Fujifilm is on the cusp of announcing the X100V successor, which they’ve named X100VI. Thanks to Fujirumors, we know just a little about the camera, including that it will have the 40mp X-Trans V sensor and In-Body-Image-Stabilization (IBIS).
The sensor isn’t surprising to me, because the extra resolution will help improve the Digital-Teleconverter, which is a nice feature to have on a fixed-focal-length camera. It will make this useful feature even more useful. My only hope is that it will scale the faux Grain, something that the X100V doesn’t do, sadly. When you combine the Grain setting with the Digital-Teleconverter, you get some massive-looking grain, which sometimes is preferable, but most often is not. Perhaps there should be a setting somewhere in the menu to enable or disable Grain scaling when using the Digital-Teleconverter. Anyway, I’m not surprised whatsoever about the sensor choice by Fujifilm. Personally, I like the 26mp X-Trans IV sensor just a bit better, mostly because 40mp is overkill and causes storage issues and is slower when transferring files and stuff like that (as Eric Kim used to say, more megapixels equals more problems), but I’d be happy either way, so no complaints from me.
The IBIS choice is a bit more intriguing. This one surprises me. And it raises a lot of questions. Will the camera be bigger? Will it weigh more? I think it is possible for Fujifilm to squeeze IBIS into the current-sized model, but I don’t think they’ll be able to keep the weight the same. Of course, I think the new sensor and IBIS will certainly require that Fujifilm use the NP-W235 battery, because the old NP-W126 battery would drain much too quickly. The NP-W235 battery is significantly larger, so that most likely means that the camera will be larger, at least a little, to accommodate. It would be some miracle if they are able to keep the size and especially the weight the same. My guess is that the X100VI will be a hair larger than the X100V (edit/note: Fujirumors is now reporting that the camera will be “basically the same size” and only “marginally” bigger, which you might not even notice), and noticeably heavier; however, that is just speculation. Another question that this raises is regarding heat dispersion. The X100V has some heat issues with video and long exposures. I have to think that the X100VI will be just as prone to that, and probably more so. The old saying seems to apply quite well here: be careful what you wish for, because you just might get it. There will be both positives and negatives to adding IBIS.
I know that some will say, “But the Ricoh GR has IBIS, and it’s so small and lightweight and not prone to those issues.” Fair enough, but it is also important to understand that the IBIS inside of the GR III is very basic and not particularly effective. Look, I shoot with a Ricoh GR III, and I have nothing against it whatsoever, but the IBIS in the GR cameras is often very overstated, and not particularly necessary. Most of the time, you could get the same exact shot without it. Someone will say, “But I handheld at 1/15 and it was sharp.” Well, I’ve handheld my X100V with a 1/9 Shutter Speed and managed a sharp picture. I’m sure it makes a small difference occasionally, but the IBIS inside the GR III isn’t anything special, so it’s not a good example for comparison. The IBIS unit in the X100VI will be significantly more robust.
For still photography, most of the time IBIS isn’t the difference between getting the shot or not, unless you are using long telephoto lenses, which obviously you won’t be doing on the X100VI. In very dim light situations, such as night photography, it could sometimes help you. If you are photographing waterfalls in the daylight and using the built-in ND filter to streak the water, it could mean that you won’t need a tripod (depending on how good or not you are at holding still). 99% of the time, IBIS won’t have any practical benefit to those using the X100VI for photography. Where IBIS will make an obvious difference is with videography. Those using it as a movie camera will be very happy about IBIS; however, the X100V is quite prone to overheating, so it isn’t a particularly good video tool, and the X100VI might be even more prone to it, and even less useful for video. We’ll have to wait and see. I think the inclusion of IBIS will be more of a marketing ploy (that will definitely work), but it won’t have a huge impact for most people, and some tradeoffs are inevitable for it to be included. It is nice to have sometimes, though.
The other question that the inclusion of IBIS raises is the price. Will the camera cost more? I think most certainly it will. I’m not sure how much, but the X100VI definitely will not be $1,400. My guess is $1,700 or $1,800. It could even potentially be as high as $2,000, although I think they’ll need to do more than just 40mp and IBIS to justify that much. A $300 to $400 higher price tag seems about right for the X100VI.
I have no idea about other potential features. Will it have Eterna Bleach Bypass and Nostalgic Neg.? Yeah, absolutely. Will it have Reala Ace? That could go either way, but my bet is that it does (and the X-T5 and X-H2 won’t ever get it). Will it have the XPan aspect ratio? Probably not. I’m sure there will be a few surprises, but mostly the X100VI will be quite similar to the X100V. It will be an excellent camera for street and travel photography, just like the previous X100-series models have been. I’m excited for it, and if it does indeed have Reala Ace, I might just have to buy it (like I did with the X-T5, because it has Nostalgic Neg.). I don’t know if Fujifilm quite realizes the marketing impact and potential of film simulations.
The upcoming Fujifilm X100VI is definitely not a camera that I need. I’d have to give up something else in order to place the order, but it won’t be my X100V—that’s a camera I plan to keep for a very long time. Does it make any sense to have both an X100V and X100VI? Probably not. I might just have to get it anyway.
I think I would buy one too if it could still be lightweight like the previous generation while having the Nostalgic Neg…
I bet it is still similar in weight, but I also bet it is a slightly heavier, and if you held one in each hand you’d be able to tell the difference. This is just a guess, though, I have no inside information.
I bet it’ll be either lighter, about the same weight or heavier.
It’ll be heavier, at least slightly, I’m pretty certain.
I seem to remember someone on here hoping it would have the 40 megapixel sensor to help with cropping which is extremely useful with a fixed lens camera.
I think if there’s one camera that the 40mp sensor makes the most sense on, it is the X100VI.
Ritchie, please consider an article with best guesses for those on the fence about wanting the 100VI or the future X-Pro 4 … I doubt they will announce the Pro 4 on Feb 20th which for me will make me wonder if I want to get the new 100VI or wait for the still unknown Pro 4. I had the 100V for a year and sold it for good money during all the hype and now that money is waiting to go towards either the new 100VI or a Pro 4. Lens isn’t a factor for me as I have many to go along with my X-T2 (converted to IR), my aging X-T3 and my X-T5.
That would be an interesting post. I’m guessing late-spring or early-summer on the X-Pro4, but that is just a guess. I haven’t heard a peep about it, so who knows when or what it will be.
I bought a used, pristine x100F in brown. When I received it, I realized I’m not a photography hobbyist (a term I despise) , but a camera collector! The brown 100f is the classiest camera I’ve ever seen. I had and sold the 100V, regretted it, but the lovely brown V assuaged my grief. I’m drawn to the rumored 100VI, have little need for the larger sensor or stabilization…but will certainly buy the 100VI. It’s a collector thing 😀
I remember wanting the brown X100F. Almost purchased one, but then remembered that I was broke. 🤣 Maybe I should try to find one….
Like you, the 40mp sensor is no surprise to me. And I don’t know if it’s mentioned explicitly, but I’m assuming that also goes along with the X-Trans V processor, and, hopefully, YAFS (Yet Another Film Simulation). However, I’m quite baffled by the inclusion of IBIS. It will have the same ultra-smooth leaf shutter as its predecessor, and I have no trouble going down to 1/15s or slower handheld on my X100V. Also, the 35mm equivalent focal length is wide enough that camera shake is not a major issue anyway. The only practical reason I can see is to provide stability with the digital teleconv set to 70mm, but jeez, who does that more than once in a blue moon? Maybe you’re right and it is a marketing ploy, but Fuji doesn’t strike me as a company that builds unnecessary functionality into anything just to appease a vocal segment of its user base, especially if it messes with a proven form factor. However, FujiRumors seems especially sure about this one, even as they seem as befuddled as I am. I just don’t get where the big clamor is coming from–people with especially unsteady hands? I guess we’ll see. And I’m still wondering if maybe they’re not wrong about this one (like they were about a new lens). Make it make sense…
I actually prefer the 40MP over the 26MP for the colours. The x-trans IV I always felt a little too muted compared to the previous generation. The 40MP in the x-t5 puts it right back up there with the x-t3.
Noise isn’t an issue. Comparing at the same magnification, the softer film-grain like noise is almost endearing.
As for file sizes. I usually edit with my ultrabook and I haven’t had to change any settings, add more memory or storage. I was shooting uncompressed raw with the x-t3 and x100v, and admittedly now shoot compressed lossless but the file sizes are only a little larger with this setting and no discernable IQ trade off. Using the new Fuji app I can transfer 30 uncompressed jpegs in a minute, 40 if I use compression. No raw transfer function yet.
So all in all very happy with the new sensor and the cropability is just the icing on the cake, it’s not the stand out feature for me. I think it will be more important for the x100vi though, but the jpeg quality even more so for a camera designed to shoot this way.
Correction: meant to say the x-t5 is back up there with the x-t2, not x-t3.
Fully with you on the 40MP sensor. That sensor clearly resolves more detail than the 26MP. As I can see when comparing images between the XH2 and the X-T4. File size does not render any problems with me. And, as you point out, the extra cropability is very nice, in particular when you have been forced to shoot with a wider lens than you should have.
I think X-Trans III and X-Trans IV are pretty similar, the most similar of all the sensor generations. The biggest difference for X-Trans V is how blue is rendered on some film simulations. Otherwise, there’s a lot in common from X-Trans III through X-Trans V. Of course, each sensor is unique (and Fujifilm admits that), so there are some subtle differences. X-Trans IV is my personal favorite, but like I said, they’re pretty similar overall, with a lot more consistency than between the older models: EXR, X-Trans I, X-Trans II, Bayer, and X-Trans III. There are some pretty drastic differences in those models.
En plus des 40mpx, en plus de Nostalgic Neg / Eterna Bleach Bypass / Reala Ace, qui je pense feront parti du X100VI, si le recadrage numérique pour avoir la vue en direct va jusqu’à 135mm ou 200mm, je pense me laisser tenter, à moins d’attendre un hypothétique XPRO 4, mais certainement bien plus cher et au risque que le X100VI soit en rupture comme le V…
Dilemme !
Je ne serais pas surpris si le recadrage numérique allait un peu plus loin, mais je serais surpris par 135 mm, car 100 mm est probablement la limite la plus éloignée. Mais on ne sait jamais, jusqu’à sa sortie.
I sold my X100F a long time ago and I don’t miss it. It’s too large and heavy to be pocketable, and if I have to use a bag for a camera (which I don’t mind at all in the first place), I prefer using an X-T series camera; only slightly bigger and with the advantage of being able to choose any lens I want. Also, as good and classy as it is, I’d never spend that much money on a fixed-lens camera. But I’m definitely in the minority here; it has become a cult classic, and hey, why not. To each his own!
The X100V is my favorite camera that I’ve ever owned. But, like you said, each has their own preference, and I’m sure there’s no one camera that is for everyone universally. Thankfully, we do have some good options.
How’s the noise/high ISO performance of the 40mp sensor?
On the x-t5 it’s handled very well. In my non-scientific assessment I would say noise levels are more or less the same if not better than the 26MP sensor (I had x-t3 and kept the x100v for a while together with the x-t5) up to about iso3200. Then up to 6400 about the same with the 26MP displaying marginally less. From there to 10000 I’d give the edge to the 26MP. I try not to use the x-t5 beyond iso 10,000 as salt and pepper noise starts to creep in if cropping – a characteristic of high MP sensors and long exposures also.
But that only tells half the tale.
If you compare at the same magnification, while noise might make an appearance ever so slightly sooner, the noise is much smoother, like a fine film grain since the pixels are smaller. And you get more detail in the low light shots. The noise can even be described as pleasant.
Start cropping heavily at higher ISOs and that all changes. But that’s the same for any camera.
Of course you’ll get cleaner, sharper images at iso 200 to iso 8000. But the performance especially considering perhaps expectations of how such a high 40MP might perform is impressive. And if you are someone who tends to shoot no higher than iso 1600, you don’t even need to give using these values a second thought. I routinely use iso 640 in the daytime to engage DR400. I have iso 800 shots in the dark you’d have trouble distinguishing from iso 200.
If you very often use iso 6400+ you’ll also be ok, but then I’d start considering FF or MF.
I found similar results comparing high ISO noise with my Sony bodies ranging up to 61 mp. Smaller pixels with higher density produce finer grain noise which is easier to filter in post without as much detail loss.
I shoot an x100v. I think the lens is not really up to handling 40 mp to advantage, however for a pancake lens it’s good enough and fine for street photography. When used for closeup near macro of a wildflower or a mushroom my images need heavy Topaz sharpening.
I wrote about it here:
https://fujixweekly.com/2022/11/28/making-the-fujifilm-x-t5-make-a-lot-of-noise-testing-high-iso-on-x-trans-v/
See, I figure the 40mp sensor is the reason for IBIS. Certainly x100s/t with the 16mp sensor could get by without it. Seems like the 26mp is fine. But as the pixel count goes up, so does the impact of camera shake. So for 40mp, I wouldn’t be surprised if the hand held non-IBIS practical speed goes down a stop or two.
I turn IBIS off on my X-T5 somewhat regularly to preserve battery if I know I need the battery to last for awhile. Never noticed any issues with blur, or the 40mp sensor exaggerating it. I don’t adjust how I shoot with the camera with IBIS off, but I know I can’t push the limits of handheld slow-shutter photography with it off. For example, the old rule of thumb applies: the slowest shutter speed should be similar to the focal length of the lens; if the focal length is (say) 35mm, then the shutter speed shouldn’t go slower than 1/40 or so. With IBIS turned on, I could go a couple stops less.
Even more, I think nowadays photographers are way over concerned about sharpness.
One thing I reeeeeelly hope the X100VI will have is a rotating focus mode dial on the front of the body. I would much prefer that to the vertical sliding switch on the side of the X100V. It is as stiff and hard to change now as it was when I first bought it. Other than that, just excited to see it!
* reeeeeeally
That’s an excellent idea that I completely agree with. I prefer the sliding switch over none at all (like on the X-E4), but a rotating M/C/S switch like what most Fujifilm cameras have would be most ideal in my opinion.
The price has already been leaked by Patrick / Fuji Rumors, it’s most likely 1599 US$.
He said it wasn’t a trusted source, and that it was the “possible” price. It could be that, or it could be more. I really hope it is only $1,600, but I won’t be surprised if it is an inaccurate rumor and the price is actually higher.
I reserved mine in a store in Germany. They already had an article number for it in their Inventory, but sadly no price or indication of the rumoured special edition. My colour preference has to be added manually also as they only had one slot in the system for it at the moment. €1699 in Europe would be reasonable.
Awesome that you could reserve it already!
They have it listed as “placeholder for the successor to the x100v”.
No guarantees of an early copy of course if many people before me tried the same thing, but it’s reassuring to know it’s on its way if the stores are preparing to receive them.
It is indeed reassuring.