Fujifilm Explains Camera Line Distinction (CLASSIC Beats PSAM) and Likely Told us Which Lines Will Survive (and Which Ones Not)

Fujifilm Camera Lines Explained

The Fujifilm X-T line was never supposed to be a flagship camera.

Let me explain why.

When Fujifilm launched the Fujifilm X-H1, they called it their flagship camera, giving it top of the line features that no other camera had at that time (like IBIS) and in part still no other camera, except for X-Pro3, has (like the ultra-tough body). The Fujifilm X-T2 was positioned under the X-H1.

However, since it took Fujifilm so long to release the Fujifilm X-H1 successor, the Fujifilm X-T line had to take over the “flagship-role” for a couple of years.

But now, with the the release of the Fujifilm X-H2S and the pre-announced Fujifilm X-H2, everything is going back to normal so to say.

X-H is the flagship, and X-T is the mid-range.

And that’s not me saying it, but Fuji Guy Billy, who went through the “what is what” in the Fujifilm camera lineup with Bigheaedtaco, who then shared Billy’s list with us in the video below (starts 9:59).

For your convenience, here is the list.

  • X-H series:
    Refinement: Flagship Utility
    Interface: Hybrid
  • X-Pro series:
    Refinement: Luxury
    Interface: classic rangefinder
  • X-T* series:
    Refinement: mid-level
    Interface: classic SLR
  • X-S series:
    Refinement: Base Level
    Interface: DSLR design with PSAM interface
  • X-T** series:
    Refinement: Base Level
    Interface: classic SLR design with classic interface
  • X-E series
    Refinement: Base Level
    Interface: Rangefinder design with classic interface

Who REMAINS and who is OUT

  • I agree with Bigheadtaco when he speculates that all those camera lines mentioned in the list will see a successor at some point. Otherwise I believe Fuji Guy Billy would not have mentioned them
  • if correct, this means that also the X-E line will continue, hence there is hope for a Fujifilm X-E5
  • the true entry level line seems to be dead as it is not mentioned on the list. We already speculated about this back in 2020 when the X-T*** had been discontinued after only 9 months
  • this means little hope for Fujifilm X-A8, Fujifilm X-T300, X-A30
  • the “new” entry level (or base line) is considered the X-T** and X-S line

PSAM PANIC

  • there will be 3 lines with a more classic interface, and 2 lines with PSAM dials
  • Non-PSAM dial camera lines will remain the majority in the Fuji lineup (4 non PSAM lines vs 2 PSAM lines)
  • Fujifilm has not lost its soul! Classic control lovers like me will have plenty of cameras to pick from also in the future

By getting rid of a few lines and separating more clearly the remaining ones, Fujifilm has addressed one of the major concerns that was confusing Fujifilm X shooters: too many camera lines positioned too close to each other without sufficient differentiation.

In short we could say that every line will have a higher end and a lower end version

  • HIGH: X-H line – LOW: X-S line
  • HIGH: X-T* line – LOW: X-T** line
  • HIGH: X-Pro line – LOW: X-E* line

P.S.: It was just so much more fun when Fujifilm used other terms to identify their camera lines, like when they said the X-T** line for hipsters :).

LightPix Labs FlashQ X20 Flash for Fujifilm

You can now purchase the brand new LightPix Labs FlashQ X20, compact GN20 TTL flash with radio wireless control and led video light.

For the comprehensive specs list and description check out the dedicated FlashQ X20 page at Amazon here.

About this item:

  • The TTL-enabled wireless flash for FUJIFILM cameras.
  • With a detachable 2.4GHz radio transmitter for radio wireless control. Designed for off-camera flash photography.
  • Wireless TTL supports Front & Rear Curtain Sync and Flash Exposure Compensation (FEC).
  • Bi-color LED light featuring the adjustable 3000 to 5600K color temperature, 20 to 100% dimming, high CRI of 90.
  • Guide Number 66ft at ISO 100, coverage 32mm (Full-Frame).

Tokina SZ 8mm f/2.8 Fisheye Listed

The Tokina SZ 8mm f/2.8 Fisheye lens for Fujifilm X mount is now listed at Amazon US here.

About this item

  • Lightweight (280g) and compact (overall length 52mm) construction
  • Fast f/2.8 lens for compact APS-C sensor mirrorless cameras
  • High quality built and sophisticated exterior design
  • Clickless aperture ring for smooth operation in video shooting
  • Detachable bayonet type hood to use with full-frame mirrorless cameras for achieving circular fisheye effect

The lens had been announced back in February here.

DPReview Publishes Statement About Flawed Fujinon XF150-600mmF5.6-8 Sample Gallery

After noticing that DPReview removed their flawed XF150-600mmF5.6-8 sample gallery, I invesitaged the issue and found out that the reason for the removal was the use of not yet firmware compatible X-T4 with the XF150-600mmF5.6-8 (now confirmed by DPReview itself).

In that article, I also asked DPReview to apologize for the error and inform their community that what they saw did not reflect the real performance of this lens.

For me the story ended there, my job was done, and the next move (if any) was up to DPR.

Well, I am happy to report that DPR made its move. And hence it is fair from my side to report about it.

In the sub-section of the forum dedicated to Fujifilm cameras, Richard Butler of DPR opened a thread where he released the following statement here:

In the build-up to Fujifilm’s launches this week, we shot a series of samples with the 150-600mm F5.6-8. These were created using an X-T4 so that the X-H2S could be shot separately, allowing us to provide more samples and more information for our readers at launch.

It was only after publication we were told that the lens will not work to its full ability until firmware updates have been issued. Upon finding this out, we made the decision to take the gallery down.

We want everything we publish on DPReview.com to be valuable to our readers, which means ensuring it is both accurate and meaningful (in this case, by being representative of the lens). We apologize for falling short on this occasion.

Richard Butler
Technical Editor

DPReview.com

So what, story closed?

Well, that’s DPReviews statement, we take note of it and we certainly appreciate they went public with it (although maybe it would nice to have it on the same place, where the gallery was published, hence on the front page. But hey, no nitpicking here, that’s also fine in the sub-forum. Important is that their community is informed somehow).

There is just one sentence in that statement that, if we want to be really precise, sounds a bit off to me:

It was only after publication we were told that the lens will not work to its full ability until firmware updates have been issued.

According to our information, when Fujifilm sent DPReview the new gear, Fuji also gave them clear instructions, which included the instruction not to use any other camera on the XF150-600mm except for the X-H2S.

So, according to our sources, DPR was actually immediatly informed about it, but for some reason the instructions Fujifilm sent to them somehow got lost or not heard or misunderstood or missed or whatever.

And then, sure, after the flawed gallery went online, Fujifilm did contact them and informed them (again) about the issue with the X-T4 on XF150-600mm.

Final Word (I promise) ;)

Look, I have no reason to doubt what my sources told me. In fact, I totally trust them and I am sure it is accurate.

But I also have no reason to doubt that Richard Butler has genuinely found out only after the fact that the X-T4 could not yet be used on the XF150-600mm.

All I would like to say to Richard is that I can assure him instructions were given, and I understand that the DPR team is a large one, with lots of busy activities and pre-production gear to test and handle, and that there is the opportunity that at some point somebody inside that large team did not handle Fuji’s instructions the best way possible, hence they got lost somewhere, and unaware of the instructions, DPR started testing the lens on the X-T4.

I allow myself to give Richard this possible scenario, as I believe it is not unlikely that this is what happened. It could be useful to know this to eventually look into it and potentially find ways to make sure that such misunderstandings don’t happen again.

That’s really all.

And Richard: I look forward to the new sample gallery, the new reviews and whatever DPReview is working on, as DPReview is a huge reference point also for us Fujifilm X and GFX shooters.

with love from Italy
Patrick

The Power of Fujifilm Colors :: Fujifilm X-H2S Rumors :: X-ProF and X-T5 Wishlist :: PSAM Dials Debate and More – Top 10 May Articles

Here are the top 10 articles for May:

  1. Fujifilm X-H2S Images in Slightly Higher Resolution
  2. The Power of Fujifilm Colors: Leaving Fuji for Nikon Z and Back to Fuji for the Colors
  3. X-ProF, (Re)designing the Perfect Camera :: Fujifilm X-T5 Wishlist :: X80 with 40mm Lens :: Fujifilm GFX 50R II :: FR-Readers Wishlist Corner
  4. BRILLIANT: Fujifilm X-H2S coming with External Active Cooling Accessory and here is How it Works (Not via Battery Grip)
  5. LEAKED: First Fujifilm X-H2S Hands-On Images
  6. Fujifilm X-H2S to Offer Animal/Object Autofocus Tracking
  7. Rumor Update: Fujifilm X-H2S with PSAM Dial
  8. Fujifilm X-H2 with 40MP will be More Affordable than Fujifilm X-H2S with 26MP
  9. FUJIFILM X Summit Announced for May 31 at 9AM EST: Fujifilm X-H2S (but not X-H2), XF150-600mmF5.6-8 (but not 56mmF1.2II) and More
  10. Is Fujifilm Losing Its Soul? Let’s Talk PSAM Dials! An Error or a Necessity?

And here is the latest and greatest.