock) – you'd have plenty left over to pick up a lens of your choice.
And that's part of the X-T30 II line's appeal; unlike the X100VI the lens isn't built-in. I personally would've preferred the X100VI with a slightly wider lens, which is what you can get with the rumored X-T50. For example, the 18mm f/2 R pancake lens ($599 / £549 / AU$949) could be a great pairing.
There are other Fujifilm X series lenses to give you a similar experience to the X100VI's compact fixed focal length optic, including the 27mm f/2.8 WR ($399 / £419 / AU$699), but the 23mm f/2 R WR ($449 / £429 / AU$679) that is technically like-for-like with the X100VI's built-in lens is bulkier.
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As for the rumored X-T50, there are virtually no details about it on Fuji Rumors. We expect it to also get the 40MP APS-C sensor and Fujifilm's latest autofocus. It should be a solid upgrade over the dated X-T30 II and represent the most cost-effective way to get Fujifilm's retro camera experience; shooting mode dials and film simulation modes.
This rumored camera is certainly one we'll be keeping an eye on as more details unfold.
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Tim is the Cameras editor at TechRadar. He has enjoyed more than 15 years in the photo video industry with most of those in the world of tech journalism. During his time as Deputy Technical Editor with Amateur Photographer, as a freelancer and consequently editor at Tech Radar, Tim has developed a deeply technical knowledge and practical experience with cameras, educating others through news, reviews and features. He’s also worked in video production for Studio 44 with clients including Canon, and volunteers his spare time to consult a non-profit, diverse stories team based in Nairobi. Tim is curious, a keen creative, avid footballer and runner, and moderate flat white drinker who has lived in Kenya and believes we have much to enjoy and learn from each other.