Today I’d like to share with you guys 2 interviews that Fujifilm managers gave to the Spanish site albedomedia and the French site focus-numerique. Both are focused on the Fujifilm X-H1, but not only.

Let’s start with the one in my favorite language, Spanish, and the interview at albedomedia:

• X-H1 size: The truth is that the ‘feedback’ we obtained from users is that they wanted a larger camera, especially a ‘grip’ of larger dimensions to improve its operation,
• IBIS in Smaller Bodies: [The Fujifilm X-H1] could not be made smaller either, due to the system of stabilization in the body -IBIS- , which needed a more contundent mechanical structure
• High Resolution multi shot: Technically it is possible, yes, although at the moment we do not have plans to incorporate it […] although it is not something strictly necessary, it does represent a very interesting option for certain situations where this extra resolution is needed, especially in this APS-C format, more limited in these aspects than higher-order sensors. size.
• Sony A7III: […] we believe that, globally speaking, the Fujifilm system is more balanced […] we believe that our optics, much more balanced, are an advantage […] However, it is true that they [Sony] have better marketing; that is something that we must improve
• X-H1 Vs. X-T2 (and Fujifilm X-T3): The X-H1 is oriented as a hybrid product for photography and video, while the X-T2 is focused mainly for photography, so [the latter] will evolve especially in this aspect
• X-T2 video enhancements via Firmware Update: Yes, some models will be updated with some of these developments, but we have yet to decide when it will be done
• X-T2 Vs. X-H1 heat dissipation and hardness: In fact, in the X-T2 we used a 6H hardness, while in the X-H1 it is 8H, thanks to its new paint particles applied. In addition, heat dissipation is improved by 25%
• Battery Life: It was about finding a compromise between size and autonomy, in addition to maintaining compatibility with existing cameras. For those users who need greater autonomy, opt for the external grip with additional battery
• Low Resolution X-H1S like A7S and GH5S?: We do not have it planned; at the moment we want to focus on a hybrid photo / video product, although perhaps in the future we could consider it, depending on the success of the video
• Next X-Trans Sensor: The [current] 24 Mpx are a good compromise for now. On the other hand, increasing the resolution would not increase the quality either, due to the limitations of the optics
• AF Improvement: The performance of the AF could be improved. The area of ​​AF covered by our cameras is smaller than that of our competitors […] our current 6 × 6 X-Trans matrix works quite well, there’s no need to change it

I agree that Sony has a better marketing strategy than Fujifilm, and I am happy to hear that it is technically possible for Fujifilm to implement the sensor shift multi shot feature on the Fujifilm X-H1 X-Trans camera. It’s a feature that honestly will be very rarely used (if ever), but one of those things that you better have than not… just in case.

They also basically confirm our rumor, that the Fujifilm X-T3 won’t have a much increased pixel number. We reported that the new X-Trans sensor will still below 30MP.

And now the interview by the French site focus-numerique:

• Advantages of X-H1 over GH5, GH5s and Sony A7S II: most important advantage is in the quality of color reproduction. We have integrated into the X-H1 the new Eterna film simulation which is particularly adapted to obtain a cinematic aesthetic
• Sensitive Shutter Button: opinions about trigger sensitivity were mixed. We decided to keep our initial choices, but we intend to offer our users the opportunity to contact Fujifilm after-sales service to rectify the sensitivity of the trigger if they wish
• Autofocus compared ot DSLR: We believe that sooner or later we will catch up with the few delays we still have in the world of SLRs
• Mirrorless Future: We also believe that from 2019, more than 50% of cameras sold worldwide will be hybrids.

I am pretty sure that Fujifilm plans to close the gap in AF speed with DSLR already with the Fujifilm X-T3, which will have a more powerful processor and a new sensor with lenss than 30MP. Keeping the megapixel still below 30 megapixel will allow the new processor to calculate the data faster.

Regarding the Fujifilm X-H1, if I understood the google translation correctly, Fujifilm offers a service, where you can change the sensitivtiy of the shutter button if you wish.

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all the best,

Fujifilm Manager Interview

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MESSAGE TO SOURCE: In case you read this “CMJ”, the rumor box should work now. With your permission, though, I’d love to chat with you via email or any other way you decide. Of course I guarantee 100% anonymity. And last but not least… THANKS a lot :).

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Fujifilm Manager Mr. Udono had a live stream with Thai youtube channel กล้องกล้วยกล้วย. It’s a one hour talk, with questions made in Thai and English answers of the manager. But don’t worry, I listened it all for you, and I’ll make summary for you guys…. you’re welcome ;)

The focus is on the Fujifilm X-H1, of course. You will find a more detailed list of statements at the bottom of this article.

For the start I will focus on some of his answers, that are more related to questions he got about the future of Fujifilm.

Full Frame Interchangeable Lens System
As usual Fujifilm categorically excludes an interchageable lens system with full frame sensor. He says “No plans for FF. We have high quality APS-C sensor and Medium Format“

Full Frame X100F Successor
I know that a wide spread specualtion is that the Fujifilm X100F successor might get a full frame sensor, and it could make sense, since Fujifilm would not have to build up a complete new line of lenses, but also here, Mr. Udono seems to indicate that this won’t happen. He says:

“The most important is design and size. With full frame, the camera and lens will become bigger. Compactness is important factor of X100 line. We don’t want to miss such important point“

So, if you ever hoped for a full frame X100… these words don’t really make much hope for that.

On the other hand, the Full Frame Sony RX1RII is actually very compact, and comparing it at camerasize. But compared to the Fujifilm X100F, the RX1 has no hybrid viewfinder, which for sure needs its space too in the camera body.

Medium Format Fixed Lens Camera
The manager does not seem convinced by this idea. A fixed lens camera seems to make sense to him, if it is compact. A fixed lens MF camera would be much bigger than X100F.

Future APS-C Sensor Megapixel
Will Fujifilm offer APS-C sensors with more megapixel than the the current 24MP? The manager answers:

“We have to think at balance between image quality and speed. More pixel take longer time to process. 24MP is already enough. If we have opportunity to increase we will, but we have to think at speed and image quality. For high megapixel images we have Fujifilm GFX 50S.”

This fits with what we have already rumored about the Fujifilm X-T3 here, which we know will have still less than 30MP, so there won’t be a huge jump in terms of megapixel on the next generation X-Trans sensor.

IBIS Future
Just like Fuji Guy Billy in the TCSTV live stream here, also Mr. Udono confirms that the IBIS mechanism is currently quite big, hence it does not fit into smaller bodies. His words:

“in order to keep IQ, at the moment Fujifilm needs bigger IBIS unit“

Product Planing – How Long does it Take to make a Camera / Lens?
Mr Udono starts saying that they care of customer feedback when they design new products:

“We listen to customers and photographers. X-H1 we listened to photographers voice and added functions on top of X-T2. Especially for top end cameras we have lots of discussions with photographers. Direct comunication with customers, also via dedicated Fujifilm showrooms”

Then he shares more details about how long exactly it takes to develop and then launch a camera and lens to the market:

“Once we have a fix idea, it takes 1 year to make the camera. But before it takes another year of discussions. So 2 years in total. In case of lens development we need more time.”

And more:

• 4:2:2 and 10bit: Limitation of processor. We tried to have more specifications, but at the moment it’s difficult
• MK lenses: Cover 70/80% of film needs. For web-users who shoot video. Not for cinema or TV
• ETERNA: If lots of request, Eterna might come to other X series cameras
• Size: small and lightweight is still top key factor for mirrorless, also in future
• Fujifilm X-T2 next firmware update: We will think of upgrading it
• XF200mF2: coming later this year
• Touch Screen: more functions and improvements possible
• Articulating screen: The mechanical parts requested to make articulating screen would make the camera bigger

You can find the full Thai interview at กล้องกล้วยกล้วย Youtube

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