Do you really need that X100VI?
Many people have told me I didn't need the new Fujifilm X100VI, which is true.
But I wanted it. And sometimes, that's enough of a reason.
Let’s be honest—most of us photographers have a bit of gear obsession. The allure of new tech, better specs, and sleek designs is hard to resist.
But do we really need the latest camera to create stunning images? The brutal answer is probably not.
Here’s a little story. A while back, I was going through some old archive family photographs I did for a client - shot on my trusty Fujifilm X-Pro2.
Those photos captured beautiful moments with exceptional charm. The X-Pro2 did everything I needed—stunning image quality, reliable performance, and those lovely images from Fujifilm sensors we all rave about. It’s a camera that still holds its ground even with newer models out.
Throughout this post, you will see these images - shot some eight years ago, and I still love them.
A note on the editing of the images
Whilst preparing this piece, I re-edited the photographs using my brand new Silver Palette 2024 Monochrome Preset Pack.
A Set of 17 Profiles & Presets includes my complete set of AI Utilities.
All the presets in this new pack differ from those in Film Edition 3 (and would make a great companion).
If you want, you can get a great deal on The Full Set, which includes Film Edition 1, Film Edition 2, Silver Palette 2024, Film Edition 3 Colour and Film Edition 3 Monochrome sets of Presets, including the complete Utilities and AI Utilities.
The presets are named after the famous Judoka, the sport I am passionate about.
So, if the camera you have does what you need, then you don't NEED a new one. The X-Pro2 still captures those fleeting moments, those precious family memories, and it does so brilliantly. The photos I took with it years ago are still some of my favourites.
But need and want are different things.
The psychology behind our desires is fascinating. We often conflate need with want, justifying our purchases by convincing ourselves that the latest features are essential.
In reality, our current gear might be perfectly adequate for our needs. The desire for new gear is driven by various factors: the excitement of unboxing something new, the motivation that comes with new capabilities, and, sometimes, the simple pleasure of owning the latest technology.
Wanting a new camera is not a crime. Sometimes, it's about inspiration. A new piece of kit can reignite your passion, push your creativity, and make you excited to go out and shoot again.
The X100VI, with its updated features and compact form, fits perfectly into my everyday carry. It's fun to shoot with, and that’s important too.
When I posted my YouTube video about the X100VI, I received spiteful and hurtful comments (along with sensible and lovely comments). The anonymous ones always have the most to say. But I've learnt to dismiss these comments, as they usually come from envious people.
It’s easy to criticise from behind a keyboard, but I won’t let that dampen my enthusiasm for new gear.
Fujifilm X100VI Review Video
It's worth noting that in most cases, newer cameras do offer better functionality—improved autofocus, higher resolution sensors, better low-light performance, and enhanced video capabilities, to name a few.
These features can be incredibly beneficial, but only you can decide if you need them. Ask yourself: will these new features significantly improve your photography, or is your current camera already meeting your needs?
We often forget that photography is as much about the experience as it is about the end result. If a new camera makes you happy, makes you want to get out and take more photos, then maybe, just maybe, it’s worth it.
At the end of the day, it boils down to personal choice. If you’re content with your current gear and it fulfils your needs, that’s fantastic.
But if you find yourself yearning for that new camera, remember—it’s okay to want it. Embrace the joy it brings, and let it fuel your passion for photography.
Interestingly, the comments on a subsequent video about a potential X-Pro4 were far more honest and constructive. Clearly, the people commenting there were genuinely interested in a new X-Pro4 for the love of using it. They could choose an X-T5 or an X-H2, but they are waiting for a camera they want.
This kind of enthusiasm makes our community so unique and reminds us why we love photography in the first place.
My Thoughts on the Fujifilm X-Pro4
So, do you really need that new camera?
Maybe not.
But if you want it, and it inspires you, go for it.
I’m absolutely delighted with my new Fujifilm X100VI; ultimately, delight makes me want it.
After all, photography is not just about the pictures we take but also about the joy we find in taking them.
