A black and grey compact camera on a wooden table

Viral finds

Fujifilm X100VI: why TikTok’s favourite camera keeps selling out

A premium compact camera became a social media status symbol. Here’s why, and what to buy if you can’t find one.

Photo: Charlie Firth on Unsplash

Why it went viral

Its predecessor, the X100V, blew up on TikTok thanks to Fujifilm’s “film simulation” colour looks, which make photos feel like film straight out of the camera. The X100VI, launched in 2024, added a 40MP sensor and in-body stabilisation, and demand outstripped supply. TechRadar reported months-long back orders.

What reviewers say

DPReview and others praised the image quality, stabilisation and handling. The repeated catches: modest battery life, a fixed 35mm-equivalent lens, and a single UHS-I card slot that’s slow for big RAW files, as Tom’s Guide noted.

Don’t overpay

Scarcity has pushed second-hand and reseller prices above retail at times. Buy from authorised retailers, join official waiting lists, and be wary of “in stock” listings from unknown sellers on social ads.

Alternatives you can actually buy

  • Ricoh GR IIIx / GR III: smaller and pocketable, with a big fan base among street photographers.
  • A used X100V: most of the experience without stabilisation.
  • Canon G7 X Mark III: for vlogging and flash-photo digicam vibes.

See more in cameras and creator kit.

Last updated: 14 October 2026

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