Fujifilm X100F vs X100V – The 10 Main Differences and Full Comparison

The X100 series has been a longtime favorite of mine since I first bought the X100S in 2015, and with each review and comparison we have performed on the successive models, my appreciation has continued to grow. I like them because they offer a nice blend of compactness, quality, and intuitive controls—a distinctive mix that I have rarely found elsewhere.

The X-Pro line-up is the one that comes closest, but somehow I never fell completely in love with the series, even though they share many of the same characteristics. The reason is simpler than you might think: I like the concept of the X100 as a whole, which includes the non-removable prime lens. I am never bothered to use the lens converters either. I find it better in its native form because it remains compact, and you’re not tempted to change lenses—you just work with what you have.

The X100V is the fifth model and comes three years after the X100F. It brings improved technology and a long-awaited update to the lens.

In this article, I will describe the ten most important differences between the two products. But before we dive in, let’s take a quick look at the similarities.

What the X100F and X100V have in common:

• Leaf shutter mechanism with a maximum speed of 1/4,000s
• Electronic shutter with a maximum shutter speed of 1/32,000s
• Built-in flash
• Digital Teleconverter (50mm and 70mm equivalent)
• 1 SD card slot (UHS-I)

Note: this article has been updated with side-by-side tests and real-world feedback from the author.

Ethics statement: The information available in this article comes from our personal experience with the two cameras. We were not asked to write anything about these products, nor were we provided any compensation of any kind. Within the article, there are affiliate links. If you decided to buy something after clicking the link, we will receive a small commission. To know more about our ethics, you can visit our full disclosure page. Thank you!

The 1 Minute Video Recap

Do you want the most important differences between these two cameras in 1 minute? (Ok, 1 minute and 15s!). The video below has you covered!

Table Of Content

Main Specs
1. Sensor
2. Lens and Autofocus
3. LCD screen
4. Viewfinder
5. Continuous Shooting
6. Video
7. Design
8. Battery Life
9. Bluetooth
10. Price
Conclusion

Main Specs

X100F

• Sensor: 24MP APS-C X-Trans III CMOS
• Lens system: Fixed 23mm F2 (35mm equivalent)
• Weatherproof: None
• Internal Stabilisation: None
• Autofocus: Hybrid with up to 325 points
• Continuous shooting: 8 fps
• ISO Sensitivity: 200 – 12800 ISO (pull 100, push 51200)
• Shutter Speeds: 1/4000s to 30s, up to 1/32000s with electronic shutter
• Viewfinder: Hybrid with 0.48in OLED 2,360k dots EVF (0.65x magnification), Reverse Galilean OVF (92% FOV, 0.5x magnification)
• Rear monitor: fixed 3″ LCD (1040k dots)
• Movie recording: Full HD up to 60fps
• Built-in Flash: Yes
• Extra Features: WiFi, Panorama, Timelapse, Bracketing, Multiple exposure, Advanced filters, Silent mode, Digital teleconverter
• Dimensions: 126.5 x 74.8 x 52.4mm
• Weight: 469g (including battery and memory card)
• Year of release: 2017
• Firmware version: 2.11

X100V

• Sensor: 26MP APS-C X-Trans IV CMOS
• Lens system: Fixed 23mm F2 (35mm equivalent)
• Weatherproof: Partial
• Internal Stabilisation: None
• Autofocus: Hybrid with up to 425 points
• Continuous shooting: 20fps with electronic shutter (30fps with 1.25x crop)
• ISO Sensitivity: 160 – 12800 ISO (pull 80, push 51200)
• Shutter Speeds: 1/4000s to 30s, up to 1/32000s with electronic shutter
• Viewfinder: Hybrid with 0.5-in OLED 3.69M dots EVF (0.66x magnification), Reverse Galilean OVF (95% FOV, 0.52x magnification)
• Rear monitor: Tilting 3″ LCD (1,620k dots)
• Movie recording: 4K up to 30p, Full HD up to 120fps
• Built-in Flash: Yes
• Extra Features: WiFi, Bluetooth, Panorama, Timelapse, Bracketing, Multiple exposure, Advanced filters, Silent mode, Digital teleconverter, Webcam mode
• Dimensions: 128 x 74.8, 53.3mm
• Weight: 478g (including battery and memory card)
• Year of release: 2020
• Firmware version: 3.00

1. Sensor and Image Processor

The X100F features a 24.3MP APS-C sensor, equipped with Fujifilm’s third-generation proprietary X-Trans array. This same sensor can be found in other Fujifilm cameras like the X-Pro2, X-H1, and X-T2.

In contrast, the X100V utilizes the fourth-generation X-Trans chip with a BSI (back-illuminated) structure and 26.1 megapixels, which is also present in the X-T3 and X-T4.

Apart from the sensor differences, there is also a variance in the image processor. The X100F employs the older X-Processor Pro engine, while the X100V incorporates the faster X-Processor 4.

It’s worth noting that the disparity in resolution, with 24MP for the X100F and 26MP for the X100V, is minimal and shouldn’t be a major concern. The same applies to dynamic range, particularly regarding shadow and highlight recovery in RAW files: the two cameras deliver the same results, as you can see below.

There is a slight difference in the ISO range, especially at the base level. The X100F starts at ISO 200, while the X100V starts at ISO 160.

The overall quality is excellent for both cameras, as they effectively minimize noise up to 6,400 ISO. They preserve an impressive amount of detail in the fine textile texture of the pillow, even at ISO 12,800, which represents the upper limit of the normal range.

However, at ISO 25,600, there is a more noticeable fading of colors, particularly on the F model. Additionally, noise becomes more intrusive at the highest ISO level of 51,200.

Both cameras share the majority of Film Simulation modes, which are Fuji’s picture profiles. However, the X100V has an additional one: Classic Neg, which was introduced with the X-Pro3.

The X100V benefits from the more recent image processor and software update, which provide additional features and improvements. One of them is the HDR mode, which utilizes computational photography to merge multiple shots into a single image, resulting in enhanced dynamic range.

I find the impact of the HDR mode to be minimal unless you opt for the highest level (800+), where the contrast can appear somewhat unrealistic. Additionally, when there are moving subjects within the scene, a “ghosting” effect can be observed in that specific area of the image.

If you enjoy working with straight-out-of-camera JPGs, there are a couple of other image settings worth mentioning: Clarity and the Colour Chrome Effect (Red or Blue). The former works in ±4 steps, allowing for fine adjustments to be made. The latter enhances the rendition of blue or red colors, as shown in the example below.

2. Lens and autofocus

Fujifilm had not updated the lens on the X100 series since its initial introduction in 2011. However, with the X100V, we finally receive a new version, although you wouldn’t know just by looking at it from the outside.

The focal length remains 23mm (equivalent to 35mm), as does the maximum aperture of f/2. The lens structure is unchanged with 8 elements in 6 groups, but Fujifilm has added a second aspherical element. It’s worth noting that the new lens remains compatible with the wide and tele converters (WCL-X100 II and TCL-X100 II).

Fujifilm claims that the X100V lens offers improved resolution, better corner sharpness, and enhanced quality at close focusing distances. When it comes to distant subjects, I didn’t notice a significant difference. The sharpness in the center is already very good starting from f/2, but the corners tend to be a bit soft until you stop down to f/4.

However, it is at close focusing distances, especially near the minimum length of 10 cm, where the new version performs noticeably better.

What caught my attention at the beginning is that the X100F actually exhibits slightly sharper results at the widest aperture (f/2). For instance, the lines of the “chronometer, 600mm/2000ft” inscriptions appear crisper. However, the overall image is marred by a significant amount of invasive “glow” that gives the photo a soft look when viewed in its entirety.

Once you stop down to f/2.8, you will notice that the X100V produces a sharper image compared to the X100F. This trend continues with the subsequent apertures, with the X100V maintaining its advantage in terms of sharpness.

Note: Manual focusing with these two cameras can be a nightmare, especially at short focus distances. The fly-by-wire ring on the lens is not smooth and operates in small increments, making it challenging to achieve precise focus without it jumping too far or too close. What’s even worse is that when you press the shutter button, the camera can slightly alter the focus distance, even when you’re working in manual focus (MF) mode! This issue is not limited to these cameras alone; I encountered similar problems with other Fujifilm lenses (you can check my 56mm/50mm comparison). As you can imagine, this behavior made the test above incredibly frustrating, as I had to retake the pictures multiple times.

Another area where I noticed an improvement is in the bokeh, which appears more pleasing on the X100V. The out-of-focus circles have a rounder shape and stand out more, resulting in a less distracting background.

Keep in mind that both the X100F and X100V utilize a leaf shutter mechanism. When shooting wide open at fast shutter speeds (1/2000s and above), the bokeh will appear more chaotic and unpleasing because the shutter cannot cover the large aperture quickly enough. As a warning, the shutter speed value will turn red on the display to alert you.

Fortunately, there are a few solutions to address this issue. You can use the built-in ND filter to maintain a safe shutter speed (providing 4 stops of compensation on the X100V and 3 stops on the X100F), or alternatively, you can switch to the electronic shutter.

The AF motor seems to be the same, featuring an external focusing mechanism. Fujifilm has not mentioned any improvements regarding this in their press release, and based on my experience, the performance is pretty much unchanged.

There is however an upgrade when it comes to the autofocus system as a whole. The X100V boasts an increased number of focus areas, with 117 phase detection points spread across 99% of the sensor area. These points can be further divided into 425 points, depending on the specific settings in use. In comparison, the X100F utilizes an older system with 91/325 points.

The X100V incorporates a more advanced algorithm that enhances face and eye detection capabilities. One major advantage of the V model is that eye detection works in continuous autofocus, whereas it is limited to Single AF on the F model.

In favorable lighting conditions, both cameras exhibit rapid focus acquisition. Using eye AF with single AF on the X100F didn’t restrain my shooting most of the time, but when attempting to track a constantly moving toddler, the ability to switch to continuous AF on the X100V made the difference.

What is a bit annoying, however, is that the V model also inherits the quirks of its predecessor. Both cameras may occasionally detect a face when none is present, and at times, they may shift focus from the subject’s face to their arm or a design element on their clothing.

Lastly, the V model has the focus limiter function, which enables you to set a specific distance range within which the AF can operate.

3. LCD Screen

The X100V marks the introduction of a tilting screen, a first in the series. It features a classic two-way mechanism that significantly enhances user-friendliness compared to a fixed monitor.

The screen dimensions remain the same at 3.0 inches, but there is an improvement in resolution on the V model, with 1.62 million dots compared to 1.04M dots.

Additionally, the X100 series now includes touch capabilities for the first time. With the V model, you can adjust the focus point, capture a shot, activate up to four functions, prioritize a face for autofocus, and more.

However, it’s important to mention that in certain situations, I find the responsiveness of the touch screen a bit slow. For instance, when navigating the Q menu, I often need to tap multiple times before my selection is confirmed.

4. Viewfinder

The X100 series features a unique hybrid viewfinder, a technology shared with the X-Pro line-up. With the help of the front lever, you can easily switch between an optical viewfinder and an electronic viewfinder.

The optical module in the X100V is the same as the X-Pro3, which is a reverse Galilean OVF. It offers a frame coverage of 95% and a magnification of 0.52x. In comparison, the X100F has a slightly smaller magnification of 0.5x and a frame coverage of 92%.

Both optical viewfinders can display bright frames in real time to visualize the parallax difference. Additionally, they feature a small electronic range finder (ERF), which appears at the bottom right of the OVF and allows you to check focus, among other things. While this is a neat feature, I personally find the ERF to be a bit too small and distracting for regular use.

The electronic viewfinder of the X100V boasts a larger size (0.5-inch compared to 0.48-inch), higher resolution (3.69 million dots vs to 2.36M dots), slightly larger magnification (0.66x vs 0.65x), and a faster refresh rate of 100fps.

5. Continuous shooting

At first glance, these two cameras may not seem like action cameras, but they are more capable than one might think.

While the older X100F may not boast the impressive shooting speeds seen in the most recent cameras, reaching a maximum of 8fps with AE/AF tracking, it does offer commendable buffer capabilities, especially when capturing images in JPG format.

With that said, the X100V takes a significant leap forward in this regard. It can reach a maximum shooting speed of 11fps with the mechanical shutter or an whopping 20fps with the electronic shutter (30fps when using the 1.25x crop mode). This notable improvement is attributed to the new processor and faster sensor readout found in the V model.

To directly compare the buffer performance at the same speed, I conducted a test with both cameras set at 8fps. Surprisingly, the X100F outperformed its successor. It maintained the frame rate for nearly twice as long when shooting RAW images (4 seconds compared to 2.5 seconds), and it never experienced any slowdown when shooting in JPG, whereas the X100V saw a decrease in speed after approximately 10 seconds.

The burst capabilities of the X100V sound impressive, but the performance is hampered by the small buffer and the limitations of UHS-I cards. It can only sustain the high shooting speed for a few seconds at 20fps, and no more than 1 second at 30fps (even less if you shoot RAW). Additionally, when the speed is reduced, the camera often pauses for a few seconds before resuming shooting.

6. Video

Adding to the list of firsts for the X100 series is the inclusion of 4K video. While the X100F is limited to 1080p at 60p, the X100V takes a leap forward by supporting 4K and DCI 4K recording up to 30p.

The V model implements oversampling and avoids sensor crop when recording in 4K, resulting in the same level of sharpness as the X-T4. However, it’s important to note that 4K recording is limited to 10 minutes per clip.

Furthermore, the X100V includes the High Speed Mode, allowing for 120fps recording in 1080p, a feature absent in its predecessor.

In terms of bitrate, the X100V offers a higher maximum of 200Mbps for both 4K and Full HD recordings, surpassing the X100F’s maximum of 36Mbps. Internal recording is in 8-bit 4:2:0 for both, but 10-bit 4:2:2 is attainable through the HDMI output on the V model.

Additional video settings are also present in the X100V, such as the Eterna profile and F-Log. The Eterna profile produces a cinematic look that can be quickly graded during post-production. On the other hand, F-Log maximizes the available dynamic range, allowing for greater flexibility in color grading.

As previously mentioned, both cameras are equipped with a built-in ND filter. However, a notable advantage of the X100V is that this feature is also available during video recording. This is especially useful when shooting in bright outdoor conditions with wide apertures, as it eliminates the need to rely on excessively high shutter speeds that can be disruptive to the smoothness of video footage.

It is important to note that neither camera provides any form of stabilization, be it in the body or lens. Consequently, handheld shooting capabilities are somewhat limited. You will need an external stabilization solution (gimbal) to achieve steady footage.

7. Design and Build Quality

The overall design of the X100V closely resembles that of its predecessor. While the new model is slightly larger, deeper, and heavier, in-person handling and experience remain similar between the two cameras.

• X100F: 126.5 x 74.8 x 52.4mm, 469g
• X100V: 128 x 74.8, 53.3mm, 478g

On the front of the camera, the EVF/OVF lever can also function as a customizable button on the V model, when moved to the right and held for a few seconds.

The X100V maintains similar button and dial placement to its predecessor, including the twin shutter speed/ISO solution first introduced with the X-Pro2. However, one notable improvement on the X100V is the ability to lift the ISO dial without the need to hold it up while adjusting the value. I find it more comfortable to use on a daily basis.

Moving to the rear, the X100V eliminates the four-way pad found on the X100F, leaving only the joystick to serve both menu navigation and focus point adjustment. The joystick is precise enough, and the absence of the pad provides more thumb space without the risk of accidentally pressing a button. However, when it comes to quickly navigating the menu and making swift adjustments, I find the pad to be more precise and responsive compared to the joystick.

The rear and front command dials on the X100V are slightly thicker and feature a different texture, improving the tactile use. (Yes I know, I’m really nitpicking here!). The Q button has been relocated to the extreme right side, likely to prevent accidental presses. However, it is slightly smaller in size.

While the menu interface remains similar, the V model offers some extra options, such as the ability to reduce the number of settings displayed in the Q menu, providing more customization for the user.

The X100V introduces a new top cover crafted from aluminum, featuring sharper edges compared to its predecessor. Additionally, the camera offers weather sealing, marking a first for the X100 series. However, there is a catch: to safeguard the camera against dust and moisture, it is necessary to attach the optional PRF-49 protective filter using the AR-X100 adapter ring. This means that while the body is protected, the lens requires these additional elements for weather sealing.

Purchasing the official kit from Fujifilm is not mandatory; any adapter ring with a circular filter that are correctly screwed in will serve the purpose. The optional lens converters are another solution.

8. Battery Life

Both the X100V and X100F utilize the same NP-W126S battery. However, based on CIPA ratings, the X100V offers better battery endurance compared to its predecessor. It can capture a maximum of 350 frames when using the electronic viewfinder (EVF) or 420 frames when using the optical viewfinder (OVF). In contrast, the X100F can manage 270 frames with the EVF or 390 frames with the OVF.

It’s important to note that these figures are based on CIPA standards and often don’t reflect real-life usage. You can easily achieve double the amount of shots compared to the official specifications and, to be honest, I didn’t find a substantial difference in battery life between the two cameras, unless you record a lot of 4K videos.

Both cameras can be charged via USB. The X100V uses a Type C port that also accepts power delivery while the camera is in operation.

9. Connections

Both the X100V and X100F are equipped with a 2.5mm mic/remote input and a micro HDMI output.

However, when it comes to wired and wireless connections, the X100V offers several advantages. Firstly, it replaces the micro USB 2.0 port found in the X100F with a USB C port. The latter can also serve as a headphone output with the use of an optional adapter. Additionally, the X100V can be transformed into a webcam in conjunction with the Fujifilm X Webcam software.

In terms of wireless connectivity, while both cameras have WiFi capabilities, the X100V goes a step further by including Bluetooth (version 4.2). This enables seamless pairing with mobile devices such as smartphones or tablets, facilitating the synchronization of time and date. Furthermore, the dedicated mobile app allows for remote control.

10. Price

The X100V carries an official retail price of $1400, £1350, or €1600.

The X100F has been discontinued, so your best option to acquire it would be through the second-hand market. You can find it for $1200, £1000, or €1000, or possibly even lower, depending on where you search.

It’s important to note that the prices of the F model mentioned may be higher than usual due to Fujifilm’s struggle to meet demands for the X100V, making it challenging to purchase as a new model. As a result, the prices of older models, including the X100F, have increased in the second-hand market.

Conclusion

There is nothing surprising about the various upgrades given to the X100V, particularly in terms of its sensor and performance. These improvements were inherited from the X-T3 and X-Pro3, just as its predecessor, the X100F, shared many characteristics with the X-T2 and X-Pro2.

While the improvement in image quality is minimal, it’s important to consider other features when making a decision. Personally, I appreciate the tilting/touch screen that enhances the user experience, and I’m pleased with the improved optical quality of the lens for short focus distances. The weather sealing provides added peace of mind, and the Eye Detection AF is now more useful with continuous AF. While I personally have less interest in 4K video, as these cameras are not primarily for extensive movie recording, it is a nice extra feature to have. All these changes, along with the minor ones, make the camera more complete and versatile than ever before.

Whether the 5th generation model is worth the extra money ultimately depends on your specific needs and usage. For those primarily interested in street photography, particularly with a preference for the optical viewfinder, the X100F remains an excellent choice that will meet your needs. However, if you plan to use this camera for various occasions, such as reportage, second camera work, or capturing family moments, the X100V has more to offer.

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