The Fujifilm X100V – Is it Worth it?

Ah, the X100V. A camera that deserved the hype it got when it was first released. A camera that exceeded all expectations upon release. A camera that continued to rise in popularity, due to its uprising within social media. A camera that is next to impossible to find in stores nowadays, to the point where the resale value has exceeded its retail price.

And yet, my blog post is all about the infamous digital point and shoot that we may never see in stock again.

Touted as the “King of digital point and shoots,” the X100V has become one of the most sought after cameras within the post-lockdown photography era. The camera has become very popular due to the evolution of the already great JPEG colours that Fujifilm is known for, making film simulations to emulate popular film stocks like Kodachrome 64 and Portra 400.

Unfortunately with the shortage of parts, the X100V is nowhere to be found in most retailers, with even Beau halting orders since spring of this year. With this, as well as the surge in popularity due to Youtubers and influencers raving about the camera, the Fujifilm X100V has everyone seeking it asking –

Is the Fujifilm X100V worth it?

I will be honest, I chose this camera to review due to my history with Fujifilm cameras. I’ve loved using Fujifilm cameras ever since I got my X-Pro1 back in 2016. I upgraded to an X-T2 early in 2017 to use as a main work camera, replacing my X-Pro1. I later upgraded to a X-T4 + X-S10 dual camera setup for freelance work, with brief periods of owning the Fujifilm X10, X-E2 as well an an X100V (these cameras were short-lived in my camera collection). Personally, I think Fujifilm cameras are one of – if not THE best APS-C digital cameras on the market. With dynamic range and autofocus capabilities rivalling full frame bodies from other manufacturers, Fujifilm mirrorless cameras have excelled in a untapped market – perfect for anyone looking to upgrade systems.

That’s the thing that I loved about Fujifilm. No matter how many times I would hear “oh, but full frame is better,” or “oh, this other camera has better autofocus and performs better in low light,” I would still stand by me using my X-T4 on jobs. Fujifilm cameras just feel right, and whenever I can feel at home with a camera in my hands, everything becomes so much easier.

To go back to the camera mentioned in the title, the X100V on paper is really good compared to other point and shoots. It uses the same 26.4MP X-Trans 4 sensor that the X-T4, X-S20, and the X-Pro 3 use, which was regarded as one of the best APS-C sensors on the market at the time. The camera has a tack-sharp 23mm F2 lens built in that is the perfect focal length for everyday use. It has a built in flash, as well as a built in ND filter so that it can be used in almost any lighting situation. Not to mention that the camera is weather sealed, has a hybrid viewfinder, and 4k video, all in a body small enough for a coat pocket. The camera is, and has been one of the best travel cameras for both consumers and professionals everywhere. Yet, due to the resale price of the camera being more than what it was retail, the idea for paying this much for the X100V is still a wild thought. If we were to compare it to the X-T4 for example, other than size and portability, does it really compare?

It doesn’t have IBIS like the X-T4
It doesn’t have a fully articulating screen like the X-T4
It doesn’t accept interchangeable lenses like the X-T4
It can’t shoot 20fps burst images like the X-T4
The lens is only an F2 compared to my 23mm F1.4 WR

I’ll be honest, the mindset of “oh but this camera is better” was how I felt about the X100V when I first got it, and continued to feel as the camera grew in popularity. As time went on though, I ended up selling a lot of my Fujifilm gear due to me fully switching over to film for my photography. The switch was bittersweet, as it felt like I was letting go of a system that treated me so well, which made it feel like there was something missing in my collection. As much as I love the process of shooting film, there are times where the convenience of using a digital camera can not be beat.

So the other day, I was able to borrow Jake’s X100V for a week, and brought the camera everywhere with me.

And the camera did it.
It did the thing.
It got me loving the camera again.

 

The X100V was glued to my hands, giving me the feeling of capturing memories for what they are and actually creating art, versus feeling like I had to fiddle with the camera to get the right shot. The compactness of the camera made a huge difference when it came to my everyday commutes, especially on transit, since I did not need to worry about lugging around my much heavier cameras. I forgot how fun it was to use Fujifilm’s camera profiles like Classic Negative and Pro Neg. Hi, and even found myself looking up JPEG film recipes! It was a breath of fresh air, and shooting on it was a reminder about how even though other cameras can be better, the important part is actually wanting to go out to take pictures and use the camera.

I didn’t think I would say this at the end of this blog, but the X100V is worth it – for the sole reason that it made me want to take the camera out with me. (I really thought this camera would be the first camera where it would not be worth it tbh.)

Fujifilm, you’ve made a great camera. (pls make more)

Now, unfortunately the X100V is no longer available in stores anymore. Because of its popularity, the allocated number of X100Vs in Canada has already been pre-sold to backorders. That being said, as I mentioned above, Fujifilm makes other cameras that are great in their own regard!

Fujifilm X-T4 – This kit, with the excellent XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4R OIS has been discontinued and we only have one left! $2,619.00  reg. $2,840.00
• Same sensor as the X100V, but with IBIS (in body stabilization,) fully articulating screen vs X100V’s tilting screen.

Fujifilm X-T5 – $2300 – $2970
• A newer version of the X-T4 with a 40mp sensor, upgraded autofocus and 6K30FPS video

Fujifilm X-S20 – $1750 – $2300
• Smaller mirrorless body with the same sensor as the X100V with a built in flash, fully articulating screen with a DSLR-like layout

Fujifilm X-H2S – $3150
• Fujifilm’s flagship APS-C mirrorless camera with excellent dynamic range and vast improvements to its video capabilities.

Want me to review a camera to see if its worth it? Leave a comment down below!