First week with Fujifilm x100V - was it worth the hype?

Over two years ago, when I was looking for a camera to upgrade my Nikon D3100, a friend (friends…?) advised me to go for a Fuji. Specifically, one of the Fujifilm from x100 series.
They said it was compact, enjoyable to use, with a fixed focal length, so I could experiment, and once I figured out what I loved most in photography, I could get a proper camera body with some specific lenses.

No way - such a small camera for that much money, and with only one focal length? Sure, it looked beautiful, but if I could get a “serious” mirrorless camera with interchangeable lenses for that price, the math was simple.

So I went for Sony A7III and several lenses that covered focal lengths from 24mm to 400mm, some overlapped multiple times.

Searching for everyday camera

In the second half of 2024, the moment came when I sold most of my gear and started looking for something smaller - something I could use on "ordinary days," a camera I could always have with me.
I liked the vintage look: silver bodies styled like classic models from the ’70s and ’80s.

I ordered an Olympus OM-D and a lens to test it out. Nice camera. But, after one day, I sent it back. Something felt off - like it was a bit of a compromise, and I hate compromises. So the choice was simple, out of a sudden.

Fujifilm x100V

I decided not to wait for the X100VI (the waiting time for a new one is over six months), but also the price successfully stopped me from it.

The X100V seemed to meet my basic expectations:

• size (just right)

• ergonomics (feels great in hand, easy to wear around the neck without damaging your back)

• design (beautiful body, love the silver color)

• image quality (including JPEGs straight out of the camera)

• focal length (23mm, the equivalent of full frame 35mm, had become one of my two favorite focal lengths)

• fun factor (based on reviews, and I hadn’t heard a single negative one about these cameras).

Getting my first Fujifilm

After reading the entire internet and watching all of YouTube reviews, I decided to check the local site for second hand items. I found a model that looked promising (still under warranty, very low shutter count, reasonable price, nearby).
I bought it, and… there’s no surprise here - I fell in love. Instantly, completely, uncritically.
Well, a bit of critical reflection came later.

I haven’t been apart from it for over a week now. I’ve taken a few hundreds photos. Suddenly I’ve come to understand what term Fuji fanboy is about. I’ve also realized why friends warned me to put my Sony in a dustproof box after buying a Fuji.
I also understand now what they mean by fun in using a camera.

First impressions after a week with Fujifilm x100V

The X100V, for now, meets all my expectations for an everyday camera.

First impressions:

• turns on quickly (plus)

• small sensor (so what), small everything (plus)

• small battery (minus)

• a bit slow (minus)

• famous fuji colors (plus, plus, plus)

• autofocus in wide mode gets lost sometimes (minus)

• face detection isn’t nearly as good as Sony’s (minus)

• quick intuitive menu (plus)

• the experience of changing settings, including the aperture dial, is fantastic (plus)

• film simulations are super fun (plus)

• connects quickly to a phone, and file transfer is painless (plus)

• clunky with Mac, as thumbnails don’t display in preview (minus, but probably fixable).

It’s too early for serious declarations, but let’s be honest - it stole my heart despite these small shortcomings. Beyond the quasi-technical aspects, this camera is beautiful and simply a joy to use. That’s why I don’t want to put it down. For me, that’s the most important proof that the purchase was spot-on.
The purchase of the Fujifilm lined up with my challenge to take photos every day, and I couldn’t have planned it better.

NOTE: There’s a current review after a half year of using the Fujifilm x100V. Check what has changed.

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