Fuji X100VI

Fujifilm X100VI Hands on Review

Standstill or Progression

The Fujifilm X100 series has long been a popular choice for street photographers, travelers, and creatives who appreciate its compact size and classic aesthetic. It also offers good image quality when used in suitable conditions. After the impressive X100V set a high bar with its blend of timeless design and modern features, fans eagerly anticipated Fujifilm's next release. Now with the arrival of the X100VI, there were high expectations. However, testing this latest version indicates that it seems more like a minor update rather than a significant upgrade.

Design and Build

A Familiar Beauty to most, but with a Small Twist

At first glance, the X100VI looks almost identical to its predecessor, the X100V. The signature rangefinder-inspired design, retro dials, and premium materials are all present. For die-hard fans of the X100 series, this continuity is a positive, preserving the sleek, compact aesthetic that has made it so beloved. It remains an excellent choice for street photographers and travellers who value portability with a nostalgic touch.

However, there’s a sense that the design could have evolved further. While the X100V made some ergonomic tweaks, the X100VI doesn’t offer much in terms of fresh design improvements. For those who wanted Fuji to push the design forward, the X100VI feels like a missed opportunity.

That said, there are two notable upgrades—the inclusion of In-Body Image Stabilisation (IBIS). While not groundbreaking, IBIS does significantly enhance the stability of your shots, especially in low-light conditions, contributing to noticeably sharper images. Coupled with a sensor improvement inherited from the X-T5, this combination helps elevate picture quality slightly.

Lens

Still Stuck in the Past

The 23mm f/2 lens has remained unchanged since the X100V. While it has consistently delivered ok image quality, it now feels somewhat outdated in 2025. Lens technology has advanced significantly, with faster autofocus and improved coatings, making the X100VI’s lens seem less competitive. You would have expected the lens to be upgraded to better align with the new sensor. Is Fujifilm being complacent with their update of a popular camera from four years ago?

Keeping the same lens design as the X100V indicates that this update focuses more on reducing costs and profiting from the success of the X100V from four years ago, rather than introducing significant improvements in lens technology. In my opinion, this approach puts Fujifilm at a disadvantage compared to competitors who are pushing the limits of innovation.

Battery Life

A Missed Opportunity for Progress

The aging battery now struggles with the new sensor, processor, and in-body image stabilization, resulting in persistent concerns about battery life. The X100VI utilises the same battery as the X100V, but the increased power demands from these additional features mean that the battery often cannot last through a full day of shooting. For photographers who intend to shoot for long durations, especially while on the move, this poses a significant drawback. It is disappointing that Fuji has not tackled this issue, suggesting that they may prioritise profit over technological advancement.

Carrying spare batteries is a must, which detracts from the camera’s overall convenience. Given how critical battery life is for mirrorless cameras, it’s disappointing that Fuji didn’t address this issue in the 2024 model.

Autofocus and Eye Detection

Falling Behind in 2024

Autofocus is an essential feature for modern mirrorless cameras, and unfortunately, the X100VI does not excel in this area. When it works well, the autofocus is enjoyable, but it often lacks reliability and is not consistently dependable. It struggles with tracking moving subjects and does not provide accurate eye detection consistently, which is disappointing for a camera model released in 2024.

When compared to other mirrorless cameras in the same price range, like the Sony A7Cii, the X100VI’s autofocus feels outdated. While the inclusion of birds and airplane detection modes is a nice touch, these features are less relevant for a camera with a fixed 35mm-equivalent lens, which is more geared toward street photography and landscapes. This autofocus system feels inadequate for 2025, leaving many to wonder why Fuji didn’t make more significant improvements here.

Image Quality

Excellent, But Dont Zoom In

• Ultimately, the X100VI feels more like a nostalgic indulgence than a serious photographic tool. It’s wrapped in the romanticism of film-era aesthetics, but the actual performance doesn’t justify the hype — or the price.
• For all the buzz, it’s hard to ignore how much of the X100VI’s reputation is built on internet mystique and social media hype. Strip that away, and you’re left with a decent, not extraordinary, fixed-lens camera that’s priced like a system.
• Fuji’s “color science” and film simulations are overhyped and offer little that can’t be replicated in post or with a smartphone app. They may appeal to hobbyists looking for a shortcut to a “vintage” look, but don’t add much for serious photographers.
• Compared to what modern smartphones can do — computationally and optically — the X100VI is often redundant. It might deliver slightly better detail in the right conditions, but that’s rarely enough to justify carrying it instead of what’s already in your pocket.
• In the end, the X100VI feels like a beautiful answer to a question few people are seriously asking. Unless you’re buying into the aesthetic or brand identity, its actual utility is hard to defend.

Weather Sealing

An Extra Cost for Basic Protection

Another issue is the lack of weather sealing out of the box. While some competitors at this price point provide weatherproofing as a standard feature, Fuji requires you to purchase a separate £99 weather-sealing kit. For those who need weather resistance, this might be a worthwhile addition, but it feels like an afterthought, especially given the premium price of the camera. It would have been nice to see weather sealing included as a built-in feature, particularly for photographers working in more demanding environments.

Built in Flash

It's Effective, Once You’ve Figured Out How to Turn It On

The built-in flash on the X100V was already a surprisingly effective feature, and it continues to perform well on the X100VI. Although it may be a bit challenging to activate initially, once you become familiar with it, the flash provides solid results. It offers enough power to enhance low-light situations, ensuring subjects are well-illuminated without being overly harsh. Its design enables discreet use, making it a practical option for times when extra light is needed without the hassle of carrying an external flash. Overall, it is a useful and dependable feature that enhances the camera's versatility.

Conclusion

A Fun Camera, but Lacking Innovation

The Fujifilm X100VI remains a fun and capable camera, with its classic design, compact size, that delivers soft image quality. It’s a solid choice to anyone wanting a toy camera and anyone who loves the retro aesthetic of the X100 series. However, for a camera released in 2024, it feels like a missed opportunity to innovate further.

The X100VI appears to be just a modest upgrade, as it keeps the same lens, features slow autofocus, has limited battery life, and lacks significant improvements. While the image quality can be ok in perfect conditions, it doesn’t match up to a full-frame sensor, and the photos often feel flat and soft. I recognise that this vintage design attracts Fuji fans, but I think other cameras capture artistic street photography more effectively. Unfortunately, if major brands focused their design efforts on creating a compact retro camera, Fuji could risk becoming the Blackberry of the photography industry.

If you’re already a fan of the X100 series and are looking for a slight update, the X100VI may still be appealing. But for those seeking a more future-proof camera with cutting-edge features, there are other options on the market that might offer better value and performance.

Final Thoughts

After three months of use, it’s clear to me that the Fuji X100VI is more style than substance. Despite the hype, it delivers underwhelming image quality for the price — consistently soft images that don’t justify its premium cost. In an era where smartphones offer sharper photos, better dynamic range, and far more versatility, this camera feels like an overpriced toy built for aesthetics rather than performance. If you’re considering the X100VI, save your money. Your phone likely does a better job — and it fits in your pocket without the pretentious retro tax.