Fujifilm X100S vs X100V

The Fujifilm X100S and the Fujifilm X100V are two enthusiast cameras that were announced, respectively, in January 2013 and February 2020. Both the X100S and the X100V are fixed lens compact cameras that are equipped with an APS-C sensor. The X100S has a resolution of 16 megapixels, whereas the X100V provides 26 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications

	VS
Fujifilm X100S		Fujifilm X100V
Fixed lens compact camera		Fixed lens compact camera
35mm f/2.0		35mm f/2.0
16 MP, APS-C Sensor		26 MP, APS-C Sensor
1080/60p Video		4K/30p Video
ISO 200-6400 (100-25600)		ISO 160-12800 (80-51200)
Electronic viewfinder (2360k dots)		Electronic viewfinder (3690k dots)
2.8" LCD, 460k dots		3.0" LCD, 1620k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)		Tilting touchscreen
6 shutter flaps per second		11 shutter flaps per second
Not weather sealed		Weathersealed body
330 shots per battery charge		420 shots per battery charge
127 x 74 x 54 mm, 445 g		128 x 75 x 53 mm, 478 g

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Fujifilm X100S and the Fujifilm X100V? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

Body comparison

An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Fujifilm X100S and the Fujifilm X100V is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Both cameras are available in two different colors (black, silver).

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Fujifilm X100V is somewhat larger (2 percent) than the Fujifilm X100S. Moreover, the X100V is markedly heavier (7 percent) than the X100S. It is noteworthy in this context that the X100V is splash and dust-proof, while the X100S does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

Concerning battery life, the X100S gets 330 shots out of its NP-95 battery, while the X100V can take 420 images on a single charge of its NP-W126S power pack. The power pack in the X100V can be charged via the USB port, which can be very convenient when travelling.

The adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. If you want to switch the focus of the display and review another camera pair, just select a new right or left comparator from among the camera models in the table. Alternatively, you can also move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons there.

Camera Body Specifications

	Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life (CIPA)	Weather Sealing (yes/no)	Camera Launch (announced)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Fujifilm X100S»	5.0 in	2.9 in	2.1 in	15.7 oz	330	n	Jan 2013	1,299		Fujifilm X100S
	Fujifilm X100V«	5.0 in	3.0 in	2.1 in	16.9 oz	420	Y	Feb 2020	1,399		Fujifilm X100V
	Canon G1 X Mark III« »	4.5 in	3.1 in	2.0 in	14.1 oz	200	Y	Oct 2017	1,299		Canon G1 X Mark III
	Canon G1 X« »	4.6 in	3.2 in	2.6 in	18.8 oz	250	n	Jan 2012	799		Canon G1 X
	Fujifilm X-T3« »	5.2 in	3.7 in	2.3 in	19.0 oz	390	Y	Sep 2018	1,499		Fujifilm X-T3
	Fujifilm X100F« »	5.0 in	3.0 in	2.0 in	16.5 oz	390	n	Jan 2017	1,299		Fujifilm X100F
	Fujifilm X-Pro2« »	5.6 in	3.3 in	1.8 in	17.5 oz	350	Y	Jan 2016	1,699		Fujifilm X-Pro2
	Fujifilm X-T2« »	5.2 in	3.6 in	1.9 in	17.9 oz	340	Y	Jul 2016	1,599		Fujifilm X-T2
	Fujifilm X-T10« »	4.6 in	3.3 in	1.6 in	13.4 oz	350	n	May 2015	799		Fujifilm X-T10
	Fujifilm X30« »	4.7 in	2.8 in	2.4 in	14.9 oz	470	n	Aug 2014	599		Fujifilm X30
	Fujifilm X100T« »	5.0 in	2.9 in	2.0 in	15.5 oz	330	n	Sep 2014	1,299		Fujifilm X100T
	Fujifilm X-T1« »	5.1 in	3.5 in	1.9 in	15.5 oz	350	Y	Jan 2014	1,299		Fujifilm X-T1
	Fujifilm X-Pro1« »	5.5 in	3.2 in	1.7 in	15.9 oz	300	n	Jan 2012	1,699		Fujifilm X-Pro1
	Fujifilm X100« »	5.0 in	3.0 in	2.1 in	15.7 oz	300	n	Sep 2010	1,199		Fujifilm X100
	Leica X Typ 113« »	5.2 in	2.9 in	3.1 in	17.1 oz	350	n	Sep 2014	2,295		Leica X Typ 113
	Nikon Coolpix A« »	4.4 in	2.5 in	1.6 in	10.5 oz	230	n	Mar 2013	1,099		Nikon Coolpix A
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Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. The listed launch prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The X100S was somewhat cheaper (by 7 percent) than the X100V at launch, but both cameras fall into the same price category. Normally, street prices remain initially close to the MSRP, but after a couple of months, the first discounts appear. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down.

Sensor comparison

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors are more costly to manufacture and tend to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Both cameras under consideration feature an APS-C sensor and have a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 1.5. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the review cameras among the medium-sized sensor cameras that aim to strike a balance between image quality and portability. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

While the two cameras under review share the same sensor size, the X100V offers a higher resolution of 26 megapixels, compared with 16 MP of the X100S. This megapixels advantage translates into a 27 percent gain in linear resolution. On the other hand, these sensor specs imply that the X100V has a higher pixel density and a smaller size of the individual pixel (with a pixel pitch of 3.76μm versus 4.80μm for the X100S). However, it should be noted that the X100V is much more recent (by 7 years) than the X100S, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that compensate for the smaller pixel size. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that neither of the two cameras has an anti-alias filter installed, so they are able to capture all the detail the sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Fujifilm X100V implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the X100V for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 31.2 x 20.8 inch or 79.2 x 52.8 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 25 x 16.6 inch or 63.4 x 42.3 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 20.8 x 13.9 inch or 52.8 x 35.2 cm. The corresponding values for the Fujifilm X100S are 24.5 x 16.3 inch or 62.2 x 41.5 cm for good quality, 19.6 x 13.1 inch or 49.7 x 33.2 cm for very good quality, and 16.3 x 10.9 inch or 41.5 x 27.6 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Fujifilm X100S has a native sensitivity range from ISO 200 to ISO 6400, which can be extended to ISO 100-25600. The corresponding ISO settings for the Fujifilm X100V are ISO 160 to ISO 12800, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 80-51200.

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.

Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. Both cameras under consideration are equipped with sensors that have a sufficiently high read-out speed for moving images, but the X100V provides a better video resolution than the X100S. It can shoot movie footage at 4K/30p, while the X100S is limited to 1080/60p.

Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The two cameras under review are similar with respect to both having an electronic viewfinder. However, the one in the X100V offers a substantially higher resolution than the one in the X100S (3690k vs 2360k dots). The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Fujifilm X100S and Fujifilm X100V along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

One differentiating feature between the two cameras concerns the touch sensitivity of the rear screen. The X100V has a touchscreen, while the X100S has a conventional panel. Touch control can be particularly helpful, for example, for setting the focus point.

The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, the X100V is one of those camera that have an additional electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

The Fujifilm X100V has an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

Both the X100S and the X100V have built-in prime lenses. Both optics have identical focal length and aperture specifications (23mm f/2.0). Both cameras offer the same maximum aperture.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the X100S and the X100V write their files to SDXC cards. Both cameras can use UHS-I cards, which provide for Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s.

Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Fujifilm X100S and Fujifilm X100V and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

It is notable that the X100V offers wifi support, which can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location. In contrast, the X100S does not offer wifi capability.

The X100V is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Fujifilm. In contrast, the X100S has been discontinued (but it can be found pre-owned on eBay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the X100S was succeeded by the Fujifilm X100T. Further information on the two cameras (e.g. user guides, manuals), as well as related accessories, can be found on the official Fujifilm website.

Review summary

So how do things add up? Is there a clear favorite between the Fujifilm X100S and the Fujifilm X100V? Which camera is better? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.

Advantages of the Fujifilm X100S:

• More complete view: Has a viewfinder with a larger field of view (100% vs 95%).
• More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in January 2013).

Arguments in favor of the Fujifilm X100V:

• More detail: Has more megapixels (26 vs 16MP), which boosts linear resolution by 27%.
• Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (4K/30p vs 1080/60p).
• Better sound: Can connect to an external microphone for higher quality sound recording.
• More detailed viewfinder: Has higher resolution electronic viewfinder (3690k vs 2360k dots).
• Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.52x vs 0.43x).
• Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.0" vs 2.8") for image review and settings control.
• More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1620k vs 460k dots).
• More flexible LCD: Has a tilting screen for odd-angle shots in landscape orientation.
• Fewer buttons to press: Has a touchscreen to facilitate handling and shooting adjustments.
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (11 vs 6 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
• Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
• Longer lasting: Gets more shots (420 versus 330) out of a single battery charge.
• Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
• Better sealing: Is splash and dust sealed for shooting in inclement weather conditions.
• Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.1 vs 2.0).
• Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
• Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
• More modern: Reflects 7 years of technical progress since the X100S launch.

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the X100V is the clear winner of the contest (18 : 2 points). However, the relevance of individual strengths will vary across photographers, so that you might want to apply your own weighing scheme to the summary points when reflecting and deciding on a new camera. A professional wildlife photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a family photog, and a person interested in architecture has distinct needs from a sports shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Fujifilm X100S and the Fujifilm X100V place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Prime Lens Compact Camera listing whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the specs-based evaluation of cameras can be instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the X100S and the X100V in practical situations. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased.

Expert reviews

This is why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The following table reports the overall ratings of the cameras as published by some of the major camera review sites (cameralabs, dpreview, ephotozine, imaging-resource, and photographyblog). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

Review Scores

	Camera Model	cam era   labs	dp re   view	e photo   zine	ima ging resource	photo graphy   blog	Camera Launch (announced)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Fujifilm X100S	+ +	81/100	4.5/5	4/5	5/5	Jan 2013	1,299		Fujifilm X100S
	Fujifilm X100V	+ +	86/100	5/5	..	4.5/5	Feb 2020	1,399		Fujifilm X100V
	Canon G1 X Mark III	+	79/100	4.5/5	..	4.5/5	Oct 2017	1,299		Canon G1 X Mark III
	Canon G1 X	+	76/100	4/5	4/5	4.5/5	Jan 2012	799		Canon G1 X
	Fujifilm X-T3	+ +	88/100	5/5	5/5	5/5	Sep 2018	1,499		Fujifilm X-T3
	Fujifilm X100F	+	83/100	4.5/5	..	4.5/5	Jan 2017	1,299		Fujifilm X100F
	Fujifilm X-Pro2	+	83/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jan 2016	1,699		Fujifilm X-Pro2
	Fujifilm X-T2	+ +	86/100	4.5/5	5/5	5/5	Jul 2016	1,599		Fujifilm X-T2
	Fujifilm X-T10	+ +	80/100	5/5	4/5	5/5	May 2015	799		Fujifilm X-T10
	Fujifilm X30	..	76/100	4.5/5	4/5	4.5/5	Aug 2014	599		Fujifilm X30
	Fujifilm X100T	+	81/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	5/5	Sep 2014	1,299		Fujifilm X100T
	Fujifilm X-T1	+ +	84/100	5/5	4/5	5/5	Jan 2014	1,299		Fujifilm X-T1
	Fujifilm X-Pro1	+ +	79/100	4.5/5	4/5	4.5/5	Jan 2012	1,699		Fujifilm X-Pro1
	Fujifilm X100	..	75/100	4/5	4/5	5/5	Sep 2010	1,199		Fujifilm X100
	Leica X Typ 113	..	..	3.5/5	..	4/5	Sep 2014	2,295		Leica X Typ 113
	Nikon Coolpix A	+	75/100	4/5	4.5/5	4/5	Mar 2013	1,099		Nikon Coolpix A
Notes: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you are interested in seeing how other cameras pair up, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

Specifications: Fujifilm X100S vs Fujifilm X100V

Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

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