Compact cameras with fixed lenses continue to appeal to enthusiasts who value simplicity and portability. The Fujifilm X100VI is the latest in this iconic line, combining a retro aesthetic with modern performance.
Coming to you from Craig Roberts of e6 Vlogs, this fantastic video explores the X100VI’s strengths and a few quirks. The camera's 40.2-megapixel APS-C sensor provides exceptional image quality and the ability to crop in-camera to mimic a 50mm focal length without sacrificing too much detail. The fixed 23mm lens (35mm equivalent) is sharp and versatile, though Roberts notes minor softness at wider apertures during close focusing. The built-in ND filter and 1/180,000-second electronic shutter are particularly useful for shooting in bright conditions.
One of the X100VI’s standout features is its 5-axis in-body image stabilization, which aids handheld shooting at slower shutter speeds. The camera also offers a hybrid viewfinder, a combination of an optical viewfinder and a high-resolution 3.69-million-dot OLED electronic viewfinder. The 1.62-million-dot tilting touchscreen LCD adds flexibility for creative angles. However, the small battery life and lack of a second memory card slot might limit its appeal for extended shoots.
Key Spec
- Sensor: 40.2MP APS-C CMOS
- Lens: Fixed 23mm f/2 (35mm equivalent)
- ISO Range: Photo: 125–12,800 (Expandable: 64–51,200); Video: 125–12,800 (Expandable: 25,600)
- Shutter Speed: Mechanical: 1/4000–15 min; Electronic: 1/180,000–15 min
- Video: DCI 4K up to 59.94 fps, 1080p up to 240 fps
- Image Stabilization: 5-axis sensor-shift
- Viewfinder: Optical and 3.69-million-dot OLED EVF
- Display: 3-inch tilting touchscreen (1.62 million dots)
- Build: Weather-resistant, weighs 1.1 lb (with battery)
Roberts shares that the camera’s simplicity makes it enjoyable to use, but there are areas for improvement. The exposure compensation dial is stiff, while the front and rear dials turn too easily. Focus performance, while reliable, is occasionally noisy due to the lens mechanics. He also mentions a preference for a thumb grip for better ergonomics, which isn’t included by default.
While the X100VI excels at stills, its video capabilities are impressive too, with support for 4:2:2 10-bit external recording via HDMI and slow-motion modes in Full HD. However, Roberts sees it as a supplementary video tool rather than a primary choice for filmmakers.
The X100VI feels like a bridge between the compact X100 series and Fujifilm’s interchangeable lens systems. Its blend of performance and style makes it ideal for those seeking an everyday camera that doesn’t compromise on image quality. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Roberts.
I dunno. There are a lot of other kits the same size or close to it that offer other benefits. Panasonic GX9 and Olympus EM-10 with 20/1.7 offer similar size plus ability to use other lenses. And, for street candids, the GX9's tilting EVF is nifty. Sony a7C II or a7CR are a bit bulkier and heavier with a 35/2.8, but they offer much higher resolution. Ricoh's GR IIIx is more easily pocketable.
https://camerasize.com/compact/#819,919,770.933,911.667,ha,t
Also, looking at DPReview's test images, the X100VI doesn't seem to resolve any more than these, even the 20MP GX9, despite having the highest-resolution (40MP) sensor.
https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/image-comparison?attr18=daylight&attr13...
(I chose a7IV to represent a7CII's output, as DPR doesn't have the latter and the sensors are the same.)
For many Fujifilm photographers it's not about resolution even though this has 40 megapixels. If you'd asked the Fuji community they would've preferred 26 to be honest and it's about the character. Fuji is completely different to any other camera system and while I use three different Fujifilm cameras I do enjoy them because the images are different and yes you could probably create them with lots of editing but my preferences out of camera with some tweaking and I do love the colours out of Fujifilm cameras. The other part to them is that they are just fun to shoot with. You feel really engaged with the camera. It's a slower system. And that's part of the appeal
Yes and No and I dont know. I'm unashamed fujifilm fan, XT5 and two GFX cameras as my work horses. Just recently someone was selling an X100Vi and he wants to swap my XT5 for an X100VI ....I love 35 mm so why not? It will be done on January 6. Is it too hyped...well its people that hype it right, so they must like it? People dont sell them much so obviously people hold onto them - so the hype is kinda backed up by users who like them, Head over to the X100 pages and you'll see how much the fan base *real users Love the camera. Analysing this camera from a technical point of view is probably not a good idea really there are probably better cameras technically than this one but it is about the user experience. The Fuji recipes are also really fun to play with and that's what makes you such an enjoyable experience camera there are just some cameras that are great to shoot with and this one fits right into that category.... Some photographers are just obsessed with the outcome of the image. All I want is the shot. There are many photographers including myself which enjoy the actual tactile experience of using Fujifilm. We tend to be people that have come from the film era.... I figured I've got nothing to lose by swapping my XT5 because I really don't use it much not because it's not a good camera. I just use GFX cameras a lot but I often would love just a small camera that can fit in my pocket but I'd like to stay in Fiji to keep consistency. I'm also shooting some weddings in the New Year again and I think this would be a great little camera to walk around with in between the main shoots just to get candid shots where I'm not shoving a big GFX in front of people. And I'll repeat what I said I genuinely love 35 mm.
I picked one up for what most would call dirt cheap these days - €900 including the WCL100ii, OEM hoods, OEM spare battery. After factoring in the surplus I got for the x100v.
So for that money I'm going to be generous as I think it's already decent value full priced.
Compared to the V, the Chinese made has slightly better build tolerances, there's IBIS of course (which I still don't think is necessary), but the big sell for me was to inherit the same sensor as the x-T5, which is up there with the x-transIII for the best performance in terms of colour rendition, but bests it with much better dynamic range and the less blotchy low light images at high ISO, even where perhaps more noise is actually visible from about iso6400.
I loved the x70. Owned it twice. Ended up owning the x100v twice - the biggest thing I wasn't sold on was the sensor. I was never a huge fan of the X-transIV more neutral approach. Didn't mind the extra work in post with the x--t3 compared to the x-t2, but the x100v I wanted to use jpeg more and the output just wasn't quite the same.
I appreciated that output of the x100vi initially, as it certainly improves on the V in terms of rendering. But it seems to lose detail at f2 compared to the V, especially at MFD. And again, if I have identical settings to a film sim in the x-t5, I still get rather different looks. Certainly less contrast, slightly darker tones. So, annoyingly I need to adjust the recipes I love to try to make them closer in the VI. So recipes that say they are good for the xtransV for all cameras are misleading. I guess it's a lens issue, not sensor issue. For my outlay, it's annoying, but can be lived with.
But where I think the camera falls down is it's size. You really do notice the extra few mm and grams compared to the V. The x70 could be a bit too small at times and no viewfinder an annoyance. But for a compact camera, the VI isn't very compact at all. It will go in my Levis 501s which are looser fitting, but I look permanently pleased to see everyone.
In fact it's very close in size to the x-t5, yet lacks in several areas compared to that bigger camera: the lens just doesn't compare to my other lenses, even the older ones in terms of output. I don't mind stopping down to sharpen up, but especially in lower light you notice. Then theres the single SD card, smaller battery, ergonomics, screen, better EVF. For just €200 more buying new. And unlimited lens options.
I take the x100vi rather for luggage footprint, only because I don't have a pancake lens.
And if I'm going to have a not very compact, fixed lens camera, the gfx100rf could offer me a lot more as a different second camera. I'm even tempted by a Leica Q3.
For an everyday camera, if limited to Fuji, the xm5 or xt50 would be better options.
I'm considering selling the x100vi, but really the price I paid tips it into tremendous value category, so it's hard to justify not having it, even if just for occasional weekend away use.
it's interesting because I own the XT5 with the 23 mil and I love that setup but I am considering swapping it for a X100Vi .... I have two GFX cameras for my professional work so this really is just my fun camera. I do like the idea of having a built-in flash and ND filter as well.
I used the ND a lot more with the V when that camera didn't have maximum ss of 1/180000. Now obviously that's electronic not mechanical but it's quicker to engage that than to first activate ND and then to have to dial in the SS anyway. So purely convenience factor. The flash is certainly very handy and I've taken shots I really like when travelling with the family I just wouldn't have got with the x-t5 with or without mounted flash (but vice versa also!). But as it's something I still feel I chimp at to a degree, for me it's more for occasional use.
Not sure which 23 you have, I have the 23 1.4 LM on thr x-t5. Funnily enough a lens I'm not the biggest fan of - for documentary and street I preferred the V's more character, less (over) sharp 23 2.0. But I do notice with the VI the need to stop down a little bit more, and especially close up.
I really enjoy it, and it works well enough as an alternative to the x-t5 for me for sure. But it takes some adjustment if like me you have mostly Fuji's fast primes around this focal length. I mainly wish I could simply apply my x-t5 recipes and get the same output... So more work for me there.
I have the 23 F2 and my version is really sharp. It's funny enough. It's a silver lens too and it looks really nice on the camera. It almost looks like a bigger X 100Vi and that is a great little set up but I do miss a slightly wider focal length. I know there is an adapter for the X 100 but I still haven't decided yet what I'm going to do. I do like the XT5. I have a relationship with that camera. I shoot with two big GFX Bodies for my professional work. but if I'm just going off to the beach for a swim like last night I take my XT5. do you think the 23 F2 is sharper on The XT5 than the 23 F2 on the X100Vi ....