Fujifilm X100 VI Review: What's All the HYPE About?!
TLDRIn this video review, Chris Nichols from Petapixel explores the Fujifilm X100 VI, discussing its features and performance in various shooting scenarios around San Francisco. The camera's new 40-megapixel sensor and improved autofocus, particularly in tracking, are highlighted. The in-body image stabilization is praised for its effectiveness, allowing for steady handheld shots and long exposures. The reviewer also tests the camera's video capabilities, noting the flexibility of the 10-bit 422 recording and the inclusion of the F-Log2 profile for grading. While the optical viewfinder and audio recording setup are criticized for being somewhat cumbersome, the overall experience with the X100 VI is positive, emphasizing its portability and discreet nature, making it an excellent choice for street photography and vlogging.
Takeaways
- ๐ธ **Fujifilm X100 VI Experience**: The camera is praised for its user experience, with a focus on the experiential part of shooting and its analog controls.
- ๐ **Image Quality**: The new lens and 40-megapixel sensor are noted for their sharpness and image quality, even when shooting wide open.
- ๐ **Autofocus Improvements**: There is a significant emphasis on the improved autofocus, especially the tracking autofocus both through the optical viewfinder (OVF) and the electronic viewfinder (EVF).
- ๐ **Stabilization**: The in-body image stabilization (IBIS) is highlighted as a successful feature, allowing for steady shots even at slower shutter speeds.
- ๐ท **Viewfinders**: The optical viewfinder hybrid is appreciated for its digital overlay and parallax correction, although some prefer the EVF for its exposure preview and autofocus capabilities.
- ๐ฅ **Video Capabilities**: The X100 VI is capable of high-quality video recording, with options for 4K and 6.2K, although with some limitations like rolling shutter and overheating.
- ๐ **Audio Setup**: The video recording experience is slightly hindered by the need for adapters for audio input and monitoring, which can be cumbersome.
- ๐ **Street Photography**: The camera excels in street photography scenarios, with its discreet size and quick autofocus making it ideal for capturing candid moments.
- ๐ **Portability**: Its compact size and light weight make the X100 VI an excellent travel companion, easy to carry around in various shooting environments.
- ๐ **Focal Length Concerns**: There is a noted desire for a wider or longer focal length than the fixed 35mm, which some users find limiting.
- ๐ฅ **High Demand**: The camera's popularity has led to high demand and difficulty in obtaining one, suggesting that potential buyers try an older model first to ensure it meets their needs.
Q & A
What is the Fujifilm X100 VI known for that has generated a lot of interest?
-The Fujifilm X100 VI is known for its experiential shooting capabilities, autofocus improvement, in-body image stabilization (IBIS), and the new 40-megapixel sensor which provides excellent image quality and sharpness even at wide open apertures.
How does the autofocus performance of the Fujifilm X100 VI compare to its predecessor?
-The autofocus performance of the Fujifilm X100 VI is significantly improved with accurate tracking autofocus, both through the optical viewfinder (OVF) and the electronic viewfinder (EVF). It also features a tap-to-track function that is more intuitive and user-friendly.
What new feature does the Fujifilm X100 VI have that wasn't present in the previous model?
-The Fujifilm X100 VI introduces in-body image stabilization (IBIS), which allows for steadier shots, especially in handheld situations and during long exposures.
How does the lens and 40-megapixel sensor of the Fujifilm X100 VI perform in terms of sharpness?
-The lens and 40-megapixel sensor of the Fujifilm X100 VI perform well, providing sharp images across the board, from wide open to fully closed down. The camera resolves fine details even at f2, and there is an optical improvement when stopping down to f2.8.
What are the advantages of using the teleconverter with the Fujifilm X100 VI?
-The teleconverter on the Fujifilm X100 VI provides a 50mm full-frame equivalent field of view, which is beneficial for those who find the native 35mm focal length too wide. It maintains sharpness, provides a different angle, and does not lose any light, offering a more telephoto reach.
How does the Fujifilm X100 VI handle video recording?
-The Fujifilm X100 VI offers various video recording modes, including 6.2K for maximum detail, 4K up to 30fps with minimal rolling shutter, and 4K up to 60fps with a crop. It also features improved autofocus for video, F-log 2 profile for better grading, and in-body stabilization for steadier shots.
What are some of the challenges faced while using the Fujifilm X100 VI for video recording?
-Some challenges include the need for dongles for audio recording and monitoring, potential overheating during certain recording modes, and a more noticeable rolling shutter in 6.2K and 4K HQ modes compared to standard 4K recording.
How does the bokeh and focus transition of the Fujifilm X100 VI compare to its predecessor?
-The Fujifilm X100 VI maintains a pleasant transition from in-focus to out-of-focus areas, providing good bokeh. Even when using a teleconverter, the soap bubble effect and onion rings are still present, but the focus transitions remain smooth.
What is the significance of the new film simulation modes on the Fujifilm X100 VI?
-The new film simulation modes, such as 'Nostalgic Neg,' offer creative options for photographers to achieve different looks and styles in their images, enhancing the overall shooting experience without the need for extensive post-processing.
How does the Fujifilm X100 VI perform in low-light conditions?
-While the script does not specifically mention low-light performance, the Fujifilm X100 VI's new 40-megapixel sensor and improved autofocus capabilities suggest that it should perform well in a variety of lighting conditions, including low light.
What is the overall verdict on the Fujifilm X100 VI from the reviewer's perspective?
-The overall verdict is positive, with the Fujifilm X100 VI being considered the best in the X100 series for most video production needs. It offers a significant improvement over the previous model with its IBIS, autofocus, and new sensor, making it a highly capable and portable camera for a variety of shooting scenarios.
Outlines
๐ธ Introduction and Overview of Fujifilm X16
Chris Nichols, the host, welcomes viewers to a special episode set in San Francisco's Chinatown where he introduces the Fujifilm X16 camera for review. He shares his personal journey with photography and the switch to self-paced learning. Chris highlights the importance of learning creative skills for business growth and mentions Skillshare as a platform for such learning. He also discusses the benefits of Skillshare's learning paths, which guide users from novice to professional levels in various creative fields. The video is sponsored by Skillshare, which offers a one-month free trial to the first 500 subscribers who use the provided link.
๐ Autofocus and Image Quality Discussion
The host, along with Jaren Schneider, discuss their experiences with the Fujifilm X16 camera. They talk about the autofocus improvements, the sharpness of the 40-megapixel sensor, and the image quality at different apertures. The host expresses satisfaction with the camera's performance, particularly its ability to resolve details well. They also mention the convenience of the built-in ND filter for long exposure shots and the preference for shooting at f2 for a shallow depth of field. The host appreciates the camera's portability and discretion, making it ideal for street photography.
๐ฅ Video Capabilities and Experiences
Jordan, another member of the team, shares his experience using the Fujifilm X16 for video recording. He discusses the camera's various recording modes, including standard 4K, 4K at 60 frames per second, 6.2k, and 4K HQ, and the trade-offs between them in terms of detail, rolling shutter, and overheating. Jordan emphasizes the benefits of the in-body image stabilization (Ibis), improved autofocus with tap-to-track functionality, and the addition of the F log 2 profile for better grading. Despite the need for adapters for audio recording, he finds the camera to be a capable and portable option for high-quality video, especially for travel and quick shots.
๐ท Final Thoughts on the X100 Series
The host summarizes the team's experiences with the Fujifilm X16, noting its effectiveness as an improvement over the X100 series, particularly for video production. Despite some audio limitations, they appreciate the camera's image stabilization, autofocus, and F log 2 profile. The host suggests that the X16 might not be his primary camera choice due to audio constraints but acknowledges its impressive capabilities. He also mentions the popularity and high demand for the camera, advising potential buyers to try an older model first to ensure it suits their preferences. The video concludes with an invitation to the audience to share their thoughts on the camera and the X100 series.
Mindmap
Keywords
๐กFujifilm X100 VI
๐กPhotographic Journey
๐กSkillshare
๐กAutofocus Improvement
๐กImage Stabilization (IBIS)
๐กFilm Simulation Modes
๐กTeleconverter
๐กBokeh
๐กDynamic Range
๐กRolling Shutter
๐กOverheating
Highlights
Fujifilm X100 VI offers an improved autofocus system and tracking capabilities.
The camera features a new 40-megapixel sensor providing excellent sharpness and image quality.
In-body image stabilization (IBIS) is a new feature that allows for steady handheld shots and long exposures.
The Fujifilm X100 VI is compact and lightweight, making it ideal for street photography.
The optical viewfinder hybrid offers a digital overlay with automatic frame line adjustments.
The camera's autofocus has eye detection capabilities and is highly precise.
The teleconverter provides a 50mm full-frame equivalent field of view, enhancing the camera's versatility.
The X100 VI's video recording capabilities include 6.2K recording with 10-bit 422 color sampling.
The camera has a new tap-to-track feature for intuitive focusing in video mode.
Fujifilm X100 VI features F-Log 2 profile for improved grading capabilities.
The camera's design is pocketable and discreet, suitable for travel and everyday carry.
The X100 VI is praised for its analog controls and user experience.
Despite its popularity, the camera may be difficult to acquire due to high demand.
The camera's autofocus performance is significantly improved over the X100 V.
The X100 VI is recommended for those who value the shooting experience and portability.
The camera's performance in low light and sharpness is a notable improvement from its predecessor.
The teleconverter maintains sharpness without losing light, providing a unique shooting perspective.
The Fujifilm X100 VI is a strong contender in the premium compact camera market.