It’s been a while since Fujifilm announced a launch in its deluxe compact camera range but that drought ends today with the unveiling of the launch of the X100VI digital camera. The latest model in the brand’s X Series of digital cameras offers DSLR image quality in a compact and lightweight body. As you’d expect from Fujifilm, there’s also the company’s legendary color reproduction technology.
It’s hard to believe that the first Fujifilm X100 model was launched back in 2011. Since then, the X100 Series has carved out a unique position in the digital camera market with its innovative hybrid viewfinder, classic design, ease of use and excellent image quality with those classic Fujifilm colors.
The X100VI is the sixth generation in the X100 Series. It has the same look and dimensions as its predecessors but now sports a new 40.2-megapixel X-Trans CMOS 5 HR sensor plus a high-speed X-Processor 5 image processing engine.
The new model also has a new in-body image stabilization function that can add up to 6.0 stops of exposure without blurring. This is the first time the technology has been used in an X100 Series camera while keeping the characteristic compact size.
This year also marks Fujifilm’s 90th anniversary and to mark the occasion there will be a X100VI Limited Edition model. Restricted to just 1,934 units worldwide, these limited-edition versions will be individually numbered and delivered in a special box with a strap, soft release button and history cards. The camera body will be engraved with the original Fujifilm corporate brand logo from 1934, alongside the camera’s unique serial number.
The image sensor in the new X100VI is a back-illuminated X-Trans CMOS 5 HR with a resolution of 40.2 megapixels. The sensor has a pixel structure that enables more light to be gathered than on any previous X100 Series camera. The ISO 125 extended sensitivity option on the previous model is now available natively on the X100VI.
The X100VI has 20 film-simulation effects, including the new ‘REALA ACE’ mode, giving images a distinctive range of tones. Fujifilm claims the ‘REALA ACE’ mode offers faithful color reproduction and high-contrast tonality.
The new model also has an advanced autofocus prediction algorithm for more reliable focusing, even when shooting continuously moving subjects. The X100VI uses the X-Processor 5’s subject detection AF to track a range of subjects. Based on deep-learning AI technology, the tracking feature can detect animals, birds, cars, motorcycles, bicycles, airplanes, trains, insects and drones.
The X100VI is the first camera in the X100 Series to have a 5-axis, in-body image stabilization function offering up to 6.0 stops of compensation. The new system increases the weight and size of the camera by a small amount but it’s well worth it for the added flexibility the feature provides when shooting in low light.
An ‘Advanced Hybrid Viewfinder’ enables the user to easily switch between the optical viewfinder (OVF) and the electronic viewfinder (EVF), pursuing the rangefinder style of photography. The EVF has a high-resolution OLED panel with approximately 3.69 million dots, offering a more fluid and natural shooting experience.
The ‘Electronic Range Finder’ (ERF) function displays a small EVF to be projected on the OVF so the photographer can see the whole subject while still having a magnified area for checking focus. For the first time in an X100 Series camera, the X100VI provides 6.2K/30P movie recording. The camera also has a tracking AF function during movie recording.
The X100VI supports Frame.io Camera to Cloud without the need for any additional accessories. The camera lets users wirelessly connect to an active internet connection before automatically uploading photos and videos moments after they are captured. This function can dramatically speed up the workflow process and is ideal for professional shooters working under pressure.
Like its predecessor, the top and bottom of the X100VI’s body are made from aluminum that’s pressed and machined for sharp edges. The surface is finely blasted to provide a smooth texture. The X100VI has an ultra-thin tilt LCD monitor that can be stored in a flat position, a design borrowed from the X100V. The screen’s high touch-response performance makes it easy to use.
The ergonomic shape of the camera’s grip has been adjusted to provide a comfortable holding position. The buttons on the back of the X100VI camera have been moved to a new position for easier operation with the right hand. Weather resistance is provided for the X100VI when the optional AR-X100 adapter ring and the PRF-49 protection filter are used in conjunction with the X100VI’s lens. This enables shooting in almost any weather conditions.
Pricing & availability: The FUJIFILM X100VI is available in Black and Silver and will be available in the UK from 28 February 2024. The price will be £1,599. The FUJIFILM X100VI Limited Edition (only available in Silver) will be available in the UK from 6 April 2024 exclusively from the FUJIFILM House of Photography in London. The UK price will be £1,934 including VAT.
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