Review: Fujifilm X100VI

Friday 22 March 2024, 15:15 by Elja Trum | 5,233 views | 4 comments

This article was translated from Dutch with the help of AI. Read the original.

The Fujifilm X100VI is the latest version of the popular X100 line. The retro camera with its hybrid viewfinder and fixed 35mm lens appeals to many photographers. Is this new X100VI better than its predecessor?

Fujifilm X100VI specifications

- 40.2-megapixel BSI CMOS APS-C format X-Trans sensor
- non-interchangeable 35mm f/2 lens
- Built-in 5-axis image stabilisation up to 6 stops
- Hybrid optical/electronic viewfinder
- 14 built-in film simulations
- 6.2K video (10-bit)
- Built-in ND filter (4 stops)
- Tilting touchscreen

Compared with the Fujifilm X100V

The previous X100 model, the X100V, is now already four years old. The X100V was incredibly popular, so it is probably a good idea that almost nothing has changed in terms of the camera's appearance.

What is new, of course, is the 40-megapixel sensor. A substantial upgrade from the previous model's 26 megapixels. This is also the same sensor found in the Fujifilm X-H2 and X-T5.

Image stabilisation has also been added to the sensor. Fujifilm worked on this for a long time to make it small enough to fit in this body.

The image stabilisation is a great addition. You can now, for example, take better handheld photos with a slower shutter speed. If you choose such a compact camera, you obviously don't want to have to carry a tripod as well. Image stabilisation is also a very useful addition for video.

The autofocus has also been improved. We now see many features found in, for example, the XT-5 in this model as well. These features are available here because Fujifilm's X Processor 5 is also used.

Another new feature is the 'camera to cloud' function via Wi-Fi. If you work somewhere with Wi-Fi, you can set the camera to automatically upload your photos to Adobe's Frame.io service. Someone else can then, for example, start working with your images during the shoot.

Hybrid viewfinder

The Fujifilm X100VI also, of course, has the hybrid viewfinder that is so characteristic of this model. You can use it as an optical viewfinder. The camera then works like a rangefinder camera, including the parallax that comes with it, of course.

You can also choose the full digital image, in which case the viewfinder works as you would expect from a digital camera. The third option sits between the two, with the optical viewfinder image and a small digital image in one corner.

Controls

What the Fujifilm X100VI excels at, in my opinion, is its 'analogue' controls. You select the aperture by turning the ring on the lens. You set the shutter speed and ISO with the dials on top, and you can easily fine-tune your exposure with the exposure compensation dial, which is also found on top of the camera.

Shutter speed, aperture and ISO can also be set to automatic using those same controls. This means you can work with the camera very flexibly. What's more, you can make all these settings without having to look through the viewfinder or at a screen.

These, essentially old-fashioned, controls give you the feeling that you have a lot of control over the camera settings. Somehow, this makes taking photos more enjoyable.

In practice

In everyday use, the Fujifilm X100VI is a lovely camera to have with you all the time. It is compact enough to fit easily in, for example, a jacket pocket.

It is also a very inconspicuous camera. Its compact size combined with a subtle lens means you don't immediately stand out while taking photos. If people do notice you, the retro styling invites them to have a chat about the camera.

Despite its compact size, the sensor and excellent lens produce very good images. Easy to carry, but with high-quality photos.

I found it an ideal little camera to take along to family visits or on a walk, for example. Compact, unobtrusive, stylish and with excellent image quality as well.

About thirteen years ago, I bought the Fujifilm X100, the first version of this camera. The concept hasn't changed since then, but the camera is now completely up to date again. So I certainly understand the appeal of this new model.

The feel of the camera

I don't want to keep the following creative video review of the Fujifilm X100VI from you. With beautiful images and a distinctive style, GxAce succeeds in conveying why you might want a camera from the Fujifilm X100 series as a photographer.

Conclusion

If you are a street photographer, this camera is a no-brainer. The Fujifilm X100VI is the ideal camera for this group. You may already have the X100V, in which case this new camera is an expensive upgrade and you may want to wait for the next generation.

Other photographers will probably also be drawn to this retro model, which offers a beautiful combination of the feel of analogue photography and the benefits of digital.

In my view, the Fujifilm X100VI is the perfect second camera. A camera you take with you when your DSLR or mirrorless camera is overkill, but your smartphone isn't enough.

Price and availability

Delivery of the Fujifilm X100VI has already started, but because of its popularity it is currently difficult to get hold of. The camera costs 1,799 euros. You can order it from Cameranu, for example.

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