X100V Worth It?

Sorry, click bait headline. Yes, the camera is worth it in general but...

Seems to be the EVF/OVF is the defining feature. If you find you like EVF better, is there any reason to get an X100V as opposed to one of the other Fuji X bodies and lenses?

I like the camera but I am a fan of the film sims, and the OVF is a fun, different experience but I also like a EVF, especially if I’m shooting a film simulation, I like seeing how the shot will roughly come out vs just the OVF view. So if I’m just going to put it in EVF mode all the time, is the X100V the best option?

AdaptedLenses wrote:

Sorry, click bait headline. Yes, the camera is worth it in general but...

Seems to be the EVF/OVF is the defining feature. If you find you like EVF better, is there any reason to get an X100V as opposed to one of the other Fuji X bodies and lenses?

I like the camera but I am a fan of the film sims, and the OVF is a fun, different experience but I also like a EVF, especially if I’m shooting a film simulation, I like seeing how the shot will roughly come out vs just the OVF view. So if I’m just going to put it in EVF mode all the time, is the X100V the best option?

I hate using the OVF and only shoot RAW (no film sims), but I still love the X100V. Its lens is excellent (and the best 23mm option for Fuji, IMO). It’s compact, fun, and the fixed focal length is oddly liberating to shoot with.

Along with the afore mentioned lens upgrade, the tilt screen, improved EVF, AF, WR construction, and highlight blinkies are all big plusses over the older X100 models. It would have been a better camera had it retained the d-pad, but I’m managing. I do have other Fuji bodies and lenses, but the X100V is surprisingly versatile on it own.
I would go with interchangeable lenses if it was one or the other, but fortunately it isn’t. I like shooting with both.

AdaptedLenses wrote:

Sorry, click bait headline. Yes, the camera is worth it in general but...

Seems to be the EVF/OVF is the defining feature.

Add a very good design, very good lens, leaf silent shutter, etc.

If you find you like EVF better, is there any reason to get an X100V as opposed to one of the other Fuji X bodies and lenses?

Comparing to other Fuji cameras that have the VF on the corner, it is smaller than XPRO and 23 f/2, and it is better than XE3.

I like the camera but I am a fan of the film sims, and the OVF is a fun, different experience but I also like a EVF, especially if I’m shooting a film simulation, I like seeing how the shot will roughly come out vs just the OVF view. So if I’m just going to put it in EVF mode all the time, is the X100V the best option?

Yes, no, maybe, only you can decide. Of course, if you plan on adding lenses, the X100V is a complement, not a main camera.

AdaptedLenses wrote:

Sorry, click bait headline. Yes, the camera is worth it in general but...

Seems to be the EVF/OVF is the defining feature. If you find you like EVF better, is there any reason to get an X100V as opposed to one of the other Fuji X bodies and lenses?

I like the camera but I am a fan of the film sims, and the OVF is a fun, different experience but I also like a EVF, especially if I’m shooting a film simulation, I like seeing how the shot will roughly come out vs just the OVF view. So if I’m just going to put it in EVF mode all the time, is the X100V the best option?

I'd say the defining feature is more the 23mm f2 lens that's tiny and recessed into svelte WR rangefinder body.

So if you want to work with a 35 lens in a low profile body, and that's your go to focal length, then I'd go for it.

For me, I like the camera, ideal Fuji body style for me,  but prefer EVF by far at this point... OVF was cool in like 2012 when EVFs weren't very good.

I don't ever see myself using an OVF again, so part of the x100 and x pro appeal is lost on me.

For extra clickbaity goodness: " Is the X100V Worth It In 2020?!"

Hell, yes. It's essentially a miniature X-Pro3 with a fixed, superior 23mm f/2 attached. If you can get by with a 35mm fixed field of view, which is surprisingly easy to do...It's absolutely worth it.

The OVF is nice and it comes in handy when doing low light work but that's not the reason I chose to sell my X-T2. I wanted the creative constraint of a fixed prime for a few months. It also gives me a camera + lens that's smaller than even the body alone of a Fuji ILC. It's my go-everywhere-no-excuses companion now

I bought both conversion lenses for some variety and because I got really good deals on both. But they are a bit fiddly and take away from the experience of shooting with a compact a bit so I'm not 100% sure about them.

The 23mm of the X100V focuses closer than any of the interchangeable 23mm lenses.

The built-in flash combined with the leaf shutter and 4 stop ND is very useable in a wide variety of conditions.

FYI: Controlling ISO with both the C and A positions on the ISO dial where A (auto) selections can't be set via the command dial and auto ISO selections aren't available in the C position is super annoying. Auto ISO can't be added to Q menu. For instance when Auto ISO is selected and then turn on flash resulting in ISO being pegged so have to either set a manual ISO or select C and dial an ISO. https://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/4471814

The ISO window is more readable on the silver model.

Since it has same sensor and processor as XT3/4 fingers crossed X100V will get some of the AF improvements XT3 recently received.

It is really fun to use and less intrusive than ILC.

Look for a used one.  I bought mine off ebay for less than $1k.

AdaptedLenses wrote:

Sorry, click bait headline. Yes, the camera is worth it in general but...

Seems to be the EVF/OVF is the defining feature. If you find you like EVF better, is there any reason to get an X100V as opposed to one of the other Fuji X bodies and lenses?

The only other Fuji with a corner EVF this good is the X-Pro3. It's also the smallest Fuji with an f2 lens.

I like the camera but I am a fan of the film sims, and the OVF is a fun, different experience but I also like a EVF, especially if I’m shooting a film simulation, I like seeing how the shot will roughly come out vs just the OVF view. So if I’m just going to put it in EVF mode all the time, is the X100V the best option?

I just traded from an X-Pro2 to an X100V and the EVF is a noticeable improvement.

I have the X100F and thought when the V came out I would simply not bite.  Recently I've been reading more and more about the V and am considering upgrading.  I'm not 100% sure I will take the leap to the V yet, but I am considering it at the moment.  Of course a lot will depend on getting a fair price for my F should I decide to sell it.

Decisions, decisions, decisions...

Yes. Why don't you rent it out and try it. I have owned other versions of the X100 so yes it was worth it for me. But when I'm not sure about a camera, I will rent it and try it out for a week to make sure. Lens Rentals is a great service. You can ask people but in the end they are only going to give you their subjective experience. See:

https://www.lensrentals.com/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAhs79BRD0ARIsAC6XpaVD2F3uwVN4BxHsV1aDCOmmdMh5b3loPV8M6ieOqUvAxgFVW8K8gfYaAt9CEALw_wcB

AdaptedLenses wrote:

I already bought it. Just in using it, I started to wonder. Personally I'd rather buy used, and re-sell if I don't get along with it, than renting. That way it costs me no more if I keep it, and if I don't like it, I can usually re-sell and spend less than renting, while having it for several weeks.

I like the camera, just got to wondering if there were better options.

The rumors say that Fuji is and is not going to release the X-E4; this would be your EVF only option without the X100V's leaf shutter.

I am eagerly awaiting an actual XE-4 announcement!! It may bring me over from m4/3 (GX9) and a bunch of lenses,.. but to the point I have an X100F and X70 and have hmm'd and Hawww'd about trading both for the X100V. reasons:

Wr, Improved lens (focussing sharpens etc,.) Improved EVF, and film sims,..

I love the size and IQ of the X70 and use the flippy screen a lot while on cycling trips (Pre Covid) with my wife lucky to have decisions I suppose!

Cheers

Mike F

MikeF15 wrote:

I am eagerly awaiting an actual XE-4 announcement!! It may bring me over from m4/3 (GX9) and a bunch of lenses,.. but to the point I have an X100F and X70 and have hmm'd and Hawww'd about trading both for the X100V. reasons:

Wr, Improved lens (focussing sharpens etc,.) Improved EVF, and film sims,..

I love the size and IQ of the X70 and use the flippy screen a lot while on cycling trips (Pre Covid) with my wife lucky to have decisions I suppose!

Cheers

Mike F

I like the V because its AF tracking is sticky enough to work for focus-and-recomposing.

The high speed leaf shutter used with the flash and built in ND filter are worth the price of admission. You can shoot in full sunlight at F2 and also use the flash at the same time. No other camera has these features.

Human Elements wrote:

For extra clickbaity goodness: " Is the X100V Worth It In 2020?!"

Hell, yes. It's essentially a miniature X-Pro3 with a fixed, superior 23mm f/2 attached. If you can get by with a 35mm fixed field of view, which is surprisingly easy to do...It's absolutely worth it.

The OVF is nice and it comes in handy when doing low light work but that's not the reason I chose to sell my X-T2. I wanted the creative constraint of a fixed prime for a few months. It also gives me a camera + lens that's smaller than even the body alone of a Fuji ILC. It's my go-everywhere-no-excuses companion now

I bought both conversion lenses for some variety and because I got really good deals on both. But they are a bit fiddly and take away from the experience of shooting with a compact a bit so I'm not 100% sure about them.

I had the original X100 and also bought the conversion lenses. Ended up hating them and they really screw up the balance and make the camera huge. They also violate the whole X100 concept of a small, inconspicuous camera. Sold the X100 long ago and the lenses too. Bought an X100F last year and will not even consider getting the conversion lenses. The X100 series is perfect as it is and do not need them.

Zaax wrote:

The high speed leaf shutter used with the flash and built in ND filter are worth the price of admission. You can shoot in full sunlight at F2 and also use the flash at the same time. No other camera has these features.

Honestly, that built--in ND filter is really pretty mediocre. Used in bright sunlight it will often produce a significant veiling flare, better to use the electronic shutter when possible.

X100V with ES (L), Built-in ND and MS (R)

I agree with you; the 35mm equivalent has been fantastic for 95% of what I shoot. I hate fussing with the UV filter and adapter ring to get the WCL/TCL attached.

And yet...

Having the 50mm equivalent just feels so right for portraits! I was a 50mm guy for a long time and it's hard to give it up completely. But I also have 35mm portraits I love just as much so...

Guess we'll see how I feel in a couple of months as my bag is pretty tight with the TCL, WCL, and EF-X20.