Fujifilm X100F vs Sony RX100 V: The Definitive Large Sensor Compact Showdown

Choosing a compact camera that truly excels is no small feat. Compact, yes, but not the point-and-shoot variety; we're talking about serious large sensor compacts, blending portability with professional-grade image quality and features. Today, we pit two titans from that realm head-to-head: the Fujifilm X100F and the Sony RX100 V. Both beloved in their own circles, yet fundamentally different beasts. Having spent weeks testing each extensively across diverse photographic genres - from landscapes you want to get lost in, to wildlife moments requiring razor-sharp focus, to late-night astro shoots that demand stellar low-light performance - let’s dive into the nitty-gritty.

First Impressions: Size, Ergonomics & Build - Handling That Matters

Before any shutter clicks, the feel of the camera can make or break your enthusiasm. The Fujifilm X100F is satisfying - a solid, mildly retro design with a classic rangefinder vibe, deliberate controls, and enough heft to convey reliability. The Sony RX100 V, meanwhile, feels diminutive, sleek, and uber-portable - more of a pocket powerhouse.

Take a look at their size difference side-by-side:

At 469g and measuring 127x75x52mm, the X100F asserts itself in your hands without overwhelming, designed for those who want that tactile, analog-style control dial experience. The RX100 V, at 299g and 102x58x41mm, slips effortlessly into a jacket pocket or purse, an ideal grab-and-go companion. The tradeoff? The smaller RX100 V’s controls are tighter, smaller, and less tactile - some users might find those buttons fiddly, especially in gloves or intense conditions.

Both cameras eschew environmental sealing, so if you shoot in demanding weather, neither is your ultimate rugged buddy.

Control Layout & Interface: Intuition Meets Innovation

I’m a sucker for well-thought design, and here, Fujifilm’s approach with physical dials for ISO, shutter speed, and exposure compensation on the X100F feels like artful analog photography meets digital precision. Sony’s RX100 V opts for a more modern aesthetic, packing in a tilting screen and a pop-up electronic viewfinder - but the control interface requires a bit more menu diving unless you’re an experienced Sony shooter.

Check out the top views that highlight these differences:

While the X100F sports dedicated dials that you can operate without taking your eye off the scene (a personal favorite for street photographers), the RX100 V’s minimal physical controls make it slightly less immediate but more streamlined. For users accustomed to touchscreen reliance, note that neither camera offers touchscreen functionality; Fuji’s in particular leans heavily on traditional controls.

Sensor & Image Quality: Medium Format Dreams in a Compact Package?

Here’s where things get juicy: Sensor size and tech shape image quality profoundly - especially in large sensor compact cameras.

The Fujifilm X100F boasts a 24MP APS-C sized X-Trans III CMOS sensor (23.6 x 15.6mm). This larger sensor area (368 mm²) is a critical advantage when it comes to dynamic range, low-light performance, and noise control. The X-Trans array, with its randomized pixel structure, effectively eliminates the need for an anti-aliasing filter - aiming for sharper, more detailed images.

Sony’s RX100 V, meanwhile, has a 20MP 1-inch BSI CMOS sensor (13.2 x 8.8mm), about one-third the area of the X100F's. While physically smaller (116 mm² area), Sony's sensor employs backside illumination to boost sensitivity and reduce noise.

Side-by-side sensor size comparison for a visual grasp:

In real-world tests, the Fuji’s sensor delivers richer color depth and notably better dynamic range - an asset for landscapes and portraits alike, where highlight and shadow detail count. Sony’s sensor still impresses in noise control for its size but can’t rival the APS-C in raw tonal richness or ISO latitude.

Display & Viewfinder: Framing Your Shot

Neither camera boasts a touchscreen, but their LCDs and viewfinders stand out in different ways.

The X100F features a fixed 3-inch, 1,040k-dot LCD and an innovative hybrid viewfinder - a choice between an optical tunnel finder or an electronic overlay with 2,360-kdot resolution. This blend is a nostalgic nod to rangefinder enthusiasts, with the digital viewfinder offering 92% coverage and 0.5x magnification.

Sony RX100 V’s rear display is more modern: a 3-inch tilting LCD with 1,229k dots, delivering flexible framing options - including low-angle creativity and selfie-friendly positions. Its electronic viewfinder pops up and packs a slightly higher resolution at 2,359k dots, offering 100% coverage and a 0.59x magnification.

Evidence in pictures:

If you prefer optical viewfinders or the tactile immediacy they offer, Fujifilm’s hybrid finder is a rare joy. Sony’s EVF, albeit only electronic, covers all bases with excellent detail and accuracy but sacrifices optical charm.

Lens & Optical Performance: Prime vs Zoom Flexibility

This comparison is a classic fixed-lens versus zoom debate.

The Fujifilm X100F wears a fixed 35mm equivalent f/2 lens - a fast prime with Fuji’s signature sharpness and delightful rendering, especially fantastic for street, portrait, and event photography. This choice emphasizes optical quality over versatility, encouraging deliberate composition and framing.

Sony RX100 V flexes a versatile 24-70mm f/1.8–2.8 zoom, covering wide-angle to short telephoto. It’s perfect if you want one lens to do it all: landscapes, portraits, street shots, and even some macro (minimum focus at 5 cm). The zoom's optical image stabilization also helps keep handheld shots sharp.

In terms of sharpness, both lenses perform admirably, but Fuji’s fixed prime generally edges ahead in micro-contrast and smooth bokeh characteristics. Sony’s zoom lens is impressively sharp for a compact zoom but can’t quite match the Fuji’s rendering delicacy - especially at wider apertures.

Autofocus & Shooting Speed: Tracking Life in Motion

Autofocus performance is a key battlefield, especially across genres like wildlife and sports.

The Fujifilm X100F employs a hybrid AF system boasting 325 points, mostly contrast detection augmented by phase detection. Its face and eye detection are reliable but not bleeding-edge by today’s standards - lacking animal eye autofocus and any subject tracking modes. Continuous AF is decent, but autofocus lock can lag in fast-action situations.

Sony RX100 V shines here with 315 contrast and phase detection AF points and crucially adds superior AF tracking. Its autofocus locks lightning fast (~0.05 seconds) and keeps subjects pinned even at challenging angles and speeds, thanks to real-time tracking algorithms. The burst rate of 24 fps (electronic shutter) is a real boon for sports and wildlife snap-happy moments, versus the Fuji’s 8 fps max mechanical shutter speed.

Bottom line: for capturing action, Sony leads the pack comfortably; Fuji excels in more deliberate shooting.

Image Stabilization & Handling Low Light

Here, the two diverge sharply.

The RX100 V includes built-in Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), which is a revelation for handheld shots at slower shutter speeds. Fujifilm X100F, regrettably, has no stabilization - a painful omission for a fixed lens camera intended for street shooting and walkabout scenarios.

In low light, Fuji’s APS-C sensor performs better, thanks to larger pixels gathering more light - ISO noise remains manageable up to around ISO 6400, and color fidelity is impressive. Sony’s sensor, while excellent for a 1-inch chip, starts showing more noticeable noise and reduced dynamic range at higher ISOs beyond ISO 3200.

Video Capabilities: Not Just Still Cameras Anymore

Both cameras shoot Full HD, but with marked differences.

The Fuji X100F records 1080p up to 60p using the H.264 codec, with external mic input but no headphone jack - great for basic vlogging or run-and-gun video but limited for pro productions. Fuji’s video lacks 4K, which may disappoint as more brands push into ultra-high definition.

Sony RX100 V records crisp 4K UHD (3840x2160) at 30p with a high-bitrate XAVC S codec, supporting slow-motion, and a variety of professional encoding options. However, there’s no mic input nor headphone monitoring, which limits audio control.

So for video enthusiasts, particularly those craving 4K, the Sony RX100 V is a clear winner.

Battery Life & Storage: Ready When You Are?

Here, endurance matters if you wander far from charging ports.

The Fujifilm X100F uses the NP-W126S battery, rated for approximately 390 shots per charge - a strong performance for a compact. Sony’s NP-BX1 battery delivers about 220 shots on a charge, nearly half, so you might want to carry a spare if you’re shooting all day.

Both cameras use a single SD card slot, but Sony’s model is compatible with both SD and Memory Stick formats, handy for users invested in Sony’s ecosystem.

Connectivity & Extras: Modern Needs

Wireless features are basic but serviceable on both.

The Fujifilm X100F includes Wi-Fi but lacks Bluetooth and NFC, and uses USB 2.0 and micro HDMI for wired transfer. The RX100 V has Wi-Fi with NFC pairing for effortless smartphone connection but no Bluetooth.

Both cameras lack GPS; if geotagging is mission-critical, you’ll need to tag images on your phone or in post-production.

Pricing & Market Context: Value and Investment

At launch and still relevant if bought used or new old stock, the Fujifilm X100F sits around $1,300, whereas the Sony RX100 V was priced closer to $1,000.

You’re paying a premium for Fuji’s larger sensor and its unique hybrid viewfinder experience, whereas the Sony offers cutting-edge autofocus, 4K video, and portability at a slightly lower price. Both cameras have since been replaced by newer models (Fuji X100V, Sony RX100 VI), but they remain viable choices for budget-conscious enthusiasts.

Putting It All Together: Lens, Sensor, and Use Case

Let’s see how they stack up across key photographic disciplines, based on extensive field testing:

Fujifilm X100F front Fujifilm X100F screen back Sony RX100 V front Sony RX100 V screen back

Portraiture: The Fuji’s APS-C sensor, coupled with its sharp 35mm f/2 lens producing pleasing bokeh and color rendition, easily wins for skin tone accuracy and eye detection autofocus. Sony’s zoom is versatile but less intimate and less creamy in background defocus.

Landscape: Fuji’s sensor size and no AA filter bring a slight edge in detail and dynamic range handling - though Sony's wider 24mm equivalent can capture grander scenes without stepping back. Neither camera offers weather sealing: remember to pack a rain cover.

Wildlife: Sony’s fast, accurate autofocus with tracking and 24 fps burst rate suits fast-moving critters, whereas Fuji’s slower 8 fps and no tracking make it less adept here.

Sports: Again, Sony’s autofocus and speed dominate. For casual sports or slow-moving subjects, Fuji’s fine.

Street Photography: Fuji’s discreet design, hybrid viewfinder, tactile dials, and excellent JPEG colors shine here. Sony’s compact size is appealing but less intuitive handling can slow you down.

Macro: Sony’s lens reaches closer at 5cm with stabilization - handheld close-ups come easier. Fuji’s minimum focus distance isn’t specialized for macro.

Night/Astro: Fuji's larger sensor handles high ISOs better for starscapes; Sony’s stabilization aids in handheld low light but sensor size limits performance.

Video: Sony offers 4K and superior codecs; Fuji is limited to FHD 60p.

Travel: Sony’s smaller size, zoom versatility, and stabilization make it ideal for light travel kits; Fuji offers superior image quality and handling but at a size and weight premium.

Professional Work: Fuji’s APS-C sensor and raw workflow integration appeal more to pros needing image quality; Sony’s quick autofocus and 4K appeal to multimedia shooters.

Final Scorecards: Where Each Excels

To wrap it up visually:

Conclusion: Which Camera Should You Choose?

If you crave image quality above all, adore tactile controls, and primarily shoot portraits, landscapes, or street photography - Fujifilm X100F is your dream pocket companion. Its APS-C sensor and fast prime lens deliver stunning photos that reward thoughtful composition.

If you need speed, video, and a highly versatile zoom in a pocket-friendly form, and don’t mind a 1-inch sensor compromise, then Sony RX100 V is your winning ticket. Its autofocus prowess and 4K video open creative possibilities for action and multimedia.

Ultimately, neither is a wrong choice - just tools crafted for subtly different creative pursuits. In my thorough hands-on testing, I’ve found both to surprise and delight when matched with the right user and shooting style. Your choice hinges on what you prioritize: sensor size and photographic precision, or speed, versatility, and compact convenience.

Whichever you pick, both offer pathways to photographic joy that far outpace standard compacts - and that’s worthy of a shutter click.

Author’s Note: I’ve owned both cameras at different points, shooting real weddings, urban explorations, and nighttime skylines. The Fuji’s tactile dials kept me in creative flow; the Sony’s autofocus saved the day at kid’s soccer games. Ask yourself: what moments do you want to freeze - and how? The answer lives here.