Hard to Resist: The Fujifilm X100VI
They included everything on my wish list
Every X100 owner, including myself, has a wishlist for the next iteration of the wildly popular compact camera. I currently shoot with the X100V, and to be honest, my wishes are few.
When Fujifilm updated the lens, added weather sealing, and provided a high-resolution LCD screen that could be angled up and down, I knew this camera had evolved to a height that I wanted. And I’ve been extremely happy with the X100V.
Not everyone is a fan of the fixed focal length lens. 35mm equivalent is fine for most situations, but not all. So I’ve added the 28mm auxiliary lens and have learned to use the 50mm digital setting. I’m happy with the results of the 50mm, but I shy away from the 70mm option because I do see a slight amount of detail loss in the files. But the bottom line is, being able to go a bit wider and slightly longer has mitigated my concerns with a fixed 35mm lens.
When Fujifilm upped the resolution of the X100VI to 40 MP, it squarely addressed this concern. With the latest camera, photographers can take better advantage of the 50mm and 70mm digital options, retaining plenty of resolution. I don’t need 40MP per se in my everyday shooting, but extending the digital focal lengths is really sweet.
And then there is image stabilization - this I have wanted from the beginning. My other two cameras are the OM System OM-1 and the Nikon Zf. Both of them have outstanding IBIS that allows me to work in practically any condition. My X100V is a bit more limited in that sense, requiring a tripod for longish exposures.
Fujifilm figured out a way to include up to 6 stops of image stabilization in the X100VI while adding very little weight and girth to the camera. This is quite an accomplishment, and a welcomed one.
There are other niceties too in the new model, but for me they are of second tier importance. Subject AF detection is very popular these days, and I use it often on my OM-1 for birds in particular. But for me, the X100VI isn’t that kind of camera. So great to see it there, but probably not that useful for my shooting.
I do like Fujifilm film simulations, however. And I’m happy to see the addition of Real ACE. Those of us who shoot Fujifilm have our favorites. And having another option adds to the fun.
I’m sure that by now it sounds like upgrading to the X100VI is a no-brainer for me. But $1,600 is a substantial investment, especially on the heels of the $1,996 I spent for the Nikon Zf, which is another camera that I absolutely love.
So for now, I’m going to stand pat with my X100V. I pulled it out of my bag yesterday and set it on the table while I was working. It looks great. What a handsome camera. And oh my gosh what fantastic pictures we make together.
Someday I will upgrade to the X100VI or VII or whatever they call it. But for now, I’m going to enjoy what I have. Sometimes very good is good enough.
Author’s Notes
All images complements of Fujifilm.
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I agree - this is everything I wanted from the VI as well. I sold my X100F because I found myself using my X-S10 far more often. The X-S10 has IBIS, and I often bumped up against the limitations of the X100F's lens when trying to take close-ups wide open, and it was hard to justify keeping both. That said, I regretted the decision almost immediately. I've pre-ordered the VI.
Agree, I think the refinements in the X100VI are excellent, but I cannot justify the upgrade cost right now from my X100V.