Fujifilm Managers Interview: IBIS in Smaller X-T Body is Necessary, XF Video Lenses, Why No Full Frame, XF 33mm f/1.0 and More

Fujifilm Managers Interview

The French site Phototrend interviewed Fujifilm Managers Shinichiro Udono, Jun Watanabe and Takuya Noguchi at CP+ in Japan. Here are the key points of the interview. For the full interview check out phototrend (google translated).

Hybrid Market

  • hybrid market had already reached 48% of annual sales (in value)
  • in the second half of 2019, the hybrid market has already exceeded the 50% mark
  • the managers think in 2020 year it we will be around 55 or 60%
  • Fujifilm launched first hybrid in 2012
  • now Fuji has already has 31 XF lenses + 10 GF lenses (roadmap lenses included), so the Fuji system is well established in relation to new entrants, both in terms of lenses and a very wide range of products

Why many lenses close or same in focal length (for example XF35mmF1.4, XF35mmF2 and XF33mmF1.0)

  • we want to offer different options to photographers, not only in terms of focal length, but also according to the shooting style. That’s why we have many fixed focal lengths with different focal lengths and apertures. It’s our concept

XF Cine Lenses

  • when Fuji launched X-Pro1 seven years ago, focus was on still images, hence lenses for stills
  • Fujinon XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR and Fujinon XF 50-140mm f/2.8 R LM OIS WR zoom lenses are very good lenses for video
  • maybe in the future Fujifilm will offer XF zoom and prime lenses with a mechanism optimized for video shooting
  • The current Fujinon MKX lenses cover alreary most of the needs of professional videographers
  • Fujifilm thinks of making XF lenses with better video performance, and not more MK lenses

Fujifilm X-H2, IBIS in Fujifilm X-T3

  • with the XH series, Fujifilm targets professional users, while with the XT series they focus on enthusiasts
  • IBIS: Fuji does not want to compromise on image quality so they need a bigger package for now to get excellent image quality and image stabilization
  • IBIS is currently not possible in cameras of size of Fujifilm X-T3
  • But in the future, Fujifilm believes that it is necessary to offer IBIS technology on more compact cameras (X-T line).
  • Fuji X-H1 size is not only due to IBIS, but because Fujifilm wanted to create larger body with better grip and ergonomics for Pros. Even without IBIS, the X-H1 would have the same size/style

Full Frame Fujifilm?

  • we do not really know what’s in our customers’ heads (laughs). But in our case, we also have the GFX medium format camera system
  • we believe that the combination of medium format and APS-C is the best option
  • Canon, Nikon or Sony offer great full format products
  • Fujifilm had an internal discussion on the sensor format they had to use
  • they did a lot of simulations with engineers. They decided not to go FF, because APS-C allows for a smaller system, also lenses are smaller and lighter
  • Fujifilm is a photography company and they really want customers to take more photos. If the camera is bigger and heavier, they will not necessarily want to take it all the time with them and we do not want that
  • we want our customers to take their camera everyday and enjoy photography. This is the concept of our APS-C system
  • but Fujifilm knows that some customers want a system with a higher resolution and a larger sensor. For them, we have a system with a larger sensor than the full format and it’s the GFX

Fujifilm X-T30

  • Fuji does not intend to stop X-T20 production. The X-T20 will be sold cheaper than the X-T30

Fujinon XF33mm f/1.0

  • the goal is to deliver a lens with the most beautiful bokeh effect
  • at f/1.0, the manual focus is very difficult and that’s why we made this lens with autofocus
  • we already had this idea in mind, but we needed the technology to integrate an autofocus system on such a bright lens

Fujifilm GFX 100 Megapixel and GFX50R

  • the GFX100 will have much faster autofocus than current GFX50S and GFX50R
  • it will have IBIS
  • Our development team is working very hard on IBIS, because the sensor is much larger and it is very difficult to control the movements of the sensor
  • 4K 30p without cropping
  • GFX100 target are professional photographers, especially in the world of fashion, advertising and portraiture. But since this camera is faster, we may be able to extend the audience
  • Fujifilm GFX 50R sales are bigger than expected. Many advanced amateur photographers are buying the GFX 50r, especially for landscape or street photography

Modular GFX (Report & Images & Videos Here)

  • The modular GFX body was of course only an idea, there was no technical research on how we could achieve this result
  • For the moment, we have no plan to develop a modular GFX. But once we have the right technology to produce this type of device, maybe we will consider that option
  • Fujifilm was surprised by the huge reaction there was about the modular GFX. Some customer misunderstood, and thought it’s an actual prototype and future product

Kaizen Firmware

  • software technologies evolve on a daily basis, and new features are developed
  • we are always looking for the benefit for the consumer, it’s our way of thinking
  • when a new feature is developed for latest sensor/processor, it is very hard to bring it to cameras with older sensor/processor. It requires much more complex work. It’s not impossible, but it depends on situatuin and development resources

Market Trend

  • SLR market, each year this market will shrink, by 10 to 20%
  • Fujifilm is in the hybrid market for 6 to 7 years, it’s a good thing more manufacturers are coming up with more products because it creates a strong message for the hybrid with customers

A few product images from the interview below.

 

Fujifilm GFX XG Concept vs Panasonic S1R, Sony a7iii, Nikon Z7, Canon EOS R Size Comparisons

Fujifilm GFX XG vs Panasonic S1R
Fujifilm GFX XG vs Panasonic S1R

Fujifilm GFX XG

Fujifilm has recently shown a couple of early Fujifilm GFX concepts. You can see them all here.

Amongst the others, there was the Fujifilm XG, an X-T styled Fujifilm GFX.

I was curious to compare its size to the one of current mirrorless full frame cameras, so I took the image shared by dpreivew, threw it into camerasize, and manually made accurate size comparison with the Panasonic S1R, Sony a7iii, Nikon Z7, Canon EOS R as well as the Fujifilm GFX 50R.

Fujifilm obviously designed all the early concepts keeping in mind that they have to accomodate a rather big shutter mechanism. The arrival of the global shutter should allow Fujifilm to make the camera sensibly smaller.

  • Size Comparison – Fujifilm GFX100 vs Sony A7III, Nikon D5, Canon 1DX, Canon EOS R, Nikon Z7, Nikon D850, Fuji GFX 50R

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Fujifilm X Summit: Recap of A Unique Event and One More Reason to Fall in Love with Fujifilm!

Fujifilm X Summit

What crazy days we had, triggered by the wonderful Fujifilm X Summit.

Fujifilm managers, engineers and designers explained their work, gave interesting insights and answered live questions of their customers.

Fujifilm even publicly asked us which lenses and firmware we would like next, letting us vote on various options (with overwhelming response by the FujiRumors community).

The X Summit shows, that the way Fujifilm interacts, listens and follows to customer needs, is more unique than rare, and it’s one more reason to fall in love with Fujifilm!

In case you missed it, make sure to check out our compact Fujifilm X Summit summary.

Fujifilm did an amazing job, customers answered in the best way possible, and for what it’s worth, I’ve also tried to honour the event by working restlessly and publishing 14 articles over the last weekend.

However, it seems that not everybody was able to keep track of it all, since I start to get emails from readers notifying me about news I have already published.

So I thought a quick recap could help:

Fun fact: at the X Summit Fujifilm said they will cooperate with Adobe for better X-Trans support, and four days later came this news:

  • click here – First Looks at ADOBE’s New Enhance Details Feature for Sharper Fujifilm X-Trans files
  • click here – ADOBE Improves Detail Rendering for FUJIFILM X-Trans RAW Files in Camera RAW 11.2

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Fujifilm GFX 100 Media Slides: 50% faster AF with Phase Detection at -2 EV @ F2, Why Only One Shooting Mode Dial Explained and More

Fujifilm GFX100

The Fujifilm GFX100 removed all dedicated dials except for one “Shooting Mode Dial“, which will allow you select between stills, multi or movie mode.

We had a huge debate about the Fuji GFX100 dial removal here on Fujirumors (includes a poll) and mostly people were not happy at all about it, because they feel that dials and retro-controls are part of the X series DNA.

Well, it seems that Fujifilm was not insensible to the mostly negative feedback that came from the FujiRumors community and they now felt the need to explain why they removed the dials. Check the “new shooting mode switch operation” section below.

I will add all the screenshots to all the media slides below, but I also write them all down here on FujiRumors, just in case you are watching this on a smartphone and you don’t want to open the slides and keep up zooming in and out to read them… we like to take care of our readers here on FujiRumors ;).

You will also find the hands on images by dpreview, who also said:

  • textured finish similar to that used on the GFX 50S
  • integrated grip provides more space for shutter mechanism and IBIS
  • about the size of Nikon D5 or Canon EOS-1DX II – comparison here
  • lacks the retro-style dials
  • large 3-position dial on the left is used to switch the camera between movie, stills and multiple exposure modes
  • ‘drive’ button at its center
  • large top screen won’t make miss the large shutter speed and ISO dials of its predecessor too badly
  • EVF clarity and resolution excellent. Free from the pixelation and noticeable lag which affected the finder of the 50S
  • viewfinder unit is removable, but when the GFX 50S finder is attached to the GFX 100, they won’t get the benefit of the greatly improved resolution of the newer EVF
  • all-new OLED ribbon display on the back, below the main LCD will serve to show the status of key camera settings
  • tilt and touch screen
  • While the main shutter dial has an on/off switch collar, the same control on the secondary shutter release serves to lock/unlock the button
  • Battery life: ~400 shots (CIPA) per single charge
  • dual SD-card slot
  • next-generation XQD/CFexpress media in the GFX 100 is being discussed for future products in the GFX lineup
  • microphone and headphone jacks, plus HDMI and USB, courtesy of a USB 3.0 Type C port
  • possible to charge the GFX 100 over USB
  • 4K/30, 10bit, 4:2:0 video internally and 10bit 4:2:2 externally via HDMI
  • GF 45mm F2.8 delivered plenty of sharp images at 1/20sec and a couple of acceptably sharp shots at shutter speeds as low as 1/6sec
  • GFX 100 could support sensor-shift features in future [already rumored on FujiRumors]
  • AF speed appears very good, and certainly greatly improved over the original GFX 50S
  • available on-time, in late spring or early summer.
  • price around $10,000

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GFX Zones

Media Slides

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Fujifilm Publicly Asks Which X and G Lenses to Make Next, Shows Video Demo of New Fujifilm X-T3 April Firmware, Modular Compact GFX Body and More – X Summit

Fujifilm X Summit

Fujifilm hold the first X summit at the GPP in Dubai, an event aimed to listen to customer feedback in the best Kaizen tradition and discuss about the Fujifilm future.

For example, Fujifilm asked people which X and GFX lenses they should make next and which firmware update should come next.

Sadly there was not much participation (hardly 50 comments), so let’s see what happens if I share the same polls here on FujiRumors, the only Fujifilm community that can collect several thousands of votes within a few hours ;).

You find Fujifilm’s future X and GF lens survey down below.

Big news: just as we rumored a few days ago, the Fujifilm X-T3 will get a major firmware update, centered on autofocus improvements. It will come in April. Fujifilm showed a video demo of the improvements, and it was fairly impressive. Better face and eye tracking.

Here is the entire 1 hour and 48 minutes video summed up in key points for you. You’re welcome :).

X and G Mount – starts 27:48

Why no Full Frame

  • All brands go to mirrorless, and to different mounts and sensor sizes
  • Medium Format makes it easier to design lenses for higher resolution. But also needs more power
  • Barney from DPReview says there is no perfect format. It depends on what the customers wants
  • Every format has Pros and Cons
  • Focus is APS-C size. Provides fast system and enough resolution
  • For higher resolution, go GFX
  • Fuji’s R&D challenge is to make APS-C quality better and GFX smaller

X mount

  • X-mount design: sensors are getting better and so sensitive, that they have to deliver light through the lens in a very precise way
  • More light, less digital correction
  • Value Angle: Long technical explanation. In short: the wider the value angle, the more precise and easier they can send light to the sensor
  • Fujifilm compares the value angle of X-mount to full frame, and they show that X-mount has much wider value angle (screenshot below)
  • Canon and Nikon full frame mirrorless have smaller value angle
  • The Value angle of Sony full frame is very narrow
  • Wider value angle gives more flexibility for lens design. Allows for more light and less digital correction

FUTURE CONCEPTS – starts 41:57

XF33mm f/1.0

  • XF35mmF1.4 vs XF33mmF1.0: the XF 33/1 needs to be twice as big, since it needs to let in and correct twice the light
  • XF33mmF1 has more than twice lens elements than the XF35/1.4
  • to correct aberration on the XF33mm f/1.0 you need around 7-10 glass front elements
  • the XF35mmF1.4 has only 7 elements overall
  • the backside of the XF33mm f/1.0 has about 8 to 10 glass elements
  • overall the XF33mm f/1.0 has more than twice the lens elements
  • the 7 to 10 glass elements on the front of the 33/1 weight about 200 gram
  • challange is to move heavy lens elements precisely during autofocus
  • Toshi was not satisfied with the size of the lens, but he understands the challenges of developing it. However, he invites engineers to make it still as small and light as possible

XF16mm f/2.8 and XF 16-80mm f/4 working protoypes

  • XF16mmf/2.8 announcement soon
  • XF16-80mmf/4 will follow. Launch later this year. Lens feels really light

Future X and GF lenses

  • Fujifilm asks people which lenses Fujifilm should develop next – FujiRumors added the polls down below
  • Tilt shift lens is very likely to come next for G mount system
  • Zack Arias agrees with FujiRumors and he does not want a 35/1.4 MK II because he does not want the 35/1.4 magic to go lost
  • development costs of new lenses are very high

FUTURE GFX CONCEPTS and GFX CAMERAS – starts 59:39

GFX Concepts

  • Mirrorless should be free from all legacy
  • Fujifilm shows design mock-ups of GFX
  • they show a very small cubic and modular GFX, where you can attach a grip unit and viewfinder unit. So you can build the GFX according to your style (full video here and original full video here)
  • the modular GFX is just a mockup, but Fujifilm hopes it won’t take long to create such a small device
  • Medium format size can be reduced a lot, but there are challenges, for example a smaller shutter unit and better battery efficiency
  • with global shutter Fujifilm can make it smaller

The clear message here is: don’t worry, we are going to make the GFX system a whole lot smaller. So invest into GFX, and we will deliver you also a super-compact body one day.

GFX 100

  • Fujifilm shows a working prototype of GFX100 and they take a sample on stage, including pixel peeping
  • at 100MP the benefits of medium format shine, because it’s easier to design lenses that resolve 100MP for MF than for full frame or APS-C
  • hand-holdable medium format camera thanks to IBIS
  • GFX100 will cost around $10,000, but final decision has not yet been made
  • Coming before June

COLORS and IMAGE QUALITY – starts 1:17:46

  • They explain their color science.
  • The steps are: signal, measure, calculate, tune, target color
  • there will be new film simulations and they asked people which should come next (FujiRumors has already expressed its opinion)

FIRMWARE – starts 1:27:25

  • 250+ total firmware updates made since the original X100 has been introduced
  • They show upcoming firmware of X-T3 with significant autofocus improvement. Better face detection, better tracking, better eye AF. Coming in April. Check it out in the video embedded above or on youtube at 1:28:35
  • Fujifilm also said they will give us the opportunity to switch between faces with the new firmware
  • survey about which firmware should come next
  • they official mention Kaizen as their philosophy

Q&A

  • Fujifilm is studying the rating system
  • Adobe X-Trans support: Adobe says that for them to get good results with X-Trans is difficult, it’s a lot of work. Fujifilm will support Adobe for better processing
  • People ask for complete Camera Remote App redesign
  • Fujifilm is working on improved camera remote app

There will be more X summits, and you can interact at slido here, and of course you will be the first to know, if you follow FujiRumors on Facebook, Instagram, RSS-feed and Twitter.

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Fujifilm GFX Modular Camera Concept Unveiled

Fujifilm just unveiled a Fujifilm GFX modular system concept (in Ricoh GXR/S10 style) at their Fujifilm X Summit here.

We thought it is worth to dedicate to this mock up an own article, so that you can discuss it properly.

The message Fujifilm is sending is clear: we are going to make medium format small!

The arrival of the global shutter will help, since the shutter design is one of the challanges Fujifilm faces to minimize medium format. Then there is the battery life efficiency as well as the heat dissipation and more.

Also, a modular system allows for flexibility. For example you will be able to chose your grip size and attach it to the camera. Full video of the prototype in here our GFX facebook group.

And guys… that modular GFX100 I rumored on April 1st last year… the idea for that “joke”… well, now you know it ;).

Full and detailed report in this article (includes video demo of future X-T3 autofocus improvement firmware)

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RUMOR, NEWS and COMMUNITY
Fujifilm GFX facebook group
Fujifilm GFX facebook page

 MORE MODULAR GFX IMAGES

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Fujifilm 2019 Camera and Lens Release Timeline (and a bit of 2020)

Fujifilm 2019 Timeline

It’s time to put some order in the myriad of rumors, and give you guys a timeline of the Fujifilm products that will come in 2019, as well as give a quick glance at 2020.

This is just an approximate timeline, that I will update as soon as I get new information.

January/April 2019

  • Fujifilm X-T30*
  • Fujinon XF16mm f/2.8 R WR*
  • Fujinon GF 100-200mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR*

* based on our rumors

May/August 2019

  • Fujinon GFX100*
  • Fujinon XF16-80mm  f/4 R LM OIS WR**
  • Fujinon GF 50mm f/3.5 LM WR***

* based on our rumors
** our sources say XF 16-80 will not come in early 2019
*** just an educated guess by FujiRumors, but it could make sense to announce it along with Fujifilm GFX100

September/December 2019

  • Fujifilm X-Pro3*
  • Fujifilm X100F Successor*

* based on reports at techardar. I place them in the second half of 2019, because I do not think their release is imminent (if techradar is right about 2019 release)

Top Possible Bonus Gear in 2019/2020

  • Fujinon GF 80mm f/1.4 R LM WR*
  • Fujifilm X80**
  • older XF lenses refresh***

*based on rumor
** wishful thinking based on XF10 disappointment :)
*** no rumors. but please, FUJI, PLEASE!!!

Coming 2020

  • Fujifilm X-H2*
  • Fujinon XF33mm f/1.0 R LM WR**
  • Fujinon GF 45-100mm f/4 R LM OIS WR**

* our sources say it will not be released in 2019, hence must be sometimes in 2020, since I don’t think Fuji will wait until 2021
** based on official Fujifilm roadmap

Probably Not Coming in 2019/2020

  • Fujifilm X-E4

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Top Fujifilm Product 2018 – VOTE NOW

Top Fujifilm Gear 2018

2018 was a fantastic Fujifilm year, with lots of great gear launched. But which one was the best Fujifilm product of 2018 according to you?

Let’s see if it will be an exciting head to head race like for the best Fujifilm product 2017, or if we will have a clear winner, like in the best Fujifilm product 2016 poll.

Vote the poll down below.

Not included the Fujifilm GFX100, since we don’t have final specs, as well as lenses that are only on the roadmap so far.

LAST SECOND HOLIDAY DEALS: AmazonUS, BHphoto, Adorama, FocusCamera, BestBuy

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Fujifilm X-T3 Sensor: Can Fujifilm Unlock Full 16 Bit Sensor Power via Firmware Update or Maybe Come to Fujifilm X-H2?

Fujifilm Sony Sensors

We recently reported here, that Sony officially listed the IMX571 26MP Fujifilm X-T3 and the IMX461 100 MP Fujifilm GFX100 sensors on their page.

Now these sensors are also listed at framos.com, and it gives us a few more details:

FUJIFILM X-T3

If you check out the X-T3 sensor details (table below), you will see that Sony’s 26 megapixel sensor has a bit depth that can go up to 16. The Fujifilm X-T3, though, shoots at 14 bit in regular mode and I hear 12 bit in sports mode.

It looks like Fujifilm did not/not yet enable 16bit readout mode, and went for 14 bit instead, because they prioritize speed over image quality.

In fact, 14 bit files are significantly faster to read out than 16 bit files, which, on the other hand, offer lower noise than 14bit.

Now, this is not a rumor, not at this stage… but…

… but I wonder if Fujifilm could enabled 16 bit a later stage via a firmware update, and maybe even give us the option to select between 14 bit for ultimate speed or 16 bit for ultimate image quality.

Anyway, Framos writes:

“The IMX571BQR-C is a diagonal 28.3 mm (Type 1.8) CMOS active pixel type image sensor with a square pixel array and 26.11 M effective pixels. This sensor incorporates maximum 36 dB PGA circuit and 16-bit A/D converter. 16-bit digital output makes it possible to readout the signals of 26.11 M effective pixels at high-speed of 6.84 frame/s in still picture mode. In addition, it realizes 12-bit digital output for high-speed 4K moving picture by window readout mode. This sensor is designed for use in consumer cameras. Please consult your imaging experts at FRAMOS if you have any questions.”

See the Fuji X-T3 sensor details at framos here.

Fujifilm X-H2

Fuji Guy Billy already said here, that the 25% better heat dissipation of the Fujifilm X-H1 body over the X-T2 body, allows them to run the X-Processor Pro faster in the X-H1 than on the X-T2.

I guess the same will be valid for the Fujifilm X-H2, and hence it will be able to squeeze even more power out of the brand new Fujifilm X Processor 4.

I wonder if that would make it easier for Fujifilm to offer 16 bit on the X-H2.

Fujifilm GFX100

Framos.com also shares the details of the Fujifilm GFX 100 sensor, the IMX461. They write:

“The IMX461AQR-C is a diagonal 55 mm (Type 3.4) CMOS active pixel type image sensor with a square pixel array and 102 M effective pixels. This IC incorporates maximum 36 dB PGA circuit and 16-bit A/D converter. 16-bit digital output makes it possible to readout the signals of 102 M effective pixels at high-speed of 2.7 frame/s in still picture mode. In addition, vertical subsampling binning and 3-horizontal pixel weighted binning realize high-speed 12-bit digital output for shooting moving pictures.

See the Fuji GFX100 sensor details at framos here.

Technical Tables

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Fujifilm Manager at PhotoPlus: “We Expect Fujifilm GFX 100 to Cost About $9,995. Fujifilm X-T3 Sales are On Fire!”

Fuji GFX100

Cameta Camera interviewed Brandon from Fujifilm about the Fujifilm X-T3 and the Fujifilm GFX100. You can see both videos below.

Here is what Brandon says:

Fujifilm GFX100

  • Brandon expect the Fujifilm GFX100 to cost about $9,995, so just under $10,000
  • Fujifilm invested millions in the new processor, which allows fast autofocus on the X-T3, and the Fujifilm GFX100 will have the same processor
  • the market for 100MP cameras will expload with the Fujifilm GFX100

Fujifilm X-T3

  • it’s an excellent seller. About 1 month after release, sales are just on fire

Fujinon Roadmap lenses

  • XF16-80mmF4: it’s not a replacement for the current kit lens, just an addition. Price will be very attractive
  • XF33mmF1.0: an exciting lens


FR-Reader Images from Photoplus

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