Fujifilm X100VI First look at the new king of Street Photography
Fujifilm has just unveiled the latest addition to their beloved X100 series. The Fujifilm X100VI (say it as X100 six!) is more than just a minor update to the X100V. It packs some serious upgrades that will make you want to get your hands on it. Our resident reviewer and photographer, Darren, took the new camera for a spin in the vibrant city of Brighton. Here’s what he found out.
DESIGN & HANDLING
At first glance, you might think that the Fujifilm X100VI is the same as the previous camera. Fujifilm has kept the classic and elegant look by using aluminum top and bottom plates and offering two color options: silver and black. The dials and buttons are also familiar and intuitive. The only noticeable difference is the viewfinder switch, which has a slightly different shape, but that’s just a cosmetic change. I’m glad they didn’t mess with the design, as I love the feel and style of the X100V. The X100VI is a bit thicker and heavier than the X100V, but it still feels comfortable and balanced in the hand. I have large hands, so the extra depth is actually a plus for me.
One of the main attractions of the X100 series is the hybrid viewfinder, which lets you choose between the optical VF, electronic VF and digital rangefinder modes. This gives you the best of both worlds: the realism and simplicity of the optical viewfinder, the accuracy and information of the electronic viewfinder, and the convenience and precision of the digital rangefinder.
Due to the X100VI being similar in size and shape it means that all the accessories for the X100V fit the VI including the conversion lenses. As with the previous camera you will need to use the weather seling kit to make it water and dust proof.
PERFORMANCE AND IMAGE QUALITY
This is where the Fujifilm X100VI really shines. The new camera boasts the same 40MP BSI CMOS sensor that powers the X-T5 and X-H2, the top-of-the-line models from Fujifilm. Coupled with the X-Processor 5, you get a camera that delivers stunning performance and image quality.
I haven’t tried the latest Fujifilm models, so I was blown away by the results from the X100VI. The images are crisp and detailed (I only tested Jpeg images for now) and the dynamic range is impressive. Some people might worry that cramming more megapixels into a smaller sensor would compromise the image quality, but this sensor and processor combination handles it flawlessly.
The 23mm F2 lens is the same one that comes with the X100V, and I was curious to see how it would cope with the higher resolution sensor. I didn’t notice any problems during my testing, and the lens produced plenty of sharpness and contrast.
The X100VI also features up to 6 stops of IBIS, which is a first for this series of cameras. This is a game-changer for this camera, as it allows you to shoot in low-light situations and capture motion blur without a tripod. This is especially useful for street and travel photography, which are the ideal genres for this camera.
Another area where the Fujifilm X100VI borrows from the X-T5 and X-H2 is the amazing auto focus performance. The X100 series has never been known for its AF speed and accuracy, although the X100V made some improvements. The X100VI takes it to the next level and even includes the specific tracking profiles found in the X-H2, resulting in AF that is fast and reliable.
MOVIE MODES
I don’t think anyone is buying the X100VI for video, but the camera can record up to 6K/30p video if you need it. I did a short test and the video quality was decent and usable.
CONCLUSION
The X100VI is a pleasure to use and builds on the excellence of its predecessor by adding some significant enhancements. With the higher resolution, better AF, and 6 stops of IBIS, it’s a complete package. The camera is compact enough to fit in a small bag or a large pocket, and with the hybrid viewfinder, it offers a unique shooting experience that you won’t find in many other cameras. The image quality is superb and matches the flagship models from Fujifilm, like the X-T5 and X-H2. If you own the X100V, you might be tempted to upgrade to the X100VI, and I wouldn’t blame you.
