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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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

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VOTE – Which Fujifilm X Camera do You Own? – Measuring the Success (or not) of Fujifilm X-E5

It’s been over two years now when I last asked you which Fujifilm X series cameras you own.

Since then, we had plenty of new cameras an the Fujifilm X-E5 is hitting the market in these days.

So I thought it would be nice to see what has changed in these last few years.

Are fifth generation cameras now more popular than they were 2 years ago?

And especially, how successful was the Fujifilm X-E5 at least among the FujiRumors community?

IMPORTANT NOTE: if you pre-ordered the Fujifilm X-E5 (and it has not shipped yet) you qualify as an “owner” and can drop your vote in favor of the X-E5.

Which X Camera do you Own? (NOTE: Pre-Ordered Gear Qualifies as "OWNER")

View Results

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Fujifilm X-T40/X-T30III: Finally Closing the Gap?

go to minute 5:53 of the video to hear the thoughts of Patrick about it

One of the critiques Fujifilm gets is that they have a confusing camera lineup with too many lines.

The Fujifilm X-T30III or X-T40 just fueled again this criticism, but I think this time they don’t deserve it.

First things first: Fujifilm has indeed likely canceled 6 X series lines already (or even 7, if we consider X70 and XF10 not part of the same line):

So we have a total of possibly six canceled lines.

And how many lines has Fujifilm introduced?

Well, 2 new lines have been introduced recently: Fujifilm X half and the Fujifilm X-T50,

Yes, also the Fujifilm X-T50 is a “new line”, because as we told you in this rumor, it does not belong to the X-T10, X-T20, X-T30 line since Fujifilm will launch a dedicated successor for that line (X-T40/X-T30III) in 2025.

And actually there will also be a third totally new line soon, and that camera is already listed at BHphoto here.

In short: Fujifilm has axed more lines than it has created new ones.

With all that said, I think launching the Fujifilm X-T40/X-T30III makes totally sense.

Why?

Well, because Fujifilm’s entry level line has basically been axed (except X-M line) and their other lower-end to mid-range models got an overall specs upgrade with a consequantial significant price increase (X-E5 and X-T50).

At this point in time, Fujifilm has no true entry level camera with viewfinder and that’s a problem if you ask me.

But how could a Fujifilm X-T30III/X-T40 look like?

Speculations (NOT RUMOR)

  • my realistic scenario: X-T30 II body with 5th generation processor and latest firmware
  • my hope scenario: X-T30 II body but with X-T100 alike unique screen mechanism – we reported here
  • my dream scenario: X-T50 body with 4th generation 26MP sensor

Since I think that price matters when it comes to the Fujifilm X-T40 or X-T30 III, I believe they’ll go for the first scenario I mentioned above.

But feel free to let us know in the comments what you think about all of this.

Fujifilm X-T5 Teardown Shows Compact IBIS Unit and Why It’s Great for Infrared and Astrophotography

IRreCams has disassembled a Fujifilm X-T5 for infrared conversion.

Some things they noticed:

What is noticeable here is that the design of the housing parts feels lighter compared to a X-H2 or X-T4. It’s difficult to photograph, but you can feel it in your hand. Fujifilm has managed to save a few grams and bring a high-quality, compact camera onto the market.

These features [7 stops IBIS and Pixel Shift Multishot] are already available from the X-H2 but what is new is the compact design of the sensor unit. Since the first sensor-based image stabilization in the X-H1, Fujifilm has gradually made the sensor module smaller and lighter. The module in the X-T5 is the most compact we have ever seen in a Fujifilm camera – and the design on the data sheet shows no disadvantages compared to the slightly larger module in the X-H2.

Similar to the sensor of the X-H2, the X-T5 also has a few precautions to dissipate the heat from the sensor towards the housing, but these are not quite as extensive as on the X-H2 (after all, the X-H2 still has to keep a cool head even when recording 8K video).

Some modern cameras have an internal infrared LED. Stray light from this LED can be visible on infrared images in poor lighting conditions. [X-T5] has no such LED problems. This means that the X-T5 is not only suitable for the Conversion to an infrared or full spectrum camera but also for a Astromodification in order to become sensitive for H-Alpha light. […] The sensor shows no unwanted sensor artifacts such as a line pattern of the PDFA pixels and delivers a very good resolution, dynamic range and noise performance

You can read the full article and check out all images at IRreCams here.

NOTE July 31, 2025 is the last day at the current price for X-T5 – price increase on August 1)

REPORT: Fujifilm Price Increase Coming Soon (also on X-E5): Order Now to Lock the Price! – UPDATED

UPDATE: here is the list of price increases – X-E5 might be safe

FR-reader Alejandro has received the message you can see above from the Moment customer service:

Fujifilm just let us know they’ll be increasing the prices of some of their products soon, so l’m reaching out to assure you your order will be unaffected by the increase. Since you placed this order with us before the increase was announced, we’re be honoring your purchase price and eating the cost of the increase

I guess this was to expect. In fact, we’ve already seen hints of this: the X half launched at $850 instead of the planned $700, and the Fujifilm X-E5 is priced like the X-T5 in the U.S., unlike elsewhere where it is priced like the X-T50.

Older gear stayed stable thanks to pre-tariff stock, but that’s running out. Now, with higher import costs kicking in, Fujifilm appears to be officially adjusting prices.

But here is the thing:

When I asked Alejandro for which gear he got this notice, he told me:

this is for the silver X-E5 with kit lens

Now, we told you a few weeks ago that price adjustments on Fujifilm X-E5 can’t be ruled, since it’s now subject to a higher tariff rate than when it first launched.

Maybe that’s also why Amazon US de-listed the X-E5 from their website. They could be waiting for the price increase to become official and then list it again with the new price.

Anyway, if Alejandro’s report to FujiRumors is accurate, then we could be just days away from a price increase.

Also at risk of price increase might be all that gear announced before the tariffs and that is now running low on stock at the US warehouses, so we are talking of Fujifilm GFX100RF, Fujifilm X-T50, X-M5, X-T5, X-H2, X-H2S and more.

And I guess also plenty of GF and XF lenses will get a price increase.

To be clear: there is no official Fujifilm statement as of yet. It’s just an information that has been passed from a store to a FR-reader, who then passed it to me.

However, at this point my advice is: if you’re planning to buy and Fujifilm gear, (pre)order it now to give yourself the best chance of avoiding the potential imminent price hike.

If I get any updates I will let you know.

Fujifilm X-T6 with Back-Illuminated Dials :: Dreams of Fujifilm X-T5S :: How to Re-Do the GFX :: and More :: FR-Reader Wishlist Corner

Time to catch up and share a FR-reader wishlist corner post.

by Chris

Once upon a time (2010?), Fujifilm launched the second version of a 3D camera, the Fujifilm Finepix Real 3D W3.

Stereo enthusiasts still regard this as a high point but of course its specifications (especially the sensors) are now very dated.

Do you think there is ANY CHANCE Fujifilm might produce a new version, almost certainly with enhanced video capabilities for viewing on 3D display laptops, AR/MR/VR headsets and more traditional ways?

There have been “Mickey Mouse” 3D cameras launched recently, but they are more toys than proper cameras, see e.g. XREAL Beam Pro.

by Jerry

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