Sony’s Fast & Furious Hardware Updates Vs. Fuji’s Kaizen Philosophy :: What’s the Better Strategy to Win the Mirrorless Battle? – POLL

fuji-sony

INITIAL NOTE: In all these years of blogging, I’ve learned that every time you compare brands/cameras, the shitstorm is just around the corner. So I’ll say it clearly now: I like the innovation Sony is bringing in the mirrorless market. This article is not to bash on Sony, but just to ask you if you would like Fuji to adopt the same strategy of Sony. If you find something I wrote not accurate, please let me know… you know I’m open for critics and willing to correct statements that are wrong.

Rico’s Fuji X-workshop in Thailand
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The Fast and The Furious Sony Strategy!

Holy Moly!

Sony just announced the Sony A6500 (BHphoto, Adorama, AmazonUS), and it comes just a few months after the launch of the Sony A6300. The sensor in both cameras is the same, but Sony build in IBIS, touch screen and improved the AF-performance on the A6500 (reports say the X-T2 AF is superior to the A6300. The A6500 might catch up again). It remains to see, if Sony managed to control overheating better.

Sony shooters might already got used to such a fast camera release rate. Take for example at the Sony A7 series:

Sony A7 + Sony A7r (October 2013)
Sony A7s (April 2014)
Sony A7II (November 2014)
Sony A7rII (August 2015)
Sony A7SII (September 2015)
Sony A9 (planed for 2016, but the April earthquake that hit their sensor factory created a major sensor shortage. Sony even had problems to ship the A7rII)

It’s just crazy how many hardware changes Sony has launched to the original A7/A7r in just 3 years! Basically 2 new Full Frame Mirrorless cameras a year (except 2016 – due to the earthquake): more Megapixel, less Megapixel, Ibis, no Ibis, Phase Detection Pixels, no Phase Detections Pixel… you name it!

This strategy must be quite successful for Sony, because they now adapted it also for the A6000 series. Just 8 months after the release of the Sony A6300, Sony launched the A6500, with hardware and firmware improvements. The question remains open, if the firmware improvements will make it also into the Sony A6300, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Sony would decide to leave the A6300 firmware untouched and “force” customers to buy the A6500 for even faster AF.

Fuji’s Kaizen Strategy… “ for longer camera lifespan“

Back in December 2013, the godfather of the X-series, Manager Mr. Kawahara (now retired), said in an interview that Fujifilm will focus on Firmware updates, because “we want you to use our camera longer and longer in your life.” And the press release to the X-T1 Firmware 4.20 reinforced this strategy, since Fuji wrote here: “New X-T1 firmware V.4.20 delivers updated Auto Focus system features, along with several other key upgrades for longer camera lifespan.” I also remember Toshihisa Iida and Fuji Guy Billy confirming the Kaizen Strategy in two video interviews, but I can’t remember where (I’ll update the article if I find the videos).

However, I found another statement by Top Fuji Manager Toshihisa Iida regarding Fuji’s Firmware policy here:

“Of course there’s an argument whenever we introduce a new firmware upgrade that it’s damaging the existing product. So there are pros and cons, but we decided that we really needed to take care of the existing customer first before thinking of the new customer. […] So I think that’s right, to show our customer loyalty for their purchase. […] Because now the camera is costing somewhere around several hundred to a thousand dollars. So it’s ridiculous for us to ask customers to upgrade every two years or so.”

So let’s take a look at Fujifilm’s flagship cameras lifespan, the X-Pro and the X-T line

Fuji X-T1 → Fuji X-T2 = 2½ years
Fuji X-Pro1 → Fuji X-Pro2 = 4 years

However, the X-T1 has actually changed a lot in these years, thanks to many (free!!!) Firmware updates. I’ll mention the 3 major ones, that gave us electronic shutter, new AF-system, new film Simulations, Customizable Q menu… and much more!

18 December 2014 – FW 3.00
29 June 2015 – FW 4.00 + 11 Tips to make the most out of it
17 December 2015 – FW 4.20

Also the X-Pro1 and X-E1/2 got several major Firmware updates. And the X-Pro2 just received a huge update yesterday.

But is this really the right strategy? The development of Firmware updates is expensive and Fujifilm doesn’t make a dime out of it. Actually they hurt sales of newer X-series cameras by upgrading older ones. Sure, it might be good for us customers (longer camera lifespan), but it’s definitely not good for Fujifilms’ finances!

That said, as a customer, I’m obviously a Kaizen-fan and hope Fujifilm will keep this philosophy. But I also hope this won’t affect their business too negatively, because I want them to survive the mirrorless battle… and that brings me to today’s Poll

The Poll

The mirrorless battle has just begun, and it’s clear to me that some companies will perish, regardless how amazing their products are (Samsung died despite having a terrific camera, the Samsung NX1).

Only those companies with the best strategy will survive the mirrorless battle.

That’s why I’d like to know from you, what do you think would be better for Fujifilm: keep focussing on Firmware updates or do it like Sony?

The best strategy for Fuji is to...

View Results

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Top Sony Manager Confirms The Fast Focussing Fuji X-T2 is a Threat for Sony A7 series Customers. “We Don’t Have This Weapon Right Now”

DOWNLOAD NOW ** Fujifilm X-Pro2 Firmware 2.00 ** Fujinon Lens Updates ** Fujifilm X-Pro1 Firmware 3.70!

fujifilm-firmware

Fujifilm just released several firmware updates

  • X-Pro2: The long-awaited X-Pro2 Firmware 2.00 is out. It brings overall 20 improvements (including a new AF-algorithm for faster and more accurate AF). And actually there are more than 20 improvements, but Fujifilm didn’t mention them… however, you’ll probably know more about the “secret improvements” on FujiRumors ;)
  • Lenses: Many Fujinon lenses got a Firmware udpate too (14mm / 16mm / 18mm / 23mmF1.4 / 27mm / 35mmF1.4 / 60mm / 10-24mm / 16-55mm / 18-55mm / 18-135mm / XC16-50mmII). As rumored, less chromatic aberration for the XF16-55mmF2.8. Check out the full lens update list here.
  • X-Pro1: And quite amazing… after all these years, even the Fujifilm X-Pro1 gets a nice little new Firmware.

See the all available firmware updates and download them at the Fuji support page here.

… and just a curiosity… any other European awake now at 3:00 AM, or it’s just me? ;)

happy download,
Fuji X Forum, Facebook, RSS-feed and Twitter

Push READ MORE to read the 20 X-Pro2 Improvements

** CLICK HERE to Read the Rest of the Article **

New Lensbaby Trio 28 X-mount triple-lens announced

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Lensbaby announced the new Trio 28 triple lens. You can preorder it now at BHphoto and Adorama. In Europe at WexUK.

Press text:

Don’t waste time pulling a lens out of your bag or swapping optics with the Lensbaby Trio 28mm f/3.5 Lens. This pancake-style lens incorporates a rotating front that holds Twist, Velvet, and Sweet optics for selecting different effects at a moment’s notice. The Twist uses a true Petzval design for a sharp center area surrounded by a swirl of twisty bokeh. Velvet has a dreamy central area with a soft focus look along with a soft glow. Sweet creates a sharp spot of focus in the center with a gradual fall-off to blur. And, all of these can be carried without stuffing your bag with a variety of miscellaneous equipment.

Available here for Fujifilm X-mount cameras, the Trio will provide a 42mm equivalent field of view that provides a normal perspective for working in a wide range of shooting conditions. Also, it has a fixed f/3.5 optic that ensures predictable looks in a variety of situations. All of the optics are multi-coated for minimal flare and ghosting and it has a manual focusing ring for focusing anywhere form 8″ to infinity. Additionally, users can attach filters using the front 46mm thread for even more creative control.

  • Works with APS-C cameras where the normal 42mm perspective that can be used to capture a variety of subjects, including street, portraits, landscapes, and more.
  • Fixed f/3.5 aperture helps create a predictable effect in a wide range of situations.
  • Rotating front dial with options for Twist, Velvet, and Sweet effects.
  • Twist effect uses a true Petzval design for a central area of sharp focus surrounded by a swirl of twisting bokeh. This optic utilizes four glass elements in three groups.
  • Velvet effect creates a soft focus effect with a dreamy center area with a delicate glow out to the edges.
  • Sweet effect offers a central spot of sharp focus surrounding by a gradual increase in blur.
  • Manual focusing ring that allows users to focus anywhere from 8″ to infinity.
  • Multi-coating minimizes ghosting and flare.
  • Front filter thread of 46mm

Image samples at LensBaby. Video review by Cnet. Review by PCmag.

POLL ** Fujifilm GFX: Which Adapters Should Fujifilm Make First? – Vintage/Third Party MF Lenses for GFX system

medium-format-lenses-fujifilm-gfx-adapter

You know that Fujifilm reads us. And you also know that Fujifilm plans to offer adapters for the Medium Format Fujifilm GFX. Well, let’s help them to make a decision ;)

Thyl created an interesting Poll over at the Fujifilm GFX facebook group that might be very interesting for Fujifilm:

“Which lens socket adapters for the Fuji GFX would be helpful for you? Check those that made sense to you.“

Do you have some more adapters on your wishlist?

Search on your eBay for:

  • [shoplink 50054 ebay]Mamiya 645 lenses[/shoplink]
  • [shoplink 50055 ebay]Pentax 645 lenses[/shoplink]
  • [shoplink 50056 ebay]Contax 645 lenses[/shoplink]
  • [shoplink 50057 ebay]Nikon F lenses[/shoplink]
  • [shoplink 50058 ebay]Mamiya 7 lenses[/shoplink]
  • [shoplink 50059 ebay]Hasselblad H lenses[/shoplink]
  • [shoplink 50060 ebay]Bronica 6 x 4.5 lenses[/shoplink]
  • [shoplink 50061 ebay]Pentacon P6 lenses[/shoplink]
  • [shoplink 50062 ebay]Canon EOS lenses[/shoplink]
  • [shoplink 50069 ebay]Bronica SQA lenses[/shoplink]
  • [shoplink 50063 ebay]Rolleiflex 6006 lenses[/shoplink]
  • [shoplink 50064 ebay]Mamiya RZ lenses[/shoplink]
  • [shoplink 50065 ebay]Pentax 67 lenses[/shoplink]
  • [shoplink 50066 ebay]Canon FD lenses[/shoplink]
  • [shoplink 50067 ebay]Hasselblad F lenses[/shoplink]
  • [shoplink 50068 ebay]Hasselblad V lenses[/shoplink]
  • [shoplink 50070 ebay]Leica S lenses[/shoplink]
  • [shoplink 50071 ebay]Leica R lenses[/shoplink]

It’s not the first time that the question about adapting vintage lenses for the Fujifilm GFX arises at the facebook group. Peter already asked here:

“What are your suggestions for vintage lenses for the GFX? Asuming that the diameter of the G mount is about the size of the Mamiya 645 mount, and given the GFX short flange distance, what would be the greatest vintage medium format lenses to use?”