FUJIFILM X100 VI has been announced, bringing the company’s 5th Gen technologies into the venerable X100 design. The new X100VI utilizes the company’s high-res 40-megapixel sensor and the X-Processor 5. This brings its performance up to par with the X-T5, incorporating the latest autofocus algorithms, video, and image quality. Features like 6.2K30P, 4K60P, 10-bit 4:2:2 capture, and more are included. The X100VI will also be the first X100 to include an in-body image stabilizer.
FUJIFILM’s X100 line is one of the most successful in both the FUJIFILM X line as well as among large-sensor, fixed-lens compacts. The previous X100V may just be the most successful camera in this line. The camera is back-ordered almost everywhere, bloating used prices to over twice the retail in some cases. These large shoes are now to be filled with the new and improved X100VI. So what’s new?
FUJIFILM X100VI top view. Image credit: FUJIFILM
What’s new?
The X100VI brings FUJIFILM’s 5th Gen tech into the X100 line. This means more processing power provided by the X-Processor 5 unit, and high resolution, courtesy of the excellent 40-megapixel BSI-CMOS, which debuted with the X-H2. This will provide significant advantages regarding video, including 6.2K, 4K 60P, 10-bit 4:2:2 recording in both F-Log and F-Log2, and more. The X100VI will also feature the first IBIS on an X100 camera. The result will be a slightly larger body, about 2mm thicker and 43g heavier than the X100V.
FUJIFILM X100VI side view, depth, and down-tilted screen, Image credit: FUJIFILM
The IBIS will provide up to 6 stops of stabilization. It will feature FUJIFILM’s motion blur detection technology, which debuted with the GFX 100 II. The system now relies on both gyroscopic and visual information coming from the sensor to better compensate for motion blur.
Not new, still great
The new X100VI inherits most of its predecessor’s design and workflow. This design includes some unique features, relevant for both stills and video. The X100V introduced an improved 23mm f/2.0 lens design. This nifty little lens persists in the X100VI, providing excellent performance even in extreme close-ups (10cm minimum focus). The tilting LCD is also present and will get a slightly improved downward tilt. The X100VI will utilize the internal ND filters (up to 4 stops). As with its predecessor (after a firmware update), it’s available for video as well as stills. All these features and abilities are still encased by the same chassis we know and love.
FUJIFILM X100VI with lens hood attached. Image credit: FUJIFILM
Though this specific one is a bit thicker, the design concept remains. The X100VI, like every X100 before it, is designed exclusively for still photography. However, we can see a slight lean towards video in recent models, and the camera does offer a unique mix of features that may appeal to some video shooters and various use cases requiring a stealthy, nimble rig.
FUJIFILM X100VI for video
A sub-$2000, Super 35, 6.2K camera is not a common sight. If we add an internal ND filter, it’s even more rare. When looked at from a video perspective, the X100VI provides a unique package. Let’s start with pure specs:
6.2K 24/25/30P (x1.23 Crop, Pixel:Pixel recording)
4K HQ 24/25/30P (x1.23 Crop, Pixel:Pixel recording)
4K 24/25/30P (No crop, Subsampling)
4K 50/60P (x1.14 crop, Subsampling)
1080 240P
Etrena, Reala ACE, F-Log, F-Log2
10-Bit, 4:2:2 Long GOP recording modes
H.265 / H.264 compression
24-bit, 48kHz audio sampling
Native, accessory-free camera to cloud support via Frame.io
In a way, the new X100VI is a compact, fixed-lens X-T5. Both dial-based operation and video specs are rather similar and similarly hinder its use as a video camera. But do not despair! If there’s one major lesson learned in the hybrid revolution, it is “Where there’s a will, there’s a way”. Though not intended or designed for video, the X100VI does provide us with various options, resolutions, crops, and compression levels. The 23mm lens should do with an x1.23 crop, and the IBIS will also help. The internal ND can make a significant difference, and both the screen and the 3.69 million dot EVF will provide a decent viewing experience. Plus, it can all fit inside a jacket pocket making it an interesting vacation or on-the-go camera.
Design and ergonomics
No news here. The new X100VI preserves the solid metal construction of its predecessor. The inclusion of the IBIS unit adds 2mm of thickness and 43g of weight (to a total of 521g), which are fairly negligible in the grand scheme of things. The camera will work with older lens add-ons, and a front filter mounted on the optional ring will make it weather-resistant. It will use the old NP-W 126S Li-Ion battery. The X100VI is the first X100 to be produced in China.
FUJIFILM X100VI back panel. Image credit: FUJIFILM.
Special edition celebrating FUJIFILM 90th anniversary
A special edition is also due, celebrating the company’s 90th anniversary. Only 1,934 copies of this edition will be made to commemorate the year in which FUJIFILM started their long and interesting journey. The special edition cameras will be available globally and priced at $1,999 (compared to $1,599 for the regular model). The special edition cameras share the same design and materials as the silver X100VI model, with FUJIFILM’s original 1934 logo engraved on both the top plate and lens cap. Also included are a special box, strap, soft release, and history cards.
FUJIFILM X100VI 90th anniversary edition. Image credit: FUJIFILM
Read before you buy
As with every cinematic tool, let alone hybrid cameras, the X100VI dictates a fair amount of compromises. The compact, stills-oriented design bears responsibility for many of them. The camera will have a single UHS-I SD card slot, so writing speed is limited. Connectivity is also an issue with a 2.5mm mic jack, as opposed to the mainstream 3.5mm. There’s no headphone jack but the USB-C port can use an adapter to provide headphone indication. As with many compact cameras, overheating might interfere with our work. The X100VI is rather surprising with 155 minutes of 4K 30P, and 40 minutes of 4K 60P measured under 25℃. Going up to 40℃, the camera will provide 35 minutes of 4K30p, and 15 minutes at 4K60p (FUJIFILM’s numbers). As with most cameras designed primarily for stills video, the workflow may contradict the camera’s ergonomics.
FUJIFILM X100V ports. Image credit: FUJIFILM.
Who is the X100VI for
The FUJIFILM X00VI targets documentary stills photographers above all else. But that doesn’t mean video shooters shouldn’t consider it as a vacation camera, an on-the-go tool, or as a second (or third) camera, especially if your main is another FUJIFILM. The unique blend of a good prime lens, solid build quality, stealthy design, and compact size may appeal to some. Recent video features added to this X100 iteration make it even more interesting.
FUJIFILM X100VI with WCL-X100 II Wide Conversion Lens. Image credit: FUJIFILM.
Alternatives
The niche of large sensor fix-lens compacts is quite limited these days. FUJIFILM’s X100 line is the most prominent member, and as of today most of its competition comes from the Leica Q3 (and earlier models). The Q3 boasts some impressive video specs with 8K, 4K 60P, and 10-bit capture. However, with more than three times the price of the X100VI, it’s hardly an alternative. The Nikon Zf isn’t as compact but shares some overlapping features and design philosophy. The Zf is a hidden gem regarding its video performance and I’d consider it above its APS-C stablemate. There’s also the option of FUJIFILM’s own X-T5 with a compact lens, such as the XF 27mm f/2.8. It’s pricier, slower, and lacks the internal ND, but way more flexible regarding lens options. The X-S20 is both more affordable and better designed for video.
Price and availability
The FUJIFILM X100VI is available for pre-order for $1,599. While slightly pricier than its predecessor, the new camera adds some meaningful features, hence the higher price tag. The limited edition will cost $1,999 and will include additional perks such as a soft release, unique strap, special boxing, etc.
Do you see the new X100VI as a viable video camera? Could it fit some of your use cases as a vacation camera, location camera, or a B-roller? Let us know in the comments.
