5 similarities between the Fujifilm X100 and X100V

I’m going to compare the 2011 original Fujifilm FinePix X100 with the Fujifilm X100V launched almost 10 years later. Because why not. I have used both cameras for my day to day photography having had the original X100 since 2017 and the X100V since 2020.

This article will focus more on the user experience as a whole. If you want to see the cold hard specs of these cameras I recommend checking them out on Dpreview here: Fujifilm Finepix X100, Fujifilm X100V

Introduction to the Fuji X100

The Fujifilm FinePix X100 is the first ever camera in Fujifilms X system. It was announced back in 2010 as a niche large sensor compact and luckily it caught on. It was a unique concept with a vintage but highly functional design that reminded of rangefinder cameras of the past. Some even called it a poor man’s Leica. The first iteration was very buggy but Fujifilm soon released subsequent firmware updates that made it very usable.

The Fuji X100V is the fifth iteration of the X100 line-up. And while a lot has changed in the (roughly) 10 years in between them, some things haven’t. Let’s dig in and see what the 5 similarities are between the Fujifilm X100 and Fujifilm X100V!

1. Beautiful objects

There’s no getting around, both the X100 and X100V are beautiful. Fujifilm stayed true to the original design while refining it here and there. Overall the X100V has much cleaner lines than the original, taking a page out of Leica’s book with the M’s. While the original went all in with the vintage look the X100V is a subtle reinterpretation of the rangefinder design with a more Bauhaus look. Slightly more modern and more contemporary but without ruining the functionality or the looks.

2. Photographers cameras

The Fujifilm X100 and X100V are both very much the tools photographers want to pick up when they go out shooting for their own pleasure. Other cameras might have bigger sensors, better autofocus or can be more versatile but when it comes to what your heart desires these Fujifilm compacts are pretty high on the list.

They both have optical + electronical viewfinders that provide the best of both worlds, allowing you to switch between a more accurate framing of the digital and a more immediate view through the optical rangefinder.

The interface is very tactile, allowing you to immediately see and change the Time value and Aperture without having to look at a screen. Just grab the Aperture ring or Shutter Speed knob and spin them to your desired value. You can even do it while the camera is off, which is something not many cameras offer!

3. Conversation starter

Going out with either camera will surely get the attention of fellow photographers. You might get asked “Is that a film camera?” or “is that a Fujifilm X100?” Those big and chunky DSLRs or pro mirrorless cameras don’t have the same appeal.

4. The Fujifilm Colour Science

Ah, those Fujifilm colours, the envy of all other camera brands! Fujifilm is a market leader when it comes to the way they render colors straight out of camera.

The film simulation profiles have gathered quite a following among Fujifilm fans. They go a bit further than the standard Normal, Vivid, Landscape and Portrait color profiles from other brands by providing a larger variety and “stronger” flavors without going over the top. All those years of working on their color film formulas made them adept at providing pleasant colors on their digital cameras.

The two X100s are no exception here, the original `12 megapixel Fuji X100 has amazing colors in all of its profiles such as Provia (Standard), Velvia (Vivid), Astia (Soft). The 26 megapixel Fuji X100V has all of the classic color profiles with the exact same beautiful rendering but it adds quite a few new ones as well.

5. Inconspicuous cameras

Wanna go pretty much unnoticed while taking photographs? Use a Fujifilm X100, whether it is the classic Fujifilm Finepix X100 or the newest one or any in between. There’s just something about their small footprint and vintage looks that makes you get away with taking photos without alarming people in most settings.

See here why size matters when it comes to cameras.

They might be serious cameras but they don’t look that serious to most people. The big black cameras that most professionals use would never work as well in niches such as street photography or any other candid type of shooting.

`If you want to read more about another inconspicuous compact favorite of mine check out the Fujifilm XF10 article here.

My use cases for the Fuji X100 cameras

If you’re a photographer and have never tried any of the Fujifilm X100 cameras I highly suggest getting one as a side camera.

I mostly use my X100V for street photography or as a travel camera when I want to be as light as possible but i can substitute any of my pro mirrorless camera with it in a pinch if the 35mm equiv. focal length is up to the specific task.

The classic Fuji X100 works best for me as a sort of daily journal camera when I want to be both light and carefree such as when I’m on holiday and don’t plan to shoot anything seriously. I just keep it hung around my shoulder and if inspiration strikes I don’t have to rely on the awful smartphone camera. The 12 megapixels are more than enough for social media and I don’t have to care for it as much as I would for my more expensive equipment.