you do realise that 0:26 is an absolutely cracking shot, do ya? the composition, the light, the colours, the moon, all the other beautiful objects in the frame and where they are placed... and the tiny flowers... oh man, so nice!
I've had a x100v for a couple of years. It's my favourite camera of all time. It's not perfect,it can't do everything, but I just love having it with me wherever I go. I use it how people use the camera on their phones, so it's the one capturing moments. It's also so satisfying to use, love the leaf shutter, love the hybrid viewfinder, love the nd filter, love Film recipes.
I started taking way more photos when I moved from a Sony 6400 to A7iii. It does make a difference how much you enjoy the look and the feel of your camera.
James, definitely also try the Ricoh GRIII or IIIx (the only difference is the 28mm vs. 40mm equivalent focal length). For me the Ricoh is the absolute best travel, walk-the-dog and camera-when-you-think-you-don‘t-need-a-camera camera. The interface is great, the lens is sharp and image quality is really good, all while being smaller than my phone and literally pocketable. Plus you get a stabilized APS-C sensor and front and back dial as well as a thumb wheel. ;-) The only downsides are the 2.8 aperture, which can be limiting sometimes in darker situations and the fixed screen. But for the size it‘s not getting any better. I tried many different setups for a bring-everywhere camera but almost all of them require a bag or some sort of insert for your backpack. And at that point I might as well bring my „big“ camera. Just incremental size savings are not really worth it in my experience. So I ended up with a Ricoh GRIIIx because it fits in any pocket, shirt, pants, jacket and there‘s no scenario where I wouldn‘t bring it. And for the times where I know I want to take photos I still have my main camera. So to summarize, I had the best experience with the extremes: either it is literally pocketable or I bring my full kit. The smallish cameras always felt like a compromise on either side to me. Happy GAS!
As other have said.... Ricoh GR. Hands down. Portability of a phone. IQ and handling of an SLR. Missing a VF obviously, but if one hasn't adapted to that yet, they never will. It can be surprisingly freeing. I love a VF, but there are few-to-no cameras, old or new, film or digital, that have one *and* fit in a pocket. "It the camera that's with you." and all that.
James, as a long time Fuji shooter, I obviously prefer the X100V, but it may be worth considering the Fuji X-E4. It uses exactly the same sensor as the X100V but has interchangeable lenses. It’s also a wee bit smaller too. Oh! And it’s cheaper! 👍😀
I personally love the X-E4, I have been enjoying mine a ton. However, what I'm hearing in this video is a real emphasis on ergonomics, which I would definitely not say is the strong suit of the X-E4. But the lens options is definitely nice! Especially with the f2 prime options. Throw in the 18-55 or 16-80 for any zoom needs and video stuff and you're sitting pretty. But again, without the grip he might go crazy haha!
Another vote for the X-E4. I’ve had two X100Vs and whilst it is a great camera and I got some brilliant images from them, I found the fixed focal length limiting and wasn’t in love with the optical viewfinder. Given I wasn't really taking advantage of the X100s unique features, I decided to "downgrade" to the X-E4. It is my everyday carry with the 18-55mm. Even with an added grip it is still very compact.
Yes but it doesn’t have the optical viewfinder which I appreciate. As a owner of the x-pro 1 /2 and 3 and a X100s, plus some film Leica’s - I like the choice of both the OVF and EVF
Also have the A7R4 and an X100v. Love them both but the x100v’s massive advantage over nearly all other cameras is that leaf shutter and fill flash. Especially for snaps/holidays.
Okay. Older video I know but, I've been watching a lot of your stuff lately and your video quality is amazing. Do you shoot log profile on the sony(s)?
I have the X100V and it is a lovely camera, the fact that you can load film recipes and get ready files straight out of the camera is absolutely great. There are two important things that James forgot to mention, so, if you don't mind James, here they are: the X100V has a ND built in filter which can be very handy to slow the shutter speed when shooting street shots and get people slightly blurred, also in video when you need to sync the ISO and shutter speed, although it doesn't have IBIS, so, you better have steady hands when shooting in slow shutter speed. Btw, I really hope to see the next X100 gen with IBIS, it will be the perfect add-on to the camera. I also tested the lens photographing a landscape shutting on Aperture Priority, trying every f/ stop to find the sweet spot, it is definitely f/5.6. Anything below f/4 or above f/11 will compromise the sharpness/definition of the image. Btw, from f/2 to f/2,.8, the increase of image quality is massive, but when you reach f/5.6, everything gets super sharp.
If only Fujifilm would refresh the XF10 with a new sensor. The "Ricoh" form factor is sooo good. X100V is still a little too chonky to carry out to random places along with your phone/wallet. The Ricoh is a no-go at that price with all the dust issues.
I have an XF10 and an X100v and you have to pixel peep to see the difference in the photos. The XF10 is truly pocketable and I think it is very underrated. Granted it has limitations with autofocus and it doesn't have a viewfinder but for the prices they are selling for I think they are a steal. I love mine!
The x100v is ridiculously expensive, and bigger and heavier than the lumix gx and olympus ep series of cameras, all of which have interchangeable lenses and much less expensive too
I sold the x100v for the a7c and the 24mm and 40mm for the exact purpose of a documentary camera. Both the fuji and Sony are great for the type of images you took in this video, but as a documentary camera being used for my family and kids you can’t beat the eye autofocus of the Sony. It makes shooting moving kids, dogs, and daily family events so much easier. The fuji eye detection does not even come close. Also enjoy shooting at 24mm which the fuji can not do.
I have been using the X100F for about a year as my kind of “EDC” camera, and I love it! There are a few small annoyances that come up occasionally, but for the most part it does the job; and feels and looks great doing it. That said, I do dream to replace it with a Leica Q someday! 📷
One of my biggest regrets from when I moved from Fuji to Sony was that I sold my X100T. Absolutely brilliant camera and, whilst not ‘pocketable,’ it is really easy to carry around, unobtrusive, and such a pleasure to use, especially good for street photography. I also had the Fuji wide-angle and telephoto add on lenses which were also both great, and means you have a perfect travel kit. Your video has got me longing to an X100 again, so just off to check MPB! 😀
I have bought two cameras as my travel or every day cameras: The Lumix LX 100 II compact camera and the Lumix FZ 1000 II bridge camera. Both are are very light and very affordable (half the price of the Fuji X100V) and they both make amazing images. If you are more into Video / B-roll you should checkout the FZ 2000 instead.
I have the a7c with the 40 and 24 primes. Also had several X100 versions in the past. The honest answer is the GR3X. Thats the camera that will make a difference in terms of when you have it with you and when it is ready. The only on thats truly pocketable. You wont take the x100v to more places than you would your a7c, basically the same size, same use case. The Ricoh with the latest firmware gained very decent AF as well. I take GR3X to way more places and take more pictures just because I have an easily accessible camera all the time. Including the loo.
It's also aps-c, but the Nikon Z50 also exists. The Z50 is only a touch larger than the A7C (kudos for making such a small camera Sony), but it has a better viewfinder, significantly deeper grip, and a front dial. The very good kit lens is 16-50mm and a little on the slow side, but there are some smaller prime lenses that you can use. Nikon says a 23mm pancake prime for their APS-C mirrorless is coming out ~eventually~. The Z50 is also lighter than the A7C (and x100v), has a larger LCD screen, no-ibis, and worse battery life tho... It might be worth checking out, at the very worst it's another video ;) For a low-key travel camera, the x100v has a killer aesthetic though.
I sold my A7C. I had hoped it would make a great travel type small camera but it had too many compromises for me and IMHO it wasn’t all that much smaller than the larger Sony bodies. I also have the X100V and the RICOH GRIII. The winner for me is the GRIII because it is truly pocketable but I can not convince myself to sell the Fuji. The X100V is a wonderful camera, great to hold and behold! I love the built in flash of the Fuji and yes I wish RICOH would bring back the built in flash. Fortunately I can keep both and the Fuji does get used, just not as much as the RICOH.
James I love your videos, don't take this as a rant, but why not a GX9 to go with your 20mm f1.7? Now you're not even mentioning micro four thirds as an option for travel, do we take it you think that that system is defunct/ irrelevant / dead? Surely, for all of its shortcomings, the strength of micro four thirds is travel?????
For me, a travel camera require to be good in all scenario. Unfortunately the m43 systems are often very bad in low light. Plus full frame have smaller and smaller lens option, so paired with something like the a7c, it's not much bigger, but much more capable
I mean sure m43 is small, but it's not pocketable since the lenses will still be protruding from the camera anyways, plus it's unusable in low light; something like the x100v is really better overall, if you don't need to switch lenses--which is a hassle when travelling to begin with
@@amadei2 I know the benefits of full frame - I'm saving up for a full frame camera myelf - but 1) the fuji isn't full frame and 2) James himself was using micro four thirds *professionally* for years. He already has a 20mm f/1.7 which paired with a small body would be ideal for the use case he is describing. He still has his full frame gear for situations requiring great low light performance.
@@asqures5541 the low light performance difference between M43 and APSC (which the fuji is) is minimal. Micro four thirds is not 'unusuable' in low light if you have a fast prime - *which James already owns*. H's suggesting using a single fast prime with his A7c so why not the GX9?
Have you tried the Fuji X-t30. The leaf shutter on that Fuji X100v is wonderful for portrait photography with the in built flash for high shutter speed fill flash. Subbed
I am still using my original X100 after falling in love with it after using it for a series of crafts people in their work space for a magazine. The fill flash and the leaf shutter were perfect for the job.
I've been using the x100V for a couple months now and how nicely compact yet really stunning when it comes to day-to-day phtography makes it easilly a daily carry. I enjoy using it for travel, gatherings, and things that would be taxing to bring my a7iii. Great pickup easily would recomend.
I hear the X100V is a nice camera to use. The X-T30 is pretty compact in an interchangeable body if that’s something you fancy. Throw on the 27mm f/2.8 and you got yourself a compact setup that seem to check off everything on your list.
James, I think you are just missing your MFT system here. What about a Panasonic LX-100 II or an Olympus OM-D E-M10 MKIV (brilliant ergonomics) with the lovely 20mm f1.4 or 12-40 f2.8 Pro (if you want to zoom). If you still have the 20mm Panasonic a used GX80 or so could do the trick. Anyway, have fun on your travels!
GX9 is lovely! Fast, reliable, and tiny. Combined with a small lens like the 20/1.7 or the 12-32 zoom it's nice to carry everywhere. It's not too good when it comes to pushing underexposed shadows in post but apart from that I was really happy with it. The tilting viewfinder is handy at times as well.
I went for the Olympus EM10 mk iv James. Great little camera and very good value for money, esp for stills photography. Being M43 the lenses are very compact & light - e.g. the 25mm & 45mm primes. Enjoy your travels!
I had a Sony a6500 and rate it highly as a travel camera. Yes, it’s compact and light but the thing I loved about it for travel was its ability to do Panoramas in portrait framing. You get these nice wide full frame images (not those long flat panos in landscape framing) without the wide angle distortion. Only downside was moving objects turning a bit weird. Brilliant for interiors, architecture, landscapes….
Interesting video. Thanks for your thoughts. The expensive lesson I learnt over the years is that it’s better to learn to live with the “deficiencies” of your camera gear and learn to enjoy using it. Most peoples travel camera seems to be their smart phone (I am not advocating that).
The look of the camera actually made a difference for me too. Made a video on the MacBook Air M2 which feels good to use because of how it looks/feels.
I remember when you said something along the lines of the G90 was the perfect travel camera :P . Good times! I see there is already a number of recommendations of the GX9 (to which I might add the G100 as well as the LX100II), but these cheaper Lumix cameras aren't weather-sealed and I suspect you do want that. I agree with your conclusion.
Fuji make great cameras with excellent IQ. But somehow Fuji and I don't get along. I can't cope with the ergonomics of the Fuji's (buttons and dials, grip, etc). Several months ago I sold my Fuji X-T30 and bought a Nikon Z50. The Z50 is phenomenal little camera. I took on a sky trip in January and I'm loving every bit if gives me. It is small and light, it has excellent ergonomics and it produces great image quality. The kit lens is small and crazy sharp. highly recommended!
Coming from a NIkon D7200 and an A6000, I can understand your recommendation for the Z50 very well and have been using it myself for a few weeks now. A little tip: the 28mm from Nikon is a nice and somewhat faster addition to the kit lens.
Another vote for the Ricoh GRiii X. At 40mm it's perfect for me and all these comments about dust issues are something I've never experienced and this is my second Ricoh only because I prefer the 40mm focal length. Great camera. Check out Sean Tucker's use of it.
@@matthiasschmitz873 I haven't gotten to take a look at any of the a7 series cameras but I have to imagine that the menus can't be much better than the a6000 series, and he's already used to the sony menus on the a7. Shouldn't be too much of a difference. My a6000 is my first camera so maybe the menus on the canons and Nikons and Fujis really are way better but I don't mind the menu on mine.
Ha, you're screwed. Those X100s are such a gateway into the Fuji world. Next you'll pick up an XT30 and a cheeky fujicron. Then you'll get the 16mm1.4 and before you know it you'll own the XH2...
I ditched Canon for Fuji and the "fun factor" makes a huge difference in shooting. I want to take it with me and shoot all the time - something that is simply not true of my old Canon gear, even though I think the Canon delivered better image quality.
I used Sony for a long time, but recently switched to Fuji. I have the x100v. I love that I can take it with me and not have to worry which lens to take. 35mm is an all around focal length.
From the days that you were using Lumix system for its portability over the FF, I always thought "why doesn't he try Fuji?" I think it's the best middle ground, you get fantastic image quality, ergonomics for half the weight. Yes, AF is not on par with Sony for video, but it's not horrible. Al that, and I find they are simply more fun to use and just look amazing. I'm a fairly new Fuji user and I couldn't be happier.
@@dreamontis yep, it will be an indicator of what's coming for the rest of the lineup. Hoping they'll make improvements to AF and subject detection in particular.
Has anyone ever actually used MBP for trade? I sent them gear, it's been more than a month. I've been scammed. I've used MPB 5 times before, I bought 2 bodies, 2 lenses, and grip. All went fine. I was now looking to do a bigger upgrade, so I offered gear in trade. With a 2 week vacation coming up to Muir Woods, San Francisco, Monterrey, Carmel, and Sonoma, I wanted to upgrade my Olympus M.Zuiko 75-300mm f/4.8-6.7 4/3 with converter to use on my Olympus EM-5 m2 to the m4/3 native Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 75-300mm f/4.8-6.7 II. I offered in trade the first lens, a barely used E-PL6 body, it's kit 14-42, and Hero 5 Black. They quoted essentially an even trade, with my 75-300 being more than 50% of the $. I package the gear up, I use their shipping label, it gets immediately lost. The 2 day ship goes from Cleveland, to New Jersey, to Tennessee, to Orlando, to Ft Myers, to Orlando, to Charlotte, to New Jersey, finally to Brooklyn. 2 day shipping label took 9 days. They get my stuff, 3 days later I get a note saying they need to lower the quote because the Hero 5 was missing the media door, totally fair. I didn't know I lost it when I put up the offer. Body and kit at quote. The 75-300 wasn't there. I'd owe half the amount. I asked for clarification, that was the last I've heard from then since May 15, aside from helpdesk bots (I'm sure it's a few actual humans sharing the name Krista) saying they're all working hard on my issue every other day when I asked. I've resorted to just asking for my stuff back and I'll sell on my own, crickets. I feel like I've just been scammed hard. I'm not only never going to get the lens I want, I'm never going to see my stuff back either. Is this everyone else's experience with mpb? Did I just walk into a scam factory?
Frankly I'm still besotted with my Fuji X-T30. Extremely compact, interchangeable lens camera, dials for days and build quality is sublime, image quality is as good as the X-T3. I still haven't found a reason to take any other expensive camera off the shelf when travelling. Fuji make wonderful portable cameras. I hope you have a wonderful time travelling the world this summer. 😁🤞
Same, I love my X-T30. The only reason I'm thinking of upgrading to a Sony A7IV is because I enjoy wildlife photography and the X-T30 (and the limited x mount long lenses) doesn't really cut it for that. But I think I'll still keep it as light travel camera and the Fuji lenses are great (even the cheaper XC lenses).
I also own the Xt30 and I am super happy with it. But I am still dreaming of the x pro3, x100v and the xe4. I want the new film simulations and settings like Clarity and the design draws me towards the xe4. Then again it barely makes sense to switch and these new features are nothing I really need to be honest. I can't justify having a second camera like the x100v.
@@venom2k2 I just bought a used X-E3 with 46 shots (bought new in Feb this year, so almost with the same warranty period than if I had bought new). Really happy with it, maybe you can check this option too if you want something cheaper). I decided to go for the X-E3 because the deal was pretty good and because I wanted to have front+rear dials and the focus mode switch. Maybe it is not the latest version of sensor and processor, but this is fine for me. I also bought the "old" 27mm pancake (which was cheaper and smaller than the new one with the aperture ring) and it has been the perfect replacement for my Sony RX100 mk5 (I am keeping my Sony RX10 mk4 because I love this camera). I have now the best combo in my opinion 😆. Next lenses in my wishlist: maybe the kit lens 18-55 f2.8-4, or the 18mm f2 pancake for the situations when I need a wider focal length + the 56mm f1.2 for great portraits (all used, as the rest of my Fuji gear). For flexibility and telephoto, I will use my RX10 mk4.
I've kind of been in your situation. I have an R5 and R6 and wanted a smaller body for walking around. I really wanted an ILC, though, so that ruled out the X100. I ended up ordering the X-S10. Better grip, same sensor as the X100, joystick, IBIS, interchangeable lenses, a bit cheaper (not including the lens).
X100V apparently has a digital zoom using the focus ring (without pressing the shutter halfway). X70 works as a travel camera at 18mm, crop 1:1 to nudge the perceived focal length toward 28.
Non-existent light..now there's an interesting concept! Surely if there's light, then it exists.. and therefore can't, by definition, be non-existent? Sorry James. It's just me.. I'm in one of those moods. I suppose it's what comes of doing a lot of photography indoors just recently and having to create my own light! Hope you and your little family are doing well my friend? PS I think personally it does matter what a camera looks like, and certainly what it feels like to actually use. I agree. If you actually like the appearance of what you're using to take the photos and you like the camera ergonomically, you're much more likely to want to stay out for longer, using the camera.
In regard to that knee pad, let me suggest a Sew Fly Original Knee Pad. While they were create for disc golfers(which is why I purchased one originally), I find that I'm using it more for photography these days. It's been a knee saver for me and you can just clip it to your camera backpack.
To this camera is basically replacement of GF1+20mm/f1.7 except it's smaller (or thinner to be precise) and better overall with a few extra features and basically the same flaws (not having IS, slow AF). I bought it knowing that GF1 was my favorite camera and I added more lens, then they were too heavy for that small body, I bought G5 and G80 later and in the end have not used them that much, cause whole package is quite bulky, whereas I can throw GF1 or X100V basically into any shoulder bag or backpack. I was thinking about getting something with interchangeable lens, but my prediction was that I would follow the same path, paying money for a new system and where it would go (G80 is still a good camera, just sensor was outdated in time of release, it can't be charged from USB and battery life is awful - but it does a few things better than Fuji, such as autoWB is more reliable and usually perfect - rest of Fuji disadvantages are not worth mentioning, having fixed lens is obviously limiting in several ways)
hey James! You should give a shot (or many shots :) to the canon m50 mark ii, it's a fantastic tiny little camera that I can definitely say it's pocketable! It's a beginner camera, but I believe that in Your capable hands would be become quite the holiday rig! Would be AWESOME see a video of You with my little canon m50!
I got rid of my X100v, mainly because no IBIS is too inconvenient. I "could" live without, but then why bother spending so much? I much prefer my GX9 and Pen F, both cameras better built and with faster autofocus, even if I dmit Fuji sensor is very good. Fortunately with all the hype from you tubers about this X100v in the last 2 years, I sold it for more then I paid for new, and good riddance!
Owned an x100f as a first camera then sold it for an xt2 and the 16-55. Got sick of carrying around a long zoom lens and got the x100v. Haven’t picked up the xt2 since. There is something about carrying a camera that doesn’t look like you are being paid to use it that is great.
I've encountered plenty of drawbacks with sell phones my current one being a Samsung s23 ultra. Most of the issues are related to fast moving subjects like kids playing etc. AI can only take you so far
Fitted in my jeans pocket no problem. Didn't get on with it as a travel camera sadly. Found my iPhone more flexible, smaller and an easier experience. The X100V was too far a step down from my Sony A9 in terms of tracking (and my iphone!) The iphone was just better for fast moving children, portraits and ultrawide landscapes.
I've had the Fuji X100T for 2 years and I use it more than the Sony A6000 I had, I would love to get the Fuji X100V but the price is just too much for me, I would like the shaper lens upgrade.
If you have 🤑 to waste on Fuji 100 then you have money to buy a Leica Q. So why waste money on an overpriced camera. There are always better and economical ways to enjoy a hobby. Let's not keep feeding a hype, this camera probably should not be priced more than 500 and inflation is round the corner....
I must be the only one but the X100v is the worst camera I've ever owned. I got sucked in and sold my Canon 6d and a pair of classic 5d (5d classics are the best cameras in the world). I basically stopped taking photos once I had the X100v, it's sat in a drawer wasting away with about 600 shots on it.
I have taken your recommendation of mpb and bought a new to me camera, it's nothing special, an Olympus em1 in well used condition. 1. because I'm skint and the price between good and well used was almost £100 and 2. I like my cameras to have character not to be shiny and new. I have to say though it arrives tomorrow and I have some anxiety with regards to how "well used" it is going to be. I'm hoping the online reviews are true to their word and mpb are severe in their grading process. Time will tell 🤷♂️
Thanks for video (i like the way how you design your background) - would be great to see same comparison in low light conditions, where sony might have an advantage over fuji... Good luck
Why not a Fuji XPro3? With the 23mm/f2 and 50mm/f2 you have a wonderful set up that allows you to have a camera with you at all times and keep the other lens in a pocket, a nice compact set up.
I like low light shooting and I’ve become really spoiled by IBIS. If Fuji manage to add it to a future x100 I might be interested, but the v isn’t for me.
For travel I would go with X-T30 + 28mm f2.8 which will be smaller than X100V if I right remember, as well as opportunity to use other lenses, all fujicron lenses seems to be smaller than the one ob your A7C.
I've been using the X100F for four years and love it. I carry it wherever I go; it's ideal as a go anywhere camera. I also have an X-T3 which covers everything else. Goes in my cat pocket but not jeans!
Beautiful scenery in the video. Good conclusion too - use what you’ve got. Curious though, wouldn’t a microfourthirds system fit the requirements perfectly? i.e. PenF with either a 14mm, 15mm, or 20mm.
I will admit that I 100% bought my Fuji X-T20 for the looks. I’ve had it over 4 years now and sometimes just lookin go at the camera can get me excited to go shoot. I definitely believe that can be a significant factor in finding the inspiration to go and take photos. My wife’s camera (Canon Rebel T6i) takes excellent photos, but holding it just doesn’t inspire me like my Fuji does.
If you are shooting long exposures why don’t you use the camera viewfinder and brace it against your face instead of waving it around unsteadily at arms length like an iPhone?
Dropped my two photos bought from your store off to be framed this morning. I’m really looking forward to seeing them up on the wall. Keep up the good work James.
I have a Panasonic S1R, a Fuji X-T4 and a Fuji X100V. When I want to travel lightly, I'll take my X100V. Great travel camera! Weather sealed, compact, light, and with a great focal length (IMHO), this makes travel photography easier because you're using "whatcha got" making things just easier.
Be careful I fully switch to fuji after 15 years with canon. I just fell in love with the way the system, the way it's laid out and works the colors, etc, so now have the fuji xt4 and the gfx 100s, and a lot of lenses it has nearly bankrupted me in the process. The images I've got make it worth it though I do only wish I could shoot a lot more with the gear. I've also looked into the one you are using in the video but I have to draw the line somewhere. I have enough gear I have more than enough tbh but I'm sure ill get the itch to need something new soon and sell some hopefully haha.
