Guide to Fujifilm X100-series Compact Cameras

When the original Fujifilm X100 compact camera first appeared in 2011, it was well received by camera lovers on the go for its portability and chic, retro look. In this handy Fujifilm X100 series comparison guide, MPB’s Alice Penney analyses all the compact cameras in the X100 series, from the first release in 2011 to the latest models. This article features links to our full reviews of each camera.

This article covers the entire Fujifilm 100 series lineup:

• Fujifilm X100VI (2024)

• Fujifilm X100V (2020)

• Fujifilm X100F (2017)

• Fujifilm X100T (2014)

• Fujifilm X100S (2013)

• Fujifilm Fine Pix X100 (2011)

Fujifilm X100VI (2024)

The 2024 release of the X100 series, the Fujifilm X100VI, follows its popular predecessor, the Fujifilm X100V, bringing more improvements to the popular compact camera.

The X100VI has a 40.2-megapixel X-Trans CMOS 5 HR sensor, a large jump from the 26.1-megapixel sensor of the X100V, and 6.2K filming capabilities.

For a deep dive, read our comprehensive Fujifilm X100VI review.

Overall, the X100VI is a significant upgrade from its predecessors, especially for those looking for better resolution, video options and stabilisation. Plus, the X100VI kept the compact form factor that has made the X100 series so popular. What are the best Fujifilm X100V and X100VI alternatives?

Fujifilm X100V (2020)

Released in early 2020, the Fujifilm X100V, named among our best compact travel cameras, further enhances the usability of its predecessor, the X100F. 

An impressive new feature is the X100V's weather resistance, which makes it incredibly durable and a great camera for outdoor photography. Another additional feature is the flip-out touch screen, which can help you to shoot from different angles.

The X100V introduces more film simulations than its predecessor, including the ‘Eterna’ mode, which has a cinematic feel and enhances shadows and soft colours. ​​You can also install and use Fujifilm recipes. 

The X100V is a strong favourite among travel and street photographers who want a lightweight setup, without sacrificing performance.

For more information, read our Fujifilm X100V review.

Fujifilm X100F (2017)

The fourth iteration of the X100 series, the Fujifilm X100F, continues the legacy of high-quality compact cameras and adds further functionality.

The X100F has a 24.3-megapixel APS-C X-Trans CMOS III sensor, which enhances resolution and low-light performance compared to its predecessors.

The X100F added a joystick for focus points and improved autofocus, especially in low-light conditions.

To learn more about the X100F, read our full Fujifilm X100F review.

Fujifilm X100T (2014)

The Fujifilm X100T, released in late 2014, added several improvements to its X100S predecessor. 

The X100T maintains the chic, retro design but has some slight tweaks for optimal use, including a more comfortable grip and improvements to the control dials.

This model has improved the hybrid viewfinder with an updated electronic display, aiding the exposure and framing previews. 

The X100F introduced more film simulation modes and was the first of the series to include Wi-Fi connectivity, a much-appreciated feature for travel photography.

For more information, read our full Fujifilm X100T review.

Fujifilm X100S (2013)

The second of the Fujifilm X100 series, the Fujifilm X100S, was improved over its predecessor while keeping the model lightweight and portable with its signature retro aesthetic. 

Fujifilm upgraded the sensor and hybrid viewfinder, adding additional features and improved firmware. The X100S introduced an X-Trans CMOS II sensor for better colours and low-light performance. The autofocus speed is also significantly faster.

The great image quality is backed up with 16 megapixels, allowing you to shoot with confidence.

Read our Fujifilm X100S review.

Fujifilm FinePix X100 (2011)

When the original Fujifilm X100 was released in 2011, photographers lept at the opportunity to own such a lightweight, high-quality compact camera. But what made the X100 so special?

The X100 introduced an impressive feature—the hybrid viewfinder, which allows you to switch between an optical or an electronic viewfinder. The electronic viewfinder helps you visualise how the settings affect the imagery, while the optical viewfinder provides a more traditional photography experience. 

The first of the X100 series cameras comes with a fixed 23mm f/2 lens and a 12.3-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor.

The X100 has impressive image quality for its time and dreamy colour tones, which give it an almost film-like feel. The compact camera’s image quality contributes to its popularity with photographers worldwide.

Other Fujifilm compact cameras (2011–2018)

Fujifilm has two other APS-C compact cameras, releasing the point-and-shoot Fujifilm X70 in 2016 and Fujifilm XF10 in 2018.

And, between 2011 and 2015, Fujifilm dabbled in compact cameras with ⅔-inch sensors. There was the Fujifilm X10, Fujifilm X20 and Fujifilm X30, alongside the Fujifilm XF1, Fujifilm XQ1 and Fujifilm XQ2.

FAQs

What’s the difference between X-series and X100 series cameras?

The Fujifilm X100 series are ‘compact’ cameras, which means they have a fixed, built-in lens. You can only use the 23mm f/2 lens—offering a focal length broadly equivalent to 35mm on full-frame—and it’s a ‘prime’ lens, so there’s no optical zoom. If you want to switch out the lens for a different one, you’ll want a standard Fujifilm mirrorless X-series camera instead.

What kind of sensor do X100-series compact cameras use?

Like Fujifilm X-series cameras, Fujifilm X100-series compact cameras feature an APS-C sensor—smaller than full-frame or medium-format (Fujifilm GFX) sensors. APS-C cameras benefit from being lighter and more portable. While their low-light performance tends to be weaker, Fujifilm APS-C sensors still provide sharp images with great colour reproduction.

Why is the Fujifilm X100 so popular?

The retro design, great image quality, film simulation modes and hybrid viewfinder are key features of the Fujifilm X100 cameras. These features—and their small, lightweight ‘travel-sized’ design—have contributed to the popularity of the X100series.

Is the Fujifilm X100V still in production?

Fujifilm has discontinued production of the Fujifilm X100V, but they're usually available when you buy used from MPB.

What is the X100 series naming system?

The Fujifilm X100 series follows an unconventional naming system to mark each iteration.  Following the original X100, Fujifilm named the next three models using English letters: the X100S (‘second’), X100T (‘third’) and X100F (‘fourth’).  Fujifilm then used Roman numerals for the fifth and sixth models, the X100V and X100VI. The seventh camera in the X100 series will likely be named the X100VII. Due to this switch between letters and Roman numerals, photographers often refer to the X100V as the ‘X100-vee’ but the X100VI as the ‘X100-six’.

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