Fujifilm has launched X100V, the latest in
the line of popular compact cameras from the company. The X100V (the V is
pronounced vee and not five, even though it's the fifth camera in the X100
series) is a major upgrade over its predecessor in every way, making it
perfectly viable as compact but full-featured vacation or street photography
camera.
The X100V features a new 26.1MP backside
illuminated X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor coupled with a new generation X-Processor 4.
To go with the new sensor, the X100V also has a new 23mm F2 lens, which has a
usable focal length of 35mm after you factor in the sensor crop, which is
generally suitable for street photography style applications. It's a fixed
lens, so you won't be able to switch them around like on most other cameras,
but you can use optional attachments that alter the focal length of the lens.
The lens also features a built-in ND
filter, which has been updated over the previous model and now features
4-stops. Unfortunately, the ND filters are only available in stills mode for
some reason, and not for video.
Speaking of video, the camera has a very
capable video mode and can shoot 4K at 30fps in 8-bit 4:2:0 internally and
10-bit 4:2:2 externally through HDMI. There's a microphone jack but if you want
to plugin your headphones for monitoring, you will need to use the bundled
adapter with the USB-C port. The camera supports most of the popular Fujifilm
film emulation modes, such as Eterna, and also F-log for a flat log profile.
All of this is built inside a gorgeous
magnesium alloy and aluminum body that's either available in silver or black.
You get tons of manual control dial, including a new ISO dial that needs to be
raised to adjust and then drop down to lock into place. The X100V replaced the
d-pad on the back with a joystick but most would see this as an improvement.
The X100V is partially weather sealed. The
camera itself is sealed but the lens isn't. If you want full weather seal, you
will have to attach some filter on the front of the lens, which then completely
seals the camera.
Overall, though, the X100V seems like a
fun little camera for those with slightly deeper pockets. The compact size
makes it ideal for those who want something pocketable and the fixed focal
length is a refreshing change for when you don't want to fuss around with
multiple lengths and just want to play within the camera's constraints and
stick to what it's best at. Think of it as a high quality phone camera.
At US$ 1400, the X100V is by no means cheap
but seems really well-made with quality hardware and software. I doubt it's
meant to be anyone's only camera but if you have a bigger camera with multiple
lenses and want something smaller and simpler for the weekend, then this seems
like a great option.
