On June 25 Fujifilm announced a new firmware for the X-E1 (Ver 2.00) and X-PRO1 (Ver 3.00). Now the company added some more details about it:

“In addition to the version-up content was announced on the 25th of June “FUJIFILM X-Pro1/X-E1” firmware, we have also added improved focusing accuracy when shooting the subject of low contrast.”

1. Improved AF speed on most existing XF lenses.
Thanks to an updated algorithm, faster AF speed is achieved with the following XF lenses:
XF14mmF2.8 R
XF18mmF2 R
XF35mmF1.4 R
XF60mmF2.4 R Macro
XF18-55mmF2.8–4 R LM OIS

NB: To benefit fully from the improvements above you will need to upgrade your XF lens firmware as well as your camera firmware

2. Addition of a “Focus Peak Highlight” function for manual focusing.
A “Focus Peak Highlight” function, as featured on the FUJIFILM X100S and X20 cameras, has been added to the X-Pro1 and X-E1 via this firmware update. It assists accurate and sensitive manual focusing by enhancing the outline of your subject in high contrast.

3. Improvement of the method to change magnification during manual focus.
Just press the dial to activate image magnification during manual focus and then rotate the dial right or left and the camera will alternate between 3x and 10x, whichever direction you turn.

4. Improvement of focus precision in various scenes
The focus detection algorithm has been improved to provide more accurate focus precision for low contrast subjects and scenes containing horizontal stripes.

5. XF18-55mmF2.8-4 R LM OIS lens:
Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS) is improved when recording videos. The OIS has been improved to reduce image blurring when walking and recording video footage.

source fujifilm (found via digicame via ephotozine)

The X-M1 is scheduled to be released on July 29. But now AmazonUS says: “Due to high demand we anticipate being unable to fulfill all customer orders with our first allocation. Product supply from Fujifilm is very limited“.

I really hope that people who purchased the X-M1 won’t have to wait for their camera as long as those who bought the X100S (and are still waiting!).

The X-M1 is tailored to those point and shoot customers who want to “upgrade“. Fuji now delivers them a user-friendly camera where they can experience a touch of professionalism: a great image quality in one of the smallest cameras with APS-C sensor, easy to use, tilt screen, face detection, fast processing times (EXRII), focus peaking, WiFi, mode dial and still the opportunity to adjust shutter speed and exp. comp. (and aperture) through the dials (depending on how you set the mode dial).

Sure, no viewfinder (and no option to add it as accessory!!!) can be a deal breaker for enthusiasts and pros. But the X-M1 is more something for those who want to step-up from a point and shoot camera, leave the “automatic snapshot world” behind and turn photography into a real hobby (but it could also be a fine camera for those who look for a small, compact backup camera that deliveres the same image quality and colours of the X-PRO1.)

And if the X-M1 sales well Fuji will have more resources to speed up the development of their high end models. So, Fuji, after “conquering” the mass market with the X-M1 (and the upcoming X-A1), please go back to the roots and focus again on the high end models.

And to what concerns the “X-soul” debate, at the FR-facebook page Matthew said: “It’s a camera, a tool you can use or not. Pretty sure the “soul” is in the photographer.”

Now, it’s up to you to see if the X-M1 fits in (or not) with your needs.

X-M1 (body only or with 16-50mm) – USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / DigitalRev / Pictureline EUROPE: DigitalRev / WexUK / PCHstore / AmazonITA

XF 27mm – USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / DigitalRev / Pictureline EUROPE: DigitalRev / WexUK / PCHstore / AmazonITA XC 16-50: WexUK / PCHstore

Fujifilm just announced at their global website here that because of the “increasing demand for high-performance lenses” they now started the operation of a new optical lens factory in the Philippines. The goal: “the production to 18 million lenses a year by FY2015, […] The total investment for the new factory is 2.3 billion yen.”

After the X-M1 and the XC 16-50 / XF 27mm (produced in Thailand and China) Fuji now expands also in the Philippines. It seems that Fujifilm products will be less and little “made in Japan”. But I hope that now the company won’t annoy customers with long waiting times anymore (a lot people are still waiting for the X100S and XF 55-200. Bad news for aficionados to the “made in Japan”, but good news for all those who switched to the X (or plan to switch) and do not want to wait eternally for new cameras or lenses.