Fuji XT5 vs X100VI for Street Photography: A Detailed Comparison

When it comes to street photography, trying to decide between the Fuji XT5 vs X100Vi can be tough. Fujifilm has always been a top choice for photographers who want a balance of exceptional image quality and classic design. Two of the most popular options right now are the Fuji XT5 and the highly sought-after X100VI. Both of these cameras bring Fujifilm’s signature features and performance to the table, but in very different ways.

With the X100VI being notoriously hard to find in stock, many photographers are considering the XT5, paired with one of Fuji’s compact prime lenses like the 23mm f/2 or the 35mm f/2, as a potential alternative. While both cameras share the same 40MP X-Trans 5 sensor and the latest film simulations, they offer unique handling experiences. So, how do they compare, and which one might be the better fit for you?

In this post, I’ll dive into the key differences between the Fuji XT5 and X100VI for street photography. If you want to know which one I recommend, make sure to watch my YouTube video at the end for my full review and detailed opinion.

Fuji XT5 vs X100Vi – Image Quality: A Level Playing Field

First and foremost, let’s talk about image quality. Both the XT5 and X100VI are equipped with Fujifilm’s latest 40MP APS-C X-Trans 5 sensor, so you can expect the same level of image quality from both cameras. Whether you’re shooting in bright sunlight or low light, both cameras deliver sharp, detailed images with excellent color rendering and dynamic range.

One of the reasons I love Fujifilm is the variety of film simulations available, and both the XT5 and X100VI come with the full set, including the newer Reala Ace simulation. These film simulations are particularly useful in street photography, where you can quickly switch between different color tones or black and white without needing to spend time in post-processing.

In terms of autofocus performance, I’ve found both cameras to be very similar. They offer fast and accurate autofocus, which is essential for street photography when you need to capture moments quickly. The XT5, when paired with Fuji’s f/2 prime lenses, feels a little quicker because the lenses are virtually silent, whereas the X100VI’s fixed lens does produce a bit of noise due to its focus motors.

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Design and Handling: Compact vs. Versatile

Now, let’s get into where these cameras really differ – design and handling.

Fujifilm X100VI: Compact and Discreet

Notice how flush the LCD screen is on the X100Vi

The X100VI is known for its compact size and portability, making it an excellent choice for photographers who want to be discreet while shooting on the street. It features a fixed 23mm f/2 lens (35mm full-frame equivalent), which is a fantastic focal length for street photography, offering a good balance between wide-angle and standard field of view. I’ve shot everything from portraits to travel photos with this focal length, and it works well for most situations.

The hybrid viewfinder on the X100VI is one of its standout features. It gives you the option of an optical viewfinder with an electronic overlay, or a fully electronic viewfinder. The optical viewfinder can be particularly useful in street photography because it lets you see subjects entering the frame before they’re captured, helping you time your shots more effectively. It also offers focus aids like magnified view and focus peaking, which can help when you’re shooting manually.

However, the grip on the X100VI is small. While it contributes to the camera’s compact size, I’ve found it a bit uncomfortable for longer shooting sessions, especially when shooting one-handed. To improve handling, I’ve added a SmallRig thumb rest and a grip extender, which makes it much more comfortable to use over extended periods.

Fujifilm XT5: Versatility with Interchangeable Lenses

On the other hand, the Fuji XT5 offers a more traditional DSLR-like design, with a larger body and central viewfinder hump. While it’s not as compact as the X100VI, it’s still relatively small and portable, especially when paired with one of Fuji’s compact prime lenses, such as the 23mm f/2 or 35mm f/2. This gives the XT5 an edge in terms of versatility, as you can switch lenses to suit different shooting situations.

The grip on the XT5 is larger, providing a more comfortable hold for longer shoots. I prefer to add a SmallRig grip when I know I’ll be shooting for an extended period, but even without it, the XT5 offers enough purchase to hold the camera securely. The 3-way tilting screen on the XT5 is also a nice touch, allowing for more flexible shooting angles, especially in portrait orientation. In contrast, the X100VI’s screen only tilts in two directions, but it’s sleeker and flush to the body, giving the camera a very streamlined appearance.

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Controls and Customization: Traditional Fujifilm Dials

Both the XT5 and X100VI feature external control dials for shutter speed, ISO, and (when paired with a lens that has an aperture ring) aperture, which makes them both intuitive to use. This is one of the things I love most about Fujifilm cameras – the ability to quickly change settings without diving into menus.

X100VI: Compact Control Setup

The X100VI has a more streamlined control layout, with fewer physical buttons compared to the XT5. The ISO dial is integrated into the shutter speed dial, which can be adjusted with just one hand while shooting. I find this particularly useful in fast-paced environments like street photography, where every second counts. However, the X100VI relies more heavily on its touchscreen for navigating certain settings.

XT5: Extra Customization

The XT5 offers a bit more customization with the inclusion of a D-pad on the back, allowing for more function buttons and quicker access to frequently used settings. This can be a real advantage if you like to tweak your settings on the go. Additionally, the XT5 has dual SD card slots, which is useful if you’re shooting in RAW or want the peace of mind of having a backup card.

In-Use Experience: Portability vs. Flexibility

The X100vi’s LCD screen only articulates in two directions

The XT5’s 3 way articulating screen is more flexible

When it comes to real-world use, there are a few factors that might influence your decision.

Portability: X100VI

If you prioritize portability and discretion, the X100VI is hard to beat. Its leaf shutter is quieter than the XT5’s mechanical shutter, making it less noticeable in quiet environments. The fixed 23mm lens doesn’t protrude far from the camera body, giving the X100VI a very compact profile, and its built-in flash is great for adding a touch of fill light in backlit situations. The 4-stop ND filter is another handy feature that lets you shoot wide open in bright light without needing to attach any external accessories.

Flexibility: XT5

On the flip side, the XT5 offers much more flexibility thanks to its interchangeable lenses. While the 23mm f/2 lens on the XT5 gives a similar field of view to the X100VI, the ability to switch lenses gives you more creative options. Whether you’re looking to shoot wide-angle street scenes or zoom in for a tighter portrait, the XT5 can adapt to a wider range of scenarios.

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Battery Life and Storage

Both cameras offer USB-C charging, which is convenient when you’re out on a long day of shooting. The XT5 has a larger NP-W235 battery, which generally lasts longer than the X100VI’s NP-W126S battery. However, I find that both cameras last long enough for most street photography sessions but I always carry a spare battery in my bag.

The XT5’s dual SD card slots are a nice addition, especially if you shoot in RAW or need to back up your images on the go. The X100VI only has a single card slot, but for most street photography, this isn’t a dealbreaker.

The inclusion of the D-Pad on the XT5 means it’s more customisable

Fuji XT5 vs X100Vi – Which Camera is Best for Street Photography?

At the end of the day, both the Fuji XT5 and X100VI are excellent cameras for street photography, but they cater to slightly different needs. The X100VI offers simplicity and discretion, while the XT5 provides more versatility and customization.

If you’re still unsure which one is right for you, I’ve made a detailed video comparing these two cameras in action. Be sure to check it out on my YouTube channel, where I go into more depth about the strengths and weaknesses of each model and offer my personal recommendation based on real-world use.

if you would like to see how best to setup the Fuji XT5 for street photography then head on over to this article or this video

Fuji XT5 Street Photography Best Settings

Fuji XT5 Street Photography Best Settings: A Complete Guide

Are you ready to take your Fuji XT5 street photography to the next level? If you’ve been searching for the best settings to optimize your camera for dynamic, fast-paced environments, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the key settings I use on my Fujifilm XT5, including custom function buttons and film recipes that will give your photos a distinctive look.

But if you prefer video tutorials or want to see these settings in action, I’ve put together a detailed YouTube video where I go over my full setup for street photography, including tips and examples. You can watch the video here:

Now, let’s dive into the settings.

1. Image Quality Settings

Getting the right image quality is crucial for street photography, especially when you’re shooting fast and in varied light. Here are the settings I use to ensure I capture both JPEG and RAW files:

–Image Quality: Fine JPEG + RAW
–RAW Recording: Lossless Compressed
–JPEG/HEIF: JPEG
–Film Simulation: Classic Chrome (or your choice—check out my YouTube video for more film recipe options!)
– Grain Effect: Off
– Color Chrome Effect: Off
– Color Chrome FX Blue: Off
– Smooth Skin Effect: Off

If you want to see how these settings translate to real street photography scenarios, don’t forget to check out my YouTube video where I walk you through these settings in real-time on the street.

2. White Balance & Dynamic Range Settings

These settings will help you maintain accurate colors and prevent blown-out highlights or shadows in varying lighting conditions.

– White Balance: Daylight
– Dynamic Range: Auto
– D Range Priority: Off
– Tone Curve: Default (H: 0, S: 0)

Want to see how I adjust these settings on the go in fast-changing street scenes? Be sure to watch this YouTube video for live demonstrations!

3. Color & Sharpness

Neutral colors and sharpness are essential for clean, striking images. Here are the best settings to achieve that:

– Color: 0
– Sharpness: 0
– High ISO NR: -4
– Clarity:c0
– Color Space: Adobe RGB for printing, or sRGB for general use

4. Auto Focus Settings

Street photography often happens fast, and you need autofocus settings that can keep up. Here’s what I recommend:

– Focus Area: Zone
– AF Mode: Zone
– If Using Single Point AF: Set focus points to 425
– AF Illuminator: Off
– Face/Eye Detection: Off
– MF Assist: Peaking, Red High
– Interlock Spot AE & Focus Area: On

5. Drive & ISO Settings

Quick adjustments for burst shooting and ISO sensitivity are crucial in street photography. Here’s how I set them up:

– Drive Settings:

– CH (High Burst Speed): 10 FPS
– CL (Low Burst Speed): 5 FPS
– ISO Auto Setting 1:
– Default Sensitivity: 125
– Max Sensitivity: 12800
– Min Shutter Speed: 1/160
– ISO Auto Setting 2:
– Default Sensitivity: 125
– Max Sensitivity: 12800
– Min Shutter Speed: 1/100

6. Function Button Settings

Quick access to essential functions is important for efficient street shooting. Here’s my custom button setup:

– Fn1: Face Detect
– Fn2: AF Mode
– Fn3: Photometry
– Fn4: Film Simulations
– Fn5: White Balance
– AE-L: ISO Auto Setting

Film Simulations for Street Photography

One of the standout features of Fujifilm cameras is their ability to simulate classic film looks. Below are some of my favorite film simulations for street photography.

Kodak Tri-X 400
*Credit: Fuji X Weekly*

– Film Simulation: Acros
– Dynamic Range: DR200
– Grain Effect: Strong, Large
– Color Chrome Effect: Strong
– White Balance: Daylight, +9 Red, -9 Blue
– Highlight: 0
– Shadow: +3
– ISO: 1600 – 12800

This recipe gives you a timeless black-and-white look.

Kodak Ultramax 400

*Credit: Fuji X Weekly*

– Film Simulation: Classic Chrome
– Grain Effect: Strong, Large
– White Balance: Auto, +1 Red, -5 Blue
– Dynamic Range: DR Auto
– Highlight: +1
– Shadow: +1
– Color: +4

Daily Driver

This is my go-to recipe for everyday shooting:

– Film Simulation: Nostalgic Negative
– Grain Effect: Weak, Large
– Color Chrome Effect: Weak
– Dynamic Range: DR400
– Tone Curve: H -2, S +2
– Color: +3
– Sharpness: -4

It balances sharpness and color for consistent, high-quality results.

If you found these settings useful and want to see them in action, don’t miss my latest video, where I show you exactly how I set up my Fuji XT5 for street photography. Whether it’s customizing autofocus or choosing the right film simulation, I cover it all in real-time:

Watch the Video: Best Fujifilm XT5 Settings for Street Photography

Fuji XT5 street photography best settings: Final thoughts

The Fujifilm XT5 is an amazing camera for street photography, but having the right settings makes all the difference. I hope this guide helps you set up your camera for success.

Title: Capturing Emotions: My Journey with the Fujifilm X-T5

I feel obliged to add a response to my previous article questioning the value of photography in this day and age.

You see, I’m a guy in my 40’s who has been a photographer for close to two decades. Over the years I have struggled with creative block as many creatives do. I have had periods of inactivity, exhaustion and non stop productivity. I have chased Instagram likes as a form of recognition for my work and also deleted all my social media. All this has often lead me to questioning the value of my photography.

A realisation came to me a few weeks ago when shooting a pre nuptial wedding shoot and looking at prints of my daugher. My photography has value in the moments and emotions captured in time. It doesn’t have to be perfect because the emotion that can be evoked when looking back through cherished photos goes deeper than technique, composition etc. Yes, all those things can add to a photo but it is the emotion captured that resonates most with the viewer.

In the past my perfectionism has lead to indecision and inaction and so I now try and live by the mantra of done is better than perfect. When I’m old and looking back on all the photos of my daughter I’ll be grateful to have so many memories, whether they are technically accomlished or not.

As a passionate photographer, I’ve embarked on a journey with the Fujifilm X-T5, a camera that goes beyond just being a tool—it’s a companion that has changed the way I see and feel about photography.

Discovering the Fujifilm X-T5:

From the moment I held the Fujifilm X-T5 in my hands, I knew there was something special about it. Its retro design, reminiscent of classic film cameras, instantly appealed to my aesthetic sensibilities. But it wasn’t just its appearance that drew me in; it was the promise of a photographic experience unlike any other. For me. photography has a soul and my cameras, or at least the best ones also have a soul and evoke emotion. The XT5 with its diminutive size, physical control dials and film simulations inspire me to create.

If you also want to feel that inspiration and are considering purchasing your own XT5 then please consider doing so through my Amazon link. This helps me to continue building this website and feed my family without costing you a penny more.

Embracing Creativity:

One of the most remarkable aspects of the Fujifilm X-T5 is its ability to inspire creativity. With its array of film simulation modes, I found myself exploring new artistic possibilities, each mode imbuing my images with a distinct mood and atmosphere. From the timeless elegance of Classic Chrome to the nostalgic warmth of Classic Neg, every frame became an expression of my creative vision.

Capturing Moments, Embracing Emotions:

What sets the Fujifilm X-T5 apart is its ability to capture not just images, but emotions. The camera’s exceptional image quality and color reproduction breathe life into every photograph, preserving the fleeting moments and emotions that define our lives. Whether it’s the joy of a my daughter’s laughter, the serenity of a sunset, or the intimacy of a candid portrait, the X-T5 elevates ordinary moments into extraordinary memories.

Connecting with the Past, Embracing the Future:

As I continue my journey with the Fujifilm X-T5, I can’t help but feel a deep connection to the rich legacy of photography. With its intuitive controls and tactile feel, the camera pays homage to the craftsmanship of analog cameras while embracing the cutting-edge technology of the digital age. It’s a perfect blend of past and present, reminding me that the true essence of photography lies not in pixels or megapixels, but in the emotions captured within each frame.

Conclusion:

In a world filled with endless distractions, the Fujifilm X-T5 along with a prime lens such as the 35mm f2, serves as a reminder to slow down, appreciate the beauty around me, and capture moments that matter. With its soulful design, unparalleled creativity, and ability to evoke emotions, it has become more than just a camera—it’s a gateway to a world of endless possibilities, where every click of the shutter is an invitation to explore, create, and connect with the world around us.