Fujifilm X100V Review: Full Coverage and Hands On Video

A jacket pocket-sized vintage-inspired camera that was, quite literally, made with the street photographer in mind.

This camera was, quite literally, made for street photography. Its clean color profile, delicious film emulators, and vintage exterior shell proved to me that this tool is more than just ordinary. I have boasted about my X100F in the past and felt compelled to upgrade after toying with this bad boy. With its flip-up screen, you can fully shoot at the hip while roaming the streets for an even more discrete feel within your street photography. The X100F became more difficult to shoot over time because I’d have to bring it up to my eye, and my subjects would feel and look uncomfortable. I don’t want weary faces when they see me taking a picture — I want to capture what they looked like before they saw my camera. The flip-up screen also showcases a live preview of selected settings, making it easy to change your ISO and shutter speed on the go manually. Best part? You can fit this inside your jacket pocket, perfectly snug against your body for a low-profile silhouette.

The images are as sharp as can be, truly incredible JPEG files straight out of the camera. While the X100V is not new to FujiFilm’s fun film stock emulators, it has varied options for those who prefer a subtle look or a dramatic vibe. Its f/2.0 is as sharp as a small camera can take — tack sharp. This has been dramatically updated from Fujifilm’s X models’ previous specs, boasting an evermore apparent reason to add this puppy to your camera bag.

Let’s address an elephant in the room — you won’t buy this for video. While it does shoot 4K at 30FPS, it doesn’t shoot at 24FPS, which is the preferred speed for a more cinematic look. If you want to grab just a few shots on your day out shooting, you can do so, and it’ll look creamy, but I wouldn’t shoot an entire production on the 100V. There are better, more preferred options, like the Fujifilm X-T5.

• 90 Degree Flip Up Screen: The camera includes a flip-up screen that encourages street photographers to shoot at the hip while on the go.
• X-Processor 4 Image Processor: Gorgeous colors straight from the camera allow users to regain their trust in the JPEG.
• Aesthetically Pleasing: Fuji rocks the sexy vintage shell, unlike any other brand, making it easy to add this to your camera shelf back home.
• Not For Video: While the video is passable and does an excellent job for hobbyists, I wouldn’t suggest his being a camera for a professional.
• The Colors: The log-profile screen grabs from the video seem almost too good to be true; they boast natural colors and realistic detail. Beautiful straight out of the camera.

In Detail

The X100V features a new 23mm F2.0 lens to ensure every detail from its sensor has been resolved beautifully. Designed for higher resolution, lower distortion, and improved close-focus performance — this lens is a pretty significant upgrade from the design used on previous X100 cameras. It maintains the same overall size and compatibility with legacy conversion lenses but also retains its internal ND filter, which now features 4 stops. It’s a brand-new camera that fits in our pocket, looks sexy, and proves its specs are worth a change of pace.