Here’s exactly how I set up my Fujifilm X100VI for travel photography.
Last Updated December 25th 2025: These are the exact settings I’m still using on my Fujifilm X100VI going into 2026. I’ve continued shooting with this setup across multiple trips in the Philippines, including Moalboal, Cebu, and it remains my preferred configuration for travel photography. These are also the settings that I will use when I move to Scotland in January 2026. Nothing here is theoretical — this reflects long-term, real-world use. I’ll only change these settings if my shooting needs genuinely change.
I’ll continue using the X100VI as it’s one of my favourite cameras and will update this article whenever I feel I can add some value. In the meantime, I’ll link to my free e-book and setup files (you can load these on to your camera so you don’t have to set it up yourself). If you’re looking for the best cameras for travel photography then see the article I wrote here.
If you have not picked up your travel photography kit yet then here are my recommendations.
If you prefer, I’ve put all this information — and more — into a free quick setup guide, along with downloadable setup files you can load straight onto your camera. Click here to get it.
Why These X100VI Settings Still Make Sense in 2026
Nothing fundamental about how the X100VI works has changed going into 2026 — and that’s a good thing. The camera’s strength is speed, simplicity, and predictability. This setup prioritises quick reaction, consistent autofocus behaviour, clean files, and minimal menu diving. Rather than chasing every feature, these settings are designed to stay out of the way while you focus on actually making photographs.
Basic Shooting Setup
I shoot in Aperture Priority most of the time. It’s quick, and when you’re shooting once-in-a-lifetime moments, that matters.
To enable Aperture Priority:
- Set the Shutter Speed dial to A
- Set the ISO dial to A
- Then control aperture via the lens ring
The focus mode selector is on the front-left of the camera:
- I use C (Continuous AF) for moving subjects or when I’m moving
- I switch to S (Single AF) for more deliberate shooting where I want precise focus placement
You can toggle between the OVF and EVF using the front lever. Use whichever you prefer.
SD Cards: Use a good quality card — the X100VI only has one slot. I recommend SanDisk Extreme Pro cards. I’ve used hundreds and never had a single issue.
Batteries: At least one spare is a must. More if you’re off-grid.
Weather Sealing: The X100VI isn’t weather sealed unless you add a filter adapter and filter. This is essential for travel — not just for rain, but also dust and sand. I use the ones below and have found it a great setup.
Image Backup: I use a compact rugged SanDisk SSD to back up each day’s shots.
This is the exact kit I travel with — reliable, compact, and tested in the real world. Get yours while it’s available.
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Image Quality Setting
- Image Size: 3:2
- Image Quality: F+RAW
- RAW Recording: Lossless
- Select HEIF/JPEG: JPEG
- Film Simulation: Classic Chrome
- Grain Effect: Off
- Color Chrome Effect: Weak
- Color Chrome FX Blue: Weak
- Smooth Skin Effect: Off
- White Balance: Auto (Ambience Priority)
- Dynamic Range: 100
- D-Range Priority: Off
- Tone Curve: 0 / 0
- Colour: +2
- Sharpness: -2
- High ISO NR: -4
- Clarity: 0
- Long Exposure NR: On
- Color Space: sRGB
Autofocus note for 2026: These settings work extremely well for travel, street, and everyday documentary photography. Where the X100VI can still struggle is fast, close, unpredictable movement indoors — particularly with children. For that kind of shooting, an interchangeable-lens body with more advanced tracking will be easier. For travel and candid work, though, this setup remains reliable and predictable.
AF/MF Setting Menu
- Focus Area: Centred
- AF Mode: Zone
- Zone Custom Setting: Custom 1 (5×3 grid)
- AF Mode All Setting: Ignore
- AF-C Custom Settings: Mode 1
- Store AF Mode by Orientation: Off
- AF Point Display: Off
- Wrap Focus: Enable
- Pre-AF: Off
- AF Illuminator: Off
- Face/Eye Detect: Off
- Subject Detection: Off
- AF+MF: On
- MF Assist: Peak > Red > High
- Interlock MF Assist & Focus Ring: Off
- Focus Check: Off
- Interlock Spot AE & Focus Area: On
- Release/Focus Priority:
- AF Range Limiter: Off
- Touch Screen Mode: Off
- Corrected AF Frame: Off
Note: I generally shoot in AF-C for candid or fast-moving shots.
When I want more control, I switch to AF-S and use AF Mode > Single Point with the second smallest box.
Shooting Settings
- Photometry: Multi
- (Use Spot for high contrast scenes)
- Shutter Type: M+E
- (Switches to electronic above 1/4000 sec)
- IS Mode: Continuous
- ISO Auto Setting (Auto 1):
- Default Sensitivity: 125
- Max Sensitivity: 6400
- Min Shutter Speed: 1/400
📷 Custom Functions & Film Recipes
Sound Setting
Screen Setting
- EVF Brightness: Auto +1
- Image Display: Off
- Auto Rotate Displays: On
- Preview Exposure/WB in Manual Mode: EXP/WB
- Natural Live View: Off
- Auto Rotate Playback: Off
- Disp. Custom Settings (EVF/LCD):
- Focus Frame
- Focus Indicator
- MF Distance Indicator
- Histogram
- Aperture / Shutter Speed / ISO
- Exposure Comp (scale)
- Film Simulation
- Frames Remaining
- No Storage Media Warning
- Battery Level
- Location Info: On
- Menu Background: Transparent
Power Management
- Auto Power Off: 2 minutes
- Performance: Normal
- Auto Power Off Temp: Standard
Save Data Setting
Final Thoughts
I’ve loved the Fujifilm X100 series ever since I spent over a year travelling with the X100T. Why 23mm became my favourite focal length. The X100VI needs a few tweaks to get it working just right, but hopefully these settings give you a solid starting point.
Going into 2026, this setup continues to give me consistent, reliable results with minimal fuss — which is exactly what I want from a travel camera.
If you’re going to be using your X100VI a lot, I’ve also written an article on the best accessories to make it more comfortable and practical. Every item in there is something I personally use on my own X100VI.
👉 Here’s the X100VI accessories article if you want to take a look.
🧠 Fujifilm X100VI Travel Settings FAQ (2026)
Is the Fujifilm X100VI good enough for serious travel photography?
Yes. I have travelled with the Fujifilm X100VI in the Philippines, including Moalboal in Cebu, and it has handled everything from fast street moments to calmer landscapes. The 40MP sensor provides plenty of detail and, with the right setup, it is more than capable of professional-quality results while remaining small and discreet.
Why do you shoot in Aperture Priority for travel with the X100VI?
Aperture Priority lets me react quickly to whatever is happening in front of me. With the shutter speed and ISO dials set to A, I only have to think about aperture and composition. For travel, where moments disappear in seconds, that balance of control and speed is ideal.
Do I need the filter adapter and UV filter for weather resistance on the X100VI?
Yes. The Fujifilm X100VI is not weather sealed out of the box. You need the adapter ring plus a filter fitted for the front end to be sealed. For travel, especially around dust, sand and sea spray, this is an essential upgrade to help protect the camera.
What film simulation do you recommend for travel on the Fujifilm X100VI?
For most of my travel work I use Classic Chrome. It gives a natural, slightly muted look with good contrast that suits everything from city streets to beaches. I pair it with Colour +2, Sharpness -2 and High ISO NR -4 to keep files clean, flexible and still very usable straight out of camera.
How many batteries and SD cards should I bring for travel with the X100VI?
At minimum I recommend one spare NP-W126S battery and a good quality SD card such as a SanDisk Extreme Pro. If you are shooting hard all day or travelling somewhere hot, two spare batteries is more comfortable. I also back up to a small rugged SanDisk SSD at the end of each day so I am not relying on a single card.
Why do you leave Face/Eye Detect and Subject Detection turned off on the X100VI?
For travel, I prefer predictable autofocus behaviour. I use a centred AF area with Zone AF and AF-C for most candid shooting, switching to Single Point when I want precise focus. Turning Face/Eye Detect and Subject Detection off stops the camera from jumping to the wrong subject at the edge of the frame.
Do you use the OVF or EVF for travel photography with the X100VI?
I mainly use the EVF so I can see exposure and colour exactly as the photo will look, especially with Classic Chrome and my custom settings. The OVF is great for a more rangefinder-style experience, but for fast travel shooting the EVF gives me fewer surprises and more consistency.
Can I copy your Fujifilm X100VI travel settings onto my own camera?
Yes. The settings in this article are exactly how my own X100VI is set up for travel. If you do not want to dial everything in by hand, you can download my free quick setup guide and camera setup files and load them straight onto your camera so you are ready to go in a few minutes.
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