Fujifilm X100VI leak promises bright future for supply as compact camera to ship shortly after February 20 announcement

Fans of the Fujifilm X100V have long languished under tight supply chains and continuous back-orders, but that may not be the case with the upcoming Fujifilm X100VI. According to a supposed leak from Fujirumors, the Fujifilm X100VI will start shipping shortly after its expected February 20 announcement — specifically before the end of February.

This breaks the traditional Fujifilm formula, which generally sees new cameras only become available around a month after the announcement — this has been the case with the Fujifilm X-S20 (curr. $1,399 with a kit lens on Amazon) and the Fujifilm X-T5 (curr. $1,699 on Amazon) before that. Between the announcement and the actual shipping date, the cameras are usually on pre-order, which helps manufacturers gauge interest and ramp up production.

Fujifilm scheduling the shipping date for so soon after the announcement of the camera indicates that the company is aware of the high demand for the X100 line-up and is ready to fulfil it. Earlier this week, we reported that Fujifilm would move manufacturing for the X100VI to China, again breaking tradition for the X100 family, which is normally made in Japan. The tight release schedule adds credence to the idea that the move to Chinese manufacturing is to meet volume for production.

The existing Fujifilm X100V has long been in high demand thanks to surprise social media popularity, and just a few short weeks ago, Fujifilm stores in Japan started cancelling orders for the X100V, sparking a wave of speculation about its upcoming successor and a resulting shortage and spike in prices.

Ideally, by ramping up manufacturing to meet demand, Fujifilm can avoid the pricing, availability, and scalping issues that plagued the original X100V.

It should also be mentioned that these are all leaks and rumours, and aside from that, nothing is set in stone until the X100VI actually launches. It remains to be seen how the launch and availability of the X100VI play out, though, since its predecessor was in such high demand.