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Few cameras have the pull of the Fujifilm X100 series. The silver body, the fixed lens and the dials on top look like something you would find in a film photographer's bag, yet inside is a thoroughly modern digital camera. The X100VI is the sixth generation, and it adds the two things fans asked for most: a much higher resolution sensor and in-body stabilization. Here is what it is, why it is worth the hype and where to buy one.
What it is
The X100VI is a compact digital camera from Fujifilm with a fixed 23mm F2 lens. That focal length works out to the classic 35mm equivalent field of view, a natural, versatile angle that suits street, travel, portraits and everyday life. Fujifilm calls it the sixth generation of the X100 series and pitches it as photography in its purest form.
It keeps the series' timeless dial based design. Shutter speed, aperture and sensitivity controls are all on the camera where you can see and change them at any time, just as they were on the earlier X100V. The top plate is aluminum with machined dials, and the camera comes in silver and black finishes.
What is new in the sixth generation
The biggest change is the sensor. The X100VI uses a 40.2 megapixel X-Trans CMOS 5 HR sensor (CMOS stands for complementary metal oxide semiconductor), paired with an image processor that Fujifilm says runs at twice the speed of the previous X-Processor 4. Fujifilm says the 23mm F2 lens, carried over from the X100V, complements the sensor with edge to edge sharpness. The lens has 8 elements in 6 groups, including 2 aspherical elements.
The second big addition is in-body image stabilization (IBIS). Fujifilm says the new five axis system offers up to 6.0 stops of compensation while keeping the compactness the series is known for. That matters most in low light, where a fixed lens camera without stabilization forces you to raise sensitivity or risk blur.
Other updates include a subject detection autofocus system that can track animals, birds, cars, motorcycles, bicycles, airplanes, trains, insects and drones, and video recording up to 6.2K at 30 frames per second internally.
The hybrid viewfinder and screen
The signature X100 feature is the hybrid viewfinder. You can switch between an electronic viewfinder (EVF) that shows exactly what the sensor sees and an optical viewfinder (OVF) that also shows what is just outside the frame, a little like a classic rangefinder. Fujifilm also offers an option to review an image right in the optical finder after you take it.
On the back is a two way tilting liquid crystal display (LCD) with 1.62 million dots. It stores flat against the body so the camera keeps its slim profile, but it flips out when you want to shoot from waist level or hold the camera up high.
Film Simulations
A big reason people love Fujifilm cameras is the color. The X100VI offers 20 Film Simulation modes, including the new REALA ACE, that Fujifilm says draw on 90 years of its color science to replicate the look of classic film stocks. You can shoot Classic Chrome for a muted documentary look, ACROS for rich black and white or Velvia for vivid landscapes, then fine tune grain and color effects. We break them all down in our guide to Fujifilm Film Simulations.
Handy details
- Built-in neutral density (ND) filter: 4 stops, so you can shoot wide open at F2 in bright light.
- Digital teleconverter: crops to 50mm or 70mm equivalent views when you want a tighter frame.
- Battery: NP-W126S lithium ion battery, included.
- Size: 128.0mm wide, 74.8mm tall and 55.3mm deep.
- Weight: approximately 521g including battery and memory card.
Who should buy it
The X100VI is for people who want a camera they will actually carry. It is small enough to live in a jacket or bag, quiet and unintimidating on the street, and its dials make you think about each photo instead of spraying and praying. It is a superb travel and everyday camera and a great choice for anyone who loves the look of film but wants digital convenience.
It is not for everyone. You cannot change the lens, so if you need a long telephoto or a true wide angle, an interchangeable lens camera makes more sense. Think of the fixed lens as a creative constraint. Many photographers find it makes them better.
For more options, see our best compact cameras, and if you want something more playful, check out the Instax mood filter camera or our list of film cameras you can still buy new.
Where to buy
For more gear we recommend, browse our buying guides.
