you do realise that 0:26 is an absolutely cracking shot, do ya? the composition, the light, the colours, the moon, all the other beautiful objects in the frame and where they are placed... and the tiny flowers... oh man, so nice!

I've had a x100v for a couple of years. It's my favourite camera of all time. It's not perfect,it can't do everything, but I just love having it with me wherever I go. I use it how people use the camera on their phones, so it's the one capturing moments. It's also so satisfying to use, love the leaf shutter, love the hybrid viewfinder, love the nd filter, love Film recipes.

I started taking way more photos when I moved from a Sony 6400 to A7iii. It does make a difference how much you enjoy the look and the feel of your camera.

As other have said.... Ricoh GR. Hands down. Portability of a phone. IQ and handling of an SLR. Missing a VF obviously, but if one hasn't adapted to that yet, they never will. It can be surprisingly freeing. I love a VF, but there are few-to-no cameras, old or new, film or digital, that have one *and* fit in a pocket. "It the camera that's with you." and all that.

Just got an Olympus EM10 Mark IV, which is a great little camera with super lenses available. Love love love it, especially how easy it is to carry.

I have the X100V and it is a lovely camera, the fact that you can load film recipes and get ready files straight out of the camera is absolutely great. There are two important things that James forgot to mention, so, if you don't mind James, here they are: the X100V has a ND built in filter which can be very handy to slow the shutter speed when shooting street shots and get people slightly blurred, also in video when you need to sync the ISO and shutter speed, although it doesn't have IBIS, so, you better have steady hands when shooting in slow shutter speed. Btw, I really hope to see the next X100 gen with IBIS, it will be the perfect add-on to the camera. I also tested the lens photographing a landscape shutting on Aperture Priority, trying every f/ stop to find the sweet spot, it is definitely f/5.6. Anything below f/4 or above f/11 will compromise the sharpness/definition of the image. Btw, from f/2 to f/2,.8, the increase of image quality is massive, but when you reach f/5.6, everything gets super sharp.

James, as a long time Fuji shooter, I obviously prefer the X100V, but it may be worth considering the Fuji X-E4. It uses exactly the same sensor as the X100V but has interchangeable lenses. It’s also a wee bit smaller too. Oh! And it’s cheaper! 👍😀

Also have the A7R4 and an X100v. Love them both but the x100v’s massive advantage over nearly all other cameras is that leaf shutter and fill flash. Especially for snaps/holidays.

One of my biggest regrets from when I moved from Fuji to Sony was that I sold my X100T. Absolutely brilliant camera and, whilst not ‘pocketable,’ it is really easy to carry around, unobtrusive, and such a pleasure to use, especially good for street photography. I also had the Fuji wide-angle and telephoto add on lenses which were also both great, and means you have a perfect travel kit. Your video has got me longing to an X100 again, so just off to check MPB! 😀

James, definitely also try the Ricoh GRIII or IIIx (the only difference is the 28mm vs. 40mm equivalent focal length). For me the Ricoh is the absolute best travel, walk-the-dog and camera-when-you-think-you-don‘t-need-a-camera camera. The interface is great, the lens is sharp and image quality is really good, all while being smaller than my phone and literally pocketable. Plus you get a stabilized APS-C sensor and front and back dial as well as a thumb wheel. ;-) The only downsides are the 2.8 aperture, which can be limiting sometimes in darker situations and the fixed screen. But for the size it‘s not getting any better. I tried many different setups for a bring-everywhere camera but almost all of them require a bag or some sort of insert for your backpack. And at that point I might as well bring my „big“ camera. Just incremental size savings are not really worth it in my experience. So I ended up with a Ricoh GRIIIx because it fits in any pocket, shirt, pants, jacket and there‘s no scenario where I wouldn‘t bring it. And for the times where I know I want to take photos I still have my main camera. So to summarize, I had the best experience with the extremes: either it is literally pocketable or I bring my full kit. The smallish cameras always felt like a compromise on either side to me. Happy GAS!

I have been using the X100F for about a year as my kind of “EDC” camera, and I love it! There are a few small annoyances that come up occasionally, but for the most part it does the job; and feels and looks great doing it. That said, I do dream to replace it with a Leica Q someday! 📷

Dropped my two photos bought from your store off to be framed this morning. I’m really looking forward to seeing them up on the wall. Keep up the good work James.

I would have recommended an Olympus E-M10 IV with the 12-40mm f/2.8. Amazing setup and very small.

I had a Sony a6500 and rate it highly as a travel camera. Yes, it’s compact and light but the thing I loved about it for travel was its ability to do Panoramas in portrait framing. You get these nice wide full frame images (not those long flat panos in landscape framing) without the wide angle distortion. Only downside was moving objects turning a bit weird. Brilliant for interiors, architecture, landscapes….

If only Fujifilm would refresh the XF10 with a new sensor. The "Ricoh" form factor is sooo good. X100V is still a little too chonky to carry out to random places along with your phone/wallet. The Ricoh is a no-go at that price with all the dust issues.

Lovely your work James - keep it up! Hope you're doing well ☺️

I've been using the x100V for a couple months now and how nicely compact yet really stunning when it comes to day-to-day phtography makes it easilly a daily carry. I enjoy using it for travel, gatherings, and things that would be taxing to bring my a7iii. Great pickup easily would recomend.

I have bought two cameras as my travel or every day cameras: The Lumix LX 100 II compact camera and the Lumix FZ 1000 II bridge camera. Both are are very light and very affordable (half the price of the Fuji X100V) and they both make amazing images. If you are more into Video / B-roll you should checkout the FZ 2000 instead.

I've been using the X100F for four years and love it. I carry it wherever I go; it's ideal as a go anywhere camera. I also have an X-T3 which covers everything else. Goes in my cat pocket but not jeans!

GX9 + Oly 17mm f1.8 Pop a little Lumix 35-100 f4-5.6 in your pocket for those telephoto shots. Job done!

I used Sony for a long time, but recently switched to Fuji. I have the x100v. I love that I can take it with me and not have to worry which lens to take. 35mm is an all around focal length.

Frankly I'm still besotted with my Fuji X-T30. Extremely compact, interchangeable lens camera, dials for days and build quality is sublime, image quality is as good as the X-T3. I still haven't found a reason to take any other expensive camera off the shelf when travelling. Fuji make wonderful portable cameras. I hope you have a wonderful time travelling the world this summer. 😁🤞

When you explained your criteria, I think the ideal camera would be in your phone.

I sold the x100v for the a7c and the 24mm and 40mm for the exact purpose of a documentary camera. Both the fuji and Sony are great for the type of images you took in this video, but as a documentary camera being used for my family and kids you can’t beat the eye autofocus of the Sony. It makes shooting moving kids, dogs, and daily family events so much easier. The fuji eye detection does not even come close. Also enjoy shooting at 24mm which the fuji can not do.

The look of the camera actually made a difference for me too. Made a video on the MacBook Air M2 which feels good to use because of how it looks/feels.

Interesting video. Thanks for your thoughts. The expensive lesson I learnt over the years is that it’s better to learn to live with the “deficiencies” of your camera gear and learn to enjoy using it. Most peoples travel camera seems to be their smart phone (I am not advocating that).

The way you've aligned the base of the light house with the horizon @ 9 minutes shows your attention to detail while planning a shot.. kudos man..

In fact, many fail to think about ergonomics and ease of use. Only if you like to hold the camera in your hand and find all the settings quickly, then you'll be happy to take the camera with you and use it. Especially if you are not alone, you usually have little time for a photo, then all settings have to be made quickly. Sometimes on such a tour there is no opportunity for a picture at all, so you don't want to get angry afterwards about the unnecessarily dragged weight, with the result of not taking the camera with you on the next trip. I recently switched to a Nikon Z50 for travel, which is the optimal solution for me at the moment. With the 16-50 and the additional 28mm, it hardly takes up any space in the backpack (everything fits comfortably in a Tenba BYOB 7) and also weighs very little. It feels great in the hand and all the settings are logically structured and easy to find. The picture quality is also excellent. Now I just need time to travel.

I have the a7c with the 40 and 24 primes. Also had several X100 versions in the past. The honest answer is the GR3X. Thats the camera that will make a difference in terms of when you have it with you and when it is ready. The only on thats truly pocketable. You wont take the x100v to more places than you would your a7c, basically the same size, same use case. The Ricoh with the latest firmware gained very decent AF as well. I take GR3X to way more places and take more pictures just because I have an easily accessible camera all the time. Including the loo.

I went for the Olympus EM10 mk iv James. Great little camera and very good value for money, esp for stills photography. Being M43 the lenses are very compact & light - e.g. the 25mm & 45mm primes. Enjoy your travels!

I have to stop watching to comment that this video is exactly what i have been needing to see! I own the wonderful A7c and yet am still thinking about getting the Fuji x100v..... now back to watching the rest of this. Thanks James and that beach looks gorgeous!

I bought a Fuji X-T3 about 2 Years ago. I bought it because i thought Fuji was the only reliable APS-C Manufacturer back then and i dont want to get bigger (and pay more) with FF. I was coming from an APS-C A-Mount. Turns out i like the Camera that much, that i not only take pictures from my growing up Children but i go out every then and now solely for taking Pictures. A thing i have never done before. So yeah, i love my Camera more then any before. And i think it is not only because it looks good (but i does). I like to take it with me, and use it. Its a joy and definitly helped me to get more into photography.

I have an X-Pro1 and X-T1 and I love the way they look and feel, overall the fact that they’re a joy to hold and use is the main reason I’m sticking with it. The available lenses are fantastic, but it doesn’t mean anything if you don’t enjoy holding the camera.

Welcome to The Fujifilm Feeling 😉 I tried a fuji in 2017 and I've never looked back since

I shoot a lot of sports and events and my main camera is a Nikon D750. Last year i wanted a "go everywhere" camera for family days at the beach etc. I bought a used X100S and absolutely love it and it goes everywhere with me now.

The Fujifilm X100F has been my go-to for a few years now. I'm very happy with it. FWIW, the V would be my choice.

I hear the X100V is a nice camera to use. The X-T30 is pretty compact in an interchangeable body if that’s something you fancy. Throw on the 27mm f/2.8 and you got yourself a compact setup that seem to check off everything on your list.

I have a Panasonic S1R, a Fuji X-T4 and a Fuji X100V. When I want to travel lightly, I'll take my X100V. Great travel camera! Weather sealed, compact, light, and with a great focal length (IMHO), this makes travel photography easier because you're using "whatcha got" making things just easier.

I sold my A7C. I had hoped it would make a great travel type small camera but it had too many compromises for me and IMHO it wasn’t all that much smaller than the larger Sony bodies. I also have the X100V and the RICOH GRIII. The winner for me is the GRIII because it is truly pocketable but I can not convince myself to sell the Fuji. The X100V is a wonderful camera, great to hold and behold! I love the built in flash of the Fuji and yes I wish RICOH would bring back the built in flash. Fortunately I can keep both and the Fuji does get used, just not as much as the RICOH.

I bought the X100V... loved it so much I sold it... and sold all my sony gear and got an XT4 and a stack of fuji glass. shits real.

I'm a Fuji shooter (X-T3), but a hobbyist, not a pro. I've been following your channel for a while even though you don't shoot Fuji. As a hobbyist, the ergonomics and the experience were my paramount concerns. I picked Fuji because I found it the most enjoyable to use, and for a hobby that's exactly what I want. If I was a trying to make a living with photography, I might have picked something else. But I like my current career, and I'm earning more than I could reasonably expect to earn as a photographer in my area. Enough to support my expensive hobbies. So I'm happy with my choice, and I'm happy every time I use my Fuji. There's just something about that tactility of the dials, and having direct physical control of the exposure settings, that really appeals to me. My wife is a professional and shoots Nikon. Occasionally I'll be a second shooter for her. I know my way around her Nikon gear, and I've also used borrowed Canon bodies, but those don't spark joy for me. If there's a Leica shop near you, I would recommend going in and getting a tour of their cameras with their reps. Similar to Fuji, Leica is selling a pretty opinionated experience that is more about the process and joy of photography than the technical performance and features. Fuji is often compared to Leica, but the experience of using them is very different. Leica really strips down the experience to bare bones given you a "pure" photography experience. They nicely demonstrate how less really can be more (and also more expensive).

I will admit that I 100% bought my Fuji X-T20 for the looks. I’ve had it over 4 years now and sometimes just lookin go at the camera can get me excited to go shoot. I definitely believe that can be a significant factor in finding the inspiration to go and take photos. My wife’s camera (Canon Rebel T6i) takes excellent photos, but holding it just doesn’t inspire me like my Fuji does.

I love my X100V. The film simulations are a joy to use and give you superb jpegs requiring no editing. Treat yourself James 😉

There definitely is an effect of how you feel about a tool that effects it's use. If you feel that it's cool or fun or looks good, you'll be motivated to get out and use it.

Great vid again, and a cracking location. Love it… I’m with you on the wilt and snivel rear screen. Kept the Pratley jeans dry around the knees on many occasions!

I’ll throw a vote in for the Ricoh GR series. I bought a used GR II last spring and it has been a true pleasure to use. If 28mm is too wide for your tastes, the GR IIIx is 40mm. If form factor is a key consideration, there’s no better camera for “have it everywhere,” especially when traveling.

It's also aps-c, but the Nikon Z50 also exists. The Z50 is only a touch larger than the A7C (kudos for making such a small camera Sony), but it has a better viewfinder, significantly deeper grip, and a front dial. The very good kit lens is 16-50mm and a little on the slow side, but there are some smaller prime lenses that you can use. Nikon says a 23mm pancake prime for their APS-C mirrorless is coming out ~eventually~. The Z50 is also lighter than the A7C (and x100v), has a larger LCD screen, no-ibis, and worse battery life tho... It might be worth checking out, at the very worst it's another video ;) For a low-key travel camera, the x100v has a killer aesthetic though.

I have the X100V and it is the best all round "every day" camera I have ever owned. The flip screen and built in ND filter are the finishing touches to a great camera, whilst the new sharper F2 lens is a big improvement on the previous X100 line. But, I agree with you James that the one you have is the best to go with because the X100V ain't cheap!!

I just bought my first Fuji a few weeks back and the film simulations are amazing

I bought the X100V about a year and a half ago and it really has become my daily driver. I'll still use my full frame mirrorless camera when I'm trying to act professional. But the X100V takes wonderful pictures and it's nice to have a small, versatile camera I can literally take anywhere.

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Great video James! Honestly I think how much I enjoy using a camera makes a MASSIVE difference on the photos I take. Because if it's not enjoyable I find myself not wanting to take my camera out, particularly for the more day-to-day things, or days out with friends and family. Having something fun and enjoyable to use has encouraged me to take so many more photos that I love that I probably wouldn't have taken before getting a smaller and more enjoyable camera

X100V apparently has a digital zoom using the focus ring (without pressing the shutter halfway). X70 works as a travel camera at 18mm, crop 1:1 to nudge the perceived focal length toward 28.

Great video. Thanks. I moved from Canon to Fuji over a year ago and love the Fuji system. Don’t own the x100. But after owning the the xt3 for a few months I bought a second hand xe3 with a 23mm prime. So virtually the same as the x100. It’s my go to travel and hiking companion. Love the look. The ergonomics and the images. I’m totally converted. Cheers.

Owned an x100f as a first camera then sold it for an xt2 and the 16-55. Got sick of carrying around a long zoom lens and got the x100v. Haven’t picked up the xt2 since. There is something about carrying a camera that doesn’t look like you are being paid to use it that is great.

I am really interested in this camera. But I do not have the money right now. The idea of a simple system and easy size to travel with is really appealing.

I love the look of silver fujifilm cameras. Bought an old film one just to sit on my bookshelf until I can afford to add a new one to my collection.

Another vote for the Ricoh GRiii X. At 40mm it's perfect for me and all these comments about dust issues are something I've never experienced and this is my second Ricoh only because I prefer the 40mm focal length. Great camera. Check out Sean Tucker's use of it.

Actually Sigma did a great job with the 18-50 f2.8 for Sony apsc. Small, sharp, relatively fast and not that expensive!

Would love to hear your thoughts on the A7C post travel. The drawbacks you mentioned are completely valid, but I love that little camera regardless!

Had my x100v about a month now and it’s fab for all the reasons you described, great all round camera.

I like the sound of X100V's shutter.

I’ve had a Fuji X100s for years and I love it. The fixed focal length has made me a better photographer (I think 🤔). It’s a bit big but I bought a small LowePro bag (Scout I think) that fits just the camera, a few batteries, lens hood, microfibre cloth and tripod plate. The fast lens is excellent for low light, high ISO is good even in the older model I have, the controls are excellent and it looks-wise it’s very unobtrusive. It goes most places with me when a DSLR isn’t practical. The odd time you regret not having a telephoto or a wide angle lens I remind myself that if I didn’t have the X100s I wouldn’t have a proper camera with me at all.

For travel can’t beat m43…gx 9 maybe with your 20mm and the 45mm in the other pocket?

My Fuji X100V is a pleasure to take with me daily and I love shooting with it on travel.

From the days that you were using Lumix system for its portability over the FF, I always thought "why doesn't he try Fuji?" I think it's the best middle ground, you get fantastic image quality, ergonomics for half the weight. Yes, AF is not on par with Sony for video, but it's not horrible. Al that, and I find they are simply more fun to use and just look amazing. I'm a fairly new Fuji user and I couldn't be happier.

Just got back from 4 days in Rome with mine I added a wide converter (WCL X100 ii) to give a 28mm FF fov - I brought it with me to some places when I knew I'd want to go extra wide Love my X100V

The GR is shirt pocketable. That outweighs a lot of other considerations. You can always have it with you. You can always stow it out of sight or if you need both hands. And the snap focus can work faster than autofocus. Every other camera feels unnecessarily huge after the GR.

James, thank you for your videos. I really enjoy your content and it's encouraged me to enjoy my photography. I've been using a Fuji X-T30 primarily with a 18-55mm lens that has been good all around for me, especially for travel. They also have a smaller zoom. I think Fuji really nails the ergonomics.

Good Job, I have been using the X100 for many years now and its the one Camera that I love to pick up, and the fact that its a great camera helps…

The film simulations are very fun and they have recipes. It’s a fun and feels like vintage camera, love the viewfinder that I can compose without turning it on. 📸

James I love your videos, don't take this as a rant, but why not a GX9 to go with your 20mm f1.7? Now you're not even mentioning micro four thirds as an option for travel, do we take it you think that that system is defunct/ irrelevant / dead? Surely, for all of its shortcomings, the strength of micro four thirds is travel?????

I've kind of been in your situation. I have an R5 and R6 and wanted a smaller body for walking around. I really wanted an ILC, though, so that ruled out the X100. I ended up ordering the X-S10. Better grip, same sensor as the X100, joystick, IBIS, interchangeable lenses, a bit cheaper (not including the lens).

The older sensor cameras produce way more filmic looking snaps. The X100 and 100S are the ones to get. No Wi-Fi transfer though unfortunately but the results are just astonishing. It feels like having a never ending roll of film. It’s definitely a must have camera.

If you go with the X100, I recommend getting one of the 3rd party grip enhancers/base plates, which both makes it easier to use one-handed, and allows easy use with a tripod without having to worry about a tripod plate that blocks the battery compartment. And yes, I love my X-100V.

Okay. Older video I know but, I've been watching a lot of your stuff lately and your video quality is amazing. Do you shoot log profile on the sony(s)?

In regard to that knee pad, let me suggest a Sew Fly Original Knee Pad. While they were create for disc golfers(which is why I purchased one originally), I find that I'm using it more for photography these days. It's been a knee saver for me and you can just clip it to your camera backpack.

Olympus Pen-F. And you already have the lens for it.

I ditched Canon for Fuji and the "fun factor" makes a huge difference in shooting. I want to take it with me and shoot all the time - something that is simply not true of my old Canon gear, even though I think the Canon delivered better image quality.

Try the Ricoh GR iii or the 40mm x version they are truely pocketable and can easily be used one handed (great if a baby is in the other!!). Dust isnt a problem if you stick it in a sandwich bag rather than a dirt filled pocket and the lens is spectacular (possibly aided by the lack of antialiasing filter on the sensor). I know its supposed to be for 'street photography' but I use it more for landscape, environmental portraits and flower photography. It is now my most used camera as its always with me. I realise your decision to stick with your Sony is the most sensible decision, but if GAS strikes the GRs are worth a look although you have no built in viewfinder which is a bit of a pain.

I definitely think the look of a camera can have an impact on its use. I shoot a Nikon D850 when I want some grunt, but I *really* love shooting with my Nikon Zfc. The ergonomics are probably similar to the Fujifilm, it doesn't have a grip which can be a little annoying, but the tactility of the wrap and the dials is a really nice experience.

Canon PowerShot G1X Mk3. Pocketable, aps-c with 24-70 equivalent Field of view. Image stabilisation fully articulated screen and a decent viewfinder. My wife has one, she loves it, I've used it several times and have to say it's a great travel camera.

I had many cameras. Sony, Leica, Olympus. The X100V is definitely the „best“ camera I ever had.

Loved your video my opinion as an owner of the great FujiX100V i feel that this camera makes you want to take it out and take photos I really love this camera Mike

I love my x100v, it's the funnest camera to shoot photos with.

Great video . James style is very engaging. I’m considering dumping 5D ii for the x100t, I’m just done with carrying a big lump around.

Once I got the Hand grip from JJC it made a world of a difference. Grip is significantly better and also doubles swiss arca plate allowing me to carry and mess around less with the camera and shoot more.

Travlers might want to consider the Fujifilm X-E4. Similar in size to the X100V but it’s an interchange lens camera. For me my favorite Fujifilm lens the 27mm f2.8 pancake lens. It’s almost wide angle lens and almost a normal lens. One of the features I like is the front command dial. From this one dial you control the ISO, Aperture, and exposure compensation. Of course if you are using a lens with aperture ring then it overrides the command dial aperture is disabled. I think the camera with the 27mm lens is less then the X100V. I put my X-Pro2 in backup mode and the X-E4 has become my primary camera. It’s that good.

Love my XT2 & XT20 so a small option, the 20 with a macro or 18-55 often, easy to walk around with & 2 for bigger vistas. Always happy, love Fuji colours

James, I think you are just missing your MFT system here. What about a Panasonic LX-100 II or an Olympus OM-D E-M10 MKIV (brilliant ergonomics) with the lovely 20mm f1.4 or 12-40 f2.8 Pro (if you want to zoom). If you still have the 20mm Panasonic a used GX80 or so could do the trick. Anyway, have fun on your travels!

Very little difference in images but you are correct ergonomics is everything for this size. I love my sony a7iii but no front dial would drive me crazy

Another great review thanks. Thinking of a Fuji to supplement my a7iii - or updating to a 7IV! Most helpful.

I was hoping you will keep it, so unexpected ending was somehow thrilling 😄

Never mind about the cameras, that shelf light is brilliant😜. I love strange stuff that takes your eye. Maybe thats why my 12V socket in the car has an "EJECT" button cover! I'll leave quietly now.

To this camera is basically replacement of GF1+20mm/f1.7 except it's smaller (or thinner to be precise) and better overall with a few extra features and basically the same flaws (not having IS, slow AF). I bought it knowing that GF1 was my favorite camera and I added more lens, then they were too heavy for that small body, I bought G5 and G80 later and in the end have not used them that much, cause whole package is quite bulky, whereas I can throw GF1 or X100V basically into any shoulder bag or backpack. I was thinking about getting something with interchangeable lens, but my prediction was that I would follow the same path, paying money for a new system and where it would go (G80 is still a good camera, just sensor was outdated in time of release, it can't be charged from USB and battery life is awful - but it does a few things better than Fuji, such as autoWB is more reliable and usually perfect - rest of Fuji disadvantages are not worth mentioning, having fixed lens is obviously limiting in several ways)

Did not mention IBIS.

Fujifilm X100V is a solid camera - well designed and looks good. More importantly it produces excellent images, particularly with a skilled photographer holding it. On that note, I do believe that the way a certain camera in your hands can make you feel when you're using it, certainly as a creative instrument, is just as important in inspiring the creative process.

Finaly James got some real gear.

For casual travel, I will stick with my Pan/Lumix DC-ZS70, about the size of the fuji, but 30x optical zoom. Small sensor, 6 year old design, but was able to get one "new" for 300$, to replace my broken one (after 5 years & 50k photos or so). Winter pocket, and summer I use a tiny camera bag, just an extra pocket really.

I know that your phone won't do the background in your portraits, but for everything else it should fit the bill... Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the comparison.