Is the Fujifilm X100V worth the hype? While the X100V might not offer the best specs for its price, its charm and usability can inspire photographers to shoot more and improve their skills.
In her latest video, Emily from the Micro Four Nerds channel dives into the allure of the Fujifilm X100V, a camera that has become incredibly sought-after. Emily explores whether this stylish and compact camera lives up to its reputation, considering its features and performance.
The X100V stands out with its stunning design, available in both black and silver versions. It boasts mechanical dials for ISO, shutter speed, and aperture, offering a tactile experience that harks back to traditional photography. Despite its advanced capabilities, it’s user-friendly enough for beginners who can rely on auto mode.
One of the camera’s highlights is its fixed 23mm f/2 lens (35mm equivalent), which is sharp and bright, perfect for everyday photography. The camera’s compact size and lightweight build (just 478 grams) make it a convenient carry-around option. Constructed from magnesium alloy and aluminum, it strikes a balance between robustness and portability.
However, Emily notes some downsides, such as the absence of in-body image stabilization (IBIS) and limited video capabilities. The weather sealing is adequate for light rain, but she advises caution in harsher conditions. Despite these drawbacks, the X100V excels in street photography with its quiet, leaf mechanical shutter and impressive hybrid viewfinder.
My Honesty 2c opinion "just an opinion thought"
Having owned the camera before the hype, it is a great camera and does deserve a spot as a great point and shoot for street/Travel/convenience etc. Its popularity brought an influx of new recipes, accessories but and Having said that though the hype and popularity went over the top very quickly, pair that with the price gouging and the inability to get your hands on one both second hand or brand new tainted it i believe. it was a great camera but was not worth what people were charging for them in the end, and sadly people bought into it and fed the demand.
Having owned the S,T and V, I do believe this is the most beautiful camera. I thoroughly enjoyed them all. The novelty however wears off quickly. I tend to gravitate back to interchangeable lens cameras soon. The Sony RX1 was better for me, uglier, but better. The thing is the x100 is in its own category and everyone wants to have something that's unique.
I've owned a lot of cameras over the years, but I have to say the X100VI is the first one that when I take it out into the public, I get a lot of people asking about it. If it's a film camera. Is is an old camera. Many mention how cool it looks. It gets people talking about photography, and that's a good thing. Then they'll feel comfortable enough to share me some of their own shots taken with whatever camera they have. And then we talk about various cameras. If I ask them if they're okay if I take a shot, they're usually very friendly and almost always say sure. If I have a more "pro" looking camera, say a Canon R5 which I use for paid gigs, they often feeze up, and ask what it's for, why, etc. It's much more intimidating and they're concerned I'm taking a shot that I'm going to sell or whatever. The X100VI is so disarming. Not only does it take great shots, it's aesthetically appealing and a great ice breaker. So yeah, I'd say it's definitely worth the demand it's been getting. BTW, I get a similar reaction when I use the XT5 but not to the same degree. The X100 lline is truly something unique.
Thats a great perspective! Thanks for sharing.
No.
care to expand?
Absolutely not. I have owned an X100T and and X100V - both of which I bought brand new when they were released. They are fun and have pretty good image quality but are not worth paying more than retail for. I also would not buy one used even if it was cheaper than retail. Both, particularly the X100V, developed little bugs after putting about 10,000-15,000 shots on them. Settings would clear for no reason and the date and time would reset, especially if the battery door was left open for too long. I am talking less than a minute, not hours. Having said that, I still think the X100T had better colour! When I go through shots I took with that camera, they colours are remarkable, which is why I ended up buying an X100V. That camera disappointed me and it felt like the magic was over. In addition to my Canon R6, I use a Ricoh GR III HDF now when I feel like I want to carry less. I love that camera and it seems to a sharper lens than the Fuji!