The Fujifilm X100V is one heck of a camera. It has amazing image quality, a classy design, and a host of features that make it great for everyday photography. But it’s not cheap!
Also, thanks to a certain Tiktoker, we can’t buy it at the moment since it’s on backorder. So, if you’re looking for a cheaper Fujifilm X100V alternative, check out the following cameras below.
5 Cheaper Alternatives to the Fujifilm X100V
- Fujifilm X100F
- Fujifilm X-E3 + Fujifilm 23mm f/2
- Ricoh GR III
- Fujifilm X-Pro1 + Fujifilm 23mm f/2
- Sony DSC-RX1R
1. Fujifilm X100F
The X100F is praised for its portability, image quality, and ability to inspire creativity. For me, this is the perfect cheaper alternative since it has most of the features of the X100V and is less expensive.
It’s also perfect for street photography or candid portraits because of its quiet shutter, leaf shutter, and optical viewfinder.
The Fujifilm X100F is still worth using this 2023. It offers a lightweight and powerful option for photographers, particularly for social occasions.
What the X100F and X100V have in common:
- Electronic shutter with a maximum shutter speed of 1/32,000s
- Built-in flash
- Leaf shutter with a max speed of 1/4000s
- Form factor
Key differences:
Sensor and Image Processor:
– X100F: 24.3MP APS-C X-Trans III.
– X100V: 26.1MP APS-C X-Trans IV chip with BSI structure.
ISO Range:
– X100F: ISO 200-12,800 (normal range), expandable to ISO 100-51,200 (extended range).
– X100V: ISO 160-12,800 (normal range), expandable to ISO 80-51,200 (extended range).
Lens and Autofocus:
– X100F: 23mm (35mm equivalent) f/2 lens with 8 elements in 6 groups, limited close focusing performance. It’s the same lens as with the older X100 cameras.
– X100V: Updated 23mm (35mm equivalent) f/2 lens with improved resolution, corner sharpness, and close focusing performance.
Rear Monitor:
– X100F: Fixed 3″ LCD screen with 1.04M dots.
– X100V: Tilting 3″ LCD screen with 1.62M dots.
Design and Build Quality:
– X100F: Dimensions of 126.5 x 74.8 x 52.4mm and weight of 469g.
– X100V: Slightly larger dimensions of 128 x 74.8 x 53.3mm and weight of 478g.
Optical viewfinder:
– X100F: Frame coverage of 92% and a magnification of 0.5x
– X100V: Frame coverage of 95% and a magnification of 0.52x
EVF:
– X100F: 0.48-inch, 2.36M dots
– X100V: 0.5-inch, 3.69 million dots
Video Recording:
– X100F: 1080p at 60fps, maximum bitrate of 36Mbps.
– X100V: 4K recording up to 30fps, bitrate of 200Mbps
Autofocus System:
– X100F: Older autofocus system with 91/325 focus points.
– X100V: More advanced autofocus system with 117 phase-detection points spread across 99% of the sensor area, further divided into 425 points.
Battery Life:
– X100F: CIPA rating of approximately 270 frames with EVF or 390 frames with OVF.
– X100V: Better battery endurance with a maximum of 350 frames with EVF or 420 frames with OVF.
Weather sealing:
– X100F: None
– X100V: Partial
Overall, the X100V is the better camera but it doesn’t necessarily mean that the X100F is a bad camera. It just means that the newer version has more advanced features. The Fujifilm X100F is still a fantastic camera and takes amazing photos.
Other options to consider: Fujifilm X100, X100S, X100T
2. Fujifilm X-E3 + Fujifilm 23mm f/2
Honestly, I could put any X-E series camera with the Fujifilm 23mm f/2 lens here. But I decided to pick the X-E3 instead of the newer XE-4 because the X-E3 is much cheaper and still a great camera. The X-E4 is still priced around $1000 as opposed to the $650 X-E3.
So a Fujifilm XE-3 and 23mm f2 combo will set you back around $1000 and you’re good to go for at least 5 more years.
Of course, it’s not a fixed-lens camera and doesn’t have the hybrid viewfinder of the X100V, but it’s much more versatile since you can change the lens as you please.
Key differences:
Sensor Resolution:
– X100V: 26 MP APS-C BSI-CMOS sensor.
– X-E3: 24 MP APS-C CMOS X-TRANS III sensor.
LCD Screen:
– X100V: Tilting LCD screen.
– X-E3: Fixed type LCD screen.
Built-in Flash:
– X100V: Built-in flash.
– X-E3: No built-in flash.
Focus Points:
– X100V: 425 focus points.
– X-E3: 325 focus points.
LCD Resolution:
– X100V: 1.620k dots.
– X-E3: 1.040k dots.
Battery Life:
– X100V: 420 shots per charge.
– X-E3: 350 shots per charge.
Weather sealing:
– X100V: Partial
– X-E3: No environmental sealing.
Viewfinder Resolution:
– X100V: 3690k dot viewfinder.
– X-E3: 2360k dot viewfinder.
Continuous shooting
– X100V: 11 frames per sec.
– X-E3: 14 frames per sec.
Video:
– X100V: 4K DCI
– X-E3: 4K UHD
Weight:
– X100V: 337 g.
– X-E3: 478 g.
The X-E3 is almost as small as the X100V and the image quality is on par with some of the best APS-C cameras out there. The 23mm f2 lens is very sharp and punchy colors, which is one of my favorite things about this setup.
Plus, it shoots 4K as well, which is a huge bonus. However, it doesn’t have the same shooting experience as the X100V.
Other options to consider: Fujifilm X-E2, X-E4, X-A7
3. Ricoh GR III
This small but mighty camera is built for the streets! The Ricoh GR III is another cheaper alternative to the Fuji X100V and it shares some similarities with it. But the GR III has its own unique features that make it worth considering.
It has a fixed prime lens, which I find very sharp and detailed. Also, the Ricoh GR III is a truly pocket-sized camera, so it’s perfect for when you want to keep things simple and discreet. But it doesn’t have a viewfinder, which can be a deal breaker for some people.
Key differences:
Sensor:
– X100V: 26 MP APS-C BSI-CMOS sensor.
– GR III: 24 MP APS-C CMOS sensor.
LCD Screen:
– X100V: 3″ Tilting LCD screen.
– GR III: 3″ Fixed type LCD screen.
Built-in Flash:
– X100V: Built-in flash.
– GR III: No built-in flash.
Viewfinder:
– X100V: Electronic and Optical viewfinder.
– GR III: Optical viewfinder (Optional).
LCD Resolution:
– X100V: 1.620k dots.
– GR III: 1.037k dots.
ISO Range:
– X100V: ISO 160-12,800 (normal range), expandable to ISO 80-51,200 (extended range).
– GR III: ISO 100-102400.
Microphone Port:
– X100V: Has a microphone port.
– GR III: Does not have a microphone port.
Environmental Sealing:
– X100V: Partial.
– GR III: No environmental sealing.
Lens:
– X100V: 23mm f/2 Prime Lens
– GR III: 18mm f/2.8 Prime Lens
Built-In Stabilization:
– X100V: None
– GR III: 3 axis, 4 stop
Weight:
– X100V: 478 g.
– GR III: 257 g.
If you want a real pocketable camera that acts like a point-and-shoot, the Ricoh GR III is a very capable option. Its main strength is its size and portability. It’s also a superb street photography camera, but it does have some limitations such as the lack of viewfinder and slower lens.
Other options to consider: Ricoh GR II, Ricoh GR III X
4. Fujifilm X-Pro1 + Fujifilm 23mm f/2
Yeah, I know, it is old and slow. But the Fujifilm X-Pro1 has a status in the camera world that’s hard to ignore. The X-Pro1 was one of the first Fujifilm mirrorless cameras and has a huge part in this mirrorless revolution.
We can find the main strength of this camera in its sensor. It has a unique sensor that renders film-like images. And because of that, the X-Pro1 remains a very popular camera and a favorite among street photographers.
It also has a hybrid viewfinder like the X100V and its form factor is kinda similar as well.
The X-Pro1 is not a perfect camera, though. It’s slow and the battery life is terrible. But if you’re looking for a unique street photography experience and don’t mind the old technology, then this might be your camera.
Key differences:
Sensor Resolution:
– X100V: 26 MP APS-C BSI-CMOS sensor.
– X-Pro1: 16 MP APS-C CMOS X-TRANS I sensor.
Built-in Wireless:
– X100V: Built-in wireless connectivity.
– X-Pro1: No built-in wireless connectivity.
LCD Screen:
– X100V: Tilting LCD screen.
– X-Pro1: Fixed type LCD screen.
Built-in Flash:
– X100V: Built-in flash.
– X-Pro1: No built-in flash.
Touchscreen:
– X100V: Touchscreen for easy control.
– X-Pro1: No touchscreen functionality.
Face Detection Focus:
– X100V: Supports face detection focus.
– X-Pro1: Does not support face detection focus.
Max ISO:
– X100V: Higher maximum ISO of 12,800.
– X-Pro1: Lower maximum ISO of 6,400.
LCD Resolution:
– X100V: Higher LCD resolution of 1,620k dots.
– X-Pro1: Lower LCD resolution of 1,230k dots.
Continuous Shooting:
– X100V: Faster continuous shooting at 11.0fps.
– X-Pro1: Slower continuous shooting at 6.0fps.
Battery Life:
– X100V: Longer battery life of 420 shots per charge.
– X-Pro1: Shorter battery life of 300 shots per charge.
Viewfinder Magnification:
– X100V: Viewfinder magnification of 0.52x.
– X-Pro1: Larger viewfinder magnification of 0.6x.
Viewfinder Coverage:
– X100V: Viewfinder coverage of 95%.
– X-Pro1: Larger viewfinder coverage of 100%.
Weight:
– X100V: Weighs 478g.
– X-Pro1: Lighter weight of 450g.
While the Fujifilm X-Pro1 might be old, it’s still a solid option for those looking for a rangefinder-style camera. This is especially true if your budget is really tight.
Other options to consider: X-PRO2
5. Sony DSC-RX1R
This is a fantastic choice if you want a fixed-lens camera with a full-frame sensor. The RX1R is a stellar choice if you want to capture low-light images without having to worry about noise or grain.
With the legendary 35mm f/2 Zeiss Sonnar lens, this camera can go toe-to-toe with some of the best full-frame cameras on the market.
The RX1R is also lighter than most full-frame cameras, weighing in at just over 1 pound. Although I will not consider it cheap, this camera is still more affordable than X100V.
Key differences:
Sensor:
– X100V: 26MP APS-C BSI-CMOS sensor.
– RX1R: 24MP Full-frame CMOS sensor.
Max ISO:
– X100V: Maximum ISO of 12,800.
– RX1R: Higher maximum ISO of 25,600.
Digital Video Stabilization:
– X100V: No digital video stabilization.
– RX1R: Supports digital video stabilization.
Weather Sealing:
– X100V: Weather-sealed body.
– RX1R: No environmental sealing.
LCD Screen:
– X100V: Tilting LCD screen.
– RX1R: Fixed type LCD screen.
Focus Points:
– X100V: 425 focus points
– RX1R: 25 focus points
Weight:
– X100V: Weighs 478g
– RX1R: Slightly heavier, weighing 482g
Viewfinder:
– X100V: Electronic and Optical viewfinder.
– RX1R: Pop-up Electronic viewfinder.
Viewfinder Coverage:
– X100V: Viewfinder coverage of 95%.
– RX1R: Viewfinder coverage of 100%.
Other options to consider: Sony a6300, Sony a6400, Sony a6600
FAQs
Is X100V worth the price?
The Fujifilm X100V is an expensive camera but it has a lot of advanced features and it is highly regarded as one of the best cameras in its class. If you are looking for a camera that can produce stunning images and has a lot of advanced features, then X100V is worth the price.
Why is Fujifilm so expensive?
Fujifilm cameras are expensive because of their retro looks and the fact that they are high-quality cameras. Their lenses are nothing short of amazing and they can produce stunning images. It is also worth noting that Fujifilm has built a loyal following among its customers over time, which means that people are willing to pay more for their products.
Emma Lucy is the Founder & CEO of Emma Lucy Photography. She has over a decade of experience shooting weddings and other intimate events. She also tests the latest digital camera bodies, lenses, analog cameras, and other gear from Canon, Nikon, Sony, and other camera brands. She is From London and currently lives in the United States of America, where she spends most of her time as a self-employed professional photographer and writer.