The Fujifilm X100V is the latest of the X100 series and we’ve seen some big changes and modifications to the overall package. An upgraded lens, a new sensor, a new button layout, a new look, and upgraded software tools, all together help this camera stand apart from the previous models.
This is by far the most unique update to date, but is it worth it?
Table Of Contents
Fujifilm X100V Review
I’m using a mix of out-of-camera JPG and RAW files for this review. The strength of the X100V is how good images look without any processing at all, or by just using the built-in camera looks.
I’ve seen a lot of reviews of this camera now by many of the big channels and websites and I wanted to touch on several things that the camera does well that are usually missed by inexperienced X100 users. So instead of just going through and doing a normal review of this camera, I’ll try to highlight some unique experiences I have had with the camera and some strengths and weaknesses that aren’t usually covered.
Fujifilm X100V – Amazon / Adorama / B&H
Fujifilm X100V Memory Card Recommendations
Fujifilm X100V My Favorite Accessories
Camera Specs
| Camera Features | Fuji X100V |
| Sensor | 26.1 MP X-Trans CMOS 4 BSI |
| Lens | 23mm f2, 2 Aspherical |
| AF | 425-Point Hybrid AF |
| Optical ViewFinder | 0.52x Mag |
| EVF | 0.5″ 3.69m-Dot OLED |
| Display | 3.0″ 1.62m-Dot Tilting |
| Video | 4k 30p, 1080p120 – 10m limit 4k |
| Connectivity | USB 3.1 Type-C |
| Wireless | Wifi + Bluetooth |
| Battery Life | 350/420 Frames |
| Weather-Sealed | Yes, with a lens UV filter adapter |
| ND Filter | 4-stops |
| New Software Features | |
| AF Range Limiter | Allows you to custom-set AF distance restrictions |
| Classic Neg Film Sim | New film simulator |
| Color Chrome | Gives the colors a bit more punch |
| Color Chrome FX Blue | Enhances the blues with more punch |
| Clarity | Minus Clarity for a soft filter effect, Plus clarity for a punchier look. |
| Grain | Strong, Weak, Small or Large |
| D Range Priority | HDR-like effect |
| WB Shift In Custom Profiles | White Balance Shift is preserved in custom profiles |
The X100V took a huge leap forward in what the camera has to offer. To get a general idea of all the little details that are different, check out this x100f vs x100v comparison.
This new updated camera body is insanely capable and offers so much for general photographers looking to break free from the creative limitations that come from smartphones or even other compacts.
We will touch on some of these new features, but first, let’s look at some of the great things and not-so-great things about this camera. I’ll start with the not-so-great things.
Of course, these “not-so-great things” are based on my current perspective. What I was expecting from this camera and how the camera compares to other cameras. There is no other camera like the X100V so these limitations are likely engineering constraints based on the current state of technology. This is a great camera and I love it, but I will do my best to manage your expectations, there are a few things you need to know especially if you’re coming from an A7III or X-T3 or one of the newer models mirrorless or DSLR cameras.
The Not-So-Great Things
Some Lens Imperfections
The new lens has some changes to the image quality. It’s overall a nice upgrade from the older X100f lens but still has a few little funky characteristics like onion ring bokeh. I don’t remember the X100F having this bad of onion ringing. Overall, I’m noticing that Bokeh with the X100V looks worse than the older lens on the older bodies.
Here is an example of how the bokeh can look a bit busy and smeary. I’ll explain a little bit later why Fujifilm made this compromise, and it’s worth it in my opinion.
Bokeh Sample
The lens Is Still Loud
The new lens is loud, chung . . . chung . . . chung . . . and doesn’t feel like lens AF is any faster.
Autofocus Still Has Room For Improvement
The camera Autofocus does not feel much faster than the X100F. AF-C performance is just not there, and I get a ton of misses. You pretty much need to live in AF-S.
Shooting in the AF-C mode, with my kids produces at least a 20% miss rate when eye and face tracking is used. You need to set your AF Range Limiters to guide the lens so it’s not constantly searching and back-focusing.
I’m going to elaborate on this so there is no misunderstanding.
The camera can still acquire focus very fast. It’s very responsive even in low light because of the improved software and processor.
Eye AF is pretty good and it tracks and keeps track of objects pretty good even in low light when looking at the rear LCD screen.
However. . .
Autofocus requires two things, camera performance, and lens performance. You can have the best autofocus in the world but you’re still limited by the lens speed. A slow lens on a fast camera is like putting tiny little wheels on a 600hp car.
So if you’ve watched YouTubers filming the back of their screen showing the autofocus being all quick and responsive, this is sort of misleading. I see these kinds of videos a lot and you should be careful about judging cameras’ autofocus based on what you see from looking at the back of a screen. Just because a camera has a fast refresh rate when drawing boxes on a rear LCD screen does not make it automatically good at autofocusing.
The X100V camera software is very good at tracking and seeing objects and defining what it should focus on, but the lens has slow reflexes and can’t keep up with what the camera sees. This results in quite a few missed shots, especially if you are shooting with kids, and especially at close distances, which challenges autofocus.
You will get better faster acquisition in low light which is an important upgrade over the X100F, but the lens still performs very similar to the X100F, so you still need to be slow and deliberate with the way you shoot. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
If you want a faster, more responsive camera, this is not a significant upgrade to the X100F when it comes to autofocus, but it is more intelligent in low light.
This is not a criticism of the camera either. Because honestly, what other compact APS-C camera does it better? I’m just bringing this up because many people, like myself, thought this new lens would mean faster AF. Like the X-T3 with the XF23mm f2, it gets nowhere near that level of performance. I would say it’s probably slower than any of the XF f1.4 lenses paired with an X-T3 even though the camera has a much more significant boost to AF acquisition.
Again, it’s still very capable and can still get amazing results. I’m just saying this to manage expectations especially if you’re coming from a Nikon Z6, A7III, or something similar.
The good news is, that there is a new feature called AF Range Limiter that can make all the difference, as this will allow you to program in a custom range of where you want the AF to look. You can see how the AF Range Limiter works in the x100v here.
The Camera Gets Hot
This is kind of a dump point to make, but for whatever reason, nerds care about what temperature cameras run at, so I’m letting you know that this does get warm. Because of this, there are limitations to recording video at 4k and 1080p. 4k has a 10-minute limit and 1080p has a 15-minute limit.
They may have lost some internal camera space for heat management because of that new screen. But this heat issue isn’t really a problem for anything other than video. I’ve never had the overheating warning or anything.
LCD Screen Is Hard To Open
If you have big fingers, the LCD screen is a little hard to get open. This is sort of a silly complaint but I think it’s valid.
There is only one little spot on the bottom left of the screen that allows you to flip it up. If you have big fingers, with clipped fingernails, good luck. I have a hard time with it.
Of course, this is a fairly superficial complaint.
Buttons & Wheels Are Stiff At First
When you first get the camera, the buttons and wheels will be a little stiff, but they do loosen up over time.
The Great Things
The new sensor
The new sensor is a decent upgrade, but not really a game-changer. I shoot a lot back and forth between my X-Pro2, X-T2, and X-T3 and I do notice a general improvement with the 26MP X-T3 sensor. There is just slightly less noise in the shadows even at low ISO values, like 400-800. Not a huge difference, but there is some.
IQ Of The Lens Is Better
The new lens is significantly sharper at close distances. However, it does now have some of that signature Fujifilm onion ring bokeh, likely from the way Fujifilm does its aspherical elements, and this new lens now has two of them.
If you shoot a lot of close-up stuff with kids at f2, this new lens is kind of game-changing since it now holds its sharpness at f2 at close distances. Before with the older models, you would need to back away at least 4-5 feet (1.2 – 1.5m) to get good results at f2 and you pretty much had to stop down to f4 for close focus.
Again the new lens also has a new look to the bokeh. The images look foreign to me and it’s not the X100 look we’re all used to, it’s a new look. Images feel a little punchier but the bokeh is a little strange at times.
The New JPG tools
There are some massive improvements to the software of the camera including new JPG tools.
The Color Chrome Effect, Color Chrome Blue FX, Clarity, Grain, and Classic Neg are just a ton of fun. You even have Eterna which is also a very cool look.
Also, if you’re setting custom profiles, it does retain a custom WB shift in each profile.
I always have had problems with the Fujifilm JPGs eating fine details, especially when shooting high ISO values. Throwing on a +1 grain really helps hide this. With clarity, grain, and all the new film simulators, you can really get a better JPG experience.
I’m still shooting RAW and then converting it to JPG manually in-camera. But to me, the JPGs are the unique character of this camera and I will be processing a lot more of my shots to JPG before tuning in LR because the in-camera tools are so good and the film simulations look so great.
I put together a full comparison of before and after images with a slider of all the new JPG effects. See that here Fujifilm JPG Effects Before And After
USB-C connectivity
Finally, I can slowly start getting rid of my old cables.
New Close Focus Capabilities
The updated lens adds some significant improvements to the close-focus capabilities of the camera. With the previous lens, you would have to shoot f4 if you were anything closer than about 4-5 feet. Now, I’m getting pretty sharp images even at f2. With 35mm equivalent lenses, this is actually a pretty significant improvement. Especially if you like shooting full headshots. You can now do so at f2 without a significant loss in sharpness.
There is no longer a macro setting either and now Fujifilm has introduced a focus range limiter as mentioned earlier.
These are all Astia, Color Chrome Strong with some Clarity.
This is the most game-changing feature of the camera.
Big Updates Body & Build
Weather Sealing
The new body of the Fuji X100V is weather-sealed if you use the UV filter adapter. You can order the version Fujifilm offers for around $45 dollars or you can order the one made by JJC for around $12. They both will get the job done, but you will need to use a UV filter to get the actual weather sealing.
With this new weather sealing, I’m way more comfortable bringing my camera to the beach or out in the rain.
Everyone was asking for a weather-sealed X100 and Fujifilm delivered.
Changes To The Button Layout
Next, we have a reconfiguration of all the buttons. They moved the Q button and they got rid of the directional D-pad.
I don’t mind this change and I think it was a good move. By removing the D-Pad your entire thumb has a place to rest against the camera without any obstruction. It helps with the grip quite a bit, although I now use a Lensmate Thumbgrip.
The more modern look I also think is cool. I’ve had the last two X100 cameras and it’s nice seeing something that feels new and different. Some people like the older look, but I don’t mind having looks shift over time.
The New Tilting LCD Screen
The new flip screen is very handy at times. If this came at the cost of thermal issues I don’t think it was worth it but the LCD screen sits flush against the body which looks great and you won’t even realize it’s a flip-out screen. They’ve also updated the resolution of the LCD to 1.62m-Dot compared to the older model which was only 1.04m-Dot. This is nice and as you guys know, I care a lot about the quality of the LCD screen, especially on a camera with such powerful in-camera processing tools. You need to be able to see what you’re doing as it allows you to catch mistakes.
New 4-Stop ND Filter
This is nice when using the camera outside with a flash. Because the camera has a leaf shutter you can get some crazy fast sync speeds. I found with the older Fujifilm X100 cameras, the 3-Stop ND filter sometimes wasn’t enough when shooting at f2 in the sun as your background with the flash lighting up the foreground. Sometimes the background was still a little too bright and having that extra stop here makes the camera a lot more useful.
It’s also really nice for landscape work.
Fun Features
The Film Simulators
The film simulators are one reason I could not own a Fujifilm. They’re just too good.
Today we have, Provia, Astia, Classic Chrome, Pro Neg, Std Neg, Classic Neg, B&W, Eterna, and Velvia.
Then with the new Color Chrome and Color Chrome FX Blue, mixed with some Clarity, some of the older looks can now have so much more vibe.
This is a straight-out-of-camera sample of Astia.
This is what Classic Chrome can look like with a warm WB shift, straight out of the camera. No editing is required.
Flash & ND
A lot of people sort of skip over the fact that the X100V has a leaf shutter. It’s not the only camera with a leaf shutter, my Panasonic LX100 II also has one, but it’s still a very rare feature.
What the leaf shutter means is you can get flash sync speeds with the mechanical shutter for up to 1/4000 seconds.
Why is that important? Because it allows you to control the exposure of the background on bright sunny days while using the flash to light up the foreground.
Pair that with the built-in ND filter and you can get a nice balance of outdoor flash-lit photography and it looks cool. I’m constantly using my flash with this camera when shooting outside. I’ve even set my FN1 button as my ND and the FN2 button as my flash controls so I can quickly adjust the ND and flash settings.
It makes the X100V a very unique camera because it can do this one thing that no other camera can easily or quickly do.
These were RAW and colored manually using the flash.
Fuji X100V Review Bottom Line
These two shots have a -1 Clarity and I lifted the blacks with a curve in LR. I believe these were Classic Neg.
If you don’t have an X100 of any type already, this camera will blow you away. It’s just awesome! There is so much to learn with it and explore (in a good way), it will change photography for you and the capabilities are insane.
If you shoot RAW and are pretty happy with your X100F and live in a place that doesn’t rain a lot, you might not even notice this is a different camera, aside from the aesthetics and new design features. There are some improvements to the sensor that help but that sensor upgrade is not that big of a deal. However, you will notice the improved sharpness at close focus on the new lens.
If you want a faster-focusing camera that has good tracking, this is not it and you’ll likely have to wait for the next generation or hope some cool firmware comes along.
If you love the JPG features of the camera, shoot a lot of close-focus photography in the rain need a flip screen, and have tiny little nimble fingers that allow you to open it without issues, this is a great upgrade.
I like the new film simulators and JPG tools and this is exciting for me. I now have a camera where I can do some basic editing inside the camera from my RAWs and then throw them on my smartphone for quick sharing. This alone is a big upgrade for me because of all the new tools. The JPG tools and profiles on the X100F were still pretty limited and now the X100V is much more powerful for processing and tuning looks.
To sum it up, the camera looks awesome, is super fun to use, and is now a lot more versatile. If you’re just shooting RAW, and are hoping for a faster more responsive camera, this is not there yet but the improvements to the lens and the software engine are still very nice.
Wish List
I wish all modern cameras would pull themselves out of this pre-Internet mentality of having limited wifi controls and apps. Let me use my camera to connect to the Internet to at least download firmware upgrades. Better yet, let me connect to Dropbox or Google Photos. Seriously, TVs have been doing this for at least 5 years. Even refrigerators and microwaves do this now!
Having to use your phone as a middleman to the outside world in 2020 is sad and inexcusable and these camera companies should be embarrassed at how far behind they are in software features especially since smartphones are eating them alive.
I use my cameras less and less because smartphones are so good at this, and when my kids are doing something, the smartphone quality is good enough and getting better, but the convenience of sending photos around and sharing on Google Photos, or iCloud makes it harder and harder to use real cameras like this for on the go family photography.
Having to sync to some poorly designed Android or iPhone app is just such a bummer in 2020. Granted, the new Fujifilm app is a lot better than the old one.
Seriously, Fujifilm, if you can develop anti-viral meds that help fight off coronavirus, you can do this!
Something Better Than JPG – Canon and most smartphones are doing HEIC. I would love something a little better than JPG because I still do like to tune some of my JPGs for my posts here or on Instagram but I don’t want to lose the Fujifilm look by going to RAW. I know you can load the profiles in LR or Capture One, but they are not the same.
IBIS – As you can see, a lot of my shots are slightly soft not just from being out of focus but because of motion blur. Yes, even at 1/200 shutter. I used to be a snobby anti-ibis dude until I started noticing the results I was getting from the Nikon Z6. The thing is, everyone keeps telling you IBIS is great for getting 1-second exposures. No, IBIS is very powerful at making sure images are tack sharp even at 1/160 shutter. You will notice the benefits even at those faster shutter speeds, especially with these APS-C cameras that have such a tight pixel pitch. Fujifilm could have put an IBIS in this camera. If the GRIII did it with a 3-axis sensor, shift, Fujifilm could have done it here. But likely we’ll have to wait for the next model.
Again, it’s 2020, Fujifilm, please get up to date with modern technology and software. This means Internet connectivity for firmware updates, and the ability to sync with cloud photo apps.
Fuji X100V Further Reading
There are a lot of great tools and capabilities Fujifilm has given their products that often don’t get enough coverage. I’ve written a few articles that can help you get the maximum capabilities out of the system.
How To Improve Your AF – This is a quick guide on some of the features to help you get better AF out of the X100v. You can also use the AF Range Limiter.
X-RAW Studio Tutorial – This goes over the free software from Fujifilm called X-Raw Studio. You can use it to manage your custom JPG profiles. Or if you load it with some RAW files you can build and experiment with some new looks.
Fujifilm Recipes – Here is a quick guide on how to get the most out of your Fujifilm JPG Recipes. Including a few looks, I like to use.
Fujifilm Eterna Recipe – Here is a great Eterna Recipe I love using.
Fujifilm X100V Memory Card Recommendations – Use this guide to find the best memory cards for the X100v.
Fujifilm X100V My Favorite Accessories – Some of my favorite accessories.
Fujifilm X100V Review | Sample Images
Samples of RAW and JPG. Some of the portraits are with the -1 Clarity for the dreamy look.
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Hey Alik! Take care and stay safe ok?
Btw, some questions on the Astia with Color Chrome at Strong..
1. Are you referring to color chrome or color chrome blue?
2. In what occasion do you think it is suitable?
3. Will you be posting more samples of how Astia can perform?
Color chrome blue really only effects things that have blue, skies, ocean etc.So you won’t notice that in non blue scenes, so I keep the normal Color Chrome on Strong.
It looks great for portraits I think.
I’ll prolly do some more samples. All the macro shots are astia here.
Yay yay!! can wait to see the samples! =D
God bless you with speedy recovery!
Hi Alik,
Thank you very much for this comprehensive review. I hope you are recovering well from your illness.
You mentioned that the AF of the V would not be a step up from the previous X100F regarding speed. I would be okay with the same speed under normal light conditions. But, as I like to shoot a lot under less than ideal light, namely backlight and low light situations, how would you describe the AF accuracy in comparison to the X100F? Fujifilm claims to reach -5 EV, which should already be recognizable.
Cheers
It’s still better at AF detection so you will get better results with the camera finding focus in tough situations, it just doesn’t pull the lens much faster currently. So tracking will be tough. I should probably make that more clear. It does seem to me like it struggles a little in low light or back lighting with eye and face detection. But all the AF detection has improved.
Hi, the problem with oninon bokeh Is that you just can’t use leaf mechanical shutter with speeds more than 1/1000s. in that case bokeh Will ve affected by the shutter itself (IT IS not So Fast). You must use nd filter to lower the speed or electronical shutter..
Thanks, I’ll try that out and do some tests. Onion rings bokeh doesn’t actually bother me, I just point it out when I see it in my reviews.
Hi Alik,
Great share! What are your thoughts on the x100v versus using an xt30 with the 23mm f2? I would guess the AF is better on the XT30. Id love to hear your thoughts
You can do more with the ND and leaf shutter with flash on the x100v, but that XF23f2 performs very well in AF-c with tracking where as the x100v struggles. The XF23f2 has a little nicer of a look too in my opinion, cleaner bokeh.
However, Even with my x100T, whenever I wanted to shoot 23mm I usually brought my x100f, unless I’m shooting in scenes where I wanted tracking. Like the kids at the park or some activity. But you would get better technical performance with the xt30 and xf23. Although the xt30 doesn’t have all the same JPG features if JPG is your thing. I’ve seen rumors those coming to the T3 this summer so maybe they will hit the t30 as well.
Hi Alik, thanks for your great review. I have an x100T (have had it for 4 years), and a Nikon D3500 (and 70-300VR lens )which I use for wildlife. I find that I always take the x100T with me as its small and robust and I can just put it in a backpack + I like how it looks so dont feel too self-conscious with it. I have, however, been underwhelmed with a lot of my landscape shots with the T, though much happier with ‘on the go’ people shots of my family. On reading your blog, I wonder whether I should be using faster shutter speeds? I tend to use auto iso 125-3200 and aperture priority.
The option of a sensor with 24/26 MP would give me more license to crop. The weather sealing is also attractive as i live by the sea and have baulked at taking my camera with me on occasions-worry about sand and slat laden winds.The autofocus hasnt been too much of an issue, though I have missed some shots because of it. Do you think the x100F or V are worth upgrading to from the T, or would you stick with the T for people and get another small camera for landscape?
If you shoot JPG and like messing with the different looks and making formulas and need weather resistance it’s probably going to be worth it to upgrade.
If you’re just shooting casually and shooting RAW and do all you editing on your computer, the difference you’ll see isn’t massive.
Now that I’m using the JPG tools and have really figured out how to dial in the focus tracking, I’m glad I upgraded.
I’m playing a lot with the colors right now by doing this. – https://alikgriffin.com/how-to-get-fujifilm-jpgs-looking-amazing/
And I figured out how to get AF working better in the X100V – https://alikgriffin.com/how-to-possibly-improve-your-autofocus-fujifilm-x100v/ Which the X100T couldn’t really pull this off to the same level. But for just zone focusing on AF-S there isn’t much difference.
For shutter speeds I set a minimum limit usually to 1/80 when things aren’t moving, but when shooting people I bump it up to 1/120. I also set a limit on my ISO to around 6400 or 3200 using aperture priority.
For landscape shots, any shutter speed is fine as long as you’re on a tripod. I try to go slower for landscape. Take advantage of that ND filter too with a slow shutter and get some smoother clouds. You can also set up the X100T to bracket which can help some of those shadow details when you combine them in LR.
I don’t think there is a better small camera for landscape unless you need a much wider lens. Or you could of course go with the X-E3 and buy lenses, but that’s a whole different thing because now you have to carry around lenses. And if you’re going to do that I would wait to see if Fujifilm makes the X-E4 with the new 26MP sensor.
Here are some landscape I’ve shot with the X100T.
https://alikgriffin.com/landscape-photography-with-the-fuji-x100t/
It’s an older article and quite a bit has changed. But it should give you an idea of some settings I like to use.
I just realized you had the T. I had a brain fart thinking you were talking the F.
So the X100F got a pretty nice improvement to the low ISO values over the T. With the T, you couldn’t really go over 3200 ISO, the F does 6400 pretty well, and the new V does 6400 even better. You use to get a lot of amp glow (purple blotches) on that T at those higher ISO values.
It’s also a difference between 16MP and 26MP which is pretty significant. Not only is the V better in low light at higher ISO, you also get more megapixels. Other than that, the new lens is slightly different, it’s sharper when shooting things that are close, and the camera has tracking and eye AF which is nice if you’re shooting squirmy little children or something. If you just shoot AF-S the X100T is still totally fine.
You can get it done with the X100T for sure though, but you just have to manage that ISO and never go above 3200. And for landscapes carry around a small tripod.
If you’re just shooting landscapes at ISO 200, then the T is still fine, but if you need more megapixels you may like the upgrade.
Thanks Alik- really helpful . Will try and use the ND filter more often-keep forgetting i’ve got one in camera. will stick with the T, and maybe in the future rent a V to see how much of an improvement it is.
Hello Alik,
Great photos as always !!
Especially those using the flash outdoor ! Really good looking pictures, very beautiful effect on the subject !
Take care !
Thanks man!
Hello Alik, I want to purchase a new camera and I am thinking of this one but I do not see this sensor in dxomark site. Do you have an information which sensor is equivalent to (I mean Canon and Nikon side) X100V sensor?
It’s the same sensor as the Fujifilm X-Pro3 X-T3 and X-T30. I think all those cameras are pretty comparable in terms of the sensor performance but they do some different things with the processors.
Hello Alik, I do love those three outdoor pictures using the flash and ND. Are those pictures in Astia and edited color in camera?
Stay Safe!
Those three are actually colored all in LR from RAW. I tried with Astia and there were too many conflicting colors in the scene, so I had to edit them manually. Those three and maybe a few others at the end of the past were RAW.
Oh, I see. Thanks! Your articles help me a lot! Take care and stay safe!
Alik, First, so glad you have come through that fight with COVID. Hope your family is doing ok. Camera considerations are, now, like a welcome escape from the drumbeat of this pandemic. So for a bit of escape, here’s my dance with this camera. Like many, i’ve been seduced by this camera model series since day one. I’ve rented the predecessors several times. And i bought this V as soon as it became available. But i returned. I think you’ve done a much better job of summing up its pros and cons than other reviewers. To your list i would add i found the ergonomics pretty bad. Yes there are wonderful direct controls. But IMHO the fake leather covering material is slippery when others smartly use sticky. There isn’t enough body contour to get a good grip. Agree it will need a lensmate thumb rest and more. I too noticed that oddly high number of blurry shots and thought how IBIS could help. And while color noise is maybe lower than competitors, i’d take the raw and jpeg files out of my nikon d7500 over this one any day. The xtran sensor results seems to go sort of mushy when the ISO gets a bit higher. So, i returned it. I still long for a camera with this one’s ethos, but this one seemed to let me down and unimpress too often, especially at this price. Craig
Yeah, your complaints are pretty similar to most peoples complaints when jumping over to Fujifilm. Mushy noise reduction, wormy details when 100%. I will say, it’s gotten a lot better over the years.
I have a feeling they are working on a 32+MP sensor in the future that can do 8k video. Considering how Japan is making the push for 8k this seems inevitable and we’ll likely see it in the X-H2. After that they’ll use that same sensor in all the cameras like they always do. So in two years, I expect to see an X100 type camera with a higher MP sensor and I think that higher resolution will solve a lot of problems if they can keep it X-Trans. Hopefully by then they figure out a smaller IBIS and a more responsive lens.
That might be the one.
I was all ready to dump my X100F and get the V but your comments on the AF have got me thinking again. I’m really looking for an improvement in lower light AF, just for single shot, which was terrible on the F. Every other review i’ve seen has noted how much more responsive it is and faster to focus in more difficult lighting conditions, is this not the case? Thanks
The AF does see better in the dark, tracks better etc. The software is there, the hardware is not. The lens still struggles focusing quickly and especially tracking.
Still so many people judge AF based on the little boxes they see on the screen not on the actual results. Be careful for these kinds of reviews.
Hi Alik, I have been a long time reader but this is my first time posting and I love your photos especially your daughters. Do you have a favorite film simulation when photographing your daughter? It would be great if you can share your thoughts on the different film simulations.
The AF felt faster than the 100F for me. Not sure why you felt there was little difference.
I just feel like the lens isn’t faster. The camera is smarter now for sure but I keep getting missed shots from the slow lens. The lens behaves more like a XF f1.4 lens in my opinion, slower actually. So like with the X-T3 improving AF over the X-T2 with the XF f1.4 lenses, you’re still limited, especially with CDAF on those lenses and especially with AF-C. So the improvement we’re seeing is that same jump in processor tech we saw with the X-T2 to X-T3 with the new sensor, but I don’t think there is any improvement in the mechanics of the lens. If that makes sense.
But I need to do some side by side tests. It’s also possible there is something wrong with my lens, it is pretty loud. None of my friends upgraded to the V yet so I can’t compare to any other copy.
Hello Alik, I was about to purchase X100V after I watched this video. He talks about the awesomeness of the autofocus of X100V at 4:28 th second of the video. But you complained about that autofocus is slow and lens does not catch up LCD Screen rectangle for autofocus. I am really confused. Maybe I should stick to my X100F. And I really value your opinion muchy more than this youtuber because you say that you are missing the shots and tested it.. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v22Yhoj9I9Y
Depends on how you’re shooting. The camera will definitely hunt less and there are fewer errors for sure. But if you’re doing a lot of AF-C tracking with kids running around you will get a 10%-20% miss rate because the lens can not keep up with the camera. Or just something is not quite in sync. There is a little bit of pause. Fujifilm cameras do this in general, but more so on this one.
But ultimately it’s nicer. It’s like that same jump we saw from the X-T2 to the X-T3 where those old XF f1.4 lenses got snappier and more responsive. They still aren’t fast compared to modern stuff, but still got a little better because the camera is smarter.
I wouldn’t call the autofocus awesome, but it’s good with respect to where we have come in the last 10 years. I was just out shooting some protest and it was totally fine at keeping up with street photography mid-range action, but so could the X100F. They just struggle with close objects moving around in AF-C.
I’m now going to start turning all the AF-C settings to really dial it in and to really see if I can get more out of it. I’ve just been on Set 1 Multi-Purpose. Maybe really turning up the speed tracking sensitivity will help in some situations or setting the Zone to Front might work better with people, usually, it doesn’t in these situations though from my experience with the X-T3.
But when I say the lens is ‘slow,’ I’m not trying to say it’s bad, I’m just comparing it to what modern cameras are capable of. Like you wouldn’t say a BMW M2 is slow, but compared to a Tesla it is. But the M2 is still fast enough for any normal person, but slow compared to a Tesla. That’s kind of where we are with cameras today. Little difference in performance but everything out there today performs so well that for most people those differences in performance won’t even be noticeable. But if you need something specific it might impact what you’re doing.
I don’t think my 10-20% miss rate on my kids in AF-C is a deal-breaker at all since very few lens/camera combos are significantly better when tracking close moving objects like kids. For example, I don’t think my Canon R with the 35mm f1.8 is all that much faster, but my Nikon Z6 with the 35mm f1.8 definitely is.
For me, I don’t feel like the X100V is giving me any superb advantage over my X100F when it comes to autofocus. It’s just a little better, mostly in low light. Again, my X100F never gave my trouble, it was also good. A 10-20% miss rate is not a big deal when shooting crazy kids, because in normal situations it’s still great.
I just really want a quiet, buttery fast and smooth lens on this camera. So I’m going to complain. 🙂 I’m also going to complain about Fujifilm unnecessarily keeping the lens small especially when you need a UV filter adapter to get weather sealing which most people use. If most people are voluntarily making their lens bigger to use a UV filter or to get the weather sealing, why not just make the lens a little bigger, a little faster and a little better optically, Fujifilm can do it.
The camera really is great though but I would probably only upgrade from the F if you need a few of the specific features. For me the close focusing improvement to IQ was enough to justify the upgrade and I like what they’ve done with the flip screen. The smarter AF that works better in low light is a bonus feature but I never felt the X100F was really underperforming here.
I hope that all makes sense. AF will perform a lot like your X100F, but just a little smarter, with fewer camera errors, especially in low light, but don’t expect anything game-changing.
hi alik, you say “I wish the EVF was upgraded to be like the X-Pro 3”. i thought x100v’s eyepiece was the same used on the xpro3. you think xpro’s is better, bigger? thanks!
I shot with the X-Pro 3 a bit back in Jan and I felt like it was better, bigger. But it’s possible I’m getting confused with my X-T3. The specs are the same with the EVF/OVF between the X-pro3 and 100v. At the time when testing I went from my X-Pro2 to the X-Pro3 so maybe I just felt like it was way better. Which it is, compared to that older pro-2. It could also be just that the X-Pro3 is designed to work up to 18mm lenses where as the X100V only needs to show 23mm, or like what 18.5-19mm with that conversion kit so the guide lines could be a little different? One day when lockdown is over and I get my passport and can go back home to Japan, I’ll do a proper comparison between everything. I have basically nothing here but I’ll correct that portion of the review until I can do more tests. Thanks for pointing that out!
thanks for your answer. the thing is i own an original x100 (2011). i’ve fallen in love with the x100v without meeting her, you know, and i wonder if i’m going to feel a more capable camera or if, in the end, it’s just the same. i tried the x100t and sold it. two things i struggle with whe using my x100 are poor EVF and slow focus point selection. so i’m not comparing x100f vs x100v, my question is, are we really talking about a different camera when putting x100 and x100v side by side? take care
That’s sort of what I was trying to capture with this review. Between the X100V and X100F, it doesn’t really feel like there is that much difference with actual real world photography at first, and maybe for most people going from an x100f, the upgrade would not be enough to justify the cost, unless they need some specific features like close focus IQ improvements or they are JPG shooters, or need weather sealing.
But you’re coming from an X100 so there is a lot for you. 12MP -> 26MP sensor. The X100T was still only 16MP. There has been a huge improvement to ISO performance since then.
If you shoot JPG, there are a ton of new tools that are a ton of fun. This could be game changing since the camera now has such a powerful JPG engine and is smart with things like dynamic range.
The lens still has slow AF so it struggles to keep up with the camera if you’re using tracking of AF-C, but the close focus image quality is noticeably better. It’s sort of a big deal now that I shoot with my kids all the time. You no longer have to be at f4, or 5-feet away at f2.
There are a lot of good little things though. I would say, when I first got the camera, I wasn’t that impressed compared to the F. I loved the new look and all the on-paper specs but I wasn’t feeling the upgrade immediately. Now I’ve been shooting with it regularly for a month or so and am really feeling the refinement and new features. It takes awhile but you get use to in and then realize that it is actually a better system overall.
My first X100 was the X100T. It wasn’t a huge update over the X100s or X100. It was mostly just the new sensor and snappier autofocus. The F felt like it had some nice refinement and got classic chrome and a few improvements to some of the other looks. I think that’s when they updated Velvia.
Between the X100T and the X100F there was a really nice improvement to the ISO performance. The X100T always struggled still at ISO 6400, where as the X100F rendered much nicer at ISO 6400 and the X100V has improved the colors even more. ISO 6400 is very usable on the X100V now. I remember on the T, you would get a lot of purple amp glow at ISO 6400. 3200 even got sloppy.
So coming from an X100 you get a lot and you will for sure notice the improvements to the noise in the shadows even at ISO 100, and the colors render a little better / different now too.
Coming from the X100, X100s or X100T, this is the first camera to really feel like a completely new animal. There is enough here so that across the board you will notice an improvement with every aspect of the camera.
But also keep in mind, you’re probably use to shooting the way the X100 allows you to shoot. It’s probably conditioned you to shoot a certain way, so if you just rent the X100V and keep shooting that way you might not be taking advantage of everything the camera has to offer. That was my problem going from the F to the V. I eventually started pushing the camera harder and shooting in tougher conditions, and now I’m noticing the improvements over the X100f. It’s like, “oh I can do this now, or I can do that now. Oh yeah a flip screen I can get really low, it’s raining I don’t have to hide my camera under my coat, etc.” It took me awhile to change my habits and take advantage of everything that’s new. If that all makes sense.
Anyway, good luck I think you’ll really like the V it’s now a very powerful little machine.
thank you very much for your words. you’re right, i’m used to my X100. i’ve learned over the years to shoot the way it wants me to shoot. no problem if you have time but forget shooting kids or pets…unless they’re sleeping. jokes aside, if i’ve shared my life with my slow but somehow trusty X100, i guess the X100V won’t be any less capable. it can’t be.
Yeah. For you the weather sealing, low ISO performance and extra looks alone would probably make it worth it. Also going from 12MP to 26MP would be a nice jump if you ever like to crop. But again, it all depends on how the camera is used. If you only shoot paper clips sitting on your desk then it might not be worth it t upgrade. 🙂
At last a review that talks about the lack of IBIS. The last time I used a device without IBIS every photo was soft. I really want this camera to work for me as otherwise it is one of just a couple that tick all my boxes but I have some huge doubts with that not being included.
I have a strong feeling Fujifilm will do IBIS in the next one. It seems like they’ve had their hands too full to design yet another IBIS system. They had to already shrink down their IBIS for the X-T4 and make a new battery to compete with the A6600. I think this was the rush to put the T4 out. Then they’ve had all the GFX stuff going on. So I’m thinking R&D was maxed out and we’ll see IBIS next time.
I think it would have to be a smaller 3-axis thing like we see in the GRIII.
It is funny, I use to not care too much for IBIS until I started shooting with the Z6, I also have the LX100 II. After awhile you noticed a significant difference.
I was always with Sony A7r cams before and that combination of super high resolution with a somewhat weaker IBIS mech never fully eliminated the camera shake in the way the lower 24MP Z6 does. Now I go back to my X-T cams and always notice right away the extra motion blur unless I’m at fast shutters.
The big problem for me now with this camera (which is I was a little more critical in my X100V review this time), is that with all the new cameras like the Sonys, Ricoh, Panasonics over the last two years, I’ve changed the way I use with those cameras because of all the new tech with focus and stabilization. So when you get a camera that can’t fully keep up, you have to take a step back and go back to how we use to shoot a few years ago. It’s not a flaw or anything, camera is still great, but if you’re used to shooting with the new tech with fast lenses and IBIS, you will have to retrain yourself to shoot without that.
And I’m not really sure why nobody points this out. The camera although heavily updated, still feels like a two-three year old camera and it seems like most of the updates are just design focused (aside from eye tracking and 4k), which means they could have done these body updates 5-10 years ago.
I still love the camera and it’s still loaded with cool updates, but IBIS and a faster lens would have been totally game-changing.
I’m looking for something to take pictures of my 2.5 year old that can manage a nice shallow depth of field/nice bokeh but that’s also portable, at least that can fit into a small women’s purse. I have a ILC (Sony a6xxx) but i find that with the lenses it can get bulky and I don’t bring it out when we leave the house (so much to carry already with a toddler). I want something better than my phone (Xs) camera and like some of the control a real camera provides (I’m trying to learn!). I’ve been looking at the Ricoh Gr iii, the x100v or the lx100 ii (though I’d prefer the larger sensor). What are your thoughts on which would be best? Or do you have any other recommendations? Thank you! 🙂
I have the LX100 II it’s a cool camera. Very small and very responsive, but there isn’t a huge jump in image quality like with the Ricoh, A6xxx or X100 since it has a pretty small sensor. It’s not really a micro four thirds sensor like they say it is since it will always have a crop for the different aspect ratios. It’s a little more like something between 1″ and micro four thirds, but the f1.7 aperture still gives you some nice shallow depth.
I’ve messed around with the GR III and couldn’t find myself liking it. The camera is very slow and I didn’t find the autofocus acceptable by today’s standards.
This brings us to the X100 series. I’ve owned the x100T the x100F and now the x100V. These cameras are great. Noticeably better image quality to the LX100 with better depth of field. It just has a fixed lens so you can’t zoom whereas you can zoom with the LX100 II. I personally don’t use zooms very much because I find they take extra effort and they make it harder to be quick, as you probably know, you to be super quick with kids, and shooting needs to be super convenient.
Here is another idea to consider. Since you already have the Sony A6XXX, (I use to have the A6300) You could try getting the Rokinon 35mm f2.8 lens for it. It keeps the system very small and you can get some great results with that lens. It’s really not that much bigger than an X100F or X100V once you get the lens hoods. Otherwise, I would go with the X100F or V where you’ll get slightly more bokeh with that f2 lens.
If you want to see what a Sony A6xxx looks like with the 35mm f2.8 while shooting kids. I did a mini-review of the A6400 with the Zeiss 35mm f2.8. It’s a very similar lens to the Rokinon 35mm f2.8. A lot of people say they are pretty compatible. https://alikgriffin.com/sony-a6400-review-one-of-my-favorite-aps-c-cameras/
That’s the cheapest way I think to give you the results you want, otherwise, look at the X100 cams. Unless you really need small.
Also, one of the nice things about the Fujifilm cams is the JPGs look great and it’s very easy to do some simple editing in camera and to send them to your phone to share.
Very very helpful response. Thank you!
No problem!
Really great informative review, and excellent comment responses – thank you!
Most honest review on the web. As owner of x100v can agree with every word.
Thanks Nikolay.
I agree with a lot of the things you said. AF is certainly acceptable but I was surprised that my 8-year old Panasonic GX7 focused just as quickly and I think more accurately. I’ve been using this camera for about a year now, almost always for street photography, and I would definitely benefit from an improvement in AF so that’s something I’d like to see in the next version. IBIS is also something I would like to see. In fact, I wouldn’t buy a successor until it had IBIS. That would let me use the camera for travel video clips as well.
The flip-out rear screen is the reason I finally put my toe into the Fuji and X100-series waters. 90% of my street shooting is done with that screen so I really appreciate it.
And kudos for mentioning the range limiter. Most reviewers don’t mention its significance for fast-response street shooting. It lets me reliably use the camera for zone focusing. During the spring/summer I’ll shoot at f/8, 1/400s and limit the focus to a range of 3m – 3m. Now, in the fall when the light is poor, I’ve got the focus limited to 1.5m – 4m and am shooting at f/4 or f/5.6 and relying on the wide-area AF system. That feature has been incredibly useful to me. I just wish they let us modify all three range limiter presets instead of just one of them.
Yes! I have no interest in the image processing technology in smartphones, but how can any electronics device as sophisticated as a camera not have basic cloud storage and other online integrations? Ridiculous.