The Fujifilm X100 collection is a well-liked fixed-lens, hybrid rangefinder system now in its fifth technology. The new X100V comes with some much-needed enhancements over the earlier mannequin, the X100F, whereas the general appear and feel stays largely the identical.
A staple of the X100 collection is the 23mm (35mm full-frame equal) f/2 prime lens, and this hasn’t modified for the X100V. However, Fujifilm has redesigned the lens to make it sharper, one thing followers of the collection have been ready for for the reason that authentic X100 in 2011. It’s not the one new factor the X100V gives, but it surely’s probably the largest purpose to improve. For photographers who had been already happy with the X100F, although, is the brand new mannequin price it?
At a look:
Fujifilm X100V
26MP BSI X-Trans sensor
90-degree articulating contact display
11 fps steady taking pictures
4K/30 video
Weather-sealed physique

Fujifilm X100F
24MP X-Trans Sensor
8 fps proceed taking pictures
FHD/60 video
Face detection autofocus

Sensor
X100VThe X100F has a 24-megapixel APS-C X-Trans III sensor, the identical one discovered within the Fujifilm X-Pro2 and the X-T2. Fujifilm has upgraded the sensor in X100V to the newer 26MP backside-illuminated (BSI) sensor that’s additionally within the X-Pro3 and the X-T4. The additional 2MP received’t have a lot real-world impression, though we did discover improved dynamic vary and colour accuracy within the new sensor when testing it on different digicam fashions.
Part of that is due to the decrease base ISO of 160 on the brand new sensor, in comparison with 200 on the X100F. Both cameras, nevertheless, high out at ISO 12,800, and each might be expanded to 51,200. Despite the BSI design and the brand new X-Processor 4 picture processor, our expertise with earlier fashions exhibits a slight noise benefit to the older sensor at excessive ISO settings. The distinction, nevertheless, is minimal.
Autofocus and efficiency
Along with the brand new sensor, the X100V inherits the identical 425-point phase-detection autofocus system that now covers 99% of the sensor. The X100F had fewer complete factors, at 325, however the phase-detection space was additionally restricted to a smaller central area. Although face and eye-detection is current in each cameras, the improved algorithm within the X100V offers higher monitoring and accuracy.
While burst taking pictures isn’t what individuals first consider once they see a digicam like this, the X100V shoots at a formidable 11 frames-per-second, whereas the X100F maxed out at 8. For the kind of photographer that tends to make use of the X100 collection (journey and road photographers), the continual taking pictures pace of each cameras is greater than sufficient. However, when mixed with the improved autofocus, the X100V has a greater probability of delivering extra “keepers.”
LCD display and viewfinder
X100VThe X100V includes a tilting LCD display, however don’t get too excited. Unlike the fully-articulating monitor on the Fujifilm X-T4, it may well solely tilt 90 levels. Sure, this can give higher viewing angles when taking pictures in stay view, however in case you had been pondering of vlogging with an X100, effectively, you’re out of luck. Arguably, given the X100’s goal demographic, this can be a non-issue. Still, some potential clients would have liked a 180-degree articulating display.
But the lean motion isn’t the one new characteristic of the LCD. It can also be now a touchscreen, permitting you to pick out the main focus level, journey the shutter, and navigate the Quick Menu with the faucet of a finger. Resolution has additionally been elevated from 1.04 million dots to 1.6 million dots for sharper, extra detailed previews of your photos.
The digital viewfinder has seen the same improve in decision, from 2.36 million dots within the X100F to 3.69 million within the X100V. That brings the X100 collection consistent with the X-T collection, which has had the higher-resolution EVF for the reason that X-T2. The X100V optical viewfinder has barely higher protection, too, as much as 95% from 92%. It’s a slight improve, however each little bit helps.
Video
As we wrote earlier than, the X100 collection has by no means, and certain won’t ever, be the go-to system for videographers. But that doesn’t imply it may well’t serve you effectively in case you do resolve to make use of it to shoot video. The X100F shoots as much as Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 60fps and HD (1280 x 720) as much as 60fps. The X100V shoots 4K video as much as 30fps and Full HD as much as 120fps (with High-Speed Mode) — a transparent enchancment on its predecessor.
The X100V has capabilities particularly designed for video such because the Eterna movie simulation and F-Log, a flat colour profile that preserves extra dynamic vary and is appropriate for colour grading. The newest mannequin additionally has a bitrate of 200Mbps in 4K and Full HD, smashing the X100F out of the park compared to its 36Mbps. The X100V’s video mode goes above and past what’s requested of the sort of digicam, and we’re impressed Fujifilm made that call — even when few clients will benefit from it.
Design and construct
X100VThe weight and dimensions of the digicam are nearly similar, however the the X100F is a bit lighter, at 16.54 ounces in comparison with 16.86 ounces. Don’t learn an excessive amount of into this, as when holding the cameras, you’re unlikely to note the distinction.
There is one apparent change in the case of the construct high quality of each cameras, nevertheless. The X100V is the primary within the collection to characteristic a weather-sealed physique, so when harsh climate hits, you possibly can proceed to shoot with confidence. Well, type of.
Although the physique is weather-sealed, the mounted lens isn’t. So to make the lens totally safe in opposition to harsher parts, you need to add a filter and adapter ring to it. This appears to be a compromise made to maintain the lens suitable with the identical adapters used on earlier X100 cameras.
Other than that, there’s been some transferring round of the controls on the again of the digicam. Fujifilm has opted to take away the four-way keypad that was current on the X100F. Instead, the X100V has toggle, menu, playback, and DISP/Back buttons. Users can change shutter pace, ISO, and publicity compensation on the highest of each cameras.
The inbuilt flash stays on the front-center of the digicam, and each methods have the choice of attaching an exterior flashgun for those who require extra management over their synthetic lighting.
Battery life
A standard gripe with Fujifilm shooters is the slightly underwhelming battery efficiency. Fujifilm claims though the battery is similar NP-W126S in each cameras, the X100V can shoot 350 frames when utilizing the digital viewfinder, and 420 frames when utilizing the optical viewfinder per cost. That’s a rise on the 270 (EVF) and 390 (OVF) frames on the X100F. Still, the efficiency on every isn’t nice. Considering the brand new X-T4 guarantees 600 frames per cost, the brand new X100V is effectively below par by immediately’s requirements.
Of course, the X100 cameras even have the choice of utilizing simply the optical viewfinder, which we count on will lengthen battery life considerably when mixed with turning off computerized picture overview, though official numbers will not be supplied.
Worth the improve?
If you’re not a present X100 proprietor and are wanting to buy one in every of these two cameras, go forward and get the X100V. The price distinction is simply $100 on the time of writing, and that appears effectively price it for the improved lens, sensor, construct high quality, and different new options.
However, in case you’re a present X100F proprietor seeking to improve, the reply is a little more tough. The new lens and sensor, nearly as good as they’re, might not enhance picture high quality in significant methods relying on what and the way you shoot. The bodily options, like the lean display and weather-sealing, are additionally actually interesting however, once more, received’t have an effect on each photographer. You’ll have to look at your wants intently to see if the X100V is price it.
At the tip of the day, the X100V is a putting digicam and maybe essentially the most important replace to the X100 line in years. But the X100F was already a product of small iterations and enhancements that made it really feel very refined. If you’re proud of it, preserve it round, however in case you’re able to see what the brand new technology gives, the X100V received’t allow you to down.

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