5 Alternatives to the Fujifilm x100VI

5 Alternatives to the Fujifilm x100VI

Many people are scrambling to get their hands on the Fujifilm x100VI, but before you go out and spend all your hard earned cash, let me propose 5 alternative cameras that you should consider. While this isn’t an exhaustive list, the Sony rx1r mark ii, Sigma FP, Lumix gx9, Fujifilm x100, and Ricoh GR III are all worthy competitors to the Fujifilm. Let’s discuss their strengths compared to the Fujifilm offering.

In this article I’ll compare current used camera prices to the new price of the x100VI. Some may believe this to be an unfair comparison, but I do not. The reason is because it is very unlikely we’ll see used x100VI prices sink much below retail in the upcoming year. The x100V sold on the used market significantly ABOVE MSRP. If Fujifilm can keep the camera in stock, used prices will fall, but that remains to be seen. It is for this reason I feel comfortable comparing used cameras to the MSRP of the new Fujifilm.

Alternative 1 - Sony Rx1r mark ii

With the cost of the Fujifilm x100VI rising, selling at $1599 USD, the price is getting closer and closer to the used price of Sony’s legendary compact, the Sony Rx1r mark II. The Sony shares the fantastic full-frame sensor of the a7r mark II, sporting 42mp and fantastic dynamic range. The sensor is paired with a gorgeous, fixed Zeiss 35mm f2.

On the used market, you can find the Sony Rx1r mark II floating between $1600-2000 USD pretty consistently.

Sony Rx1r mark II > Fujifilm x100VI: Full-frame sensor and better lens.

Fujifilm x100VI > Sony Rx1r mark II: 4k video and newer technology (the Rx1r mark II is 8 years old).

Alternative 2 - Sigma FP and Sigma FP L:

The Sigma FP is a camera many overlooked, and it is highly underrated. I own one and love it. The body of the camera houses a full-frame 24mp sensor (61mp if you opt for the Sigma FP L). The FP also gives the user the ability to switch lenses, so when you get sick of the 35mm equivalent view of the Fujifilm, you can change it up. Personally, I like using mine with adapted m-mount glass. The camera’s build is superb and the color science is better than Fujifilm (yep, I said it). If you’re a videographer, while you’ll sacrifice IBIS, you’ll gain a much more robust video suite with the Sigma.

You can buy a brand-new FP for $1500 USD. A used FP will cost you well under the asking price of the Fuji. If resolution is what you’re after, you can buy the Sigma FP L used for less than the foreseeable used or new prices of the x100VI.

Sigma FP > Fujifilm x100VI: Full-frame, better video, and better color science (check out Sigma’s Color Modes).

Fujifilm x100VI > Sigma FP: Built-in EVF and IBIS.

Alternative 3 - Panasonic Lumix gx9:

Having photographed with Micro four-thirds cameras for years, I can confidently recommend them. No, you won’t get the same amount of background blur, but they have their own unique benefits. The Lumix gx9 was Panasonic’s last serious compact camera offering. It is roughly the same size as the x100VI and weighs slightly less. It features and excellent IBIS system which can be combined with lens-based IBIS depending on the lens. This camera can use any of the micro four-thirds lenses, from telephoto to pancake, which means the user has a lot of flexibility.

 One of the biggest reasons the Lumix gx9 is a good alternative to the Fujifilm is that the body costs almost $1000 less. That gives the buyer a lot of extra cash to spend on lenses and accessories (or another camera). If it were me, I would buy a gx9 and 3 quality lenses to go with it. Perhaps the Lumix 9mm, 15mm f1.7, and 25mm f1.4 (all of which could be purchased for under $1000 on the used market).

Lumix gx9 > Fujifilm x100VI: Cheaper and interchangeable lenses.

Fujifilm x100VI > Lumix gx9: Newer tech (gx9 is several years old), higher resolution, and better auto focus.

Alternative 4 - Ricoh GR III and GR IIIx:

The Ricoh GR III is the king of the compact world. There is no camera as powerful and portable as the Ricoh, and in many ways it reigns in a class of it’s own. I’ve owned one for two years and its been one of the best photographic investments I’ve ever made. The Fujifilm x100VI is compact, but it isn’t Ricoh compact. The Ricoh will fit any average pant pocket without looking or feeling ridiculous (try doing that with a x100). The Ricoh has excellent image quality, a great lens, and retails $600-700 dollars less than the new x100VI. The Ricoh also stands out for offering two different focal lengths than the traditional 35mm equivalent. The Ricoh GR III has a 28mm equivalent lens, while the GR IIIx offers a 40mm equivalent. Those familiar with the Leica Q series will feel at home on the 28mm Ricoh.

For those worried about missing out on film simulations, Ricoh has its own, and many people have created custom recipes online (check out my recipes here).

Ricoh GR III > Fujifilm x100VI: More compact and cheaper.

Fujifilm x100VI > Ricoh GR III: Built-in EVF, better image quality, and tilt screen.

Alternative 5 - Fujifilm x100 Series:

Don’t fall prey to the internet hype, you don’t always need the newest camera on the market. Just because a new camera comes out doesn’t make the older ones obsolete. Before jumping on the x100VI bandwagon, consider the x100, x100S, x100T, x100F, and the x100V. I’ve used the x100 original and the x100F and they are both great cameras. Be honest with yourself, will you take full advantage of all the new features of the latest camera? If you’re goal is simply to make beautiful images, you don’t need the x100VI, save yourself some money and buy an older used model. Some of the best cameras I’ve ever owned were considered “old” by camera reviewers when I bought them.

 A lot of money is being spent to convince you you need the newest, but they don’t know you and they don’t know what is best for you, they’re just trying to make money off of you.

Conclusion:

There are so many good cameras available today on the used and new market. Do your due diligence and consider your options before buying the same thing everyone else is buying. The x100VI looks like an awesome camera, and I may purchase one for myself, so don’t confuse my alternative list with me saying it’s a bad camera. Hats off to Fujifilm for investing time, money, and energy into the compact camera market. Fujifilm deserves all the profits for being one of the only companies still producing small cameras. Other manufacturers should learn from the x100VI’s success.