DPReview TV: What Happened to Fujifilm’s Kaizen

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Fujifilm built a reputation for bringing continuous improvements to its products, a process frequently referred to as ‘Kaizen’.

In 2019, however, we saw major firmware updates from almost every camera company except Fujifilm.

So now Chris and Jordan ask, “What happened to Kaizen?”

Especially now, that the Fujifilm X-Pro3 is out with many major improvements (and the same sensor/processor of X-T3), many hoped for a big firmware update that will bring the X-Pro3 goodness also to other cameras.

But Chris remembers, that delaying the firmware love for the Fujifilm X-T3 and X-T30, is also a way to protect Fujifilm X-Pro3 sales for a little bit longer.

And guys, honestly, Fujifilm is a company that at the end of the day has limited resources and has to make profits.

So I understand if they delay their firmware, and I am fine to wait a little bit longer to get my firmware love. It’s a compromise: Fuji makes more money, and I still get what I want, just a bit later.

And as a long time Fujifilm lover (and blogger), I remember this discussion popping up so many times already.

In fact, back in 2015 I wrote this article, where we discuss the future of Kaizen already, as already back then, people were worried that Fujifilm abonded their Kaizen philosophy. Of course all discussions ended, once Fujifilm released again several huge updates.

The point is, there can’t be updates all the time and non stop. Sometimes, it just takes a bit longer.

Sure, it was not a great 2019 Fujifilm Kaizen year, but I am confident that in 2020, we will be able to “download a new camera” again ;).

I mean, Fujifilm also publicly asked us Fujifilm users, which firmware we would like next, and 14,000+ of you voted on their new favorite firmware features.

This alone shows that they do care, and that improving their cameras via firmware is always a goal Fuji has in mind, but they can that only do when:

  • they have enough resources to develop it
  • the firmware is mature and ready
  • the “market-moment” is right, meaning for example a new firmware won’t affect sales of a brand new camera all too badly.

So, be patient, and Kaizen love will be back :).

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Fujinon GF 45-100mm f/4 Announcement in Late January

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Fujinon GF 45-100mm f/4

Hey folks, having a nice start in your weekend, I hope.

Here on FujiRumors, the weekend is not a reason to stop the rumors, hence here you get another one :).

According to our trusted sources, the Fujinon GF45-100mm f/4 lens will be announced in late January.

We remind you that there will not be any new GFX camera in 2020.

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Brightin Star Lenses for Fujifilm X Mount – 7,5mmF2.8, 12mmF2, 25mmF1.8, 35mmF1.2, 35mmF1.7, 50mmF1.4

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Brightin Star

FR-reader Paul directed my attention to some lenses available on Amazon, that I can’t remember I ever reported about: the affordable Brightin Star lenses for Fujifilm X Mount.

There are Brightin Star lenses for several mounts, and you can check them all out at the storefront page here.

As far as I can see, for Fujifilm X we have:

If you ever used one of these lenses, feel free to drop your feedback down below.

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EXCLUSIVE: No New Fujifilm GFX Camera Coming in 2020. We have to Wait until 2021 – Trusted Source

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Fujifilm GFX

Hey folks!

I have a very important update for you.

I recently got dozen of emails of worried people, who were about to order a Fujifilm GFX 50S/R camera.

The reason?

Everybody thought, that the last mysterious registered camera, the FF190003, would be a GFX camera, and hence they would buy gear that would be about to be replaced.

But after FujiRumors unveiled them all (X-T4, X-T200 and X100V), they proceeded with their order.

With the name of all imminent cameras leaked, everybody came to the logical conclusion, that there are no GFX cameras that are close to releasing.

But I am here today to tell you it is actually worse than that!

Thanks to our trusted sources, I am now able to tell you, that there will NOT be ANY new Fujifilm GFX camera in 2020!

I believe that the Fujifilm GFX has a enormous potential and if developed at a proper pace, could be a fantastic alternative to all other camera systems out there.

By waiting so long with new GFX cameras, the risk is that Fujifilm could miss the boat and lose the momentum that is bringing so many full frame shooters into the GFX system.

But let’s try to see things positive:

  • if you purchase a GFX now, you can be sure you won’t be surprised by any successor in 2020
  • the long wait could mean that Fujifilm does not want to offer a minor MKII upgrade, but something more substantial
  • Fujifilm could free up resources to put into the development of Fujinon GFX lenses

Anyway, in 2020, the Fujifilm GFX camera lineup will still consist in:

So this will be the first year, where we do not get a new Fujifilm GFX camera.

If you like this exclusive rumor (and those that will come next), then feel free to follow FujiRumors on Facebook, Flipboard, Instagram, RSS-feed, Youtube and Twitter

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Opticallimits Viltrox 85mm f/1.8 Review: “A Surprisingly Mature Product”

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Viltrox 85mm f/1.8

The Viltrox 85mm f/1.8 was the best selling third party lens of 2019 here on FujiRumors, and that it was a good choice.

The cusotmer reviews are mostly very positive:

Now also renowned review sites, such as opticallimits (former photozone), have declared it a great alternative to the Fujinon optics, which remain superior in terms of IQ and AF speed, but you also pay them significantly more.

The Viltrox PFU RBMH 85mm f/1.8 STM is an attractive medium tele lens for Fujifilm cameras. It is sharp across the image field – especially at medium aperture settings – and it doesn’t show any substantial weakness across the other characteristics either. Lateral CAs are low as are image distortions. There is a bit of vignetting at f/1.8 but it’s nothing out of the ordinary (on an APS-C sensor at least). A very positive aspect is the quality of the bokeh. Image highlights are nicely rendered at f/1.8 and the blur in the focus transition zones is very creamy. Bokeh fringing (LoCA) is present at large-aperture settings but that’s hardly surprising.

The build quality feels very “tanky” due to the all-metal design. Pro photographers may miss weather-sealing but that’s a different market segment anyway. Unlike other small manufacturers, Viltrox managed to implement an autofocus motor (STM = stepping motor). The speed is decent but action photography is a bit out of scope. However, such a lens is more aligned to portrait or street photography anyway.

It is quite surprising than Viltrox was capable of designing and manufacturing such a mature product as their first shot into the market. Other newcomers struggled much more during their first years (and some still do). Of course, designing a 85mm f/1.8 isn’t science fiction but getting all the required acts together at a very attractive price point is an achievement. Thus if you can’t or don’t want to pay the premium price for a Fujifilm XF 90mm f/2 LM R WR, the Viltrox lens is a worthy candidate for your shopping list.

Now I can’t wait how the next Viltrox Fujifilm X autofocus lenses will perform, the Viltrox 23mm f/1.4, 33mm f/1.4 and 56mm f/1.4.

You can read the full review at opticallimits.

Viltrox Video Reviews

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