Apart from compression, what’s the difference between using a 50mm lens and using a digital convertor on a 35mm lens with high megapixel camera eg the Fuji X100vi. You get to frame the image exactly as if you were using a 50mm lens even though the lens is 35mm. So you can choose between 35mm and 50mm without changing lens.

One of the most compelling features of the Fuji X100VI is its ability to simulate different focal lengths using its digital teleconverter (DTC). With a native 35mm equivalent lens, the camera allows you to digitally crop to a 50mm or even 70mm field of view — all while maintaining impressive image quality thanks to its 40MP sensor.

The Fuji X100. This is the first in the series of the Fuji cameras so loved by many. In this case a special edition black paint camera.

How does this compare to using a true 50mm lens?

Let’s unpack the differences.

What You Gain with the Digital Teleconverter

• Framing Flexibility: You can switch between 35mm and 50mm framing without changing lenses — perfect for fast-paced street photography.
• Same Perspective: If you don’t move your feet, the perspective remains identical. That means the spatial relationship between foreground and background stays the same.
• High-Quality Cropping: With 40 megapixels, cropping to 50mm still leaves you with a very usable image — around 20MP, which is more than enough for most uses.

The Leica M9 full frame (35mm) with a 50mm Summilux f1.4 ASPH lens

What You Lose Compared to a True 50mm Lens

Compression & Depth Rendering

A true 50mm lens compresses space more than a 35mm lens cropped to 50mm. This affects how background elements relate to your subject — a subtle but powerful tool in storytelling.

Bokeh and Subject Isolation

Even at the same aperture, a 50mm lens will give you shallower depth of field than a cropped 35mm. The result? Smoother bokeh and stronger subject separation.

Lens Character

Every lens has its own signature. A native 50mm lens might render colors, contrast, and micro-details differently than the X100VI’s 35mm lens — even when cropped.

Resolution and Detail

Cropping reduces the number of pixels used to capture the image. While Fuji’s upscaling is excellent, it’s not the same as capturing full detail optically. In low light or high ISO, this difference becomes more noticeable.

The Fuji X100VI’s digital teleconverter is a brilliant tool — especially for street photographers who value spontaneity and minimal gear. But it’s not a full replacement for the optical and expressive qualities of a true 50mm lens. Using a Leica M-series camera in full frame with a Summilux 50mm lens will give so much more in quality, but of course its a matter of budget and needs at the end of the day.

 

Photo from Odense the other day in Denmark, with the Leica M9 full frame (35mm) with a 50mm Summilux f1.4 ASPH lens.