The Hidden Advantage Nobody Talks About – FUJIFILM 26MP vs 40MP

You all know I’m a big fan of Fujifilm’s 40MP sensor. In fact, when I put together my Fujifilm X-E5 wishlist, I said I’d happily pay more if it came with the 40MP over the 26MP.

But let’s be fair: the 26MP sensor paired with the X Processor 5 – as found in cameras like the Fujifilm X-S20 – is a terrific combination with its own clear advantages.

Advantages of the 26MP Sensor

  • faster sensor readout → and all the benefits that come with it, such as less rolling shutter
  • less battery drain
  • more affordable

For a full breakdown, we’ve already written a comprehensive 26MP vs 40MP Pros & Cons article here.

Today, though, I’d like to highlight something interesting from two articles by Alik Griffin, where he compared files from his Fujifilm X100V (26MP) and X100VI (40MP).

At first glance, you’d assume the main reason to prefer the X100VI would be the higher resolution. But Alik points out something else entirely that makes the 40MP sensor shine. Something that is hardly ever talked about.

Alik noticed:

Resolution

  • on a tripod, the X100VI shows a clear detail boost over the X100V, even at higher apertures—enough to justify an upgrade for tripod work.

The Grain (and Why It Matters More Than You Think)

What really impressed Alik wasn’t just the resolution, but the character of the grain. Here are some of his observations:

  • the X100VI’s smaller, tighter grain is far nicer to work with than the older models
  • the slight resolution boost, combined with the finer grain and better overall fidelity, makes the upgrade worth it
  • nicer grain with cleaner skin tones and clearer colors
  • the X100VI preserves shadow detail better and avoids the color smearing
  • everything looks better—not only at ISO 6400, but even at lower ISOs
  • the X100VI’s grain has a better shape, making it easier to clean up with noise reduction
  • beyond the added detail, the tighter pixel pitch and improved grain deliver noticeably superior image fidelity

Alik has covered the comparison in full with lots of samples at his blog at alikgriffin here and here.

One more thing… there is this myth that more pixels are worst in low light. Top industry insiders and professionals disagree with this statement:

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The Best Fujifilm Communities

From Newcomer to Legend? Fujifilm X-E5 Skyrockets in FujiRumors Ownership Rankings

A while ago we tried to evaluate the success of the brand new Fujifilm X-E5 by launching a survey on which camera the FujiRumors community owns.

8,279 people dropped a total of 17,894 votes, and here are the results.

  1. X-T5 = 13%
  2. X100VI = 7%
  3. X-T3 = 7%
  4. X-T2 = 5%
  5. X-E5 = 5%
  6. X-T4 = 4%
  7. X-H2 = 4%
  8. X-Pro2 = 4%
  9. X-H2S = 4%
  10. X-T1 = 3%
  11. X-T30/X-T30II = 3%
  12. X-E3 = 3%
  13. X-Pro3 = 3%
  14. X100V = 3%
  15. X-E2/X-E2S = 3%
  16. X-H1 = 3%
  17. X-E1 = 2%
  18. X-T50 = 2%
  19. X-S20 = 2%
  20. X-E4 = 2%
  21. X-T20 = 2%
  22. X-S10 = 2%
  23. X-Pro1 = 2%
  24. X100F = 2%
  25. X-M5 = 1%
  26. X100 = 1%
  27. X70/XF10 = 1%
  28. X10/X20/X30 = 1%
  29. X100S = 1%
  30. X-T10 = 1%
  31. X100T = 1%
  32. X-M1 = 1%
  33. X half = 1%
  34. X-A1/A2/A3/A5/A7/A10/A20 = 1%
  35. X-T100 = 0%*
  36. XQ1/XQ2 = 0%*
  37. X-T200 = 0%*
  38. XF1 = 0%*
  39. X-S1 = 0%*
    *denotes 0,4% or less

So, in less than 1 month, the Fujifilm X-E5 has already surpassed legends like the Fujifilm X-T4 and caught up with one of Fujifilm’s most sold cameras ever, the Fujifilm X-T2. And right now it is just 2% points away from catching up with the Fujifilm X-T3 and X100VI.

If we were to group it in lines, these are the results.

  1. X-T* = 32.21%
  2. X100* = 15.20%
  3. X-E* = 14.61%
  4. X-H* = 9.98%
  5. X-Pro* = 8.56%
  6. X-T** = 8.41%
  7. X-S** = 4.18%
  8. X-M* = 2.25%
  9. X70 / XF10 = 1.24%
  10. X10/X20/X30 = 1.18%
  11. X half = 0.64%
  12. X-A* = 0.56%
  13. Other = 0.51%
  14. X-T100/200 = 0.47%

The Fujifilm X-E5 has pushed the X line close to the X100 line on the 3rd spot of the most owned Fujifilm camera lines by FR-readers.

Is this a success?

That’s too early to say. But it is a solid start, actually the best start of any X-E camera so far (and by far). And this makes me confident in the future of this camera line.

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Fujinon XC 13-33mm F3.5-6.3 Expected Size and Specs – Shared by Fujifilm

You might remember how back in February 2024, Fujifilm shared a list of 10 lenses “under study“.

Well, one of those lenses was a vague “affordable wide angle XC zoom lens“.

Now, thanks to FujiRumors sources, that lens has a name: Fujinon XC13-33mmF3.5-6.4. And it’s coming in 2025.

Back in February Fujifilm also shared estimated specs and size about such a lens.

  • Affordable Wide Zoom Lens – XC Lineup
    – Size 40-50mm
    – 60-70mm diameter
    – weight 130-170g

FR-reader Hiergeist took the size specs shared by Fujifilm and created a rendering of such a lens mounted on the Fujifilm X-H2. In dark green you see the 40mm size/60mm diameter, in brighter green the 50mm size/70mm diameter.

For comparison, here are the specs of the current XC15-45mmF3.5-5.6 OIS PZ.

  • Fujinon XC15-45mmF3.5-5.6 OIS PZ
    – Size 44.2 mm
    – 62.6mm diameter
    – weight 135g

Now, out of the 10 lenses under study, we already got two of them. And with the XC13-33mmF3.5-6.3 on the way, we now have only 7 left on the list.

If you want to know which 7 lenses are left (and its specs), check out the article here.

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Why You Might Love the Fujifilm GFX Eterna – Even if You Hate it (Now)

Soon Fujifilm will launch the Fujifilm GFX Eterna (as well as this new GF lens).

Right in time for the biggest video-centric photography fair, the IBC2025 in Amsterdam.

To put it down in the kindest way possible, the reaction of most of the FujiRumors community about this camera was… well… let’s say not really enthusiastic.

“What a waste of resources.”
“Fujifilm is taking the wrong path.”
“Who cares about medium format cinema cameras…”

I guess this could sum up the general feeling about it.

But today I’d like to tell you that even if you hate the concept of a dedicated medium format video camera, we all might profit from it.

You see, with the GFX Eterna, Fujifilm isn’t just dipping a toe into video — they are making a statement. A medium format cinema camera is not a half-hearted side project; it’s a commitment to filmmakers, and that commitment will force them to push video autofocus further than they ever have before.

In other words: the GFX Eterna could force Fujifilm to make their biggest autofocus leap since they launched subject detection on the Fujifilm X-H2S in 2022 – well, actually… if we really want to be precise… Fujifilm first offered subject/animal detection on this 2010 Fujifilm camera, as we told you here.

Because video autofocus is one of the most difficult challenges for any camera manufacturer to master. It’s a constantly moving target — literally — requiring lightning-fast processing, precise subject tracking, and intelligent prediction algorithms.

And you know what that means?

It means that when Fujifilm invests heavily in AF technology for video, those improvements inevitably trickle down into stills. The algorithms, refined processing, and subject recognition improvements they might develop for GFX Eterna could also make their way into X and GFX still cameras.

So even if you never plan to shoot a single frame of video in your life, this “waste of resources” could end up being one of the best things Fujifilm has done for autofocus in years.

Is this wishful thinking?

Maybe. But big leaps often come when a company steps outside its comfort zone, as Fujifilm is now doing with the GFX Eterna.

In any case, the Fujifilm GFX Eterna represents a big chance for Fujifilm, not only in regards to the camera itself, but to the necessary firmware refinements it will require.

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DxO PhotoLab 9/PureRAW 5.3 Released: Unrivaled Noise Reduction for All X-Trans Files, AI Masking and More

DxO has just launched DxO PhotoLab 9.

Now all X-Trans cameras can enjoy their most sophisticated DeepPRIME XD3 X-Trans technology.

But there is a lot more, such as AI Masking. All details at the dedicated DxO PhotoLab 9 page.

DxO PureRAW 5.3 is also available now.

The latest versions also add Fujifilm GFX100RF support.

Get DxO here:

New in PhotoLab 9

Al Mask: for advanced selections
Accelerate your editing with Al-driven subject detection and selection.

  • Automatically select key subjects such as sky, people, clothes, background, hair, vehicles, and more. You can also use click or bounding box to manually select your subject.
  • Al masks can be combined with all other masking tools for the most challenging needs

Refined Local Adjustments with vastly improved masking system
Enjoy greater flexibility and precision in localized edits with a unified and intuitive masking structure.

  • Combine all masking tools together (Al Mask, Control Points, Control Lines, Gradients, Brushes…).
  • Sub-masks let you create more precise masks for each image.
  • Easily access actions such as Invert Mask Effect and Duplicate Mask.
  • Gizmo displays have been redesigned for clarity and usability.
  • A one-time engine migration is required to edit local corrections created in earlier DxO PhotoLab versions.

Localized Noise Reduction and Lens Sharpness capabilities
Target specific areas for denoising and lens sharpness using masks.

  • With the Local Denoising and Local Lens Sharpness Optimization, it’s now easier than ever to fine-tune your most challenging images.

Images stacking in the Filmstrip
Organize your images more efficiently through stackable thumbnails.

  • Virtual copies are automatically grouped into collapsible stacks.
  • Manual controls include: create, group, ungroup, sort by date, and re-stack virtual copies.
  • Stack display states (collapsed/expanded) are preserved across filtering and project navigation.

Advanced Batch Renaming Tools
Rename images (inputs and outputs) consistently and efficiently using a flexible token-based system.

  • Leverage metadata tokens (e.g. EXIF, IPTC, shot date, counter) and custom text to build naming schemes.
  • Create, save, and reuse custom renaming presets.
  • A Find & Replace function is now available in the export dialog, with optional case sensitivity and live preview.

Support for Apple ProRAW and HEIF/HEIC Image Formats
PhotoLab 9 offers full compatibility with Apple ProRAW and HEIF/HEIC

  • ProRAW images from iPhones can now be opened and processed, with built-in tone mapping enabled by default.
  • HEIF/HEIC image formats are now fully supported.

Enhanced Noise Reduction with DeepPRIME 3 & DeepPRIME XD3 X-Trans

  • DeepPRIME 3, introduced in PhotoLab 8.5, takes our machine-learning based approach to RAW conversion one step further: our new neural network performs denoising, demosaicing and the correction of chromatic aberrations all simultaneously and with unprecedented efficiency.
  • DeepPRIME XD3 X-Trans follows the same approach but utilizes a significantly larger model and more training data. As a result, it retains eXtra Detail, while also delivering silky-smooth bokeh at the same time.
    After 6 months of public beta, PhotoLab 9 contains the final version, which is faster and produces cleaner images than the beta. The older DeepPRIME XD was removed.
  • The original PRIME denoising, revolutionary when introduced back in 2013, but now obsolete, was removed.
  • A live preview option allows you to visualize both global and local denoising effects at any zoom level.

Lens Sharpness Optimization V2
Experience enhanced image detail thanks to the latest improvements in DxO’s lens correction engine.

  • The calibration process and the sharpening algorithm were reworked from the ground up to ensure homogenous results across all camera gear and shooting conditions (feature will roll out progressively).
  • The intensity slider now runs from 0 to 200, with 100 being our recommendation of “just the right” amount of sharpening for the given image.

Quick Access with Favorites

Add folders, projects, or drives to your favorites for quick access. This makes navigating to your most-used destinations faster and more efficient.

U Point feathering control

Diffusion slider has been added to fine tune your masks using U Points.

Projects accessible in Customize tab

In this version you can access your Projects directly from the “Customize” tab. With this improvement, managing and switching between Projects is easier than ever, streamlining your entire workflow.

Known Limitations

  • Bayer RAW files are not supported yet by DeepPRIME XD3 (X-Trans only).
  • HEIF/HEIC SUPPORT
  • Lightroom IPTC tag not read
  • GPS coordinates are displayed as 0 in Samsung HEIC image
  • On MacOS 15.6 and Tahoe beta 6, predefined Al masks are not returning any result in GPU/ANE modes.
    Current workarounds are to switch to CPU mode or to use MacOS 15.5 or earlier.

PhotLab 9 Press Release

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

Last Hours Before Fujifilm’s Second Price Increase Kicks In – But Amazon Still Sells Some Gear at Pre-Tariff Prices

X-T5 going to cost $1,999 starting August 30
X-T5 going to cost $1,999 starting August 30

These are the last hours before the second Fujifilm price increase.

Fujifilm has officially declared to various news outlets that on August 30 there will be further price increases. According to information we have gathered, the list of price increases should be the one you can see below.

Interestingly, some Fujifilm X and GFX gear on Amazon is still listed at the pre–August 1 pricing. While certain items have already sold out, a few are still available at the original lower price—at least for now.

  • XF 8mmF3.5 – $869 ($899 regular price – $799 pre-tariffs)
  • XF 16mmF2.8 – 11% discount ($399 instead of $449)
  • XF70-300mm* – $799 (currently $899 – was $799 pre-tariff)
    *note: the XF70-300 is sold by third party sellers
  • GF120mmF4* – $2,699 ($2,949 regular price – $2,699 pre-tariffs)
    *note: the GF120mm is sold by third party sellers

Still resisting at Amazon is also the anti-deal :)

Fujifilm X/GFX NEW PRICE STARTING AUGUST 30

X Series Camera Bodies

GFX Series Camera Bodies

X Series Lenses

GF Lenses

Accessories

INSTAX NEW PRICE STARTING AUGUST 30

Will Fujifilm’s Upcoming Second Price Increase Revive Interest for the Original XF16-55mmF2.8 R WR?

We reported that Fujifilm will again increase prices on plenty of Fujifilm X and GFX gear (full list below).

Not affected by any increase is the original Fujinon XF16-55mmF2.8 R WR.

In fact, it is still sold for $999 at BHphoto here and $989 Amazon here (via third party). Other stores like Adorama here and Nuzira still sell it for $1,199.

So starting August 30 we will have a $400 price difference between the two lenses, which might revive the interest for the original XF16-55/2.8, which really struggled to sell even at rebated price after the launch of the XF16-55mmF2.8 MK II.

Fujifilm X/GFX NEW PRICE STARTING AUGUST 30

X Series Camera Bodies

GFX Series Camera Bodies

X Series Lenses

GF Lenses

Accessories

INSTAX NEW PRICE STARTING AUGUST 30

 

6 Days Left Before Fujifilm’s Second Price Increase – Amazon Still Lists Surprising XF/GF Lens Deals

On August 30, Fujifilm will implement yet another price increase in the USA, affecting a wide range of X, GFX, and Instax gear.

This marks the second price hike this month, following the one that already took effect on August 1.

Interestingly, some Fujifilm X and GFX gear on Amazon is still listed at the pre–August 1 pricing. While certain items have already sold out, a few are still available at the original lower price—at least for now.

  • XF 8mmF3.5 – $869 ($899 regular price – $799 pre-tariffs)
  • XF 16mmF2.8 – 11% discount ($399 instead of $449)
  • XF 10-24mmF4 – 9% discount ($999 instead of $1,099)
  • GF 80mmF1.7 – $2,299 ($2,499 regular price – $2,299 pre-tariffs)
  • GF120mmF4* – $2,699 ($2,949 regular price – $2,699 pre-tariffs)
    *note: the GF120mm is sold by third party sellers

Some gear at Amazon is sold at even lower price than the original launch price.

  • XF33mmF1.4 – $769 (currently $899 – $799 pre-tariff)
    shipped and sold by Amazon.com with free 30 days return policy
  • XF70-300mm – $759 (currently $899 – was $799 pre-tariff)
    shipped and sold by Amazon Japan
  • XF16mm F2.8 silver – $347 (currently $449 – $399 pre-tariff)
    shipped and sold by Amazon Germany

I’m not sure whether import taxes apply when ordering gear from Amazon Germany or Japan. What I do see is that Amazon lists free shipping—but to be safe, double-check at checkout to avoid any unexpected import fees. In any case, we always recommend using your local Amazon branch—for our US readers, that means Amazon USA.

With that said, below you’ll find the complete list of upcoming price increases.

Fujifilm X/GFX NEW PRICE STARTING AUGUST 30

X Series Camera Bodies

GFX Series Camera Bodies

X Series Lenses

GF Lenses

Accessories

INSTAX NEW PRICE STARTING AUGUST 30

List of Fujifilm Instax Gear Price Increase Effective August 30

We told you which Fujifilm X and GFX gear will get a price increase on August 30. You can check out the full list here.

But also Instax gear will get a price jump in USA due to tariffs. Here is the list with the new price:

INSTAX NEW PRICE STARTING AUGUST 30

Fujifilm X/GFX NEW PRICE STARTING AUGUST 30

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

Full List of X and GFX Price Increases Starting August 30

Earlier today we reported how Fujifilm said to some news outlets that prices for certain Fujifilm gear will go up on August 30.

Well, I think we can now share the full list of price increases that will come into effect August 30.

Not all X cameras and lenses will get a price increase. What’s not in the list below is safe.

On the GFX front, pretty much everything will get a price bump.

The biggest price jump (+30%) will go to all sorts of Fujifilm accessories, which I guess are still all made in China.

Of course that’s for now just a rumor. All I can say is that last time we were spot on with the list of price increases. It does not mean that we will be also this time, but it might explain why I am confident enough to share it.

X Series Camera Bodies

GFX Series Camera Bodies

X Series Lenses

GF Lenses

Accessories

There could be typos in the list, but I tried to put it down as good as I can in the short time I have right now.