Selects: Top 4 Alternatives to the Fujifilm X100V & X100VI

Fujifilm’s X100 series is among the most loved in photography. With their beautiful retro looks, these compact cameras are lightweight and easy to use, and they appeal to photographers of different skill sets. 

From the first Fujifilm X100, the lineage has continued all the way across to the Fujifilm X100VI in 2024. But it was the Fujifilm X100V that really set things alight. In 2022, the X100V received a huge amount of attention on social media. This popularity led to overwhelming demand in both the new and used markets. 

Considering the scarcity of the Fujifilm X100V—and the 2024 release of the Fujifilm X100VI—many photographers are looking for other options. On a lower budget or looking for more features? Here are four alternatives to the hugely popular 2020 Fujifilm X100V and 2024 Fujifilm X100VI. 

But, are there any other compact cameras that offer better value for money than the X100V? We look at these cameras in this article as alternatives:

• Ricoh GRIIIx

• Fujifilm X100F

• Leica Q

• Nikon Zfc

Best Fujifilm X100V and X100VI Alternatives

Our team can recommend four alternatives to the Fujifilm X100V and X100VI. These are some of the very best compact cameras from Leica, Ricoh and Nikon—and, of course, Fujifilm.

Many cameras share some or all of the benefits of the Fujifilm X100V and X100VI. But to keep the comparison fair, we’ve set a few parameters. These include cost, size, design and performance. 

Ricoh GR IIIx

Pros

• Truly pocketable size

• Extremely lightweight

• Lightning fast start-up speed

• Wonderful optics

• IBIS

Cons

• No viewfinder

• Controls can be confusing

• Battery life not the best

Tiny and super fast, the Ricoh GR IIIx followed on from the original Ricoh GR III by adding a 40mm equivalent lens, making it a little more forgiving than 28mm on the Ricoh GR III (the Pocket Rocket in our compact travel cameras recommendations). Photographers have adored the GR series since its original analogue incarnation, and the digital GR series continues this tradition.

The GR IIIx is truly pocket-sized, but contains the qualities of a much larger camera. The GR series has always packed a punch with an APS-C sensor, impressive ISO performance and the helpful addition of IBIS.

We love the GR III series’ super-fast startup, truly pocketable size and phenomenal image quality. 

This GR IIIx brings everything a bit closer to you. While the 28mm lens version of the camera (the GR III) is phenomenal, it might be too wide for some photographers. 

This 40mm-equivalent version somehow makes everything a bit more manageable for most, bringing your subjects and scenes a bit closer.

The image quality of the GR IIIx is absolutely outstanding, as is its ISO performance. But its size and start-up speed is what will surprise you the most. Turn it on while it’s still in your pocket, and it will be ready to shoot by the time you’ve taken it out. To find out even more, read our comprehensive Ricoh GR IIIx review.

Between the Ricoh GR III and GR IIIx, it’s the IIIx that’s the closest alternative to the X100V series. But to learn more about the GR III, check out our review of the Ricoh GR III review. 

Fujifilm X100F

Pros

• Design, looks and feel

• Cheaper than the X100V

• Excellent Image quality

• Last model with D-Pad at the rear

• Portable

Cons

• Autofocus could be better

• No IBIS

Fujifilm released four compact cameras before the X100V, including the X100 in 2010, the Fujifilm X100S in 2013, the Fujifilm X100T in 2014 and Fujifilm X100F in 2017. In this section, we’ll take a look at the X100F. 

The Fujifilm X100F is simply one of the best in the X100 range. The X100F packs a technical punch far beyond its aesthetics. 

From a spec point of view, it’s easy to see why the X100F has been so successful. It improved over the X100T in almost every way that matters—resolution, dial controls and autofocus. Not to mention adding some amazing film simulations, like the much loved ACROS black-and-white profile. 

The X100F is incredibly popular, and for good reason. The lineage of the X100 is evident in the X100F, with many people arguing it’s the best-looking one of the lot. 

With plenty of resolution at 24 megapixels, built-in flash—like all other X100 cameras—and excellent high ISO performance, the X100F is almost the perfect package. 

Is there a huge difference between the X100F and the X100V? Well, it doesn’t have the re-designed—and arguably sharper—version of the 23mm f/2. And autofocus is not as sure-footed as its younger siblings. 

But in the real world, these downsides aren’t that noticeable when taking photos. Particularly when the X100F ticks every other box—looks, design and image quality—the X100F  is a great alternative to the X100V and X100VI.

One of the best things about the X100F is that it’s the last of the X100 cameras to have the old D-pad on the rear of the camera. The D-pad allows for quick-and-easy navigation of the menu and easy selection of the autofocus point. 

We’re not sure why Fujifilm removed the D-pad from the X100V andX100VI, as the feature really does help improve its usability.

With the X100VI, the IBIS will sway some photographers. But if you remember your rule of 1/1 (for shutter speed vs focal length), it’s easy enough to shoot the X100F at 1/30th—or even 1/20th—with a steady hand.

Teamed with a sharp f/2 lens, and great ISO performance, the X100F is a fantastic alternative to the X100V series. 

Find out more in our Fujifilm X100F review.

Leica Q

Pros

• Leica red dot

• Superb build quality

• 28mm Summilux is one of the greatest lenses ever

• Unique looking images e.g’ the Leica look’

Cons

• Pricey

• 28mm lens might be too wide for some

• Not the most sophisticated autofocus

Why add a more expensive option? Well, the Leica Q carries with it a few extras. For one, that 28mm f/1.7 lens is truly magnificent. And, aside from the fact that it’s permanently attached to the camera, it’s probably worth the price tag alone. 

Aside from its killer looks, the Leica Q offers a full-frame sensor, the only camera on this list to do so. Because of that, we think it’s more than a worthy inclusion.

Leica cameras have always been ageless, even in the digital age—when we seem to get updates every other month. Released in 2015, the Leica Q holds up remarkably well today, with its blend of resolution, image quality, and tried-and-tested design. Plus, of course, its fantastic 28mm f/1.7 Summicron lens.

With the release of the Leica Q3, why get the original Leica Q? We feel that the combination of the outstanding lens, and the fact it has a full-frame sensor, means it represents excellent value for money—even if it does cost a little more than the current X100 series.

See what we have to say in our Leica Q3 review.

Leica will always have bags of appeal. Recently, the Leica Q series has become something of a celebrity. The range has spawned so many special editions, and is seen in the hands of some very influential people. 

Is it more than just a pretty accessory? In short, yes! It’s gorgeous to look at and a joy to operate. And its images have a certain uniqueness to them. A wide lens, with a very wide aperture, gives a luxurious feel to photographs. Lenses below 35mm with apertures under f/2 tend to be pricey, so the Leica Q offers pretty good value. 

The 28mm Summilux f/1.7, combined with the Q’s full-frame sensor, provides a look unmatched by any camera in this list. 

The ability to generate sharpness, but with a wide aperture creating softness, is unique among compacts. While its later siblings have more resolution, they also cost a lot more. We feel the 24-megapixel sensor on the original Leica Q, teamed with its lower price point and almost identical aesthetics, makes the Q a worthy alternative to the X100V series.

Nikon Zfc

Pros

• Beautiful looks and design

• Lightweight for its size

• Tons of picture profiles

• Top mounted dials

• 11 fps burst rate

Cons

• Not as small as other cameras on this list

The Nikon Z fc is the only camera on this list that isn’t technically a compact camera. Instead, it’s a part of the interchangeable Nikon Z mirrorless camera range. 

However, the Zfc has more similarities than differences with the compacts on this list. The Zfc has an amazing retro design, an APS-C sensor, and a compact and lightweight body. Paired with a Nikon Z 28mm f/2.8 lens, this setup is a fantastic alternative to the X100V series.

On its release in 2021, we absolutely loved the specs of the Nikon Zfc. Today, on the only part that seems to have dated the camera is its resolution. But in reality, is ‘only’ 21 megapixels going to be a deal-breaker? 

Considering what it has to offer, its looks and fantastic usability, the Nikon Zfc holds up very well indeed.

Some people dislike its build quality, but you can ignore that. The Nikon Zfc isn’t a pro camera, nor does it carry a premium price tag, so premium materials have to be eschewed in favour of cost and weight. Read our Nikon Z FC review

The Zfc isn’t strictly a compact camera. But its combination of styling, price point and great affordable lenses means that you can treat it like one. 

Use the 28mm f/2.8 lens and forget that it’s there, you’ll be rewarded with gorgeous images and great useability—in a form factor that screams retro style. 

Nikon rarely puts a foot wrong. The Zfc is a fantastic, affordable camera. It will appeal to people who value simplicity, affordability and style without sacrificing image quality.

Our Top Fujifilm X100V and X100VI Alternative

So, which camera do we think is the best alternative to the X100V and X100VI? If you want a portable, everyday carry, with bags of style—a camera that will yield phenomenal images—all of these cameras offer something amazing. As always, the right camera will depend on your requirements.  

For us, all things considered, the one we’d choose is the Fujifilm X100F. In terms of fulfilling the criteria we set out, the X100F ticks the most boxes. 

Unsurprisingly, the X100F is the closest in design to the X100V and X100VI. And while the lens might not be the latest and greatest, you’d have to look hard to notice a difference.

Fujifilm really hit the nail on the head with the X100F. They took a successful camera, the X100T, and made it even better.

If the X100V or X100VI is beyond your reach, the X100F is a more than capable alternative. You’ll walk away with all the style, plus the difference in your pocket.

Read more camera gear guides on the MPB content hub.