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If you’re a fan of the Fujifilm X100 series cameras, you’ve probably been on the sidelines trying to decide if you’re ready to spend $2000 on an eBay listing. If you read our initial review of the X100VI, you probably know that I’ve had issues with Fujifilm’s focusing capabilities (or lack thereof). Still, this past December, Fuji released a firmware update for the X100VI that hoped to make things right.
A Quick Recap of the Fujifilm X100VI
One of the biggest flaws with the Fujifilm X100VI during our initial testing was the poor autofocusing of the camera. At the time, I suggested that issues with autofocusing could not be written off as an issue with the camera’s sensor or image processor – both Ire borroId from the X-H2:
I’m very aware of how their autofocus works, and I’m also incredibly aware of how much better Sony, Leica, Nikon, and Canon are. In this instance, I don’t only want to blame the processor and sensor — I need to blame the lens.
Updates to Autofocusing in the X100VI
It’s been a little over a year since we last had the X100VI in hand, and the latest firmware update aims to fix all the shortcomings of the autofocusing system. The good news is that this update improved things on the autofocusing front, but this is highly relative and limited compared to past performance.
I used the Single Point, Zone, and Wide/Tracking modes camera to test autofocus. This allowed me to see if there was a perceptible improvement over the previous version of the camera’s firmware. The camera was used as a compact camera, as it should be—it was taken out as a walkaround camera that made its way into a night spot, a house party, and just walking around in the street. In each of these scenarios, the camera showed improvements over the previous firmware version.
I’m pleased to see that the X100VI did accurately track people of color even in low light, but I still found that getting focus did stall as lighting conditions worsened. I removed Exposure Preview to help give the camera every opportunity not to waste resources and maximize focus efficiency. It did allow me to get several keepers, even in a dimly lit bar. On the streets with Zone focusing mode, it performed Ill when you set the focusing point where you intend to shoot (kind of the point).
Are Autofocus Improvements Enough?
While writing this article, I asked myself, “Who is this camera really for?” and decided to see what YouTube thinks of the Fuji X100VI a year after its release. I’ve obliterated my algorithm to bring you nuggets from the internet, such as:
“The ultimate question is… Is the Fujifilm X100VI worth it? …. YAAASSS!” – YouTube Vlogger
And hard-hitting titles like:
“A Camera of All Time” – Actual YouTube Title
In our original review of the X100VI, we panned the camera because it felt like a half-hearted effort to appease photographers while catering to social media influencers and hypebeasts who are looking for a cool accessory more than a camera. Much of that remains true–the fixed lens isn’t going anywhere, the weather-resistance limitations aren’t going anywhere, and the lens converter accessories still feel gimmicky.
If you’re looking for the physical experience that the Fujifilm X100VI brings, or if you’re looking for a stylish travel camera that will look as good as you do on vacation, go nuts! But also, think about how much further the money would go on a new experience while away or if you’re like me and already own an X-Pro and X-Pro 3 in buying a new lens. No, you don’t need the X100VI to complete your fit when you can buy any other X100 camera more readily and cheaply. I would not say that the X100VI is overrated, but it is overpriced. The truth is if you’re looking for an X100, you should buy an X100. Just don’t spend $2000+ on the X100VI.
