Fujifilm X100VI - Street or Fashion Camera?

[@SamuelStreetlife]

So my sharpness test has ruffled some feathers and I received some accusations that my test wasn't done right... So here is a bit more information about my VERY unscientific test. Yes, don't expect scientific tests on my channel. I only share my personal experience and what I find when I test cameras the way I use them. First of all, all files are RAW files. Yes, I used LR for the RAW files (if you want to repeat this test with Capture one, feel free to do so!). Straight out of camera Jpeg's would probably favour the X100VI (I don't know but that's my guess). But I use RAW files mostly, so that is what I did. Secondly, I stepped a few centimetres back to equalize the focal length difference with the GR IIIx. ISO was the lowest it can be on both cameras. Shutter speed was never below 1/125th. All examples images were shot at F2.8 but I also did a test at F8. The results were slightly less dramatic but still very clear. I definitely did NOT miss focus on any of my sample images. If I did, then that would make the X100VI look even worse, wouldn't it? Now I hope it was clear in the video that I didn't do this to TRASH the X100VI. I still recommend using the X100VI if it fits your needs. Sharpness isn't everything and the X100VI isn't suddenly useless, only because the GR IIIx has a slightly better lens (you get other benefits with the Fuji that you don't get with the GR. Weather Sealing for example!). If you have other questions, let me know below.

[@numbersix8919]

Hasn't it been a(n unacknowledged) fact that X100 lenses have usually been slightly soft? I remember reading somewhere sharpness improved in the T. But also that the lens has never been improved.

[@cagac]

@@numbersix8919 The lens was improved in the X100V. That same lens is in the VI.

[@whataboutart]

You can definitely get a handheld photo blurry at 1/125 when handholding a camera that you are not used to. Lens sharpness tests should be done with a tripod.

[@SamuelStreetlife]

@@whataboutart do you see motion blur in any of my examples?

[@whataboutart]

@@SamuelStreetlife I see slight blur in the X100VI photos during the comparison with the Ricoh. That blur can be caused by body movement when shooting handheld. And handheld motion blur is more obvious when you pixel peep like in the comparison.

[@crumbald5519]

One of the rare cases of content creator that I expect absolutely no bs from. Well done.

[@ka_sh_iif]

Agreed, there aren’t many people on KZbin that are going to give as honest of a review on this camera as he did.

[@ivanfenenko]

What a humble comment to pin :)

[@SamuelStreetlife]

@@ivanfenenkowasn't me😂 but I don't mind it haha.

[@SamuelStreetlife]

Thanks a lot❤❤❤

[@mico5003]

Never settle with people whom has product in their hands. He is a Recoh saleman. He have found his own niché, find your own, maybe you have same specs, but bs is refined property, don’t mixed em up!

[@Raist3db]

No offense Samuel, so if you just bought the X100VI just to make this video and then return, that doesn't strike me as exactly a nice thing to do- I mean come on. Also I don't think you can just "get" the camera in just a couple of days and return like that, thinking you figured it out in workflows. Dunno. Fuji isn't catering to influencers. This is nonsense- the X100 line has existed for like over a decade. X100VI is just the latest in that line, coming 4 years after the previous- a reasonable amount of time. An improvement over the X100V just like the one before, nothing more. And people with an X100V don't need like to "rush out or die and upgrade" - that's just mindless consumerism. This is about keeping the line competitive in the marketplace- what's wrong with that? The TikTok craze is not "the fault of the X100 line" as an inherent quality. And the camera has more than what you mentioned, - has new sensor, AI AF, IBIS. Also you are a Ricoh ambassador, as much as I love the GR this sure puts a need to be more critical of what you are going to say of the Fuji (just like if say Johnarask was reviewing a GR). Also yes, if you had grabbed the black one you would be more invisible. But that shouldn't be that surprising right? :-) I mean, what color is the Ricoh GR? PS: When talking about AF, the Fuji does smoke the GR. It's the reason I gave away my GRIIIx to a friend- as I shoot at night and doing zone focusing at night at 40mm (equiv.) F2.8 is a pain. This is why I want Ricoh to improve this. Also generally speaking I agree with you on too many options (on AF, etc) where you lose focus from photography. Too many options is the enemy of art. ON the Nikon Zf- it's great but I found it too big. Notably bigger than the X100 line.

[@Chida_o_0]

I can tell Samuel is already a better photographer from just having held the camera. Must resist gas. Must.

[@SamuelStreetlife]

😂😂😂 much better photographer✌🏻 and it healed my back pain 👍

[@Ruylopez778]

At least 38% better in the space of one video.

[@Chida_o_0]

@@SamuelStreetlife Photographer94 said he got his eyesight back from just one look through the viewfinder. This delivers pure miracles.

[@urasub]

Been shooting my xt-2 and it’s been the first camera I’ve never wanted to replace!

[@mattbray_studio]

i'm with you :)

[@skypekai]

I have a used X-T2 on the way, even though I'm happy with my GRIIIx. Just miss experimenting with cheap&old lenses haha.

[@darkfeign]

1) love the ricoh jacket. 2) I appreciate how honest you are about your thoughts. Nobody can question your bias given your channel's history, but its good for people to know that, essentially, this camera is for people who maybe couldn't pick up the originak X100V but not for people who already have one.

[@tomviethoang]

This was the most useful review of this camera as I was debating whether to purchase. So thank you, the likes were deserved.

[@HH_Point]

I wanted to get this camera but for the price and not great availability I ended up buying a used X-Pro3 I've always wanted. Thanks for the honest review as always!

[@ghas4151]

Much better camera. 👍

[@reygaibor7116]

Such a fantastic decision, the three years I had mine were so fun, I still miss the xpro

[@PAPErCUTii]

I really want a Pro3 too, just that a lot of people stating out the sticky shutter wheel and screen ribbon issues that got me worried.

[@imAnsar]

the only honest review i have seen so far. the AF sucks and the writing speeds to the SD card is a joke

[@maxmonat]

Both, any camera can do the job. It's the job of the photographer to know his camera and how to use it in any situation.

[@vrapan]

i don't doubt for a second that Fuji is riding on the popularity of this and could have done more. However calling it lazy coming from a Ricoh ambassador with the GRIII having released a few weeks ago the same camera but with different filter and the previous release of that camera was a different colour with a different coloured ring is a bit rich. Sorry love your content but that seems a bit hypocritical.

[@Kids11111]

How is it hypocritical? the HDF is just a variant of the same model, the GR iii. If Ricoh had called it the GR iv instead, then they would have been as hypocritical as Fuji. Ricoh has been very honest about what their camera is, unlike Fuji. Fuji should just have called their model the x100v (40MP, lens-bottlenecked 2024 version).

[@adrianwbosco]

@@Kids11111 0:18 " es la misma cámara que la fuji x100V, nada mas cambia el censor, la estabilización, y af mejorado" te parecen pocos los cambios? creo que no es una mirada objetiva!

[@Kids11111]

@@adrianwbosco if you ask Fuji x100v owners if they will upgrade, you will get your answer. The proof of the pudding is in the eating.

[@fabrez]

Very awesome and one of the best reviews. I just wanna say for those who wants to buy this camera, and you have the money, and you really want it, go buy it. You must be the one to decide in the end always, and it's your money. I used to think this camera is just meh but bruh I loved it. My friend bought this camera and we are currently in Bali. 2 people asked us if we are holding a toy lmao. I guess it depends on where you're shooting. We are not really getting any eyeballs here compared to those guys with DSLRs with lenses.

[@NEXUSREIGN48]

I found your tidbit regarding the superior detail in the RICOH rather interesting. I always felt that my GRIII resolved greater detail and appeared sharper than my XT5 & 18 1.4 when all remaining variables were held constant. I have always attributed it to a difference in their sensors. I’d need someone much smarter than me to break this down. I appreciated this review. you were not shy about your bias, but still attempted to present objectivity in your findings. We as humans desire to be agreed with at some intrinsic level, and have to be okay knowing that not every thing will be (for) everyone. My hope is that simply, that all who desire this camera or its previous iteration will be able to get one.

[@SilatShooter]

Appreciate the candor here. This camera was preordered by soo many of us, myself included due to FOMO. I have questioned myself since preordering if this is something I really need or want. This helps me realize that I was acting on impulse.

[@-grey]

I've been shooting Fujifilm for about a decade and I've got to admit this is a camera that would have been great in 2019. It's slightly better than the flagship from 2017. By 2024 standards this is too suboptimised and overmarketed. I shoot Fujifilm and I'm still waiting for something better.

[@SilatShooter]

@@-grey thanks for the note. I have been going back and forth on this order.

[@-grey]

@@SilatShooter unfortunately the market is pretty thin for this kind of compact camera right now, but if I had to make a direct comparison I'd say this is more or less on the same tier as the Nikon Z30. It's really not a bad choice if you feel like you need it to have fun right now, but if it was up to me, I might go for the Sony a7CII which is the same size, or the Nikon Zf which is a better version of the same retro premise over this. Just know that his AF struggles is very representative of Fujifilm - I jokingly say it's the engaging tactile fun experience of missing the shot. 😂

[@SilatShooter]

@@-grey great info shared! Much appreciated!

[@martingreenberg870]

Come on. Unless you are a professional photographer nobody needs a new camera. Maybe FOMO. Maybe GAS. I’m upgrading my X100T. Mask On Nurse Marty ((Ret)

[@streamlinedvideo]

Yes , the shutter feel is what I notices too. On my Nikons , Sonys and Canons it is so clear when you are at the half press detent. This shutter detent is too soft. I can't believe I haven't heard about this elsewhere. Good point Samuel.

[@bk8pa323]

Fujifilm released a firmware update to fix the AF after you posted this video. Works like a charm now.

[@Slimjim2898]

Thanks for making it because I was very curious to hear your opinion about it. Love your content 🙌🏾

[@randallbrander8157]

I finally got my hands on the X100V. Cheers!

[@brian-beeler]

It was nice to see a review of the X100VI that mentioned both the pros and cons. It's a great camera, the best in the series, but nothing is perfect. I do think it's much more than a minor revision but some new software features like support for custom auto WB (i.e.: auto WB with -3 blue, +3 red) in the custom setting would've been nice. Has the X100 series really become so popular among the general population that they now notice them and associate them with "influencers"? As a X100T user that lived in Southeast Asia and traveled a lot around East Asia in the "before times" only a few photographers ever noticed it otherwise most just thought it was an film camera. For me losing "stealth" is a problem for the photojournalism work I do. I guess social media is evil. =) The GRIII / GRIIIx are great cameras and truly stealth but with the dust on the sensor problem and the lack of even a bit of weather resistance sadly those issues rule them out for me and the work I do, otherwise they'd be perfect. I think little else needs to be change but the those issues need to be addressed. Now five years old IMO I think the only updates we'll see to the line are more cosmetic only modifications like the "Diary Edition" which is truly sad.

[@carlosjavierpenacastellano4824]

Nice video Samuel. Love the Gr III because of a lot of things that I have learned from people like you. Great work. On the other hand, nice jacket!

[@SummersSnaps]

As a Fuji/GRIII user I can confirm, GRIII sharpness is insane. Proof that high levels of detail and sharpness and not gained from boosting mp. Fuji need to stop with the 40mp nonsense and go back to 26mp (and improve things).

[@AndreiDimaReviews]

Nice video! I believe Fujifilm should have upgraded the lens as well. Due to pixel pitch and diffraction, it appears soft. Additionally, the autofocus is hindered by the motor in the lens.

[@raphaelelisha3160]

I’m glad you mentioned the issue of the shutter button sensitivity, I thought I was alone on this. Also, there is often shutter lag on press because the lens has to stop down the aperture before firing. To me, as a street photographer, this is unacceptable. Keep it simple like Leica M.. 😉

[@wattso4410]

I 100% agree with your review. I used a tripod and all the settings were the same, but when I checked the raw file, the clarity of x100vi was lower than gr3.

[@robgagnon]

Wow - really appreciate the candid review and the surprises! Thanks.

[@frame-lines]

That is such a good point about improving the viewfinder. They've overlooked what made the X100V so successful. It wasn't the tech or megapixels - it was the form factor and shooting experience. Glad you liked the OVF discussion with Sage btw! It was interesting to hear how she used a hotshoe 28mm viewfinder on the fuji 690. (Shane)

[@anonymousl5150]

40 megapixels also has a ton of cons

[@martingreenberg870]

@@anonymousl5150 I never crop so I don’t Need the larger file. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)

[@narmanatakan]

thanks for deinfluencing!

[@christianrobert4886]

he is an influencer for Ricoh

[@JaJutWa]

@@christianrobert4886 Still deinfluencing

[@Kids11111]

@@christianrobert4886 And he has objectively punctured the hype of the Fuji, hasn't he? There is no one who can show sharper images from the Fuji.

[@gordonmiles9995]

Thank you for this review. You saved me a lot of money.

[@simonrockstream]

Thank you for not being another cringey click bait bs creator. Thanks for sharing a genuine perspective

[@H99x2]

There are multiple reviewers who state that the x100vi is very soft. Your test and findings are accurate. Other YT channels disregard it because they're sponsored.

[@Tony16610]

Man you hit the nail on the head really well. There's just something about this version of the X100 line that feels that it was somehow AI generated on what to add, what to upgrade, and what to remove. I've owned every single X100 but haven't been tempted to pre-order this at all- in fact I've actually started looking at the Zf and 40/26mm as my fun camera in addition to my Canon kit. It's crazy how nobody gave a shit about Fuji all these years until it exploded on TikTok and now everyone and their mothers want some just so they can do a rapid fire slideshow of the most mid and overly-processed photographs overlaid with some cheesy lo-fi music on an Instagram reel. With Nikon coming in with their retro-inspired ZF/ZFc (and Canon rumoured to be doing their own) means Fuji isn't alone in this market anymore. Sony is also hitting that value prop with an A7CII that's coming in just ever so slightly above the X100- and with a full frame sensor to boot. I expected a lot more from Fuji this time around, so I think the streak of X100 bodies will come to an end with my V. Funnily enough, I shoot with a silver Leica M6 sometimes so not only do I have to contend with the silver body, but there's also the very distinct red dot. In the days off the X100T/F I'd sometimes get asked if I was shooting a Leica, yet now I've been asked a lot more by Gen Z'ers if my M6 is "the Fujifilm".

[@-grey]

This has been Fujifilm's design/marketing philosophy since 2019: Add emergent tech that the camera can't fully utilise to distract from how far they've fallen behind the pack and from their user-centred design practices. BSI, Stacked, 40mp sensors in huge aps-c bodies that haven't seen a significant AF upgrade since the X-H1. It's like putting huge rocket booster on a compact city car that has regular road tires. It's the illusion of improvement. 😂

[@JasondePlater]

Finally some real talk, thanks for putting this out there.

[@formerlydave]

totally agree bro. it's a lot of hype. cool camera for sure, but appreciate your honest review

[@ThierryWasserman]

This really gives vibes of music snobs unhappy that the band they liked since the beginning is now popular. It's a good camera. The introduction of IBIS is a very good thing. 40MP allows cropping to 50mm eq. without losing to much pixel resolution. I have an X100 and love it; this is quite the improvement. Buy the black one if you want fewer people to recognize it.

[@SamuelStreetlife]

Haha yes 😂 Of course it's still a great camera! But Fujifilm deserves harsher criticism for this release. They could have done more... or at least show some innovation.

[@kangzau1006]

Such a generous soul. Thanks for the tutorial. I don't own this camera but just like to hear Samuel's thought process.

[@catherinejoanpiazza420]

This camera is not for me but just wanted to comment that this is an excellent review, honest and very well done.

[@SamuelStreetlife]

Thank you I really appreciate that 🙏🏻

[@abrooklyngirllinda]

What an excellent review as always, Samuel! You're still the best + so happy to see you here. I'd love to see your photos with your new 40mm lens~~~ The ZF is my next camera and inspired by you of course. :))

[@the_kumomi]

I also had the X100F and enjoyed it very much. I had the silver version, and I enjoyed it a lot during the time when this camera was useful for going unnoticed on the street. Now I feel it's too attention-grabbing. Several friends have asked me about this camera without ever having had another, and my answer is a resounding no, because although they are excellent, it's for a specific niche.

[@apertureseed5980]

You are absolutely right about the sharpness of these two cameras. I am a GR3/GR3x/X100V user. And it's really clear that GR has better lens. X100V and VI is basically same cameras. VI is better just for IBIS and Reala Ace. No image quality improvement.(I used to think it would be huge but no, there's no big improvement) The KEY is X100 cameras is good, not just for its good lens, but overall experience of shooting. Samuel is right on saying that X100 is a more complete camera than GR3, which is not to say, X100 is better in every way. They are both good everyday-carry cameras, you can make your choice based on the character of this two cameras. If you like it, choose it! Sharpness is not everything!

[@Answersonapostcard]

People are obsessed with sharpness over taking an interesting or compelling photo.

[@martingreenberg870]

@@Answersonapostcard I was hoping for a new lens for the X100VI. I suspect the lens doesn’t fully resolve the 40MP sensor. Bet that is the main improvement of the VII. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)

[@NotAnotherChannel_Channel]

With regards to image resolution compared to the 24mp Ricoh, I’m wondering if you are comparing JPEGs and if so, did you use Fujifilm’s XApp to transfer the VI images to your smartphone? Did you notice if the “Resize” slider was on or not? I definitely see much higher resolution images from the VI compared to the V with good detail, so it’s strange this would happen.

[@SIQmai]

I think it was raw images that he shared.

[@DRDRE-cm7qo]

Yeah something seems off about this lmao 😂 this guy is clearly delusional! I have x100v and x100vi and have tested both by taking the same pictures in the same place and lighting conditions and the vi clearly resolved more detail and is in some cases a lot sharper

[@SamuelStreetlife]

@@DRDRE-cm7qolol that just means the X100Vi is even more soft compared to GR IIIx😛 I was using RAW files for the comparison and made sure all other parameters are equal. But as I also said in the video, that doesn't make the X100Vi a soft camera. I made huge prints with the X100F.

[@anonymousl5150]

@@SamuelStreetlife Would like to see this result with CaptureOne and yes it does make a difference. Preferably on a tripod. I don't doubt your results because there are diffraction issues with the 40 megapixels and it is entirely possible that is what is happening here based on lens resolution. But it would give a more conclusive feel about sharpness differences. And it would be also interesting to compare it to x100v or f

[@Kids11111]

@@DRDRE-cm7qo You should try the GR iii then! It'll blow your mind with how much sharper it is than both the Fujis

[@frankqpham]

One of the few honest reviews on this camera that im willing to watch. ❤

[@Polypal3D]

sorry but I don't think it was honest at all. He talks more about his other cameras than the Fuji. The fact that everything went wrong was also very scripted. His only goal was to denigrate the Fuji. Everything in the video screams it. It is well known that the camera is of secondary importance anyway. Why is the Fuji x100 series good? simply because it's fun to take photos with it. That's it.

[@frankqpham]

@@Polypal3Dwhere was he not honest?

[@Polypal3D]

@@frankqpham I think the whole approach is not honest. What I find funniest is the statement that the camera is constantly being looked at. No matter what silver camera he would have bought. Each would have been looked at. As if people were looking because it was the "Fuji X100VI". Every silver camera is looked at. Silver is like gold...of course people look. He is so "experienced" and as a supposed street photographer he didn't take the black one?!. Come on…should I take this seriously?

[@christianrobert4886]

@@Polypal3D Fuji probably did not sent him a camera to review .....

[@Polypal3D]

@@christianrobert4886 It's like the Lamborghini press spokesman had to do a review of a Ferrari... 😂 he's a Ricoh GR influencer. he even wears the jacket in the video.

[@nerucheung]

Came back here after selling my X100VI, I'm now a proud GR owner and love it haha

[@SamuelStreetlife]

Haha! Aw yeah welcome to the club lol. :D

[@wearetrackclub]

Love this, Samuel! Really thorough and insightful. Great transparency and content :) 👏

[@philteves3965]

totally agree, my older Fujis are hard to let go. They have something more special for me esp. the rendering, filmic emulation, colors, and draw of the older sensor

[@SimpleLivingWithDave]

Thank you for speaking your use case experience and truth about this camera. I sold my X100V because I never got along with the focal length and now the sudden interest and attention in the camera really put me off of the entire X100 line. To me a camera is a tool to get the shot and it never felt like it made getting that 'shot' any easier for me than my other cameras

[@gordoa172]

“ You’re a Loser’ 😂😂😂Samuel your honesty is refreshing! Keep up your great work!

[@AbrahamMusalem]

Just what I needed on a Sunday morning. I picked up a used X100F instead. Cheers man 🎉

[@SamuelStreetlife]

Ohhh nice grab ! Enjoy the X100F! ✌🏻

[@RadovanFaltus]

Hi Samuel, I am sceptic on two parameters of the VI, lens resolution not on pair with high res sensor and IBIS not efective enough. I can hold 1/30s on my X100V easily and X100VI is confident only down to 1/8s, come on, that is only 2 stops advantage. I believe that X100VI is mainly solving sourcing problem of the X100V caused that known shortage. Btw I am impressed by the details from GR IIIx.

[@anonymousl5150]

IBIS is not the same when dealing with higher pixel density like on the x100vi, it won't give the same kind of stabilization. It also means it hits diffraction very quickly

[@anthonymiller8979]

Great, honest assessment I think. I owned the X100F, sold it, regretted it and tried the X100T. The X100F was better but in the end, neither was for me.

[@robinbhairam7508]

Wow … the first ‘not in love’ review 😂 … I have the v and GR 3 … love them both … I do half touch on the v and it works fine. Incidentally my v is black, slick and cool, had occasional looks by youngsters, but don’t feel conspicuous … nice video Samuel - very honest …

[@diatarussoulbane]

It appears that the lens remains mostly unchanged. It struggles wide open on their previous sensors, so it will definitely struggle on the new 40mp.

[@lawrencefriedman2122]

The lens was updated on the X100V to fix the wide-open softness issue.

[@Kids11111]

@@lawrencefriedman2122 Clearly it hasn't been fixed for the x100vi, which is what we're talking about.

[@SebastienBarrau]

Going to get rid of mine. I did notice similar autofocus issues and even shots in focus are not sharp at all. Love how it looks but my a7cii kills it in the autofocus performance

[@thomasa.243]

The most annoying thing about the Fujifilm X100V(I) is actually not the camera but everything surrounding it. Impossible to buy but somehow a few scalpers have plenty. Fujifilm is incapable of producing enough yet somehow still takes preorders. I ordered the X100V in 2020, have not received it in 2021, cancelled the order. I don't want to give the store a free loan of money. And then, as you said in the beginning, the videos 🫠. Grüße aus Hamburg nach Hamburg ;)

[@d00minik67]

I owned the Fuji X100S in 2014, then sold it and switched to the Ricoh GR II in 2016. I 100% understand all your issues/annoyances + all the eyeballs you get out on the street with the Fuji X100VI, and I think this is all the result of the curse of being a long-time Ricoh GR shooter. The GR camera just shoehorns us into a very particular method of candid street shooting; it just becomes an extension of our eyes and body. The GR controls are very intuitive and all the buttons are tactile, so we can make adjustments on the fly with one hand. It being so small, pocketable and inconspicuous, people almost never notice us out taking photos on the street. The soft-focusing lens, unconfident AF, and poor button tactility that you mentioned with the X100VI are all the same issues I had back in 2016 with the X100S (2nd generation) that made me switch to Ricoh in the first place. Ricoh knows how to make a damn good lens. Yes, sharpness is not everything, but the GR II and III makes all my photos pop in a way no other lens can.

[@winc06]

I enjoyed your review and the minuses. My X100VI has not yet shipped. I really think that the difference is sharpness is the default image set up by each manufacturer. Your Ricoh images look really over sharpened to me, at least on youtube. For instance in the pictures of your son in the back seat his eyebrow looks like it has a ton of noise in the Ricoh shot while absent in the Fuji shot which is the opposite of what you would expect given the difference in the sensor resolution.

[@MrMarkallwood]

Yeah I noticed that too. He’s sponsored by Ricoh tho… I have the VI and it’s plenty sharp but like the V, f5.6 to f8 is the sharpness sweet spot.

[@JaJutWa]

@@MrMarkallwood The new Fujis arent as sharp as the Ricoh in any way. The xt5 ist even muddy compared to the GRiii. Compared to a Leica Q or a a7iv it gets even worse.

[@thomaschamberlin2485]

You and Matt Granger are the only two who seem to have had sharpness problems. Maybe the factory in China is inconsistent? Now you have me wondering if I should cancel my order. I have the Zf and love it. My Nikon FG film camera also draws eyeballs like you wouldn't believe so it is definitely the retro silver. I also prefer the silver, but ordered a black X100VI because of that. Maybe I should watch more of the hater/why I won't be ordering it videos I have been avoiding.

[@christianrobert4886]

Matt Granger , a Nikon shooter , Samuel a Ricoh shooter .......what did you expect from this video ?

[@JaJutWa]

This China-bashing is simply stupid; the quality is no longer inferior to that from Japan or other countries. This has nothing to do with inconsistency in production but rather with the fact that Fuji's new 40MP sensor already struggles to consistently produce sharp photos. Even the XT5 occasionally produces muddy, blurry images, even with the new lenses - more so than the cameras with older sensors. Additionally, the x100vi's lens hasn't been updated and will still struggle to focus properly. It was already struggling on the 100v, and that won't improve with 40MP, even with the new processor. As much as I wish Fuji were on par with the competition, they're not. Neither with Nikon, nor with Canon, nor with Sony.

[@D.Trider]

The china problem is real and is important to highlight. Consistency, working conditions, you know- communism. That lens cannot resolve the full resolution. Once you use and see what high quality glass can do, you realize how Fuji should’ve redesigned this lens formula.

[@zero.street_]

Thanks for this video, it is so refreshing for some honest, candid feedback, the funniest part: "The GRiii SMOKED the X100Vi". It seemed like you wanted to fall inlove with the X100Vi, but there more you tried, the harder it got. I am currently enjoying seeing all of the X100V scammers (selling used for more than new$$$) now trying to offload them on the secondary market.Thanks for everything

[@martinhernandezrosas6686]

What an honest review full of great information. I feel you gave us 3 videos in one.

[@jeffreywjpn]

I had the gr3 and shot it alongside my xt5 and xh1 and had the same results. The gr3 was so amazing in the fine details and in comparison (when pixel peeping) the Fuji files just looked a bit soft.

[@anthonykartsonas5087]

Can't say I appreciate this video as most. He should be entitled to his own opinion about the camera. If he thinks the Ricoh is sharper, then maybe he's right. What I didn't appreciate was the comments about the hype and how the Fuji has become a fashion accessory. Maybe it has to some, but there are a few of us who appreciate their cameras for the functionality, the beauty of the design, and the images from them. To criticize the new followers and the explosion of interest is a little hypocritical from an influencer and someone that helped to create the newfound interest in these cameras. It's like criticizing his base. Also, what's up with the Ricoh jacket while reviewing it. Is that to remind us where his brand loyalty lies? Just like his video, this is an opinion and hope it doesn't offend.

[@martingreenberg870]

The X100VI is a specialized camera like the GR. Street photography? Yes. Travel camera? Maybe. EDC? Yes. General use camera? No. I’m not taking the VI to the zoo as my sole camera. Yes the VI is a nice looking camera. I didn’t purchase the VI just for its looks. Just like I wear a Timex vs. a Rolex. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)

[@pimentovski2011]

Click bait video assumed by the author! Such a good photographer, that I’ve been following for a long time, and love! Making this review and not having one single good image! Prestige take years to build but is so easy to lose, you shouldn’t risk it! This review is resumed by: I’m going to the beach, but I got late (aren’t you embarrassed of it? And used it to fill time off video, and viewers time) . Bashing bashing bashing…. Went to street, I was spotted a lot, should’ve bought the black (maybe you just got a bad day, you’ve only took one opportunity for street photography, feels like you really wanted to be caught). Bashing bashing bashing…. Took a coffee, no pigeons Bashing bashing bashing…. Cut the tree… no more time have to send it back (just needed it for the click bait,not for proper review and not to keep it). You knew it was a 35mm, why try to make it look bad because it’s isn’t a 40mm? Oh wait, it gives the option of being a 43mm, that should’ve been good right? No… because it only gives you the choice of use it in LCD and EVF mode and not OVF IT BECOMES BAD?!?!? Ricoh only has lcd, Nikon doesn’t have OVF! Wouldn’t you like to have that tilt screen on your Ricoh without adding size to the camera? Bashing bashing bashing…. Half pressing the shutter button and then press the ael/afl button gives you the freedom to bash the shutter as many times as you want without change the focus and the exposure. Bashing bashing bashing…. You start by bashing the influencers just to end up doing the same as them! Definitely will keep the subscribe, such good content! Credibility and prestige… aim higher,not vulgar!

[@JET-Photo]

I love your honesty. Hype is so overblown with this series of camera. Not because it's a bad camera, but because people have turned it into a hipster fad. There are no "bad" cameras anymore, just bad actors pretending to be cool photographers lol. Bravo sir, bravo!

[@sayantanutbe]

So regarding your critique about fixed exposure with a half-pressed shutter: This camera has manual controls, which should allow you to fix your shutter speed and apperture with exp-compensation to your liking. I understand you'd want to do it in an auto/sem-auto mode but you do have a way otherwise. Regarding sharpness, I think it was one your previous videos, which showed how much artifacts are in fujiiflm jpegs, thereby identifying that fujifilm uses computational photography, so we shouldn't be surprised by the results.

[@brandonblumhardt]

I’m sure this has been said somewhere else in the comments, but if you pull the viewfinder switch and hold it, it will change the view mode and you can keep doing this until you arrive at your desired view mode. It’s easier than going into the menu.

[@keithjack9850]

Great video, as a long term Fuji user I love the products, however I am fast falling out of love with the company. Having not been able to supply the V over the four years of production we now have exactly the same issue again!! A camera company who can’t supply cameras, I find it a joke and very frustrating, I am also tiring of the “trendy” fashion accessory image, maybe Fuji should focus on loyal customers and less on social media influencers, all becoming very tedious. If I ever get my hands on the vi I order in February I think it will be my last Fuji product, hopefully canon and Nikon see the potential for a premium compact and move into the space, I will jump as soon as they do. ps well done for getting a camera, if you don’t want I’ll buy it from you 😊

[@mrammm377]

Very surprising results compared with the GRiii. In the spirit of honesty, although I'm sure this is a legitimate test, you being a Ricoh ambassador can't really be ignored either. The x100vi is using the same old lens from the previous camera, but I've compared shots with the original x100v, and there absolutely is a noticeable difference in sharpness and detail. It's not a mind-blowing difference, but it is obvious. I've even compared it to the x-t5, with its resolving WR 23mm 1.4 lens at f2, it is comparable to that as well. I'm feeling that you either got a faulty camera, or the Ricoh GRiii is just THAT good where it beats out an x-t5 with detail. Or the GRiii is just a ton more sharp than the original x100v. Maybe you can compare the sharpness of your GRiii with other fuji cameras you have? Perhaps the XS20? I mean, we'd all assume the x100vi has better sharpness than an xs20 with an f2 lens It's just a little tough to believe, and you being a Ricoh ambassador throws another level of weirdness to it. I'd like to see more tests done maybe from other reviewers as well just to be sure, since not a ton of people are claiming this.

[@pawel8365]

I was lusting after an x100(x) camera for years, but I never pulled the trigger. You nailed it perfectly, it's a fidget spinner camera, a toy, a fashion accessory that happens to take nice photos. I want the camera to be invisible when I'm taking photos.

[@Answersonapostcard]

You can say the same about Rolleiflex TLR's, Yashica-Mat TLR's, any number of film cameras that have become fashionable over the years. I don't think we should not use a camera just because it happens to be fashionable.

[@PhilippeCorthout]

I applaud you for addressing all the "I'm a better creator/photographer/influencer-BS". So true... and annoys me as well. They all say the same dumb things until another hypes arises. I did order one though... just because I loved my X100t so much and it really is time for an upgrade (beside my Canon R5 workhorse). I did choose the black one this time for the same reason you had with the silver one. I do notice certain people stare more lately when taking the x100t out of the house.

[@GiantEvertonian]

I'm a Fuji fan boy (I own 5 of them) but I was underwhelmed by the x100vi at the Australia official launch. I found your opinions and thoughts to be very fair and honest unlike so many of the OTT drinking the cool aid You Tubers rattling on about how amazing it is! I think it's interesting that you've picked up on whether Fujifilm are aiming this camera at influencers or the Street photography shooters it was initially created for because those were the very questions I asked some of the ppl I caught up with at the launch. I was shocked that they didn't have any, and I say this with all due respect, proper street photographers at the launch actually show casing what this camera could do out on the Streets of Australia and we have some very very talented x100v street shooters here that would have done it proud! But it didn't happen even the lad they had up there showing us the "street" images he caught with the new x100vi would then go on to say how he'd staged the shot by asking the people their permissiion to photograph them and then staging the shot. I'm not sure if there was some recoil from the Tatsuo x100v launch which in my opinion is what the x100 series is all about. Hope you're well, Sam!

[@Anónimodesinteresado]

As you place your order for this camera, I urge to think and try to remember… where are those Cabbage Patch Kids dolls that you rushed into the now defunct ToyR’Us to buy? Where are they? Are they collectibles? Have you played with them? Do you still like them? Or do you find them silly. Now think… do you have $1600 to spare? Do you really need this camera? A point and shoot, with fixed lenses? Yeah, it’s got simulations. But so does the X-T1. Do you have this disposable cash?

[@martingreenberg870]

Nobody needs this camera. As this is the 6th iteration the camera will be used and loved for years unlike the cabbage patch dolls. B&H will still be in business when the X100VII is being sold. I understand what you are trying to say. Bad analogy. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)

[@whataboutart]

It's good to hear opinions that aren't sugarcoated, but honestly, I cannot believe that the X100VI produces less sharp photos than the Ricoh GRIII. I've had a Ricoh GR IIIx, and I have a Fujifilm camera now and if anything the sharpness should at least be very similar. In any case, an important detail that was left out in this review was low-light performance. I've found that Fujifilm cameras have very good low-light performance, while the Ricoh GR III is very poor in this regard. It's a shame that this almost never gets mentioned when the Ricoh is reviewed, as it is important.

[@GhosT396]

He is using lightroom for starters, which is notoriously less sharp for Fuji sensors. Also, if you look at the first picture with the eye sharpness, the focal length difference is not being compensated for with distance - the x100VI is being more zoomed into

[@Answersonapostcard]

sharpness is such a bore

[@peer-olafkremer4715]

What would you do if the Rico GR suddenly becomes a fashion camera? Would you stop using it? I don’t think so. 😊 I think that one of the important things about the camera you’re using is that you have fun to take it in your hands and take photos. It doesn’t matter if there are better cameras or cameras that are “popular”, as long as you have fun with it. I like using my XT3 even with big lenses to do street photography. I have fun with this camera and like taking it in my hands!

[@SamuelStreetlife]

If the GR one day gets the same attention on the street as the X100 series does now, I would seriously stop using it on the street unless I can hide it efficiently. The worst thing that can happen on the street (for me personally) is not strangers confronting me about my intentions, it's other photographers stopping me because they want to talk about my camera. It gets me out of the flow. I just want to take pictures and be in my zone when I do street photography. Of course how you feel with a camera is important. If it's a fun camera you shoot more pictures. But the fun is interrupted when the camera becomes a conversation starter. In some cases I welcome that though. For example when I use the Nikon ZF because I know that a lot of people will react positively about it when I ask for a portrait. Most people think it's a film camera. And almost 99% of the time they don't know what it is so they don't talk about it. But that is how I work haha. If you have fun with your camera and enjoy taking it out, then take it out! : D

[@peer-olafkremer4715]

Das kann ich gut verstehen! ☺️ Ich habe das Problem das ich aus der Masse heraus stehe (209cm und manchmal mit Hut😅) und das bei meinen Photowalks manchmal hinderlich ist und wenn man aus dem Flow gebracht wir dann ist das schon lästig.

[@deminmax]

This is the best review of the Fuji X100VI I've seen! :) I've got only one question - that window in the fence. Did you cut it just for the video to get a better depth in your shot? Or it has always been there?

[@SamuelStreetlife]

You mean the last Forrest scene? Haha no that window was already there and we removed the roof last year because it had asbestos in it. Since then we left the shed like that.

[@esppics21]

Sam I agree with everything you said on pros and cons of the 100VI. I own Sony A7IV, ZF, and the Fuji H2. And I agree with you focus is not as good as the Sony or Nikon. Low light quality the Sony and ZF outperform it. The only way to resolve the 40MP is with good glass. Out of the 3 cameras I prefer the ZF, Sony then H2. My H2 is my go to when there is plenty of Sun light outdoors. Well done even if it's for clicks.

[@levimorsy]

Thanks Samuel, great and honest review. Still happy with my x100f!

[@berndschimpf89]

Hi Samuel, thanks for your videos. 40 MP and the same tiny lens - how should this work? I had the V and in comparison to my GRIIIx it was very soft, and after a while I sold my X100v. Look at the new Fuji lenses: sharp but very big. To big in my eyes. I sold my 33/1.4 and 18/1.4 and use voigtländer 18/2.8 and 27/2 with manual focus on my XT5 with a great finder and split view. This works for me.

[@anonymousl5150]

It's ironic because the sharpest apsc 1.4 lenses have to be nearly as big as full frame quality lenses and you lose the advantage of apsc in the first place.

[@neerajnongmaithem392]

​@@anonymousl5150 apsc advantage is usually not size but budget. Full frame cameras are still obscenely expensive

[@lknhd]

thats what i feel as well, i have xt5 with 33/1.4 and i feel its too big for everyday camera. was looking to replace it with x100vi but then i found this video. now i'm undecided again. sigh.

[@rosvw3517]

This was probably the most candid and informative video I’ve watched on really giving us an in-depth review! So well done. Thank you.

[@miam1074]

I ordered this camera yesterday, and now I am having second thoughts... I owned the X100F, but did not have a good relationship with it - it had a lot to do with the impossible AF... After that experience I promised myself that I will not be fooled by the YT hype again, because most reviewers praised the F's AF capabilities, so simply ignored the V, even though many reviewers praised the new lens, the sharpness and the AF. Not sure what happened, why I believed the reviews this time around, but I did, and so ordered the camera... BTW, the eye-shot comparison you did is exactly how most of my pictures looked like on the F.

[@randallbrander8157]

Fuji X100V does Video is in 4k compared to My GR III & GR IIIX but still reviewing it on the Photo Style.

[@abelardojeda]

I sold my X100V for the very same reasons (or downsides) you mention. I’ve heard very good things about the Nikon Zf. I prefer a bigger camera than a smaller one that has that many flaws. For me the X100V (and I’ve heard the X100VI too) has this irritating delay to expose correctly when taking immediately to your face (I believe all the Fuji cameras have the same problem), also the EVF sometimes lags behind, meaning you lose the right shot. Fuji cameras are “cute”, but I don’t know if enough camera for working photographers or experienced ones.

[@retropixer]

I really appreciated this video and your assessment. All your points, positive and negative, I also agree. I like the camera and I might keep it only because of its form factor and approachability (for others in the house to use as well). Either case, I was happy to see I wasn’t alone when I didn’t end up completely enamored by it as the internets want me to.

[@ofthenearfuture]

Dang shots fired at Gx, but, I agree lol

[@pxperimenter]

As for the image quality comparison between the Ricoh GRIIIx and the Fuji X100VI, I'm personally not surprised, but it also seems as if the Ricoh's images were processed with more edge contrast while not really showing more fine detail. It's hard to tell from a KZbin video, though. Would it be possible for you to share raw files from both cameras (for example, the watering can shot) so that we can experiment with them ourselves? (Also when using raw converters other than Lightroom. How would the images from both cameras look and compare when processed with DxO PhotoLab, for example?)

[@-grey]

As someone who a has both fujifilm cameras and the GR the comparison was a bit unfair. The GR lens is just so good that it makes most lenses look suboptimised. That's only going to get worse at 40mp tbh. Not many lenses can keep up with the GR in my experience.

[@BenvonMomenteDeinerGeschichte]

great video! Referring to the sharpness issue: I think it's about the different sensor-patterns, not the lens with the 40mp. Would be intersting to have a comparison between the x100v and x100vi, which would have the same pattern...

[@ThereGoesSpider]

X-T1 and a X100F SE Brown. Best combo I’ve ever used.

[@thedarkslide]

Samuel, thanks for pretty resoundingly suffocating any temptations and GAS around this camera. Seeing that image sample of your kiddo compared to the GRIIIx, I have lost any appetite for the X100VI.

[@-grey]

More people need to talk about the AF, IQ, and quality issues tbh. It's pretty unacceptable that it focuses past infinity for example. 😂

[@happy030]

I did preorder the Fuji X100 IV at fotomeyer-germany. I do indeed love the Retro Design. Allthough his camera isnt really small. It is somehow so big like my fullframe Sony A7IV. I wish it would be smaller. Bummer! The Ricoh is a perfect small streetcamera (I hope they come out soon with a Successor model with video capability and more.) Another Contrapoints against the Fuji is the SHARPNESS, you´re speaking about in minute 20:00. PS.: I bought my first Ricoh camera at the Fishermens warf in San Francisco. It was the golden R1 compact camera. It was so nice camera. When I was returning the Rent Car, I forgot the camera in the car. It was forever gone. Backhome in Berlin Germany- I bought the Ricoh GR film camera in the year 2000 at Fotomeyer. I scarcely use the camera. IT is still new brandnew...Allthough I did buy it 24 years ago...

[@dfigphoto]

Thank you!!! I appreciate your honesty. X100cringe is def the best way to put it. I’ve used probably every Fujifilm cam since the x10 in 2011 to the X100v and although I’m happy to see Fujifilm get some much deserved attention, the mark up I’m seeing with most of the rangefinder body Fujifilms is pretty wild. Trendy, for lack of a better word. But in 2024, camera companies have caught up. Merging a tactile feel and high image quality. Like the Nikon ZF.

[@dcsoda1]

The Nikon zf is already 300-400 bucks more expensive and you can pump that number up quite a bit if you want to get a solid lens for it.

[@venom2k2]

Have you watched GXaces videos? Do you know him? Calling his work and his x100vi cringe is not a good look at all. Bro loved the x100v and he loves the x100vi as well. What makes that cringe exactly? Especially considering he has a disability (can't bend his fingers) and the x100vi works especially well for him. That makes it cringe as well?

[@mcbrineellis]

@@venom2k2where did he use the word GxAce in his comment? Clearly this commenter are not talking about him directly but rather Samuel was using his video as an example of the giant wave of overly positive and hypetrain review videos for the X100 series (and I say that as an X100V user who has been using the camera as my main system since 2020). Samuel's honest and well thought out criticisms are a welcome change.

[@venom2k2]

@@mcbrineellis if you show the thumbnail of Gxaces video and also type that it is cringe, then he is directly addressing GxAce and says his video is cringe.

[@ufukkiblat]

@@dcsoda1 But it offers much better and more features, also having full frame sensor for only 300 more than crop sensor camera is a good deal.

[@TheMarkcabin]

Thank you for a very honest review, much appreciated

[@MarkPanado]

Will they give back 100% of what you have paid when returning items after using it? I'm curious because there's no such law in my place.

[@javierherrera9450]

You're a ricoh ambassador right off the bat I wrote you off as biased.

[@henrahmagix]

i absolutely LOOOVE the cranes in the background at the beach!! would love to see some shots of those coming out of the fog/mist!

[@williamchan8866]

Thanks for your insights, we all appreciate.

[@dhuerta1000]

Great video Samuel. I was getting caught up in all the hype so I appreciate your honesty. I had a x100v for about a month but sold it for some of the same reasons. I’ll stick with my “must be nice” cameras. 👍🏽

[@dcsoda1]

I'm happy for the new sensor and the IBIS. Makes an awesome camera that much better. And you gotta let go of the fact that you think people are noticing your camera. 95% of people are not going to be nearly plugged in enough to know what camera that is.

[@UP209D]

Seems like GR IIIx running sharpen action under the hood, I can clearly see at less megapixel but its noisier

[@acca17]

Really enjoy your video style, relax and informative and I learned a lot from your. Cheers.

[@ldmndz4652]

Samuel..great insight..so on the Ricoh GR4 iteration..what would you prefer be on it specs wise?..bump in megapixel? of course better AF and new processor? newer lens?..do you think seeing the success of the recent Fuji X100 line..be a factor with Ricoh in considering to develop a GR4 sooner rather than later?..in the sense of taking advantage of this momentum with consumers who are into this more compact form category.

[@acmdv]

22:00 It could be that the lens isn't good enough to resolve 40MP.

[@shahzadahmed-tq8tm]

Thank You for the information! Great as always. I have my ZF since Oct.2023, and I can see myself with that for a very long time. Could you please tell what strap you have on ZF in the video, and where to it from? Thank You in advance!

[@SamuelStreetlife]

ZF love!🙌 yes the strap is from Wotancraft and it's from their new parashooter series. I am publishing a video this week where I talk about their straps in more detail. I am loving mine on my ZF. Perfect blend of comfort and flexibility.

[@shahzadahmed-tq8tm]

@@SamuelStreetlife Thank you! And don't worry about the pdeople commenting about sharpness results between X100vi and Richo. Most people like to live in their comfort zones, hence miss the reality. Lg