The Fujifilm X100 series is a popular fixed-lens hybrid rangefinder system now in its fifth generation. The new X100V comes with some much-needed improvements over its predecessor, the X100F, while the overall appearance remains largely the same.
The mainstay of the X100 series is a 23mm f/2 fixed lens (35mm full-frame equivalent), and that hasn’t changed for the X100V. However, Fujifilm has redesigned the lens to make it sharper, something fans of the series have been waiting for since the original X100 back in 2011. That’s not the only new thing the X100V offers, but it’s probably the main reason to upgrade. For photographers who were already happy with the X100F, is the new model worth it?
At first sight:
Fujifilm X100V
- 26MP X-Trans BSI sensor
- Touch screen that rotates at an angle of 90 degrees
- 11 fps continuous recording
- 4K/30 video
- Weather resistant body
Fujifilm X100F
- 24 megapixel X-Trans sensor
- 8 fps continuous recording
- FHD/60 video
- Face detection autofocus
Sensor
X100V
The X100F has a 24-megapixel APS-C X-Trans III sensor, the same one found in the Fujifilm X-Pro2 and X-T2. Fujifilm has upgraded the X100V’s sensor to the new 26MP back-illuminated (BSI) sensor also found in the X-Pro3 and X-T4. The extra 2MP won’t have much of an impact in the real world, though we did notice an improvement in dynamic range and color accuracy on the new sensor when we tested it on other camera models.
That’s partly due to a lower base ISO of 160 on the new sensor, compared to 200 on the X100F. However, both cameras achieve a maximum ISO sensitivity of 12,800 and both are expandable to 51,200. Despite the BSI design and new X-Processor 4 image processor, our experience with previous models shows a slight noise advantage over the previous sensor at high ISO settings. The difference, however, is minimal.
Autofocus and performance
Along with the new sensor, the X100V inherits the same 425-point phase detection autofocus system that now covers 99% of the sensor. The X100F had fewer total points, 325, but the phase detection area was also limited to a smaller center area. Although face and eye detection is present on both cameras, the improved algorithm on the X100V allows for better tracking and accuracy.
Although burst shooting isn’t the first thing people think of when seeing a camera like this, the X100V shoots an impressive 11 frames per second, while the X100F tops out at 8. For the type of photographer who tends to use the X100 series (travel and street photographers), the continuous shooting speed of both cameras is more than adequate. However, combined with improved autofocus, the X100V has a better chance of providing more “keepers”.
LCD screen and viewfinder
X100V
The X100V has a tilting LCD screen, but don’t get too excited. Unlike the Fujifilm X-T4’s fully mobile monitor, it can only be tilted 90 degrees. Of course, this will give better viewing angles when shooting in Live View, but if you were thinking of vlogging with the X100, well, you’re out of luck. Arguably, given the X100’s target demographic, this may not be an issue. However, some potential buyers would like a 180-degree mobile screen.
But tilt isn’t the only new feature of the LCD screen. It’s now also a touchscreen, allowing you to select a focus point, release the shutter, and navigate the quick menu with the touch of a finger. Resolution has also been increased from 1.04 million dots to 1.6 million dots for sharper, more detailed views of your images.
The electronic viewfinder has a similar increase in resolution, from 2.36 million dots on the X100F to 3.69 million on the X100V. This brings the X100 series in line with the XT series, which has a higher resolution EVF than the X-T2. The X100V’s optical viewfinder also has slightly better coverage, up to 95% from 92%. It’s a small increase, but everything helps.
Video
As we’ve written before, the X100 series has never been, and probably never will be, a system that will be used by videographers. But that doesn’t mean it can’t serve you well if you decide to use it for video recording. The X100F records up to Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 60 fps and HD (1280 x 720) at up to 60 fps. The X100V records 4K video at up to 30 fps and Full HD at up to 120 fps (with High Speed mode), a clear improvement over its predecessor.
The X100V has features specially designed for video, such as Eterna Film Simulation and F-Log, a flat color profile that preserves a more dynamic range and is suitable for color grading. The latest model also has a 200Mbps bitrate in 4K and Full HD, beating the X100F’s 36Mbps. The X100V’s video mode goes beyond what is expected of this type of camera, and we’re impressed that Fujifilm has made that decision, even if few buyers will take advantage of it.
design and build
X100V
The weight and dimensions of the camera are nearly identical, but the X100F is slightly lighter at 16.54 ounces compared to 16.86 ounces. Don’t read too much into this, because when you’re holding the cameras, you probably won’t notice the difference.
However, there is one obvious change when it comes to the build quality of both cameras. The X100V is the first in the series to feature a weather-resistant housing, so when bad weather hits, you can keep shooting with confidence. Kind of.
Although the body is protected from the elements, the fixed lens is not. In order for the lens to be fully protected from the harshest elements, you need to add a filter and adapter ring to it. This appears to be a compromise made to maintain lens compatibility with the same adapters used on previous X100 cameras.
Also, there was a movement of controls on the rear of the camera. Fujifilm decided to remove the four-way keyboard that was present on the X100F. Instead, the X100V has toggle, menu, play, and DISP/Back buttons. Users can change the shutter speed, ISO, and exposure compensation at the top of both cameras.
The built-in flash remains at the front center of the camera and both systems have the ability to connect an external flash for those who need more control over their artificial lighting.
Battery duration
A common complaint against Fujifilm cameras is poor battery performance. Fujifilm claims that although the battery is the same NP-W126S in both cameras, the X100V can shoot 350 frames when using the electronic viewfinder and 420 frames when using the optical viewfinder per charge. That’s an increase from the 270 (EVF) and 390 (OVF) frames on the X100F. However, the performance on each is not very good. Considering that the new X-T4 promises 600 frames per charge, the new X100V falls well below current standards.
Of course, the X100 cameras also have the option of using just the optical viewfinder, which we hope will significantly increase battery life when combined with turning off automatic image review, though no official figures have been provided.
Is it worth the upgrade?
If you don’t currently own an X100 and plan to buy one of these two cameras, get the X100V. The price difference is only $100 as of this writing, and it seems worth it considering the improved lens, sensor, build quality, and other new features.
However, if you’re a current X100F owner looking to upgrade, the answer is a bit more difficult. A new lens and sensor, no matter how good, may not significantly improve image quality, depending on what and how you shoot. The physical features, like the tilting screen and weather resistance, are certainly attractive too, but again, they won’t sway every photographer. You’ll have to carefully examine your needs to see if the X100V is worth the money.
At the end of the day, the X100V is a flashy camera and perhaps the biggest update to the X100 line in years. But the X100F was already the product of small iterations and improvements that made it highly refined. If you’re happy with it, keep it, but if you’re ready to see what the next generation has to offer, the X100V won’t let you down.
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Categories: GAMING
Source: newstars.edu.vn