And then it became clear to me: Fujifilm medium format has a glorious future ahead. :)
Just two thing before we start:
Tony Northrup shared a video (see below), where he didn’t sound very confident about the GFX future. I thought about it, and the result is the article below
This article is based on the assumption, that in future only higher end cameras are 100% safe from the smartphone attack, since professional photographers won’t ever switch to smartphones for their Pro work
2 minutes reading time (or just 15 seconds if you jump directly to the conclusions ;) )
When the global shutter sensor comes to be, it will be a big change just to the whole camera industry, taking away all the limitations of current electronic shutters. […]
If the GFX has global shutter, so we can imagine something new. A smaller body.
If I wasn’t the rangefinder lover that I am, and I’d had to buy a DSLR styled mirrorless Fujifilm camera today, I’d not pick the Fuji X-T3, not even the Fujifilm X-T30!
And in fact, for two reasons I might explain in a future article, in these days I played with the thought, to get a Fujifilm X-H1.
And honestly, at THAT Price to me it’s such a steal!
I know there is the X-T3 out there, but the X-H1 autofocus is actually pretty fast, certainly more than fast enough for my needs. The image quality is just as lovely as on my Fujifilm X-E3. The build quality just screams “made in Japan” from every angle of the camera. It has IBIS. And some of my longer lenses would certainly balance better on the X-H1 than on my X-E3 or even X-T1.
Because in these days something happened, but I want to come down a bit before and see how all this ends, or it would end up in a rant. And today it’s weekend. My nephew is coming soon to my home. And I want to come down and be in good mood :).
So let’s stop it here and go back to the Fujifilm X-H1.
Let’s give some love to a camera, that would definitely deserve much more success than it has, thanks to a dedicated X-H1 roundup.
The Fujifilm X-Pro3 has now been registered with the code name FF190002 here (via nokishita). The other two cameras registered there are the X-T3 and X-T30.
And no, it’s not the Fujifilm X-H2!
Here on FujiRumors we have already started breaking some Fujifilm X-Pro3 rumors.
1.5 years were shared with the Fujifilm X-H1 IBIS mechanism development. But once the IBIS for X-H1 was ready, it took them additional 1.5 years for Fujifilm GFX100 IBIS.
At Fujikina 2019 in Toyko, Fujifilm displayed the ASP-C and MF IBIS units. You can see the difference in the image below.
Imaging-resource also shared a video and some GFX100 media slides. They say:
IBIS and OIS do not work together. Could change in future with firmware update, as it happened with Fujifilm X-H1
4K@30p full sensor readout, but uses line skipping in vertical direction
The Fujifilm X-H1 IBIS looks small next to the Fujifilm GFX100 one. However, the X-H1 IBIS is still too big. It’s one of Fuji’s priorities to make it even smaller in order to give us a smaller Fujifilm X-H2, or maybe even fit it into a future Fujifilm X-T4 and X-T40 or any other camera that might come down the road.
We have already posted a first Fujifilm manager interview earlier today here. It’s a good one, with lots of information, including the future of the Fujifilm X-H line. Make sure to read it!
Also B&H Photo, Adorama, Samys and Henrys are at Fujikina 2019, and they had the opportunity to go hands on with the Fujifilm GFX100 as well as have talks with Fujifilm managers.
I have put together the main points of the various interviews down below:
Fujifilm manager Justin explains why calling the Fujifilm GFX100 “large format” makes sense
Fujifilm has a medium format sensor roadmap, and GF lenses are future proof since they can resolve more than 100 megapixel
1/4 of a second at 200mm gave tack sharp images
shutter shock absorbers in the GFX100
going at 5fps continuous shooting with a medium format 102 MP camera is unheard of
Adorama says it feels like shooting a flagship DSLR as opposed to medium format
Adorama says they can’t believe it, and that Fujifilm is changing a lot
Fuji manager Justin says Fujifilm is trying to re-invent photography
Fujifilm needed 3 years to develop IBIS for the Fujiiflm GFX100. 1.5 years of development were shared with the Fujifilm X-H1 IBIS development, and another 1.5 years for the IBIS on the GFX100 only
One of the advantages of medium format, is that it is easier to design high-resolution lenses for it.
So if resolution, sharpness, cropping flexibility, big prints and having future proof files for upcoming high res screens is important to you, investing in GFX large format is the way to go.
The Fujifilm X-Trans sensor has been awarded with the “National Invention Award” by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Scienes and Technology.
Finally a recognition, for a techonlogy, the X-Trans sensor, that has never really been marketed well by Fujifilm, and is sometimes misunderstood in the photo community.
Looking at the Fujifilm X series camera release timeline we shared last year, and comparing it with the current rumors, we can say that it turns out to be pretty accurate… except for one camera: the Fujifilm X100F successor (may it be called X100V or X200 or whatever)
The X100 line had a refresh cycle of about 2 years, and given that the X100F was launched in January 2017, everybody speculates it will come very soon, at least within 2019.
But trusted sources now informed us, that the Fujifilm X100V (or X200) will be launched in 2020 only!
This time Fujifilm decided to wait longer than ever to give us a successor.
And by the way, if you want to know which is the Fujifilm facebook group with less gear talk, less gear shots, less gear discussions and mostly focussed on the art of photography and images, than this is definitely our Fujifilm X100 facebook group.
I think this is representative for the people, who buy this camera: never think about gear again. Get the camera, one lens only, and go out and shoot. It’s all about being focused on taking pictures.
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
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.
XF16-80mm f/4XF33mm f/1.0XF33mm f/1.0 vs XF 35mm f/1.4Fujinon GF45-100GF50mm f/3.5GFX50R with GF50mm f/3.5GFX 100 MegapixelGFX 100 Megapixel
Today’s rumor, though, suggest that Fujifilm anticipates the release of the X-Pro2 successor. My personal guess (NOT RUMOR) is that this will happen towards the end of 2019, hence being very close to the January 2020 date.
But to be clear, I have no time indication, which could mean the Fujifilm X-Pro3 could be annouced anytime in 2019. I will let you you know more details as soon as I can.
Michael The Maven published his full Fujifilm XF200mm f/2 video review. He praises this lens a lot and says it’s a step above anything Fujifilm has ever made so far.
In fact, he says the XF200mmF2 is so spectacular, that it does not make sense mounted on any current Fujifilm camera.
This is why he speculates that Fujifilm will release a professional APS-C flagship sports camera in not so distant future aimed to compete with the Sony A9.
Back in early 2017 (rumors of March 3, March 14 and April 14), we told you how Fujifilm was planing “the ultimate Fujifilm X“, a feature packed APS-C hybrid stills/video camera with IBIS, that could cost around $3,000 (if not more).
However, Fujifilm hesitated if such a camera would be successful, hence vastly revised the project (rumors of July 12, July 17 and July 24).
The result was the Fujifilm X-H1, an ergonomically fantastic camera with IBIS and a new ninja-shutter, but with the core specs and battery of the Fujifilm X-T2.
Rumors and Poll
Let me say it clearly: I have no indication at the moment that would allow me to say with confidence that Fujifilm revived plans for the ultimate Fujifilm X. Hence I can in no way confirm Michael’s speculation.
All that is sure is that Fujifilm had such plans in the past (2017), and Fujifilm can put that same project on the “to-do” list anytime again, just like it happened with the Fujinon XF33mm f/1.0, another project Fujifilm froze in for a few years, and then revived later on (also thanks to the pressure the FujiRumors community made).
Coincidence wants that a few days ago FR-reader Nathan contacted me with a survey suggestion, that fits perfectly into today’s article. Nathan wrote:
“I would like to purpose a simple survey for your readership. Should Fujifilm create a Fujifilm X-T3Pro to compete with the Sony a7000“
IMHO, a Fujifilm X-H2 with latest technology and bigger battery below $2,000 (vertical grip included) would be more than enough to satisfy the needs of wildlife and sport photographers and there is more urgent need for something like the Fujinon XF400mm f/4 to attract more of them into the X system.
But let me know what you think in the comments down below and feel free to vote the survey on if you would you like (or not) Fujifilm to revive plans for the ultimate feature packed (and expensive) Fujifilm X.
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