Fujifilm X-T50 film simulation dial leaks as JPEG-first camera control for beginners

Just recently, Notebookcheck reported on leaks about the Fujifilm X-T50 coming sometime in May with some welcome additions, including IBIS and the X-T5's 40 MP sensor. Now, more recent leaks from FujiRumors point to a new dial on coming to replace the drive dial on the upcoming Fujifilm X-50.

According to the leaked images, the film simulation dial that appears to be replacing the drive dial has eight spots for built-in film simulations, alongside three custom slots to assign built-in film simulations, and one custom position for user-defined film simulations.

From the looks of it, the film simulations are Acros, Astia, Classic Chrome, Classic Negative, Nostalgic Negative, Provia, Reala Ace, and Velvia.

As is the case with all significant changes to the user experience of any tech product with an enthusiastic fan base, the film simulation dial has been met with some criticism. FujiRumors itself did a survey about what the preferred dial was, and the film simulation dial lost by a landslide to the drive dial.

Still, given the leaked €1,499 pricing of the Fujifilm X-T50, it seems like it would be too close to the likes of the X-T5 (curr. $1,819.99 on Amazon) and X-S20 (curr. $1,299.95 at Best Buy) if there wasn't some significant change in the way users were meant to interact with the camera.

The film simulation dial is likely one way for Fujifilm to position the X-T50 as a camera for users that want high-quality images but prefer Fujifilm's JPEGs and film simulations over the sometimes-tedious process of photo editing. It could also make the camera more attractive to beginner photographers looking to learn and create attractive images in the process.