So my sharpness test has ruffled some feathers and I received some accusations that my test wasn't done right... So here is a bit more information about my VERY unscientific test. Yes, don't expect scientific tests on my channel. I only share my personal experience and what I find when I test cameras the way I use them. First of all, all files are RAW files. Yes, I used LR for the RAW files (if you want to repeat this test with Capture one, feel free to do so!). Straight out of camera Jpeg's would probably favour the X100VI (I don't know but that's my guess). But I use RAW files mostly, so that is what I did. Secondly, I stepped a few centimetres back to equalize the focal length difference with the GR IIIx. ISO was the lowest it can be on both cameras. Shutter speed was never below 1/125th. All examples images were shot at F2.8 but I also did a test at F8. The results were slightly less dramatic but still very clear. I definitely did NOT miss focus on any of my sample images. If I did, then that would make the X100VI look even worse, wouldn't it? Now I hope it was clear in the video that I didn't do this to TRASH the X100VI. I still recommend using the X100VI if it fits your needs. Sharpness isn't everything and the X100VI isn't suddenly useless, only because the GR IIIx has a slightly better lens (you get other benefits with the Fuji that you don't get with the GR. Weather Sealing for example!). If you have other questions, let me know below.

One of the rare cases of content creator that I expect absolutely no bs from. Well done.

Thanks for making it because I was very curious to hear your opinion about it. Love your content 🙌🏾

Wow - really appreciate the candid review and the surprises! Thanks.

Taking away more than what I expected! All valuable insight and information, and thank you for the half/full press tip. Subbed with gratitude!

This was the most useful review of this camera as I was debating whether to purchase. So thank you, the likes were deserved.

Love this, Samuel! Really thorough and insightful. Great transparency and content :) 👏

Nice video Samuel. Love the Gr III because of a lot of things that I have learned from people like you. Great work. On the other hand, nice jacket!

Yes , the shutter feel is what I notices too. On my Nikons , Sonys and Canons it is so clear when you are at the half press detent. This shutter detent is too soft. I can't believe I haven't heard about this elsewhere. Good point Samuel.

Been shooting my xt-2 and it’s been the first camera I’ve never wanted to replace!

Thank you for this review. You saved me a lot of money.

What an excellent review as always, Samuel! You're still the best + so happy to see you here. I'd love to see your photos with your new 40mm lens~~~ The ZF is my next camera and inspired by you of course. :))

What an honest review full of great information. I feel you gave us 3 videos in one.

Appreciate the candor here. This camera was preordered by soo many of us, myself included due to FOMO. I have questioned myself since preordering if this is something I really need or want. This helps me realize that I was acting on impulse.

Thanks Samuel, great and honest review. Still happy with my x100f!

I can tell Samuel is already a better photographer from just having held the camera. Must resist gas. Must.

I wanted to get this camera but for the price and not great availability I ended up buying a used X-Pro3 I've always wanted. Thanks for the honest review as always!

Finally some real talk, thanks for putting this out there.

Really enjoy your video style, relax and informative and I learned a lot from your. Cheers.

Such a generous soul. Thanks for the tutorial. I don't own this camera but just like to hear Samuel's thought process.

Great video Samuel. I was getting caught up in all the hype so I appreciate your honesty. I had a x100v for about a month but sold it for some of the same reasons. I’ll stick with my “must be nice” cameras. 👍🏽

Du hast immer eine interessante Perspektive und es ist so entspannend dir zuzuhören ... Hamburg ist natürlich auch nice ;) Danke für deine Videos!

Thank you for the honest review!!

Thanks for your insights, we all appreciate.

That is such a good point about improving the viewfinder. They've overlooked what made the X100V so successful. It wasn't the tech or megapixels - it was the form factor and shooting experience. Glad you liked the OVF discussion with Sage btw! It was interesting to hear how she used a hotshoe 28mm viewfinder on the fuji 690. (Shane)

i don't doubt for a second that Fuji is riding on the popularity of this and could have done more. However calling it lazy coming from a Ricoh ambassador with the GRIII having released a few weeks ago the same camera but with different filter and the previous release of that camera was a different colour with a different coloured ring is a bit rich. Sorry love your content but that seems a bit hypocritical.

Very awesome and one of the best reviews. I just wanna say for those who wants to buy this camera, and you have the money, and you really want it, go buy it. You must be the one to decide in the end always, and it's your money. I used to think this camera is just meh but bruh I loved it. My friend bought this camera and we are currently in Bali. 2 people asked us if we are holding a toy lmao. I guess it depends on where you're shooting. We are not really getting any eyeballs here compared to those guys with DSLRs with lenses.

the only honest review i have seen so far. the AF sucks and the writing speeds to the SD card is a joke

I found your tidbit regarding the superior detail in the RICOH rather interesting. I always felt that my GRIII resolved greater detail and appeared sharper than my XT5 & 18 1.4 when all remaining variables were held constant. I have always attributed it to a difference in their sensors. I’d need someone much smarter than me to break this down. I appreciated this review. you were not shy about your bias, but still attempted to present objectivity in your findings. We as humans desire to be agreed with at some intrinsic level, and have to be okay knowing that not every thing will be (for) everyone. My hope is that simply, that all who desire this camera or its previous iteration will be able to get one.

I noticed you using the wotancraft wrist strap. Looking forward to the next video! I have a trip planned for Taiwan mid April and I; m planning on visiting their shop to pick up some straps and that Pilot bag you teased at the end!

Thank you for a very honest review, much appreciated

Actually one of the reasons i started watching some of your videos Samuel was because i liked that you were "honest" and seem to go with your feeling rather than trying to cater or make something that everyone else is doing :) I think again you did that very well. Before watching this video i have followed the hypetrain of the Vi like everyone else but like you i was not impressed even before it came. It was exactly like i suspected. A great and fun camera im sure, but nothing to make someone upgrade or get you more excited than the other models before that. And besides the "german heritage" and our common DF reviews", i seem to share somewhat of the same feeling towards some of the cameras we use as well hehe. I started liking my Zf so much that i actually let my Df go and felt ok with knowing that while id miss it from time to time, it would not be used as much any longer because i had so much fun with the Zf, adapting lenses and just making it my everyday camera :) Just recently also got myself the Z mount VL 40mm f1,2 which is glued to the camera together with the 40 mm F2 and the 28mm F2.. I like you dont dislike Fuji at all, one of my most loved cameras was my X-T1, and while i liked the other versions after, i feel Fuji started to cater more to being a mix of a mobile phone and a retro camera with every model coming out. While also trying to keep up with other brands and just cramming more pixels and IBIS and at same time making what was a very compact and nice camera to begin with having larger body and grip with every version...so a dissappointing arch in the development for me. But at the same time i know people love them. I just feel they would love them as much while stay more unique like they did in the beginning, just develop more lenses and change stuff like ISo capabilities or stuff that is actually useful in practical use, or just does not feel like it has to be there to compete with the market :) So yeh, rant off and il continue loving the Zf and being totally oblivious to the hype of the Vi ;) Great video and some great points too . /Martin.

I still use my X100, the original, for walking around. But I did start my career with film cameras.

Both, any camera can do the job. It's the job of the photographer to know his camera and how to use it in any situation.

This Wotancraft bag looks nice! Now I want to check them out

The video ive been waiting for

I 100% agree with your review. I used a tripod and all the settings were the same, but when I checked the raw file, the clarity of x100vi was lower than gr3.

You are absolutely right about the sharpness of these two cameras. I am a GR3/GR3x/X100V user. And it's really clear that GR has better lens. X100V and VI is basically same cameras. VI is better just for IBIS and Reala Ace. No image quality improvement.(I used to think it would be huge but no, there's no big improvement) The KEY is X100 cameras is good, not just for its good lens, but overall experience of shooting. Samuel is right on saying that X100 is a more complete camera than GR3, which is not to say, X100 is better in every way. They are both good everyday-carry cameras, you can make your choice based on the character of this two cameras. If you like it, choose it! Sharpness is not everything!

1) love the ricoh jacket. 2) I appreciate how honest you are about your thoughts. Nobody can question your bias given your channel's history, but its good for people to know that, essentially, this camera is for people who maybe couldn't pick up the originak X100V but not for people who already have one.

Great review 🙏

Great video! what boots are you wearing while you were out on your street shoot? They look super comfortable. I am glad to see the little comparison between the fujifilm and the zf because I have felt a little crazy because I kept getting focus affirmation with my fujis ( not the x100vi) and it would look like I missed or the camera back focused and I think it was. AF-C in the fujifilms just can't seem to compare with the zf at least in terms of setting it and forgetting it. I know if you delve into the AF settings in fuji you can get better results but just as far as ease of use and confidence, the nikon wins for me. Thanks for all your hard work.

Samuel..great insight..so on the Ricoh GR4 iteration..what would you prefer be on it specs wise?..bump in megapixel? of course better AF and new processor? newer lens?..do you think seeing the success of the recent Fuji X100 line..be a factor with Ricoh in considering to develop a GR4 sooner rather than later?..in the sense of taking advantage of this momentum with consumers who are into this more compact form category.

Just what I needed on a Sunday morning. I picked up a used X100F instead. Cheers man 🎉

Thanks for the review! Exactly my thouhgts in the beggining - it's newer, a little better here and there, but there is nothing to be hyped about. 100V was more interesting release because of updated optics for example.

This makes me feel better about my Ricoh GR3 purchase last year. It makes me happy to use it, so will try to at last for now delaying another expensive purchase i might not need

Cooles Video, danke für die ehrlichen Worte!

I really appreciated this video and your assessment. All your points, positive and negative, I also agree. I like the camera and I might keep it only because of its form factor and approachability (for others in the house to use as well). Either case, I was happy to see I wasn’t alone when I didn’t end up completely enamored by it as the internets want me to.

Again an interesting video. Thank you. I liked very much that you commented on the shutter feel. Besides I prefer 28 mm more than 35 mm equivalent I also disliked the shutter feel and shooting feed back from the V. I quite often unintentional released the shutter only when carrying the camera with me. I then switched to a X-Pro3 with the 18 mm/2.0 and other lenses and a much better feedback during shooting and without any unintentional shots.

Wow … the first ‘not in love’ review 😂 … I have the v and GR 3 … love them both … I do half touch on the v and it works fine. Incidentally my v is black, slick and cool, had occasional looks by youngsters, but don’t feel conspicuous … nice video Samuel - very honest …

“ You’re a Loser’ 😂😂😂Samuel your honesty is refreshing! Keep up your great work!

Nice video! I believe Fujifilm should have upgraded the lens as well. Due to pixel pitch and diffraction, it appears soft. Additionally, the autofocus is hindered by the motor in the lens.

X-T1 and a X100F SE Brown. Best combo I’ve ever used.

Well done! You've completely bamboozled all those new Fuji users 😀

Great, honest video once again 🙌 What do you think about the Wotancraft Staps? And is there a good way of getting it in Germany or Hamburg?

Fujifilm released a firmware update to fix the AF after you posted this video. Works like a charm now.

Where is a good place to buy used equipment? Great video.

This is the best review of the Fuji X100VI I've seen! :) I've got only one question - that window in the fence. Did you cut it just for the video to get a better depth in your shot? Or it has always been there?

Insightful points on the half press. Will try it out on my Zf. Guess I am use to the soft release on the XH1 and V. Both are also very quiet.

I also had the X100F and enjoyed it very much. I had the silver version, and I enjoyed it a lot during the time when this camera was useful for going unnoticed on the street. Now I feel it's too attention-grabbing. Several friends have asked me about this camera without ever having had another, and my answer is a resounding no, because although they are excellent, it's for a specific niche.

thanks for deinfluencing!

totally agree bro. it's a lot of hype. cool camera for sure, but appreciate your honest review

I’m sure this has been said somewhere else in the comments, but if you pull the viewfinder switch and hold it, it will change the view mode and you can keep doing this until you arrive at your desired view mode. It’s easier than going into the menu.

One question Samuel. Sharpness test would have the same or similar results with GRIII? So GRIII also sharper (more details) than X100VI?

totally agree, my older Fujis are hard to let go. They have something more special for me esp. the rendering, filmic emulation, colors, and draw of the older sensor

First of all, congratulations on your review Samuel. Regarding sharpness, I have seen some videos in which they comment that if they have noise reduction (NR) activated, many details are lost even at low ISOS and in RAW. I have had the Ricoh GRIII and I agree that they are very sharp, but perhaps the NR is affecting the fujifilm files

I totally understand the popularity part. Cameras like the Fuji X100 series are supposed to be low-profile cameras that don’t draw attention, which makes them great street/everyday cameras. Having so much hype around them has made them quite recognizable. This is becoming one of the reasons why I love my old RX1 so much…even many enthusiasts have no idea what it is 🤣

Thanks for this video. I guess I will keep my X100S and not upgrade to the "VI". I've gotten so used to it over the years (11 years already since I bought it!), even if the auto focus isn't the best. I found ways of using it so that this isn't so much of an issue.

Great content! I'm glad to hear from you some honest opinion about the X100VI. I had the same impression reading the specs. I actually used to stick to X100 series from the first edition, I skipped the X100T and jumped on the F, until I decided to go to GFX. Before the X100VI came out I was hoping it will be another model that will pull me back to the X100 line, but somehow it doesn't feel quite a big jump ahead even from X100F. It's good to finally see IBIS in the X100 body... Nevertheless, I saw your story on Instagram regarding the sharpness of Ricoh and I kept thinking about it. I feel that it might be in the end not necessarily the lens or sensor of Ricoh doing the magic, but their software and some processing that camera does to the pictures in default. I think every single software update from Ricoh resulted in better pictures one way or another, so I'm thinking this might be it. Not that it's bad or something, only confirms what Ricoh is doing is actually quite clever, juicing all the can from the hardware they went for, it's impressive to still better the quality without spitting out a new hardware update every year 😁anyway, thanks for your content! Another great one Samuel! greetings from Frankfurt!

This camera is not for me but just wanted to comment that this is an excellent review, honest and very well done.

Thanks for the video. Nice to see an honest review. Interesting findings. It doesn’t bother me in the slightest as a new to Fuji x100vi owner as I love it. But can I ask with GRiii vs x100vi - what were the sharpening settings. Are you comparing raws or jpgs. How did you correct for focal length differences?

Hi Samuel, I am sceptic on two parameters of the VI, lens resolution not on pair with high res sensor and IBIS not efective enough. I can hold 1/30s on my X100V easily and X100VI is confident only down to 1/8s, come on, that is only 2 stops advantage. I believe that X100VI is mainly solving sourcing problem of the X100V caused that known shortage. Btw I am impressed by the details from GR IIIx.

I had the gr3 and shot it alongside my xt5 and xh1 and had the same results. The gr3 was so amazing in the fine details and in comparison (when pixel peeping) the Fuji files just looked a bit soft.

great video! Referring to the sharpness issue: I think it's about the different sensor-patterns, not the lens with the 40mp. Would be intersting to have a comparison between the x100v and x100vi, which would have the same pattern...

I just can't get onboard with manually focusing the x100. How is the zf manual focusing experience when compared to your old leica?

Thank You for the information! Great as always. I have my ZF since Oct.2023, and I can see myself with that for a very long time. Could you please tell what strap you have on ZF in the video, and where to it from? Thank You in advance!

thank u Samuel for your very honest opinion of the camera. Glad i have left Fujifilm long ago.

With regards to image resolution compared to the 24mp Ricoh, I’m wondering if you are comparing JPEGs and if so, did you use Fujifilm’s XApp to transfer the VI images to your smartphone? Did you notice if the “Resize” slider was on or not? I definitely see much higher resolution images from the VI compared to the V with good detail, so it’s strange this would happen.

With the Voigtlander lens have you tried the ttartisan 6-bit adapter?

Great, honest assessment I think. I owned the X100F, sold it, regretted it and tried the X100T. The X100F was better but in the end, neither was for me.

I first thought to buy X100VI for being stealthy, as Fuji user who never own X100 series camera. But oh man, I also living in German, now I know It is no go for X100VI. Thank you for sharing your experience. But I would like to know, does Nikon Zf draw lots of attention in Germany?

Lucky you! Where did you order that you got yours from? I have the impression that well-known influencers get the X100XI faster. Ordered on the first day and was told: delivery in 6 months. I have cancelled. I wish you lots of fun and great pictures and lots of nice videos for us. 😅 Best regards ✌️

Did you do the camera comparison test with that filter on the. Fujifilm X100VI?

It appears that the lens remains mostly unchanged. It struggles wide open on their previous sensors, so it will definitely struggle on the new 40mp.

Hi Samuel, thanks for your videos. 40 MP and the same tiny lens - how should this work? I had the V and in comparison to my GRIIIx it was very soft, and after a while I sold my X100v. Look at the new Fuji lenses: sharp but very big. To big in my eyes. I sold my 33/1.4 and 18/1.4 and use voigtländer 18/2.8 and 27/2 with manual focus on my XT5 with a great finder and split view. This works for me.

Sam I agree with everything you said on pros and cons of the 100VI. I own Sony A7IV, ZF, and the Fuji H2. And I agree with you focus is not as good as the Sony or Nikon. Low light quality the Sony and ZF outperform it. The only way to resolve the 40MP is with good glass. Out of the 3 cameras I prefer the ZF, Sony then H2. My H2 is my go to when there is plenty of Sun light outdoors. Well done even if it's for clicks.

Gutes Video. Danke dir. Ich hätte sowieso noch auf eine neue Ricoh gewartet. Aber jetzt fällt mir das warten deutlich leichter 😅

with the wcl adapter you get 41mm on the first step of the digital teleconverter. so a x100 with wcl has both ricoh gr3 focal lengths (field of view wise)

There are multiple reviewers who state that the x100vi is very soft. Your test and findings are accurate. Other YT channels disregard it because they're sponsored.

the nikon zf lightly used goes cheaper (significantly) than the x100vi here in our country. thanks, sam! been contemplating for the past month and i might actually get a zf now.

Hello Samuel - Can you please do a video comparing the lens of x100vi vs griiix lens and same settings for f stop iso shutter please examine the quality of lens

I would love to pick one of these up but since I missed the pre-order it’ll never happen. Guess I need to wait for the x100vii. Probably won’t be lucky enough to pre-order that one either.

I used to have a a7 and I quit photography due to college. trying to go back into photography mostly street, landscape and some portrait photography. is this camera good enough for those purposes?

First of all thank you very much for your video and content in general. I am an owner of a GRIII. I bought it quite soon after it came out and at first I was very happy (I was also an owner of the analog GR until it broke). But after about 3000 or so shots the dials gave up their job by jumping uncontrollably into any kind of value but the one you wanted. So for quite some time I cannot use the dial on the back. Now after 4000 plus shots also my front dial does the same thing. I cannot get the aperture value I intend to use anymore. So this annoys me very much for having paid a premium price. I have learned that this issue is quite wide spread. I’m torn between getting it fixed for probably a lot of money or buy another brand……..and I was thinking about the X100VI but now after your video I’m less confident to do so…..I feel somewhat lost now!

I had the exact same experience comparing my GRIII and X100V few months back; the GRIII was (surprisingly?) sharper. But I do nevertheless enjoy using the Fuji way more, even though it doesn't quite fit in my pockets like the Ricoh...

I watched a bunch of reviews of this camera, and yours was unique, and very honest.

Oh my god I agree with you so much on the half press! The X100V was the same where the half press was just not positive/definitive enough compared to other cameras I had / used (yes, including digital Leica Ms) and that bothered me. Still a great camera, but not quite good for me long term.

Im shooting the zf, got the voigtlander 21 3.5, and just got the wotancraft pilot 10l and love it! :) Dig the honest reviews :)

I have pre ordered this camera though yet to have any indication of when it will be available. I'm thinking the summer! I am in such a quandary. I would very much like a small(ish) camera for everyday life. The most important factor for me is picture quality. I'm in a fortunate position to now have some money (I have sold / still selling (it's all on eBay) all of my Fuji kit). My thoughts currently lie with the X100vi (or much cheaper X100v), the Leica Q2 (this is very much an itch I feel I need to scratch), and the Ricoh GRiii. My only concern with the Ricoh is the sensor dust I have heard a lot about. Maybe you could help to allay my fears on that? I do love the small form factor of the GRiii, and as you have pointed out, the picture quality (the most important part to me) is actually better than the X100vi. Help!!! Great video, thank you for putting it together.

my dream camera i need it

Thank you for your honest & practical opinions. I’ve learned a lot from your review.