My Honest Thoughts on the Fujifilm X100VI for Video

28 May

After spending time in Japan with the Fujifilm X100VI, I wanted to share my thoughts—especially around what it’s like to shoot video with this camera. It’s no secret the X100 series is known for its photo capabilities, but with the X100VI, Fujifilm clearly made a leap when it comes to video. So let’s get into what I loved, what I didn’t, and who this camera is really for.

What I Loved About the X100VI for Video

1. In-Body Image Stabilisation (IBIS)

This is hands down the biggest upgrade. As someone who shoots handheld—on the street, on the move, no gimbals—the addition of IBIS was a game changer. You get up to six stops of stabilisation, which means smoother footage, less reliance on tripods, and more flexibility when shooting on the go. If you’re a travel shooter like me, this is massive.

2. 4:2:2 10-bit 4K 60p

Honestly, this level of spec in such a compact camera is impressive. You get a high-quality codec and frame rate, making your footage easier to colour grade and more cinematic. And yes, it also includes F-Log and F-Log2 for those who want to dive deeper into colour correction.

3. 6.2K Video (with a Crop)

The fact that this camera can shoot 6.2K is wild. It’s right up there with Fujifilm’s more video-focused models like the X-H2S in terms of resolution. While there’s a 1.23x crop when shooting at this resolution (and in 4K 60p), it’s still an amazing option for reframing or pulling high-quality stills from your footage.

4. Built-In ND Filter

Having a built-in ND means you can shoot at slower shutter speeds in bright conditions, perfect for getting that buttery motion blur at 1/50 when filming at 25fps. It’s a small but powerful feature for anyone serious about making cinematic clips.

5. Tilting LCD Screen

The tilt screen makes it easier to shoot discreetly, especially in street environments where raising a camera to your eye might feel intrusive. Being able to frame from the hip helps me stay in the moment and feel more invisible while capturing candid scenes.

What I Didn’t Love

1. Overheating Issues

Shooting video for extended periods causes the camera to heat up—fast. This isn’t a rig you’d want to use for long continuous clips. It’s not designed to be a workhorse for extended filming, and that becomes obvious fairly quickly.

2. Battery Life

The battery drains faster than I’d like when shooting video, so you’ll need to carry spares. I personally use a compact charger that fits in my sling bag and holds multiple batteries. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s something to plan around.

3. Fixed Lens

Yes, the 23mm (35mm equivalent) lens is beautiful and sharp. But it’s also your only option. There’s no zoom, no lens swaps. It limits flexibility, especially for those wanting to experiment with different focal lengths in video. You can get creative with what you’ve got, but you’re boxed into a specific look.

4. Crop Factor

When shooting 6.2K or 4K 60p, you’re looking at about a 41mm equivalent due to the crop. It’s subtle but noticeable—especially if you’re expecting that classic 35mm framing.

5. Rolling Shutter

If you plan to shoot fast action, be warned: the rolling shutter is noticeable. You’ll get some of that “jelly” effect with quick pans or fast-moving subjects.

6. No Fully Articulating Screen

While I love the tilt screen, the lack of a flip-out, fully articulating screen makes this camera less ideal for vlogging. You can’t see yourself when recording, so any self-filming becomes a bit of a guessing game.

So Who Is This Camera For?

The X100VI is not for long-form YouTubers, vloggers, or those needing professional audio and multicam setups. There’s no mic monitoring (no headphone jack), no lens flexibility, and limited runtime before heat becomes an issue.

But where this camera absolutely shines is in:

B-roll
Travel vignettes
Street video
Short-form projects
Instagram Reels
Cinematic slice-of-life moments

It’s the camera you’ll actually take with you—because it fits in your bag, looks unassuming, and delivers genuinely stunning video with a bit of care and intention.

If you’re a travel photographer wanting a hybrid photo-video shooter that prioritises portability, image quality, and simplicity, this camera is worth considering – Just know what you’re signing up for.