The new Fuji X100VI compact camera

Last updated:- 23rd February 2024

Introduction.

Fujifilm's CEO, Teiichi Goto, announced the new X100VI high-end compact digital camera at a live X-Summit event in Tokyo on 20 February 2024. The Fuji X100VI is the 6th variation of the original X100 introduced in December 2010. The Fuji X100 series has a rich history as a high-end camera for those enthusiasts looking for a compact camera with film simulations and good image quality.

The new Fuji X100VI with IBIS and 40MP BSI sensor. The X100VI product page...

The new Fuji X100VI high-end compact camera

The Fuji X100 family of high-end compacts shares the unique X-Series look and feel and incremental improvements between models. The success of the X100 series is probably a result of consistency. Fuji X100V photographers know what can be expected from the new Fuji X100VI... 

Here is a short overview of the Fuji X100 family:

The X100 family is a range of high-end compact cameras. Many fine details like the viewfinder, ND filters, digital converters, Fuji film simulations, and many more made them a sought-after family of high-end compact cameras. Fujifilm also continues to deliver the augmented value photographers expect from a manufacturer with a history of designing and making photography equipment.

There's no reason why the X100VI should fail. It will be fun to follow this new high-end camera from Fuji. The Fuji marketing department is also respected for its consistent track record. Olympus and Fuji enjoy customer loyalty for their quality products and regular firmware updates. For example, the original X100 received significant firmware and AF updates months after the newer model.

The new Fuji X100VI (40MP) high-end compact camera.

The evolving macro environment and events of the past 3 years impacted consumer confidence and people queuing for the latest product releases. The photography segment also experienced subtle changes in the past 3 years. One of the most exciting changes is a young generation of photographers discovering used cameras like the original Fuji X100. Used cameras were never this popular.

Should one buy the X100VI? For example, does it offer enough improvements to prevent consumers from getting the more competitively priced and used X100V? Marketers are working hard to make people believe all photographers crop their photos. They won't say the older 26MP BSI sensor of the XT-4 and X100V has better low light and shadow performance than the new 40MP sensor.

The Olympus Pen-F with the 17mm f1.8 MZuiko lens.

Those who know sensor size and cropping are less critical than we're told evaluate more about the camera. One of the aspects experienced photographers evaluate is the manufacture of a camera. Fuji is an example of what photographers could expect when buying a camera. See this short video of a photographer upgrading to a new or "better" camera. He lists several good points to consider.

Most IQ differences are linked to the manufacturer's image processing preferences. Any measurable differences are often more distinct than the visual differences. The DxOMark image quality database is an example of measured differences. Any preference for a unique image look or supporting camera features is mostly manufacturer or brand-specific. It's best to first spend time with a camera...

Olympus launched the Pen-F in January 2016. It competed with the 16MP Fuji X100T. One shouldn't compare the X100 series with the Pen-F because the Pen-F is an interchangeable lens camera. The link to the Pen F is the creative, color, and high-end aspects of the Fuji X100 family. Although two radically different cameras, the Pen F and EP-7 are surprisingly competitive alternatives.

Conclusion

I have been playing with the idea of focusing on used cameras. I am also a long-term Olympus fanboy and have much joy with my aging Olympus collection. I bought my new Fuji X-T5 in January 2023 because Fuji is the closest to everything I value about my Olympus gear. Would you sell all your M43 equipment to buy a Fuji XT-5, or would you prefer to exclusively focus on the new X100VI?

I wrote an article in 2019 reviewing the EM5 III, the Olympus financial scandal, and the turnaround. Go read this short overview of Olympus from 2012 to 2020. The article raises several interesting facts and questions, like what moved Olympus to ignore a rich history of developing and manufacturing top-quality, innovative cameras and successfully manage a challenging turnaround?

The OMD EM5 III and Olympus Financial Scandal - link.

Best

Siegfried

A new OM-System Pen F II

Last Update:- 17th February 2023

Introduction.

I invite all Olympus photographers who enjoy creative, color, and monochrome profiles to come and dream with me about an OM-System Pen F II. I discussed my preliminary reasons for a real OM-System camera in my OM-1 II overview. OMS has a unique opportunity to design a Pen F II with an Advanced User Interface following the visionary design achievements of Olympus. While manufacturers did a great job of letting digital cameras feel more analog, the camera's user interface stagnated in the past 15 years. We mainly saw higher resolutions, flippy displays, and different menus.

Digital cameras use a basic display format with numerical Aperture, Shutter, and ISO values. This led to photographers accepting analog exposure techniques like the Exposure Triangle. For example, many digital photographers were told the ISO function adjusts sensor sensitivity. The key points of having a "new" electronic image sensor were never fully explained to digital photographers.

The Olympus SCP was a great idea from the 4/3 DSLR days. Picture source.

It's fascinating how manufacturers never applied the camera's sensor and CPU to assist photographers with advanced Graphical Displays and information like hyperfocal points, Aperture & Shutter speed effects, focus stacking, and flash photography. Modern motorcars are a great example of displaying relevant and processed data to the driver. For example, how often do we increase our ISO without realizing it's possible to gain +1EV by changing the focus and aperture combination? 

The new User Interface should display more processed info from the sensor and TruePix CPU. The Sensor Performance Meter and advanced features, like hyperfocal focus points and a DOF meter, are examples of a future User Interface. It should offer photographers more options for preparing their cameras. Study the article for more about the next generation of OM-System cameras.

The Sensor Performance Meter is based on the following:-

• Redesign the camera display but keep the aperture, shutter, and ISO dials.
• All image sensors have a Noise Floor that is independent of sensor size.
• We have some control over the SNR or the visibility of the Noise Floor.
• Shutter Speed, Aperture, and ISO are part of the Exposure Formula, BUT:
• The Aperture and Shutter control the light reaching (exposing) the sensor.
• The ISO amplifies the image signal, and sensor sensitivity is factory set. 
• We can improve our SNR (Sensor Saturation) by adding more light to the sensor.
• The reverse happens (more image noise) when the sensor receives less light...
• The camera's Auto Exposure (default) settings give us Good Image Quality. (D)
• The synergy between Enhanced Raw Files, OMS cameras, and WS is unbeatable.

Study this article for a more detailed explanation of the DxO "Image Quality Database."

Study this article for more on exposure and how to apply the ISO "Image Brightness."

Olympus photographers benefit most from a new Sensor Performance Meter because it improves the understanding of sensor saturation and image noise. It will also help OM-System to establish a new dynamic amongst photographers and exit the sensor size and autofocus cycle repeating itself with each new camera. See my OM-System OM-1 II overview for more about a new OMS camera...

How do we benefit from working with Sensor Saturation and ISO amplification? Because it's possible to manage the sensor separately from the ISO. This lets us think differently about the ISO, Aperture, and Shutter Speed. It opens new options, like using a saturated sensor to lower the ISO (image brightness) for more control over highlights. The ISO and Workspace EC slider are basically the same thing. That means we can set our final image brightness in Workspace. This is why the Sensor Performance Meter has an A/B display option for the camera. See this article for more...

What could the new OM-System camera be like?

The new OMS camera could be like the Pen F, EP-7, or Fuji X100V with the new User Interface and a low noise, high sensitivity 24MP BSI MOS sensor. The target segment should be street, family, travel, event, and hobby photographers. Focus on creative AI features versus AF AI solutions. The new camera's AF system should be a clever derivative of the EM1 III (OM-5) AF technology.

The focus should be creativity, flexibility, IQ, profiles, and a Workspace App for tablets and Mobiles. Study the unique needs of the target segment with new AI, computational, and creative features.

Here are some suggestions for the new camera:-

• Go back to high-quality metal camera bodies. Pls not like the Pen EP-7.
• Hue and Luminance options for the Color Adjust function in the camera.
• Add the Clarity and Dehaze sliders of Workspace to the camera's menu.
• Create a function that will copy and paste color information in Workspace.
• Rethink the ISO function by expanding its link to the Workspace EC slider.
• This camera should have a high-res EVF and display plus related features.
• The new Sensor Performance Meter simplifies sensor saturation and the ISO.
• A graphical DOF slider and AI focus options to optimize aperture selections.
• Flexible Tonal options (profiles) & AI options to tweak the Gamma Curve.
• Consider the following new AI options:-
• Landscape DOF automation (AI) plus control.
• Unique AI features for street photographers.
• People, family events, and children AI features.
• I am no macro guy. Do they have any AI ideas..?
• Focus AI on applications and NOT autofocusing.
• Build new creative communities to discuss and share info and color profiles.
• The focus should be flexibility, image quality, color, and communication.
• 8EV IBIS, Multi-Aspect Ratios, and super quick handheld 50MP High Ress.
• The TruePic IX or X image processor with social media vertical videos. 
• Design selective improvements for the Workspace video editing function.
• The video capabilities of this camera should be tailored for this segment.
• This is NOT a high-speed Pro Camera for bird and wildlife photographers.
• This should not be another "hybrid" camera. A photo camera with video...
• The simplicity of the Pen EP-7 is perfect. We need just a little more...
• Label this new OM-System camera a Pen-F II to accelerate its success...

Why would "size and capture" fanboys NEVER accept this illustration? Because it doesn't support their "size and capture" theory...

Conclusion

Each digital photographer should get the chance to learn more about digital cameras, especially the link between the image sensor, sensor saturation, SNR, exposure formula, and ISO amplification. In fact, it's disappointing when M43 photographers on YouTube say the analog Exposure Triangle is OK for planning your exposure or the ISO function adjusts sensor sensitivity. I can't help but question the seriousness of those ignoring the unique differences of digital cameras...

A helicopter overview of the Image Signal Path, Exposure Controller, and Workspace. Study this link.

Are you aware of the ongoing "grassroots" and social media action against DxOMark? I studied their camera ratings while prepping my recent article on their Image Quality Database. DxO is receiving overwhelmingly biased reactions from "size and capture" fanboys. Why the animosity? Because DxO does not support or promote the "size and capture" theory like many camera review sites. How do I know that? Study how DxO defines image quality (SNR). Is this why we had no test results on newer cameras from OM-System? My only interest in DxOMark is their IQ database. The last Olympus camera they tested was the Olympus EM1 II. It would be great to have more Olympus cameras tested...

Best

Siegfried

Let's talk about OM-System and the OM-1 II

Last update:- 14th February 2024

Introduction. 

How do you rate the past 3 years with OM-System? For example, do you expect to find engine parts in the Doctor's consulting room or a history lesson in math class? What do you like to see as you walk through the offices at OM-System? How will it compare to the previous Imaging Activity at Olympus? Do you expect to see a proper R&D facility or a marketing office with software experts? Considering the latest deliverables from camera manufacturers like FujiFilm, Sony, Nikon, and Canon, did your experience with or perception of OM-System change over the past 12 months? 

Did AI create a reasonable reality of a typical marketing area for cameras..?

I have no inside knowledge of OM-System or whether their employees prefer Olympus or OM-System cameras. For example, should we view OM-System as a global distributor of photography gear, or do they share similar technology KPIs as the previous Imaging Business from Olympus? Shouldn't that be our top-of-mind awareness as we navigate and review different camera manufacturers?

Why the OM-System label on Olympus cameras?

It's uncomfortable to think of future OM-System products and questions like, why is your priority an OMS label on Olympus products? Didn't you negotiate brand equity and transitions from short-, mid-, to long-term? I also question the 25% premium customers will incur when selling their cameras for the new OM-1 II. Does the new price plus 25% justify the OM1 II  "improvements" and new label?

It reminds me of the iconic Olympus 12-40mm and 40-150mm f2.8 Pro lenses. It took one decision from OM-System to lose 20-30% of its resale value. Why not a simple strategy of adding a premium to the improved dust and splashproof ratings of the "new" OM-System lenses?

I also smiled when I saw the new 150 to 600mm f5.6-6.3 lens. Social media experts couldn't wait to remind us the full-frame version of this Sigma lens is 45% less expensive. Why is the OM-System version more expensive? Did OM-System request a series of obstructions inside the OM-System version because M43 lenses deliver less light to the sensor than FF lenses?😏

Imagine the counter-marketing dollars that will be spent on this beauty...

Why don't FF promoters see the benefits? Because it's time to have a new conversation about sensor formats. Olympus photographers with the EM1 II/III, EM1X, and OM-1s get an equivalent reach of 1200mm at f6.3 and up to 8.5EV camera/lens stabilization. Compare this to FF cameras and the ISOs plus cropping in post-processing to capture wildlife and birds at 1200mm. Chances are they will have more image noise with less than 20MP after cropping to an equivalent M43 view...

Fuji is a strong competitor with a long history in photography...

What about the OM-System 9-18mm f4.0-5.6 MZuiko lens? It's good to inject new life into this lens. However, there must be a reason why it received so much social media criticism. Full-frame competitors seemed OK with a Micro Four Thirds offer for bird and wildlife photography. Loyal "size and capture" consumers seem happy to spend thousands on huge FF lenses. Was the risk higher if FF consumers compared the tiny 9-18mm M43 lens to its full-frame relatives? How does one recognize a fanboy or promoter? They ALL repeat phrases with "cropping" or "it's a Kit" lens...

Study the types of lens elements Olympus used for this absolute gem...

One of the risks OM-System created is a small bird and wildlife segment. While the unique benefits of M43 lenses are undisputed, will the OM-1 II be as popular amongst influencers, events, street, travel, landscape, and portrait photographers? What if OM-System did the anticipated firmware update on the Olympus OM-1? Wouldn't that free their R&D team to design a new OM-System camera? These are valid concerns because traditional M43 or Olympus photographers increasingly purchase full-frame and APC cameras. That simply means OM-System gave other brands a huge opportunity...

Graduated ND filters and the new OM-1 II. Those working with gradients in Photoshop will appreciate my concern. Photographers do not want dark mountain tops, trees, buildings, or strange halos. This is why Adobe created better ways of separating critical objects from the sky. Why not GND filters or bracketing, advanced AI selections, and the final image in the OM-1 or Workspace?

Olympus EM1 III with 12-45mm f4.0 lens - ISO200, f6.3, 1/640. I applied my new Fuji Color Chrome effect to the Enhanced Raw File.

What could a real OM-System camera be like?

OM-System should assume a leading role and exit the sensor size and autofocus cycle. The new OMS camera should be like the Pen F, EP-7, and Fuji X100V with a new User Interface and a 20MP high-sensitivity BSI MOS sensor with the smallest M43 noise floor. The target segment should be street, family, travel, event, and hobby photographers. Focus on creative AI features versus AF AI. The new camera's AF system should be a clever derivative of the EM1 III (OM-5) AF system.

See this article for more about a new OM-System camera.

The focus should be creativity, flexibility, IQ, profiles, and a Workspace App for tablets and Mobiles. Study the unique needs of the target segment with new AI, computational, and creative features. You will be surprised to see which of my articles are most popular and by what margin...

Olympus EM1 II with 12-40mm f2.8 Pro lens - ISO200, f7.1, 1/800. My new Fuji Color and FX-Blue Chrome effect with the Enhanced Raw Format.

There is no reason why OM-System shouldn't excel...

Olympus EM-1 MKI with 60mm f2.8 macro lens - ISO100, f10, 1/50. My new Fuji Color Chrome effect with the Enhanced Raw Format.

Let's talk history and compare older OMDs to the OM-1 II.

Most of the features manufacturers rave about are unused statistics for most. For example, many don't care if the camera does 120fps with C-AF or videos in 6K 10-bit for more than 30 minutes. These features are designed for niche applications like Pro Photographers and Videographers working for corporate clients, and only promoters like reviewers track a bird's eye hiding in the trees.

I posted many examples in the past showcasing the high levels of unique and creative freedoms older OM-D and PEN cameras offer street, hobby, and travel photographers in 2024. Study examples like the EM10 II and EM1 MKI with the Enhanced Raw Format. That's not even mentioning the EM5 II or Pen-F. Just imagine the loyalty OM-System would enjoy if they celebrated the Olympus label.

With the correct pricing, which of the Professional cameras below matches your needs for 2024..?

Olympus OM-D E-M1 MK3

I never considered the MKIII being influenced to think it's a minor upgrade. I used my MKII for +4 years before reacting to a special on the MKIII. What a surprise when I learned just how different it was. It felt like Olympus guarded this BIG surprise until the improved features and IQ of the EM1 III.

I updated this OM-System slide for the Olympus EM1 III.

Olympus OM-1

The Olympus OM-1 was the final building block or R&D achievement of the Olympus Imaging Business. It reminds me of top designs like the EM5s, EM1, EM1 II/III, and Pen-F. It takes an effort to go back in time and remind myself how Canon and Nikon continued to sell DSLRs. Olympus assumed a winning role, became a trendsetter, and achieved fascinating mirrorless results in a DLSR world. 

It took large sums of counter-marketing dollars to smear these achievements.

OM-System used these slides during the launch of the Olympus OM-1 in 2023.

OM-System OM-1 MKII

Should one expect similar functional and IQ gains as the previous EM1 III? You won't find honest and factual information about the OM-1 II on social media. For example, I am so grateful that all my Oly lenses are "good copies."😏 According to social media experts, having 3 Olympus lenses without one flawed copy is nearly impossible. Guess what the first OM-1 II AF videos will be like? 

This is one of the best video presentations on the OM-1 II. It's in German but worth watching for our English-speaking friends because the presenter used OM-System slides. The OM-1 II improvements might be similar to the Olympus EM1 III in overall performance and Image Quality..?

This is the slide OM-System Ambassadors used for the OM-1 II launch.

Conclusion

One of the more troubling changes in the past years is dishonest marketing. This has become one of the most rewarding research activities for those seeking accurate info. How should one navigate this landscape? The best option is to question social media statements, learn more about the subject, and create personal references like testing products before buying them.

All the above slides are copies except for the EM1 III slide. I created it for this article. This OM-1 II presentation (12:15) from OMS showed 7EV IBIS for the OM-1. The original slide from 2023 shows 8EV. Here is the original 2023 OM-System video (3.54). The OM-1 specs confirmed 8EV...

Best Regards

Siegfried