When the first images of the new Fuji X100V leaked I felt a little frustrated that Fuji decided to add a swivel screen, rearrange the buttons, and make all edges sharp and clean. I thought it kind of mimics Leica. And it does to a certain extent.
But when the camera was announced, and I saw the detailed images and videos, I started to like the concept. There is still something I like more in the previous model – X100F but in general I have to admit the changes are for good and the design may grow in me once I get my hand on the camera.
X100 Series Comparison
I decided to put together a gallery with images from all 5 generations, so you can see and compare the design by yourself. It is starting with the latest Fuji X100V and goes to the first X100.
Main Features of Fuji X100V
There have been different opinions about each of the changes Fuji implemented in the X100V. You may ask what do I think? I’ll give you my perspective as a long time Fuji X owner. I know I already mentioned some of the features in my previous article but I am going to dive in more details here.
Tilting Touch Screen
As I mentioned, initially I was very skeptical about the X100 series having tilting or fully articulating screen. I just thought it would be in exchange for compactness and design, adding bulkiness to the body. However, Fuji managed to surprise all of us with their sleek implementation, adding only 1mm to the overall thickness of the camera. The screen is barely noticeable when pushed back, and extends out when you need it. Even more – it is a touch screen. Bravo, Fuji!
Weather Sealing
As many reviewers agreed, this is one of the changes that really makes sense for Fuji X100V, as it is used for travel and street photography.
Lens Update
For four generations Fuji did not find enough reasons or enough technology to make improvements on the lens, keeping it the same for all these 9 + years.
If I have to be honest, I never had issues with the old lens. Yes, it wasn’t the sharpest Fuji lens, but for the purpose I was using the camera, I found the sharpness to be just enough. I know it was soft, especially wide open and at closer focusing distances, but I was primarily shooting street photography and never had to focus really close.
Improved Low Light Performance
One of the most welcomed updates for me is the increased low light performance of the new camera. Using contrast detection the camera can shoot at -2.0EV, and using phase detection at -5.0EV. This is invaluable for street shooting in the dark.
Integrated ND filter
Fuji improved the integrated ND filter from 3 to 4 stops. Although it looks like a small change, it makes a big difference in many shooting situations: – shooting wide open in the daylight to keep the shallow depth of field (primary for portrait shots). – when shooting silky waters – shooting long exposures like moving clouds for example and many more.
Extended Battery Life
The battery life for still images is increased from approx. 270 frames (EVF) / 390 frames (OVF) to approx. 350 frames (EVF) / 420 frames (OVF). However, for video recording we seem to lose about 10-15 min of recording time. MAy be because of the bit depth and the other characteristics of the video, which has been improved.
4k Video Recording
A welcome new feature in the X100 series is the added capability to shoot 4k video. And not only UHD but also DCI 4K (4096×2160) at ~30p and 200Mbps. Unfortunately lting Touch Screen
As I mentioned, initially I was very skeptical about the X100 series having tilting or fully articulating screen. I just thought it would be in exchange for compactness and design, adding bulkiness to the body. However, Fuji managed to surprise all of us with their sleek implementation, adding only 1mm to the overall thickness of the camera. The screen is barely noticeable when pushed back, and extends out when you need it. Even more – it is a touch screen. Bravo, Fuji!
Weather Sealing
As many reviewers agreed, this is one of the changes that really makes sense for Fuji X100V, as it is used for travel and street photography.
Lens Update
For four generations Fuji did not find enough reasons or enough technology to make improvements on the lens, keeping it the same for all these 9 + years.
If I have to be honest, I never had issues with the old lens. Yes, it wasn’t the sharpest Fuji lens, but for the purpose I was using the camera, I found the sharpness to be just enough. I know it was soft, especially wide open and at closer focusing distances, but I was primarily shooting street photography and never had to focus really close.
Improved Low Light Performance
One of the most welcomed updates for me is the increased low light performance of the new camera. Using contrast detection the camera can shoot at -2.0EV, and using phase detection at -5.0EV. This is invaluable for street shooting in the dark.
Integrated ND filter
Fuji improved the integrated ND filter from 3 to 4 stops. Although it looks like a small change, it makes a big difference in many shooting situations: – shooting wide open in the daylight to keep the shallow depth of field (primary for portrait shots). – when shooting silky waters – shooting long exposures like moving clouds for example and many more.
Extended Battery Life
The battery life for still images is increased from approx. 270 frames (EVF) / 390 frames (OVF) to approx. 350 frames (EVF) / 420 frames (OVF). However, for video recording we seem to lose about 10-15 min of recording time. MAy be because of the bit depth and the other characteristics of the video, which has been improved.
4k Video Recording
A welcome new feature in the X100 series is the added capability to shoot 4k video. And not only UHD but also DCI 4K (4096×2160) at ~30p and 200Mbps. Unfortunately – up to 10min only. X100V has HDMI output to capture 10-bit 4:2:2 video with an external recorder.
Improved EVF
The electronic viewfinder in X100V has been significantly improved. Although it still doesn’t match the top class viewfinders from Leica and Panasonic, it was upgraded from 2.36mil. dots LCD color viewfinder to 3.69 mil. dots OLED color viewfinder. I believe this is quite a significant change and will make seeing what we’re shooting easier, especially in low light conditions.
Among the many positive design changes and updates, I have few minor things which I don’t like and would love to see Fuji taking care of them.
Microphone Jack
Fuji gave us Φ2.5mm, stereo mini connector for using Microphone. This most probably will require some kind of adapter to attach a microphone to the camera.
4k Video Recording Time
One of the things I really don’t like, and hate when Fuji is doing it, is the limit of the video recording time. When shooting in 4k it is only 10 minutes, and when shooting in Full HD it is 15 minutes. I know this way Fuji solves few problems, but still I find this annoying and very limiting. I think if you decide to add a new feature you make sure you have the resources and the capabilities to implement it correctly.
Price
I don’t know what you think but in my opinion Fuji should keep the price at $1299. Yes, I know they added some new features, new lens, new design, and improved overall performance, but isn’t this the main idea for each upgrade? Isn’t that what makes the camera relevant to the new requirements of the market, and pushes us to purchase or upgrade from the previous generation? At least we should see some “BUY BACK” program from Fuji (interesting idea and a possible topic of a new article). What do you think, Fuji? And you?
