Fujifilm’s X100VI Adds 5-Axis Image Stabilization and Jumps to 40MP
After teasing its arrival, Fujifilm announced the X100VI today at its X-Summit in Tokyo, Japan. The new version, pronounced “X100 six,” maintains the familiar compact form factor but upgrades the sensor to 40-megapixels and adds 5-axis in-body image stabilization.
With the X00VI, Fujifilm focused on keeping the same rangefinder-style experience while upgrading a few significant features rather than opting for a wholesale major upgrade that the system saw in the X100V.
The X100VI uses the same upgraded 23mm f/2 mark II lens, which is equivalent to 35mm on full-frame sensors. The EVF is also unchanged and retains the same 3.69-million dots as the X100V. As before, the camera uses a hybrid optical and electronic viewfinder that can be toggled depending on the photographer’s preference. The “Electronic Range Finder” (ERF) function allows a small EVF to be simultaneously displayed on the OVF. Using this feature, the photographer can view either the entire frame or the area of critical focus, increasing the capabilities of a standard optical viewfinder.
The back of the X100VI has the same 1.62-million dot LCD panel but it now articulates downwards 15 degrees further to make it easier to use at high angles.
The camera isn’t weather resistant entirely on its own, but this can be achieved by adding the optional AR-X100 adapter ring and PRF-49 protection filters on the lens.
An Upgraded Sensor and IBIS
The X100VI has upgrades where it counts, though, and Fujifilm’s X-Trans CMOS 5 HR sensor with approximately 40.2 megapixels of resolution is now at the heart of the new rangefinder-style camera. The camera features 20 film simulations including Reala Ace, the ability to capture 10-bit HEIF files, and can shoot at up to 20 frames per second with the electronic shutter and up to 11 frames per second with the mechanical shutter (up to 1/180,000 second shooting with the electronic shutter, too).
The sensor offers a native base ISO of 125, which improves on the previous generation camera which could only reach that mark via an extended sensitivity option. The sensor also supports tracking autofocus and can use subject detection AF, built on deep-learning AI, to detect animals, birds, cars, motorcycles, bicycles, airplanes, trains, insects, drones, and — of course — people.
If the 35mm focal length isn’t enough, Fujifilm also included 1.4x and 2.0x digital teleconverters to shift to 50mm and 70mm equivalents, respectively.
The X100VI can shoot 6.2K video at up to 30p, 4K at up to 60p, and 1080 Full HD at up to 240p at up to 4:2:2 10-bit in both F-Log and F-Log 2. However, despite the improved shooting speed in both stills and video, the X100VI still uses the same single UHS-1 SD memory card slot. That also means there wasn’t enough bandwidth to support internal ProRes recording.
As mentioned, the X100VI adds in-body image stabilization (IBIS), which is a first for the X100 Series. The 5-axis system features up to six stops of stabilization without substantially increasing the size or weight of the camera body compared to the previous version: it is only 1.52 ounces (43 grams) heavier than the previous model and is a scant two millimeters thicker (1.5mm in the front and 0.5mm at the back).
The X100VI offers accessory-free, native Frame.io camera-to-cloud integration, letting users connect the camera to an internet connection, authenticate with Frame.io, and automatically upload photos and videos as they are created. Support for Frame.io on the X100VI joins the X-H2, H-H2S, and GFX100 II in offering the capability in Fujifilm’s line. As mentioned, the X100VI can use Frame.io without any accessories, whereas the X-H2 and X-H2S both require an optional file transmitter grip, adding size and weight to the kit.
The Fujifilm X100VI will come in either silver or black colors and is expected to be available in early March 2024, but it does come at a slight premium compared to the X100V as it will retail for $1,599.95.
A Special Edition is Coming, Too
To celebrate Fujifilm’s 90th anniversary year in 2024, a special Limited Edition the X100VI camera will be made available by Fujifilm, limited to 1,934 units worldwide. The camera is engraved with the Fujifilm’s 1934 logo (the year it was founded) and each bears a unique serial number. They will be packaged in a soft-release box that includes a special strap and Fujifilm history cards.
The X100VI Limited Edition will only be available directly from Fujifilm in late March 2024 and will cost $1,999.99.
Image credits: Fujifilm
