_ _ _

Check out the google cached Fuji USA page! The long rumored firmware update (rumored back on August 3) for the Fuji X-T1 is going to be announced today (and will be released on Dec.17)

Also correct: the rumor we shared here, about the Video Button becoming a function button. This is interesting, because it’s the same source, who told us: “there is an internal fujifilm lens roadmap that includes a 8mm, a 200mm and the 33mm.”

At this point, thanks a lot to the source for sharing the rumors… and well, allow me say this to some folks (once again)… “I told you” ;)

It’s a nice Kaizen update… or as Fujfilm says: “for longer camera lifespan” :-)

stay tuned,
Fuji X Forum, Facebook, RSS-feed and Twitter

FUJIFILM ANNOUNCES NEW FIRMWARE UPDATE FOR THE X-T1

New firmware V.4.20 delivers updated Auto Focus system features, along with several other key upgrades for longer camera lifespan

Valhalla, N.Y., December 11, 2015 – FUJIFILM North America Corporation announced a new Firmware Update V.4.20 for the FUJIFILM X-T1 and X-T1 Graphite Silver Edition X-Series digital cameras that includes updated auto focus system features. Users will also experience instant auto focus that can now be locked when using manual focus for still images and video, Optional Flashgun in Bracketing/Continuous shooting, Focus Zoom, additional Custom Display options, and the movie-record button now doubles as an FN button – all for enhanced visibility and image composition, and longer camera lifespan.  The new firmware will be available for free on December 17.

Firmware update coming December 2015 (X-T1 Graphite Silver and X-T1 Black)

The free, comprehensive firmware update coming on December 17 is specially designed for the FUJIFILM X-T1 and FUJIFILM X-T1 Graphite Silver Edition, and will give users thrilling new features and controls to dramatically enhance their X-T1 shooting experience, including:

1. Instant AF Setting in manual focus – Focus and exposure can now be locked when the AF-L button is used in manual focus mode. You can shoot after locking AF and AE with your thumb.

2.  AF+MF operation with AF-L button – The AF-L button can be used to lock focus in AF+MF mode and you can adjust the focus more accurately using the lens’s focusing ring.

3.  Focus zoom in AF+MF – The FOCUS ASSIST button can be used for focus zoom and fine tuning focus using the lens’s focusing ring with focus zoom activated.

4.  Flashgun in Bracketing/Continuous Shooting – Optional flashguns can now be used for bracketing and burst photography. When using the EF-X8, which is bundled with the X-T1, the flash fires in ISO, FILM SIMULATION and WHITE BALANCE BKT modes.

5. Additional Custom Display Options – Functions have been added to the DISPLAY CUSTOM SETTING option in the setup menu.  Users can choose what they want, then concentrate on shooting.  Additional options include:  Focus frame/Shooting mode / Information background /Focus mode/Shutter Type/Continuous mode/Dual IS mode/Movie mode /Blur warning

6. Fn7 Button – The movie-record button now doubles as an Fn button (Fn7). Press and hold DISP/BACK to select what it controls.

The FUJIFILM X-T1 firmware will be available on December 17.

THE RUMOR

According to a trusted source, the Fujifilm X-Pro2 will not feature IBIS. For some this will be a bummer, for others not.

So let’s talk about it.

OIS Vs. IBIS

Canon & Nikon say that OIS is more effective than IBIS and delivers better images for several reasons.

1) Each lens is optimally tuned to achieve reliable correction.
2) OIS allows faster and more accurate AF & exposure metering, because the image comes already stabilized to the camera sensor (and advantage you’ll notice especially in low light).
3) OIS is more effective with long telephoto lenses

But also IBIS has some strong PROs

1. if you often use slower non-stabilized lenses, IBIS is indeed a very useful feature. I’m thinking especially at old glass users, like the X-shooters from the “Old lenses for dummies” thread. They would suddenly have all their lenses stabilized.
2. You pay for IBIS just one time, while you have to pay the OIS for each lens you get

Some say that IBIS also adds size and weight to the camera body… but well, OIS adds this size and weight to the lens.

These are just some Pros and Cons. A more in-depth comparison can be read at photographylife.

Oh…. and always keep in mind: both, OIS and IBIS, will only compensate the shakiness of your hands and NOT for the movements of your subject. For the latter, in bad light, you simply need fast lenses, and luckily Fuji has many nice ones to offer.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Over these years Fuji has built up a terrific OIS system (see this Canon Vs. Fuji OIS Video), arguably the best one you can get on the market. And if I had to choose between OIS and IBIS, I’d go for OIS. But, as always, there are several aspects to consider, and everybody will have a different answer according to the different needs. There is, as so often, no right or wrong answer.

That said… it seems that the market likes/needs cameras with the label “IBIS” (just like the label “weather sealing” is a strong selling point) and we all want Fuji to sell more cameras, right? So would it be time for Fuji to put that feature into their future X-cameras? What do you think?

stay tuned,
Fuji X Forum, Facebook, RSS-feed and Twitter

Fujifilm X-Pro2 Rumored Specs

TRUSTED
– APS-C sensor (TS + AS + AS)
– 1/8000 of a second mechanical shutter speed (TS + AS)
– Joystick for quick AF-point slection (TS)
– Exposure Compensation Dial with “C” function for exp.comp from +5 to -5) – (TS)
– Combined ISO/Shutter dial, with little window on shutter dial to show ISO value (TS + SRP)
– coming late 2015 (TS + AS)
– delayed to 2016 (TS)
– Coming after CES (TS)
– Announcement on 15th Janaury 2016 (TS)
– weather sealed (TS)
– 4K video (TS + NeS)
– No 4K for the X-Pro2 in Jan. 15 (TS)
– Faster Processor EXR III (TS)
– No Tilt Screen (TS + AS)
– No IBIS (TS)

SOURCE RIGHT IN THE PAST
– Sync Speed faster than 1/180^th (SRP)
– coming in January 2016 (SRP)

NEW / ANONYMOUS SOURCE
– ISO200-12800 (AS)
– 1/250 flash sync speed (AS)
– more than 200 AF points (2/3 are PDAF) – (AS)
– Hybrid EVF as X100T (AS)
– 24MP sensor (AS + AS) – More than 16MP (AS)
– about the same size of current X-PRO1 (NeS)
– dual SD card slot (NeS + AS + AS)
– tilt screen (AS)
– WiFi (AS)
– Price about 20% to 30% more expensive than the X-T1 (AS)
– Two X-PRO2 version, one 24MP APS-C and one 25-27 MP APS-X, compatible with XF/XC lenses (NeS + OS)

OTHER SITES
– coming September / October (OS + OS)
– Non organic APS-C X-Trans sensor (OS)
– smaller than X-PRO1 (OS)

I’ve 2 updates regarding the Fuji X70

1) A source, who was right in the past, says that the X70 it will feature the X-TransII 16MP sensor. It will cost less than $1000 and be very compact.

2) A trusted source (who contacts me via rumor box using a nick-name) says it will feature a 28mm lens (which I suppose to be equivalent, this would mean about 18 or 19mm lens on APS-C).

As already rumored earlier, it will be EVF-less

stay tuned,
Fuji X Forum, Facebook, RSS-feed and Twitter

According to a trusted source, Fuji decided to launch an X-E2 successor. The source could not share specs for now and was also not sure if it will be called X-E2s or X-E3… but it will definitely come :)”

stay tuned,
Fuji X Forum, Facebook, RSS-feed and Twitter

4K or no 4K? That is the question!

As you might remember, Fujifilm itself (via Sales Manager Makoto Oishi) said back in March here, that current X-TransII cameras cannot deliver 4K video, because “the sensor itself should have much faster reading speed”, but that 4K is definitely something they are working on for future models with new sensor and faster reading speed.

And Fuji indeed worked and is working on it. But, unlike rumored earlier, the 4K technology is apparently not yet ready for the X-Pro2.

In fact, the Top Trusted Japanese source told me that the X-Pro2 will not feature 4K video at its launch, on January 15.

Ok, after reading this rumor I feel…. say it in the comments.

stay tuned,
Fuji X Forum, Facebook, RSS-feed and Twitter

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Fujifilm X-Pro2 Rumored Specs

TRUSTED
– APS-C sensor (TS + AS + AS)
– 1/8000 of a second mechanical shutter speed (TS + AS)
– Joystick for quick AF-point slection (TS)
– Exposure Compensation Dial with “C” function for exp.comp from +5 to -5) – (TS)
– Combined ISO/Shutter dial, with little window on shutter dial to show ISO value (TS + SRP)
– coming late 2015 (TS + AS)
– delayed to 2016 (TS)
– Coming after CES (TS)
– Announcement on 15th Janaury 2016 (TS)
– weather sealed (TS)
– 4K video (TS + NeS)
– No 4K for the X-Pro2 in Jan. 15 (TS)
– Faster Processor EXR III (TS)
– No Tilt Screen (TS + AS)

SOURCE RIGHT IN THE PAST
– Sync Speed faster than 1/180^th (SRP)
– coming in January 2016 (SRP)

NEW / ANONYMOUS SOURCE
– ISO200-12800 (AS)
– 1/250 flash sync speed (AS)
– more than 200 AF points (2/3 are PDAF) – (AS)
– Hybrid EVF as X100T (AS)
– 24MP sensor (AS + AS) – More than 16MP (AS)
– about the same size of current X-PRO1 (NeS)
– dual SD card slot (NeS + AS + AS)
– tilt screen (AS)
– WiFi (AS)
– Price about 20% to 30% more expensive than the X-T1 (AS)
– Two X-PRO2 version, one 24MP APS-C and one 25-27 MP APS-X, compatible with XF/XC lenses (NeS + OS)

OTHER SITES
– coming September / October (OS + OS)
– Non organic APS-C X-Trans sensor (OS)
– smaller than X-PRO1 (OS)