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Archive 2024X100VI first impressions + running commentary
p.11 #1X100VI first impressions + running commentary
_Refraction wrote:
In summary: maybe, kinda, sorta, halfway alright, in a pinch, for fast moving kids or people moving generally, if (a) you aren't looking too closely/aren't super demanding for tack sharp eye focus, and (b) you are a reasonably experienced photographer, and (c) who has the ability and is willing to devote some additional time and energy to anticipating the limitations of the AF algorithms and lens, and (d) who is willing to accept a bunch of culling for the (frequent) times where the algorithm/lens can't quite keep up even where the green box claims it has.
I had a friend ask me if the V would make a good first camera, to which I emphatically told them no. The nuance to eke out the best of the camera comes from having experience in other areas of photography, a complete understanding of exposure, a solid grasp of color and contrast, and the ability to "take the wheel" in the areas the camera can stink at, like AF.
It's a GREAT camera for experienced photographers looking for a very specific set of features and output.
In no world would I hand it to my parents and expect decent shots the way I have it set up, maximized to play to its (and my!) strengths.
In summary: maybe, kinda, sorta, halfway alright, in a pinch, for fast moving kids or people moving generally, if (a) you aren't looking too closely/aren't super demanding for tack sharp eye focus, and (b) you are a reasonably experienced photographer, and (c) who has the ability and is willing to devote some additional time and energy to anticipating the limitations of the AF algorithms and lens, and (d) who is willing to accept a bunch of culling for the (frequent) times where the algorithm/lens can't quite keep up even where the green box claims it has.
I had a friend ask me if the V would make a good first camera, to which I emphatically told them no. The nuance to eke out the best of the camera comes from having experience in other areas of photography, a complete understanding of exposure, a solid grasp of color and contrast, and the ability to "take the wheel" in the areas the camera can stink at, like AF.
It's a GREAT camera for experienced photographers looking for a very specific set of features and output.
In no world would I hand it to my parents and expect decent shots the way I have it set up, maximized to play to its (and my!) strengths.
Mar 10, 2024 at 03:04 PM
p.11 #2X100VI first impressions + running commentary
Samuel didn't do a head-to-head comparison among the X100VI, the Nikon Zf, and the RicohGRiiiX. He used the Nikon and Ricoh cameras to illustrate a couple of features that he found lacking in the Fuji. Furthermore, his review of the Fuji was from (his) user's standpoint, he concentrated on the things that are important to his shooting style, and he repeatedly said that if you shoot differently and have different priorities, YMMV. The thing that struck me most strongly was the quick comparison of sharpness and detail between the Ricoh and the Fuji when he took the shots of his son. I think this calls for some test chart testing to confirm his findings. But the side by side shots he presented are pretty dramatic. Go to 21:40 in his video to see the comparison. How does one reconcile that discrepancy?
Mar 10, 2024 at 08:35 PM
p.11 #3X100VI first impressions + running commentary
Literally no one in this thread who owns a VI has complained of softness. The shot of the kid on YT was clearly misfocused. Love a good sample size of 1, especially when it’s demonstrated by filming a screen with a phone, and it’s playing back an IG story 
Anyways, again, this thread is NOT about YouTube videos. It’s about owners talking about their impressions.
Anyways, again, this thread is NOT about YouTube videos. It’s about owners talking about their impressions.
Mar 10, 2024 at 08:42 PM
p.11 #4X100VI first impressions + running commentary
TENOG wrote:
Samuel didn't do a head-to-head comparison among the X100VI, the Nikon Zf, and the RicohGRiiiX. He used the Nikon and Ricoh cameras to illustrate a couple of features that he found lacking in the Fuji. Furthermore, his review of the Fuji was from (his) user's standpoint, he concentrated on the things that are important to his shooting style, and he repeatedly said that if you shoot differently and have different priorities, YMMV. The thing that struck me most strongly was the quick comparison of sharpness and detail between the Ricoh and the Fuji when he took the shots of his...Show more →
Maybe it's a case of misfocus, but it's difficult to be certain without doing a more technical test.
Samuel didn't do a head-to-head comparison among the X100VI, the Nikon Zf, and the RicohGRiiiX. He used the Nikon and Ricoh cameras to illustrate a couple of features that he found lacking in the Fuji. Furthermore, his review of the Fuji was from (his) user's standpoint, he concentrated on the things that are important to his shooting style, and he repeatedly said that if you shoot differently and have different priorities, YMMV. The thing that struck me most strongly was the quick comparison of sharpness and detail between the Ricoh and the Fuji when he took the shots of his...Show more →
Maybe it's a case of misfocus, but it's difficult to be certain without doing a more technical test.
Mar 10, 2024 at 09:27 PM
p.11 #5X100VI first impressions + running commentary
Fred Miranda wrote:
Maybe it's a case of misfocus, but it's difficult to be certain without doing a more technical test.
Samuel says it wasn't a misfocus issue. Take that for what's it's worth. I agree that it begs for a technical comparison test.
TENOG wrote
Samuel didn't do a head-to-head comparison among the X100VI, the Nikon Zf, and the RicohGRiiiX. He used the Nikon and Ricoh cameras to illustrate a couple of features that he found lacking in the Fuji. Furthermore, his review of the Fuji was from (his) user's standpoint, he concentrated on the things that are important to his shooting style, and he repeatedly said that if you shoot differently and have different priorities, YMMV. The thing that struck me most strongly was the quick comparison of sharpness and detail between the Ricoh and the Fuji when he took the shots of his son. I think this calls for some test chart testing to confirm his findings. But the side by side shots he presented are pretty dramatic. Go to 21:40 in his video to see the comparison. How does one reconcile that discrepancy?Samuel says it wasn't a misfocus issue. Take that for what's it's worth. I agree that it begs for a technical comparison test.
Mar 10, 2024 at 10:10 PM
p.11 #6X100VI first impressions + running commentary
TENOG wrote:
Maybe it's a case of misfocus, but it's difficult to be certain without doing a more technical test.Samuel says it wasn't a misfocus issue. Take that for what's it's worth. I agree that it begs for a technical comparison test.
I'm not alleging that he's deliberately spreading misinformation. I suggested it could be a misfocus situation, even though he disagrees. He provided only one sample, and without all the details, we can't confirm anything. Ensuring accuracy requires conducting a technical test to eliminate any potential factors causing discrepancies. Otherwise, it's just hearsay.
Fred Miranda wrote
TENOG wrote
Samuel didn't do a head-to-head comparison among the X100VI, the Nikon Zf, and the RicohGRiiiX. He used the Nikon and Ricoh cameras to illustrate a couple of features that he found lacking in the Fuji. Furthermore, his review of the Fuji was from (his) user's standpoint, he concentrated on the things that are important to his shooting style, and he repeatedly said that if you shoot differently and have different priorities, YMMV. The thing that struck me most strongly was the quick comparison of sharpness and detail between the Ricoh and the Fuji when he took the shots of his son. I think this calls for some test chart testing to confirm his findings. But the side by side shots he presented are pretty dramatic. Go to 21:40 in his video to see the comparison. How does one reconcile that discrepancy?I'm not alleging that he's deliberately spreading misinformation. I suggested it could be a misfocus situation, even though he disagrees. He provided only one sample, and without all the details, we can't confirm anything. Ensuring accuracy requires conducting a technical test to eliminate any potential factors causing discrepancies. Otherwise, it's just hearsay.
Mar 10, 2024 at 10:23 PM
p.11 #7X100VI first impressions + running commentary
Fred Miranda wrote:
Maybe it's a case of misfocus, but it's difficult to be certain without doing a more technical test.Samuel says it wasn't a misfocus issue. Take that for what's it's worth. I agree that it begs for a technical comparison test.I'm not alleging that he's deliberately spreading misinformation. I suggested it could be a misfocus situation, even though he disagrees. He provided only one sample, and without all the details, we can't confirm anything. Ensuring accuracy requires conducting a technical test to eliminate any potential factors causing discrepancies. Otherwise, it's just hearsay.
I completely agree with everything you said. Here's a good technical review of the camera by pal2tech, which I find to be a pretty reliable source. He doesn't address the issue we are discussing here, but at about the 17:00 mark he does some 'brick wall' testing of the lens. He finds softness and vignetting at some apertures but it doesn't look like a serious deficiency. Certainly not as bad as Samuel implies.
TENOG wrote
Fred Miranda wrote
TENOG wrote
Samuel didn't do a head-to-head comparison among the X100VI, the Nikon Zf, and the RicohGRiiiX. He used the Nikon and Ricoh cameras to illustrate a couple of features that he found lacking in the Fuji. Furthermore, his review of the Fuji was from (his) user's standpoint, he concentrated on the things that are important to his shooting style, and he repeatedly said that if you shoot differently and have different priorities, YMMV. The thing that struck me most strongly was the quick comparison of sharpness and detail between the Ricoh and the Fuji when he took the shots of his son. I think this calls for some test chart testing to confirm his findings. But the side by side shots he presented are pretty dramatic. Go to 21:40 in his video to see the comparison. How does one reconcile that discrepancy?I completely agree with everything you said. Here's a good technical review of the camera by pal2tech, which I find to be a pretty reliable source. He doesn't address the issue we are discussing here, but at about the 17:00 mark he does some 'brick wall' testing of the lens. He finds softness and vignetting at some apertures but it doesn't look like a serious deficiency. Certainly not as bad as Samuel implies.
Mar 10, 2024 at 10:36 PM
p.11 #8X100VI first impressions + running commentary
The Samuel Streetlife YT seemed like one of the worst YT camera reviews I have seen. But I suppose I was immediately turned off by his statement about not intending to keep the camera, just return it after his review. I think its dishonest to purchase something without any intention of keeping it. The reseller is going to have to resell it as an "open box" at some sort of discount. Not to mention eating the cost of fulfilling his order and then restocking it. His approach is wrong, he's mooching off a generous return policy.
Mar 10, 2024 at 10:58 PM
p.11 #9X100VI first impressions + running commentary
Would a kind X100VI user be interested in contributing to my sensor readout speed database?
Details here:
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1848774
Current results:
https://horshack-dpreview.github.io/RollingShutter/
Details here:
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1848774
Current results:
https://horshack-dpreview.github.io/RollingShutter/
Mar 11, 2024 at 05:23 AM
p.11 #10X100VI first impressions + running commentary
SGinNorcal wrote:
The Samuel Streetlife YT seemed like one of the worst YT camera reviews I have seen.
He also seems like one of the most mediocre street photographers as well. Check out his instagram, with the exception of a handful of pics, his work is mediocre at best.
The Samuel Streetlife YT seemed like one of the worst YT camera reviews I have seen.
He also seems like one of the most mediocre street photographers as well. Check out his instagram, with the exception of a handful of pics, his work is mediocre at best.
Mar 11, 2024 at 05:38 AM
p.11 #11X100VI first impressions + running commentary
snapsy wrote:
Would a kind X100VI user be interested in contributing to my sensor readout speed database?
Details here:
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1848774
Current results:
https://horshack-dpreview.github.io/RollingShutter/
Id be interested - X100VI and X-H2S
Would a kind X100VI user be interested in contributing to my sensor readout speed database?
Details here:
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1848774
Current results:
https://horshack-dpreview.github.io/RollingShutter/
Id be interested - X100VI and X-H2S
Mar 11, 2024 at 05:50 AM
p.11 #12X100VI first impressions + running commentary
SGinNorcal wrote:
The Samuel Streetlife YT seemed like one of the worst YT camera reviews I have seen. But I suppose I was immediately turned off by his statement about not intending to keep the camera, just return it after his review. I think its dishonest to purchase something without any intention of keeping it. The reseller is going to have to resell it as an "open box" at some sort of discount. Not to mention eating the cost of fulfilling his order and then restocking it. His approach is wrong, he's mooching off a generous return policy.
And if he had gotten a loaner from Fuji, people would have complained that he was biased. It’s a no-win situation for reviewers, unless they can afford to buy all cameras outright.
The Samuel Streetlife YT seemed like one of the worst YT camera reviews I have seen. But I suppose I was immediately turned off by his statement about not intending to keep the camera, just return it after his review. I think its dishonest to purchase something without any intention of keeping it. The reseller is going to have to resell it as an "open box" at some sort of discount. Not to mention eating the cost of fulfilling his order and then restocking it. His approach is wrong, he's mooching off a generous return policy.
And if he had gotten a loaner from Fuji, people would have complained that he was biased. It’s a no-win situation for reviewers, unless they can afford to buy all cameras outright.
Mar 11, 2024 at 06:28 AM
p.11 #13X100VI first impressions + running commentary
Fred Miranda wrote:
I'd like to hear from people who've actually used both setups, not just watched videos. Can you tell me how fast and accurate the autofocus is on the X100V or X100VI compared to the X-Pro3 or X-E4 with the XF 23mm f/2 WR lens? I've found the latter setup pretty good, though not as good as Sony. I haven't tried an X100 series camera myself, and I'm curious if it's noticeably worse, as some comments suggest, possibly due to the lens.
I think you'll get a lot of variance in your answers on this one. I have a V and haven't had an issue with autofocus at all. I use if for "street" shooting, sometimes people, events... But when I need fast AF, such as for sports or wildlife, the V is the last camera I would use.
I'd like to hear from people who've actually used both setups, not just watched videos. Can you tell me how fast and accurate the autofocus is on the X100V or X100VI compared to the X-Pro3 or X-E4 with the XF 23mm f/2 WR lens? I've found the latter setup pretty good, though not as good as Sony. I haven't tried an X100 series camera myself, and I'm curious if it's noticeably worse, as some comments suggest, possibly due to the lens.
I think you'll get a lot of variance in your answers on this one. I have a V and haven't had an issue with autofocus at all. I use if for "street" shooting, sometimes people, events... But when I need fast AF, such as for sports or wildlife, the V is the last camera I would use.
Mar 11, 2024 at 06:30 AM
p.11 #14X100VI first impressions + running commentary
johnvanr wrote:
And if he had gotten a loaner from Fuji, people would have complained that he was biased. It’s a no-win situation for reviewers, unless they can afford to buy all cameras outright.
The 'review' comes across as insincere. He bookended the review with the fact that he was going to return the camera and at the end that he did it for the clicks. Half of the video was him claiming that people were looking at him because of the 'hype' of the camera. Most people have no idea what the heck x100vi is, let alone the hype surrounding it. I frequent NYC with my camera (x100t) and unless I'm being an ass, practically no one gives me a second glance. He comes across like a hipster whose favorite unknown/underground band has gained some notoriety and is no longer cool. I'm ALL for honest reviews but this one struck me as odd. Also, the fact that he's moderating comments is a joke. Try it for yourself, ask a question critical of his 'review' and see if it gets posted/answered. 95% of the comments are folks praising him for what a great/honest review he posted. Give me a break.
The only thing I'm curious about from his review is the shutter button and if the half press and full press are hard to gauge. I never had that issue with any of my Fuji cameras and am curious to see if the VI is any different.
Edited on Mar 11, 2024 at 07:12 AM · View previous versions
SGinNorcal wrote
The Samuel Streetlife YT seemed like one of the worst YT camera reviews I have seen. But I suppose I was immediately turned off by his statement about not intending to keep the camera, just return it after his review. I think its dishonest to purchase something without any intention of keeping it. The reseller is going to have to resell it as an "open box" at some sort of discount. Not to mention eating the cost of fulfilling his order and then restocking it. His approach is wrong, he's mooching off a generous return policy.The 'review' comes across as insincere. He bookended the review with the fact that he was going to return the camera and at the end that he did it for the clicks. Half of the video was him claiming that people were looking at him because of the 'hype' of the camera. Most people have no idea what the heck x100vi is, let alone the hype surrounding it. I frequent NYC with my camera (x100t) and unless I'm being an ass, practically no one gives me a second glance. He comes across like a hipster whose favorite unknown/underground band has gained some notoriety and is no longer cool. I'm ALL for honest reviews but this one struck me as odd. Also, the fact that he's moderating comments is a joke. Try it for yourself, ask a question critical of his 'review' and see if it gets posted/answered. 95% of the comments are folks praising him for what a great/honest review he posted. Give me a break.
The only thing I'm curious about from his review is the shutter button and if the half press and full press are hard to gauge. I never had that issue with any of my Fuji cameras and am curious to see if the VI is any different.
Edited on Mar 11, 2024 at 07:12 AM · View previous versions
Mar 11, 2024 at 06:52 AM
p.11 #15X100VI first impressions + running commentary
johnvanr wrote:
And if he had gotten a loaner from Fuji, people would have complained that he was biased. It’s a no-win situation for reviewers, unless they can afford to buy all cameras outright.
Surely most well-known reviewers get loaners from Fuji - we don't automatically accuse them of bias
SGinNorcal wrote
The Samuel Streetlife YT seemed like one of the worst YT camera reviews I have seen. But I suppose I was immediately turned off by his statement about not intending to keep the camera, just return it after his review. I think its dishonest to purchase something without any intention of keeping it. The reseller is going to have to resell it as an "open box" at some sort of discount. Not to mention eating the cost of fulfilling his order and then restocking it. His approach is wrong, he's mooching off a generous return policy.Surely most well-known reviewers get loaners from Fuji - we don't automatically accuse them of bias
Mar 11, 2024 at 07:01 AM
p.11 #16X100VI first impressions + running commentary
AZ Photo wrote:
And if he had gotten a loaner from Fuji, people would have complained that he was biased. It’s a no-win situation for reviewers, unless they can afford to buy all cameras outright.Surely most well-known reviewers get loaners from Fuji - we don't automatically accuse them of bias
Maybe you don’t, but many do
johnvanr wrote
SGinNorcal wrote
The Samuel Streetlife YT seemed like one of the worst YT camera reviews I have seen. But I suppose I was immediately turned off by his statement about not intending to keep the camera, just return it after his review. I think its dishonest to purchase something without any intention of keeping it. The reseller is going to have to resell it as an "open box" at some sort of discount. Not to mention eating the cost of fulfilling his order and then restocking it. His approach is wrong, he's mooching off a generous return policy.Maybe you don’t, but many do
Mar 11, 2024 at 07:09 AM
p.11 #17X100VI first impressions + running commentary
jmczaja wrote:
And if he had gotten a loaner from Fuji, people would have complained that he was biased. It’s a no-win situation for reviewers, unless they can afford to buy all cameras outright.The 'review' comes across as insincere. He bookended the review with the fact that he was going to return the camera and at the end that he did it for the clicks. Half of the video was him claiming that people were looking at him because of the 'hype' of the camera. Most people have no idea what the heck x100vi is, let alone the hype surrounding it. I frequent NYC with my camera (x100t) and unless I'm being an ass, practically no one gives me a second glance. He comes across like a hipster whose favorite unknown/underground band has...Show more →
I agree that he could have improved the video quite a bit, but I think he’s sincere. If you’re used to his videos, you recognize his style. Being European myself and spending most of my life in the US, I can tell you there’s a difference between shooting street in large American cities and large European cities. Never been to Hamburg, but I’m not surprised by the stares he got, though I do think he also would have gotten them with most other cameras. I’m curious about the difference in sharpness, but like others not sure he didn’t screw up. We’ll see.
johnvanr wrote
SGinNorcal wrote
The Samuel Streetlife YT seemed like one of the worst YT camera reviews I have seen. But I suppose I was immediately turned off by his statement about not intending to keep the camera, just return it after his review. I think its dishonest to purchase something without any intention of keeping it. The reseller is going to have to resell it as an "open box" at some sort of discount. Not to mention eating the cost of fulfilling his order and then restocking it. His approach is wrong, he's mooching off a generous return policy.I agree that he could have improved the video quite a bit, but I think he’s sincere. If you’re used to his videos, you recognize his style. Being European myself and spending most of my life in the US, I can tell you there’s a difference between shooting street in large American cities and large European cities. Never been to Hamburg, but I’m not surprised by the stares he got, though I do think he also would have gotten them with most other cameras. I’m curious about the difference in sharpness, but like others not sure he didn’t screw up. We’ll see.
Mar 11, 2024 at 07:15 AM
p.11 #18X100VI first impressions + running commentary
johnvanr wrote:
I agree that he could have improved the video quite a bit, but I think he’s sincere. If you’re used to his videos, you recognize his style.
This is definitely the first time I've come across his videos so maybe you're right. That said, if he was sincere, I'd think he would allow comments that politely challenge or simply ask for clarification on points made in his so called 'review'. This is just my opinion, of course.
TBH, I'm more concerned about his findings with the shutter release. The sharpness vs the Ricoh is a curiosity for sure but doesnt sway me either way. I tried the Ricoh and it's a lovely little camera but just didn't work for me or my hands.
I agree that he could have improved the video quite a bit, but I think he’s sincere. If you’re used to his videos, you recognize his style.
This is definitely the first time I've come across his videos so maybe you're right. That said, if he was sincere, I'd think he would allow comments that politely challenge or simply ask for clarification on points made in his so called 'review'. This is just my opinion, of course.
TBH, I'm more concerned about his findings with the shutter release. The sharpness vs the Ricoh is a curiosity for sure but doesnt sway me either way. I tried the Ricoh and it's a lovely little camera but just didn't work for me or my hands.
Mar 11, 2024 at 07:27 AM
p.11 #19X100VI first impressions + running commentary
For what it’s worth, I found the half stop and full release a little too close together on the V, which is why I bought a soft touch shutter extension. Given that all of the physical parts basically feel the same on the VI, I wouldn’t be surprised to hear a similar complaint.
Mar 11, 2024 at 07:41 AM
p.11 #20X100VI first impressions + running commentary
Sharona wrote:
I think you'll get a lot of variance in your answers on this one. I have a V and haven't had an issue with autofocus at all. I use if for "street" shooting, sometimes people, events... But when I need fast AF, such as for sports or wildlife, the V is the last camera I would use.
Thank you! I'm surprised that there hasn't been a side-by-side comparison of cameras like the X-Pro3 + XF 23/2 and X100V specifically on autofocus performance. Both cameras share similar specs, including the OVF, which makes such a comparison intriguing. In my experience, using the X-Pro3 and X-E4 with the XF 23/2 lens has shown remarkably fast autofocus, even when it comes to tracking subjects. In fact, this lens stands out as the fastest autofocus lens I've tried on a Fuji camera to date..
The XF 100-300 also impresses with its speed, keeping up with subjects during autofocus tracking (AF-C). From the discussions I've seen, it seems that the X100V, or the new VI with their super-compact (pancake) lens, does not offer comparable performance. However, as you mentioned, it should still perform well in AF-S.
Fred Miranda wrote
I'd like to hear from people who've actually used both setups, not just watched videos. Can you tell me how fast and accurate the autofocus is on the X100V or X100VI compared to the X-Pro3 or X-E4 with the XF 23mm f/2 WR lens? I've found the latter setup pretty good, though not as good as Sony. I haven't tried an X100 series camera myself, and I'm curious if it's noticeably worse, as some comments suggest, possibly due to the lens.Thank you! I'm surprised that there hasn't been a side-by-side comparison of cameras like the X-Pro3 + XF 23/2 and X100V specifically on autofocus performance. Both cameras share similar specs, including the OVF, which makes such a comparison intriguing. In my experience, using the X-Pro3 and X-E4 with the XF 23/2 lens has shown remarkably fast autofocus, even when it comes to tracking subjects. In fact, this lens stands out as the fastest autofocus lens I've tried on a Fuji camera to date..
The XF 100-300 also impresses with its speed, keeping up with subjects during autofocus tracking (AF-C). From the discussions I've seen, it seems that the X100V, or the new VI with their super-compact (pancake) lens, does not offer comparable performance. However, as you mentioned, it should still perform well in AF-S.
Mar 11, 2024 at 08:56 AM