The Fujifilm X100V has been a favorite camera for the past few years, and now the company has released its successor, the 40.2-megapixel Fujifilm X100VI.
The successor now comes with major improvements across the board. While it retains the same retro form factor, the camera offers much faster shooting speeds.
In addition, the camera also offers internal stabilization, 6.2K 30p video, and much more.
Classic Design, Modern Features
The X100VI looks identical to its predecessor, with the same control layout and positioning.
The series is designed as a street photography camera, borrowing heavily from the styling of the famous Leica rangefinder cameras.
As such, it doesn’t have the best ergonomics in the world, but it is lightweight at 521 grams. The camera’s small size and discreet design make it easy to slip into a jacket pocket for unobtrusive shooting.
New Sensor and Stabilization
The Fujifilm X100VI opts for the same 40.2-megapixel (MP) APS-C sensor as the much larger X-H2, significantly increasing the resolution over the X100V.
This is a wise choice as it gives the camera – which has a fixed 23mm f/2.0 wide-angle lens (35mm full-frame equivalent) – more cropping options. The consequence may be a slight decrease in low-light sensitivity.
Another major new feature on the X100VI is 5-axis built-in stabilization with up to 6 stops of shake reduction.
Given the X100VI’s small body, this is an unexpected but welcome feature, and will greatly assist street photographers in taking quick candid shots.
Performance and Autofocus Enhancements from Fujifilm X100VI
The X100VI retains the same 3.69 million dot hybrid optical viewfinder and 1.62 million dot LCD screen, but the LCD screen can now be tilted down an extra 15 degrees for easier shooting from above.
The camera retains the same battery as before (CIPA rated for 300 shots), and unfortunately, the same UHS-I card slot.
The X100VI still shoots at 11fps with the mechanical shutter and 20fps in electronic mode, but autofocus is faster and more capable, according to Fujifilm.
It now offers the company’s latest face/eye tracking and detection, along with animal/vehicle and other subject detection.
Impressive Image and Video Quality
The extra resolution and lower native ISO of 125 will also improve image quality.
Since much of this camera’s newfound social media popularity is based on its film simulation modes, it comes with 20 built-in modes, including a new one called Reala Ace, which is designed to offer “faithful color reproduction and contrasty tones.”
Finally, people don’t usually think about video when talking about this series, but the X100VI is surprisingly capable for a tiny compact camera.
It can record 6.2K video up to 30fps, 4K at 60 fps, and 1080p at 240fps. You also get 10-bit F-log and F-Log2 recording, very good for a small photo-centric camera with a fixed lens.
The only downside is the relatively low data rate (max 200Mbps) due to the slow card, but you can record ProRes to an external recorder.
Fujifilm X100VI Price and Availability
The Fujifilm X100VI is now available for pre-order for $1,600 in silver or black, with shipping scheduled for early March 2024.
The company is also offering a special edition version “engraved with the company’s corporate brand logo from Fujifilm’s founding in 1934” for $2,000.
Fujifilm promises to reduce the long wait times of the previous model by producing it in China like its other recent models.
The Fujifilm X100VI is a significant upgrade over its predecessor, offering a new higher-resolution sensor, internal stabilization, impressive video, and overall performance improvements.
While it retains its classic design, the camera is clearly a step forward for street photography and everyday use.
Also Read: Bard vs. ChatGPT: Battle of Wits in Generative AI