Fujifilm X-A7 Discontinued after Only 11 Months: Fujifilm X-A8 Coming or X-A7 Failure?

The Fujifilm X-A7 is actually a lovely little entry level camera launched just almost a year ago and hit the market about 11 months ago.

But now it is already marked as discontinued at BHphoto here, it’s on low stock or backordered at Adorama here and it’s unavailable also at AmazonUS here (where you might find some via third party only) and FocusCamera.

For a long time, the Fujifilm X-A line was an absolute best seller in Asia, especially in Thailand. In fact, pushed by the X-A line, Fujifilm was able to outsell all other camera brands (Canon included) and reach an incredible 50% mirrorless market share.

Don’t believe me, but check out the official Fuji-data leaked by FujiRumors here and other Fujifilm manager statements listed below.

Now the options are two:

  1. the camera is going to be replaced already and we will soon get a Fujifilm X-A8
  2. the X-A line lost its magic appeal in Thailand and sold terribly bad

Looking at the Fujifilm X-A line release timeline, we can see that there was a successor about ever 16 to 18 months. If Fujifilm would stick with that, then the Fujifilm X-A8 should come in early 2021. So in my opinion, it’s a bit too early to discontinue the X-A7, but maybe Fujifilm doesn’t think so, or they are really going to replace the X-A7 earlier than expected.

More likely in my opinion is that the X-A line just lost its magic in Asia, especially in Thailand, and that it fell victim to the rise of smartphones and to COVID-19.

Fujifilm X-A line success story:

  • Fujifilm managers said in March 2018 to dpreivew: “In Thailand, our market share for mirrorless is over 40%.”
  • Fuji Guys Billy said in February 2017, that “Fujifilm is Nr.1 brand in Thailand“. He does not specify if DSLR is included, but it seems from the video he is including DSLR cameras, too.
  • in 2016 a source told me that “Fujifilm was the best-selling MILC in 2015, outselling all the Canon interchangeable lens cameras (DSLR and those EOS-M lines) combined“
  • a Manager said to Spanish website in 2016, that ““there is a little known fact: in Thailand, for example, X-A series outsells Canon!”

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Hungry for Fujifilm X-H2, Visions for X-T5, Hopes for X80, Modular Fujifilm GFX, Monochrome and More – FR Readers Wishlist Corner

Fujifilm Wishlist Corner

In response to the terrific response to our first FR-readers wishlist corner article and the massive feedback I have received via email by fellow Fuji X/GFX shooters, here is the second episode of this series.

This series is all about your wishes about future Fujifilm cameras, lenses, firmware features and whatever you desire to see in Fuji’s future.

As I did receive tons of emails last time, I will focus this FR-readers wishlist corner mainly on cameras… lenses and firmware will follow at a later point.

The Hunger for X-H2

It’s interesting to note that most of the wishes gravitate around the Fujifilm X-H2, proving that there is a huge “hunger” for a Fujifilm X-H1 successor.

The (now discontinued) Fujifilm X-H1 was initially a disaster in terms of sales. However, X-H1 sales revived later on thanks to terrific deals that gave it a sales-glory-moment.

The reason for the overall failure of the Fujifilm X-H1 was not its concept, but its timing: a few months later the Fujifilm X-T3 followed with new sensor and processor. I never understood this move by Fujifilm.

And yet, there is absolutely nothing wrong with the Fujifilm X-H1, which, I remind you, snapped the top winning image at the World Press Photo awards.

I am strongly convinced that with the Fujifilm X-H2, Fuji is sitting on a potentially big winner.

Many X shooters would like a Fujifilm X-H2 right now, but as FujiRumors always told you, you have to be patient. Fujifilm is not going to repeat the errors made in the past. When the Fujifilm X-H2 will hit the market, it will be the right moment, have the right features and give the X-H line the position it deserves: right on the top of the high end X series line-up!

What’s Next?

Do you have wishes about the Fujifilm future, too? Well, then write me at fujirumor@gmail.com.

Have a wonderful weekend,
Patrick

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Wishlist Roundup

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RUMOR: Fujifilm to Release a New Mid-Range Camera that is NOT an X-T30 or X-E3 Successor

Tell me, what would be the fun, if Fujifilm would just release what we customers expect? No fun at all, right?

So Fujifilm decided to surprise us and give us something unexpected ;).

But I invite you to read carefully to avoid misunderstandings!

A few months ago here, we told you that Fujifilm will release two mid-range cameras within the end of the Japanese fiscal year (March 2021). Of course if COVID-19 does not force Fujifilm to change plans again.

Now here is the thing.

When FujiRumors shared that rumor, 99% of you guys said “easy, those must be the long awaited X-T40 and the revived X-E4.”

Well, not really.

I can tell you today, that one of those two cameras will be a new mid-range camera line, hence not a direct successor to the Fujifilm X-T30 or Fujifilm X-E3. It’s something different.

And to be clear: there will be two mid-range cameras. This means, besides this new camera we rumor today, there will be another one, which could be a refresh of something we already know, or Fujifilm could surprise us also with the second one.

Hence, in terms of mid-range cameras, here is what we can expect in the next few months:

  • new mid-range camera NOT direct successor to Fujifilm X-T30 or X-E3
  • another mid-range cameras (unknown if a refresh of current camera lines or something new)

And now have fun speculating on what it could be in the comments (although I am pretty sure that nobody of you will make the right guess ;) )

Now that the I am on holiday from my teaching job and I am back from my 2 weeks trip in South Italy, I am working on this and many (!!!) more rumors. The right time to drop the rumors will come, and when it happens, make sure to be instantly notified by following FR on Facebook, RSS-feed and Twitter.

Take care guys, and have a fantastic day ahead!
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Top 10 July Posts: Full Frame kills APS-C? :: Fujinon XF27mmF2.8 and XF50mmF1.0 Rumors :: Fujifilm X-H2 Dreams and More

I did my best to run FujiRumors during my holiday in South Italy, and I hope you did not notice all too much that I was busy with jumping into crystal clear water, eating ice cream and enjoying cool beers (my reward after months of COVID-19 caused home teaching).

But now I am at home again, and FujiRumors has all my attention again… so, get ready for some good stuff coming in August ;).

And in case you were busy with holidays too and missed some of our articles, here is a list of top ten July posts that you should better not have missed.

With that said, even on holidays, be careful, take your precautions and make sure to stay safe.

  1. Fujifilm APS-C is Dead? Nikon Z5, Sony A7III, Canon R6 vs the Fujifilm X Series Art of Balance
  2. RUMOR: Fujifilm to Launch Fujinon XF 27mm f/2.8 Mark II
  3. Fujifilm X Lab Episode 2: The ACROS Magic, Fuji X-T3 Autofocus Regrets, Kaizen Updates and Looking Forward to X Series Future
  4. Astrophotography with Fujifilm: Get Stellar Results with Fujifilm APS-C and Medium Format Cameras
  5. Nikkei: “Japanese Camera Industry Strangles Itself. 88% Decline in 10 Years. On the Brink of Extinction, Unless…”
  6. The Fujifilm X-Pro3 will Save Photography and More Companies Should Take the Risk to Do Unique Things
  7. FR-readers Wishlist Corner: Fujifilm X-H2 Dream Features, Fujifilm X-E4 Survey, Fujinon XF 135mm F3.5 and More
  8. Fujifilm X-T4 Firmware 1.02 Tested: This Pro Videographer is Blown Away by Improved IBIS and Wishes the Same for Fujifilm X-H1
  9. Fujifilm USA Explains How You Can Become a Fujifilm Ambassador in 3 Steps and Announces X Photographers Program Changes
  10. RUMOR: Fujinon XF 50mm f/1.0 Coming 2020 for Around $1,500

Do not miss:

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Mid-2020 Rumor Check: What We Got Right, What Wrong and What’s Still to Come… and About the Fujifilm X-T3 Firwmare Update

Rumors 2020

Half a year of rumors is over, and it was probably the most successful we ever had on FujiRumors.

With a total amount of 44 rumors shared, we are currently sharing more rumors than ever in the years before.

The Fujifilm X-T4 was without a doubt the big one in 2020, and I frankly can’t remember if FR ever leaked so much about one single camera, as we did with the Fujifilm X-T4.

At this point BIG thanks to all our sources, for helping me to keep the Fuji X community on fire. Being a Fuji X/GFX shooter is just more fun, if every now and then we get something hot to talk about… ;).

But…

Sharing rumors is one thing, sharing accurate rumors is another. And since we don’t want you to believe in fake rumors like the death of Fujifilm X-H2 or fake X-T3 firmware leak 4.00, we try to honor the time you decide to spend reading FujiRumors by delivering dry and verified rumors.

Did it work out well so far in 2020?

Let’s check it:

  • 497 blog post published so far in 181 days (about 3 blog posts a day)
  • 44 rumors shared in 181 days (2020)
  • 9 rumors still to be verified and 2 rumors not in ranking (details below)
  • 32 correct rumors out of 33 verifiable rumors
  • 1 wrong rumor out of 33 verifiable rumors
  • 97% correct rumors

Where is the Fujifilm X-T3 Firmware Update?

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Top 10 April Articles: Fujinon X Roadmap Rumors, X-H2 Confirmed, Firmware Updates, X Mount is Open (Sigma?), Tokina for Fuji X

Here are the Top 10 most read articles in April, that, in case you missed, you should definitely go back and check out!

  1. Fujifilm Releases Several New Firmware Updates
  2. Fujifilm Manager Toshihisa Iida: “We Open X Mount to Third Parties. X-H Line Continues. No GFX Fixed Lens Camera & More”
  3. VOTE NOW the SIGMA Lens You Want for Fujifilm X
  4. Viltrox 33mm f/1.4 Pre-Sale Started and Shipping April 21
  5. Top 20 Fujifilm Manager Statments about Fujifilm X-H2, X100V/X-T3 Firmware, Monochrome, Open X Mount, Fixed Lens GFX and More
  6. Major Fujifilm X-T3 and GFX100 Firmware Update Coming May/June
  7. Hooray! Fujifilm X-E4 Shows Up in Internal Fujifilm Roadmap Again!
  8. Fujifilm Issues Official Statement Regarding Fujifilm X100V Overheating Reports
  9. Tokina to Launch Three Fujifilm X Mount Lenses in 2020
  10. Fujifilm X Lens Roadmap: Two Fujinon MK II Lenses Coming Between Now and March 2021 plus XF50mmF1.0 and XF70-300mmF4-5.6 [now we know all 4 lenses on the roadmap. Only to determinate which exactly the 2 mark II lenses will be].

Top 3 Runner Ups

  1. It’s a Triumph: FUJIFILM Wins Top 2 World Press Photo Awards and Even More… Despite not Being Full Frame ;)
  2. Fujifilm Manager: X100V/X-T3 Firmware, Fujifilm X-H2 will Come, Zero Monochrome Chances, 32 Megapixel Limit for Current XF Lenses & More
  3. FR-readers Wishlist Corner: Fujifilm X-TSony, Firmware Upgrade Suggestions, Lens Wishes and Much More

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Top 20 Fujifilm Manager Statments about Fujifilm X-H2, X100V/X-T3 Firmware, Monochrome, Open X Mount, Fixed Lens GFX and More

With the Fujifilm X-T4 about to hit the market (and actually already shipping in some), Fujifilm managers all over the globe are giving tons of interviews to make the world ready for the best camera it has ever seen to date: the Fujifilm X-T4 :).

Of course, I pre-ordered it, too :)

Now, for your convenience, I always provide a practical summary of all manager statements in my various article, and yet, with so many interviews, there might be some statements you might have missed anyway.

So I thought I filter out those statements, that I consider most relevant, and put them all into this article.

However, there is so much more interesting stuff to read, and so I strongly recommend you to check out all the original articles. I will provide all links below.

Manager Statements

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Fujifilm Manager Talks X-T4 and More: “We Want to Continue Fujifilm X-H Line. Fujifilm X-T3 Firmware Update under Consideration”

Mapcamera interviewed one of Japanese top managers Mr. Takashi Ueno. They talk about Fujifilm X-T4.

The interview is quite long and in Japanese, so for your convenience I have summed it up all in English down below.

And just in case it was needed, he confirms that there will be a Fujifilm X-H2, as FujiRumors always told you and never doubted for a second, even when the whole universe was saying differently.

In fact, I tell you this: at no point in time, Fujifilm ever considered stopping the X-H line. The line they canceled is another one, and we told you here.

The only thing: the Fujifilm X-H2 is still very far away.

Trust me guys… I know what I talk about, and if you want to be the first to know and be guided accurately through the Fujifilm world, all you need to do is to follow FujiRumors.

In fact, I am working on further explosive rumors. Some will totally surprise you, others will probably disappoint you. When time has come, when things are double checked, when green light is given, you will get it all!

And now… the interview.

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Fujifilm Manager Interview

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MapCamera: Fujifilm X100V Top Seller, Great X-E3/X-H1/X-Pro3 Sales and APS-C Dominates Full Frame

Just yesterday here we reported how, according to BCN ranking, Fujifilm saw, in March, a huge 115% increase in sales in Japan, while all other camera manufacturers dropped up to 50%.

Now Japanese store MapCameras published their top selling camera rankings.

Keep in mind, though, that this is not representative for overall sales.

The most reliable data we probably have about the worldwide success of various camera brands, is this report from a Techno System Reports, a major marketing research company located in Japan that sells this data at a very high price, but somehow it went public at the Japanese site toyokeizai, and FujiRumors spotted it for you and shared it here.

The data of Techno System Reports reflects the mirrorless camera sales, and it shows that Fujifilm is on the third position, just a tiny margin behind Canon, and substantially behind Sony.

With that said, if big retailers share their sales data, it might not be representative for the overall market, but it can still give an approximate indication of what the market wants.

With that said, here are the top sellers at MapCameras for March 2020.

SALES RANKING

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BCN Sales Ranking: Fujifilm Grows 115% and Sony, Canon & Co Fall 30% to 50%

The latest BCN ranking has just been published. It collects data of about 40% of the Japanese electronics and online stores. Here is what they see:

  • in March, camera sales were down 49.5% compared to March last year
  • Sony dropped to 44.5%, Olympus to 54.9%, and Canon to 32.3%
  • Only Fujifilm grew 115.6%. It has the fourth largest market share

They write:

In the rankings by series, Canon’s “EOS Kiss M” beat the Olympus “OLYMPUS PEN E-PL9” by a small margin to gain the top position. Sony ranks No. 1 by manufacturer and ranks No. 3 at “α6400”. As for Fujifilm’s soaring rise, “FUJIFILM X-A5” ranked 6th, and “FUJIFILM X-E3” ranked 9th. (Daisuke Okura, BCN)

Nice to see the Fujifilm X-E3 doing well. And hence even more disappointing that Fujifilm decided to axe it!

Also, keep in mind that in the last 6 months Fujifilm was extremely busy and launched lots of cameras, from the X-Pro3 to the X-T200, X100V and ultimately the X-T4 (the latter one not included in the raking, though). All this, while other manufacturer were not nearly as active.

And yet, nice to see this sales performance boost. It’s well deserved for a camera company, that makes some of the most inspiring photographic tools out there.

via dc.watch via bcn

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