When I first received the Fujifilm X70 I looked at it and thought…….hmmmm. Then I scratched my head and glanced sideways at my X100T which was looking back at me with suspicion and concern.
I have to admit that I also had suspicion and concern when I first picked up the X70. It’s teeny. In terms of length and width it’s almost a third smaller than my mobile phone.
My X100T, on the other hand, is larger.
So I challenged myself to see if size really does matter and, more importantly, does the X70 live up to its big brother X100T when it comes down to image making.
Brief Differences and Similarities between the X70 and X100T
This isn’t a review of either camera but it makes sense for me to point out the fundamental differences, and similarities between the two cameras.
Both cameras share the same 16-megapixel APS-C X-Trans II sensor but that, possibly, is where the similarities end.
We already know about the size difference, but really the biggest differences are the interface to shooting and the lens and so I will concentrate on these during this post.
“Beat the fear of Street photography by allowing people to come to you, instead of you to them.
Then just… Click.
No pressure.“
The Lenses
The X100T has an excellent 23mm F2.0 lens. Way back when I was shooting DSLR, my preferred focal length was 35mm (full frame equivalent), and actually it still is.
I LOVE the lens on the X100T and this is one of the critical changes because if you also LOVE the lens on the X100T, you need to know that the lens on the X70 is different.
The lens on the X70 is a slower F2.8 but wider 18.5 mm focal length or 28mm (35mm equivalent).
So straight away, we can see that the X100T is going to be better at low light shooting, albeit marginally.
However, the size and weight of the X70 means we can shoot at slower shutter speeds to mitigate this to a certain extent (depending on the subject matter of course).
For me, I love that 35mm FF focal length and I’m getting used to the slightly wider view from the X70.
Taking Pictures
I instinctively lifted the X70 to my eye when I first got it out of the box. Big mistake as there is no viewfinder in the camera (you can purchase an external viewfinder attachment that slots into the hotshoe).
For me, the reason I never really gelled with the Fujifilm X-M1 was because of the lack of viewfinder. But then the X-M1 was bigger…..and didn’t have the X-Trans II Sensor.
I’ll give it a try I thought.
And you know what, I have learnt to really like the LCD shooting experience of the X70. I’m not a hundred percent convinced I wouldn’t prefer a viewfinder as at least an option, but obviously one of the reasons this camera is so small is because of the removal of the viewfinder.
Instead of the traditional way of shooting, in the X70, you have a remarkably versatile tilting screen, which even tilts vertically above the camera to allow you to take “selfies”.
When shooting with the X100T I have to use the viewfinder, or shoot from the hip using a zone focus technique.
I can still use zone focusing with the X70 of course, but the benefit of the flip down screen is plain to see. Additionally, the X70 implements some neat touch screen features where you can use your finger to very quickly touch, focus & shoot.
That’s a great advantage when out on the street shooting.
“I adore elderly people holding hands and I strive to look for pictures like that.
Pretty much, I just want to be like that with my wife when I’m elderly too.”
Which camera would I use?
This is the question I’ve been asking myself a lot. When would I use one over the other? And I actually sat down and came up with a list of scenarios where I would use either the X100T or the X70.
In really low light I’m going to need the X100T. I don’t use flash, and I find that I use the Optical Viewfinder on the X100T a lot when shooting in low light.
For that reason, and also because of the build and form factor, the X100T will remain one of my primary cameras as a wedding photographer.
However, the X70 really comes into its own when I pick up a camera to go and shoot street photography.
In fact, for me, its superseded all other cameras in the range when it comes to shooting on the street.
I like to get in close and I like to observe and prepare to shoot. Unless I need to use different lenses (for example, I may use a MF lens on the X-Pro2 or X-T10 for rapid zone focusing and shooting), the X70 is an ideal camera for shooting on the street.
The fact that you don’t even have to press the shutter button is a marvellous thing in itself and lends the camera perfectly to candid street shooting.
The X70 isn’t going to replace my X100T, but at the same time, my X100T will be a lot less active for my personal and street photography work.
“These images below were shot using Auto Focus, at F2.8 without the flip screen down.
Simply pointing and shooting from the hip.
One handed (as the other was occupied with Guinness at the time).”
To see more of Kevin’s inspirational images, click here.
I would go with a viewfinder every time. I cannot imagine having a camera that only has a rear screen. The add-on for the X70 is expensive, and spoils the look of the camera, as well as its portability. Just my personal opinion of course.
Regards, Pete.
I thought the same……until I tried it.
I thought that, until I tried it.
i too didn’t like the look and added bulk of the fuji brand viewfinder so i picked up the ricoh gv2 28mm equivalent viewfinder.
works great and the total viewfinder outside the 28mm lines is equal to 21 mm.
it also makes the x70 look a lot better than the fuji viewfinder
https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7485/27324247780_de23cf48f4_o.jpg
Good idea, and thanks for the tip!
Regards, Pete.
what is that you are using as a lens hood/ thanks
I have the X100s and recently purchased the X70 as a 70th birthday gift for myself. I live in the Palm Springs area so right now my photography is early in the morning on my dog walks. It is easier to carry the X70 and I love the versatility of the camera, especially close up shooting without having to switch to macro. When it cools down and I go out for street and event shooting, I will probably carry both cameras in a small bag. It is nice to be able to use the same battery for both cameras. I am considering selling my interchangeable system (XE1, XP1 and lenses) and just sticking with these 2 cameras along with the auxiliary wide angle lens for the X70.
Good choice – they are a great combination.
I sold my X100s and have the X70. The only time I miss the viewfinder is when I’ve forgotten my glasses and can’t use it to change the settings (can’t read them on the screen without glasses).
I prefer it;
A) Because it is smaller – I really can and do take the X70 with me everywhere – the X100s was taken less so.
B) Because I personally prefer the 28mm FOV (I found myself craving wider with the X100s – and the add on wide angle converter made the set-up even bigger).
C) I love the articulating screen
Mark, I have not tried these myself, but an acquaintance who is slightly older than me recommended Thin Optics. They are compact reading glasses than can easily fit in a pocket or can attach to your phone.
http://www.thinoptics.com
As I got older I found that I could barely read the LCD on my DSLR. I usually change settings via the viewfinder or ask a younger colleague for assistance.
Hi Mark, are you still happy with your choice of selling the x100s and getting the x70? I’m considering doing the same but I really do love the x100s I just wish is was that bit smaller like the x70 to take everywhere with me.
Given how many have claimed how good the X series are at producing high-quality HIGH ISO images, the f/2.8 isn’t at much of a disadvantage. Unless of course, the photographer typically does street photography in near darkness.
Well, I never use the X100T before, but as a travel blogger now I prefer to bring my X70 instead of my previous DSLR. Because its size, the wide lens, and the flip screen made me easier to capture moments of my trip.
I just returned from a road trip round North Carolina and Tennessee. I left my X-T1 and the lens collection at home and took only the X70, the wide angle conversion lens with a few filters and a Panasonic LX100. This gave a very portable kit with range covering 21mm – 70mm, with 4K video capability from the LX100. I loved using the X70 ergonomics and the fujifilm film simulations so much I ended up using the 35 and 50mm crop options, so next time I might just take the x70. If the higher resolution 24mp sensor is eventually implemented in this kind of camera, the 35 and 50mm crops would really benefit
If you want, can you use the screen instead of the viewfinder to take pics on the x100t?
Hi there, thanks for the comment. Yes you can use the screen to take images. All the best