Fujifilm released the rangefinder-style camera, the Fujifilm X100V, four years ago. Thanks to intense and consistent coverage on Instagram and TikTok, for instance, the camera went on to become a phenomenon, out of stock every second it was on sale, it seemed, demand was so high.
So, why would the company ditch it, as it has today? The X100V has just been retired because it has something that the company thinks is a step-change of an upgrade—and one it looks like it will be able to supply in numbers. Which is a relief, because it’s pretty amazing and is highly likely to be in very big demand as soon as it’s on sale.
The new camera is the Fujifilm X100VI (say X-one-hundred-six) and it looks similar to the highly popular design of its predecessor. That is, it’s sleek, handsome and reeking of craftsmanship. It looks classic with a high-end premium finish.
Its dimensions are almost identical to the X100V, about 2mm thicker, which means that the case for the X100V will fit the new camera, too, for instance.
The sensor is new, which is a high-resolution X-Trans CMOS 5 40.2-megapixel sensor, noticeably higher in pixel count than the X100V’s 26 megapixels.
The sensor has been upgraded to the X-Processor 5, bringing benefits first seen only in pricier cameras from Fujifilm. These include fast face- and eye-detection, improved autofocus tracking, subject detection, greater power efficiency and more. Subject detection means the camera can spot whether you’re taking a picture of an animal, bird, car, motorcycle, airplane and more, for instance.
For the first time in an X100 camera, there are now six stops of image stabilization. It will shoot at up to 11 frames per second from a mechanical shutter, 20 fps from electronic shutter, and as fast as 1/180,000 seconds on the electronic shutter.
The highly convenient 3-inch, two-way tilting LCD touchscreen from the X100V is here and Fujifilm’s unique hybrid optical and electronic viewfinder which is great to use.
As before, this is a fixed-lens camera, with a Fujinon 23mm F2.0 II lens.
The battery is good for about 450 frames, Fujifilm says, slightly higher than on the X100V.
This is a photographer’s camera, though it works for the rest of us, too. And it has strong video chops, maxing out at 6.2K resolution, with 4K as the full-resolution mode. It is the first X Series to boast Adobe Frame.iO connectivity direct, that is there’s no accessory needed.
So, what’s it like to use? A dream.
The feel in the hand is exceptional: a beautiful fit, with all the ergonomic joys that no smartphone can match. It falls into your hand perfectly, feeling heavy enough to be reliable and self-assured, but light enough to be easily manipulated.
The software and interface, largely unchanged from the X100V is straightforward and appealing, with deft manual focus and overrides for the brave, well-tuned auto modes to reassure newcomers—there’s little that is daunting about this camera.
Just as the X100V was lionized by Instagram and YouTube devotees, this will doubtless be a big social media success. And this time, you’ll be able to get your hands on one.
The Fujifilm X100V comes in two colors, black and silver, and will be on sale from February 28, 2024. It costs $1,599 before tax, £1,599 in the U.K. $1,799€. There’s a limited-edition version to celebrate Fujifilm’s 90th anniversary. The company was founded in 1934, so there are 1,934 of the special edition globally.
It has a unique strap, soft-touch shutter button and gently enhanced design including the original Fujifilm logo from 1934. It is one of the most beautiful cameras I’ve ever seen. It will cost $1,999 before tax, £1,934 in the U.K.
