Fujifilm is popularly known for its retro-design cameras that are sure to offer you a wave of nostalgia. At the same time, providing some of the best camera specs and features you can get your hands on in the market. Their X-series cameras feature some of their best units and the X-T200 aims to bridge the gap between their entry-level models and their flagship X-T30. To find out more, let’s dive into our Fujifilm X-T200 review here.
The Fujifilm X-T200 is a great option for people who just started dipping their toes in the world of photography. It’s a nice upgrade from your current smartwatch cameras while being very beginner-friendly to those who might be intimidated by complicated or alien concepts some camera models have.
Apart from that, the X-T200 seems to serve as the sweet spot between Fujifilm’s basic entry-level mirrorless cameras and more high-end and advanced flagship models. So if you’re just starting on your photography but don’t want to settle on a basic entry-level camera, then the X-T200 will be perfect for you.
The X-T200 offers a wonderful balance of conventional physical controls along with touchscreen capabilities. The X-T200 also has 3.5 inches of display that provides easy-to-follow instructions for beginners, as well as a pretty decent viewfinder that makes it easy for rookie photographers to shoot images in broad daylight.
Additionally, the X-T200’s display can also be flipped over to face forward, making it ideal for people who love to take selfies and do vlogs. Going back to its touchscreen functionality, this particular feature offers a sense of familiarity to people who are mostly used to navigating controls via a touchscreen on their smartphones.
To put it simply, adapting to this camera from your smartphone won’t be too difficult for you. However, once you get the hang of this camera and you feel confident enough to experiment and tinker around with the X-T200, this model also offers physical controls such as a joystick and three dials for you to toggle with as you hone your photography skills.
When shopping for cameras, the first thing most of you will always notice is how they look like. For the most part, cameras seem to sport the same look. This is especially the case with DSLR cameras. Depending on who you ask, seeing the same aesthetic for such cameras can often feel boring. However, Fujifilm is best known for its uniquely designed cameras that all seem to sport a retro and old-school theme.
Some may love it, while some may not really pay attention to how their camera looks. But I’ll still give Fujifilm plus points for taking the step in making their cameras stand out. The X-T200 is no exception to Fujifilm’s well-designed products. Encased in a vintage style dressing, this particular camera is sure to make you feel nostalgic for the 35mm SLR film cameras of the past.
Great Build Quality & Handling
Another great quality of the X-T200 is how impressively well-built this camera is. Despite having a much larger vari-angle LCD than its predecessor, the X-T100, Fujifilm managed to keep the X-T200’s body lighter compared to the former. This makes the camera just all-around easier to carry and feels more comfortable in your hands.
However, when compared to Fujifilm’s more high-end and advanced models like the X-T30, you’ll notice right away that the X-T200 has a more plasticky feel as well as lacking the external shutter speed and lens aperture controls. Though it’s best to keep in mind that Fujifilm settled on this decision on purpose to keep the model beginner-friendly and easily understood by novice photographers.
But don’t let that fool you. Despite being marketed towards newbies, the X-T200 is more than your average entry-level camera.
The X-T200 offers twin control dials with customizable function buttons you can configure to your preference as well as a ‘Q’ quick menu for your standard camera settings. This is essentially part of Fujifilm’s more basic mirrorless camera models, but with added and upgraded features and controls to match most mid-range cameras you’ll find in the market.
4k Video Quality At 30 FPS
The sensor and processor of this camera have been improved to handle 4K videos at up to 30fps which is really impressive for a camera of this caliber. You usually see this kind of feature on more high-end models but Fujifilm did not disappoint at all. In addition to that, the X-T200 also has 3.5x faster processing that Fujifilm claims will prevent any “rolling shutter” effect.
Apart from that, the vari-angle screen also offers a 16:9 ratio that’s perfect for video. Plus, it flips over to the front so you can take selfies or do vlogging activities to your heart’s content.
In addition, the X-T200 also has an HDR video mode which essentially blends videos at different exposures in an unknown method along with a “digital gimbal” that smooths out your footage through an in-camera gyro and an electrical stabilization algorithm that’s built into the camera.
Overall Performance Is Excellent
When it comes to performance, the X-T200 performs as well as you expect from a Fujifilm camera. The detailed rendition you get from stills alone is quite excellent and Fujifilm’s wide range of Film Simulations should appeal to a variety of tastes from everyone.
Additionally, the dynamic range extension options can be really useful in preserving highlight detail in high-contrast scenarios.
Our Least Favorite Thing
Disappointing Battery Life
One thing that really puts me off with the X-T200 is its disappointing battery life. Especially if you consider the price point it is in. This particular camera eats up a significant amount of battery life even when you’re not using it as much. A fully charged X-T200 significantly comes down to a surprisingly low battery level after moderate usage of about 30-40 pictures and a few short videos.
Personally, that kind of battery life is quite mediocre but fortunately for you, the X-T200 provides a USB-C charging port that makes it easy for you to charge the battery while on the go by using a compatible smartphone charger.
No X-Trans Sensors
Personally, I don’t find this a huge deal breaker. I get that Fujifilm wants to keep the X-Trans sensors exclusive for their more advanced models like the X-T3, X-T30, X-Pro3, and the new X100V compact models. But this is definitely something you might want to know or keep in mind before investing in this model.
However, the regular 24.2-megapixel CMOS sensor seems to be working perfectly fine with the Fujifilm X-T200.
Overall, it still performs really solidly on its right. So don’t let this put you off from this particular camera model or see this as too big of a disadvantage.
In A Nutshell
Now that we have covered everything about the Fujifilm X-T200, here is a narrowed-down list of the pros and cons of this particular camera.
Pros
Lightweight and compact.
Great design and aesthetic.
Suitable for video-oriented users or vloggers.
Offers full manual controls for you to experiment with once you’re comfortable enough with your photography skills.
Large vari-angle touchscreen display.
Excellent 4K video resolution and picture qualities without editing.
Cons
Uses a regular CMOS and not a X-Trans sensor.
Battery life is not that great especially for its price point.
Our Final Verdict
Overall, the Fujifilm X-T200 works wonderfully in what it is supposed to do. It successfully bridges the gap between Fujifilm’s entry-level models and more advanced models in their lineups. It’s perfect for people who are making the jump from their smartphone cameras and want to be more serious about their photography and want a mirrorless camera they can really hone and develop their skills in.
In any case, I hope our Fujifilm x-T200 review was able to help you decide whether this camera is something you should invest in or not.
Do you already own the Fujifilm X-T200? Or are you still deciding? Let me know in the comments sections below if you have any insights, suggestions, or experiences to share with this camera model! I would love to hear all your thoughts!
This year’s Apple iPad Pro M1 release made a few yet significant leaps in terms of upgrades. Each year, Apple seems to make it its goal to make the iPad fully substitute your dedicated laptop. And I think this year, they’re closer than ever to reaching that goal. From its excellent camera quality, impressively bright display, up to its newly added M1 chipset that makes this model basically a compact computer.
Since the dawn of tablets, Apple seems to have always dominated the market for these devices. Whether it’s their reliable software or their robust app library that no other manufacturer can touch, the iPad Pro is just a really tough machine to beat.
Of course, other tablets like the Samsung Galaxy Tab series or even the pseudo-laptop that is the Microsoft Surface lineup are still pretty solid devices. But in comparison, the Windows operating system just doesn’t cut it when you place it on a tablet. They definitely made impressive upgrades in recent years, but the iPadOS just remains to be two steps ahead of them each time.
So without further ado, let’s take a closer look at our review of one of the best tablets ever made, the Apple iPad Pro (2021).
As you might already know, the Apple iPad Pro this 2021 has dished out a lot of upgrades from its previous iteration that will surely satisfy even the most power-hungry tech enthusiasts on the planet. With the introduction of the M1 chipset on Apple’s flagship tablet, the game has completely changed.
So what does this mean exactly? To put it simply, this means that you will surely get some next-level performance out of this powerful machine that can easily go toe to toe against some of the best laptops and even desktop PCs in the market right now and for the years to come.
However, while the M1 chipset sounds good on paper, this much power is somewhat underused in a machine this small because the iPadOS still has its limitations. If this was a Macbook, then the M1 chipset is definitely perfect for such a device.
Not to mention, not a lot of users know what to do with this much power in a tablet or have the freedom to tinker around with Apple’s devices. A lot of the time, if you’re not a content creator, a video editor, or a digital artist, you are mostly just going to use this for streaming and maybe some light tasks for your daily necessities.
Pricing
Of course, these upgrades don’t come at a cheap cost. As of release, the Apple iPad Pro comes in at over a thousand dollars. As usual, Apple tablets often come at a hefty price tag that will surely raise some brows from a lot of people. But there’s no surprise there. These are high-end and premium machines that can act as a replacement for your laptop after all.
So if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly tablet, you might want to look for models from other manufacturers or brands.
Accessories
When it comes to pairing the Apple Ipad Pro with accessories, Apple has you covered. If you want to switch it up, you can easily pair the iPad Pro with Apple’s magic keyboard or the 2nd Gen Apple Pencil for more variety and a more laptop feel. Though keep in mind, these accessories are all bought separately. So you might want to add that to your budgeting costs.
Who Is It For?
The Apple iPad Pro can cater to a variety of people. From casual tech enthusiasts, students, to professionals. However, not everyone really needs this much power for productivity to get their tasks done. It’s not necessary nor practical, and it’s a whole lot of money to spend. And if you don’t mind a few downgrades, you might want to look into the Apple iPad Air 4 or even the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE.
Trust me, you’ll save a lot more money and these devices can perform just as solidly if you’re not really planning on doing anything heavy like video editing, graphics creation, and other similar activities.
But if you’re hellbent on getting your hands on such a powerful device that will last you for a handful of years, then you really won’t find anything better than the iPad Pro.
In addition to that, if you’re a student, I do highly recommend getting this tablet if you’re studying digital art or any art and graphics-related courses. This will surely be a great investment for you as Apple has the best app library for tablets that will benefit artists like Procreate.
If you feel like the 12.9-inch screen is a little too big for your liking, the Apple iPad Pro M1 also comes in with an 11-inch screen variant that feels a little more compact.
Features & Specifications
Product Dimensions: 11.04 x 8.46 x 0.25 inches
Manufacturer / Brand: Apple
Item Weight: 2.65 pounds
Wireless Communication Technology: WiFi, Bluetooth
Screen Size: 12.9 inches
Screen Resolution: Liquid Retina XDR display with ProMotion technology and True Tone.
Operating System: iPadOS
CPU: Apple M1 chip 8-core CPU with 4 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores, 8-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine
Apart from the M1 chipset, a huge factor that makes upgrading to the iPad Pro so worth it is the display. Unlike its predecessors, this year’s iPad Pro boasts what Apple calls “Liquid Retina XDR display“. But a lot of people just call it “mini LED”.
However, don’t be fooled. This iPad Pro still uses an LCD display and we have yet to see an OLED screen on any of Apple’s tablets. Though as of recently, the new iterations of the iPad mini and the regular iPad should have this type of screen by next year.
But don’t fret, Apple has used a particular backlighting technology in this year’s iPad Pro that makes its screen much brighter than previous models. From 72 LEDs working behind the screen to illuminate the display, the iPad Pro now has 10,000.
To put it simply, the more LEDs you integrate into a device, the better you will be able to control its overall screen contrast as well as the deepness of blacks in any part of the screen. This kind of thing can also be called local dimming technology.
Our Least Favorite Thing
It’s Expensive
I have already stated this previously and it’s actually pretty hard to find a flaw on this year’s Apple iPad Pro, but the pricing on the iPad Pro and all of their devices, in general, will forever be Apple’s one big flaw. Obviously, you’re paying for the amount of high-tech specs Apple puts into their gadgets but there are also other budget-friendly tablets in the market that can also do the same things for you.
So aside from the brand, the camera, and the M1 chipset, you’re not going to miss a lot of things if your main purpose for a tablet is just some light tasks for your daily work and some streaming. Not to mention, it’s also disappointing that you still have to buy additional accessories like the Apple Pencil despite the already high price point.
In A Nutshell
Now that we’ve covered what we liked and disliked about the iPad Pro, here is the narrowed-down list of the pros and cons of this tablet.
Pros
One of the best tablets you can buy in the market.
Sleek and premium design.
Perfect for productivity, especially for digital artists.
Wide range of apps to choose from.
Great battery life.
Amazing camera quality.
Cons
It’s quite expensive.
The additional accessories are also pricey.
The Final Verdict
Overall, the Apple iPad Pro M1 is an amazing and powerful device. Apple has definitely outdone themselves with updating an already impressive tablet this year.
However, this much power isn’t really practical or necessary for the casual user. This kind of powerful hardware can be lost or even go to waste if you don’t know what you’re dealing with. Unless you’re doing anything that requires heavier tasks like video editing or anything graphics-related, you would be better off investing in a lesser model like the iPad Air series.
But if you have the money to splurge and just simply want the best of the best, then the Apple iPad Pro won’t certainly disappoint you.
Do you already own the Apple iPad Pro M1? Or are you still thinking of purchasing one? Let me know in the comments section below if you have any insights, suggestions, questions, or experiences to share! I would love to hear all your thoughts about it!
Fitbit has always been consistent when it comes to pumping out the best and our favorite fitness trackers in the market. The Charge 4 is no different. But how good exactly is their latest iteration of their Charge lineup? Well, let’s find out in our dedicated review of the Fitbit Charge 4.
Since its debut in 2014, Fitbit’s Charge line has seen and gone through a lot of changes. Now in its 4th generation, it’s safe to say that this is truly one of their best yet.
Despite the rise of smartwatches in the market such as the Apple Series Watches and the Samsung Galaxy Watches, Fitbit seems to have decided to forge its own path and continue towards its route in being the leader in terms of fitness trackers.
Admittedly, Fitbit has yet to put out a bad product. Why change something that isn’t broken, right? But what’s so exciting about the Charge 4 is the impressive features Fitbit has equipped it with.
Packed with the features we already know and love from the past models, the Charge 4 also now has built-in GPS, Active Zone Minutes which gives you very personalized heart rate data and to make sure you’re hitting your goals, improved sleep and health tracking sensors, Fitbit pay, as well as supporting Spotify music controls.
Even with all these improved and added features, you’d be very happy to know Fitbit decided not to make any price increases and kept it the same as the Charge 3. So you’re really getting a lot of value for that money.
The only thing I’d suggest for Fitbit right now is to add a colored screen in their future Charge models. While the monochrome screen has worked for them throughout the years, it would have been a lot better to see a colored screen in the Charge 4. So one can only hope to see this in future models.
Features & Specifications
Product Dimensions: 9.72 x 1.13 x 0.49 inches, 1.06 ounces.
Manufacturer / Brand: Fitbit
Screen Size: 1 inch.
Operating System: Android
Batteries Used: 1 Lithium Polymer battery used.
Battery Life: Lasts up to 7 days depending on usage.
Wireless Connectivity: NFC and Bluetooth.
Compatibility: iOS and Android.
Interface Output: Grayscale touchscreen.
Waterproof: Yes, for up to 50 meters.
Heart Monitoring: Yes.
Sleep Tracking: Yes.
Colors: Black, Black Granite, Blue, and Rosewood.
Extra Features: Active Zone Minutes, SpO2 sensor, built-in GPS, Fitbit Pay, Spotify playlist controls.
Here’s a preview of the Charge 4 on Fitbit’s Youtube channel.
What We Love About The Fitbit Charge 4
Design
When it comes to design and style, the Charge 4 has kept the minimal look its predecessor (the Charge 3) has sported. There were really no significant changes in the overall design and even on the display itself.
Personally, that’s neither a good thing nor a bad thing. I would love it if there were some improvements, especially on the display. But at the same time, the current design of the Charge 4 works.
Overall, it’s decent-looking, not too flashy, and still a pretty comfortable wearable to have around your wrist. Albeit, it could be just a tad thinner.
So if you always loved the minimalist and sleek look of Fitbit’s Charge lineup, then you’ll surely have no problem with the Charge 4.
Built-In GPS
One of the biggest disappointments with the Charge 3 was the fact that you had to avail the special edition variant in order to get a built-in GPS with your wearable.
But you’ll be happy to know that Fitbit has heard our pleas and included the GPS in the Charge 4 without having to buy the “special edition”. The built-in GPS in this fitness tracker helps immensely in providing you with more accurate data regarding your fitness routines and goals.
To be more specific, the GPS workouts gets your distance, speed, time, pace, and heart rate. These workouts include running (both on the street and on treadmills), walking, swimming, biking, and other outdoor exercises.
I’d dare say that this was one of the most anticipated upgrades we’ve been waiting for on Fitbit’s Charge lineup.
Gone are the days when you have to rely on having your phone with you just to have GPS during your workouts. However, it’s best to keep in mind that battery life is shortened to 5 hours when you’re using the built-in GPs on the Charge 4.
Activity Tracking
Aside from the built-in GPS, most of the upgrades the Charge 4 was equipped with were mainly for sports and activity tracking.
It definitely ticks all the boxes when it comes to the basics: counting steps, calories burned, floors climbed, heart rate monitoring, and distance. Thanks to the added GPS, these are also now measured a lot more accurately as well.
Apart from that, the Charge 4 also gives you a friendly reminder by buzzing gently when it’s time to get active. I find this pretty useful when it comes to getting my daily exercises in. The Charge 4 also tracks 20 different workouts and activities while giving you the option to include 6 programs for exercise shortcuts.
That’s pretty convenient when you have a routine or certain workouts you frequently follow.
Active Zone Minutes
Speaking of activity tracking, one new and exciting feature on the Charge 4 is called “Active Zone Minutes”.
Basically, this new metric measures how hard you worked during an activity or workout based on your age and heart rate zones. You earn one Active Zone Minute for each minute you spend in the fat burn zone and you get two Active Zone Minutes for time spent in the cardio zone. More information is found on Fitbit’s site here.
The recommended goal is to get 150 active minutes by the end of each week. But you can definitely customize this goal depending on your preference.
According to Fitbit, this metric can help prevent potential diseases, improve cognitive function, reduce anxiety, and sleeping habits, among other health benefits.
Battery Life
What I always found amazing with Fitbit products is how impressive their battery lives are. The Charge 4 has a battery life of 7 days and will last you 5 hours if you’re using the built-in GPS continuously. So they’re always so reliable to last you for up to a week or less depending on your usage.
When you’re someone with a busy schedule, the last thing you want is your fitness tracker dying out on you before the day has even started. With the Charge 4, you’ll only need to worry about charging this wearable once or twice a week depending on how you use it.
Don’t get me wrong, I don’t completely hate the monochrome touchscreen on the Fitbit Charge 4.
In fact, I actually find the touchscreen display on this wearable pretty intuitive without being too overcomplicated with the controls.
The screen is quite responsive without lagging as well. Swiping right leads you to the wearable’s menu and settings, swiping up shows your daily statistics such as step counts, distance, and calories burned, and swiping down reveals your most recent texts and calls.
Meanwhile, the button can be pressed to either take you back to the previous screen or to the clock face display.
However, as much as I love how easy the controls are, the screen itself does lack brightness especially when you’re standing under harsh lights or if it’s too sunny outside. So you’ll find yourself squinting a lot and having a hard time reading the Charge 4’s screen during those instances.
Here’s to hoping that Fitbit makes a colored screen on their next iteration of their Charge lineup. Fingers crossed!
In A Nutshell
Here’s a narrowed down list of the good and the bad with the Fitbit Charge 4.
Pros
Active Zone Minutes gives great encouragement in reaching your target heart rates and provides personalized data.
SpO2 readings.
Built-in GPS.
Waterproof build for up to 50 meters.
Impressive battery life of 7 days.
Sleek and minimalist design.
No price point increase.
Fitbit Pay allows for contactless payments.
You can control your Spotify playlist from the convenience of your wrist.
Cons
The screen can be improved into a colored one and be made brighter to be seen better under harsher lights.
The overall design can also be improved.
Final Verdict
The Charge 4 is amazing in what it does. It’s an impressive fitness tracker from a reputable brand with terrific sensors that provides encouragements and helpful nudges or reminders when it’s time for you to get your daily steps in, how to improve your sleep, and give you insights into your heart rate data.
Plus, you also get a few perks that you can only see from smartwatches. The Fitbit Charge 4 builds on everything we loved about the previous models and further upgraded it in the latest iteration while adding other additional features to level up our fitness tracking.
Not to mention, they did all this without having to increase the price point.
Overall, the Charge 4 is an excellent companion if you’re looking to improve your health and your lifestyle.
If you’re looking for a wearable that prioritizes wellness first rather than fitness, then you’d be better off with a smartwatch that tends to balance between the two.
Already own the Charge 4? Or still on the fence about buying one? Let me know what your thoughts are about Fitbit’s latest iteration of their Charge lineup in the comments section below!
