Fujifilm has launched a new high-end compact digital camera, the Fujifilm X100VI. It’s the first model in the X100 series to incorporate in-body image stabilization.
APS-C sensor
The Fujifilm X100VI features a 40.2-megapixel back-illuminated X-Trans CMOS 5 HR APS-C sensor. Fujifilm’s X-Trans technology is designed to control moiré while achieving high resolution without the use of a low-pass filter. In addition, the sensor has an enhanced image-processing algorithm that boosts resolution without compromising the signal-to-noise ratio. The X100Vi is also powered by the latest high-speed X-Processor 5 image-processing engine.
Fixed lens
As a compact camera, the X100VI has a fixed lens so you can’t swap it out. The 23 mm F2 lens has a field of view equivalent to 35 mm on a full-frame camera. However, the camera has what Fujifilm calls a Digital Teleconverter which provides 1.4x and 2x magnification while still delivering sharp, high-resolution results. You can also purchase optional wide and tele conversion lenses to change the 23 mm focal length by 0.8x and 1.4x respectively.
Video recording
For the first time in the X100 series, the X100VI is capable of 6.2K 30P movie recording in 4:2:2 10-bit color. You can also record DCI 4K and UHD 4K at up to 60P. In addition, if you drop the resolution to HD, the X100VI will shoot at up to 240P. Files are recorded in either H.265 or H.264 as MOV or MP4 formats to a single SD card. The X100VI also features tracking autofocus function during movie recording.
Autofocus and image stabilization
The X100VI is the first camera in the X100 series to be equipped with a subject-detection AF that is built using Deep-Learning AI Technology. Fujifilm says that it detects animals, birds, cars, motorcycles, bicycles, airplanes, trains, insects and drones. The X100VI also features a newly developed five-axis in-body image stabilization function. This delivers up to six stops of stabilization.
Hybrid viewfinder
This camera has what Fujifilm calls an Advanced Hybrid Viewfinder. With this, you can switch between an optical viewfinder and an electronic viewfinder with a high-resolution 3.69 million-dot OLED panel. In addition, the X100VI has an ultra-thin 3.0-inch tilting touchscreen color LCD monitor with a resolution of around 1.62 million dots.
Other features
The X100VI has a four-stop ND filter built into the lens so you can shoot with a wide aperture even in bright conditions. The camera also offers 20 Film Simulation modes which replicate the color science of classic Fujifilm film stocks. In addition, the X100VI is compatible with Frame.io’s Camera to Cloud service. This means you can upload video and still image files directly to Frame.io.
What we think
The X100VI is an interesting camera and a bit of a conundrum. For the price, you could buy a camera with interchangeable lenses for greater flexibility. The X100VI therefore seems aimed at people who like the form factor of a classic photography camera. But it also has features such as 6.2K video recording and image stabilization to compete with mirrorless cameras. With its compact size and weight, the X100VI would be a lot of fun to carry round all the time or take on vacation. However, for some people, it may be too expensive a luxury if it’s only to be used as a second camera.
Pricing and availability
The Fujifilm X100VI compact digital camera is available now.
