The Fujifilm X100VI: Does the Lens Resolve 40 Megapixels?

The jump from 26 to 40 megapixels in the Fujifilm X100VI sparked debate about whether the lens could keep up. This video tackles that question head-on, comparing the X100V and X100VI lenses to see how well they resolve detail and handle the demands of a high-resolution sensor.

Coming to you from The Hybrid Shooter, this insightful video delves into the intricacies of the lens on the Fujifilm X100VI, examining its performance and addressing common misconceptions. The video meticulously examines the ability of the lens to resolve detail from the X-Trans 5 HR sensor, a significant concern for potential buyers considering the jump to the higher-resolution X100VI.

One of the key takeaways from the video is that while the X100VI's lens does offer a noticeable improvement in resolving power compared to the X100V, the difference isn't as dramatic as the jump from 26 to 40 megapixels might suggest. This is due to the diminishing returns, where the incremental benefit of additional resolution becomes smaller as pixel density increases. However, the video demonstrates that the X100VI still captures more detail, particularly at wider apertures like f/2.8 and f/4, where the text and edges appear sharper and more defined.

The video also addresses the myth that the X100VI's higher resolution is a disadvantage due to larger file sizes, clarifying that using the compressed raw format introduced with the X100VI results in file sizes comparable to the X100V without significantly compromising image quality. Additionally, the video explores the X100VI's low-light capabilities, highlighting the benefits of the f/2 aperture and in-body image stabilization (IBIS) for achieving sharp images in challenging lighting conditions.  

Beyond technical comparisons, the video provides valuable insights into real-world usage scenarios. He emphasizes that while the differences between the X100V and X100VI might not be readily apparent in everyday photography, the additional resolution becomes advantageous when cropping is necessary, a common practice with the fixed focal length of the X100 series. Check out the video above for the full rundown.
 

Alex Cooke's picture

Alex Cooke is a Cleveland-based portrait, events, and landscape photographer. He holds an M.S. in Applied Mathematics and a doctorate in Music Composition. He is also an avid equestrian.

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6 Comments

It renders better than the V. Does that mean the lens isn't holding the sensor back?

Images will look the same, only taking more hard drive space and slowing down your computer...

Just like the x-t5 renders noticeably better than the x-t3, so too does the VI better than the V - comparable to the superb x-trans III in the x-t2. The previous sensor was the least interesting to date, and Fuji addresses that with the 40MP.

RAWS and jpegs aren't a whole lot bigger shooting lossless compressed with no noticeable quality drop. And the ultrabook I edit on manages just fine. Certainly no worries about storage or slowdowns.

As for resolving the sensor, at comparable focal length it is sharper than the 16-55 on the same sensor, which is plenty sharp enough, even if it may not compare to the latest 1.4 primes. Not the point of the camera, though.

How to say you have a previous gen Fuji without saying you have a previous gen Fuji.

Nah. I had an X100s, X-T1, X-T2, X-T3, X100V, and X-T5. X-T5 sucked. The sensor is terrible.

Sure you did.

The images either look the same or worse, make your mind up.

Yes significant file size increase because of the increased sensor resolution. But like the author said, it offers a notable advantage, particularly in allowing for more aggressive cropping of captured images. This becomes especially significant for cameras with fixed lens and focal length... enhancing flexibility in framing and composition.