Most people and all websites are calling the successor to the Fujifilm X-T30II the “Fujifilm X-T40“.
However, according to our sources, there will be no Fujifilm X-T40, because the X-T30II successor will be called Fujifilm X-T50.
That makes sense to me, because it belongs to the 5th generation Fujifilm cameras (with 5th generation processor, AF goodness etc).
And yes, I know. The X-H2, X-H2S and X-S20 are also part of the 5th generation Fujifilm lineup, and yet they don’t feature the numeral “5” in their names. However, transitioning directly from X-H1/X-S10 to X-H5/X-S50 would likely have been too big of jump. In this case, it makes sense to maintain the “2” designation, indicating the second generation of this series.
Of course we are talking about the new kit lens that is going to replace the glorious XF18-55: the Fujinon XF16-50mm f/2.8-4.8
Well, now we can leak a new set of images brought to us a source, who has shared accurate rumors in the past. (THANKS AGAIN!!!).
You can see the new images in this article below.
At the last X summit, Fujifilm did tease the lens, but did not share images nor specs. All they told is was that it will be “beyond the ordinary kit lens“. Certainly optically it will be superior to the XF18-55mm (and capable of resolving 40MP), but it will come also with features we usually find on higher end lenses, such as the internal zoom (that’s a rumor, Fujifilm has not disclosed this detail).
Sadly many interpreted it as me saying that there will never be any Fujifilm X-Pro3 successor ever.
But as I told you from an ugly parking lot while waiting for my car to get fixed, I think that Fujifilm will never discontinue the X-Pro line, because it is a very prestigious line for Fujifilm. It was Fujifilm’s first mirrorless interchangeable lens camera and as such it is symbolically very important for Fujifilm.
And recently Fuji Guy Billy seemed to confirm that a Fujifilm X-Pro3 replacement with 5th generation goodness will come. It will just take a bit of time.
And he also said: it has to be something very special.
… and it’s Very Special?
So if all the 5th generation goodness is ready, why does it still take so long?
Well, let’s see some possibilities
SIMPLE ANSWER: there is parts shortage. Fujifilm decided to use those parts for cameras that are more successful (X100VI, X-T5, etc), and the Fujifilm X-Pro4 must wait until the peak demand for those cameras is over
BILLY’s PATH: Fuji Guy Billy said the X-Pro4 has to be something very special. Could it be a new design experiment (for example a screen-less camera). A monochrome or XPan sensor? Will they get rid of the mechanical shutter and go for a 26MP stacked sensor? Anything else that could make it “special”?
I personally hope that the result of this long wait will be a monochrome Fujifilm X-Pro. But again, that’s just a mere and random wish of mine (no rumor).
Feel free to let us know what your best guess is in regards to what’s going on with the long awaited Fujifilm X-Pro4 and why it’s taking Fujifilm so long.
At the last CP+, the French Website Phototrend had the opportunity to talk to Japanese Fujifilm manager Jun Watanabe about the X series and to Japanese Fujifilm manager Makoto Oishi about the GFX series.
Down below you can find a quick summary. For the full French version check out the articles at Phototrend here (X series) and here (GFX series). Plus a little rant at the end.
X series
Fujifilm can not confirm if X-Pro4 will arrive soon or not
X-Pro line is not stopped
X-T and X100 series do not satisfy all customers who want a “pure photography” experience
Fujifilm is studying different possibilities
feedback and expectations are high for the next X-Pro
X-E line is not stopped
sports photography is a difficult market
other brands are long established there and for Fujifilm it’s new terrain
Fujifilm can not confirm anything about eventual future lenses for sport photographers
Fujifilm has received great feedback about the latest autofocus system, but they will continue to improve
renewing older lenses is something that Fujifilm has in mind
XF16-50mmF2.8-4.8 [admin note: will replace the XF18-55mmF2.4.8]
Fujifilm is not considering any option other than X-Trans for their APS-C cameras
its unique matrix offers the advantage of combining high definition and suppression of moiré and chromatic aberrations
for X100VI, Fujifilm has developed the smallest and thinnest IBIS unit to date
the X100VI IBIS wiring has been moved to the side – see here
IBIS system uses data from the image in addition to the gyroscope (motion blur is analyzed from the live-view image)
the grip of the X100VI is a tenth of a millimeter deeper than X100V for a better grip
GFX series
GFX100II market return (sales) is very good, not only among professional photographers, but also filmmakers and directors
GFX100II sales exceed Fujifilm’s expectations
GFX100S is still very popular because Fujifilm has lowered its price
GFX100S still very popular in some markets like China
professionals go for GFX100II, enthusiasts for GFX100S
Fujifilm never looked at its market share in medium format segment
other manufacturers have no announced so many new products, so Fujifilm thinks they are Nr.1
some expect a faster 50MP GFX. But Fujifilm thinks high definition is more popular
there are lots of FF cameras offering 50/60 megapixel, so offering 50MP now has become almost banal
Fujifilm focuses on improving the 100MP sensor performance
for professionals ergonomics are very important
first GFX cameras had dedicated dials but now they switched to a easier to operate PSAM dial layout
normally APS-C lenses are compact than FF and MF (hence also smaller AF motors)
but regarding telephoto lenses, size primarily depends on diameter and aperture. Regardless of whether it’s for APS-C, FF or MF, the fundamental construction of telephoto lenses, particularly on the front lens side, is the same
Fujifilm tries to make the GF500mm as small and light as possible to obtain faster autofocus
tilt-shift lenses are the most difficult to design
why not retro? High end high speed cameras need to be operated quickly, hence PSAM. Also good for hybrid shooters for video
Let me just say that I strongly, vehemently, vigorously and fervidly disagree with Fujifilm in regards to what they said why they stick with PSAM on their GFX lineup.
First: the GFX system is not know to be blazing fast and immensely popular among high end sports photographers. I actually feel the GFX system would be the ideal system to use a retro layout.
They will find out that one can operate their retro styled cameras exactly as any PSAM camera out there. It’s a marvellous and ingenious design that gives us photographer the best of both words: retro if I want to have fun shooting or want to actually operate the camera already before turning it on, and PSAM if one needs to make lots of adjustment all the time on the fly.
Retro Fujifilm cameras offer both options. PSAM cameras force you into one way to operate the camera.
And in my opinion not offering retro styled GFX cameras anymore is one of the all time biggest mistakes Fujifilm is doing.
C’mon Fujifilm, look at what is selling best in your X system. You’ll see that retro X cameras outsell PSAM cameras by very far. And Nikon had a colossal success with the Nikon Zf lately. It’s clear that in times where every camera is just so good, what people really look for is to have a different photographic experience thanks to dedicated vintage dials.
The joy of shooting sells better than any specs boost you can show off on paper.
An example?
The X100VI sells like hot cakes. The revolutionary global shutter ultra modern high speed blazing fast Sony A9III is selling way below Sony’s expectations (you could always find it in stock everywhere all the time because demand is not high… ask your local retailer).
Many of our sources use the rumor box to contact me anonymously.
And despite it being a great tool available to sources, it has one downside: I have no way to contact sources in case I have any questions or, as it was the case with the source who shared the X100VI images with us, to ask if I am allowed to share a rumor.
So upon recommendation of a FR-reader, I set up a Signal account, which will allow communication with sources to be 100% anonymous, but at the same time I will be able to write back if I have any questions (such as asking permission to share the rumor or simply exchange information to double check things).
So from now on if you want to contact me, you can do it also via Signal.
It is 100% anonymous because:
while you need your phone number to register, your phone number is not shared with me or anybody else who does not have your phone number already (that’s the default setting of Signal). You can set it up also that not even the people who already have your phone number can see it on Signal
Signal can be downloaded on your Phone, but you can use it also on your desktop (it’s required that you have the App installed on your phone already). You can check out details here.
In case any source, who contacts me anonymously via rumor box using a nickname, would like to have direct and anonymous contact with me, feel free to do it via Signal.
And of course, you can also contact me via email at fujirumor@gmail.com and via PM on other social media (facebook & Co). Those are not anonymous, but it does not change anything, because only I’d know who you are and my top priority in any case and always is to keep all my sources 100% anonymous anyway.
Thanks for everybody who considers to help me out with the rumors, no matter in which way you’ll choose to do that.
And no better way to celebrate this anniversary for Fujifilm than launching their all time most successful camera, the brand new Fujifilm X100VI.
I thought it could be fun to launch a little survey, where you tell us which X100 camera you currently own, or have owned in the past… or even which one you have on pre-order. So if you pre-ordered the X100VI, you qualify as an X100 owner.
I recently published the usual top 10 articles of the month article (for February), and I believe three news are missing in there, that should have gained much more attention than what they did.
But I really think you guys should not miss out on them, hence we are going to share them in this dedicated article
Huge possible news for GFX
As a GFX shooter myself, this is one bit of news that I have waited for many years: the possibility expressed by Sigma CEO to offer autofocus lenses for the GFX system.
Fujifilm has officially listed 10 lenses that they are currently considering to eventually make in future. No all can come, but maybe some. And they did ask 200 journalists to vote their favorite lenses.
Well, FujiRumors thought that 200 votes might not be enough. So we launched a survey and asked you guys which lenses you’d like to get.
We are currently at 6K+ votes, but ideally we should break the 10K+ mark.
The more vote, the more Fujifilm will take our results seriously.
… unsubscribing is just as easy and free if at some point you are sick of rumors and mountains. And you can do it without having to explain anything to anybody.
And just because the question keeps popping up: no tourism board is paying me. The reason I do this is that I think some of you might like it to discover new locations. And the time I invest into these kind of videos is my way to express gratitude for the time you decide to dedicate to FujiRumors.
Johnnie from CineD is probably one of the nicest persons I have had the pleasure to e-meet in all these years of blogging.
And I know he truly loves Fujifilm and uses Fuji cameras for his personal and professional work.
But there is one thing where I respectfully disagree with him: Fujifilm does not need to make any dedicated video camera, as Johnnie also recently asked Fujifilm for. And I tell you why.
The absence of a dedicated video camera in Fujifilm’s lineup, allows Fujifilm to pack everything they can in terms of video specifications into their hybrid mirrorless cameras. This strategy avoids any potential internal competition with a separate cinema camera lineup. In contrast, companies like Sony and Canon may restrict certain specs and features in their hybrid cameras to safeguard the sales of their dedicated cinema cameras.
In short: if Fujifilm would offer cinema cameras, you could forget the X-H2S and X-H2 to be such powerful hybrid cameras. Or in future the Fujifilm X-H3 and Fujifilm X-H3S.
Indeed, the Fujifilm X-T4 already proves to be an exceptionally robust hybrid camera, as demonstrated today, thanks to an email I have received from fellow FR-reader Angel, which I share below.
by Angel Alvarez
My name is Angel Alvarez, my team and I just finished post production on an indie feature that we shot entirely on the Fujifilm X-T4 (save for 1 drone shot). A camera that I got excited about because of your website.
I could write pages on how I find the color rendering from Fuji much better than that of Blackmagic or even RED cameras, but to summarize; the X-T4 performed greatly and far exceeded my expectations. Granted, I encountered a few problems with it, but it was to be expected given the amount of stress we put it through.
I’d like to share with you a few frames from our film as well as a couple BTS stills that I’ve attached to this email.
You can also find the trailer below.
This film is a labor of love that took three years to complete. I hope I’m not overstepping, but if you enjoy what you see, and you think it’s worth your time, we’d be extremely grateful if you could do a post about it.
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