Fujifilm has announced the launch of its latest take-everywhere camera, the X100VI, as a follow-up to the highly popular X100V. The new model, now manufactured in China, is anticipated to avoid the supply shortages that plagued its predecessor.
The X100V gained immense popularity, leading to persistent backorders and inflated prices on the secondary market after a viral moment on TikTok. Despite the high demand, Fujifilm has introduced significant improvements in the X100VI, making it a more capable camera for various shooting environments. However, these enhancements come with a price increase, with the new MSRP set at $1,599, up by $200 from its predecessor.
One of the notable upgrades in the X100VI is its doubled resolution and the addition of in-body image stabilization, providing up to six stops of stabilization. These improvements offer greater flexibility and sharpness in capturing images. However, some features, such as the UHS-1 SD card slot and the use of the same battery as the X100V, have not been upgraded, potentially impacting the overall user experience.
Despite these limitations, the X100VI continues to offer the flexibility of choosing between the optical viewfinder, electronic viewfinder, or a hybrid of the two during shooting. With its 23mm f/2 fixed lens, the X100VI caters to a different purpose compared to the X-T5, which is an interchangeable lens system.
Fujifilm’s decision to maintain the X100VI’s compact size by retaining the same battery, while offering enhanced features, may require users to have spare batteries for extended shooting sessions. The camera’s electronic viewfinder and rear LCD maintain the same resolutions as the previous model, at 3.69 million and 1.62 million dots, respectively.
Overall, the Fujifilm X100VI presents a compelling option for photography enthusiasts seeking a versatile and capable camera for diverse shooting scenarios. With its improved resolution and image stabilization, the X100VI aims to build on the success of its predecessor while addressing some of the limitations to offer an enhanced shooting experience.
