Fujifilm X100VI Review | Power-Packed Pocket Camera

As a street photographer, I’ve worked with multiple Fujifilm X100 camera system versions.

I jumped at the opportunity to review the latest Fujifilm camera on Melbourne’s streets.

Fujifilm has retained photography’s true essence and joy in a compact camera hiding powerful performance.

Fujifilm X100VI Review Intro

The Fujifilm X100VI is a rangefinder-style compact digital mirrorless camera.

It boasts a new Fujifilm X-Trans CMOS 5 HR image sensor and Fuji’s flagship X Processor 5.

In a surprise first for the X100 camera, it delivers up to 6 stops of in-body image stabilization.

The X100VI also captures stunning 6.2K video at 30P with 10:2:2 10-bit recording.

Moreover, Fujifilm managed to cram significant upgrades into the same compact form factor as past X100 generations.

While the Fujifilm X100VI is heavily promoted as a street photography camera, its versatility in any situation is undeniable.

Everyone, from hobbyists to professionals, will love this new fixed-lens camera and the creative freedom it affords.

Specs

• Image Sensor – 40.2MP X-Trans CMOS 5 HR I
• Maximum resolution – 7728 x 5152
• Lens – 23mm f/2 Mark II Fixed Lens (35mm equivalent)
• 9-bladed leaf shutter
• ISO -Auto 125-12,800 (Expands to 64-51200)
• Viewfinder – Hybrid OVF/3.690K EVF
• LCD – 3″ 1.620K Touch Tilt Screen
• Image Stabilization – 6-stop Sensor-Shift
• Focal Points – 425
• Max Shutter – 1/4000
• Storage – UHS-I SD Card
• Flash – Built-In/Hot Shoe
• USB -USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 GBit/sec)
• Battery Life – NP-W126S up to 450 shots
• Weight -521g (1.15lb)
• Dimensions -128 x 75 x 55mm (5.04 x 2.95 x 2.17″)

Build & Appearance

Fujifilm cameras and lenses are renowned for their solid build, durability, and endurance.

The original Fujifilm X100 compact digital camera was launched in early 2011, and many photographers still use it.

The new Fuji X100VI is no exception, as it boasts the same metal body and lens build. Even the lens cap is metal!

What’s more, it feels solid in your hand, and at only 521g (1.15lb), it doesn’t cause any strain to carry all day.

Available in silver or black, the X100VI has a minimal aesthetic, making it a discreet street camera or everyday camera.

The button placement is minimal, and the new camera features manual control and command dials.

The rear tilting TFT LCD hasn’t received a bump in resolution from version V.

However, the hybrid EVF/OFV delivers a bright, rich 3.690K image resolution.

While I appreciate it being weather-sealed, it comes with a caveat.

You must fit Fujifilm’s AR-X100 lens mount and PRF-49 clear lens filter to the lens – at an additional cost.

Overall, the Fujifilm X100VI is solid, tactile, and sleek – one of the sleekest pieces of camera equipment I’ve seen!

Ergonomics & Handling

The Fujifilm X100VI is a compact, lightweight powerhouse.

The Fujifilm X10oVI delivers the perfect balance of ergonomics and handling without compromising its core purpose – to capture fantastic shots.

The metal build, rangefinder styling, and slight bump for greater grip make it an ideal APS-C camera to carry all day.

Its size, weight, and fixed lens make it the perfect travel camera – it’s not a toy camera.

Shooting from the rear LCD screen or via the vivid hybrid OVF/EVF feels natural and perfectly comfortable.

Touch and swipe commands are an option, as is a customizable rear dial.

The rear houses the EVF/OVF eye cup, eye sensor, a customizable command dial, and a focus and menu system toggle.

It also features six buttons for Drive, AEL/AFL, Menu, Play, Display/Back, and Q.

The Manual/Continuous/Single focus switch is on the camera’s left side.

The right side features a door to hide the 2.5mm mic/report, USB C/headphone adapter, and micro HDMI ports.

The Fujifilm X100VI adds tactile elements for refined control.

The 23mm focal length lens features a textured manual focus ring and aperture ring.

The Fuji X100VI’s front also features a second command dial, built-in flash, PVF window, and a toggle to switch between Electrical and Optical Viewfinder.

The best view of the Fujifilm X100VI is from above.

The Fujifilm branding has a fun red accent in the VI of the logo.

It’s also home to the Exposure Compensation dial, ON/OFF switch, customizable function button, and shutter release.

Of course, the show’s star is the ISO/shutter speed dial.

The metal dial controls the shutter when pressed down. Lift it and turn to adjust ISO.

The base of the Fujifilm X100VI has a battery and SD card compartment door, and a screw thread for tripods and other accessories.

The logical menu systems allow photographers of any skill level to navigate their X100VI.

Focus Performance

The Fujifilm X100VI features fast and accurate autofocus.

Like the flagship Fujifilm digital cameras, the Fujifilm X100VI boasts an improved autofocus feature set and performance enhancements.

The earlier Fujifilm X100 APS C cameras were sluggish. However, a lot has changed since 2011.

The X100VI uses the X Processor 5 and intelligent autofocus prediction algorithms in focus modes for fast performance.

Its Intelligent Hybrid AF (TTL contrast AF/TTL phase detection AF) subject detection tracks animals, birds, insects, cars, airplanes, motorbikes, trains, and even drones.

I’m a street photographer who’s always on the move, so I demand fast and effective autofocus performance.

The Fujifilm X100VI hasn’t let me down at all.

Low Light Performance

Fujifilm X100VI | f/2 | 1/125s | 3200 ISO | Acros Film Simulation

One of the standout features of the new Fujifilm X100VI is the inclusion of in-body image stabilization.

Fujifilm has managed to fit sensor-shift image stabilization, delivering up to six stops of stability.

The new sensor delivers an auto ISO range of 125-12,800 and an expanded range of 64-51,200.

That larger image sensor resolution captures more exposure data than any other Fujifilm X100 camera before.

It also utilizes an image processing algorithm that boosts image resolution without impacting noise.

Image Quality

Fujifilm X100VI Classic Chrome Film Simulation

I adore the image quality and color science of the Fujifilm X Trans image sensors and shoot RAW files to capture all of that gorgeous Fuji image data.

Given the true-to-life color reproduction and exposure control, my editing process is minimal.

Thanks to the 40.2MP image sensor, the Fujifilm X100VI produces sharp images.

What’s more, 20 Fujifilm Film Simulations produce the look of classic Fujifilm film stock. Reala Ace Film Simulation is the newest addition to the lineup.

Fujifilm X100VI Velvia Film Simulation

If shooting JPEG images only, the quality, resolution, and color effects are lovely.

When shooting with a wide f/2 aperture, subject clarity, separation, and background effects build depth.

Equally, using a narrower aperture delivers sharpness across the frame.

Furthermore, thanks to the new and larger image sensor, the clarity and definition are excellent, even if cropping images in post-production.

Fujifilm X100VI Sample Images

I took some sample images on the streets of Melbourne (Australia) using the Fujifilm X100VI.

I’ve applied the Reala Ace or Classic Chrome Film Simulation to these images, and I personally prefer the latter.

Overall Performance

One thing I love most about Fujifilm lenses and cameras is their responsiveness.

Designed to elevate the joy of photography, Fujifilm X cameras enable you to get straight into image capture.

The Fujifilm X100Vi is incredibly responsive, with a fast startup time and minimal lag when making manual changes.

As a street photographer, I set my ISO, SS, and aperture before turning the camera on.

That way, with a flick of the On switch, the X100VI is awake and ready to capture an image instantly.

And thanks to the bright, high-resolution EVF, I can frame and shoot just as quickly.

The autofocus performance on the Fujifilm X100VI is impressive.

Furthermore, the touch screen or focus toggle allows for quick single-point or zone focus placement.

The X100VI achieves an impressive 11fps continuous burst with the mechanical shutter.

Switching to the electronic shutter delivers 20fps and 1/180,000-second speed.

Be warned, the UHS-I card slot is not fast.

Additionally, Fujifilm apparently decided that the sensor’s new resolution demands didn’t need a power boost in terms of battery performance.

It relies on the same battery as the previous model, though I haven’t noticed any issue with battery consumption.

Of course, I’d prefer a higher-capacity battery, but that’s just the way it is.

Other Useful Features

I consider the Fujifilm X100VI a sleeper camera.

It’s like a VW Beetle that looks docile enough, but there’s a thumping V8 under the hood!

It’s designed like an analog rangefinder camera with retro styling and minimal input.

However, peel back that sleek aesthetic, and you have one of the most powerful cameras in the range.

While a photographer’s camera, the X100VI also delivers some impressive video performance.

It captures 6K video at up to 30P and 4K at up to 60P. Furthermore, 1080 HD enables silky smooth slow-motion capture at up to 240P.

The Fujifilm X100VI offers videographers a suite of audio options, frame rates, and recording to a card or an external HDMI monitor.

The Fuji X100 series has always offered creative photographers a bag of handy tricks.

While it features a fixed 23mm (35mm full-frame equivalent) focal range, it also offers a digital teleconverter.

The digital teleconverter enables crop modes to enlarge the frame with focal lengths of 33mm (50mm full frame) or 47mm (70mm full frame).

In addition to this, the X100VI has a built-in ND Filter to support bright shooting environments.

The Fujifilm X100VI connects wirelessly with smart devices via Bluetooth and WiFi, enabling file transfer and remote control of the camera.

In a Fujifilm first, the X100VI features native Frame.io Camera To Cloud connectivity.

In essence, Frame.io supports the instant upload of photos and videos from the camera directly to a cloud platform.

Images can be shared, edited, and collaborated within your Frame.io account.

The days of tethered shooting are coming to an end!

Accessories

Another Fuji X100 camera tradition is the availability of Fujifilm accessories.

If they wish to complete the weather sealing, shoppers should add the Fujifilm AR-X100 adapter ring and the PRF-49 clear protection filter to their cart.

Another retro accessory is the metal Fujifilm LH-100 lens hood.

But wait, there’s more!

Fujifilm also produces the WCL-X100 II Wide Conversion Lens and TCL-X100 II Tele Conversion Lens.

While the Fujifilm X100VI features a fixed 23mm f/2 lens, the conversion lenses screw to the adapter at the front of the lens.

The Wide Conversion Lens delivers 0.8x magnification (28mm full-frame equivalent), and the Tele Conversion Lens delivers 1.4x magnification (50mm full-frame equivalent).

What’s also neat is that when these Fuji lenses are attached, the camera instantly recognizes the lens and corrects for aberration and distortion.

How I Tested the Fujifilm X100VI

Melbourne Streets with the Fujifilm X100VI and Reala Ace Film Simulation

I tested the Fujifilm X100VI where it demands to be tested – on the streets!

Before I laced up my Converse and hit the pavement, I studied the camera and got to know it inside and out.

Having shot with many Fujifilm X100 and X Series cameras, I was curious to see the enhancements and firmware capabilities.

I spent much time scrolling through all the menu options to see what made this Fuji camera tick.

Moreover, I set the camera to support the way I shoot photography. Here are my typical camera settings to get things started:

• Lossless Compressed RAW
• Autofocus – 3×3 Zone Focus Mode
• Touch Screen Mode Off
• Photometry – Multi
• Mechanical Shutter
• Flash Off
• Sound Off
• EVF On

Putting the Fujifilm X100VI through its paces was a pure delight.

I walked around my inner-city neighborhood on the sunny and shaded sides of the street.

I shot street scenes while standing still and plenty more while in motion.

It’s impressive how responsive the X100VI was to my manic pace.

I’d change the aperture, shutter speed, and ISO without having to stop and look down at the command dials or fiddle with menus.

It was pure photography joy – so much so that I don’t want to return the loan unit to Fujifilm!

I consider it to be close to a perfect camera for street photography. It’s probably my favorite camera over any other camera.

Alternatives to the Fujifilm X100VI

It’s hard to compare the X100VI to other cameras.

It has the look of a film camera, the stealth of a smartphone, and the capabilities of a high-end digital mirrorless.

Fujifilm X100 owners ask if they should upgrade to the new X100VI. They also ask if it’s worth upgrading from the V to the VI.

At face value, it appears to be the same camera with the same body, lens, and battery.

But any generational jump must be worth the effort.

If upgrading from the X100, X100S, X100T, or X100IV, it’s worth the move.

However, the X100V is a fantastic camera and has been heralded as one of the most influential photography products of recent years.

It’s four years old but still packs incredible features and performance.

Aside from that, the V featured the same 23mm lens, hybrid EVF/OVF, LCD, and almost identical size, shape, and weight to the X100VI.

However, it didn’t feature image stabilization, the impressive 40MP sensor, or the boosted processor.

If I owned the Fujifilm X100V, I’d hold off from upgrading and making the most of the incredible camera I already possess.

Value for Money

Currently, the appetite for the Fujifilm X100VI is insatiable, with stock shortages worldwide.

It retails for around US$1,900 ($2,900 in Aussie dollars, if you happen to live in Australia); however, the demand has increased prices in some markets.

The Limited Edition X100VI retails for around US$2,300 and is restricted to 1934 units… worldwide!

The limited camera features a unique serial number and Fujifilm’s 1934 founding company logo engraved on the body.

It also comes packaged in a special box with a soft-release button, unique strap, and Fujifilm history cards.

To acquire one, you have to add your details to a global ballot for a chance to have your name drawn. Pure FOMO!

Putting aside the Limited Edition, I think the Fujifilm X100VI is a fair price considering the 40MP X Trans 5 sensor, X Processor 5, IBIS, and all the Fujifilm image quality goodness it delivers.

My only gripe is that you must buy the Fujifilm AR-X100 adapter and PRF-49 filter to achieve total weather sealing.

Fujifilm X100VI Review | Conclusion

The Fujifilm X10oVI is an incredibly versatile camera that continues to live up to the X100 series’ heritage.

It’s impressive that Fujifilm packed a 40MP image sensor, its fastest processor, and IBIS into one of its smallest cameras.

The X100VI is ideal for street, travel, documentary, and family photos.

Some critics dub it a toy camera! However, it’s far more than a fashion accessory and one of the most beautiful cameras I’ve had the pleasure of testing.

Obviously, this is my own opinion based on my preferred shooting style and chosen genre.

New cameras come and go, but this one camera produces great images, replaces smartphone photography, and lasts a lifetime.

If you’re looking for a do-it-all compact powerhouse, it’s hard to surpass such a great camera!

What are your thoughts on the Fujifilm X100VI? Have you upgraded from a past X100 camera? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Highly Recommended

Fujifilm X100VI

Incredible performance with a powerful sensor and 6-stop image stabilization packed into a tiny, stylish body.

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