“Fujifilm won’t have a booth at CES 2015! My Guess? Big Announcements in Late 2015” (DPR-moderator Chris)

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If you are going to Las Vegas for the CES, you will probably waste your time looking for the Fujifilm booth, since, according to dpr-moderator Chris (f-sunny, via dpreview) – who’s heading to Las Vegas soon -, there won’t be any Fujifilm booth at CES… just rooms for business meetings.

Chris assumes there won’t be “big announcement, because they have no booth to show it/them off. My guess would be Fuji will save their announcements for shows late in 2015, and have a Fuji booth at those locations.”

If Chris is right, then this means that Fujifilm has not that much in the pipeline for the next couple of months (the 16-55mmF2.8, the 16mmF1.4 and a rumored entry level X, which should be also the last one, according to actioncamerarumors).

The Fujifilm X-PRO2? Oh yes, this one is coming too, sooner or later in 2015 ;) .

Fuji manager Hisashi Toshi: “The future is High-End!” XF 16-55 will cost around 120,000 yen. FujiUK says: “NO OIS”

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image courtesy: heraldcorp (translation)

Hasta la vista, OIS. The XF 16-55 won’t have it.

THE TWEET

NO OIS 1: After the 16-55 with OIS at the Fuji magazine, I’ve contacted FujifilmUK/FRA and the Fuji Guys via twitter and asked for a clarification. Just now I’ve received the answer from FujiUK (thanks). It’s just a typo, the OIS was removed from the magazine. They also said:

“The IQ of this lens is going to be amazing. OIS takes physical space which means the lens elements can’t be precisely where they need to be to allow for the absolute best image quality. We feel that it will be a better lens without it.“

My advice to Fuji: make an X-PRO2 with IBIS, and you could still sell plenty of these lenses. But for now, I’m afraid no OIS will be a deal breaker for many.

THE SHOWROOM

NO OIS 2: FR-reader Antoine was at the Fuji showroom in Tokyo and said that the mockup of the 16-55 f2.8 is not OIS, neither on the tag nor on the lens itself.

THE INTERVIEW

NO OIS 3: Korean interview (dated 12.12.2014) at heraldcorp (translation) with Fuji manager Hisashi Toshi. The journalist didn’t ask Mr. Hisashi Toshi about the OIS, but you can see a mock-up of the lens… no OIS marking on it.

THE PRICE: The XF 16-55mmF2.8 will cost around 120,000 yen ($1,010). This would make it the most expensive lens in Japan after the XF 50-140 (164,000 yen = $1,381) and XF56mm APD (160,000 yen = $1,347). src – Amazon Japan

“In the first half of next year, the flagship product? ‘ ASPHERICAL LENS FUJINON Nano-GI XF 16-55mm. Fujifilm released as a lens technology-intensive products will launch later this year. The price is based on the 120,000 japanese yen in Japan.”

In Europe the price could be of €1.049 (see artencraft)

THE FUTURE: Mr. Hisashi Toshi also said that the future is High End Mirrorless. Seems like actioncamerarumors was right when they said Fuji will ditch the entry level segment… finally, focus on high-end X-series cameras, everything else is just distraction.

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PRICE IN EUROPE

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OIS is BACK ? XF 16-55mm f/2.8 WR coming “early 2015″… and with OIS (source Fujifilm Magazine)

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Back on the 24th of July (I remember the date, because I worte that specific article while sitting at the back of a rented car between 2 hyperactive kids during my holidays in Tuscany… believe me, a real challange to write it ;-) ), Fujifilm updated the lens roadmap, and, amongst the others, they told us that the XF 16-55mmF2.8 release had been pushed back to spring 2015… and it will be without “OIS”.

Now we have some more information about this lens, shared at the latest issue of the Fujifilm X-magazine (and spotted by attentive FR-reader Dan R Smedra – thanks for sharing at the FR facebook page)

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First: we now have a slightly more precise indication of the release of the XF16-55… it will come “early 2015” (so I’d exclude May/June, and guess it will come around March)

Second: As you might or might not know, the latest official stamtent from Fujifilm (made in September at photokina) confirms, that the XF 16-55mmF2.8 will NOT feature an optical image stabilization (OIS), because of weight/IQ reasons. Many X-shooters were astonished by this news, especially since Fujifilm is right now explaining us that the 5 stop OIS in the XF 18-135 WR lens and 50-140 f/2.8 lens works miracles (and apparently it really does)! I’ve launched various polls here on FR and shared posts on facebook… and it’s pretty clear that the majority of X-shooters do want OIS.

Now, I don’t know if it’s just a typo or if Fuji changed plans, but according to the latest edition of Fuji’s official X-magazine, the XF 16-55 will feature OIS (and come early 2015, as said before). I really hope that this is not just a typo.

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RUMOR: Upcoming Fuji Flash made with METZ… and some more specs! (anonymous source)

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the Fujifilm EF-42 is one of the Fuji flashes available at the market. More flash units are needed…. a new flash could come in spring 2015

_ _ _

An anonymous source with nick-name (thanks) just shared with us the following information: The new (still just rumored) flash for the Fuji X System will be made with METZ. The features? Guide number 52, off shoe TTL, ABC grouping and to be announced at the CP+ in Japan (February).

This rumor confirms (partially) what shared earlier about this flash. In fact, previous rumors talked about wireless control, but the guide number was said to be 50. And as you might remember, a trusted source told us that it will be released in spring 2015. Another reminder: it is said to have HSS capability.

The anonymous source also confirms what Fujifilm told us back on the 24th of July: the XF90mm and the XF140-400 will be released at the end of 2015. It also said that the X-PRO2 would feature an 24MP sensor.

Message to sources: you can contact Fujirumors 100% anonymously via rumor box (maybe using a nick name so that I can eventually recognize you in future) or via email at fujirumor [at] gmail.com. Feel free to make my X-PRO2 rumor sleuthing a bit easier ;)

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ORGANIC SENSOR: The Problem? Too much battery drain and too much heat being generated (new sources)

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The organic sensor isn’t just a futuristic patent popped out somewhere on the web. In fact it’s Fujifilm itself, that officially announced its development. The official press release says that, together with Panasonic, Fujifilm is working on an organic sensor that will deliver “Industry’s highest dynamic range”.

But what is the situation now? Well, according to 2 new sources the problems are the following:

New source 1) too much battery drain & problems to find a proper processor
New source 2) too much heat being generated

Could these problems be the reason for the Fujifilm X-PRO2 delay? Will it feature an organic sensor once these issues are sorted out? Is this the sensor Fuji is waiting to be ready before launching its new flagship (see this rumor)?

I don’t know it… and I still have NO (!) reliable or even semi-reliable information about a Fujifilm X-PRO2 sporting an organic sensor. However, this weekend I’ve received an anonymous rumor pointing into this direction, but I’d like to hear what trusted sources say about it before sharing more details.

If there is anyone out there who could help to dissipate the doubts and share some more information about the sensor of the Fujifilm X-PRO2, then feel free to contact me 100% anonymously via rumor box (using a nick-name, so that I can eventually recognize you in future) or also via email at fujirumor [at] gmail [dot] com (you can create a fake email address if you prefer).

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First Look: Fujinon XF 50-140mm F2.8 R LM OIS WR

 

First Look: Fujinon XF 50-140mm F2.8 R LM OIS WR

first impressions / practical review / shooting experience by Rico Pfirstinger

Talk to Rico (open forum for questions & feedback)

Fuji X Secrets Workshops – Rico’s Flickr Sets

Rico’s XF 50-140mm F2.8 R LM OIS WR Sample Images – Specs

—

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to get my hands on a pre-production copy of Fuji’s new “professional grade” tele zoom lens, the XF 50-140mm F2.8 R LM OIS WR. Since the lens is already available in many regions and will soon start shipping in North America, I’d like to take this opportunity to share my observations during a brief period of testing.

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

“VISION 2016”: High-end X-series cameras in Fujifilm’s Medium-Term Management Plan!

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THE HARD BEGINNING

Just 3 years ago a lot of people were sceptical about the X-series’ future… and they had very good reasons for that. From it’s start on, the Fujifilm X series lost money. At the beginning, the best selling X-series camera was the Fujifilm X100 (sold 130,000 times). But hey, every beginning is hard. The system was new, it was not mature enough to meet the need of photographers, and it still had to find its place in the market.

FROM THE HOPE TO THE ENTRY LEVEL FLOP

Something changed with the arrival of the Fujfilm X-E1 and a couple of months later the Fujifilm X100S, which were not really a big success, but at least Fuji was able to sell a decent number of them… and I dare to say, the Fujifilm X100S could have sold MUCH better, if there wouldn’t have been those biblical shipping times… the DDR (or GDR) delivered their Trabants faster than Fujifilm their cameras :) .

But, for some reason, Fujifilm decided to attack also the entry-level market and launched the XF1, the XQ1, the X-M1, the X-A1… a debacle for Fujifilm. Lot’s of R&D resources put into a deep, black hole!

THE NAKED TRUTH

And in November 2013 the New York times published here the naked truth: Fujifilm sold, overall, just 700,000 X-series cameras! The X-series was a super-small niche with an uncertain future.

THE REBIRTH … or … THE FUJIFILM X-T1

However, Fujifilm reacted, stepped on the gas and released the Fujifilm X-E2 just one year after the Fujifilm X-E1. The camera sold pretty good for Fujifilm standards… but the real winner was and still is the Fujifilm X-T1. It sold so well, that, as Fuji says in their latest report, it saved the imaging division and kept it profitable (along with instant cameras & instax film)!

THE FUTURE

It seems that now Fujifilm is looking with more optimism at the future. In an interview at the photokina in September 2014 here, Fujifilm Senior Manager Mr. Toshihisa Iida said: “Over the past few months I’ve been getting more confident“.

And today Fujifilm published their Medium-Term Management Plan called “VISION 2016”, where they say that they will  “focus on high-end digital cameras “X Series” and expand sales of highly profitable interchangeable lenses“.

I just hope that the name “VISION 2016” does not refer in any way to the Fujifilm X-PRO2… we want it in 2015 ;).

Expire November 29

XF 56mm f/1.2 (save $150): BHphoto / AmazonUS / Adorama / Pictureline /
XF 23mm f/1.4 (save $200): BHphoto / AmazonUS / Adorama / Pictureline /
XF 14mm f/2.8 (save $200): BHphoto / AmazonUS / Adorama / Pictureline /
XF 35mm f/1.4 (save $100): BHphoto / AmazonUS / Adorama / Pictureline /
XF 60mm f/2.4 (save $150): BHphoto / AmazonUS / Adorama / Pictureline /
XF 10-24mm (save $200): BHphoto / AmazonUS / Adorama / Pictureline /
XF 55-200mm (save $150): BHphoto / AmazonUS / Adorama / Pictureline /
X-T1 body (save $100): BHphoto / AmazonUS / Adorama / Pictureline /
X-T1 + XF18-55 (save $100): BHphoto / AmazonUS / Adorama / Pictureline /
X100S (save $200): BHphoto / AmazonUS / Adorama /Pictureline X-PRO1 + 18mm (save $300):  Adorama / X-E1 + 18mm (save $300): Adorama / X-M1 + 18mm (save $300): Adorama / X-E2 + XF18-55: Adorama

Fujifilm X100T to be announced September 10!

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According to the trusted Japanese source, the Fujifilm X100T will be announced on September 10. As you know, the source also told us, that it will feature a 16mp sensor (see this rumor).

stay tuned of Fujirumors via facebook, google+, RSS-feed and twitter

(TS= trusted source / NeS =New Source / AS = Anonymous Source / SRP = source who was right in the past, but not yet trusted / ORS = other rumor sites)

– Announcemet September 10 (TS)
– 16MP X-Trans sensor (TS)
– Name: Fujifilm X100T (TS + NeS + leaked by X-photographer David Hobby)
– APS-C (ORS)
– tilt screen (NeS)
– new fixed lens (NeS)
– 23mm (leaked by X-photographer David Hobby)
– new EVF, better than X100S, but not as much as X-T1 (NeS + ORS)
– EVF specs: x0.67 magnification and horizontal apparent field of view of approx. 27°. (TS)
– faster AF than Fujifilm X100S (NeS + ORS)

Push the “read more” button for an updated reliability rating and the rumor check 2014

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Fujifilm will introduce a new Film Simulation called „Classic Chrome“ (SRP)

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A few months ago, there was an anonymous source with nick name, who shared a correct rumor about the X-T1 with us (SRP = source right in the past). This source just wrote me for the second time and told us that Fuji will launch a new Film Simulation called „Classic Chrome“.

That’s all the source said. So for now… take it with… a grain of salt.

If true, I think we will see this film simulation coming with the X30 and X100T… and maybe it could also be one of the features introduced in the rumored upcoming X-T1 firmware update. But that’s just my personal guess for now, so DO NOT take it as a rumor from a FR-source.

Oh, and feel free to share this rumor whereever you want, just make the courtesy to quote the source and to put a link back to FR. I have nothing against it to be quoted ;-)

stay tuned… and share rumors with Fujirumors (if you have some),
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P.S.: And in case you just came back from holidays and didn’t read FR in the last weeks, then here is a little rumor roundup and reliability rating for you. Also a rumor check-up of 2014, which will have a big update after photokina I suppose.

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

“Crop Sensors vs Full Frame :: Crop Or Crap, Math or Moment” (video by Zack Arias)

Zack Arias posted a video on youtube here (Crop Sensors vs Full Frame), where he talks about the different sensor sizes. His full article is up at dedpxl here.

“Look. Some of the trolls out there are going to think this is a Fuji sponsored message. It isn’t. While Fuji is a client of mine and I have done work for them they sure as hell don’t keep food on my table or a roof over my head on any sort of regular basis. I don’t get shit for saying this stuff or making blog posts like this. I’m simply relaying my experiences working with all sorts of cameras in all sorts of situations. And in preparation for making this blog post I have done a lot of pixel peeping at newer APS cameras from Nikon, Canon, Sony, and the rest and I feel confident saying… APS sensors kick ass these days. Across the board. Whatever you are shooting..”

And in case you missed it, he also posted his X-T1 review at dedpxl:

“I have zero regrets about selling all of my Canon gear and going Fuji. Zero regrets. I do miss the longer telephoto but, lo and behold, what just got announced for the lens lineup? A 90mm f2. I wonder who could have requested that over and over and over again? This camera can hold its own for just about anything but professional sports photography. It’s a fantastic travel camera. It would be great for events and weddings. It is lovely for portraits. Wouldn’t mind a faster sync speed than the 180th that it has but I jump to the x100s or the Phase when I need that fast sync. […]  PS – Dear Fuji. I’m still wanting an X-Pro2. Don’t forget about that. I would, however, trade the X-Pro2 for an X medium format. Just sayin’.”