The Fujifilm X100V is a compact powerhouse wrapped in a retro shell. It’s captured the attention of street photographers, travelers, and creators across the globe. Whether you’re diving into photography for the first time or adding a creative tool to your kit, the X100V continues to stand out in a saturated market.
In a world where interchangeable-lens cameras and smartphones battle for dominance, the Fujifilm X100V delivers something different: a focused, intentional photography experience. With its fixed lens and film simulation magic, it encourages slowing down and seeing the world more thoughtfully. It’s no wonder demand for this camera has remained sky-high—even years after its release.
So, is the Fujifilm X100V still worth the hype in 2025? In this review, we’ll take a close look at what makes this camera so beloved, where it shines, and how buying one—especially on the used market through trusted platforms like MPB—might be the smartest gear move you make this year.
Table of Contents
- Timeless Design and Ergonomics
- Hybrid Viewfinder and Shooting Experience
- Image Quality and Fujifilm Colors
- Video Capabilities and Versatility
- Affordability: Stretching Your Dollar with a Used X100V
- Who the X100V is For—and is It Still Worth It?
Timeless Design and Ergonomics
Photo by Dima Solomin on Unsplash (license)
The Fujifilm X100V is one of those rare digital cameras that looks as good as it performs. With its clean, minimalist lines and classic rangefinder styling, it instantly appeals to photographers who appreciate a tactile, vintage-inspired aesthetic. Fuji retained the core design DNA from earlier models in the X100 series while refining it with sleeker edges, improved button layout, and a more premium build.
One major upgrade over previous generations is the fully weather-sealed body—provided you use the optional filter adapter and protective filter. This means you can confidently take the X100V into challenging conditions without worrying about a little dust or rain. The camera feels solid in hand with just the right amount of weight to inspire confidence without becoming a burden.
Ergonomically, the Fujifilm X100V excels. Its top dials for shutter speed and ISO, along with the aperture ring on the lens, make for an intuitive, hands-on shooting experience. These physical controls make it easy to adjust settings on the fly without diving into menus, which is especially useful for street and documentary photography where timing is everything.
It’s compact, discreet, and beautifully balanced—making it a perfect everyday carry camera that won’t draw unnecessary attention. Whether slung around your neck or slipped into a small bag, the X100V is as convenient as it is stylish.
Hybrid Viewfinder and Shooting Experience
Photo by Simon Hughes on Unsplash (license)
One of the Fujifilm X100V’s most unique features is its hybrid viewfinder, a brilliant fusion of old and new technologies. Photographers can switch between an optical viewfinder (OVF) and an electronic viewfinder (EVF) with the flick of a switch. This isn’t just a gimmick—it’s a game-changer for how you interact with your subject and your scene.
The OVF offers a real-world, lag-free view with frame lines for composition—ideal for traditionalists or those shooting fast-paced action. Flip to the EVF, and you’ll see a high-resolution digital preview with exposure and white balance simulated in real time. It’s a highly flexible setup that caters to a variety of shooting styles and scenarios.
Backing up the viewfinder is a 3.0″ 1.62m-dot two-way tilting LCD touchscreen, which is bright, sharp, and responsive. This makes it easier to shoot from low or high angles without contorting yourself, and it enhances the camera’s usability for street or candid photography.
Altogether, the hybrid viewfinder and responsive LCD screen make using the Fujifilm X100V a delight. You feel more connected to your photography, and the entire experience encourages a more thoughtful, immersive approach to image-making.
Image Quality and Fujifilm Colors
Photo by Nathan on Unsplash (license)
At the heart of the Fujifilm X100V is a 26.1-megapixel APS-C X-Trans BSI CMOS 4 sensor paired with the X-Processor 4. This is the same powerful combination found in Fuji’s more expensive interchangeable-lens models like the X-T4 and X-Pro3, which means you’re getting professional-level image quality in a compact fixed-lens body.
The camera’s built-in 23mm f/2 lens (equivalent to 35mm in full-frame terms) is a true gem. It’s been redesigned for the X100V, delivering sharper images with less distortion and better performance at wider apertures. The lens is fast, crisp, and creates beautifully rendered background blur when shooting wide open.
Photo by Joakim Kingstrom on Unsplash (license)
What truly sets the X100V apart, though, is Fujifilm’s color science. The built-in Film Simulations allow you to replicate the look of classic film stocks like Classic Chrome, Velvia, and Acros directly in-camera. This means you can create stunning JPEGs that need little to no post-processing, making it an excellent choice for photographers who value great results straight out of camera.
In real-world use, the Fujifilm X100V produces vibrant, detailed images with excellent dynamic range. It performs admirably in low light, especially when paired with Fuji’s noise reduction and fast lens. Whether shooting street, portraits, or landscapes, the X100V consistently delivers gorgeous, cinematic results.
Video Capabilities and Versatility
Although the Fujifilm X100V is primarily known as a stills camera, its video capabilities are far from an afterthought. As Jared Quackenbush discusses in the video above, the X100V records 4K video at up to 30 frames per second and Full HD at up to 120 fps for smooth slow-motion footage. While it may not replace a dedicated cinema rig, the video quality is more than enough for vlogging, travel content, and casual filmmaking.
The inclusion of a built-in ND filter is especially helpful for video shooters, as it allows you to shoot wide open in bright light without overexposing your footage. This feature also adds creative flexibility when shooting long exposures or working with motion blur effects.
Other video-friendly features include USB-C charging (a major convenience for on-the-go creators), headphone and microphone ports (with adapters), and Fujifilm’s color profiles available in video mode. This means you can maintain that signature Fuji look in your footage without needing LUTs or heavy color grading.
For hybrid shooters or photographers who occasionally dabble in video, the Fujifilm X100V offers a well-rounded set of features that add tremendous value without compromising its core photographic strengths.
Affordability: Stretching Your Dollar with a Used X100V
There’s no getting around it—the Fujifilm X100V has become a hot commodity, and demand has driven up its price. With limited new stock and long waiting lists, many photographers are turning to the used market to get their hands on this coveted camera. Fortunately, buying used is not only a smart alternative—it’s often the best way to stretch your photography budget.
Trusted online platforms like MPB offer a safe, reliable way to buy used gear. MPB inspects all equipment, rates its condition clearly, and provides warranties to give you peace of mind. You can often find a well-cared-for Fujifilm X100V at a significantly lower price than new, with the bonus of knowing exactly what you’re getting.
MPB also offers trade-in options, so if you have older gear sitting on a shelf, you can offset the cost of your new-to-you X100V. For many photographers, this makes upgrading or switching systems more accessible and financially responsible.
In today’s market, buying a used Fujifilm X100V from a reputable source like MPB is a savvy move. You get all the benefits of this exceptional camera without breaking the bank—and you contribute to a more sustainable, circular economy of photography gear.
Who the X100V is For—and is It Still Worth It?
Photo by Jay Wennington on Unsplash (license)
The Fujifilm X100V isn’t for everyone—but that’s part of what makes it special. It’s ideal for photographers who prioritize portability, creativity, and a tactile shooting experience. Street photographers, travel shooters, documentary storytellers, and even content creators will all find something to love in this compact gem.
If you’re someone who wants ultimate flexibility with interchangeable lenses, the X100V might feel limiting. But if you enjoy the discipline and freedom that comes from a single, sharp, thoughtfully tuned lens, this camera delivers in spades. It encourages you to move your feet, frame your shots more intentionally, and engage more deeply with your subject.
Photo by Dushawn Jovic on Unsplash (license)
Even in 2025, with newer cameras and smartphones on the market, the Fujifilm X100V holds its ground. Its image quality, handling, and unique features keep it relevant—and highly desirable. It’s not just about specs; it’s about how a camera makes you feel when you shoot with it.
For many photographers, the Fujifilm X100V is more than a tool—it’s a creative companion. And if you can score one used from a trusted source like MPB, it’s an investment that will pay dividends in both inspiration and image quality.
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