Fujifilm X100 vs Sony A6700: A Deep Dive into Two APS-C Cameras for Every Photographer

When selecting a camera, it's crucial to match your tool to your creative needs, budget, and workflow. Today, we compare the Fujifilm FinePix X100, a celebrated large-sensor compact from 2011, with the modern powerhouse Sony Alpha a6700, released in 2023. While they both feature APS-C sensors, their design philosophies, capabilities, and target users differ significantly. Whether you're a rangefinder enthusiast, street shooter, or hybrid content creator, we unpack how these cameras fare across photography types, technical specs, ergonomics, and real-world use.

Feeling the Cameras: Size, Build, and Ergonomics

First impressions matter. The Fujifilm X100 sports a classic rangefinder-style body, engineered as a fixed-lens compact with a 35mm equivalent lens. It weighs 445g and measures 126x75x54mm. The Sony a6700, a mirrorless crop-sensor camera, is slightly larger and heavier at 493g and 122x69x75mm, reflecting its interchangeable lens system.

Key distinctions here:

• Fujifilm X100 offers a minimalist, pocket-friendly form. Its fixed 23mm lens (35mm equivalent) and internal viewfinder blend vintage charm with modern usability.
• Sony A6700 embraces a more contemporary mirrorless design with a deeper grip and fully articulated screen, favoring versatility over compactness.

Ergonomics-wise, the X100’s tactile dials make exposure adjustments fast and intuitive - a big plus if you like manual control without diving into menus. The Sony a6700 uses a combination of custom buttons, dials, and a touchscreen interface that supports fast navigation and configurability, highly prized for professional workflows and video shooters.

Sensor and Image Quality: Vintage Meets Modern CMOS

At the heart of every camera is its sensor. Both cameras feature APS-C sensors with similar physical dimensions - Fujifilm’s 23.6x15.8 mm CMOS sensor versus Sony’s 23.5x15.6 mm back-illuminated CMOS. However, the similarities end there.

The Sony a6700’s sensor advantage is clear: double the resolution and a back-illuminated design that boosts light sensitivity. This translates to cleaner images at higher ISOs, more detail for large prints or cropping, and better dynamic range capture - essential for demanding landscape and studio photographers.

The Fujifilm X100's 12 MP sensor feels dated but holds nostalgic appeal. It's optimized for that classic “Fuji” color rendition and smooth tonal gradations, especially in skin tones, prized by portrait photographers seeking a film-like aesthetic.

Focusing on Autofocus: Precision and Speed for All Scenarios

Autofocus capabilities can make or break your experience, especially when capturing fast-moving subjects or shooting handheld in challenging lighting.

The X100 relies solely on contrast-detection AF with 49 points, which is accurate but slower and less reliable in low light or motion scenarios. You'll find it sufficient for deliberate composition and landscapes, but less so for active wildlife or sports.

Conversely, the Sony a6700 uses a sophisticated hybrid AF system with over 700 phase-detection points, 3D tracking, and advanced eye/animal detection. This results in razor-sharp focus tracking in dynamic situations - perfect for wildlife photographers and sports enthusiasts needing burst-speed precision.

Shooting Experience: Viewfinders, Screens, and Controls

• Viewfinders: The Fujifilm X100 features a hybrid optical-electronic viewfinder with 0.5x magnification, offering 90% frame coverage. This combo provides a nostalgic rangefinder feel with electronic overlays to check exposure and focus.

• The Sony A6700 delivers an electronic OLED viewfinder with a high 2.36M-dot resolution and 100% coverage - sharper, larger, and ideal for critical composition and video monitoring.

• Screen: The X100 has a fixed 2.8-inch, 460k-Dot LCD, which feels cramped by modern standards.

• Meanwhile, the A6700 sports a fully articulating 3.0-inch 1.04M-Dot touchscreen, perfect for vloggers, macro photographers, and creative angles.

The Sony’s touchscreen adds intuitive focus selection and menu navigation, enhancing speed in shoot-and-go scenarios, while the Fuji’s fixed screen encourages a classic shooting style using the viewfinder.

Lens Ecosystem: Fixed vs. Interchangeable - Freedom or Simplicity?

The only fixed-lens Fujifilm X100 comes equipped with a sharp 23mm f/2 lens (35mm equivalent), iconic for street and documentary work. Its single lens limits versatility but excels in rendering natural bokeh and crisp detail.

On the other hand, the Sony A6700 uses the versatile Sony E-mount, boasting access to nearly 200 native lenses covering everything from ultra-wide to super-telephoto:

• Wide selection of prime lenses for portraits and low-light shooting
• Macro lenses for detailed close-ups
• Telephoto zooms for wildlife and sports
• Compact options for travel and street photography

The Sony’s lens ecosystem empowers you to tailor your optical setup precisely. The tradeoff: increased size, weight, and cost compared to a fixed-lens camera.

Burst Modes and Buffer Capabilities

Capturing action demands not only a fast autofocus but also quick shooting speeds and buffer depth:

With over double the frame rate and a larger buffer, the Sony a6700 is clearly better suited for capturing fast sequences: athletes, wildlife in flight, or street moments happening in a blink.

Video Capabilities: A New Era for Hybrid Shooters

While video was a modest add-on for the X100, the Sony A6700 steps firmly into hybrid territory, delivering professional 4K recording at high frame rates with advanced codecs and sound control. This makes it a top pick for vloggers, wedding shooters, and multimedia pros.

Battery Life and Storage Solutions

• Fujifilm X100: Uses NP-95 battery with an estimated 300 shots per charge - sufficient for short outings but requires spares for all-day shoots.

• Sony A6700: Upgrades to the robust NP-FZ100 battery with 570 shots per charge, nearly double the endurance, reducing interruptions during critical work sessions.

Storage for both is SD card based. The Sony adds compatibility with Memory Stick Pro Duo, though SD cards are far more common and affordable.

Durability and Weather Resistance

Neither camera is fully waterproof, crushproof, or freezeproof. However, the Sony a6700 offers environmental sealing, adding dust and moisture resistance - a big advantage if you shoot outdoors regularly.

The Fujifilm X100 lacks any weather resistance, necessitating caution or protective measures when venturing beyond fair weather.

Price and Value Considerations

At launch and currently online:

You pay a premium for the classic fixed-lens heritage and design charm of the Fujifilm X100. The Sony offers markedly superior technical specs and versatility at a lower price point but demands additional investments in lenses.

Real-World Performance Across Photography Genres

Let's put these cameras through their paces in different photographic disciplines.

Portrait Photography

• Fujifilm X100 shines with its 35mm focal length and F2.0 lens, perfect for environmental portraits with natural skin tones and film-like color rendering. The lack of face/eye detection may slow autofocus but preserves a deliberate shooting pace.

• Sony A6700 offers customizable focal lengths and fast, accurate eye AF, giving you more creative freedom and dependability, especially for dynamic sessions.

Landscape Photography

• Both cameras produce excellent images, but the Sony’s higher resolution and broader dynamic range give it an edge in capturing intricate details and shadow recovery.

• Weather sealing on the A6700 increases your shooting confidence in variable environments.

Wildlife and Sports

• Sony A6700’s fast AF, tracking, and burst modes make it the clear winner here.

• The fixed lens X100, with slower AF and limited reach, is less suitable.

Street Photography

• The X100’s compact size, quiet shutter, and classic design excel for unobtrusive street shooting and candid portraits.

• Sony A6700 is bulkier but with silent electronic shutter mode and flip screen may still appeal.

Macro Photography

• The Sony’s lens selection includes dedicated macro primes and zooms.

• The X100’s minimum focus distance is 10 cm but fixed focal length limits framing flexibility.

Night / Astro Photography

• Sony’s higher native ISO and boost options, plus in-body stabilization and longer exposure support, favor night and astro.

• The Fujifilm X100 can deliver pleasing results but struggles with noise at higher ISOs.

Video Production

• Sony’s 4K 120p capabilities, audio jacks, and stabilizer deliver professional-level video.

• Fujifilm lags significantly with only 720p capture, no audio ports, and no stabilization.

Travel Photography

• The X100 wins on size and simplicity, great for light packing enthusiasts.

• Sony trades compactness for versatility and pro features.

Professional Workflows

• Sony supports tethered capture, extensive customizations, superior file formats, and faster data transfer.

• Fujifilm offers raw support but lacks the modern ecosystem conveniences.

Summary of Comparative Scores

Sony’s a6700 leads broadly in technology, speed, and versatility, while the X100 holds a nostalgic and stylistic niche that still appeals strongly for specific users.

Sample Gallery: Images from Both Cameras

Fujifilm X100 front Fujifilm X100 screen back Sony A6700 front Sony A6700 screen back

Notice the sharper details and extended dynamic range in the Sony photos, contrasted with the softer, filmic mood from the Fujifilm X100 shots - each has its own unique artistic signature.

Final Thoughts: Which Camera Should You Choose?

Choose the Fujifilm X100 if:

• You value classic, tactile controls and a rangefinder shooting experience
• You prioritize portability and simplicity over versatility
• Your photography style is street, portraiture, or casual travel
• You want distinctive Fuji color science and lens rendering
• Video is not a priority

Choose the Sony A6700 if:

• You need cutting-edge autofocus, burst speed, and tracking for wildlife, sports, or fast action
• You want flexibility with lenses for macro, telephoto, wide-angle
• Video capabilities are crucial, including 4K and high frame rate
• You shoot in challenging environments and require weather sealing
• You prefer a modern, feature-rich camera with a fully articulated screen

Getting Started and Accessories

• If buying the Sony, consider the 16-70mm f/4 zoom for all-around use or a fast 50mm prime for portraits.
• The Fujifilm X100, with its fixed lens, pairs well with external filters, a dedicated hot shoe flash, and quality spare batteries.
• Explore compatible bags that suit your shooting style and protection needs.

Conclusion

Both cameras offer excellent APS-C image quality tailored to different creator journeys. The Fujifilm X100 remains a beloved tool for enthusiasts who appreciate analog-inspired craft and spontaneous shooting. Meanwhile, the Sony A6700 stands out as a versatile advanced mirrorless workhorse for professionals and demanding hobbyists alike.

Whichever you choose, both will inspire your creative path - so get your hands on one, explore its capabilities, and start making your unique photographic stories.

Thank you for trusting our in-depth review. For further assistance or to read detailed test results, you can check our full lab data supplements and real-world shooting galleries.

Happy shooting!