Fujifilm X100VI: Initial impressions after two weeks.
I’ve had the Fujifilm X100VI for a couple of weeks now and I’ve been doing my best to take it with me everywhere. Not just to see what it can do, but to see where it naturally fits into my everyday routine. It’s small enough to carry without thinking, powerful enough to deliver impressive results, and, like the best cameras, it makes me want to take photos.
It’s taken some time but I final have the camera set up how I like to shoot (for now). I shoot both JPEG and RAW, experimenting with custom sims inspired by classic film stocks (some of which I’ve been shooting over the last year) and keeping the RAWS for the odd shot that needs something different.
This post isn’t a full technical review as I didn’t get this camera for its technical abilities but rather a look at how the X100VI is fitting into the way I take photos.
What is it Like
The build quality is great, I watched a few reviews saying it wasn't as good as the previous version but I have no complaints so far. The camera feels solid in hand without being too heavy or bulky. The retro-inspired dials on the top plate offer a tactile, analog feel which go great with my other camera’s. So far I am finding myself using the screen to compose shots a lot more than I have done with previous cameras, although when using the view finder I am leaving it in optical mode as the clear view here over the electronic viewfinder is great.
The body is compact, and its fits perfectly in my smallest camera bag with my film camera, which of course means i’m actually taking it out with me most places. As i’m sure a lot of people do, I read reviews and watched videos of this camera before purchasing. A lot of people add a grip to the camera and thumb grip, I think I am going to skip this accessories for now and have not felt the need for either. Adding any extra bulk would defeat the object for me and I will just be using a camera strap if I need to make it more secure.
Image Quality and Performance
The standout feature of the X100VI is its new 40MP APS-C sensor, paired with the updated X-Processor 5. After shooting a variety of scenes, the jpegs are great and it's like having a small version of the XT-5 back in hand.
Comparing to my Nikon Zf, I noticed was the difference in autofocus performance (obviously). The X100VI is perfectly capable, but it’s not as fast or confident as the Zf, especially in low light or when tracking moving subjects and I find myself using one focus point and focusing before I compose a shot.
That said, the X100VI feels tuned for a different pace. It’s less about rapid response and more about observation, pausing, framing, and shooting with intention. For street, travel, or day-to-day photography its perfect
Film Simulations
One of the real joys of using the Fujifilm X100VI is the ability to create a distinct visual style in-camera. I shoot in both JPEG and RAW, using film simulations as a way to establish a consistent "look" across a series of images. The JPEGs often stand on their own, but having the RAW files means I can rework any shots that feel like they’d benefit from a different mood or treatment later on.
I’ve been experimenting with custom film simulations I found online, each designed to echo the feel of classic film stocks. So far, I’m using:
Ilford FP4 Plus:
film sim: Monochrome Standard
Grain: Weak Large
Colour chrome effect: Off
Colour chrome fx blue: Off
White balance: Sunlight, R: 6, B: -8
Tone curve: H: -10.5, S-1.5
Colour: N/A
Sharpness: 0
High iso NR: -4
Clarity: -2
Kodak Gold 200
film sim: Classic Chrome
Grain: Strong Small
Colour chrome effect: Weak
Colour chrome fx blue: Off
White balance: Sunlight, R: 4, B: -5
Tone curve: H: -1.5, S: 0.5
Colour: +3
Sharpness: -2
High iso NR: -4
Clarity: -2
Cinestill 800T
film sim: Eterna
Grain: Strong Large
Colour chrome effect: Strong
Colour chrome fx blue: Weak
White balance: Fluorescent Light, R: -6, B: -4
Tone curve: H:0, S:+2
Colour: +4
Sharpness: -3
High iso NR: -4
Clarity: -5
Portra 400
Grain: Strong small
Colour chrome effect: Strong small
Colour chrome fx blue: Weak
White balance: Sunlight, R: 3, B: -5
Tone curve: H: -1, S-2
Colour: +2
Sharpness: -2
High iso NR: -4
Clarity: -2
Each of these brings a different atmosphere, and I enjoy choosing a simulation before shooting to easily create a body of work for a specific period of time or set of “memories”. After going through these together here, I’m going to get rid of the Portra one and look for a more contrasty black & white film sim.
Over time I plan on making my own film sim once I’ve done bit of reading/playing around to get the look I like. I tend to edit my photos in a certain way in photoshop so I plan on creating this look which is mainly adding dark blue’s to the shadows.
Having RAWs gives me the freedom to tweak or rethink an image if needed, but more often than not, I’m happy with the JPEG straight out of the camera.
So far
In the first few weeks with the X100VI, I can see why this camera is so popular and makes me wish i’d never sold my x100V a few years ago. The image quality is great and the 40megapixel means you can still get great photo’s if you decide to crop.
I don’t plan for this camera to replace my Nikon Zf as I will still be picking that up for serious landscape photography, but the x100 delivers on the promise of high-quality, portable photography with great ease of use.
Next steps with this camera Is a photograph a day, for a month, of every day life.
