So today’s question is: is there any reason why Fujifilm should go Bayer also on higher end APS-C Fujifilm X-series cameras?
WARNING
Some people do probably not have the 5 minutes of time it needs to read this article. They will read the headline, and arguing in favor or against X-Trans/Bayer by default :) .
So for those people, who refuse to read the article and don’t go beyond the headline, I will at least make a bullet-point list, in the hope they will read that one at least.
This is a super short condensation and simplification of more complicated subjects, and as such it is naturally an inaccurate list. Each point will elaborated and clarified in all its shades below.
X-Trans Pros
less color noise at high ISO
less moiré (an advantage that will become negligible once APS-C sensor go beyond 30MP)
sharper compared to cameras with same pixel number and optical low pass filter, unless the processing in camera is very aggressive, like on X-A5 and X-T100
more pleasing “film-like” grain at high ISO
Bayer Pros
20%-30% less processing power required (possible benefits listed below)
cheaper to produce than X-Trans
Brutally short conclusion:
X-Trans is better for image quality
Bayer is better for features and speed, unless Fujifilm can compensate for the extra 20-30% processing power required by the X-Trans sensor with a more powerful processor (present in Fujifilm X-T3), new sensor tech for faster sensor readout (maybe stacked sensor) and better heat management (present in X-H1)
If you want, you can now start your 5 minutes reading time :)
The brown Fujifilm X-E3 has been listed a few days ago at Fujifilm Canada here. Thanks to these images, we can see for the first time how it the backside looks.
In my eyes, the Fujifilm X-E3 looks so good, that it would cut a fine figure in every color. But I still prefer the black or silver versions, though.
Follow my Travel through South Europe on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Mostly unedited JPEGs will be shared in the road, due to limited time because of the massive blogging and announcements. RAW files to be edited after the travel and the announcements
Fujifilm X-E3 with XF10-24 @ 14mmFujifilm X-E3 with XF18-135 @ 70mm
If you weren’t hiding under a rock for the last decade, then you will have noticed that the instant film trend, launched back in 1972 with the iconic Polaroid SX-70 and ended in the nineties, is having an impressive revival thanks to Fujifilm Instax products in recent years.
But how was this revival made possible?
Fujifilm was just about to shut down their entire Instax production just like Polaroid did a few years earlier, when an unexpected event breathed new life into the agonizing market. You can find a more in-depth explanation of the several reasons of the boom here.
What have Markus Klinko, Kevin Mullins and Olaf Sztaba in common? You got it: they are Fujifilm shooters.
I know from Markus, that he is completely in love with his Fujifilm GFX and considers it the perfect tool for his professional work.
Kevin Mullins moves stealthy like Ninja capturing great moments on weddings with his Fujifilm X-series cameras.
Olaf walks the streets with his X100F and captures beauty at every corner, that passes unnoticed to so many people.
Today’s roundup is a bit different, dedicated to these 3 Fujifilm X shooters. Markus has a fantastic exhibitions you should visit, Kevin continues to deliver great educational content on his new channel, and Olaf does best what photography is all about, telling stories.
Recently Fujifilm is introducing to various markets the brown Fujifilm X100F (it’s available in North America, Europe, Asia already – last update here).
Now Fujifilm is about to do the same thing with the Fujifilm X-E3. You can see the first image above (thanks for sending it to me myanmarphotoartist.com). It comes with the XC15-45 kit lens.
The brown color is also already listed at the Turkish Fujifilm Shop, however still without images.
However, keep in mind that a Fujifilm manager said here that they need 2 years to discuss, develop and finally make a camera and even more than 2 years in case of lenses.
So if in June 2017, when we shared the GF 80mmF1.4 rumor, the discussions about the GF80mmF1.4 just started, then now, 1 year later, IF Fujifilm really decided to go ahead with it, it will take them well over 1 year to come out with it.
Again… if Fujifilm decided to make it all.
But even if Fujifilm decided to make it, you should not expect any GF 80mmF1.4 lens at Photokina 2018, and I’d personally would not expect it before 2020 anyway.
Don’t worry, there will be lots of other great gear to enjoy at Photokina 2018, such as the Fujifilm X-T3 and Fujifilm GF 50R.
Tilt Shift, UWA & The New Roadmap
According to our sources, we must add also a tilt shift lens for the GF system to the list of rumored lenses shared back in April 2017, so the updated and complete rumored GF lens list is the following:
GF 35mm F2.8 (coming 2018)
GF 20-36mm F3.5-4.5 (in 2018 this or the GF 100-200)
GF 100-200mm F4.5-5.6 (in 2018 this or the GF 20-36)
GF 80mm F1.4 (not in 2018 – personally I’d not expect it before 2020)
Tilt Shift lens (coming 2018/2019)
Fujifilm plans to release 2/3 GF lenses a year, and since we already got the GF250mmF4 last month, we can expect a maximum of two more lenses in 2018.
Now, for 2018, the Fujinon GF 35mmF2.8 should be sure.
So now it’s your turn guys. Let us know which one you would prefer between the GF20-36, GF-100-200 and the tilt shift lens for 2018.
And I don’t love my 27 just because it is so small, but also because it’s actually an astonishing performer for its size. It is really sharp, chromatic aberration and distortion are extremely well controlled… and yes… it is so tiny :) .
The reason is simple: the X-E3 with XF27mm just fits in everywhere. Hence, every time I leave my apartment, may it just be to pick up quickly my nephew from the kindergarden, I just grab my X-E3 and 27 and take it with me with no need to put in a bag or whatsoever. It fits in almost every pocket…. and speaking of pockets…
… somebody finally did it, the big XF27mm pocket test.
It’s Omar, from Omar Gonzalez Photography. He also got himself a Fujinon XF27mm for his Fujifilm X-T20, and he now shared his review on youtube here. But besides the little pocket test, Omar also makes a more comprehensive review with pixel peeping and so forth. So make sure to check it out here.
And in case you read this, Omar… I lost my lens cap too :).
If you own an X-T20 or X-E3, hence one of the more compact Fujifilm cameras, and want the ultimate compact and yet high performing combo, then the XF27mmF2.8 is the lens you need.
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