BCN Ranking: Fujifilm Beats Sony and Becomes 2nd Best Selling Brand in Japan

Today you should be happy as a Fujifilm X and GFX shooter, and I tell you why.

The latest BCN data* shows that Fujifilm was able to pass Sony and hence placed itself on the second spot behind Canon in the Japanese digital camera market. It’s the first time since 19 years that Fujifilm was able to grab the second spot.

So what pushed Fujifilm suddenly so high?

Well, it’s not the X or GFX series, but mainly the Instax Mini EVO that boosted the market share for Fujifilm. Sure, those are technically speaking also digital cameras, but they belong to the Instax family.

Another homerun for Fujifilm, but not in the ranking as it is not a camera, is the Instax Wide Printer, which I also got for myself and truly enjoy (I’ve waited YEARS for this!)

So what, who cares? It’s just Instax?

Well, not really.

As you know FujiRumors is 10 years old already, so I have a long memory on what happened and what was said in the past.

And I remember how Fuji Guys said in the early days of the X series adventure, that the massive cash Fujifilm makes with Instax products is also partially used to fuel the development of their digital X series cameras.

So the tremendous success for Instax is a good news also for us Fujifilm X and GFX shooters, especially considering that also Instax struggled to sell back in 2019 and in 2020.

This sharp recovery of Instax, mainly thanks to the Instax Mini EVO (which is indeed Fuji’s best looking and most vintage operating Instax camera), but also thanks to the Instax Mini LiPlay and Instax Wide Printer and more, brings fresh money into Fujifilm’s camera segment, which ultimately can be used also for the X and GFX series development.

Money, that is much needed, as this year will be a fantastic Fujifilm year, with the Fujifilm X-H2 introducing the 5th generation X series cameras in May 2022, which hopefully will come not only with great new hardware, but also with a huge computational photography boost.

*BCN collects data of about 40% of the Japanese electronics and online stores.

via bcn via digicame-info

 

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These are the Top 10 Articles on FujiRumors in 2021 (Spoiler: Fujifilm X-H2 Wins ;) )

What You Did and How I’ve Tried to Honor it!

Let’s start by highlighting what you did in 2021 for FujiRumors:

  • about 50,000 comments on FR-articles (about 130 comments a day)
  • 151,680 votes in our polls

Your massive participation is the reason why Fujifilm reads us with greatest care, as proven multiple times such as here, here and here.

I did try to honor your massive participation by working as hard as I could, with the added challenge that this year I became father, which made working consistently on FujiRumors not always the easiest thing.

But I did try hard, and here are some numbers. You judge if that’s good enough to deserve your time and trust.

  • 867 blog posts written in 2020 (average of 2.37 articles every single day of the year – weekends and “holidays” included)
  • 83 rumors shared
  • 92,8% correct rumors (rumor check here – but quite frankly, it’s more a 99% accuracy. I explained why in this article)
  • about 18 messages written every day to those of you who contacted via fujirumor@gmail.com, Facebook and Twitter and Instagram Direct
  • 560+ replied comments in the various FujiRumors articles
  • 100% Free ;)

Phew!! :)

Most Read Article

Most Read Non Rumor Article

Most Read Guest Posts

  1. Fujifilm Instax Wide Printer Concept – Note: Fujifilm listen to us and gave us the Instax Link Wide Printer (which also I ordered and I have received now)
  2. The GFX 50 Series is an ISO-less Classic
  3. The Perfect Exposure

Day with most Contacts

January 27 with the following articles (all this just a few hours after my son was born!):

  1. Does Fujifilm Need Full Frame? Fujifilm GFX100S vs Sony A1 vs Canon R5 vs Nikon Z7II Specs Comparison
  2. LIVE BLOG Starts NOW: Fujifilm GFX100S, GF80/1.7, X-E4, XF70-300, XF27/2.8II
  3. Fujifilm X Summit WATCH LIVE – NOW on FujiRumors! – GFX100S, GF80/1.7, X-E4, XF70-300, XF27MKII
  4. Fujifilm GFX100S has 16 Bit RAW and GF80mmF1.7 costs $2,299… or Setting Wrong Rumors Right (not Mine)
  5. “Just Leak it!” or the True Story of the Fujirumors GFX100S Leaks ;)
  6. New Firmware Updates for X100V, X-T30, and X-Pro3 Announced
  7. Fujifilm launches mirrorless digital camera “FUJIFILM GFX100S”
  8. Fujifilm launches FUJINON Lens GF80mmF1.7 R WR
  9. Fujifilm launches mirrorless digital camera “FUJIFILM X-E4”
  10. Fujifilm launches “FUJINON XF70-300mmF4-5.6 R LM OIS WR”
  11. Fujifilm launches FUJINON Lens XF27mmF2.8 R WR

Most Clicked…

Top 10 Articles of 2021

  1. BREAKING: Fujifilm X-H2 Will Come in 2022 and be Worth the Wait
  2. What We Expect to See from Fujifilm in 2021… and What Not!
  3. Fujinon X Mount Roadmap 2021/2022 Updated with Latest Rumored Lenses
  4. Fujifilm Releases Firmware Updates for GFX100/S (Blackmagic RAW), GFX50S/R, X-T4, X-T3, X-H1, X-Pro3, X100V, X-E4, X-T30
  5. Fujifilm X-E4 Leaked: Images, Price and Press Release
  6. While Sigma Sleeps, Tamron Confirms Three More Fujifilm X Mount Lenses Coming Next (11-20mmF2.8, 17-70mmF2.8 and ?)
  7. BREAKING: No More Fujifilm X Series Camera Coming in 2021
  8. BREAKING: Fujifilm X-H2 with 26 Megapixel coming 2022 (and Now the Big Question is…)
  9. Fujifilm Product Timeline 2021/2022: About X-H2, GFX50SII, XF150-600 and More (And What Will NOT Come)
  10. The Error Fujifilm is Doing (and Sony Not)

Fujifilm X-H2 Rumors Recap

Since apparently the topic of most interest also for 2022 is the Fujifilm X-H2, here is a recap of rumors we have shared so far in 2021.

And 2022…

… will be a whole lot of fun, trust me… just follow FR if you want to know more ;).

Social Media Boom

Our social media and pages have reached new heights compared to 2020.

And also our facebook groups grew massively compared to 2020.

Chip Shortage Delays Nikon Z9 Delivery to October 2022 – Bad News also for Fujifilm (and Fujifilm X-H2)?

The worldwide chip shortage and the camera high demand is pushing the next stock shipment for the brand new Nikon Z9 to October 2022 according to various Japanese retailers as reported by SonyAlphaRumors.

We are talking about a flagship camera, on which Nikon totally relies on to recover from their dramatic market share decline (Nikon is behind Fujifilm in the mirrorless camera market and with DSLR included is way behind Sony and Canon).

Moreover, SAR also says that Sony has postponed most of their new camera launches to the second half 2022.

So the fact that Nikon won’t be able to ship the latest orders of their single most important camera for many months to come should put all camera manufacturers into high alert, even Fujifilm.

If the chip shortage is really going to last that long, then I wonder how this will affect also planed Fujifilm announcements for 2022.

And here is where we have to talk about the Fujifilm X-H2.

Fujifilm X-H2 Announcement

We know one thing for sure (thanks to our sources): the next camera Fujifilm will launch is the Fujifilm X-H2.

Let me say it again: no other X series camera is planed between now and the Fujifilm X-H2.

Considering that the last “real” X series camera announcement was the Fujifilm X-E4 back in January 27 (I refuse to consider the Fujifilm X-T30II a “new” camera, as it basically just an X-T30 on firmware steroids, and the Fujifilm X-T3WW is an X-T3 without charger), we are now waiting since almost 1 year for a new X series camera to come.

That’s a whole lot of time.

Given the long wait, I hope Fujifilm was somehow also able to organize enough chips for the Fujifilm X-H2 in order to announce it as soon as possible, ideally in early 2022 (as most of you speculate).

And considering how important the Fujifilm X-H2 is for Fujifilm, I am sure they’ll do everything they can to release the X-H2 as soon as possible.

But these are crazy times, and I highly doubt Fujifilm has at this point set any solid announcement date for the Fujifilm X-H2 yet.

And quite honestly, would anybody of us be surprised if the Fujifilm X-H2 would materialize only in the second half 2022? I guess not, considering the circumstances.

But let me be clear at this point: I still hope for an early 2022 announcement for the X-H2. It’s not a rumor, just a hope. I just say that if it would come later, I personally would not be overly surprised by that, even if that would mean that Fujifilm hasn’t launched a new X series camera in 1.5 years or more.

Solution for the Worst Case Scenario

If the chip shortage would force Fujifilm to postpone the launch of the Fujifilm X-H2, then I hope that they will at least make some sort of “development announcement” as they did for the Fujifilm X-Pro3.

In fact they partially already did it also for the Fujifilm X-H2 when they said that in 2022 there will be a stacked BSI X-Trans sensor for Fujifilm APS-C cameras. Sure, the X-H2 was not mentioned, but trust me, the Fujifilm X-H2 will be the first X series camera to sport such a sensor.

But that’s not enough.

In case of a longer delay (which I hope won’t happen), my hope is that Fujifilm will make a more solid and concrete Fujifilm X-H2 development announcement, in which not only they could show us mock-ups (as they did with the X-Pro3), but also give us a more solid date as far as the announcement goes.

For many professional photographers, having a perspective on where a certain system is going and developing, can be a reason to stick or switch to that system (or away from it). Hence, Fujifilm can’t keep silent for too long on the Fujifilm X-H2 front.

Sure, FujiRumors can contribute a bit to keep the buzz going thanks to the rumors shared by our sources, which help to keep confidence in the X series future (and hence keep people into the system and making others curious about it). Just take a look at the rumors below, and you’ll understand that Fujifilm is planing big things for 2022. But at some point also Fujifilm has to come forward more decisively than they already did.

With all that said, I hope there won’t be any need for a development announcement and that the Fujifilm X-H2 will come soon enough.

Fujifilm X-H2 Rumors Recap

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Fujifilm X-H2 Coming 2022 with Huge Computational Photography Boost?

Fujifilm X-H2

What could be a good topic to talk about this weekend?

Let me think…

What about the Fujifilm X-H2? Is that OK?

And more precisely, could 2022 be the year that will see a huge computational photography boost in Fujifilm X series cameras, starting with the Fujfiilm X-H2?

I think it could be, and here is why.

Recently I wrote an article called “Top 7 Critiques on Fujifilm that Are Absolutely Justified”.

In that article, I said that Fujifilm should hire the best firmware guy there is, and develop tons of artificial intelligence features, as this is one area where APS-C cameras can easily beat full frame and medium format cameras, as I also explained in my article 7 advantages of APS-C over FF article.

The smaller the sensor, the faster the processing, the less the heat, the more the camera is free to make its computational photography magic.

While writing that article, I remembered that back in 2019, top manager Toshihisa IIda did announced a 3 year computational photography plan and said:

  • In 3 years, AI (artificial intelligence or computational photography) will become important part of photography
  • AI will not manage or control, but help photographers to take better images in an easier way

And more recently here, Japanese Fujifilm managers said:

  • If sensor and processor are very fast, then you can do lots of things with computational photography

Well, it looks like Fujifilm plans to give the X series a massive AI boost by 2022 (according to their own 3 years AI roadmap set back in 2019). And guess which camera is set for 2022 announcement? You got it, the Fujifilm X-H2.

So, in terms of new technology, the Fujifilm X-H2 will not only give us a new hardware platform (new sensor and processor), but, if Fujifilm respects their own timeline, we might see also lots of computational magic being implemented in the X-H2.

Btu to be clear: this is not a rumor. I have no idea what the X-H2 will bring in terms of AI features. But Fujifilm itself hinted that by 2022 something will happen in this department. So feel free to let us know which AI features you’d like to get on the Fujifilm X-H2.

Computational Photography – Good or Bad?

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

Fujifilm X-T3 beats X-T4 Autofocus, Fuji Frustrations, Switching to Fujifilm, Sony A1 vs Fuji X-T4 for Video and More – X Gear Roundup

Time for a roundup that does not cover the latest and greatest Fujifilm X and GFX gear.

Among the others, the roundup covers:

  • Fujifilm frustrations with non-consistent Fujfilm ergonomics
  • investigating the question if the X-T4 has worst autofocus than X-T3
  • a comparison between the Sony A1 and Fujifilm X-T4 for video work
  • X-Pro3 and X-S10 coverage
  • creative work made with Fujifilm gear
  • and more

If you are interested, check out the links and videos down below.

Roundup

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

Top 10 Articles for October: Fujifilm X-H2 vs Full Frame Stacked Sensor Pricing, Massive Firmware Updates, Tamron 18-300 Reviews and More

 

Here are the top 10 articles for October:

  1. Fujifilm Releases Firmware Updates for GFX100/S (Blackmagic RAW), GFX50S/R, X-T4, X-T3, X-H1, X-Pro3, X100V, X-E4, X-T30
  2. Samyang 12mm F2 AF for Fujifilm X Mount Officially Announced – First Hands-On Reviews
  3. Top 7 Critiques on Fujifilm that Are Absolutely Justified
  4. This Sport Photographer Tested the XF33mmF1.4, Changed One Autofocus Tracking Setting and Suddenly Got 90%+ Tack Sharp Images
  5. Fujifilm X Lab “Secret” Development Story of Fujinon f/1.4 lenses and More “Full Power” Lenses Coming in Future (also Zooms)
  6. Fujifilm X-H2 with Stacked Sensor: What’s the Right Price for You? (But Do NOT Compare it to the New Sony A7IV)
  7. LEAKED: Instax Link Wide Printer Product Images and Description
  8. Panasonic Unveils 35MP Organic Super35 CMOS Sensor with Global Shutter and Great Dynamic Range
  9. Fujinon XF23mm and XF33mm F1.4 R LM WR Reviews, X-T30 vs X-T30II – Latest X Gear Roundup
  10. Tamron 18-300mm F3.5-6.3 for Fujifilm X Mount Reviews and Video Demos

Save 20% plus additional 10% (with code FUJIRUMORS) by pre-upgrading to Capture One 22 now. No better deal will come to upgrade, not even at Black Friday. This is the best price.

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Top 7 Critiques on Fujifilm that Are Absolutely Justified

I recently wrote an article, where I list 10 attacks on Fujifilm that do not make any sense.

In that article, I promised that I would also write an article about the exact opposite, meaning sharing a list of critiques on Fujifilm that I totally understand and I agree with.

You can find it down below.

And of course, feel free to add your own critiques on Fujifilm in the comments down below.

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DxO PhotoLab 5 and FilmPack 6 Released with Support for Fujifilm X-Trans Sensor Cameras

DxO has just announced Beta support for Fujifilm cameras sporting an X-Trans sensor with the new DxO PhotoLab 5 and DxO FilmPack 6 (launch discount available).

Down below you’ll find the official press releases.

The supported Fujifilm X-Trans cameras so far are:

All DxO Software

Press Releases for DxO PhotoLab 5 and DxO FilmPack 6

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

Nitecore BlowerBaby and Camera Cleaning Pen, Fuji Guys “In My Bag”, X-T3 Flip Screen Alternatives & More – Accessories Roundup

Nitecore has released the BlowerBaby, which works in conjunction with the Nitecore Camera Cleaning Pen.

The BlowerBaby creates a 70 km/h (43.5 mph) strong wind you can use to blow off dust from your gear and sensor. Moreover, the camera cleaning pen comes with several brushes (a harder one and a very soft one), that you can attach on the BlowerBaby in order to remove the most stubborn dust from your gear.

The Nitecore BlowerBaby & Cleaning Pen is now available at AmazonUS here and also in Europe at AmazonDE and AmazonUK.

  • Strong Wind: Max wind speed of 70 km/h (43.5 mph), which is two times the traditional blower.
  • Wide Range of Usage: Applicable to the cleaning of photographic equipment and more devices, such as cameras and lens.
  • Electric Drive: Built-in 1, 500mAh Li-ion battery provides consistent usage, built-in Li-ion battery charging circuit with a USB-C port, power indicator to indicate the remaining battery power.
  • User-friendly Design: Silicone nozzle to prevent accidental damage to the object surface, constructed from aerospace-grade aluminium alloy with HA- III military grade hard-anodized finish.

Get Yours

Press Releases + Video + Accessories Roundup

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