Fujifilm X100VI minor drawbacks
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The Fujifilm X100VI I compulsively ordered last February, arrived days before I left for beyond tellerand early November.
Compulsive purchase
Yes, it was kind of a compulsive purchase. I have loved this form factor since the Fujifilm X100S, and owned a X100V, but I was seduced by the new 40MB sensor, which works great with the “Digital Teleconverter” giving you 50mm and 70mm-equivalent images with the turn of the lens’ ring. The image stabilisation, rated six stops improvement (IBIS), and the new film simulations, including Reala Ace, and the fact it supports HEIF (4:2:2 10-bit) still format pushed me over the edge.
Although it was scheduled for next-day delivery, I didn’t have much hope considering the current craze around this model – it took eight months to reach me.
My X100VI drawbacks
As mentioned in many reviews elsewhere, the X100V and X100VI are close twins, with a few notable differences. I love this camera even more than its predecessor, but I’d like to share a few potential downsides that stood out to me on day one:
Shutter button feels mushy
I was used to a more clicky shutter button of my X100V. The X100VI feels mushier, floating. I was frightened to accidentally taking a picture while focusing at first, it felt weird, almost broken. Nothing I can’t get use to, but muscle memory is a thing.
Focus mode selector moves too easily
The little sliding button on the left side seems to be more prone to moving unintentionally. I don’t recall that happening with my previous models. It might just be me.
The tripod mount thread location has moved
This is probably to make room for IBIS, but who knows. The immediate consequence is that I can’t really use my beloved Peak Design Micro Clutch anymore. It looks and feels weird. So, I reverted back to my Peak Design Cuff.
More threads on the X100VI lens
I noticed a small gap between my Haoge square lens hood and the lens. It seems there are more threads on X100VI so certain accessories might leave a slight gap.
On a side note, I discovered that NiSi X100 Series NC UV Filter+Hood doesn’t provide enough space between the lens and the filter glass. Under certain conditions, the lens will hit the filter, and generate a focus error, typically while autofocusing a plain surface. So be warned that not all existing X100 accessories are compatible with the X100VI.
Still my favourite compact camera
I won’t list all the great features I love about this camera, the internet is full of reviews, but I find that the object in itself remains one I want to touch and hold all the time. Its design and build quality make me happy.
The camera retains the same 23mm f/2 lens as the X100V, which surprisingly handles the higher-resolution sensor well, delivering sharp images with excellent detail. The hybrid viewfinder system still rocks – since the initial version! (do other cameras offer a similar system?). The autofocus system has matured significantly, and shows marked improvements in speed and accuracy, though it may occasionally miss in challenging situations (it’s not at Sony levels, you still have understand how focus works, and do your bit). It feels faster and snappier overall.
Unlike others, I didn’t experience any battery life concerns, despite using the EVF and rear screen frequently, but I then I only shoot still photos, no video. The battery life seems consistent with my experience with previous models.
I got to play with it while I was in Berlin [1] [2], and it felt good to be taking pictures again.