Fujifilm’s popular X100 compact camera gets a tune-up

When Kodak introduced the world to the Brownie camera at the turn of the twentieth century it helped to put photography into the hands of amateurs. They were inexpensive, simple easy to use cameras and they opened the world of photography to the masses. (Though let’s be honest, the pictures they took weren’t great.)

As the world’s love affair with photography evolved, cameras became more advanced, but also more complicated to use. Unlike the Brownie, which just had a viewfinder and a shutter, the new cameras had things like shutter speed and aperture settings for the users to contend with. These things improved the quality of the photographs but you needed to know what you were doing to make things work.

The emergence of phone cameras has, to a large extent, been the catalyst for a resurgence in the popularity of photography. These clever cameras demystified the photographic process again and re-ignited the passion for photography for many.

But for lovers of photography, there’s nothing quite like a “real” camera — one with dials and controls — one with a real viewfinder to look through rather than a screen.

Photographers of my generation love cameras and the process of creating and taking a picture — and, dare I say, even the younger generation enjoys having a play with a real camera — and even more so if it has a retro look and feel to it.

Fujifilm X100 VI

Fujifilm has released the sixth-generation model of its popular X100 compact camera. And I’m happy to report that, at least when it comes to appearance, not much has changed since the previous model.

And why would you change a successful design? When you’re on to a good thing — don’t mess with it.

The distinctive retro design has been a winner since the first X100 came out in 2011. The compact fixed lens mirrorless camera quickly developed an almost cult-like following of photographers who loved the classic camera look and its simple and intuitive useability.

I’m immediately smitten by the classic but sophisticated design of the black Fujifilm X100 VI when I unpack it.

It looks and feels like a high-quality bit of kit. The top and bottom surfaces are made from smooth anodized aluminium, and the main body is wrapped in a durable non-slip leather-look material. The grip is a little on the small side for my liking, but it is, I’m sure, done that way to maintain the retro look of the camera — and it works.

Despite the small grip, the camera feels nice to hold, and the tactile control dials are placed just where I like them. The tilting LCD touchscreen sits flush with the rear body and the hybrid viewfinder, which allows users to switch between a traditional optical viewfinder and a high-resolution electronic viewfinder with about 3.69 million dots.

The exterior design may be largely unchanged, but the Fujifilm X100 VI has several upgrades hidden within.

It has a new 40.2 MP X-Trans CMOS 5 HR sensor which is powered by a high-speed X-Processor 5 image-processing engine — and a newly developed five-axis in-body image stabiliser, which is accurate up to 6.0 stops.

The pixel structure on the new sensor allows the camera to capture more light than the previous model, which means the camera and the Fujinon XF 23mm F/2.0 lens can deliver sharper, higher-resolution images.

The X100 VI has an impressive autofocus system which accurately tracks a range of subjects. It has been built using deep-learning AI technology and detects animals, birds, cars, motorcycles, bicycles, aeroplanes, trains, insects, and drones.

For the first time in the X100 series, the X100 VI is capable of 6.2K/30P movie recording, along with 4K/60P movie and 4:2:2 10-bit internal recording. The camera is also equipped with a tracking AF function during movie recording to ensure high-quality content creation.

The X100 VI allows users to connect wirelessly to an active internet connection, and automatically upload photos and videos moments after creation, dramatically speeding up the workflow process from shooting to final editing.

One of the things I’ve always liked about Fujifilm cameras is the film simulation modes. The X100 VI comes with 20 film simulation modes, including a new Reala Ace mode, which Fujifilm says give images a diverse range of true-to-life colour reproduction and high-contrast tonality that makes it suitable for any subject and situation.

The verdict

I really like this camera. It is photography in its purest form, but with all the bells and whistles you’d expect from a top-of-the-range modern camera.

The fixed lens and the range finder are a great way of getting back to basics . . . if your subject is too far away, move closer — if you’re too close, move further away.

I particularly enjoyed taking a nostalgic journey back to the film days while messing around with the different film simulation modes.

It’s a simple and easy camera to use. Most of what you need is on the outside of the camera or in the Q menu, which gives easy access to most of the main settings. That said, I must admit I initially found things a little confusing when I delved into the main menu settings.

It has a seemingly never-ending list of options and custom settings for anything imaginable, which takes a little time to get your head around.

I think the Fujifilm X100 VI is a great travel camera. It’s a beautiful camera and packed with high-end features, but it’s not cheap.

It will set you back $2899 — but you are buying a great camera that will stand the test of time when it comes to looks and performance.

To find out more about the camera and optional accessories like the PRF-49 protection filter that allows the user to shoot in challenging weather conditions, and the two conversion lenses that allow the user to change the focal length of the X100 VI, visit fujifilm.com/au.

The Fujifilm story

Fujifilm may seem a strange name for a camera manufacturer — especially in today’s digital world — but it is a nod to the company’s proud history.

The Fujifilm story began in 1934 when the company was founded as Fuji Photo Film Co. Ltd.

As the founding name suggests, the company initially focused on producing high-quality photographic film and paper for professional and amateur photographers.

These products were highly regarded, and in the 1940’s Fujifilm decided to branch out into camera manufacturing. The first camera, a classic range finder camera with a fold-out lens called the Fujica SIX IA, was released in 1948.

Over the decades, the company continued to expand its product range. The first Fujica ST SLR cameras were launched in 1970 —and unlike other photographic firms like Kodak and Agfa (remember them?), Fujifilm was quick to adapt and embrace the new technology when photography transitioned from film to digital in the 1990s.

One of the first key cameras in Fujifilm’s digital journey was the FinePix series of cameras, which included compact point-and-shoot cameras and bridge cameras with big zooms and extensive manual controls.

As demand for digital cameras grew, Fujifilm continued to grow its range and ventured into the DSLR market with the FinePix S Pro series.

When the mirrorless cameras evolved around 2010, Fujifilm again made a significant impact on photography with the launch of the X series cameras. These compact mirrorless cameras were an immediate hit with both professional and amateur photographers, who loved the image quality, useability, and retro look.

Disclaimer: The Fujifilm X100 VI was lent to Mogens Johansen by Fujifilm. They have not seen or influenced this story.