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Fujifilm X100VI | The One and Only
Fujifim’s X100 series has been a favourite with street and travel photographers since its inception and with good reason. The cameras offer classic function and design along offer stunning image quality while being compact enough to take with you anywhere.
But does the Fujifilm X100VI offer anything new? Check out the video below or keep reading to find out.
The Camera
The Fujifilm X100VI (now called the X100 6, not VI) features the same classic design as the previous versions, a hybrid viewfinder consisting of 3.69 mil dot EVF plus OVF and Electronic Range Finder. We have the same Fujinon 23mm F2.0 Lens from the X100V and we also have the same aluminium top and base plates to give the camera a true premium feel.
But what’s new?
The camera features some impressive upgrades including a 40.2MP Sensor, 6.2K at up to 30P, a newly added film simulation mode and finally, we have up to 6 stops of IBIS. The 3” 1.62 mil dot Flat Tilt LCD is the same as the X100V only this can be tilted up to 45 degrees whereas the previous version was only 30 degrees. The faster processor allows you to shoot up 1/180,000 when using the electronic shutter as well as an updated subject detection and AF Algorithm. There is a single slot for a UHS-1 memory card and the camera takes the same NP-W126S battery as the X100V which can provide power for up to 450 frames which is around 10% more than the previous model. The X100VI is fully compatible with the XApp allowing you to download and share your images much faster. Lastly, the camera is weather-resistant but you will need to add an adapter ring and protection filter to the lens to make it fully weather-resistant.
High Resolution in the Palm of your Hand
The camera features the same 40.2MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS 5 HR Sensor and X-Processor 5 Image Processor from the X-H2 and X-T5 which is a serious upgrade from the 26.1MP from previous models. You can see from the 2 images below just how much resolution the sensor is capable of delivering. The image on the left is the original while the image on the right has been cropped in significantly. Pretty impressive for such a compact camera.
6.0 Stops of IBIS
f/5.6 | 1 sec | ISO 800
f/2 | 1/20 | ISO 800
f/2 | 1/20 | ISO 800
The X100VI now features up to 6.0 stops of IBIS. However, despite its inclusion the camera has remained virtually the same size as its predecessor with only a 2mm increase in its width. This means that you can still use the older case as there was already some leeway with it. There has been some additional weight added however it is only 43g meaning that the camera weighs in at 521g which includes the battery and memory card.
The below images were all taken hand-held at slower shutter speeds.
The Lens
We, once again have the Fujinon 23mm F2.0 Lens which gives us 35mm on this APS-C sensor which is perfect for street photography. This lens is compatible with the existing wide and tele converters. Many people will no doubt be wondering if the 23mm will work well with the 40MP sensor to which the answer would be a resounding yes. The lens which offers a close focusing distance of just 10cm which when combined with its f2.0 aperture makes it a great macro lens. It's also worth pointing out that this lens is compatible with the existing Wide conversion lens and the Tele conversion lens.
f/2 | 1/400 | ISO 200
f/2 | 1/1250 | ISO 200
f/2 | 1/80 | ISO 200
f/2 | 1/250 | ISO 200
f/2 | 1/160 | ISO 200
f/2 | 1/20 | ISO 200
Film Simulation Modes
I have been a fan of Fujifilm film simulations for many years so I was pleased to hear the X100VI now features the REALA ACE simulation. This filter delivers "faithful colour reproduction with hard tonality suitable for various scenes." You can also use grain and colour chrome effects to further enhance your images and get a more authentic film look.
f/5.6 | 1/500 | ISO 200
f/2 | 1/1000 | ISO 200
f/5.6 | 1/500 | ISO 200
Video Function
It's worth pointing out that the X100VI features some pretty impressive video capabilities such as 6.2K at up to 30P though it must be pointed out that it does include a crop of 1.25 and that is 4:2:2 10-bit Internal Recording.
Conclusion
In terms of the quality of the camera, it is just that, quality. You have the classic design and layout along with a rugged, premium build. It truly feels like a real film camera with all of the benefits of digital. This camera will of course appeal to those of you who are looking for a more retro, closer to analogue experience but it can be customised so easily to suit your needs that you can be catered for no matter your preference.
The choice between the EVF and OVF is a great feature. I myself found that I just stuck to using the EVF but it is nice to know that the option is there and it all comes down to personal preference.
But should you buy one?
So let's address the elephant in the room. The X100V proved to be an incredibly popular camera and it's fair to say that there were some supply issues. If you were one of those people who wasn’t able to get your hands on one then this may well be the better option. It is a little more expensive for sure but when you consider that upgraded sensor, processor and the inclusion of IBIS I would say it was more than worth it.
This is fantastic as a stills camera and while it does offer some very impressive video specs, especially now that we have IBI. However, if you are a serious video shooter then you may want to go for something else instead. The IBIS does make it usable as a vlogging camera though the 35mm focal length can be a little too limited and the lack of a flip-out screen does give limitations.
There is a reason why the X100 series has been so successful over the years and that is because they are high-quality compact cameras designed for street and travel enthusiasts and you will still be hard-pressed to find anything better.
Convinced yet?
The Fujifilm X100VI is now available in Silver and Black here:
Key Features
- 40.2 Megapixel
- X-Trans CMOS 5 HR sensor
- X-Processor 5
- Elegant design
- Hybrid viewfinder
- 23mm Fixed Lens
- IBIS system (6 Stops)
- Inbuilt ND Filter
- Updated AF Algorithm
- REALA ACE film sim
- 6.2K/30p
- 3” tilt LCD
Click here to view Fujifilm X100VI Specifications >
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- By Ben Wright
- 20 Feb 2024
