So speculations arose about maybe a 50MP BSI sensor for the GFX system, or a stacked 40MP sensor, a monochrome sensor and what not.
But apparently we have to think different, because our sources would like me to clarify that it will feature a sensor size never used by Fujifilm so far on any of their digital cameras.
But nope, it’s also not that. The Fujifilm TX-3 is actually still debated inside Fujifilm and would eventually make its appearance earliest in 2028 for the reasons we explained here.
For your reference, here are the sensors used so far by Fujifilm (and hence won’t be used by this camera):
When yesterday we published the comments of Fujifilm CEO, who said that it is very difficult to mass-produce Fujifilm cameras with retro dials, there were some who said that making a retro dial is just as quick and easy as making a PSAM dial.
Is it true?
Well, the CEO was referring to the production struggles of the Fujifilm X100VI, which uses the combined ISO/Shutter dial first introduced on the Fujifilm X-Pro2.
So let’s look at that dial. Is it really as easy as making a PSAM dial? Here is what Fujifilm writes about it:
Realizing the [dial] mechanism and manufacturing process were not easy.
Firstly, […] there are 22 positions in total, quite a lot of number for an internal dial. […]
Secondly, the dial is electronically linked. The analog dial operation is converted digitally to know exactly what the setting is.
And Lastly, this mechanism has to be weather-resistant.
In order to meet the requirement, the Shutter speed / ISO dial required 38 parts for its composition. This number is the fourth largest after the finder, shutter unit, and mount.
This is not only about number of pieces, some parts required highly tech solution to manufacture the piece.
For example, in order to achieve the accurate 22 positions, the piece needed to be very precise and durable regardless of its complicated form. This piece is realized by a method called Metal Injection Molding (MIM). It is not cost friendly, but the this method realizes the metal part to be durable even in its complicated form.
Why do we spend so much time on this one dial?
Unfortunately there is no economic and rational answer to that question. But it was something that the developing team of X-Pro camera had always dreamed of achieving. And it was also something that the passionate X-Pro users strongly wished for.
So please, don’t go around saying that making a dial like the one on the Fujifilm X100VI is just the same as making one for any PSAM dialed camera.
There is no other digital vintage-looking camera out there that uses that dial. And the reason why is explained above: it’s complicated, it’s expensive, and it makes no sense from a manufacturing efficiency point of view.
But we are lucky that Fujifilm thinks differently.
Fujifilm does not think that niche products with niche ergonomic solutions are just a waste of R&D. Fujifilm has such a massive photographic culture that they understand that cultivating a niche means cultivating the true passion for photography.
And speaking of Fujifilm X-E5, personally I hope it will have such a dial too, although I have little hopes since it is so expensive to make, and I guess Fujifilm does not want that camera to become too expensive.
The reaction were mixed, but mostly positive, with 55% of you approving such a camera.
And one of the guys who would be very happy about such a camera is FR-reader Pavel, who back in 2022 shared with us his renderings about a digital Fujifilm X Pan Camera. You can read the article and see the images here.
Well, Pavel reviewed the comments on our rumor and wanted to address some of the skepticism surrounding this camera.
Hence, down below I’ll share a short article where Pavel explains why a special panorama camera is needed.
by Pavel
Why shoot panoramas and why a special camera is needed for this
this is one of the longest term rumors I have ever shared. So take it with a grain of salt, simply because we are talking about a camera that could be released in 2028
discussions about this camera are very intense inside Fujifilm, but if I understood my source correctly, the final decision has not yet been taken
Fujifilm = Photography
Tell me…
Who could pull this off?
Sony? Canon? Nikon?
Nah, forget about them. They are busy fighting their Full Frame war with mainstream cameras.
No, we need a company that thinks different.
A company that does not think that niche products suck and are just a waste of R&D.
A company with such a massive photographic culture that it understands that cultivating a niche means cultivating the true passion for photography.
Anyone comes to mind?
Oh yes, this company is Fujifilm !
And that’s why, even though this rumor comes from a new source and has not yet been confirmed by trusted sources, I definitely trust that if any brand can make it happen, then it’s Fujifilm.
So, what’s the rumor?
Well, I had a chat with a new source, and this is what it told me.
We remind you that Fuji Guy Billy recently said he expects the Fujifilm X-Pro4 to join the 5th generation platform, but that we will have to wait a little bit for that.
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.
The situation does not look much better at Amazon either.
Some stores even totally removed the X-Pro3 from their website, such as Wexphotovideo here.
As I told you from a parking lot, I believe the Fujifilm X-Pro line will continue to be an experimental line for Fujifilm and I am looking forward to see what the Fujifilm X-Pro4 will look like. As soon as I have rumors about it (as well as the permission to share them) I will let you know.
When I shared my video (and partially rant) about the Fujifilm X-E4 being discontinued and what that could mean for the Fujifilm X-E line going forward, I quickly mentioned in that video that I believe one line Fujifilm will never drop is the Fujifilm X-Pro line.
Why?
Because the X-Pro line 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.
Sure, Fujifilm won’t refresh it as often as they do with other lines, but it will continue (in my opinion).
But I said something else in the video.
I said that the Fujifilm X-Pro line will become a more “experimental” line for Fujifilm, and we can see that happening already now with the hidden LCD of the Fujifilm X-Pro3.
And you know what? I am good with it.
The Fujifilm X-Pro is a niche camera and I find it OK if the they try niche stuff with it.
So assuming Fujifilm will continue to experiment around with that line, what would you like to get with the Fujifilm X-Pro4?
An X-Pan X-Pro? Or maybe a monochrome X-Pro? Or why not get rid of the LCD entirely? Or keep the LCD, but put a stacked sensor in it and get rid of the mechanical shutter instead? Any other ideas?
Feel free to drop your wish in the comments. I might collect them in future and make a survey out it.
A Japanese Fujifilm manager recently said that they are working on developing “WOW” products.
So I’d like to hear from you guys what would make you say “WOW”. I’ll start the list with three products that I have the feeling would make quite some of you happy.
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