Fujifilm X-T5 to Feature 40MP Non-Stacked Sensor (No 26MP Stacked Version Planed)

It was one of the questions I got most since the X summit in May.

And today it will find an answer.

An answer that comes from a new source, but as you know, if I share it on FujiRumors anyway, it means that I have reasons to trust this source. In my eyes, it is just as reliable as if I’d have been told this from a trusted source.

The rumor is this one:

The Fujifilm X-T5 will come with a 40MP non-stacked sensor, the same one that will be used by the Fujifilm X-H2 HR. Fujiiflm has no plans to release a stacked version of the Fujifilm X-T5, hence no Fujifilm X-T5s.

In a recent survey where we asked you which sensor you’d like in which camera model, you can see that half of you want a 40MP Fujifilm X-T5 and the other half a stacked 26MP Fujifilm X-T5S.

Well, if you are really out for a stacked sensor SLR shaped higher end camera, you might just get the Fujifilm X-H2s at this point as waiting for the stacked sensor Fujifilm X-T5s will be time wasted.

Fujifilm Recommended CFexpress Type B Cards: Why These Four Cards are BEST and Which Ones You Should NOT Use

With the release of the Fujifilm X-H2S and hence Fujifilm’s first digital camera to take CFexpress cards, Fujifilm has updated its list of officially recommended cards to store your files.

Now, all the cards listed below are recommended.

But attention, not all CFexpress Cards are made equal.

  • Some CFexpress Type B Cards can’t record 6K/4K
  • Some can record 6K/4K but not in ProRes
  • Some can record all video formats, but when used for bursts don’t last as long as others
  • Only 4 Card Models can do it all and can do it best

Also, CFexpress Cards not listed here are not properly tested by Fujifilm. This means they could perform very well, too. But they could also have a negative impact on the performance of the camera (or even don’t work with certain features).

This is important to know, as I have already seen reviewers using the Pergear CFExpress Type B card in their X-H2S first looks. Whatever those reviewers say in terms of performance, please take it with a grain of salt, as they use cards that are not on Fuji’s list.

If you treat yourself with a Fujifilm X-H2s, please stick to the recommended CFexpress Type B cards (and also UHS-II cards) listed below.

CFexpress Cards – Official Fujifilm Recommended

Out of all the cards mentioned above, the four cards without any compromise in performance are:

In order for you to get the complete overview, I have added the full detailed chart at the bottom of this article (also for UHS-II cards).

UHS-II Cards – Official Fujifilm Recommended

Latest and Greatest Gear

Full Chart

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Decrypting Fujifilm Manager Statement: “No other Camera Platform more Suitable to Have both 5th Gen Sensors than X-H Series”

I’ve re-watched the Fujifilm X Summit, and right at the end I noticed a sentence that I think we have to investigate further what it could mean.

When talking about the two new 5th generation X-Trans sensors, the 26MP stacked sensor and the 40MP non-stacked sensor, that will both be featured into the X-H line, the manager says:

and there is no other camera platform more suitable to have them both than the ‘X-H” Series

I did try to wrap my head around this sentence to try to get what he really meant. I see the following options:

  1. It means that only the X-H line will offer both 5th generation sensor options as other platforms are not so suitable “to have them both“. As a consequence to this, all other camera lines will get either one or the other sensor (but not both)
  2. It means that since the X-H line is the most suitable of all, it will be the first line to get both 5th generation sensors, and other camera lines that might eventually also feature both options will come only after the Fujifilm X-H2S and Fujifilm X-H2

What do you think is the most appropriate interpretation of this sentence? Feel free to vote the survey down below.

The Fujifilm Manager is saying that...

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Fujifilm Explains Camera Line Distinction (CLASSIC Beats PSAM) and Likely Told us Which Lines Will Survive (and Which Ones Not)

Fujifilm Camera Lines Explained

The Fujifilm X-T line was never supposed to be a flagship camera.

Let me explain why.

When Fujifilm launched the Fujifilm X-H1, they called it their flagship camera, giving it top of the line features that no other camera had at that time (like IBIS) and in part still no other camera, except for X-Pro3, has (like the ultra-tough body). The Fujifilm X-T2 was positioned under the X-H1.

However, since it took Fujifilm so long to release the Fujifilm X-H1 successor, the Fujifilm X-T line had to take over the “flagship-role” for a couple of years.

But now, with the the release of the Fujifilm X-H2S and the pre-announced Fujifilm X-H2, everything is going back to normal so to say.

X-H is the flagship, and X-T is the mid-range.

And that’s not me saying it, but Fuji Guy Billy, who went through the “what is what” in the Fujifilm camera lineup with Bigheaedtaco, who then shared Billy’s list with us in the video below (starts 9:59).

For your convenience, here is the list.

  • X-H series:
    Refinement: Flagship Utility
    Interface: Hybrid
  • X-Pro series:
    Refinement: Luxury
    Interface: classic rangefinder
  • X-T* series:
    Refinement: mid-level
    Interface: classic SLR
  • X-S series:
    Refinement: Base Level
    Interface: DSLR design with PSAM interface
  • X-T** series:
    Refinement: Base Level
    Interface: classic SLR design with classic interface
  • X-E series
    Refinement: Base Level
    Interface: Rangefinder design with classic interface

Who REMAINS and who is OUT

  • I agree with Bigheadtaco when he speculates that all those camera lines mentioned in the list will see a successor at some point. Otherwise I believe Fuji Guy Billy would not have mentioned them
  • if correct, this means that also the X-E line will continue, hence there is hope for a Fujifilm X-E5
  • the true entry level line seems to be dead as it is not mentioned on the list. We already speculated about this back in 2020 when the X-T*** had been discontinued after only 9 months
  • this means little hope for Fujifilm X-A8, Fujifilm X-T300, X-A30
  • the “new” entry level (or base line) is considered the X-T** and X-S line

PSAM PANIC

  • there will be 3 lines with a more classic interface, and 2 lines with PSAM dials
  • Non-PSAM dial camera lines will remain the majority in the Fuji lineup (4 non PSAM lines vs 2 PSAM lines)
  • Fujifilm has not lost its soul! Classic control lovers like me will have plenty of cameras to pick from also in the future

By getting rid of a few lines and separating more clearly the remaining ones, Fujifilm has addressed one of the major concerns that was confusing Fujifilm X shooters: too many camera lines positioned too close to each other without sufficient differentiation.

In short we could say that every line will have a higher end and a lower end version

  • HIGH: X-H line – LOW: X-S line
  • HIGH: X-T* line – LOW: X-T** line
  • HIGH: X-Pro line – LOW: X-E* line

P.S.: It was just so much more fun when Fujifilm used other terms to identify their camera lines, like when they said the X-T** line for hipsters :).

DPReview Publishes Statement About Flawed Fujinon XF150-600mmF5.6-8 Sample Gallery

After noticing that DPReview removed their flawed XF150-600mmF5.6-8 sample gallery, I invesitaged the issue and found out that the reason for the removal was the use of not yet firmware compatible X-T4 with the XF150-600mmF5.6-8 (now confirmed by DPReview itself).

In that article, I also asked DPReview to apologize for the error and inform their community that what they saw did not reflect the real performance of this lens.

For me the story ended there, my job was done, and the next move (if any) was up to DPR.

Well, I am happy to report that DPR made its move. And hence it is fair from my side to report about it.

In the sub-section of the forum dedicated to Fujifilm cameras, Richard Butler of DPR opened a thread where he released the following statement here:

In the build-up to Fujifilm’s launches this week, we shot a series of samples with the 150-600mm F5.6-8. These were created using an X-T4 so that the X-H2S could be shot separately, allowing us to provide more samples and more information for our readers at launch.

It was only after publication we were told that the lens will not work to its full ability until firmware updates have been issued. Upon finding this out, we made the decision to take the gallery down.

We want everything we publish on DPReview.com to be valuable to our readers, which means ensuring it is both accurate and meaningful (in this case, by being representative of the lens). We apologize for falling short on this occasion.

Richard Butler
Technical Editor

DPReview.com

So what, story closed?

Well, that’s DPReviews statement, we take note of it and we certainly appreciate they went public with it (although maybe it would nice to have it on the same place, where the gallery was published, hence on the front page. But hey, no nitpicking here, that’s also fine in the sub-forum. Important is that their community is informed somehow).

There is just one sentence in that statement that, if we want to be really precise, sounds a bit off to me:

It was only after publication we were told that the lens will not work to its full ability until firmware updates have been issued.

According to our information, when Fujifilm sent DPReview the new gear, Fuji also gave them clear instructions, which included the instruction not to use any other camera on the XF150-600mm except for the X-H2S.

So, according to our sources, DPR was actually immediatly informed about it, but for some reason the instructions Fujifilm sent to them somehow got lost or not heard or misunderstood or missed or whatever.

And then, sure, after the flawed gallery went online, Fujifilm did contact them and informed them (again) about the issue with the X-T4 on XF150-600mm.

Final Word (I promise) ;)

Look, I have no reason to doubt what my sources told me. In fact, I totally trust them and I am sure it is accurate.

But I also have no reason to doubt that Richard Butler has genuinely found out only after the fact that the X-T4 could not yet be used on the XF150-600mm.

All I would like to say to Richard is that I can assure him instructions were given, and I understand that the DPR team is a large one, with lots of busy activities and pre-production gear to test and handle, and that there is the opportunity that at some point somebody inside that large team did not handle Fuji’s instructions the best way possible, hence they got lost somewhere, and unaware of the instructions, DPR started testing the lens on the X-T4.

I allow myself to give Richard this possible scenario, as I believe it is not unlikely that this is what happened. It could be useful to know this to eventually look into it and potentially find ways to make sure that such misunderstandings don’t happen again.

That’s really all.

And Richard: I look forward to the new sample gallery, the new reviews and whatever DPReview is working on, as DPReview is a huge reference point also for us Fujifilm X and GFX shooters.

with love from Italy
Patrick

FLAWED: DPReview Used XF150-600 on Not Yet Firmware Supported X-T4

This update to our previous story is mandatory.

I have investigated and I can now say with certainty that the reason DPReview removed all the ugly sample images taken with the XF150-600mmF5.6-8 is because they were taken using an X-T4, which still needs a firmware update in order to be able to properly communicate with the new lens.

And to be clear: DPR did receive the X-H2S and was warned not to use other cameras except for the X-H2S on the XF150-600mm, but for some reason they did not follow the instructions.

That’s quite an embarrassing error for a website that should have tons of experience with pre-production gear.

And maybe it is actually so embarrassing, that they are afraid it will hurt their reputation if they publicly apologize for it.

But I believe they should own it, not hide it.

Simply removing the sample gallery, without informing their loyal readers that what they saw were flawed samples, is not enough to bring back justice for the XF150-600mm.

Nope, it would be a nice touch towards their own readers and towards Fujifilm, if they’d apologize for sharing samples that mislead people to believe the lens is a horrible performer.

It can’t be a rumor site to set things right in this case. Dear DPR, you need to inform your readers.

Owner’s Manual for Fujinon XF150-600mmF5.6-8 R LM OIS WR Available (and Shows Nice Little Feature)

With the addition of the Fujinon XF150-600mm F5.6-8 we now have now a total of 4 lenses in the Fujinon X lineup that have a tripod collar foot:

Why do I mention the tripod collar foot?

Well, because if you look at the owners manual for the Fujinon XF150-600mmF5.6-8 that has just been published, you can see that it has one features that the other lenses mentioned here do not have.

If you have your lens mounted on a tripod, you can quickly remove it from the collar foot. So, in case you spot something you’d like to capture handheld but your gear is on the tripod, you don’t need to unmount the whole thing. Just snap the lens off the foot, shoot handheld, and then quickly snap the lens on the foot again.

A nice little touch! You can see how it works at the video below (min. 8:45)

If you want, you can access and download the Owners Manual here.

Fujinon XF18-120mmF4 LM PZ WR Owner’s Manual Available

As you know, the brand new Fujinon XF18-120mmF4 LM PZ WR features a Powerzoom, and I noticed some in the comments who asked how a PZ works.

Well, you will find the answer to this and other questions (some more simple like how to screw on a lens hood ;) ) in the dedicated Owners Manual here.

WHOOPS: DPReview Removes Their (Bad) XF150-600mmF5.6-8 Samples While Other Photographers Show Super Sharp Images at 600mm

Some guys were sure: it is simply impossible that the Fujinon XF150-600mmF5.6-8 is sharp at 600mm, due to mathematical calculations considering f/8 on APS-C combined with statistical elaborations on the effect of diffraction for a pixel pitch of ….

OK, I hear you, let’s keep it short: the XF150-600mmF5.6-8 it’s an unusable piece of junk at 600mmF8.

And looking at the sample gallery shared by DPReview (not to be mistaken with DPRTV) at launch day, which were the worst possible samples, one would agree with the above.

But now it looks as if somebody at DPR had the decency to pull off the sample gallery, as the original link to them is now broken, the sample gallery never loads and on the main page any reference to the sample gallery (still visible in cached version) is gone.

So what happened? I see two options:

  • the lens was used in hot condition with lots of hazy air that influenced IQ
  • the pre-production copy had an issue
  • UPDATE: suggested in the comments, the X-T4 used does not support the lens yet

UPDATE: According to information I have received, the prototype lens didn’t have firmware for X-T4 (which was the camera used for the samples).

Anyway, damage done: the sample were so bad, that some Fuji shooters looking forward to this lens were hugely disappointed and moved away from it.

But the questions remains open: how does the XF150-600 perform at 600mm?

Well, I put to together a series of links where you can see the samples by yourself. Some of them I already shared in the live blog, but others are new links that I did not share in the original live blog coverage.

Look for example at samples of Alan Hewitt below. They show the performance at 600mm with an additional crop to it.

If you ask me, that is actually an excellent performance!

But as usual, watch by yourself and make up your own mind.

Pre-Orders

SIZE COMPARED: Fujinon XF56mmF1.2 MKII vs XF56mmF1.2 plus XF30mmf2.8 and XF8mmF3.5 vs Current X Mount Lenses

So Fujifilm announced a new X mount roadmap. The three new lenses are:

  • Fujinon XF56mm f/1.2 MKII
  • Fujinon XF30mm f/2.8 Macro
  • Fujinon XF8mm f/3.5

During the X summit, they dispayed some technical sketches of the lenses which I used as a base to compare it to other X mount lenses.

Let’s go through the 3 comparisons:

Fujinon XF56mmF1.2 MK II vs XF56mmF1.2

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