Fujifilm X-T3 and Fujifilm X-H1: Will the X-T3 Have IBIS? Advantages of Creating New X-H Line? Should Fujifilm Have Merged X-T3/H1 into One Camera?

Fujifilm X-T3 or Fujifilm X-H1

The debate and the questions started after yesterday’s Fujifilm X-T3 rumor.

I thought to put some of the questions and speculations I could read in the comments and that I got via email in this article, and maybe add some thoughts to it.

Feel free to read and discuss it in the comments.

The Journey from Fujifilm X-T2S to Fujfiilm X-H1

As you know, the upcoming Fujifilm X-H1 was originally planed to be called X-T2s.

You might think: “Who cares, just a name change“.

Maybe… or maybe not.

The fact that Fujifilm decided to change name, and hence to create a new line of Fujifilm X series cameras, could be quite relevant.

It’s safe to assume that a new line of cameras means that this line will have some peculiarities that sets them apart from all other Fujifilm cameras.

No IBIS on Fujifilm X-T3?

What could be the features that set the Fujifilm X-H1 apart from any other Fujifilm X series camera, including the Fujifilm X-T3?

I am investigating this, but you guys already started to make speculations in the comments.

The most widly spread of your speculation in the comments is that IBIS will be a feature reserved for the Fujifilm X-H1, which means the Fujifilm X-T3 will not have IBIS.

If your speculations are right, then Fujifilm did well to change the name from X-T2S to X-H1. Two different camera lines, with some more or less significant differences, such as IBIS… but there are more of them.

Fujifilm X-H1 for Video and Fujifilm X-T3 for Stills

Let’s assume the speculations of many FR-readers are correct, and the Fujifilm X-T3 will not have IBIS.

In that case, unless you work on a rig/gimbal (where IBIS can actually become a problem, as we have shown here), the Fujifilm X-H1 will be the better video camera if you shoot handheld, not only because of IBIS, but also because the ergonomics, controls and features are more build around the needs of videographers.

The bigger camera and deeper grip of the Fujifilm X-H1 will definitely help overall stability and balance while filming, especially if you use the X-H1 with long Cine Lenses like the Fujinon MK 18-55 and MK 50-135.

I also doubt any videographer would really use the exposure compensation dial to adjust brightness while filming, since it would introduce lots of camera shakes. This is why Fujifilm got rid of it on the X-H1. You will control exposure compensation via command dial and check your value on a top LCD panel.

The bigger body might also allow better heat dissipation, allowing maybe longer (or even unlimited?) 4K video recording time.

The Fujifilm X-T line would remain mainly a stills camera, with a smaller body and more analog controls (exposure compensation dial).

And if the Fujifilm X-T3 really has no IBIS as you guys speculated, then, from a mere image quality point of view, this might have some advantages, too, since IBIS can introduce more vignetting and it can create issues with heat dissipation that lead to worst high ISO performance, as Panasonic ambassador and GH5S beta tester told us here. On the other hand, I can think of many other situations where IBIS is useful also for stills.

But I have written a detailed IBIS Pros and Cons article (also compared to OIS). Feel free to check it out.

Should Fujifilm Have Merged X-T3 and X-H1 into One Camera?

Should Fujifilm have merged the X-T3 and X-H1 into one camera?

And what’s the advantage of creating a new X-H Line?

I don’t know… but I’ll throw in some thoughts…

Making the X-T3 more “video friendly” would have ment changing the classic X-T controls and design by adding, for example, a deeper grip and overall size to the camera. And given how much loved the current design is amongst Fujifilm X-T shooters, I am not sure if such changes would have been appreciated.

By creating a new line with the Fujifilm X-H1, Fujifilm has much more freedom to make more radical ergonomic changes oriented towards the needs of videographers. And as you can see in our leaked X-H1 sketches, the X-H1 has some significant differences compared to the X-T2.

But the big question remains: will IBIS really be reserved to the X-H line? I will try to answer this question as soon as possible.

In the meantime, make sure to follow us on Facebook, RSS-feed and Twitter, and to click on the little bell icon on the bottom right of your browser, to get instant notification, as soon as I can answer this question.

all the best,
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Fujifilm X-H1 Announcement on February 14 / 15, depending on Your Time Zone

Fujifilm X-H1 Announcement

Every time I inform you about the date of Fujifilm announcements, there are a few out there confused, because it turns out that the gear has been announced 1 day earlier or later than I rumored.

But hey, the world is a big space, with many different time zones, and that’s also the reason for the confusion.

So let me clarify it quickly for all of you.

I confirm what I shared here, that for a several hundreds of million of people on this planet, the announcement of the Fujifilm X-H1 will be on February 14. However, for other billions of people, it will happen on February 15.

And yes, I know some sites are copying this and all the other rumors, but getting copied is just a form of flattery for me ;).

Back it us… I don’t have the exact time for now, but as we can see from past announcements, Fujifilm traditionally announces new gear in the early afternoon Toyko time, mostly at around 2 PM (1 hour less or one hour more).

If Fujifilm keeps this time also for the Fujifilm X-H1 announcement, this means that the announcement will happen at:

  • TOKYO: February 15 at around 2 PM
  • PARIS: Februar 15 at around 6 AM
  • SAN FRANCISO: February 14 around 9PM
  • NEW YORK: February 14/15 around midnight

I’m sorry, dear FR-readers located on the American continent, or those of you living on one of the fantastic island of the Pacific Ocean, but for you the announcement will fall on St. Valentin’s day.

Feel free to give the community some tips on how to follow the FujiRumors X-H1 Live Blogging here on FujiRumors.com during a romantic dinner with your better half ;) .

And of course, feel free not only to join our fantastic Fujifilm X-H facebook group, but also to follow FujiRumors at Facebook, RSS-feed, and Twitter, to stay up to date with the latest news and rumors ;)

cheers,

FujiRumors Celebrates 6 Years of Blogging and Gives Away $200… Joining the Contest is Super Easy. All details here.

Full Rumored X-H1 Specs

And Now Panasonic Explains What’s Not so Good with IBIS… but I am Looking Forward to the Fujifilm X-H1 with IBIS Anyway :)

Panasonic and IBIS

Panasonic has always been on the forefront, when it comes to the IBIS technology. Along with Olympus, they offer the best IBIS on the market, superior to the one of Sony.

But all that glitters is not gold.

IBIS has its downsides too, and at the recent launch of the Panasonic GH5S, they explained us why they decided to leave out IBIS from their new low light video monster.

Let’s start with an interview given by a Panasonic manager to Cinema 5D here:

“The Panasonic GH5s is a high-sensitivity camera, and such a camera is used more with a tripod rather than handheld. This is one of the reasons for there being no dual IS.

However, when shooting without a tripod, since our lenses are internally stabilised, we think it will be enough. When used handheld under low light conditions, a gimbal will be used by many customers. So we think there is no problem if no body IS is provided.”

Also, cameralabs explains here that the sensor of the GH5S is actually a bit bigger than conventional M43 sensors [because of multi aspect ration] so that the IBIS mechanism does not really fit into the GH5S.

Another important downside is mentioned by official Panasonic ambassador Tyler, who said at the TCSTV GH5S live stream here:

“Where in the cinema world do you see in body image stabilization? It’s just not a thing.

The reason is heat dissipation. […]

Panasonic did a poll with the shooters they have designed the GH5S for, and they said “look, we are going to put this on a rig, we are going to put this on a stabilizer, we don’t need IBIS. It’s going to affect our image.”

Having internal IBIS is going to increase the noise because of the heat. It’s just one more way to reduce noise in this camera.”

Less heat means less noise, and I’m sure many of us have already experienced this, when we shoot astrophotography out on a cold night, that ISO performance improves, due to the cold temperatures.

Just Turn IBIS Off?

If you don’t like the IBIS side effects, just turn it off, right?

It’s still not an optimal solution.

DPreivew writes in their GH5S first impressions here:

“From a photographic perspective it may seem odd to remove image stabilization from the camera but for high-end video shooting, it makes sense.

Sensor-shift IS systems operate by ‘floating’ the sensor using a series of electromagnets. Even when they’re ‘off’ they’re not locked in place, they’re simply set so that the electromagnets aren’t attempting to correct for movement. This has the side-effect that, which mounted on a professional stabilization rig, there’s a risk of the sensor being shaken around.

For high-end video work, Panasonic says its users would prefer to use dedicated gimbals and dollies, rather than internal stabilization, and that means physically locking the sensor in place to avoid unwanted interactions between these systems and a floating sensor.”

And indeed, if you watch the Swedish video I linked above at minute 3:15 (youtube link here), you will see here how the Panasonic GH5, even with IBIS switched off, keeps up moving mounted on a car, while the GH5S is perfectly stable.

What is Better, OIS Vs. IBIS

Canon & Nikon say that OIS is better than IBIS, because:

  1. With OIS, 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 (an advantage you’ll notice especially in low light).
  3. OIS is more effective with long telephoto lenses

And now we can also add two more Cons to IBIS

4. depending on the lens used, IBIS can introduce more or less vignetting
5. heat generated by IBIS introduces more grain to the images

But also IBIS has some strong PROs

  1. if you often use slower non-stabilized lenses, IBIS is 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
  3. Allows you to use features like sensor shift to create high-resolution images (only if your subject is perfectly static)
  4. Can be used in combination with OIS (if your camera manufacturer has the proper firmware to make them run together, which should not be the case of the X-H1… at least for the start)

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

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

But if You want the Ultimate Image Quality…

At the end, OIS or IBIS, if you really want the ultimate and very best image quality possible, then any form of in camera or lens stabilisation has to be avoided whenever possible.

Personally, I have OIS switched off most of the time on my lenses, and only when I see it’s too dark and I don’t work on a tripod, and my lens is not fast enough, then I turn it on. But for as much as possible, I try to avoid it.

But don’t get me wrong… when I switch on OIS, I consider it a very useful feature, especially Fujifilm’s top notch OIS system.

Oh, and Remember…

And always keep in mind: both, OIS and IBIS, will only compensate the shakiness of your camera and NOT for the movements of your subject (leaves in the wind, persons, animals, cars etc).

To compensate for the “shakiness of the outside world“, in bad light, you simply need fast lenses, and luckily Fuji has many F1.4 and F1.2 lenses to offer

Do I want IBIS?

I confirm what I said back in 2015 here: Yes! Fujifilm should offer a camera with IBIS. And I’m glad Fujifilm will offer IBIS in the upcoming Fujifilm X-H1.

And I don’t care if CaNikon say OIS is superior, and I don’t even care if Panasonic says today that IBIS has some more downsides than the ones highlighted by CaNikon.

What I know is that it is still a useful feature in certain circumstances.

And last but not least, the market demands IBIS.

And if Fujifilm wants to survive in a market that is shrinking and where you fight for every single customer, then Fujifilm has to give photographers at least the option to get an IBIS camera… and luckily this option comes very soon with the Fujifilm X-H1.

That’s all… and feel free to join our Fujifilm X-H facebook group :)

take care,
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About Speculations of Fujifilm X-H1 having Two X Processor Pro Chips… and the Possibly Real Reason for Better AF and EVF black-out on X-H1

The Speculations

As we reported here, the Fujifilm X-H1 will be powered by the very same X Processor Pro that it already inside the X-T2, X-Pro2, GFX 50S and more.

However, there was some speculation that the Fujifilm X-H1 might/will have 2 X Processor Pro’s… speculation that got even stronger, after we reported about:

But where does this speculation of the two X-Processor Pro chips come from?

It all started with an interview a Fujifilm manager gave here in February 2017, where, at the launch of the GFX, he said:

“The GFX has the same processor as the X-T2 and X-Pro2, actually it has got two of those processors”

I know, some people believe he actually ment “dual processor” (the current X-T2/Pro X Processor Pro is a dual processor), but at least in the way the manager said it, it really sounds like he ment 2 separated X Processor Pro.

UPDATE: However, in the description of the video, after the first reports here on FR they added:

“In the video it’s said that the camera had a dual processor which is incorrect. The early plans for GFX was to have a dual processor but it’s been confirmed that it actually has a single processor.”

So one (dual) processor only. At least this is the official statement. Probably the manager just mixed up dual with two at the end.

So far I couldn’t find any official proof of the fact that the Fujifilm GFX 50S has two processors. Fujifilm does NOT mention this in any of their official specs sheets. And that’s strange to me… I mean, if Fujifilm really put two processors into the GFX, then why not share it proudly in public? Why should Fujifilm hide such a feature? Of course I can’t exclude the fact that the GFX has 2 processors (as the Fujifilm manager said)… I just wonder why Fujifilm does not share it publicy in the official spec papers.

The (Possibly) Real Reason

Now back to the Fujifilm X-H1…

I can’t exclude the fact that the Fujifilm X-H1 will have 2 processors, as I can’t exclude anything at this stage. Let’s wait for the full specs at the official announcement on February 14… maybe Fujifilm will tell us more by then.

But my humble and very personal opinion so far is that the rumored AF and EVF black-out improvement comes from the better heat dissipation the bigger Fujifilm X-H1 body allows.

Better heat dissipation means Fujifilm can make the X Processor Pro run to its very limits, without worrying about overheating.

But that’s all just specualtion for now. We will know more on February 14. And until then, make sure to follow FujiRumors on Facebook, RSS-feed and Twitter.

Join our Fujifilm X-H Facebook group.

stay tuned…

Fujifilm/Fujinon’s MK Zoom Lens Series Honored in Several Best-Of Lists… Meant for Fujifilm X-H1 :)

The Fujinon MK zoom lenses (MK18-55mm F2.9 + MK50-130mm T2.9) will soon be available also for Fujifilm X mount.

As we reported already back in July 2017, they were designed without OIS (optical image stabilization), because Fujifilm considers them the perfect companion to the upcoming Fujifilm X-H1, which will feature IBIS (in body image stabilization).

Regarding the Fujifilm X-H1, we have leaked a vast number of specs already, and the latest overview can be found here.

Back to the MK lenses… we have reported over the last months about the several recognitions the MK lenses got, and Fujifilm USA now made a nice summary about all of them, which you can read in the press release below:

PRESS RELEASE

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

Fujifilm X-H1 Faster Autofocus Than Fujifilm X-T2

Hey guys…

First off: I have been told this by a new source a few weeks ago, and I say huge thanks to this source.

However, it’s my habit to try to double/triple check rumors from new/anonmyous sources, in order to keep the rumor hit rate over 90% (where it currently is).

So far I still can’t confirm this specific rumor, but after the recent rumor, that the X-H1 will have a basically black-out free EVF (despite sharing the same sensor and processor of the X-T2), I was debating if sharing or not… and now I decided to share, for the reason I’ll mention below.

  • Fujifilm is very likely doing some major coding work on the software, in order to take the most out of the camera’s potential.
  • The bigger body could also allow far better heat dissipation, and as a consequence Fujifilm can really squeeze the last drop of power out of the X Processor Pro, without having to worry about overheating issues.

Almost black out free EVF… even better Autofocus than the X-T2… the Fujifilm X-H1 is not only be Fuji’s best video camera (IBIS, internal F-log and 4K), but probably also an ideal camera for sports photography… especially in combination with the XF200mF2 (mock up here), which will also be released in 2018.

I can’t wait to finally see the real thing on February 14 :)

Make sure to follow us via Facebook, RSS-feed, and Twitter and allow push notification by clicking on the bell on the bottom right of your browser.

*** Fujifilm X-H Facebook Group ***

2018 will be awesome :)

Full Rumored X-H1 Specs

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

Your X wishlist for 2018? :: Canon VS Fujifilm :: Do we Need Fujifilm X-H1? :: X-Pro2 4K Feedback :: 2017 Top Rankings (Mixed Zone)

Cover Stories

New Firmware Updates

Top 2017 Rankings

  • The BEST Camera Gear Of 2017 by Philipp Bloom on youtube – Fuji gear included :)
  • 2017 Buying Guide: Best cameras for people and events. A7RIII wins and X-T2 Runner up at dpreview
  • These are the best cameras you can buy right now (X100F included) at dpreview
  • 2017 Buying Guide: Best cameras under $1500 (X-E3 included) at dpreview

Fujifilm X-T2 & More

Dual Vision -A Tale of 2 Cameras (X-T2 and X-Pro2) and 2 Photographers at Fujifilm Global youtube

MARK THIS DATE: Fujifilm X-H1 Announcement February 14

Fujifilm X-H1 Mock-ups based on accurate sketches of our Japanese Source
Fujifilm X-H1 Mock-ups based on accurate sketches of our Japanese Source

Fujifilm X-H1 Announcement

Fujifilm X-H Facebook Group

Wow…

Christmas is just over (I hope you had a good one), and I’m 100% back on track and motivated to make your (and my) time here on FujiRumors as fun as possible.

And it couldn’t be different, since right after the Christmas break, the first rumors are now landing into my Inbox.

Hence, after the EVF blackout less rumor here, I have another rumor for you…. and you better mark this date:

Fujifilm X-H1 will be announced on February 14, 2018.

I don’t expect last-minute changes by Fujifilm, but if there should be some, I will make sure to let you guys know.

Now go, fellow X-shooters, and spread the word… and don’t forget to quote/link to www.fujirumors.com. And just in case you find this rumor reposted without link to FR, feel free to kindly ask to quote FR.

On a personal note…

it seems that Fujifilm has an excellent timing when it comes to new gear announcements, since they will launch the Fujifilm X-H1 exactly during my winter holidays… another planed travel I have to cancel. D’OH!

But hey, I have shared Fujifilm X-H1 rumors since back in July 2017, and after 6+ months of constant rumors, with lots of breaking rumors and detailed specs leaked on FR (see below), I won’t miss the final appointment with the Fujifilm X-H1.

That’s why I am very excited, highly motivated and 100% focused on the big final launch party with the big live blogging on February 14 here on FujiRumors.

Stick around FujiRumors… we will have a lot of fun… promised ;) .

Follow us on Facebook, RSS-feed, and Twitter and allow push notification by clicking on the bell on the bottom right of your browser.

SUPER X DEALS – Exp. Tomorrow

BHphoto has just launched their 2 days mega-deal zone here, where they offer again the best deals of the year. Lots of savings, here is a small selection. Big savings on X-T1 are back. Just like at the last B&H Deal Zone, until December 28, you can…

Full Report and more deals here.

Full Rumored X-H1 Specs

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

BREAKING: Fujifilm X-H1 Shorter Black Out Than X-T2. Kaizen Update Possible for X-T2 & Co?

Fujifilm X-H1 EVF

A trusted source just made us a slightly delayed but highly appreciated X-mas present.

Ready? Then enjoy this one :)

In continous shooting, the EVF black out time on the upcoming Fujifilm X-H1 will be shorter than on the X-T2.

Excited? Then make sure to join our Fujifilm X-H facebook group…

… where its almost 4,000 members already opened the new year champagne bottles after this rumor :)

Some Data

Currently on the X-T2, at 5 frames per second, the black out time is 65% without grip and 57% with vertical booster grip.

Fujifilm might have suceeded in reducing the “image creation – black out (57%)” part even further, hence reducing black out.

Another topic is the electronic shutter, which currently on the X-T2 does not give you live view, but just previews of the images you just took. The issue in shooting CH is rolling shutter.

I will investigate this further, but it seems our sources are refering to the black out when using mechanical shutter. Hence no rolling shutter problem. But I will update you guys as soon as possible.

Stacked Sensor?

To my information, “No“, the Fujifilm X-H1 won’t have a stacked CMOS sensor like the Sony A9, but the same 24MP X-TransIII sensor of the Fujifilm X-T2 & Co. Hence, you won’t lose any dynamic range, which is a drawback of stacked sensors.

Kaizen Update Possible?

The Fujifilm X-H1 will not only have the same sensor, but also the same X processor Pro of the Fujifilm X-T2 & Co.

And I know what you think… and I’m with you guys! I really would like the improved black out time also for X-T2, X-Pro2, X-T20 and X-E3 via Kaizen Firmware update… as well as the new Eterna film simulation.

Sharing the same sensor/processor of X-T2, these Kaizen updates should be possible.

We are Going to Have Fun!

There will be more rumors, so stay tuned on FujiRumors via Facebook, RSS-feed, and Twitter and allow push notification by clicking on the bell on the bottom right of your browser.

We are going to have fun :)

Full Rumored X-H1 Specs

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

Why I Bought Fujifilm X-E3 (and not X-T20, X100F, X-H1)… and Why All this Hate for XF27mm? – FIRST IMPRESSIONS

I’m packing. I’m leaving. A long car ride all to way to Prague is waiting for me.

But before I leave, here is a blog post about why I bought the X-E3, XF27mm and XF10-24, as well as some initial feedback… sadly also something negative amongst it.

But first… make sure to follow our Fujifilm X-E facebook group.

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