Let’s Talk Kaizen: about What Changed, What Didn’t, and The Choice Fujifilm Had to Make

Recently a Fujifilm manager said that they are committed to bring X-H2S autofocus features as much as possible to older models (X-T3/X-T4).

So what, is Kaizen coming back?

Well, Kaizen never left. It was just on semi-pause for a while, and for an excellent reason I might say.

Let me explain.

Fujifilm vs The Rest

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Fujifilm Manager Calculates Weight Saving Between XF150-600mm f/6.3 vs f/8 at Long End

When we first shared the rumor of Fujifilm developing an XF150-600mm lens, many hoped it would not be slower than f/6.3 at the long end.

But then, in April 2022, we anticipated here that it would be f/8 at the long end.

In a talk with the Japanese youtube channel カメラのキタムラ, the manager addressed exactly this topic.

Once again we rely on the bad automatic YouTube translation tool, and given that I am now on my last days of holiday, which I am spending isolated with my family because we got Covid for the first time, I am not really in a super mood to fight with the automatic translation all too much.

And yet, there are a few things I’d like to highlight for you.

The manager calculated the weight difference between being f/6.3 and f/8 at the long end, and the result was that by going with f/8 Fujifilm saved 400g of weight.

So the question for Fujifilm was, is it worth to add 400g in order to have a 2/3 stops faster lens? Evidently not, at least in Fujifilm’s eyes.

Other things the manager said:

  • inner part of the lens is made of magnesium, outside part of plastic, also in this case the goal was to save weight
  • white color to handle better temperature changes
  • inner zoom
  • 3 front elements are heavy. When hold downwards, the lens would extend. The internal zoom solves this problem
  • four super ED elements to reduce chromatic aberration
  • can be used with teleconverters
  • linear motor

Get yours

Fujifilm X-T5: Putting Puzzle Pieces Together (based on Fujifilm Manager Statements and Rumors)

I get so many questions about the Fujifilm X-T5!

When will it come? Which features will it have? How much will it cost? What design choices will have Fuji made? Will there be a Fujifilm X-T5 40MP and an X-T5s 26MP stacked? And more!

Well, the time will come when we will talk about the Fujifilm X-T5. I promise you that ;).

But for now, even without (or little) rumors, we can already approximately answer a few of those questions based on statements Fujifilm managers have made.

Disclaimer

No Fujifilm manager has ever mentioned or hinted an X-T5. But there were statements made at X-H2S launch that can help us to understand which direction Fujifilm wants to take with the Fujifilm X-T5. And that’s what we’ve tried to do here: analyze those statements and see what they could mean for the Fujifilm X-T5.

When will the Fujifilm X-T5 come?

During the X summit, the Fujifilm manager said that the 5th generation Fujifilm cameras will begin with the X-H2S followed by the X-H2 to be unveiled in September. These will be the first two cameras with the new platform.

This basically means that the Fujifilm X-T5 with 5th generation goodness will come only after the Fujifilm X-H2 in September.

So while we can’t give a precise date as of yet, we know that it won’t come very soon. The focus now is on the X-H2S and in September on the X-H2.

Only at some point after the X-H2 there will be a Fujifilm X-T5.

When does Fujifilm usually announce new cameras?

Can past Fujifilm announcement give us an indication on when the Fujifilm X-T5 will be announced?

Well, we don’t know. But we know that Fujifilm has preferences when it comes to when to announce new cameras.

So I looked back until 2018 and I’ve checked how many cameras have been announced in which months. Down below are the months ranked from most popular to least popular

  • January: 5 cameras
  • February: 4 cameras
  • September: 4 cameras
  • May: 3 cameras
  • July: 1 camera
  • October: 1 camera
  • March: 0 cameras
  • April: 0 cameras
  • June: 0 cameras
  • August: 0 cameras
  • November: 0 cameras
  • December: 0 cameras

September is booked for the X-H2, so unless Fujifilm is crazy and wants to totally steal the show to the X-H2, they are not going to announce X-T5 a few days after the X-H2. And if you ask me, the same effect would be if Fujifilm was to announce the Fujifilm X-T5 in October. In that case, the X-H2 would probably be about to ship right when the X-T5 would drop and hence potentially hurting X-H2 sales.

November and December have always been ignored by Fujifilm. Probably because too close to the holiday season, where the focus is to sell current stock, maybe facilitated by some Black Friday deals and Christmas deals, which regularly occur during that season. But just because something never happened in the Fuji world, it does not mean there can’t be a first time.

So the next hot date would be January and February 2023. This would allow Fujifilm to bring the camera to the market before the Japanese fiscal year ends (31 March 2023). But also May is a good month for announcements in the Fuji world.

And just for fun, down below is a survey where you can let us know when you believe the X-T5 will be announced.

The Fujifilm X-T5 will be announced in..

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How much will Fujifilm X-T5 cost?

Fujifilm told us they are going back to the roots: the Fujifilm X-H line is their flagship and X-T line is the mid-range. What this means is that the Fujifilm X-T5 will cost less than the Fujifilm X-H line. And we also know that the Fujifilm X-H2 40MP will cost less than the Fujifilm X-H2S.

As a reference, here is the launch price of all X-T cameras

  • Fujifilm X-T1 = $1,299
  • Fujifilm X-T2 = $1,599
  • Fujifilm X-T3 = $1,499
  • Fujifilm X-T4 = $1,699

Removed by the burden of being a flagship, the Fujifilm X-T5 could potentially be more affordable than the X-T4 and settle down somewhere between the X-T1 price ($1,299) and X-T4 price ($1,699). The golden middle would be $1,499 (not a rumors, just 100% speculation on my side).

Of course these speculations are for a non-stacked 40MP Fujifilm X-T5.

Will the Fujifilm X-T5 have the same features of X-H line, just packed in Retro-Body?

The clue here comes from Fuji Guy Billy, who has said here that the Fujifilm X-T line is Fuji’s mid-range line.

As such, I don’t expect it to have all the features and power of the Fujifilm X-H2s and Fujifilm X-H2.

Now, I don’t think they will cut on essential features. I mean, it will be a 5th generation camera in its core, with latest sensor and processors. But there might be some cuts elsewhere.

Not a rumor (I have no idea), but for example Fujifilm could go for a dual UHS-II X-T5 only (no CFexpress). This would mean also the video specs would not be as powerful as on the X-H line (no 8K or 4K120p). In this case, also the buffer for bursts shooting would be shorter.

But again, I am really just guessing here. The only thing that we can say for sure based on Billy’s statement is that it won’t be exactly as powerful as the latest X-H cameras. If Fujifilm calls it a mid-range camera, then it simply can’t have all the features of a flagship camera for a lesser price.

Out of curiosity: which features would you be willing to sacrifice on the Fujifilm X-T5 over the X-H2S and the 8K capable X-H2?

Will there be a Fujifilm X-T5 40MP and an X-T5s 26MP stacked?

During the Fujifilm X summit there was a rather critpic statement made by a Japanese Fujifilm manager that most of you guys interpreted as meaning that only the X-H line will get both 5th generation sensor option.

You guys have already voted on what would be your favorite sensor for the X-T5 (but also for the Fujifilm X-Pro4, X-E5, X-S20 & Co). Feel free to check out the results here.

What I can say is that, beyond the vague Fujifilm manager statements, we have received rumors about the Fujifilm X-T5 sensor and shared it here. If accurate, this means it will be a 40MP non-stacked sensor.

What design choices will Fuji make?

There is no Fujifilm statement about this yet, except for the one Fuji Guy Billy made here that the X-T* line will have a “classic” layout. So no PSAM for that line. No surprise here.

As for the rest, the most urgent question of mine is if Fujifilm will insist with the selfie screen, which would 100% guarantee them lots of applause (and great press) all over YouTube. Or if they will have the guts to go against the easy good press and go with the 3 way tilt screen.

I will make it my priority to give you the answer to this question as soon as possible.

It’s Your Time

So, I’ve meticulously collected the Fuji manager statements and tried to make some sense out of them in regards to the Fujifilm X-T5.

But now it’s your time to share your Fujifilm X-T5 thoughts in the comments. Anything goes: wishes, dreams, fears, deal breakers, whatever you want. The comment section is here for you.

Fujifilm X-T5 to Feature 40MP Non-Stacked Sensor (No 26MP Stacked Version Planed)

It was one of the questions I got most since the X summit in May.

And today it will find an answer.

An answer that comes from a new source, but as you know, if I share it on FujiRumors anyway, it means that I have reasons to trust this source. In my eyes, it is just as reliable as if I’d have been told this from a trusted source.

The rumor is this one:

The Fujifilm X-T5 will come with a 40MP non-stacked sensor, the same one that will be used by the Fujifilm X-H2 HR. Fujiiflm has no plans to release a stacked version of the Fujifilm X-T5, hence no Fujifilm X-T5s.

In a recent survey where we asked you which sensor you’d like in which camera model, you can see that half of you want a 40MP Fujifilm X-T5 and the other half a stacked 26MP Fujifilm X-T5S.

Well, if you are really out for a stacked sensor SLR shaped higher end camera, you might just get the Fujifilm X-H2s at this point as waiting for the stacked sensor Fujifilm X-T5s will be time wasted.

Fujifilm Recommended CFexpress Type B Cards: Why These Four Cards are BEST and Which Ones You Should NOT Use

With the release of the Fujifilm X-H2S and hence Fujifilm’s first digital camera to take CFexpress cards, Fujifilm has updated its list of officially recommended cards to store your files.

Now, all the cards listed below are recommended.

But attention, not all CFexpress Cards are made equal.

  • Some CFexpress Type B Cards can’t record 6K/4K
  • Some can record 6K/4K but not in ProRes
  • Some can record all video formats, but when used for bursts don’t last as long as others
  • Only 4 Card Models can do it all and can do it best

Also, CFexpress Cards not listed here are not properly tested by Fujifilm. This means they could perform very well, too. But they could also have a negative impact on the performance of the camera (or even don’t work with certain features).

This is important to know, as I have already seen reviewers using the Pergear CFExpress Type B card in their X-H2S first looks. Whatever those reviewers say in terms of performance, please take it with a grain of salt, as they use cards that are not on Fuji’s list.

If you treat yourself with a Fujifilm X-H2s, please stick to the recommended CFexpress Type B cards (and also UHS-II cards) listed below.

CFexpress Cards – Official Fujifilm Recommended

Out of all the cards mentioned above, the four cards without any compromise in performance are:

In order for you to get the complete overview, I have added the full detailed chart at the bottom of this article (also for UHS-II cards).

UHS-II Cards – Official Fujifilm Recommended

Latest and Greatest Gear

Full Chart

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Decrypting Fujifilm Manager Statement: “No other Camera Platform more Suitable to Have both 5th Gen Sensors than X-H Series”

I’ve re-watched the Fujifilm X Summit, and right at the end I noticed a sentence that I think we have to investigate further what it could mean.

When talking about the two new 5th generation X-Trans sensors, the 26MP stacked sensor and the 40MP non-stacked sensor, that will both be featured into the X-H line, the manager says:

and there is no other camera platform more suitable to have them both than the ‘X-H” Series

I did try to wrap my head around this sentence to try to get what he really meant. I see the following options:

  1. It means that only the X-H line will offer both 5th generation sensor options as other platforms are not so suitable “to have them both“. As a consequence to this, all other camera lines will get either one or the other sensor (but not both)
  2. It means that since the X-H line is the most suitable of all, it will be the first line to get both 5th generation sensors, and other camera lines that might eventually also feature both options will come only after the Fujifilm X-H2S and Fujifilm X-H2

What do you think is the most appropriate interpretation of this sentence? Feel free to vote the survey down below.

The Fujifilm Manager is saying that...

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Fujifilm Explains Camera Line Distinction (CLASSIC Beats PSAM) and Likely Told us Which Lines Will Survive (and Which Ones Not)

Fujifilm Camera Lines Explained

The Fujifilm X-T line was never supposed to be a flagship camera.

Let me explain why.

When Fujifilm launched the Fujifilm X-H1, they called it their flagship camera, giving it top of the line features that no other camera had at that time (like IBIS) and in part still no other camera, except for X-Pro3, has (like the ultra-tough body). The Fujifilm X-T2 was positioned under the X-H1.

However, since it took Fujifilm so long to release the Fujifilm X-H1 successor, the Fujifilm X-T line had to take over the “flagship-role” for a couple of years.

But now, with the the release of the Fujifilm X-H2S and the pre-announced Fujifilm X-H2, everything is going back to normal so to say.

X-H is the flagship, and X-T is the mid-range.

And that’s not me saying it, but Fuji Guy Billy, who went through the “what is what” in the Fujifilm camera lineup with Bigheaedtaco, who then shared Billy’s list with us in the video below (starts 9:59).

For your convenience, here is the list.

  • X-H series:
    Refinement: Flagship Utility
    Interface: Hybrid
  • X-Pro series:
    Refinement: Luxury
    Interface: classic rangefinder
  • X-T* series:
    Refinement: mid-level
    Interface: classic SLR
  • X-S series:
    Refinement: Base Level
    Interface: DSLR design with PSAM interface
  • X-T** series:
    Refinement: Base Level
    Interface: classic SLR design with classic interface
  • X-E series
    Refinement: Base Level
    Interface: Rangefinder design with classic interface

Who REMAINS and who is OUT

  • I agree with Bigheadtaco when he speculates that all those camera lines mentioned in the list will see a successor at some point. Otherwise I believe Fuji Guy Billy would not have mentioned them
  • if correct, this means that also the X-E line will continue, hence there is hope for a Fujifilm X-E5
  • the true entry level line seems to be dead as it is not mentioned on the list. We already speculated about this back in 2020 when the X-T*** had been discontinued after only 9 months
  • this means little hope for Fujifilm X-A8, Fujifilm X-T300, X-A30
  • the “new” entry level (or base line) is considered the X-T** and X-S line

PSAM PANIC

  • there will be 3 lines with a more classic interface, and 2 lines with PSAM dials
  • Non-PSAM dial camera lines will remain the majority in the Fuji lineup (4 non PSAM lines vs 2 PSAM lines)
  • Fujifilm has not lost its soul! Classic control lovers like me will have plenty of cameras to pick from also in the future

By getting rid of a few lines and separating more clearly the remaining ones, Fujifilm has addressed one of the major concerns that was confusing Fujifilm X shooters: too many camera lines positioned too close to each other without sufficient differentiation.

In short we could say that every line will have a higher end and a lower end version

  • HIGH: X-H line – LOW: X-S line
  • HIGH: X-T* line – LOW: X-T** line
  • HIGH: X-Pro line – LOW: X-E* line

P.S.: It was just so much more fun when Fujifilm used other terms to identify their camera lines, like when they said the X-T** line for hipsters :).

Fuji Guys X Summit After Event Starts Now – X-H2S, High Res X-H2, XF8mmF3.5, XF30mmF2.8 Macro, XF150-600 & Much More

X Summit Americas

We had a fantastic start in this day thanks to:

But the party continues with The Fuji Guys, who are now startin the “X Summit Americas After Event“. We will cover it live here on FujIRumors.

Summary

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Fujifilm X Summit Starts NOW – WATCH LIVE on FujiRumors (with HUGE Surprises)

Fujifilm X Summit – LIVE COVERAGE
(refresh for updates)

Fujifilm X Summit – The Full Coverage Live!

CEO Talks

  • the Fujifilm CEO talks and says he is proud of Fujifilm’s camera business
  • Fujifilm understood the potential of digital cameras very early
  • X-Pro1 in 2012 was the first X series MILC camera

5th generation stacked sensor and X-Processor 5

  • stacked sensor 4x times than previous generation model
  • visible improvement in high speed bursts and hisgh speed movie
  • smoother viewfinder
  • faster AF
  • speed and mobility is most appropiate for APS-C format
  • APS-C is good balance between IQ and size
  • ultra fast processing processor
  • 30x times faster processing than 1st generation processor
  • allows for great video codecs and also HEIF
  • X-Processor 5: speed, power and intelligence

Fujifilm X-H2S

  • Fujifilm cooperated with many photographer to develop the Fujifilm X-H2S
  • 40fps with AF and AE
  • X-Trans Vreads out 120fps, allowing for constant AF and AE adjustments in burst shooting
  • new AF algorithm
  • AI Processing deep AI technology with subject detection (object and animal tracking)
  • outstanding AF performance
  • viewfinder provides ideal field of view
  • best EVF in history of X series: 0.8x magnification, 120fps refresh rate, 5,76 dots, all optical elements with aspherical lenses. Clear images even if pupil position is not in the center (not in the specs sheet, but visible in real life use)
  • 7 stops IBIS: minute noise has been carefully eliminated
  • no need of gimbal
  • 6K30p and 4/120p. Huge load on processor. But X-Processor 5 makes it possible
  • CFexpress Type B
  • 14+ stops of dynamic range in F-Log 2
  • External cooling accessory
  • sharing files via Ethernet in Grip
  • remote Rec Function, to use the router as a hub, so you can control X_HH2S via tablet (WiFi or Ethernet). You can control all camera settings and share settings with other cameras
  • X-H2S has a mode dial, sub-LCD on top panel and vary-angle LCD. Great for hybrid use
  • shutter release button with built-in leaf spring
  • “H” stands for Heavy Duty
  • they tested it in different scenarios. -10 degrees is differnt in a lab over a snowy mountain.

Lenses

  • XF150-600 longest lens in Fujifilm X system for sports and wildlife
  • accepts teleconverters
  • temperature changes can have impact on optical system
  • Matt silver prevents the lens hous to be affected by temperature chanes
  • lens barrel and internal structure are made by magnesium, aluminion and plastic
  • 1605 grams only
  • internal zoom structure
  • 0.15 seconds focus speed thanks to linear motor. Fastest focusing speed
  • X-H2S has small pixel pitch
  • XF150-600 must be designed to resolve resultion
  • 4 super ED and 3 ED lenses. Total of 24 elements
  • made in Japan
  • XF18-120mmF4
  • compact design
  • can handle any scene and subject with unique video features. Developed to cover video and stills
  • focus must not change during focus, and XF18-120 succeeds in this
  • Smoothness of zoom, focus and aperture
  • fast focus and smooth zoom and aperture

Lens Roadmap

  • XF56mm F1.2 MKII
  • XF30mm F2.8 Macro
  • XF8mm F3.5

Availability

  • X-H2S in July
  • XF150-600 in July
  • XF18-120 in September

Fujifilm X-H2 high resolution

  • 40MP HR (R for resolution) and 26MP HS (S for speed)
  • not stacked but fast
  • 40 MP is X-Trans
  • ultra high image quality
  • Fujifilm X-H2 40MP for ultra high quality images
  • more details about the X-H2 in X summit in September
  • X-H2S and X-H2 will be the first cameras using new sensor

Pre-Orders

Fujifilm Releases New Roadmap with XF 56mm F1.2II, XF 8mm F3.5 and XF 30mm F2.8 R Macro

Fujifilm unveils the latest development roadmap for interchangeable lenses for the X Series of mirrorless digital cameras

– Adding three new lenses to create an extensive 42-lens lineup to cover even broader shooting scenes

TOKYO, May 31, 2022 – FUJIFILM Corporation (President and CEO, Representative Director: Teiichi Goto) has unveiled the latest development roadmap for interchangeable XF lenses for the X Series of compact and lightweight mirrorless digital cameras, which offer outstanding image quality based on the company’s proprietary color reproduction technology. The latest roadmap shows the addition of three new lenses, i.e. a large-diameter mid-telephoto prime lens, a standard macro lens and an ultra wide-angle prime lens.

Fujifilm has actively expanded the XF lens lineup in pursuit of the X Mount system’s*1 premium image quality and advanced portability. Newly joining the new-generation “large diameter prime” series is a mid-telephoto prime lens. It expands the series’ range of focal lengths from 18mm in wide angle (equivalent to 27mm in the 35mm film format) to 56mm in mid telephoto (equivalent to 85mm in the 35mm film format). Users can enjoy the series’ impressive descriptive performance, based on its outstanding image quality and image resolution, in a wide variety of photographic situations.

Also, a standard macro lens and an ultra wide-angle prime lens are newly added to the “compact prime” series of small and lightweight lenses, further expanding the series’ shooting scenes. Taking advantage of the X Mount system’s mobility, Fujifilm will cater to diverse shooting needs.

  • *1 The system based on the X Mount, a lens mount for the X Series of mirrorless digital cameras equipped with an APS-C sensor.

Interchangeable lenses newly added to the roadmap

① Large-diameter mid-telephoto prime lens “XF56mmF1.2”

This is a mid-telephoto lens to join the new generation of “large-diameter prime” series, pursuing even a higher level of image quality. Its focal length of 56mm (equivalent to 85mm in the 35mm film format) and the maximum aperture of F1.2 make it a perfect portrait lens.

② Standard macro lens “XF30mmF2.8 R Macro”

This is a compact macro lens with a standard angle of view. The compact and lightweight design makes it an ideal walk-around lens that can cover a wide range of photographic situations from snapshots to landscape, portraiture and tabletop photography of foods and accessories.

③ Ultra wide-angle prime lens “XF8mmF3.5”

This is a compact ultra wide-angle prime lens that offers the widest-angle focal length of 8mm (equivalent to 12mm in the 35mm film format) among prime XF lenses. Despite being an ultra wide-angle lens, the compact and lightweight design makes it easy to carry.

With the extensive 42-lens lineup including the new three lenses added to the development roadmap, Fujifilm will meet its users’ diverse photographic needs.

The lenses newly added to the roadmap are shown in green frame.

  • * The final exterior design may be different from the images shown in the roadmap.
  • * This roadmap is as of May 2022. Product specifications are subject to change.
  • * The figures shown in brackets are equivalent focal lengths in the 35mm film format.