Why My “Best” Camera Isn’t My Most Used Camera

For the last year, I’ve been shooting with the Sony A7CII, a powerhouse of a camera that offers full-frame quality, phenomenal autofocus, and the flexibility of interchangeable lenses. Then, about six months ago, I picked up a Fujifilm X100VI—a simpler, fixed-lens camera that seems to have a magical allure. Ironically, even though the Sony is the more “capable” camera on paper, the Fuji is the one I reach for day in and day out. Here’s why.

The Sony A7CII: A Technical Marvel

Let’s start with the obvious: the Sony A7CII is objectively better in many ways. Its full-frame sensor delivers stunning resolution and low-light performance, and the autofocus system is second to none—something you really appreciate when shooting portraits, action, or low-light events. Plus, being able to switch lenses gives me the creative freedom to tackle any scenario, from ultra-wide landscapes to telephoto close-ups.

For formal or professional work—like family portraits, special events, or anything requiring that extra polish—the Sony truly shines. It has that pro-level image quality and consistency you can rely on. Whenever I have a dedicated shoot planned or a once-in-a-lifetime trip, that’s usually the camera I pack, along with a variety of lenses.

The Fujifilm X100VI: My Day-to-Day Companion

Now, let’s talk about why I gravitate to the Fujifilm X100VI for almost everything else, especially street photography and everyday moments. A few key points make it irresistible:

1. Fixed Focal Length Freedom

It might sound counterintuitive, but being limited to one focal length—23mm (35mm full-frame equivalent)—frees me from the “What lens should I bring?” dilemma. That cognitive load disappears. Instead of worrying about gear choices, I can stay focused on the scene in front of me. Over time, I’ve learned to “see” the world at 35mm, which makes framing intuitive and can spark fresh creativity.

2. Portability & Aesthetics

The X100VI’s compact, retro design is a dream for street shooting. It’s subtle and unobtrusive, so people hardly notice it. I can throw it in my bag or wear it around my neck without feeling weighed down. It’s the perfect companion for spontaneous photography—those unplanned moments between work meetings or family outings—because it’s always ready.

3. Hybrid Viewfinder & Built-In Goodies

One of my favorite features is the hybrid viewfinder. It allows me to switch between an optical view (great for seeing what’s happening just outside the frame) and an electronic view (helpful for reviewing exposure). Combine that with a built-in ND filter and flash, and you get a camera that handles a variety of lighting situations easily—something I wish my Sony had natively.

4. Fujifilm’s Film Simulations & Color Science

Fuji’s film simulations (Classic Chrome, Pro Negative Hi, Eterna) and the ability to build custom film recipes (Soft Nostalgia) make shooting such a joy. I often shoot RAW + JPEG, and more times than I can count, the JPEGs need little to no editing. There’s a warmth and character to Fuji’s colors that truly stand out. This not only saves time but also feels creatively satisfying—something I’ve never quite matched with Sony’s color profiles.

Trade-Offs and Occasional Regrets

While I adore the Fuji, there are moments I wish I’d had the Sony with me:

Autofocus Misses: The X100VI can struggle in tricky AF situations or low light. The A7CII, by contrast, almost never fails to lock on.

Sharper Images & Low-Light Performance: The full-frame sensor plus top-tier glass on the Sony can produce detail and clarity the Fuji can’t quite match, especially in challenging light or when I need that extra bit of dynamic range.

Night Shoots: Handheld night photography with fast lenses is where the Sony really excels. The Fuji’s smaller sensor and slower lens can be limiting in ultra-low-light conditions.

But these trade-offs rarely outweigh the Fuji’s convenience and creative spark. In fact, I’ve captured countless keepers on the Fuji simply because I had it with me—opportunities I might have missed if I’d left the heavier Sony at home.

Who Should Choose Which?

Need a Workhorse? If you shoot weddings, formal portraits, or high-stakes assignments, the Sony A7CII (or any modern Sony really) is a safe bet. The versatility of interchangeable lenses and its robust feature set make it an ideal professional tool.

Want a Daily Carry or Street Shooter? If you prioritize simplicity, travel light, or crave an “all-in-one” camera that sparks creative joy, the Fuji X100VI is a gem. Its fixed lens, film simulations, and compact form factor can lead to a more instinctive and enjoyable shooting experience.

Final Thoughts & Wishes

I’m still figuring out the right balance between these two cameras, but the Fuji is winning the usage race by a landslide. Eight out of ten times, it’s the X100VI I grab on my way out the door.

If I could improve one thing about the Fuji, it’d be the autofocus. Matching Sony’s silent speed and accuracy would make the X100VI near perfect in my eyes.

As for the Sony, I wish it had more in-camera creative controls—something akin to Fuji’s film recipes. Without them, it sometimes feels a bit “soulless,” at least from a purely experiential standpoint.

In the end, gear is personal. The “best” camera isn’t always the one with the most megapixels or fastest AF; sometimes it’s simply the one that fits your shooting style, inspires creativity, and ends up in your bag (or around your neck) the most.

If you’re on a similar journey—torn between a top-of-the-line, do-it-all camera and a smaller, simpler one—remember it’s all about what makes you want to go out and shoot. For me, that’s the Fujifilm X100VI…even though my Sony A7CII might technically be the better camera.

Have thoughts or questions?

HMU on IG. I’d love to hear how you balance technical performance and creative satisfaction in your photography.