Fujifilm X-E4 – Make More With Less: Fujifilm Manager Interview, Eye AF demo, Everything You Need to Know and XF27mmF2.8 R WR

On January 27, the big announcement day for Fujifilm, the little Fujifilm X-E4 was clearly overshadowed by the Fujifilm GFX100S.

And I get it, the GFX100S is definitely more of a revolution for the camera industry than the X-E4.

And yet, as a big X-E line lover, and current owner of the X-E3, I want to bring back some attention to the X-E4.

So far I have not made up my mind if I will get one or not. If I would not already own a 26 MP camera (the X-T4), then I’d probably upgrade. But so far I find myself well with the combination of X-E3 and X-T4. Today I used it to photography my wife and our son, switching between X-E3 with XF35/1.4 and X-T4 with XF80mm Macro. After the shoot, my son and me rested on the couch, as you see here ;).

So, back to the X-E4.

Down below you can find a summary of an interview of Janpanese Fujifilm manager, a few AF demo videos, a comprehensive X-E4 overview as well as some thoughts on the new XF27mmF2.8 R WR.

Also, a few videos from the “make more with less” Fujifilm series dedicated to the Fujifilm X-E4.

Videos + Summary

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Fujifilm GFX100S (vs GFX100) First Looks: Low Light AF Almost as Fast as Canon/Sony (Really?), Joystick Issues, Quick Eye AF Demo

ThePhoBlographer got his hands on a Fujifilm GFX100S since a few days, and here is initial feedback shared in two videos:

  • super small
  • 5 fps with continuous autofocus
  • fantastic build quality and weather sealed
  • autofocus is faster than original GFX100
  • at minute 3:35 he says that in low light, the GFX100S is “pretty much almost as fast” as the Canon EOS R. It’s up there with Canon and Sony. He could not believe it, so he kept doing it over and over again, and it kept performing
  • for being pre-production (hence not final firmware), it’s already very good autofocus on the GFX100S

Honestly, considering that this is just prototype firmware and that MF is not known to be master of speed, I have a hard time to believe that kind of autofocus performance.

What we know is that there is a new and improved algorithm in the Fujifilm GFX100S, that speeds up single, tracking and eye autofocus. So I definitely expect a sensible improvement over the original GFX100. But how much it was able to come close to high end full frame or APS-C cameras, that remains to see once more reviews come in with final production firmware.

Down below we also add a quick eye autofocus demo of the Fujifilm GFX100S. It’s a Japanese first look on the GFX100S, and I will let you start the video at 17:46 to get direct access to the quick eye AF demo.

Always covering the brand new GFX100S, ZP Productions shared an initial look at the GFX100S and compares it to the original GFX100. Here is what he says:

  • coupled the smaller G mount lenses, you can hold and operate the camera one handed (such as with the GF45mm)
  • has a top LCD like the GFX100, but GFX100 has also a small LCD on the battery grip
  • he runs over some differences in terms of buttons and dial layout between GFX100S and GFX1000
  • GFX100S has only 5 FN cabable buttons, the GFX100 has 7 FN buttons
  • he prefers the joystick on the GFX100 over the one on the GFX100S. On the GFX100S you press down and sometimes nothing happens [note: consider that these are pre-production firmware]
  • the joystick itself is nicer on the GFX100S, as it is bigger. But the tactile feeling is not as good as GFX100 (less responsive). [Again: pre-production firmware used]
  • slighlty lower resolution EVF on GFX100S compared to GFX100
  • autofocus in terms of eye detection feels a bit faster than GFX100S over GFX100. More stable, more sticky
  • lighter, smaller and easier to use camera than the GFX100. But it lacks of buttons, has weired joystick and lower resolution EVF compared to GFX100. Also no vertical grip option
  • external power during video is also better on GFX100 due to 15 V DC-IN connector port to power the camera
  • GFX100S has the X-T4 battery, and it gives you more shots per battery
  • GFX100S is the way better camera for travels
  • about as big as the Canon R5
  • he owns the GFX100, so he probably won’t buy the GFX100S

As for the joystick, you can set it that it works always, or that it works only after you clicked it (or even turn it off completely). Maybe the reviewer had it set to “press first than move”, which could explain why he had to push hard, probably until he accidentally pressed so hard that he pressed in and activated it. Or it’s just because it’s a pre-production sample. Frankly, I would not worry about it at all.

Check out all videos down below.

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Videos

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Fujifilm GFX100S Manager Interview: Why No Battery Grip Option, No Tilt EVF, Quick Eye AF Demo and More

Fujifilm managers have released an interview in Japanese to a youtube channel.

Again we rely on the automatic translation tool. Here is the summary for you guys.

  • 1.7x larger sensor than full frame
  • the appeal of the GFX100S is not only megapixel
  • color gradation improves with the GFX sensor
  • the smaller form factor and more affordable price compared to GFX100, will make it appealing to more than just professional photographers
  • the lighter the camera becomes, the better
  • focal plane shutter and integrated battery grip made the original GFX100 big
  • IBIS was made smaller too
  • then developing the X-T4 battery, they were already thinking to implement it also on GFX cameras
  • ISO 6400 is still so beautiful
  • PSAM dial is used in other camera systems. People used to it will find it easier to switch to GFX now because it offers a PSAM dial
  • if you start adding shutter speed dial, ISO dial etc, the camera will get inevitably bigger and heavier
  • having a top LCD and command dials makes camera smaller and lighter
  • the tiltable and detachable viewfinder on GFX100 necessitates of some well build parts that cost money to implement. The GFX100S hence has a fixed EVF and it’s also slightly lower resolution to make it cheaper
  • the addition of a vertical battery grip option would have ment adding electrical boards on the bottom of the camera, which also would have made the camera bigger and heavier
  • the capacity per battery has increased thanks to the NP-W235 battery
  • it’s better to have the battery in the pocket rather than on a big integrated battery grip
  • by adding accessories like a battery grip option, the price would have come closer to the GFX100
  • nostalgic negative film simulation
  • at minute 5:45 of the first video linked below (click and it will start at the right point), there is a quick eye AF demo
  • AF algorithm has been improved
  • weights 1700g when paired with the new GF80mmF1.7
  • You can go more out in the field thanks to the GFX100S smaller size
  • the sensor is large so the lenses are large, too. This means the glass elements that have to be moved are large and heavy. So the manager asked to make the lens inner focus. They also have to remove aberration with special glass elements. It’s all about finding the balance between price, size and performance
  • you can’t shoot dozen of extremely high speed rapid bursts, because the focal plane can’t move that fast [note: the GFX100S shoots at a max. of 5fps], but it can capture shorter action moments, like a motorcycle passing by
  • 4K30p video
  • you can adapt cinema PL lenses via adapter
  • you can now experience the world beyond full frame

That’s about it :).

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Videos

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Fujicast Interview with Fujifilm Manager: X-S10, GFX100S, R&D Choices, Instax Wide Printer and More

Here is the summary of part 2 of the Fujicast interview (part 1 here) with Fujifilm Manager Andreas Georghiades :

  • X-S10 was more expensive at launch than the X-T3, but the X-T3 was an older product when the X-S10 was launched and there were promotions on the X-T3
  • there are people who like DSLR’s and want to go smaller mirrorless camera, and the X-S10 is a great camera for them as it has a PSAM dial. Then there are rangefinder lovers (X-E, X-Pro) and others want individual dials (X-T4 etc)
  • X-S10 is targeted to attract new users in the Fujifilm system
  • for pure photographic orientated people, there are X100V, X-T3, X-Pro3 etc
  • there was a gap, and the X-S10 fills that
  • he does not know of an Instax Wide Printer, but he’d love to have one too
  • When it comes to making decisions (such as if implement vary angle screens or not etc), they get their feedback from various sources. From X photographers, camera reviewers, traditional press, youtube reviewers
  • at the end you can’t make everybody happy, some will always complaint. For example, the GFX100S has lower res EVF compared to GFX100, but it’s also much cheaper. But some complaint and wanted a cheap camera with the super-resolution EVF of GFX100
  • compromises need to be made sometimes
  • if you want X-T4 performance on a more photo centric camera, there is the X-T3
  • Fujifilm can’t please everyone
  • Brexit won’t have additional costs on repairs, but there might be delays initally
  • the Fujifilm UK X-Thusiast program won’t be extended to USA

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New Fujifilm NP-70S Battery Registered – Not for X or GFX Series Cameras

Nokishita spotted the registration for a new NP-70S battery.

Fujifilm’s unreleased battery “NP-70S” has been registered with an overseas certification body. The nominal voltage is 3.6V and the capacity is 680mAh

It’s a refresh of the original NP-70 battery used on Finepix cameras.

Other batteries used on X and GFX cameras are:

  • Fujifilm NP-W235 (7.2V – 2200 mAh) – used on X-T4 and GFX100S
  • Fujifilm NP-W126(S) (7.2V – 1260 mAh) – used on all X-series cameras except for X-T4 and on X100F and X100V
  • Fujifilm NP-T125 (10.8V – 1230 mAh) – used on GFX100, GFX50S and GFX50R
  • Fujifilm NP-95 (3.6V – 1800 mAh) – used on X100 series cameras except X100F and X100V and X70/XF10
  • Fujifilm NP-45S (3.7V – 740 mAh) – used on various Finepix cameras

via nokishita

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Fujicast Interview with Fujifilm Manager: Talking Breakthrough Fujifilm X-H2, X-E4 the Last 26 MP (?), Open Lens Protocols, X80 and More!

The latest Fujicast episode is now online, covering all the current Fujifilm announcements with Fujifilm’s UK Marketing Manager, Andreas Georghiades (GFX100S, GF80mmF1.7, X-E4, XF70-300mm and XF27mmMKII.

But as there is a podcast listener question corner, you can figure out that many questions gravitate towards future Fujifilm products and more. So they touch on Fujifilm X-H2, the open lens protocols, the X80 and more.

Kevin Mullins also speculates that the X-E4 might be the last X series camera featuring the 26MP X-Trans sensor and the manager says that there is indeed not much left to update with the 26MP sensor.

However, nobody knows what the first camera with a new sensor will be. There is still an X-T40 waiting to see the light of the day for example, which is such a loved line, that Fujifilm should definitely continue it in my opinion.

Down below you can find the full podcast as well as a summary:

Summary + Podcast

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Fujifilm GFX100S Record Pre-Orders on FujiRumors: It Beats GFX100, GFX50S and GFX50R… Combined!

On Friday we reported how BHphoto marked the Fujifilm GFX100S as top seller.

I decided to check how pre-orders are going here on FujiRumors… and what I saw was rather unexpected.

The first days of Fujifilm GFX100S pre-orders were stronger than the first days of the GFX100, GFX50S and GFX50R pre-orders combined!

Also, it the GFX100S enjoys stronger pre-orders than any mid range Fujifilm X series camera, such as the X-S10 and X-E4.

Only high end X-series cameras like the X-T4 and X100V still have an advantage over the GFX100S.

Sure, this data is restricted to FujiRumors pre-orders (where mid-range is never selling that well). But in my experience, the more high end we go, the more sales made via FujiRumors can be representative for overall sales for high end cameras (meaning a high end camera that does not sell well among the FR-community, also does not sell well overall on the market).

If so also this time, then this means that Fujifilm landed a big hit with the Fujifilm GFX100S, and I am afraid they’ll need a long time to satisfy all pre-orders!

And to every single one of you, who decided to pre-order their new gear via FujiRumors: thanks so much! I will reward your help with some hot rumors ;).

The GFX Community

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Fujifilm GFX100S Size Reduction Explained by Fujifilm Engineers – Fujifilm X Lab

Fujifilm has uploaded its latest Fujifilm X lab episode. As usual the episode is in Japanese and we rely on the automatic translation tool.

But I don’t want my readers to go through this pain, so I have summed it up for you below, as well as shared all close up images of the internals of the Fujifilm GFX100S.

Most of the size reduction was achieved thanks to the new shutter mechanism. But also the IBIS got smaller and even the Fujifilm X-T4 battery played a role in this.

Everything is nicely summarized for you down below ;).

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Summary + Images

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Fujifilm launches mirrorless digital camera “FUJIFILM X-E4”

Fujifilm launches mirrorless digital camera “FUJIFILM X-E4”

– The compact and lightweight mirrorless digital camera for X Series with the fourth-generation sensor and image processing engine
– A classically-designed beautiful camera body featuring the fast and accurate AF as fast as 0.02 seconds
– Superb operability to make it comfortable to take high-quality image with proprietary color reproduction

TOKYO, January 27, 2021 — FUJIFILM Corporation (President: Kenji Sukeno) is pleased to announce the launch of the mirrorless digital camera “FUJIFILM X-E4” (X-E4) in late February 2021, the latest model to join the X Series of compact and lightweight digital cameras, known for superior image quality delivered with the company’s proprietary color reproduction technology.

The X-E4 is the most compact and most lightweight of all mirrorless digital cameras equipped with the Series’ fourth-generation image sensor and image processing engine. The beautiful camera body in a classical design carries a fast and accurate autofocus (AF) as fast as 0.02 seconds. It boasts exceptional operability, producing high-quality images with the company’s proprietary color reproduction technology.

The X-E4 is a mirrorless digital camera that caters to a wide range of lifestyles and situations, making it a perfect choice for those who want to carry a camera around anywhere and anytime to enjoy photo shootings of an advanced quality.

The compact X-E4 offers exceptional portability, weighing approximately 364g*, or approximately 448g even when it is mounted with the standard prime lens “FUJINON Lens XF27mm R WR,” also announced today.

The X-E4’s beautifully classical body features the 26.1MP “X-Trans™ CMOS 4”** sensor and the high-speed “X-Processor 4” image processing engine, which are also featured in models including the X Series’ flagship model “FUJIFILM X-T4.” Its fast and accurate AF can attain focus in as fast as 0.02 seconds, ensuring that users capture decisive photo opportunities. The camera can deliver diverse photographic expressions with Fujifilm’s Film Simulation modes, replicating the colors and tones characteristic of the company’s films such as the photographic film “Velvia” and motion picture film “ETERNA.” Users can take advantage of excellent color reproducibility, nurtured for more than 80 years, to enjoy high-quality photography with ease thanks to exceptional operability attributable to features such as the LCD monitor that can be flipped upward to 180 degrees and the Shutter Speed Dial.

Fujifilm will continue to deliver photographic pleasure through the X Series of mirrorless digital cameras such as the X-E4 and an extensive lineup of interchangeable lenses for the Series including the standard prime lens “FUJINON Lens XF27mm R WR” and the ultra telephoto zoom lens “FUJINON Lens XF70-300mmF4-5.6 R LM OIS WR,” also announced today.

  • * Including a battery and a memory card.
  • ** X-Trans is a trademark or a registered trademark of Fujifilm.

1. Product features

(1) Compact and lightweight camera body in a stunning design

  • The rear LCD monitor can be stored flush in the back panel. The result is the most compact (W121.3mm x H72.9mm x D32.7mm) and most lightweight (approximately 364g) model among mirrorless digital cameras equipped with the X Series’ fourth generation image sensor and image processing engine. It can be carried anywhere in a bag for outstanding portability.
  • The top panel is made of magnesium, a highly rigid metal that is difficult to process. The use of a high-precision mold has led to sharp and streamlined edges. Both the front and rear grips are flat to create a beautifully classical design which reminds the traditional film cameras.

(2) Equipped with the latest image sensor and image processing engine

  • The X-E4 is equipped with the back-illuminated 26.1MP “X-Trans™ CMOS 4” sensor with on-sensor phase detection pixels as well as the “X-Processor 4” high-speed image processing engine to enable fast AF as fast as 0.02 seconds. This ensures users capture decisive moments, making it a powerful tool for snapshots.
  • The camera features a highly accurate tracking AF system, capable of accurately tracking a subject that is moving either toward the camera or away from the camera. Its exceptional Face / Eye Detection AF function keeps a moving subject’s face / eyes in focus, allowing users to focus on framing while shooting.
  • The AF system can operate in low light conditions, even in near darkness at -7.0EV***, attaining an accurate focus in poorly-lit indoors.
  • *** The minimum AF luminance of -7.0EV is achieved when the camera is mounted with the FUJINON Lens XF50mmF1.0 R WR.

(3) Fujifilm’s unique Film Simulation for diverse photo expressions

  • The X-E4 offers a total of 18 modes in Fujifilm’s proprietary Film Simulation function, including the vivid and high-contrast “Velvia” and high-contrast yet low-saturation “ETERNA Bleach Bypass,” which simulates the “bleach bypass”*4 darkroom technique to produce a solemn atmosphere. Users can pick and choose different styles to suit a subject or shooting scene as if to remove and insert a different roll of photographic film. Colors and tonal effects can be checked on the LCD monitor or the viewfinder, contributing to shortening time required for post-processing.
  • *4 One of the processing techniques for developing photographic films.

(4) Superior operability

  • The X-E4 features a tilting rear LDC monitor, accommodating various shooting styles, from high and low angles. The monitor can be flipped 180 degrees upwards for easy self-portrait.
  • The top panel of the camera body has the Shutter Speed Dial, allowing users to check the shutter speed setting without having to turn the camera on and smoothly move on to the next shots. This camera’s Shutter Speed Dial newly features the Program (P) position, in which the camera automatically chooses the optimum combination of shutter speed and aperture settings to take high-quality images with ease.
  • The functions offered by the rear dial in the current model, FUJIFILM X-E3, are reassigned to the front dial to secure enough space for resting the thumb when holding the camera for comfort and streamlined operation.

(5) Extensive video-recording functions

  • The X-E4 generates 4K video from the amount of data equivalent to 6K to ensure the footage is in high resolution with low noise. It supports recording 4K/30P video at 8-bit 4:2:0 onto an SD card inserted in the camera, and outputting 4K/30P video at 10-bit 4:2:2, containing greater color information, via the HDMI port.
  • The camera is also capable of high-speed Full-HD recording at 240fps, producing up to 10x slow-motion footage of a split-second motion of a fast-moving subject.

2. Optional accessories

(1) Leather case “BLC-XE4” (designed specifically for the X-E4)

This is a genuine leather bottom case that provides protection to the camera body while accentuating its stunning linear design. Its advanced features include the ability to change the battery without having to remove the camera from the case.

(2) Hand grip “MHG-XE4” (designed specifically for the X-E4)

This metal hand grip makes it substantially more comfortable to hold the camera. It helps reduce camera shake when shooting with a large-aperture lens. The camera’s battery or SD card can be replaced without having to remove the hand grip.

(3) Thumb rest “TR-XE4” (designed specifically for the X-E4)

This metal thumb-resting grip is installed at the top part of the camera body, providing a thumb rest for a firm grip. The part where the thumb comes in contact is coated with rubber non-slip strip to control camera shake even when shooting with one hand. Users can rotate camera dials without having to remove the TR-XE4, offering operating comfort and enhanced grip at the same time. It is available in black or silver to match color variations of the X-E4.