The new Fujifilm X100Vi has just been announced. And for $1,599.99, you’re getting pretty much the same camera that the X100V was. You’re also getting arguably worse battery life, the same lens lacking better weather resistance over a more pixel-dense sensor, another film simulation, and that’s it. But truly, so far we’re very disappointed by this camera. And we’re going to dive into why you don’t need to upgrade to it.
Why the Fujifilm X100vi is Actually the Fujifilm X100v Mk II
The Fujifilm X100Vi is actually more like the X100V Mk II. There aren’t a lot of great features that step it up even after five years. It has a 40MP sensor with potential that exceeds the resolution capabilities of the 23mm f2 lens in front of it. It’s also pretty much the same exact camera.
The Autofocus
With the new 40MP sensor and processor, you should know that this is the same internals from the XH2. The XH2 doesn’t have the best autofocus, and the motors in the lens don’t seem like they’re able to keep up either.
The Battery Life
With a new sensor and processor, the Fujifilm X100Vi uses more battery life. However, it uses the same battery as the previous camera. It won’t last all that long. It feels almost like the old Sony cameras where you had to buy one camera and five batteries.
The 40MP Sensor Still Sucks at High ISOs
This is the highest-resolution APS-C sensor on the market, along with the XH2. Overall, it seems like the camera market doesn’t care much for APS-C sensor cameras anymore, and they’re treated more like entry-level products.
They Didn’t Complete The Weather Resistance of the Lens
You still need an adapter ring and a lens filter to complete the weather resistance. Otherwise, you need to just get the right amount of space and use some gaffer tape to complete it.
You’re Not a Content Creator
This camera seems like it was designed more for content creators who just want to flex that they have the camera. They’re the ones who would buy it. It doesn’t feel like it was designed for real photographers at all.
The Leica M6 Exists
Many photographers, after using Fujifilm cameras, end up just going on to shoot actual film and buying a Leica M6 instead. So always remember that you can still shoot actual film if you want.