Fujifilm X100V vs Olympus PEN-F: A Thorough Comparison for the Discerning Photographer

Choosing a camera in today’s bewildering sea of models can feel like navigating through a dense forest with only a flashlight and vague directions. When two cameras come from respected brands, both with stylish designs, solid features, and tempting price tags, the quest for the perfect match gets even thornier. Enter the Fujifilm X100V and the Olympus PEN-F - two attractively compact cameras that have earned cult followings for different reasons.

I’ve spent hundreds of hours testing, reviewing, and comparing cameras across genres, so let me be your guide through this head-to-head of the Fuji X100V and Olympus PEN-F. Here’s the deal: despite their surface-level similarity as premium compacts or rangefinder-style mirrorless cameras, they take quite different approaches under the hood. This comparison will peel back each layer - sensor tech, autofocus, handling, video chops, and yes, even personality - with a solid dose of candid, hands-on insights.

First Impressions: Size, Build, and Handling - Old School Cool vs. Modern Craftsmanship

At first glance, both cameras charm with retro flair, but their physical designs speak different languages. The Fujifilm X100V is a Large Sensor Compact with a fixed 23.5 x 15.6mm APS-C sensor - essentially a miniature powerhouse in your pocket. Its dimensions of 128x75x53mm and 478g weight give it a solid, substantial feel. The Olympus PEN-F, by contrast, is a rangefinder-style advanced mirrorless with a smaller Four Thirds sensor (17.3x13mm), weighing 427g, and measuring a bit slimmer at 125x72x37mm.

The Fuji feels a bit chunkier, offering a grip that suits my medium-sized hands well, with tactile dials that resist feeling toy-like. Olympus’s PEN-F embraces a sleeker, flatter profile - great for stealthy street shooting or travel - but I did find its grip less secure in extended handheld shoots. Nevertheless, the PEN-F’s smaller form factor partly comes from its smaller sensor and interchangeable lens mount, so you'd expect some compromises if you prioritize portability.

Both are built with sturdy metal bodies, but only the Fuji X100V has any form of weather sealing (against dust and light moisture). So for those looking to brave the elements without a rain cover, the X100V holds an advantage here. Neither is crushproof, freezeproof, or shockproof, so a bit of care always helps.

Controls wise, Fujifilm sticks firmly to its classic dials - shutter speed, exposure compensation, ISO - that impart a tactile shooting experience. The PEN-F lets you customize more buttons and wheels, appealing to users who favor digitized flexibility. The X100V’s rear tilting LCD (3-inch, 1620k dots) feels more responsive and modern compared to PEN-F’s fully articulating but lower resolution 3-inch screen (1037k dots). For live-view composition and quick framing, the Fuji slightly edges out in usability.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Bigger Isn’t Always Better - But It Often Helps

The heart of any camera is its sensor, so let’s dig into what these two bring to the table.

The Fujifilm X100V boasts a 26-megapixel APS-C X-Trans BSI-CMOS sensor - a chip well-regarded for excellent color rendition and sharpness, especially without an optical low pass (anti-aliasing) filter that boosts finer detail at the expense of potential moiré. It’s paired with the powerful X-Processor Pro 4, enabling good ISO sensitivity (native 160–12800, expandable to 80–51200).

The Olympus PEN-F’s Four Thirds sensor is a 20-megapixel CMOS unit with a traditional Bayer filter and anti-aliasing filter in place, paired with the TruePic VII processor. Its native ISO ranges from 200 to 25600 but the smaller sensor size generally yields a lower noise floor at the pixel level on Fuji.

In lab tests and real-world comparisons, the Fuji delivers fuller dynamic range, richer color depth (thanks partly to its unique X-Trans array), and better high ISO noise control - seriously important for shooting in challenging light such as parties, dim interiors, or night scenes. Olympus offers respectable images but tends to fall short in noise handling and dynamic range by comparison.

Personally, I found the Fuji’s images exhibit that signature Fuji “pop” with pleasant skin tones and vibrant, natural hues - a blessing for portrait shooters and street photographers alike. The PEN-F produces punchy contrast, especially when using its plentiful in-camera filters and vintage film simulations, but you compensate a bit on detail and ISO grit.

Autofocus and Speed: Who’s Got Your Back When the Action Gets Real?

Nothing tests autofocus like wildlife or sports - sudden movements, unpredictable subjects, and often less-than-ideal light. The X100V comes with a hybrid AF system combining contrast and phase detection, spread over a massive 425 focus points. This means improved subject tracking and faster lock-on even in continuous AF mode.

The PEN-F uses contrast-detection autofocus alone, relying on 81 focus points - fewer and less sophisticated than Fuji’s system. Consequently, the Fuji is noticeably faster and more reliable in quickly acquiring focus and maintaining it during bursts or erratic movements. The PEN-F can stutter or “hunt” more, especially under low-light or fast-moving scenarios.

Both offer eye detection AF, though Fuji restricts this to human faces (no animal eye AF support on either model). In my hands-on comparator test shooting a neighborhood dog run past me, the X100V nailed sharp doggy eyes much more often than PEN-F.

In continuous burst speed, Fuji nudges ahead slightly with 11fps versus Olympus’s 10fps - not a night-and-day difference but Fuji’s larger buffer and faster write speeds matter when shooting action or wildlife bursts.

Versatility and Lens Ecosystem: Fixed Focal Length vs. Micro Four Thirds

Here the cameras take a decisively different path.

The Fujifilm X100V sports a fixed 35mm (equivalent) f/2 lens - a classic territory for street, portrait, and general use. The optical design is sharp as a tack, with weather-sealing on the front lens element - rare for compact fixed-lens cameras. However, no zoom or interchangeable options mean you’re tied to this focal length, which can be either a creative limitation or a design virtue for discipline.

The Olympus PEN-F accesses the vast Micro Four Thirds lens lineup - 107 native lenses last time I counted - from ultra-wide to reach-for-the-moon telephotos, plus a variety of third-party offerings (Sigma, Tamron, etc.). The 2.1x crop factor of Four Thirds lenses means a 50mm lens on Olympus behaves like a ~100mm equivalent, extending reach for portraits and wildlife. Having that zoom/play option gives PEN-F huge versatility, especially for studio, landscape, or macro (where Olympus excels with dedicated primes).

Due to sensor size differences, Fuji compensates for less zoom by offering fast apertures and exceptional image quality from the lens-sensor combo. PEN-F’s Olympus lenses vary in quality and speed but with stabilization (more below), they can deliver stable, sharp shots across many disciplines.

Stabilization: The Silent Helper

The Olympus PEN-F packs in 5-axis in-body image stabilization (IBIS), which adds about 4-5 stops of shake correction - truly generous for such a compact body. This is a huge advantage for handheld shooting in low light or with longer lenses, especially for video or macro where stability is critical.

Fujifilm X100V, in contrast, lacks IBIS altogether. It relies on faster shutter speeds or tripod support to prevent blur, which works most days but can be frustrating in dim conditions or slow shutter situations (think evening street photography or astro work). This is a trade-off Fuji makes to keep the body slimmer and lens faster.

Screens and Viewfinders: Where You Frame Your World

This is often an overlooked detail, but crucial for user enjoyment and usability.

The X100V provides a hybrid viewfinder: an advanced electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 3690k dots resolution plus a unique optical tunnel viewfinder for a classic rangefinder feel. Switching between them is a joy, with the tunnel offering a wide field with digital frame overlays. This hybrid finder is one of Fuji’s signature features and a big draw for enthusiasts who want options depending on light or scene.

The PEN-F’s EVF delivers 2360k dots, 100% coverage, and a slightly larger magnification at 0.62x. It’s bright, responsive, and sharp but only electronic, so no optical fallback for you.

On the rear, Fuji’s tilting screen is more detailed (1620k vs 1037k dots) and supports touch controls for autofocus and menu navigation. Olympus offers a fully articulating screen with touchscreen as well, a benefit for creative angles, vlogging, or selfies (the latter more relevant for PEN-F with its selfie-friendly design).

Video Capabilities: 4K vs. Full HD – Which Movie Camera Pops?

While neither camera was designed as a go-to video powerhouse, it’s worth noting their capabilities.

The Fujifilm X100V strides ahead with 4K recording up to 30p (with a healthy 200 Mbps bitrate), capturing clean, detailed footage with good color science and the option of F-Log for color grading. It also handles slow-motion 1080p at up to 120fps - neat for creative shots. Audio input via microphone jack is a bonus for better sound.

The Olympus PEN-F maxes out at 1080p with respectable bitrates but no 4K option and lacks a microphone jack, restricting advanced audio setups. It’s fine for casual video but will frustrate videographers wanting more resolution or flexibility.

Battery Life and Connectivity: Practicalities That Matter on the Road

Battery life can be a dealbreaker in all-day shoots or travel. The Fujifilm X100V clearly leads here, rated at 420 shots per charge (CIPA standard), thanks to a more power-efficient sensor and newer processor. Olympus PEN-F offers about 330 shots per charge - decent but you may want a spare battery if you plan extended outings.

Both cameras support SD cards with UHS-I speeds, but Fuji edges ahead with USB 3.1 Gen 1 connectivity versus PEN-F’s USB 2.0, enabling faster transfers and better charging options.

Wireless connectivity is built-in for both, but Fuji adds Bluetooth alongside Wi-Fi, offering smoother connection with Fujifilm’s robust app for remote control and image transfer. Olympus relies solely on Wi-Fi and lacks Bluetooth, so take that into account if mobile integration is important to you.

Photography Genres and How These Cameras Really Perform

Enough specs - how do these cameras fare in the wild, so to speak? I’ll break down their real-world strengths by genre:

Portraits: Fuji X100V all the way

The X100V’s large APS-C sensor, sharp 35mm f/2 lens, and rich color rendition make it the superior choice for portraits, especially environmental or casual style. Fuji’s excellent skin tones, selective eye AF, and smoother bokeh produce flattering portraits out-of-the-box. PEN-F can hold its own with the right lens but typically needs longer focal lengths for flattering headshots due to cropping factor.

Landscape: PEN-F’s lens range versus Fuji’s sensor

While Fuji’s sensor advantage offers deeper dynamic range for landscapes, PEN-F’s adaptability with ultra-wide and dedicated landscape lenses makes it more versatile across compositions. Olympus’s lack of weather sealing and lower dynamic range limit its capacity outdoors in rough conditions, but its IBIS stabilizes handheld nature shots nicely.

Wildlife: Fuji X100V’s AF and speed trump fixed lens limits

Autofocus performance and burst shooting make the Fujifilm better suited for wildlife casual shooting despite fixed 35mm focal length limiting reach. Olympus’s extensive lens lineup theoretically wins here, but slower AF and no animal eye AF make tracking critters harder. Add a 400mm telephoto on a PEN-F, and it’s a specialist’s weapon - but lacking speed can disappoint.

Sports: Fuji for speed and tracking precision

Fast AF, higher burst speeds, and better EVF responsiveness let the X100V tackle sports well - within the limits of its prime lens. PEN-F is limited by slower AF and shorter max shutter of 1/8000s (versus Fuji’s 1/4000s mechanical plus 1/32000s electronic). Good for casual sports but not pro-fast action.

Street: Fuji’s stealth, ergonomics, and hybrid finder

X100V’s compact fixed lens, hybrid optical viewfinder, and weather sealing make it perfect for street shooters wanting quick access and inconspicuous presence. PEN-F is also compact but more conspicuous and less intuitive to shoot quickly.

Macro: PEN-F’s lens system and IBIS advantage

The Olympus takes macro work with specialized lenses and IBIS that smooth close-up handheld shots. Fuji’s macro focus range is absent, limiting close-focus capability.

Night/Astro: Fuji’s better high ISO and electronic shutter

Fuji’s APS-C sensor and electronic shutter up to 1/32000s enable cleaner long exposures with reduced star trails and superior noise control, ideal for nightscapes. PEN-F’s lower ISO performance and max shutter speeds restrict astrophotography potential.

Video: Fuji X100V for serious vloggers, PEN-F for casual shooters

As outlined earlier, Fuji’s 4K and mic input give it a clear edge for video enthusiasts.

Travel: Balancing size, versatility, and battery life

PEN-F’s lens flexibility and lighter design appeal, but Fuji’s superior battery life and weather resistance make it a more dependable travel companion.

Professional Workflows: Fuji’s RAW files and file management

Fuji’s RAW outputs are clean and integrate seamlessly into standard editing suites. Olympus also supports RAW but with slightly less latitude for color grading. Fuji’s faster USB 3.1 port and wireless app support enhance workflow efficiency.

Fujifilm X100V front Fujifilm X100V screen back Olympus PEN F front Olympus PEN F screen back

Price and Value: What’s the Best Bang for Your Buck?

At around $1400, the Fujifilm X100V commands a premium but justifies it with modern tech, a superior sensor, and a unique hybrid viewfinder - a camera to cherish for years or even professional use.

The Olympus PEN-F, priced closer to $1000 on average nowadays (possibly less second hand due to older release), offers a buttery build, a broad lens ecosystem, and IBIS but at the cost of slower AF, lower resolution, and no 4K video.

If budget is tight and lens flexibility outweighs the need for latest tech, PEN-F is still a capable creative tool. If image quality, speed, and video matter most, Fuji is the clear winner.

Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Pick?

Both cameras are cult classics with passionate fanbases. My advice depends heavily on your shooting style and priorities:

• Pick the Fujifilm X100V if… you want top-tier image quality, excellent color science, fast and reliable AF, stellar video and battery life - packaged in a weather-sealed compact classic style body that’s ready for street, portraits, occasional landscapes, and travel. It’s a no-nonsense, highly satisfying camera for enthusiasts and even some professionals who value simplicity and performance over zoom versatility.

• Choose the Olympus PEN-F if… you crave lens adaptability in a compact, stylish body with built-in IBIS, and primarily shoot portraits, landscapes, or macro at medium to longer focal lengths. It suits photographers who prefer creative control over dials, enjoy in-camera art filters, do casual video, and don’t mind trading some low-light or autofocus speed performance.

Wrapping Up: The Photographer’s Delight in Two Forms

Owning either the Fuji X100V or Olympus PEN-F feels like hugging a well-made old friend - thoughtfully designed, a pleasure to handle, and ready to deliver memorable images. They represent different philosophies: Fuji embraces large-sensor compact power and classic handling; Olympus offers creative versatility with an extensive lens system and exquisite IBIS in a retro-modern mirrorless.

Whichever path you choose, you’ll be stepping into a camera with personality, performance, and plenty of reasons to smile through the viewfinder.

Happy shooting!

This comparison emerged from countless hours in the field, crunching numbers, and swapping cameras mid-shoot to observe nuances most spec sheets never capture. If you want tailored advice, drop your photo style in the comments, and I’ll happily steer you right.