Fujifilm's model X100VI experiences a price hike, while the X-E5 remains unchanged; personally, I find the X-E5 to be the superior option.
Fujifilm, a renowned camera manufacturer, has announced a price increase for several of its popular models in the US market, effective August 1, 2025. The affected models include the X100VI, X-E5, X-S20, X-T5, and X-T50, with price hikes ranging from 10% to 15%.
The primary reason for this price increase is the new US tariffs on goods imported from Japan. The 15% tariff on goods sent to the US has affected many Fujifilm camera models that were previously produced in China. To comply with these trade changes, Fujifilm has moved some manufacturing back to Japan, which has increased the tariffs but aims to stabilize the supply.
In addition to the tariffs, increased production costs and logistical challenges have also contributed to the price rise. Fujifilm paused production and shifted some manufacturing away from China to manage these costs.
Notably, some newer models like the X Half and X-E5 did not see price increases because their higher prices were already reflected in the MSRP before the tariff changes.
One of the most notable changes is the price difference between the X100VI and X-E5. The X100VI, Fujifilm's best-selling compact camera, has jumped in price from $1,599 to $1,799, while the X-E5, a mirrorless camera, has remained at its original price. However, the X-E5 does not come with a built-in lens, unlike the X100VI, and it is slightly more expensive than the X100VI.
The X100VI features a hybrid viewfinder that enhances its vintage appeal and adds to its retro aesthetic. It also has a brighter f/2 integrated lens compared to the f/2.8 pancake lens available bundled with the X-E5. On the other hand, the X-E5 offers better stabilization, faster burst speeds, and longer battery life compared to the X100VI. Moreover, the X-E5 can use interchangeable lenses, offering flexibility for prime, wide-angle, telephoto, or macro photography options.
The X100VI can be weather-sealed with necessary add-on accessories, while the X-E5 is not weather-sealed, which may be a concern for photographers who want to shoot in rainy or dusty conditions.
Hillary K. Grigonis, a seasoned camera and technology writer, leads the US coverage for Digital Camera World and has contributed to various publications such as Business Insider, Digital Trends, and The Phoblographer. She provides insights and reviews on the latest camera releases and trends.
In summary, tariffs and supply chain changes are the main drivers behind Fujifilm's camera price increases in the US market, affecting popular models including the X100VI, X-E5, X-S20, X-T5, and X-T50.
- The rising costs and US tariffs on goods imported from Japan have necessitated a price increase for Fujifilm's X100VI, X-E5, X-S20, X-T5, and X-T50 cameras.
- Fujifilm's X100VI, known for its hybrid viewfinder and vintage appeal, has seen a price jump from $1,599 to $1,799 due to the price increase.
- In contrast, the X-E5, a mirrorless camera, remains at its original price despite the price rise, but it does not come with a built-in lens like the X100VI.
- The X-E5 offers better stabilization, faster burst speeds, and longer battery life compared to the X100VI, but it lacks weather sealing, which might be a concern for some photographers.
- The X-E5 also supports interchangeable lenses, offering versatility in prime, wide-angle, telephoto, or macro photography.
- Despite the price increases, the X Half has managed to evade them due to its higher original price reflecting the increased production costs even before tariff changes.
- Photographers looking for a drone, news, video, portrait, or perhaps zoom gadgets, should consider the impact of higher prices on their purchasing decisions.
- The review by Hillary K. Grigonis, a renowned writer in camera and technology, highlights the latest changes in the camera market and offers insights on the newly priced Fujifilm models.
- The changes in the US market, driven by tariffs and supply chain shifts, have brought forth a new era in the smart gadgets industry, especially in technology and photography.
- With production changes affecting the camera industry, it is crucial for photographers to stay informed about the news and trends, as they may influence the choice of their next camera or accessory.
