6 months with the Fujifilm X100VI: Is the most hyped camera in history that good?

6 months with the Fujifilm X100VI: Is the most hyped camera in history that good?

6 months with the Fujifilm X100VI: Is the most hyped camera in history that good?

Note: This review was first published on 15 August 2024.

The sixth camera in Fujifilm's revered X100 series. This is the X100VI. Photo: HWZ

Camera mania

It’s hard to say exactly when and how it began. Still, there’s little doubt that the renaissance compact digital cameras are now enjoying was kickstarted by Fujifilm’s X100V camera – the predecessor to the X100VI that you see here. Demand was so high that Fujifilm told retailers to stop taking orders because it couldn’t produce them fast enough. It was also because they were ready to launch its successor, the X100VI.

The TL;DR version:

A highly capable compact fixed lens camera that takes beautiful photos and, crucially, is fun and engaging to shoot. It’s a shame that it’s so hard to buy.

Note: You can find the Fujifilm X100VI on the Fujifilm Online Store and all authorised retailers. You can also keep a lookout for it on Fujifilm’s official stores on Lazada and Shopee.

Anticipating huge demand for the X100VI, Fujifilm took some drastic measures. It moved manufacturing out of Japan to China (upsetting some fans along the way) and doubled production from 7,500 units to 15,000 units. But as we know now, this still wasn’t enough. Waitlists grew out of control and scalpers sprang up on Carousell asking for as much as one thousand dollars over its list price. I’ve been covering tech for over a decade and I’ve never seen a camera enjoy this level of demand. Is it really that good? Let’s find out.

Boy, does it look good and is it fun to shoot

Build quality is top notch. Photo: HWZ

In 2024, it’s almost a given that any digital camera with a fairly large-sized sensor will take decent photos. The differences in modern cameras come down mostly to matters – some more subjective than others – like handling, ecosystem, and looks. And if we are talking about looks, few cameras look better than the X100VI.

Fujifilm is the master of creating vintage-looking cameras. In my years carrying an X-T10 around my neck, I’ve lost count of the number of times I received compliments for it and was asked if it was a film camera. I’m certain it would be the same for the X100VI had it not suddenly become the most sought-after and recognisable camera in the world.

With its physical dials and metal construction, this is one good-looking camera. I have no doubts that the way it looks is one of the reasons why it is so desirable. When I’m not taking it out to shoot, I’m happy just to stare at it sitting on my desk. It’s gorgeous.

These dials make all the difference. Photo: HWZ

The dials are more than just an aesthetic decision, they are a big part of what makes it so fun and engaging to shoot with the X100VI. Together with the aperture ring on the lens, you have quick control of all aspects of the exposure triangle. And when you add in the two customisable command dials and various other customisable buttons, you have a large amount of control over how you might want your photos to look. 

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This isn’t exclusive to the X100VI. You could achieve the same level of control – or close to it – with other cameras, but they don’t feel the same. Perhaps it’s the tactility of the dials or the fact that they are dedicated dials made of metal, but there’s something about twisting them to make adjustments that elevate the shooting experience. 

A small LCD display pops up when you want to use it as a digital viewfinder. Photo: HWZ

Happily, if you can’t tell the difference between shutter speed and aperture, you can set the X100VI to full auto mode and use it to take photos like your smartphone. Though doing so would be completely missing the point of this camera.

Another reason that contributes to the X100VI’s look is its hybrid viewfinder. Outside of expensive Leica rangefinder cameras, there aren’t many modern cameras with a viewfinder like the X100VI. And being a hybrid system, you can switch to a fully digital viewfinder if that suits you better, or a hybrid one where a small digital display pops up in the corner to help you focus.

The shooting experience

The fixed lens is both a boon and a bane. Photo: HWZ

On paper, the X100VI sounds like the perfect everyday compact camera. And in many ways, it is. To begin, it’s the right balance of specs and size. The APS-C sensor is a huge step up in terms of size from the sensors typically found in phones. Furthermore, it’s using Fujifilm’s latest 40-megapixel unit, which means lots of resolution and ample opportunities to crop in post. And this being a Fujifilm camera, the out-of-camera JPEGs look stunning.

And for the first time in an X100 series camera, there’s in-body image stabilisation (IBIS), which Fujifilm claims provides up to six stops of stabilisation. In practice, I found that you can get usable photos with shutter speeds as low as 1/4. I could even go as low as 2 seconds if I had something to use as a prop. There’s no question in my mind that IBIS is the most important improvement to the X100VI – more so than the new 40-megapixel sensor.

The lens is unchanged, which means it’s the same fixed 23mm (35mm equivalent) F/2.0 unit found in the X100V. The lens itself is mostly fantastic. There’s noticeable softness when shooting wide open at close distances, but that goes away once you step down the aperture or move further away. Speaking of distance, the lens has a wonderfully short minimum focusing distance of just 10cm, so close-up shots are not really an issue.

Since it’s a fixed lens, you are stuck with the 35mm focal length. It’s both a boon and a bane. It forces you to think about framing more, but it also means you’ll miss some shots simply because it’s either not wide enough or you can’t get close enough quick enough. You can get conversion lenses to augment it, but that adds significant cost and heft, which, to me, somewhat ruins the point of an X100VI. As versatile as the 35mm focal length may be, there were times that I wished I had something wider. I felt this most keenly in London, where its narrow streets and towering architecture meant I often had to resort to my phone to get the shot I wanted. 

The shortcomings of the 35mm focal length is most obvious when trying to take photos of architecture. (f/2, 1/2000s, ISO 125) Photo: HWZ

Speaking of focal lengths, the X100VI has a digital teleconverter function that simulates 50mm and 70mm focal lengths. It’s no different from a digital zoom, but I often use it because I’m fond of the 50mm look. What’s more, using the digital teleconverter to simulate 50mm still gives me photos with 20MP of resolution. At 70mm, that drops to 10MP, which is pushing it a little.

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Focal length limitations aside, the X100VI is also hampered by Fujifilm’s so-so autofocus. Though it’s improved, it still can’t hold a candle against cameras from Sony, Canon, and Nikon. It’s not terrible by any means and will hold on its own in most everyday situations, but it will struggle to capture anything moving fast. Consequently, this isn’t a camera that you want to be using in burst mode. I leave it in single-shot mode.

Should you buy one?

The X100VI is an excellent travel camera. (f/6.4, 1/34s, ISO 125) Photo: HWZ

To find the answer to this question, we should consider what the X100VI is and what it does best. In my view, it’s a remarkably capable and compact camera that is great at documenting everyday life and travel. Many underestimate the importance of size when it comes to purchasing a camera, which is a huge mistake. Speaking from experience, you are less likely to take a camera along with you if it’s too cumbersome to carry. Smaller is better, and the X100VI is just about small enough to take with you wherever you go. Equally important is that it’s engaging to shoot with. This is critical because there’s no shortage of capable compact cameras, but few are as fun to use as the X100VI. 

If you understand what the X100VI is and it meets your needs, then the answer is a resounding yes. You should buy one. The argument to this is that smartphone cameras are exceedingly capable these days, so why would you need a camera. That may be true, but there’s a look that photos taken with a large sensor camera have that smartphones simply cannot replicate. This is even more true for the X100VI, because being a Fujifilm camera, it takes very pleasing out-of-camera JPEGs. 

The problem for most readers, I suspect, is finding one. It’s currently sold out everywhere. So the more pressing question perhaps is if you should pay over retail to get one. As a matter of principle, I don’t think you should, but I also understand if you desperately need a camera and cannot wait. However, know that the X100VI’s value proposition gets hazier the more you pay above retail.

A cursory check on Carousell shows asking prices around S$3,000 to S$3,500. If you are willing to pay this much for an X100VI, I’ll urge you to consider the Sony A7C II and Nikon Z f. These have larger sensors, and more crucially, the ability to swap lenses. The latter point should not be underestimated because it makes these cameras vastly more versatile and provides a platform on which you can dive deeper into the hobby of photography.

Another shot made possible with IBIS. This image has been cropped. (f/2, 1/3s, ISO 1600) Photo: HWZ

However, if you are certain that the X100VI meets your needs and you can get one at or close to retail price, then you will not be disappointed. The X100VI lives up to its hype and is a fantastic camera. 

Note: You can find the Fujifilm X100VI on the Fujifilm Online Store and all authorised retailers. You can also keep a lookout for it on Fujifilm’s official stores on Lazada and Shopee.

What are the alternatives?

The Fujifilm X100VI is sold out everywhere and if you can’t wait and don’t want to pay over MSRP for one (you shouldn’t), here are some great alternatives.

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Leica D-Lux 8

The Leica D-Lux 8. Photo: Leica

The X100VI’s closest competitor is possibly the Leica D-Lux 8. At S$2,450, the D-Lux 8 costs just as much but has a smaller Micro Four Thirds sensor. I haven’t shot with this camera, but since it comes with a zoom lens (24-75mm equivalent), it’s likely a better all-rounder. My only reservation is that my experience with Micro Four Thirds sensors tells me that performance in low-light situations could be lacking. But if that doesn’t bother you, this is a camera worth checking out. What’s more, it carries the very desirable red Leica badge (though it’s technically a Panasonic underneath, but that’s a story for another day).

Note: You can find the Leica D-Lux 8 at official Leica Singapore Stores and the Leica Online Store.

Ricoh GR III

The Ricoh GR III. Photo: Ricoh

The Ricoh GR III is another close contender. Like the X100VI, the GR III has an APS-C sensor and a fixed lens setup, this time with a wider 28mm equivalent lens. If you prefer a tighter focal length, there’s the GR IIIx which has a 40mm equivalent lens. The Ricoh is also significantly cheaper, with an MSRP of S$1,399 – nearly half the X100VI. Like the Leica, I haven’t shot this camera before, but it’s considerably more compact than the X100VI. So if portability is a priority, the GR III should be high on your shortlist too.

Note: You can find the Ricoh GR III on Lazada and the Ricoh Online Store.

Sony A7C II

The Sony A7C II is almost just as small, but has a considerably larger sensor that some users will appreciate. However, it's not as fun to shoot. Photo: HWZ

At this price, you might want to consider stepping up to a full-frame camera. I won’t belabour the benefits of a larger full-frame sensor, but there are two full-frame cameras that you might want to check out. The first is the A7C II. It lacks the dials of the X100VI and isn’t as fun to shoot with, but you can’t argue with how effective it is. Sony’s autofocus is the best in the business and the company has improved its colour science too so its out-of-camera JPEGs look good too. The icing on the cake is how compact it is for a full-frame camera. With the right lens, it isn’t that much ، than the X100VI. 

Note: You can find the Sony A7C II on Lazada, Shopee, and the Sony Online Store.

Nikon Z f

The Nikon Z f shares the X100VI's vintage aesthetics and engaging shooting experience. However, it's a lot bulkier. Photo: HWZ.

The Nikon Z f is another full-frame option, one that’s closer in spirit to the X100VI. Like the X100VI, the Z f has a vintage-inspired design and has metal dials to control the shutter, ISO, and exposure. It even has an anachronistic little LCD display that shows the aperture settings. Because of the dials, the shooting experience with the Z f is quite similar to the X100VI. Where the Z f differs is that it doesn’t have the multitude of film simulations that the X100VI has, and it’s a substantially larger camera, even when paired with a relatively petite 40mm prime lens. Otherwise, it’s a fun full-frame alternative to the X100VI.

Note: You can find the Nikon Z f on Lazada and Shopee.

Additional sample images

Note: These photos are straight out-of-camera JPEGs. Their colours have not been edited or manipulated in any way. A slight crop might have been applied. Those with a heavy crop will be pointed out in the photo’s caption.

(f/2.0, 1/105s, ISO 250) Photo: HWZ

(f/5, 1/950s, ISO 125) Photo: HWZ

(f/2, 1/15s, ISO 250)

(f/2, 1/950s, ISO 250) Photo: HWZ

(f/5.6, 1/30s, ISO 800) Photo: HWZ

(f/2, 1/340s, ISO 250) This photo has been cropped. Photo: HWZ

منبع: https://www.hardwarezone.com.sg/review-fujifilm-x100vi-everyday-edc-travel-camera-singapore-price-specs-buy