COMPACT CAMERA TEST FUJIFILM X100VI
“THE X100V SET SOME LOFTY EXPECTATIONS FOR ITS IMAGE QUALITY; THE X100VI EXCEEDS THEM”
Images from the X100VI are sharp and detailed, with excellent contrast. Fujifilm’s colour science is renowned, and the standard Provia simulation colours are pleasing, with a good balance of natural colour and saturation – and there are a further 20 simulations to choose from
Battery life is still a weak point for the X100 series. It was my main gripe about the X100V, and although the new processor is meant to improve efficiency it hasn’t moved the needle that much. During a few intensive days of shooting I was easily burning through a battery or two a day, so it’s advisable to invest in a few spares.
Film simulations are one of the top selling points for Fuji cameras, and Fujifilm has taken the number of film simulations up to 20 – adding the Reala Ace simulation to an X-Series camera for the first time.
Film simulations are lots of fun on their own, but also a quick and easy way to stylise a photo right out of the camera. For the more creative, they’re also a great building block for recipes to produce even more complex and accurate film looks.
Video performance gets a boost from the new sensor and processor. The X100VI tops out at 6K 30p footage, although this has a 1.23x crop, which makes the 23mm lens a 28mm lens (or a 42mm full frame equivalent). The X100VI is also capable of 4K 60p footage without a crop, or 1080p footage up to 240p. Video recording is good – filming at 6K, there’s a real sharpness to the footage. The IBIS also managed to hold my static shots steady, and panning was definitely improved, but if video is your priority there are more suitable cameras. Overall, the X100VI is a great stills camera that also shoots good video when needed.
SIGNAL-TO-NOISE RATIO