The most anticipated camera of the year is finally here: Fujifilm X100VI. It pays homage to the famous and beloved X100V but with a larger sensor, upgraded features, and that same classic charm. We're eternally grateful to have gotten our hands on the device early to test its capabilities before its release. It was gorgeous at first glance but only got better with further tests. We took it around the sandy desert boulders of Joshua Tree, California, brought along our friends for nature trails and landscape portraits, and snapped happily until the day's end. In this article, we'll discuss various features and tech specs and offer our first impressions of this high-caliber camera, along with a few honest opinions on whether this sought-after camera lives up to the crazy hype from the community.
The Fujifilm X100VI is a game-changer in the world of mirrorless cameras, boasting a travel friendly body with the high quality optics Fujifilm is known for. X100VI surpasses its predecessor, the X100...
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In the age of big rigs and high tech, many crave something simpler and more refined.
Using the X100 series cameras comes with a certain mindset. You must be willing to forego interchangeable wide-angle lenses and telephoto zooms. Instead, you must know your subject matter more intimately to fill the frame. You must accept that it's not the absolute fastest or “highest” brow camera system and embrace its limitations rather than demanding more. It's about striking a balance and playing to its strengths.
Additional key characteristics that make the original X100VI a desirable camera include its high-quality glass, notable features, and compact portability. Piggybacking off the X100V’s initiative, the X100VI is officially fully weather-sealed (with a filter attached), making it suitable for various conditions against Mother Nature. Compared to Fujifilm’s earlier alternatives, like the X-E4, the X100VI is built like a sturdy tank, providing peace of mind in any situation.
Dare we say it's the jack-of-all-trades?
In short, it boasts higher specs and better glass while retaining that classic Fujifilm charm.
As mentioned earlier, the camera may appear similar on the exterior to its previous X100V iteration, but numerous upgraded features on the inside make this new beauty even more worthwhile. Check out our separate article linked below for a more in-depth technical comparison and a head-to-head discussion on the two cameras.
Best of all? It's a camera that offers availability and accessibility. Its starting price isn’t exorbitant for the average photographer, and Fujifilm assures allocations will be promptly delivered now that the industry is well ahead in its production journey. The supply should meet the demand, making Fujifilm X100VI the latest craze that everyone has a fair chance of purchasing. It’s no longer just for the cool kids; this newest model levels the playing field for everyone.
One of the standout features of the camera at first glance is its expansive sensor and higher resolution. An upgraded 40MP sensor borrowed from Fujifilm's flagship X-T5 model marks a significant leap from the previous 26.1-megapixel sensor on the X100V.
The details are crisp, the compositions refined, and the bokeh separation between the subject and its background is so natural it prompts a second look. Every picture we took appeared editorial, possessing a quality that felt otherworldly yet precisely as it should be. Finding a camera capable of achieving this balance so effortlessly is rare.
With the X100V, stopping down to f/4 was necessary to render enough detail to accentuate natural characteristics, but X100VI feels much less clinical. Whenever we photographed an object under a wide aperture or facing direct light, X100VI smartly corrected its dynamic range, nearly guaranteeing flawless images under various conditions.
One of the hallmark features of Fujifilm X100VI is its integration of 20 distinct film simulations directly into the camera. Known for their true-to-life quality and delicious tones, these simulations make post-processing easy or even unnecessary, standing as a testament to Fujifilm's unique commitment to an analog-adjacent experience.
Unlike generic presets in other cameras, Fujifilm's film simulations are meticulously crafted to replicate the distinct characteristics of various film stocks. From Velvia's vibrant magentas to Classic Chrome's timeless elegance, each simulation is designed to mimic a specific aesthetic and mood. There are even monochromatic and sepia-toned options for the old-schoolers. But what sets Fujifilm's simulations apart is their authenticity. Rather than producing artificial or exaggerated effects, these simulations faithfully reproduce traditional film photography's nuanced tones and textures. They're not cheesy or overdone; they're applied just enough to enhance the images without distracting them.
Additionally, in-camera simulations serve a practical purpose by enabling photographers to preview the final look of their images on the camera on the back of the LCD screen in real-time, facilitating a more efficient workflow. It’s like a film camera, except it’s significantly more cost-efficient, and you can correct an image if you mess up at the scene.
If you're interested in creating custom film recipes using film simulations, you can easily do so with the Fuji X Weekly App or by visiting the Fuji X Weekly website. This community comprises Fujifilm photographers who have developed unique recipes, providing a fantastic way to experiment with various looks for JPEG files when you're feeling extra creative.
Fujifilm X100VI camera features a fixed 23mmF2 lens, which translates to roughly a 35mm focal length equivalent due to the APS-C sensor crop. This focal length offers exceptional versatility, striking a balance between wide-angle and telephoto perspectives. This focal length is ideal for street scenes, landscapes, or portraits, making it the most versatile go-to option for everybody.
For occasions where you need a closer view, the X100VI provides digital zoom options. While these options allow for a more zoomed-in frame, it's important to note that digital manipulation can compromise image quality by reducing detail and dynamic range. Honestly, while available, digital zoom is best used sparingly and is something I never personally use or recommend.
However, if you want a wider field of view, the X100VI offers a wide lens converter. This adapter attaches to the camera by removing the front ring and screwing it on, expanding the camera's capabilities to capture broader scenes. Similarly, a telephoto adapter is available for situations requiring a closer perspective without digital zoom. By removing the front ring and attaching the adapter, users can achieve a zoomed-in effect without sacrificing image quality to digital manipulation.
Made for the Fujifilm X100, X100S, X100T, X100V or X100F digital camera, the TCL-X100 II Tele Conversion Lens narrows the original fixed lens's field of view by 1.4x to offer a tighter, 50mm equivalen...
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Dedicated to the FUJIFILM X100F and X100V digital cameras, the WCL-X100 II Wide Conversion Lens broadens the original fixed lens's field of view by 0.8x to offer a wider, 28mm equivalent focal length....
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Fujifilm X100VI offers robust video enhancements for hybrid shooters, arguably transforming it into a compelling pocket cinema camera. With notable upgrades, including 6.2K video at 30 frames per second and 4K video up to 60 fps, alongside features such as image stabilization and F-Log 2, the X100VI delivers an impressive arsenal for videography enthusiasts that I wasn’t expecting from this upgrade.
Although it may not boast a suite of features that would warrant an upgrade solely for video purposes, I envision it becoming a popular choice for hybrid content creators seeking a versatile solution for various types of video content. Whether it's vertical social videos, quick vlogs, cinematic cuts for YouTube, or daily documentation, the X100VI offers sufficient capabilities to cater to these needs.
While it may not be enough to satisfy cinematographers who demand a more serious rig, it's certainly a valuable addition to the camera bag for everyday lifestyle creators or people wanting something a little more than just “photos.”
If you're asking for our honest opinion — this camera is absolutely worth the hype and further solidifies the X100 line’s legacy.
Considering the widespread popularity of Fujifilm’s X100V among creators and professional photographers across various disciplines, this camera takes its familiar charm and enhances its technical prowess. With improved image quality, more robust video features for hybrid creators, and that classic analog-like exterior, X100VI stands out as a formidable competitor in the mirrorless camera market.
In our experience, trust us: it won’t stay on the shelves for long. Immediate action must be taken to secure a solid chance of getting an early hands-on experience with this beauty. Its high demand and excitement are well-founded. Like all good things that generate buzz, the "hype" surrounding it is justified.
