With weeks to go until Fujifilm officially revealed their latest in the X100 dynasty, I flew to The Gambia for the West African Photowalk Retreat with my faithful Fujifilm X100V, the two focal length converter accessories and... the new Fujifilm X100VI. The Six.
This isn't a deep tech review in any sense, for that go check out my buddy Mullins' film that he's made here: • Fujifilm X100VI Review
No, this is more a chance to take the camera to a different kind of location and just enjoy shooting, with a few thoughts as food, as it were, the sort of place where light, dust and sea spray make for a unique geographic stamp.
The sixth-generation release in the series, the X100VI, features a 40MP X-Trans CMOS 5 HR sensor, X-Processor 5, a new (to X100) film simulation; REALA ACE, AI subject detection, the latest AF algorithm and 6-stops IBIS. It's equipped as before with an advanced hybrid viewfinder and in-built ND filter.
Bringing the sensor in line with the flagship X-T5, the addition of IBIS and upgraded AF, what's not to like? Surely, this is, as they say, a 'no brainer' of a purchase decision for anyone who owns an X100 or, to those not yet invested in the type, a golden handshake of introduction.
The rumour mill has certainly elevated the hype around this much-awaited camera; the perfect travel companion, perhaps not as pocketable as an X-E4, but not far off, particularly if your jacket pockets are of reasonable dimension.
Of course, thanks to social media excitement, the X100V became legendary, as rare as a hen's teeth, and those who did part with theirs found the camera had an investment opportunity akin to bricks and mortar, so I hope that distribution plans will be robust for the VI.
So anyway, I took this preprod model to West Africa, to The Gambia as I wanted to test it as a main documentary workhorse within a small camera bag of accessories including a Røde Videomicro for filming, the two focal length converters that screw to the existing 23mm lens to give equivalent focal lengths of 28 and 50mm, and an X100V.
I went with a question; do I really need to upgrade? I mean the X100V has been a faithful travelling companion for as long as I can remember. I've used it on photowalks to make my sketchbook pictures, I've taken it abroad as my vacation buddy and I've used it on professional shoots too. I've been happy enough with the quality, the resolution and ease of use. Could anyone really make it any better?
I suppose it's a touch like having a two-door hatchback that's decent enough, but then one day finding the local mechanic has whipped out the engine and popped something substantial in its place that magically doesn't make the car much heavier. Well, sort of.
This is not a super technical review. My reviews, those that I've done, never seem to be. I just thought you, like me, might be interested to see some pictures from this camera, from a place that would test the kit more than a rainy day in Swindon town centre (no offence meant).
The Gambia is hot, it's dusty and when you're out in the bush, there aren't a lot of recharge points. So how does this camera operate under those conditions? Has it retained the fun status that's difficult to explain to a Fuggle - the Fujifilm equivalent to a Potteresque Muggle, who just doesn't get the magic.
All the content in this reviewette, bar one, either filmed or stills, comes from the X100VI.
My thanks to MPB for their partnership on the podcast. I used MPB for my purchase of the X100V actually, something I've been very happy to sport as an EDC since the day it landed in my hands. For quality used photo and video gear, go to www.mpb.com
#fujifilmx100vi #x100vi #mpb
18 фев 2024
