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 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 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.
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
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