There are GFX Trade-In offers spreading in Europe with the purchase of a Fujifilm GFX100S II or GFX100 II. Down below I will share the Trade-In conditions for UK. But make sure to check the conditions in your country.
Maybe even more interestingly, now Fujifilm is offering also a Fujifilm GFX100S II with GF35-70mm kit in Europe. Maybe I’ve missed it so far, but if I am correct, previously you could purchase the GFX100SII only as body only and not bundled with a lens.
There are no kit versions still in USA for the GFX100SII and GFX100II. I hope such an offering will come to the US too at some point.
Pal2Tech was one of the guys, who addressed the latest Fujifilm 5th generation gear autofocus issues in his videos.
That’s why he was particularly interested to test the autofocus of the Fujifilm X-M5 versus the one of the Fujifilm X-T5.
You can see with your own eyes his comparison in the video above (just click and it will start at the right point).
This is what Pal2Tech has to say about:
the focus square on the X-M5 was able to keep with up with him (moving fast around the yard) in a noticeable way
when he starts to run, the X-T5 box is behind him whereas the X-M5 autofocus box is sticky on his face
when jumping into frame, the X-M5 locks focus faster than the X-T5
when moving very very fast all over the frame like crazy, the X-M5 locked focus better than the X-T5
he track running dogs and and people, and it keeps up with them fairly reliably
the X-T5 would not have nailed that many images in that order in AF-C for stills
tracking cars the X-M5 handled very well. Every shot was in focus
tracking bicycles also worked very well
the autofocus performance is great and definitely better than the X-T5, even before the X-T5 experienced the AF issues with the May firmware
Pal2Tech is very impressed by what he saw and he hopes firmware updates will come with same AF to other models
Look guys, Chris from Pal2Tech did put lots of effort into this test.
It’s up to you now to trust him, or maybe trust YouTubers who did not hold the X-M5 in their hands for a single second and looked hours of launch videos to find 2 seconds in which the AF of the X-M5 failed.
Is it at Sony and Canon level?
Well, I feel confident to say very likely not. But according to the most in depth test we could see so far, it is the best autofocus Fujifilm has yet offered on any its cameras.
At least for those looking to purchase a standard f/2.8 zoom lens.
Because the two options we had, the Fujinon XF16-55mmF2.8 I and the Sigma 18-50mmF2.8 DC DN, were so different to each other that people did not have much to think about: if you want compactness, go for the Sigma. If you want a wider range and an aperture ring, go for the Fujinon.
But with the arrival of the new Fujinon XF16-55mmF2.8 II, decision making has become a bit more complicated.
As shown in the size comparisons above, the new Fujinon XF16-55mmF2.8 II falls between the older XF16-55 and the Sigma 18-50 in terms of size. So, if your primary reason for choosing the Sigma was compactness, the decision between the two lenses has now become a bit more challenging.
While the Sigma is still a bit smaller, the new Fujinon will give you a wider range (16-55 instead of 18-50), an aperture ring (which can be de-clicked), likely better weather sealing (as the one of the Sigma is rather basic), and something that is often overlooked: Fujifilm colors.
Look, I own third party autofocus and manual focus lenses. They are some fantastic offerings out there. But one of the main reasons I prefer my Fujinon’s, is that I get consistent Fujifilm colors. That’s for example also why I bought the Fujinon XF10-24mmF4. I did love my Samyang 12mmF2, but the colors just did not look like the ones I was used to when using my Fujinon glass.
However, there is still one huge argument for the Sigma 18-50mmF2.8: the price! If you look for best value for money, the Sigma might be the best option.
The French website Phototrend had the opportunity to interview Franck Bernard, Director of the imaging division at Fujifilm France. You can read the full interview here and the summary below.
Fujifilm is doing very well, both X and GFX series
the only things Fujifilm suffers from a little is the availability of products
Based on GFK data (largest German market research company), outside of Full Frame, Fujifilm is market leader with 40% market share thanks to X and GFX system
X-M5: there was still demand for cameras in this price segment especially among young people
AI will only bring benefits to the photographic business in general, and especially on the print side. Facilitate the production of a photo album, with a minimum of clicks: AI will be able to help us a lot
XF16-55mmF2.8 II completely redesigned lens
next generation linear motors used on XF16-55mmF2.8 II are smaller than the ones in the older generation
improvements in ED, Super ED and aspherical lenses has also allowed to reduce weight and gain compactness
no OIS because most Fujifilm cameras now have IBIS
X-M5 comes in brown package to reduce Co² emissions (reduce colors, packaging, carton consumption and, if possible, the number of cables)
film simulation contribute the the “return to film” trend. But while there is a notable resurgence of interest in film photography, especially among younger people, its impact should be viewed with caution, as the market remains limited to specific products like disposable cameras and film
Fujifilm has no new film camera on the agenda
success of X100VI was unimaginable. The X100VI is an iconic product
X100VI production has been increased, but supply is complex and deliveries are not made overnight
X100VI is not cannibalizing sales of other Fujifilm cameras
I don’t know if the GFK data is for France or Europe only, or if it is about worldwide data. But 40% market share outside of Full Frame might not be a horrible position to be in.
Unfortunately, Fujifilm has been heavily impacted by shipping challenges. Even if I were to underestimate the numbers, it’s likely that if all the X100VI, X-T5, X-E4, and other cameras ordered had been shipped in a timely manner, Fujifilm’s market share outside of full-frame cameras could easily be 60% to 70%.
But it is what it is.
I get that Fujifilm can’t suddenly build four new factories just because they’ve become a trendy brand. There’s the risk that, once the trend fades, they’d be left with four underused factories, turning it into a poor investment.
So they have to increase the production with what they currently have available in terms of manufacturing power.
But then I don’t understand decisions like keeping the old XF16-55mmF2.8 still in production (according to reports at CineD) even though there is now the new XF16-55mmF2.8 II on the market.
Wouldn’t it be better to focus the limited production capacity on making more lenses of the new version? Or stop making the old XF16-55 and free up manufacturing power to make the one lens that has become almost impossible to find all over the world, the Fujinon XF27mmF2.8 R WR.
With a few more strategic decisions, I believe Fujifilm could improve the ongoing supply shortage situation.
