Fujifilm Manager Interview: Full Frame X100F Successor? More Megapixel on Fujifilm X-T3? Medium Format Fixed Lens? X-H1 and more!

Fujifilm Manager Interview

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MESSAGE TO SOURCE: In case you read this “CMJ”, the rumor box should work now. With your permission, though, I’d love to chat with you via email or any other way you decide. Of course I guarantee 100% anonymity. And last but not least… THANKS a lot :).

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Fujifilm Manager Mr. Udono had a live stream with Thai youtube channel กล้องกล้วยกล้วย. It’s a one hour talk, with questions made in Thai and English answers of the manager. But don’t worry, I listened it all for you, and I’ll make summary for you guys…. you’re welcome ;)

The focus is on the Fujifilm X-H1, of course. You will find a more detailed list of statements at the bottom of this article.

For the start I will focus on some of his answers, that are more related to questions he got about the future of Fujifilm.

Full Frame Interchangeable Lens System
As usual Fujifilm categorically excludes an interchageable lens system with full frame sensor. He says “No plans for FF. We have high quality APS-C sensor and Medium Format“

Full Frame X100F Successor
I know that a wide spread specualtion is that the Fujifilm X100F successor might get a full frame sensor, and it could make sense, since Fujifilm would not have to build up a complete new line of lenses, but also here, Mr. Udono seems to indicate that this won’t happen. He says:

“The most important is design and size. With full frame, the camera and lens will become bigger. Compactness is important factor of X100 line. We don’t want to miss such important point“

So, if you ever hoped for a full frame X100… these words don’t really make much hope for that.

On the other hand, the Full Frame Sony RX1RII is actually very compact, and comparing it at camerasize. But compared to the Fujifilm X100F, the RX1 has no hybrid viewfinder, which for sure needs its space too in the camera body.

Medium Format Fixed Lens Camera
The manager does not seem convinced by this idea. A fixed lens camera seems to make sense to him, if it is compact. A fixed lens MF camera would be much bigger than X100F.

Future APS-C Sensor Megapixel
Will Fujifilm offer APS-C sensors with more megapixel than the the current 24MP? The manager answers:

“We have to think at balance between image quality and speed. More pixel take longer time to process. 24MP is already enough. If we have opportunity to increase we will, but we have to think at speed and image quality. For high megapixel images we have Fujifilm GFX 50S.”

This fits with what we have already rumored about the Fujifilm X-T3 here, which we know will have still less than 30MP, so there won’t be a huge jump in terms of megapixel on the next generation X-Trans sensor.

IBIS Future
Just like Fuji Guy Billy in the TCSTV live stream here, also Mr. Udono confirms that the IBIS mechanism is currently quite big, hence it does not fit into smaller bodies. His words:

“in order to keep IQ, at the moment Fujifilm needs bigger IBIS unit“

Product Planing – How Long does it Take to make a Camera / Lens?
Mr Udono starts saying that they care of customer feedback when they design new products:

“We listen to customers and photographers. X-H1 we listened to photographers voice and added functions on top of X-T2. Especially for top end cameras we have lots of discussions with photographers. Direct comunication with customers, also via dedicated Fujifilm showrooms”

Then he shares more details about how long exactly it takes to develop and then launch a camera and lens to the market:

“Once we have a fix idea, it takes 1 year to make the camera. But before it takes another year of discussions. So 2 years in total. In case of lens development we need more time.”

And more:

  • 4:2:2 and 10bit: Limitation of processor. We tried to have more specifications, but at the moment it’s difficult
  • MK lenses: Cover 70/80% of film needs. For web-users who shoot video. Not for cinema or TV
  • ETERNA: If lots of request, Eterna might come to other X series cameras
  • Size: small and lightweight is still top key factor for mirrorless, also in future
  • Fujifilm X-T2 next firmware update: We will think of upgrading it
  • XF200mF2: coming later this year
  • Touch Screen: more functions and improvements possible
  • Articulating screen: The mechanical parts requested to make articulating screen would make the camera bigger

You can find the full Thai interview at กล้องกล้วยกล้วย Youtube

Fujifilm X-H1 – $150 Bundle Savings: BHphoto, AmazonUS, Adorama, Focuscamera
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Fujifilm X-T3 Will NOT Have In Body Image Stabilization (IBIS)

Fujifilm X-T3 no IBIS

According to the first feedback from our sources, the Fujifilm X-T3 will not have IBIS.

So, for now, IBIS seems to be a feature reserved for the Fujifilm X-H1, which will be announced on February 15 – full rumored X-H1 specs here.

The Fujifilm X-T3 will be announced around photokina 2018 (probably a bit earlier) and have a new X-Trans sensor with less than 30 Megapixel and a new processor – this and more details in this article.

IBIS, Good or Bad… or Both? We have written comprehensively about it here.

Stay tuned on FujiRumors via Facebook, RSS-feed and Twitter to follow the Fujifilm X-T3 rumor novel.

all the best,

Do You Want IBIS on Fujifilm X-T3? And Would the Lack of IBIS be a Dealbreaker for You? – POLLS

Fujifilm X-T3

There is a poll that has been requested by quite some FR-readers, such as Balbo42 on Twitter here: do you want IBIS on the Fujifilm X-T3?

Now, it’s quite difficult to launch a poll, because some might want IBIS only if it does not add size to the camera, others might want it only if it does not increase the price of the camera too much and many other criteria that I can not list here.

At the end I decided to keep the survey simple: IBIS on X-T3, yes, no or I don’t know!

You can then elaborate in the comments why you made a certain choice.

It might be of interest to read our latest “IBIS” article here, which goes more in depth regarding the Pros and Cons of IBIS.

POLL

The Fujifilm X-T3 will be announced around photokina 2018 (probably a bit earlier) and have a new X-Trans sensor with less than 30 Megapixel and a new processor – this and more details in this article.

Do You Want IBIS on the Fujifilm X-T3?

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For those who Voted YES to IBIS on X-T3: Would the Lack of IBIS be a Dealbreaker?

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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-T3: New X-Trans Sensor Less than 30 MP, Announcement Around Photokina 2018, Shipping October/November & more

Fujifilm X-T3

Ok guys…the following Fujifilm X-T3 rumor is a mix of information I got from trusted as well as new sources.

  • Fujifilm X-T3 announcement around photokina 2018, which takes place at the end of September – TRUSTED SOURCE (probably shortly before photokina)
  • New X Processor Pro – TRUSTED SOURCE
  • New X Trans Sensor with more than 24MP but less than 30 MP – TRUSTED SOURCE
  • Shipping in October/November, but more likely November – NEW SOURCE

Particularly interesting I find the information about the new X-Trans sensor having less than 30 Megapixel. I know some were expecting 32 or even 36 megapixel, but this will not happen, at least not with Fujfilm’s next X Trans sensor generation.

At the moment I have no idea how many megapixel it will have, but in any case it seems it won’t be really a huge jump from 24 MP.

I will try to find out more and let you know as soon as possible.

[UPDATED] Fujifilm Autofocus Feedback: Mostly Positive and The Curious Case of the X-T3 (or the Root of All Autofocus Issues?)

Time for another autofocus test roundup (see part 1 here).

I will include several videos, including the one of Edvard, who shares interesting findings about the X-T3 which potentially shows where the AF issues with Fujifilm started.

Summing Up All Videos – tl;dr version

  • everybody agrees that now autofocus is workable again, even Edvard
  • some got better results than others, I guess based on use case, testing scenario and settings
  • Adan in “video 7” for example is very impressed and applauds Fujifilm for the improvement and says he is confident to use it now for his professional video work
  • others aknowledge the improvement, say it is something you can rely on for work, but highlight it is not yet at the level of top tier AF of other brands
  • Edvard is the most critical and I will share his findings below (with some interesting findings)
  • UPDATE: Edvard published a second video, which I share below with his main findings
  • there is still room for improvement (and looking at Edvard’s video some of the improvements could be achieved by using parts of the algorithm used on X-T3 firmware 3.00/3.30)
  • and finally… Thierry in Video 1 has simply one of the most beautiful settings and light to record a video (I know it’s unreleated, but I appreciate it when photographers try to give us also a great scenery ;))

My take:

Having a usable and workable autofocus is nice. This takes away stress for those, who rely on autofocus for work.

And that it is workable has been now confirmed by the very same people, who made very harsh videos against Fujfilm in the last few months. So there is no bias there.

My fear:

Most reviewers seem to be overall pleased and happy. But the error the Fujifilm engineers could do now, is to consider the autofocus chapter closed. There is still work to do, and maybe some feedback they get today from these videos can help them to improve further.

Read for it?

Below I will share a couple of videos. I could ignore the postiive feedback, but I think it has just as much reason to exist as negative feedback.

What FujiRumors can do is just to share it all to give you the most comprehensive overview possible.

My personal experience?

Well, none. Because I am still waiting for my X-T5 to get the update, but my X-T5 has so far shot 0 seconds of video in its entire life so I would not be able to compare it to how it was before.

What the April firmware broke, though, was the stills side of it. It did fail on me when shooting still standing people. But the June firmware fixed that, so now I have no issue in taking family pictures.

But don’t ask me for video… my X-T5 does not even know it has this option.

Video 1

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

Fujifilm X-T50 vs X-T30II – Which One do You Prefer?

The fist image of the Fujifilm X-T50 just leaked and we reported here.

Now the question is: which one looks better? Vote the survey below.

I prefer the look of the...

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Fujifilm Firmware Updates for X-T4, X-T3, X-S10, X-T30II and GFX50SII

Fujifilm has released firmware updates for Fujifilm X-T4, X-T3, X-S10, X-T30II and GFX50SII.

And because I know some of you might ask where the promised Kaizen firmware is (or when it will come):

  • SPRING 2024: major autofocus boost and more (such as red frame indicator) coming to several Fujifilm cameras
  • SUMMER 2024: Reala Ace and Frame.io coming to several Fujifilm cameras

All details and download links below.

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

Fujifilm X-T4 Discontinued (in Addition to X-Pro3, X-E4, X-T30II, GFX50R, GFX100)

Fellow FR-readers saw it coming already.

The Fujifilm X-T4 had been removed from the Japanese Fujifilm store back in September 2022 and also stores overseas started to mark it as discontinued.

Well, now it’s also time for BHphoto & Co to remove the Fujifilm X-T4 from their store, hence it’s now marked as discontinued also there.

The Fujifilm X-T4 joins lots of other Fujifilm cameras that are already marked as discontinued, such as the Fujifilm X-E4 (we reported back in March here), the X-T30II (we reported here), the Fujifilm X-Pro3 (we reported here), as well as the Fujifilm GFX50R and the Fujifilm GFX100.

But, trust me guys, don’t expect a Fujifilm X-Pro4, Fujifilm X-T40, Fujifilm X-E5, Fujifilm GFX50R replacement and Fujifilm GFX100 replacement to drop all on May 24, just because they are now discontinued.

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