In what seems like a never-ending spree of new releases from Fujifilm this winter-season, today they announced the newest iteration of the iconic and beloved X100 series,
The X100V
I still remember that day back in 2011. That day where I went into a local photostore here in Aarhus, and impulse purchased my X100 camera. At the time I had a Canon DSLR, but the acquisition of the X100 camera changed my life. And I’m not exaggerating. From that moment on, until this very day, I have used and loved the Fujifilm X series eco-system. I have grown as a photographer, and I have been fortunate enough to make my way into the very inner circles of the Fujifilm corporation, and even give some feedback in the development of future cameras! – My photography has brought me more great adventures and experiences than I can write about here, but if you have some time, the entire journey since 2012 is documented right here on this blog.
Through all the different camera models that Fujifilm has put out the past 9 years, I have always used the X100 and X-Pro cameras as my two main cameras. So with the X-Pro series recently updated into my absolute dream camera, it’s now time to see if the X100V can live up to my expectations. – But without spoiling too much, I just want to say… OH. YES. IT. CAN!
The X100V is the fifth iteration of the X100 series, and it is perhaps the biggest upgrade to the series since the launch of the initial camera. For the first time since the original launch we have a new lens, weather sealing (when using the filteradapter), and a two-way tilt screen! On top of that the camera is now built in a completely new material, which is Aluminum. The camera has really had a complete overhaul while retaining what made the X100 series so special in the first place. Portability, very good IQ, silent leaf shutter and gorgeous drool-worthy design.
During 2019 I wasn’t involved in any discussions surrounding X100V, so when I first saw it as a finished prototype in Sweden in October 2019 I was seriously blown away. There’s no denying that this is the best looking camera Fujifilm has ever made. Heck, I’d go as far as saying that it’s one of the best looking cameras ever made by any manufacturer!
Disclaimer 1: I’m an X-photographer. That’s spelled brand ambassador for Fujifilm. I don’t get paid for doing these write ups (and I have been doing them even before getting involved with Fujifilm). This means that I’m just about as biased as I can get, and whether you choose to believe my views or not is entirely up to you. I expect you to be adults, capable of forming your own opinions based on presented information.
Disclaimer 2: All the images in this article has been shot using a prototype of the X100V camera. Image quality might therefore not be final, although I have been told that it is.
Disclaimer 3: All shots with- and of the product has been shot by me, and is not to be used without my explicit permission.
Design and features
I seriously don’t know where to start with the X100V. The design work that Imai-san and his team has done with this camera is beyond amazing. I always loved the look of the X100 series, and I have spoken to Imai-san about how this design came to be. His father had a glass cupboard with a lot of cameras that Masazumi wasn’t allowed into. So he designed the initial X100 from the memory of all those beautiful cameras. He made the perfect camera design from his mind. I love that story, and I think it speaks volumes about why the X100 has become such a design icon.
During the past 4 iterations, Imai-san has gradually, but gently, evolved the design of the X100 into an increasingly refined camera, which still retain the same aesthetics of the original. This must not be an easy task, and I’m in complete awe of the talent of him whenever I see the newest iteration.
The X100V top- and bottom plates are now made of Aluminium. In a proccess of pressing and grinding, it ends up with a sandblasting and an anodization process. This means that it will not scratch as profoundly as the older painted/coated magnesium alloy build.
The resulting look is a very silk matté surface akin what many people know from Apples aluminium products. It looks absolutely fantastic!
When you look at the camera and compare it to the X100F the following things are the most striking differences.
- The general outline of the camera features much sharper lines. The aluminium material allow for much finer curves and bends.
- The top plate is now completely straight across the camera in the front-view, and it continues like that all the way around the camera. All the silver buttons and the front lever has been moved up into the silver portion so that it gives the feeling that the leatherette is “wrapped around the silver block like a piece of black Sea-weed – almost like Sushi.”
- The top plate now doesn’t have the little slant to the far right, above the viewfinder.
- The Hotshoe is now pressed flat, and the Hotshoe cover is equally flat and makes it very minimalistic.
- the Shutterspeed/ISO dial is made larger, and is now centered. And the curves surrounding the dial are now the same front and back.
- At the back the D-pad is gone, and the button layout has been cleaned up considerably. The Q button is moved outwards towards the far right, so there is no more accidental pressing.
- The LCD screen is completely flush, and there is absolutely no indication of its ability to tilt, except for a very small cutout the the left side of it. It’s so elegantly made, that most people upon first handling the camera will never see that it can actually tilt.
- The flash is smaller, and the focus-aid LED is now round instead of square in the X100F
- The eyepiece is now the same as that of the X-Pro3, and it’s an amazing eyepiece. It’s perfect!
- The hatch to the battery-door now has a new lock, that doesn’t accidentally open itself all the time.
All of the above gives the distinct impression of a very well designed, premium product, and using it is such a great feeling. This camera is really one to be seen and held in the flesh. It’s so nice!
When using the ISO dial on the X100V it will actually stay “up” when you pull it. Then you can rotate the ISO and press it down again. This is different from the “pull up, hold and twist” that is found in the X100F, X-Pro2 and X-Pro3. I must admit, I don’t use that feature much anymore since I have it set to the C position, and use the front dial to quickly change ISO.
Weather-resistant!
One of the most significant updates, and one of my only requests in the pursuit of making the X100 series the best allrounder camera ever, is the weather sealing.
And Fujifilm made the X100V weather resistant!
…..But you need the Fujifilm filter adapter and a UV filter to seal the new lens, because that lens still extend/retract within a front-open barrel. But once you seal that front element, the X100V is totally weather resistant just like the X-Pro3.
I don’t know the reasons why Fujifilm couldn’t design the lens to be weather resistant, but as long as I can secure it by using my filter adapter, filter and lenshood I’m a very happy camper. (It would be nice if they included the set in the box though!!)
The newly designed 23mm f/2 mkII lens
Even though Fujifilm managed to squeeze every ounce of quality out of the original 23mm f/2 lens through all 4 previous versions of the X100 cameras, it was getting to the point where its shortcomings was getting exposed by the increasing resolution of the newer XTrans sensors, as well as the added AF speed capable from the cameras PDAF systems.
A new lens was needed. A new lens was requested. A new lens was delivered.
The 23mm f/2 mkII is not merely a small update. It’s a new formula, and it’s new coatings. The lot. And the result is gorgeous. It’s an 8 elements in 6 groups (including 2 aspherical elements) build. It has a 9-blade aperture ranging from f/2 to f/16. The ND filter in the previous lens was a 3-stop filter, but in this new lens the filter is a 4-stop ND filter.
The latter has always been the Achilles heel of the X100 series. The images from the original 23mm f/2 shot at closest focus distance at f/2 was so soft that it actually looked like a proper soft-focus lens from the 70’s. Like someone smeared vaseline all over the damn thing! This is now completely fixed. To an extent the XF23mm f/2R has a little bit of the same problem, albeit not nearly as bad.
But I’m happy to say that the new 23mm f/2 mkII lens is perfectly sharp and crisp even at f/2 at close focus. FINALLY!
The lens is very nice and sharp throughout the range. Even at f/2 it’s really nice and sharp. The sweet spot seems to be around f/5.6. I didn’t notice any vignetting at all. Some wall-shooters might find some, but in everyday use I didn’t find any light falloff near the edges. The out-of-focus areas are rendered really nice and smooth. The specular highlights are soft, round, and just overall very very smooth. It looks really nice.
The autofocus is now very nice and fast. I found it to be just as fast as my XF23mm f/2 on my X-Pro3. It is definitely a huge improvement over the old version in this regard. The old lens would often hunt, and not snap focus before doing a run from near-to-infinty. It would sometimes cause a missing shot or two. No biggie for me, but probably frustrating for the wedding photographer!
The lens is the same size as its predecessor, and it uses all the old accessories with no problems. It’s still a lens the retracts and extends in a front open barrel, which you can see when you focus at the near focus limit of 10cm. The focus ring and aperture ring feel much more sturdy and not as fragile as on the older models. This is probably also due to the weather sealing that is in place in the lens-barrel. It makes everything very dampened and soft. It feels very very nice. I would have loved some true manual focusing with distance markers, but it’s still the fly-by-wire manual focus system as before. I find it a bit of a shame, cause I sometime miss the ability to do some zone-focusing on the streets.
All in all the new lens is a HUGE upgrade, and it’s a lens offering that I find giving even better results than the XF23mm f/2. I really like what they’ve done with the lens, and it’s the perfect companion for the X-Trans4 sensor within the X100V body.
Fujifilm finally decided to add a tiltscreen to the X100 series. And they did so in style. When it’s not in use it sits perfectly flush with the back of the camera. It’s so well incorporated that except for a small carve-in to the left of the screen, there is no evidens of it actually being a tilt-screen. It’s very cool.
The screen tilts out to a completely 90 degree angle facing upwards, and about a 40 degree angle facing downwards for high-level shooting. It works perfectly. It’s fast and easily accessible.
Specifications
So what did Fujifilm do in the specs department this time. Well, it’s quite easy really.
The X100V is essentially an X-Pro3 with a set 23mm f/2 lens on it
Almost all the specs are identical. Everything from processor to sensor, from hybrid viewfinder to eyepiece, from movie-modes to film simulations. They are almost identical!
This to me is PERFECT. It’s like having a baby X-Pro3 in your pocket.
I did find one difference between the X-Pro3 and the X100V specs though. The AF low light sensitivity is not the class leading -6EV of the X-Pro3 but instead a -5EV like the X-T3.
The entire specifications sheet can be found over at fujifilm-x.com. I don’t want to do a complete re-write of it here. ‘Cause again, it’s basically the same as the one for the X-Pro3 with very very minor differences.
So let me just highlight some of the new additions in comparison to the old X100F. These highlights to me are the same as in the X-Pro3.
The sensor inside the X100V is the same 26.1MP X-Trans4 APSC BSI sensor found inside the X-T3, X-T30 and X-Pro3. So if you want to know what the X-Pro3 can deliver in terms of raw image bursts, autofocus speeds etc. You can check out my X-T3 review right here, with burst mode examples etc.
In addition to all the fast autofocus capabilities, you also have fast 11 fps continuous modes, 100% PDAF sensor coverage etc etc.
The OVF has a set magnification of 0.52.
The EVF has been thoroughly improved. We now have a 0.5 inch approx. 3.69 millions dots OLED Color Viewfinder (4:3) with a coverage of viewing area vs. capturing area of approximately 100%.
The EVF Magnification is 0.66X, and the diagonal angle of view is approximately 32° (Horizontal angle of view: approx. 27° )
The above numbers are all indicators of one hell of a fluent panel running at 100fps. In the boost menu under power settings you now have an option of directing power towards an even more fluent experience by choosing the “SMOOTHNESS” function. The camera then insert black frames every other frame, giving the appearance of a very fluent display with fast subject motion. If you prefer to use the ultra brightness of the OLED display, you can instead choose to direct power with the “BRIGHTNESS” function.
I have been using the smoothness option mostly, since I find it very comfortable to my eyes.
Fujifilm added a lot of refinements to what you can do to your color images, and also black and white images, just like in the X-Pro3.
Please note that all of these enhancement only affect your jpegs, and not your RAW files.
The grain function can be set to “OFF”, “WEAK” or “STRONG” as can already be done on many of the other cameras in Fujifilms lineup . But in addition to that you now have the option to control the grain size as either “LARGE” or “SMALL”. So now you can further tweak the appearance of the grain. The grain still looks a bit artificial to me, but it’s a definite improvement with the size control!
Fujifilm also introduced the 2 point curve of the X-Pro3. Basically it’s a graphical representation of the highlights/shadows function that is already in place in other Fujifilm cameras. I’ll keep pushing for proper 5 point curve functions though, for the X100V as well as the X-Pro3. But it’s definitely a step in the right direction.
In the X100V you can also set Clarity. It’s exactly the same feature as you’re probably used to in your post-processing software of choice. It’s a midtone contrast booster that will give your images some extra sharpness and punch without oversharpening them. The function works rather well and can be set from +5 to -5. This also mean that you can do “soft contrast portraits” – you know, like the look of the old Danielle Steel films
Color Chrome Fx Blue saturates and enahances the blue tones of the image. It even color shifts it a little bit towards the teal color. Combined with either Classic Chrome or the new Classic Neg. film simulation it looks AMAZING. Especially since your shadows will often be in a cooler color, it will sometimes look as if you added a slight amount of cross processing to your images. It looks really really good.
The effect can be set to “OFF”, “WEAK” or “STRONG”. See the examples below of the effect in use. I mainly use it at the “WEAK” setting together with “Classic Neg.”
Enhanced HDR and the AWESOME multiple exposure function
In addition to the DR100, DR200 and DR400 functions on the old X100F camera, Fujifilm has made the new HDR function from X-Pro3 available through the “drive” menu of the X100V as well. The HDR options are HDR100, HDR200, HDR400 and HDRPlus. What this function does, is take a rapid series of images and merge them into an HDR image. The resulting images are very well balanced and free from exaggerated artefacts and tonality that you can usually find in HDR tonal mapped images. A really subtle feature, that I can see many people using for shooting midday landscapes on vacations etc. It is a really handy feature. Mind you that THIS FUNCTION ALSO CREATES A RAW FILE in conjunction to the jpeg image.
The dual exposure feature has been seriously upgraded. You can shoot up to 9 images in a multiple exposure. You can even choose between blending modes of “ADDITIVE”, “AVERAGE”, “BRIGHT” or “DARK”. In between shots you’re free to change film simulations and shooting parameters as much as you like before “locking in” the next exposure. If you don’t want to use all 9 possible exposures, then just opt out at any number by pressing the “dish/back” key.
AND AGAIN. ALL YOUR INDIVIDUAL IMAGES ARE SAVED AS RAW. Just like with the X-Pro3. It’s such a cool feature, that I really enjoy sometimes.
And of course Fujifilm also decided to add the AMAZING Classic Neg. film simulation. I have praised this film simulation beyond any rational reason in my X-Pro3 run-through, and 6 months after using it for the first time, I can definitely state that it’s not just a fad. I still use the Classic Neg. as a base for 90% of my colorwork. It is just that mindblowingly good. And now we have it in the X100V as well. HELL YES!!
The X100V will start shipping end of February in silver, and the black version will be shipping in march. The price is set to $1399
Conclusion and sample images
If I could have only one camera and one lens it would be an X100. I have said that since the very first version back in 2011. I have not hesitated in calling the X100F the best camera in the world, and the X100V has just topped the X100F by a wide margin.
The new aluminium material, the new ultra-clean, modern, yet classical design, the new 23mm f/2 mkII lens, the tiltscreen, the weather-resistance and the X-Pro3 level innards. The new X100V is a serious image making beast in the most beautifully crafted package I’ve seen in a long time.
The X100V is indeed my desert island camera.
Usually I can keep my sample image amount below 100 images. As well as with the X-Pro3 writeup, this time around it is a little different. I have shot and shot and shot and…. yeah, you get the idea. Alongside the X-Pro3, the X100V is such an enabler of my creative vision.
I have shot mostly street, reportage and lifestyle images with this camera. This doesn’t mean that it won’t perform in other fields of photography. This camera is as versatile as it gets.
Most of the shots are Classic Neg. images that I have processed to various extent. But as you can clearly see – we don’t always need the damn RAW files. They’re nice to have for critical tasks, but for everyday imagery the image quality and possibilities that comes out of the X100V is amazing.
As I said, there are A LOT of sample images. View them in the gallery, download them at will and look at the EXIF. Everything is there. Knock yourselves out.
A huge love affair with the X100F and it’s also my desert island camera. The small (some not so small) updates are what I’ve been yearning for. WR for my paranoia. Updated lens. Tilt screen and I Libe the fact the iso/ss dial doesn’t need to be held up anymore.
Fujifilm, shut up and take my money. @the_everyday_seen
Nice write up, Jonas! As usual! I have been waiting during the summit for this. Well done, Bro!
Just getting used to the X-Pro3, but this gives me serious GAS!
My first Fuji was the original X-100 and boy did I love it!
I still use (and love) my original X100. But for the first time I fill really tempted by a new X100 series camera.
Marvellous write-up as usual, Jonas. And this particular camera is just beautiful.
Stunning images. I think you may have convinced me I have to get one.
Take my money, Fuji.
Very, very nice Review. It is always a pleasure to read your posts. The images you took are truly stunning.
Pre-order tomorrow! Thank you Jonas for an exceptional review. Pictures are awesome.
I bought the original X100 (limited edition, remember that?) in 2012 and never regretted leaving behind my Nikons and Canons. So excited to preorder this jewel of a camera!
Sorry but I don’t share your enthusiasm. Although I love (loved) my X100F, it stopped working after 3000 shots. It was a Lens Asys problema, that basically just makes the camera unsusable. almost 700€ of repair costs. I contacted Fuji (twice) to know if that’s normal and they never replyed!
For me, having a repair cost of half the price of camera after 2 years of service is a costumer experience very different from my history with Nikon cameras…
I really miss my F though.
Its great to hear they fixed the lens flare. Night photography with the original X100 was very frustrating due to flare.
Transparent marketing. Not a serious review.
Transparent trolling. Not a serious comment.
have you come back, RON ? we don’t need you here…
I guess you missed the disclaimer. It is just above the design and feature section. It is well written and concise.
Interesting, and the new design looks nice, if a bit more modern which I’m not sure is for me but proof is seeing it in the flesh I think. X-Pro3 does feel really nice and solid in the hand. Have an x100f and last thing I want or need is a sharper lens. The best picture of my young niece was beautifully soft/smooth, perfect for a picture of a two year old with lovely out of focus colours behind her. and stopping to f4 has never been an issue in any situation I’ve been in
when a sharper image was wanted. In some ways it actually offers you more rather than clinical sharpness all the time in every circumstance.
The images from Fuji gear since the first x100 and X-Pro has slowly become less and less organic I think. More sterile with the reliance/emphasis on film simulations, sharpness and details. The x100f managed to keep just enough of the character with that original lens to offer a balance with quick tech.
Sure I’m in the minority, and is good for me I don’t have the crazy gear craving for this!
You can take down the clarity though it slows down the camera
Another fine summary of the stuff that users of Fujifilm products look for. Thanks for your passion, wonderful eye and colorful write-up. Always a pleasure to see your take on this finely crafted equipment sir.
Did you use any of the conversion lenses on this, or no?
Ah, forget the camera, with your eye you can do this with a smartphone. Your photos are getting better with each review. Having said that I’m in love with the V !!!
Well… my X100F should start to fear a bit…
Tilt screen, WR, the way of ISO dial is operated and NO MORE softness at close distances at f2? Yes please!
Thank you so much for a great article, Jonas!
Absolutely sublime, this i believe is everything they wanted the x-pro3 to be.. but better!
I have the X100 S version. it is a very fine camera. The only function I could use from the X100V is the nine images in one multiple exposure.- One day this function can be transplanted into the X100S. – Like a kidney transplant between two relatives.
Du er intet mindre end genial. Et ufatteligt dragende og gennemført review af Fujis nye produkter som altid, jeg er seriøst stolt af at vi har en ambassadør i Danmark med det talent du udviser. Jeg har ingen X100 kameraer men kunne virkelig være fristet hvis jeg da ikke lige vidste du om lidt afslører efterfølgeren til mit elskede X-T3/X-H1 – hvad det nu viser sig at være – og der vil mine surt opsparede lommepenge havne trods alt 🙂
Keep up the good work kære Jonas
Thank you – wonderful review and beautifully different pictures as well. One can feel your passion for the Fuji cameras through your reviews. On the look of it I particulary agree with you. I saw the leaked images this morning and after less than 5s I just thought “Wow, what a beautiful designed piece of camera”. I just could look at your – egally beautiful – product shots of this new gem and smile. Product design at it’s best. I find it almost more beautiful than the Leica cameras.
Jonás, thanks a lot for another great review! Regarding the WR with the adapter ring + protection filter: if the hood is not used, is it still possible to use the standard lens cap over the adapted ring + protection filter?
Such a great review, Jonas. I have no idea how you do it, but every review you make, you manage to include 10-20 world class images. Incredible work, man. Thank you so much. Now you can break my bank account again!
Hi Jonas, is the x100v still Made in Japan?
Jonas, thank you so much for such a great preview. I’ve been waiting for this camera for so long! I have the X100T and I skipped the F version so you can imagine how excited I was about this release. To be honest I didn’t even finish the video of the Summit X in London, I just came directly to your blog to see if you have a post about this and I was so happy to find you already wrote about the camera. I just love the way you describe the cameras and the images you share.
I’m just placing my pre-order and I can’t wait to start taking pictures with my new X100V.
Thanks again
The images you took are otherworldly!
So if the new camera top plate is made of aluminum, what was the previous one made of?
Magnesium
Rask the man. Oh yes, another wonderful article and another wonderful camera from Fujifilm! The way Fujifilm has treated this X100 line is sublime. Man, thats one of the reasons why i’m in loved with Fujifilm gear.
One question please: does the front button wheel (the one that controls ISO) needs to be pressed to activate?
That is one of the problems i have with my X100F, because sometimes the ISO changes by accident. If it permits to press to activate, like in the T3, it would be nice!
Thank you mister Jonas Rask. I hope you to continue writing and photographing like you do man. Great great!!
Have you tried the conversion lenses please?
I came to your website, as I often do, to learn more about the camera but your photography skills and images are what really blew me away. X100 has been my fave camera ever and fuji have truly delivered again with this update.
Can you go more in detail regarding the differences in image quality between the X100V lens and the XF23/2.0.WR?
Ok. Silver or Black? Is the Black more like a Matt/Satin finish a la Leica or black paint like the X-T X-Pro series. Great review. Will be preordering. Thanks
Great review and fantastic pictures!
What are your thoughts around the real world feel for silver versus black versions?
Jonas,
Whenever I want to read a review a Fuji camera, your site never disappoint! Amazing photos and great highlights of the new features!
The X100 series have always been a great companion of mine (along with the X-T3). I’ve been shooting the X100 since 2015 (X100s). I am planning to hang on to my X100F until X100VI comes out (2023?) and then upgrade to the current X100V. This will allow me to save some cash. The X100F is already a very very capable camera that have served me well. But … seriously, your article is really tempting me to hit the preorder button. 🙂
Signing off now and hibernate from internet until all this hype dies own a little.
That x100V looks like a fine camera that I’ll drool over for the next few months but really This story and gallery just made me want to pull out my trusty x100F and Get out shooting! Thanks Jonas for reminding us of the creative potential of the x100 cameras!
Excellent review. I am definitely interested in purchasing this camera. I am going to wait to see what the rumored X-T4 will be like before I make my purchasing decision. For now, I’ll stick with the X-T3.
I am a bit torn about the removal of the D-pad to be honest. As a former x100T shooter (moved to x-t2) I was constantly using the D-pad. Still do on the x-t2.
Perhaps touch screen is a good alternative, but I would have to try it for myself. I always enjoyed being able to keep my eye in the viewfinder whilst quickly being able to change settings using the pad.
Other than that, everything about this camera is a welcome upgrade.
x100 excellent lens, x100s excellent lens no need to improve, x100t excellent lens no need to improve, x100f excellent lens no need to improve, x100V old was so bad, it had to be fixed!
Totally agree… I’ve read a bunch of posts over the years from people saying the last sensor was making the original lens ‘show its age’ and it ‘highlight its shortcomings’, but there is no evidence of that in the years I’ve had my X100F in my pictures or those of others I’ve seen online. But that’s marketing and consumerism for you, and people just like to get excited with new things which is only natural I guess. I feel like I remember the soft focus at f2 being something people lauded as being a nice feature and saying it was engineered on purpose as it’s in the operating manual – now it’s bad apparently, just like stopping down to f4 which some people seem to feel is a BIG problem.
If the original X100 lens was an interchangeable from the 70’s there would be an article waxing lyrical about it’s character, sharpness and performance. People are using vintage lenses on their interchangeable lens cameras very happily, and their ‘quirks’ are praised and promoted.
Great write up again mister Rask.
I have one question, after this piece of text: The dual exposure feature has been seriously upgraded. You can shoot up to 9 images in a multiple exposure. You can even choose between blending modes of “ADDITIVE”, “AVERAGE”, “BRIGHT” or “DARK”. In between shots you’re free to change film simulations and shooting parameters as much as you like before “locking in” the next exposure.
The first picture you see is a double exposure of a face with a beach like picture in that. In what mode did you shoot that? Was that set on bright? I’ve tried several things, also looked online, but there is no one/website with a good explenation of the different modes.
Hope you have the time to respond.
Regards,
Jordi
Superb write up as always (long time reader, first time poster I believe). I had the T version but never got along with it really really well though I loved much about it. Perhaps this will be my step back to Fuji as I feel I need something that I can bring along almost everywhere and I am longing for a prime 35mm for my m43 kit (this would be a nice alternative to the high quality m43 prime).
One comment though, I believe the difference in focusing sensitivity between the X-Pro 3 and the X100V is that the X-Pro 3 is stated as -6ev with a F1.4 lens where as the X100V, of course, it stated with the F2 lens so if one were to use anything slower than the F1.4 lens on the X-Pro 3 it’s the same. So more than likely the exact same focusing system 🙂
/Rasmus
AMAZING article and out-of-this-world photos as always Jonas! Thank you So much! The Fuji X-70 was the one that changed my life.
Regarding the x100 series, maybe we will see variations with different focal points in the future, like a model with a 35mm attached. What do you think?
Jonas…great article and fantastic images as usual. Have a question I’m hoping you can answer for me.
You say you use the ISO by setting to C and then using the command dial as you do with your XPro 3.
I do the same but am I right that when doing this you can only select ISO L through to H and not the Auto ISO options? I’ve found the only way I can select Auto ISO is to take the dial off C and back to A and then have a function button to select 1-3 with a menu pop up.
If so, is the X100V the same as the XPro 3.
On the XT range you can select the ISO using the command dial but don’t have to be in C on the dial, just leave it in A and then the dial overrides….means you get full ISO control using the command dial rather than just part like you do with the XPro line. Seems a big miss to me if I’m right.
Cheers.
Great write up and review again Jonas !
i have one question: do you try the digital zoom? is it working good?
waiting your feedback Jonas,
i wanna go for X100v coming from X-E2 , and really fear about moving to fixed lens
Thank you for this article. I’ve just ordered one and it is my first Fujifilm camera ever. I’ve been using Nikon SLRs and Dslrs since I bought my first Fm2 film camera in 2000. I’m looking forward to the ride and I’m bouyed up by your amazing images and this review.
Would I be better advised to keep ISO at or below 800 [ for human subjects] to avoid the ‘High ISO plastic skin ‘ effect ?………..Thanks …Regards….Dr Shukla
Fantastic! Both the new X100V and your pictures! Thanks for sharing! The original X100 has changed everything for me including photography, it’s time to update, this is a dream camera!
Thx u for the write up .. your images are awesome.
Hi Jonas.
How does the new lens do compared to the 23 1.4? Thank you!
Thanks for the great review Jonas.
If I’m not mistaken, do you use the sqaurehood lens hood on the X100F. Does this lens hood also fit on the X100V? Is it also possible to use this with the extra ring and filter, so that it is protected from water and dust?
Creative greetings Alain
Thanks for a great review. I acknowledge that this seems to be a super upgrade but no one ever talks about the options. I would love to hear how the wide and tele adaptors plus the digital zooms? impact on the sharpness of this new lens. A pixel peeping answer would be most eelcome
I heard that the X100 series has been continued with the same lens for four generations due to a strong request from users to “do not change the lens alone.” What do you think about that?
I’ve been following your blog and enjoying your photography for some time but I think these might be your best and most exciting set of images yet. These images probably say more about the new camera than any specs or subjective impressions can tell. The hard architectural lines and transformed colour palette really suit and amplify your way of seeing the world.
I have only one concern with the direction Fuji is heading with this camera and the X series – in removing buttons in favour of swipes and touch screens I think they are in danger of losing some of the tactile control that made these cameras such a joy to use.
Example: let’s say I want to shoot at F2 on a sunny day – great I can do that with the 4 stop ND filter! – but without enough buttons to dedicate one to it I must perform a “menu dive” every time I open up the aperture and as soon as we go into “menu land” we are out of the moment….
I know you have influence at Fuji, please tell them we do need buttons – there is no jinherant joy in a swipe!
Yes I totally agree, we need more buttons, not less. The touch screen swiping is awful if you use the evf, you take your face away from the screen to swipe and often the evf goes inactive which stops you frm swiping. I do not want to keep the lcd on just so I can swipe.
Fuji, more buttons please, the Fn2 button on the front of the xt2 is ideal, I use it for AF On or for displaying the Live RGB Histogram without taking my eye from the evf
What ISO were your pics shot at? They look smudgy and lack pop
You may want to try cleaning your screen.
Thx for making our mouths water…I’d also be keen to find out, if you gave the two extension lenses a go with the new camera. I love the wide on my F but the 50 is so bad up close where you need it for portraits, that it would tempt me to upgrade if it made the 50 usable…pretty please. cheers, Z.
Nice write up, almost made me pre-order 🙂 ha ha ha. I am waiting for my GF 45-100 to be delivered (btw, where is the review) and maybe after that I will check on this one. I was split between spending my money on a dedicated lens mirrorless and a 35mm film camera, despite both being vastly different. Let’s see.
Oh man, I’m looking forward to this camera. Do you happen to know if it will process files as TIFFs like the X-Pro3 does?
THE BIG QUESTION IS:
Will the X100V be usable when using polarized glass ?
In the past any EVF and LCD on any x100 series camera turned 100% black when shooting in vertical position !
Damn…I didn’t think I needed more cameras…but now…this one I just must get.
I never owned an X100 camera. However after using a friend’s X100 back in the fall of 2011, falling in love, renting and exploring the newer X-E1 when that was released a year later, then forgetting about Fujifilm until the X-T1, and then an unhealthy lust for the X-T2 which I finally bought just before the X-T3 was released. I still have a special place in my heart for the X100 series and if budget permitted, the X100F/V would be my second camera.
Fantastic review as always, Jonas! It’s extremely hard to read and not get the immediate will to go out and shoot. I have to say, though, that the samples pictures that illustrate it are extraordinary. What an outstanding body of work you have, improving from picture to picture. I am certainly a big fan. Thank you
I’ve been enjoying X100F for a few years and it’s literally the camera that brought my old love back. I was burnt out and bored with Canon SLRs, the objectives, the post-processing work. But X100F changed everything. It was back to film (simulations) with stock that was familiar to me from my slide positive and negative days. Suddenly, it was no longer about the hardware, since there was just one. It was all about the photos and now with the film simulation, less about the RAW. I enjoyed every second with X100F.
I’m not much of an online hobbyist anymore, no time, so I only recently decided to check if there’s a successor for the F. I stumbled on some rumors about a V and now just today decided to check if those rumors have moved onwards. Now there’s specs, images and best of all, a pre-order at a local camera shop. I’ll apparently be one of the first to receive X100V and I couldn’t be happier. Your site and review of X100F sent me on this road a few years ago, so I’m happy to come here again, read your indepth review, admire those fantastic photos and just say that I can’t wait to get back on the saddle with this new camera. I considered selling the X, but actually, I think I’m going to just remove the battery and keep it as a mantlepiece since it looks great, with all the scratches and nicks it has.
Surely, Mr. Rask, “M.D.” you might not be paid for these “write-ups” (as you write) but hopefully somewhere, someone within the Fujifilm Corporation is paying you a (substantial) sum of money for your services? (BTW you do the bestest reviews and overall finest photography for a reviewer. So there!)
Jonas, thank you for yet another great write up. I’ve been waiting for an X100 with truly capable auto focus. The weather resistance is a nice bonus. I think I might trade my X100F and 23/2 in for this – to complete my set of X-Pro3, 35/1.4, 16/1.4 and 56/1.2.
Gorgeous camera and beautiful pictures for sure. Too bad the camera seems to be made in China and the price is really steep.
The x100v is made in Japan. Not China. 🙂
Wow, that’s great news, thanks for the clarification. Call me old fashioned, but if I pay top $ for a top of the line Fuji camera, I really want it to be made in Japan. one of the reasons I love my x-t2 so much
I know that the new X100V has multiple exposure capability with 4 different blend modes. I’m currently using a Canon EOS R and this camera also have ME with blend modes but it allows me to 1) use an existing image as a starting base image that I can add more frames to, 2) save ALL the ME frames collectively into one single RAW file, 3) undo the last frame taken. Can you tell me if the X100V have these same 3 capabilities?
Could we please please ask Fuji to support RAW-crops on digital zoom shots? Like RicoGR or Leica Q. Would be great really. I think you had mentioned this before for the X100F. It’s really the ONLY thing missing on this camera.
Hi Jonas, I might be having an issue with my copy of the x100v and I wanted to send you a video of my problem so you could compare it to your sample? I don’t know anyone who would have an x100 to compare. I also could not find an email on this website, how can I contact you?
Thanks!
Hi Jonas!
I was wondering if you have any information about why the ND filter is not available to use in video mode?
Are there any technical limitations?
Have searched the internet but have not found an answer.
If there is no technical reason for it not to work, then I would urge you as a Fuji ambassador to put some pressure on Fuji to make a firmware update that enables it!
🙂
It’s probably the only thing stopping me buying the camera straight away…