Fujifilm Q1 FY2024 Financial Results: Strong Professional Digital Camera Sales Boost Revenue (+33,8%)

The Rise of Fujifilm…

Fujifilm has announced the financial results for the first quarter of the fiscal year 2024 (April 1st, 2024 to June 30, 2024).

In short we can say the professional imaging division is growing strong with revenue up +33.8% compared to last year.

Always in terms of revenue, the professional imaging division (+33,8%) grew even stronger than the Instax division (+17.8%). Now the revenue difference between Instax and professional photography gear is of 18.5 billions of Yen (74.6 for Instax and 56.1 for X, GFX and Fujinon lenses) compared to the gap of 21.2 in 2023.

No wonder that the Fujifilm CEO called their photography business their new goldmine.

With all these great numbers, Fujifilm increased their imaging division financial forecast for 2024:

  • + 6.3% revenue (from 480 to 510 billions of Yen).
  • +12% operating income (from 100 to 112 billions of Yen).

Despite…

So all good and keep going like this, Fujifilm?

Well, not really. We will always find something to moan about. ;)

And particularly, it’s a pity to see that these wonderful data coming in despite Fujifilm having had much more trouble to ship their gear than any other brand.

I can only imagine how the numbers would have skyrocketed, if only Fujifilm would have been capable of matching the terrific demand there is for their cameras and lenses.

Dear Fujifilm:

you have to understand that meeting your sales targets is not enough. What you have to meet is the true demand for Fujifilm gear.

That’s why I can’t find huge joy in the numbers you’ve shared today: I keep thinking at the figures you could have achieved, if only you’d have been able to produce more gear with proper hard work and solid investments instead of trying out some creative solutions that brought no results.

The Report

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Godox AD600Pro II All-in-One Outdoor Flash Announced

Godox has just announced the new Godox AD600Pro II All-in-One Outdoor Flash.

A curiosity: anyone out there who has used both, Godox and Profoto speedlights? Because my impression is that the Godox gear is a no brainer, but maybe there are strong arguments in favor of Profoto gear.

One that comes to my mind is that it seems Fujifilm cooperates more closely with Profoto, because certain bugs happen only with Godox gear and not with Profoto gear.

Key Features

  • One-Tap Sync with Optional X3 Trigger
  • Compatible with Most TTL Systems
  • 600Ws, 1/512 to 1/1 Power Output
  • Up to 360 Full-Power Flashes
  • Flash Duration: 1/220 to 1/11,760 sec
  • 1/8000 sec High-Speed Sync
  • 0.01-0.9 sec Recycling Time
  • 40W Bi-Color LED Modeling Lamp
  • Upgraded TFT Screen for Onboard Control
  • Includes Battery & Charger

Godox AD600Pro II
BHphoto – Amazon – Adorama

Fujifilm GFX Zone: Reviews, Experience… and Dreams in a World Fuller than Full Frame!

Today I wanted to share a roundup dedicated to the Fujifilm GFX system.

The roundup will cover the latest and greatest, from the cameras like the flagship Fujifilm GFX100II and the brand new Fujifilm GFX100S II, to G mount lenses such as the (back-ordered) Fujinon GF20-35mmF4 and the new Fujinon GF30mmF5.6 Tilt Shift.

And we will include also “dreams” or “wishes” about a Fujifilm GFX180 and GFX250.

As you know I am a Fujifilm GFX shooter myself, and last year I made one of my best hikes in the Dolomites with it. You can read my experience below.

  • fujirumors.com – A Tale of a Hiking Fuller than Full Frame, a Sony Shooter Lusting after Fujifilm Colors

GFX Zone

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Fujifilm X-T4 Extended Spectrum Infrared Camera

Wait, a Fujifilm X-T4 infrared camera?

If that sounds new to you, here is recap:

Well, now the Fujifilm X-T4 IR Extended Spectrum is back at BHphoto, this time even more affordable than at its original listing (now $1,899 instead of $2,199).

I find dedicated IR version a great way to give “older” cameras a new life.

I just wish they were made available for the large public, since as of now sales restrictions apply that you can read at the dedicated BHphoto page (click “CONFIDENTIAL DOCUMENT”). Included in the list of people who can purchase it are “professional artists” and “professional qualified Buyers and videographers that intend to use the purchased Infrared and Extended Spectrum Products for the creation of fine art.”

Latest and Greatest vs. Oldie but Goldie: this Fujifilm Roundup Has it All

Mixed Zone

I guess it is a bit normal that we are drawn to the latest and greatest, the newest and most shiny stuff.

But truth is: there is PLENTY of wonderful gear out there that has its age, but still delivers wonderfully.

And look guys, I know what I talk about, because I did just photograph a family day trip on the mountains with my X-E3 today ;).

So I thought about making a roundup of a different kind: include all the latest and greatest stuff (the 5th generation cameras and the newest lenses), but also the older gear we hardly ever talk about now (4th gen. cameras or older and older lenses).

I hope there will be something among it that you’ll appreciate as much as I did.

Latest & Greatest

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Capture One Adds Reala Ace Support

Capture One has announced that REALA ACE support has been added in Capture One 16.4.4 for the following Fujifilm cameras: GFX100II, GFX100SII, X100VI, X-H2, X-H2s, X-S20, X-T5, X-T50.

You can download the latest Capture One 16.4.4 here and view the release notes here.

Of course I have the perpetual license, so no Reala Ace for me.

At the end I’ll have to give up on the idea to stick with perpetual licenses. I will start to rent my editing software. But I am not sure it will still be Capture One.

This is the Lens of the Fixed Lens GFX Camera Coming in 2025

Today we have an update to a rumor we shared earlier this year.

So, we told you that Fujifilm is working on a fixed lens GFX camera.

Of course there are lots of questions we are investigating with our sources, and probably one of the biggest question is which lens it will use.

I told you a while back that I got conflicting reports regarding the lens it will use and that I want to give you an answer only once I am sure about it.

Well, guided by our sources (THANKS), we can now say with certainty that it will be a 28mm equivalent lens.

So the lens itself will give you a wider field of view than what you find for example in the lovely Fujifilm X100VI.

As far as the aperture goes, also here I do not have 100% solid confirmation. But I got contacted by a source, who was right in the past (message to source: yes, you used that nickname in the past, so keep using it in future if you decide to contact me again. Thanks!).

According to that source, it will be an f/3.2 lens. I guess the source ment f/3.2 on GFX, hence f/2.5 depth of field equivalent in full frame.

But again, this time I share the aperture without having it multiple confirmed by trusted sources. However, if the source is right, it will be elevated to the “trusted source” status. But until then, please take it with a grain of salt.

I’ll give you updates on the aperture as soon as I have them.

Another message to the source: I hear announcement will be in 2025. I will look again into it. If you want, you can also contact me 100% anonymously via Signal. I will also try to get the other info multiple checked as soon as possible. Thanks so much again for the help.

Fujifilm GFX50S II Kits Start to be Discontinued – The End of 50MP GFX?

The first stores in Japan are now marking the Fujifilm GFX50SII as discontinued, as reported by the Japanese website asobinet.

In the US we can see the kit version is out of stock at BHphoto (with the “request assistance” note) as well as unavailable at Adorama.

Given that it is now discontinued in Japan, I don’t have high hopes for at least the kit version to be back in stock anywhere else.

The Fujifilm GFX50SII was announced back in September 2021.

Fujifilm did lots of things right with the GFX50SII, but one thing wrong.

They did give us a nice and relatively compact body, with IBIS and 4th generation processor. The price was quite good back than in 2021. But the one thing they got wrong is the sensor. They used the identical 50MP sensor in use in the original Fujifilm GFX50S and also in the even older Pentax 645Z of 2014.

Make no mistake: the sensor itself delivers wonderful files. But the readout is slow. And you can put in the best processor in the world, but in terms of autofocus speed and rolling shutter performance there is only that much you can do when your true bottleneck is in the sensor (non-BSI and contrast detection AF only).

Now, I get it. For many GFX50SII shooters “autofocus speed” might not be the top priority. I think at all those who shoot landscape photography for example. But for many, like me, who also document family life with GFX, a decent autofocus is definitely welcome. That’s why I went for the GFX100S (with BSI and phase detection).

I get it that Fujifilm can only use Sony sensors, and that there is no 44×33 BSI 50MP sensor out there. So Fujifilm has to use what Sony offers. But at the end I think that the life-cycle of that ancient 50MP sensor should have ended with the GFX50R in 2018. Re-proposing it again in 2021 in the GFX50SII was just one iteration too much for that sensor.

Where do we go from here?

Well, I don’t know if this is the end of 50MP GFX. I still hope (not rumor) that somehow a 44x33mm 50MP BSI and Phase Detection sensor will appear one day. Or maybe something in between 50 and 100 megapixel. But that is more in the hands of Sony semiconductors rather than in Fujifilm.

Why a Digital XPan Fujifilm TX-3 Camera is NOT Needed

Look guys,

I am fan of the idea of Fujifilm launching the Fujifilm TX-3 digital XPan camera in 2028.

I support this idea and I hope that that rumor will become true in a few years from now.

And I am not the only one.

FR-reader Pavel has written a wonderful article about why a digital XPan is needed and has shared lots of gorgeous samples.

I have also added my own thoughts to this debate.

But FujiRumors is a community. And in a community we can have different ideas.

And we love to give space to people who have a different view on certain things, even if those views do not match with my ideas.

And today it’s Timothy (Instagram @gibsonetal), who dropped me an email and told me why a digital Fujifilm TX-3 XPan camera is not needed.

I’ll share this thoughts below and you are free to drop your feedback in the comments below.

No ultra-wide TX-1 or XPAN? Just get an anamorphic lens!

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SmallRig Cooling System for Selected Fujifilm Cameras

Cooling system for cameras are nothing new.

Of course there is Fujifilm, with its own (and best) offering, the FAN-001, but that one is limited to X-H2, X-H2S, X-S20 and GFX100II. It won’t work on other cameras.

Other brands jumped into this space and offer their own cooling systems, such as the Ulanzi cooling system for Fujifilm cameras. And also Tilta is known for its solutions.

Well, we now have more options available.

In fact, SmallRig just launched the SmallRig Cooling System.

  • Rapid Cooling System
    Utilizes a high-efficiency fan paired with a TEC cooling module to swiftly cool down the camera, ensuring optimal performance.
  • Intelligent Temperature Control
    Features an automatic temperature control design that intelligently regulates the camera’s temperature for consistent operation.
  • Effortless Snap-On Installation
    Easily install and remove the device with a snap-on mechanism, enhancing compatibility with a wide range of cameras.
  • Versatile Usage
    Can be used independently or with a camera cage, offering a lighter and more flexible shooting experience.
  • Power Flexibility
    Compatible with the V-Mount Battery Mount Plate Kit 4064B/4063B, supporting V-Mount batteries and various power supply options for convenient use in diverse settings.

Notice that on their website, SmallRig only mentions the Fujifilm X-T4 and X-S10 as being compatible. So I am not sure if it will work with other Fujifilm cameras that have a selfie screen (X-S20 etc).