Tag: Fujifilm

It’s been four years since I’ve had my X100V in hand. Specifically, I first picked up this gem on 27 February 2020, and time has truly flown by. While this camera has been a faithful companion, my fully occupied full-time work and remaining time spent testing out other lenses has given me little time to devote to it. However, whenever I do get the chance, I ensure that the moments spent with it are of the highest quality.

Intro

The X100V successor was announced on the 20 February 2024 X-summit Tokyo. But before the announcement, Fujifilm had already teased us with 2 teasers. So it is not much of a surprise and those who know already expected what camera is coming up for the announcement. So what remains unknown are the guts of the camera.

Design and Build Quality

The build quality is premium, which has always been the case since the X100 era. You can tell by holding the camera and feeling how nicely the camera is engineered and crafted.

As for design, it is pretty much the same as its predecessor, X100V, which is also very similar to each iteration.

This is exactly what Masazumi Imai San intention is. He wants other people to identify the camera as an “X100” camera but cannot tell which generation this X100 camera is from as far as 3 meters away.

On paper, the X100VI is actually 2mm thicker than its predecessor. Because it is now 2mm thicker, he also designed the handgrip to be 0.5 mm deeper than the X100V, which he deemed that this is the best comfort grip for this 521 grams gear.

The first is the noticeable color change for the viewfinder selector. It has changed from red to silver/black color that goes according to the silver/black or of the camera.

From the back, the “drive/delete” button has shifted more closer for easier reachability for the right thumb. I do not have problem reaching the button back then but Fujifilm might have considered photographers who have smaller hands.

Lastly is the tripod mount. It has shifted away from the center and a few millimeters towards the edge of the front camera.

Handling & The Shutter

The handling of the camera is identical to the X100V, it is great in my opinion. Unfortunately (or fortunately to some?), I did not feel any different from the deeper 0.5mm handgrip. For photographers who prefer a deeper grip will have to purchase an additional hand grip.

Speaking of leaf shutter, it still stay with the camera and it is part of the X100 tradition.

Sensor and Processor

X-Trans CMOS sensor 5 HR and the X-Processor 5 are the core of the X100VI. If you follow Fujifilm, this is the third camera using this setup (according to the announcement date). In short, no need to explain further how capable is this 40-megapixel sensor and the processor that handles it.

I have also shared my experiences with the sensor on both X-H2 and X-T5.

Image Quality

Surprise surprise. Fujifilm is using back the same lens from X100V which is a re-designed lens from the predecessors like the X100F, X100T, X100S, and the OG X100. Since Fujifilm is using back the optic from X100V, does this mean that Fujifilm has already well-planned way before launching X100V?

Combined with the latest generation sensor and processor, the image quality is still great. It has met my expectations. The sharpness and contrast are fantastic and well-balanced across the frame. Chromatic aberration is nowhere to be found and I am not expecting that to happen. A little vignetting can be seen, but it is not affecting me at all. Probably already been processed for jpeg but nonetheless, I am pleased with the results.

Pairing up with Wide Conversion Lens and Tele Conversion Lens is good and surprisingly still maintains the same image quality. At least I do not see any drop in image quality.

It comes with a 10cm minimum focus distance. This pretty much helps the photographer to have the option to get closer to the subject if he/she needs it.

Performance

It shares the same “snappy” with occasionally focus pulling like its predecessor but it does not happen frequently. The focus hunting does come when there is a lack of contrast or low light condition and I think it is acceptable for my usage. Overall, it doesn’t impact my X100 series shooting experience.

The eye-AF tracking performs identically to the other cameras that use X-Processor 5.

IBIS

It is a marvel of engineering for Fujifilm engineers to be able to pack a 5-axis IBIS system that is capable of providing up to 6 stops. Impressive work there.

As for practicality, it can help to support up to x seconds handheld for my shaky hands. What do you think?

For me, I can hold the camera as slowly as 0.6 seconds with one hand and still achieve a very decent success hit rate.

Battery Life

It is using back the same NP-W126S battery. My first thought was that the battery was not going to last. I was wrong. The battery life is improved. Though not by a margin, it is slightly better than the predecessors. I think it has to do with the new X-Trans 5 processor that makes the battery life even more efficient.

In my test, I can take approximately 450 shots on average with some photos transferred to the phone. While it is slightly lower than X-T50, it is still not an issue for me. Just bring more batteries. My way of shooting is simply to turn on, shoot, and turn off.

Feedback

The battery is what most people are concerned about for this model and since NP-W235 is missing, I hope to see the successor of X100VI have the NP-W235 instead of NP-W126S. Meanwhile, we will just need to bring an extra battery or two and put it inside our pockets.

Fujifilm chose to keep the 4-stop built-in ND filter in this generation. What I hope to that Fujifilm will make one more built-in ND filter and allow photographers to choose between 4 stops and 8 stops (for example only) for their shoot. Probably even better for a videographer?

Price Point

At 1599 USD, it is pretty expensive and is 200 USD more than its predecessor. But with all the newest technologies from Fujifilm packed into this compact package, I think I can accept it.

Others

After 5 generations of the X100 series, this is the first that is made outside of Japan. Does that mean the build quality is no longer on par with the predecessors?

If Fujifilm did not inform us about where it is made from, I think everyone assumes this generation is still made in Japan. It is so hard to differentiate by just physical touch. This is not the first product that Fujifilm made outside of Japan and I believe Fujifilm does set a certain standard for the other country makers to follow the protocol and quality control set by Fujifilm. If someone is having this concern, I think don’t worry about it.

Who is this for?

This camera can be for everyone and anyone. From a hobbyist to a professional photographer, a parent who wants to capture every moment of his/her kids, a person who loves to have a memorable gathering or someone who just wants to have a camera with a “one lens fits all” concept, or even travelers.

In my own words

X100 series is a unique product and it holds a special place in my heart. In my opinion, it is still one of the best “Every Day Camera” options. If I have ever had difficulty in deciding what lens to bring out to pair with my X-T5, then the X100 camera will be the only choice. I do not need to think, just grab it and go.

X100 VI is the latest and it is the best X100 series yet. No doubt getting one might be a problem now. But if you pick it up from the retail dealer (not scalpers), spend a good time with it. Give yourself a good time admiring its look, hold it up, and feel it. Then power up, click the shutters, and snap some shots. Listen to the shutter “clicks” when you press down the shutters. It gives a good serene experience in return. A good camera to slow down my pace and wander the street through the viewfinder.

Conclusion

As my title suggests, it may seem like a minor upgrade but it turns out to be a great improvement over the X100V. I love it and I hope I can spend more time with it in the future. I also understand that it is totally a challenge to take one from official retailers but I urge potential buyers not to buy from scalpers. I hope serious photographers will get one on their hands.

Thank you for reading. 

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Disclaimer:
1. All the shots taken here are shot by me. 
2. All of the shots are straight out of the camera with some edited via In-Camera Raw Processing.
3. The photos are resized to 30% of the original size except for cropped ones. If you wish to see the original file, contact me and I will be happy to share it with you.
4. I reserve ownership of these images, if you wish to use my images, please notify me.
5. The opinions are based on my experience. If there is any mistake, please kindly drop me a message and I will gladly make the amendment.

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