I’m Leaving Capture One for DxO PhotoLab 9: Here is Why!

In 2019 I wrote an article about leaving Lightroom for Capture One.

Well, here we are, six years later, and this time I’m announcing another change: I’ll be leaving Capture One for DxO PhotoLab 9.

First off, let me be clear: my time with Capture One has been excellent. It’s a fantastic piece of software, and I never once regretted switching from Lightroom. If you’re sticking with Capture One, you’re still making a solid choice.

Why am I leaving?

Before we start, it’s worth remembering that Capture One supports Fujifilm cameras because Fujifilm pays them to. That’s part of their original agreement. So if you’re happily editing your Fujifilm files in Capture One, thank Fujifilm, not Capture One. And that’s totally fine — just business as usual.

What really bothered me, though, was Capture One’s handling of the free Express version. They announced its removal, but in reality, they didn’t actually discontinue it for Fujifilm shooters — they simply hide and renamed it.

Instead of openly saying “Capture One Express is closing, but Fujifilm users still have access to a free basic version,” they didn’t tell us about it and made it complicated to find. The probable goal: push Express users into upgrading to the paid version. Luckily, on FujiRumors we figured out the not-so-intuitive way to still access the new “Fujifilm RAW Converter (FRC)” and shared it with the community.

Legally, it’s all fine. I assume (but that’s just a guess of mine) their contract with Fujifilm might oblige them to offer a free basic version, and if so, they would have technically respected that. But from a customer-relations point of view, it felt a bit disingenuous. A little transparency and clarity would have gone a long way.

The turning point

Now that I own the Fujifilm X-E5, I had to make a choice. As a perpetual license holder, I would need to pay Capture One full price just to get support for my new camera. At that point, I asked myself: do I double down on Capture One, or finally make the switch to something else?

And the answer was clear: it’s time for DxO.

Also consider: while Capture One won’t support the X-E5 in older standalone versions, DxO added X-E5 support also the PhotoLab 7 and 8.

So this makes me confident that if one day I’ll treat myself with a Fujifilm X-E6 or X-T7 or so, I guess I won’t be forced to pay the upgrade to DxO PhotoLab 10/11 to use its RAW files on DxO.

Why DxO?

Over the past two years, DxO has impressed me more and more. The new PhotoLab 9 is a powerful, feature-rich editor — with great tools like AI Masking. I’ll be pairing it with FilmPack 8, which unlocks all Fujifilm film simulation profiles.

On top of that, DxO PureRAW 5.3 now supports DeepPRIME XD3 for all X-Trans cameras, delivering outstanding noise reduction and detail retention.

So, from now on all my editing will be done with PhotoLab9.

What About You?

Since I’ve shared my own quick editing software journey, I’d love to hear yours. What software are you using now, and how did you get there? Feel free to share your story in the comments below.

From Newcomer to Legend? Fujifilm X-E5 Skyrockets in FujiRumors Ownership Rankings

A while ago we tried to evaluate the success of the brand new Fujifilm X-E5 by launching a survey on which camera the FujiRumors community owns.

8,279 people dropped a total of 17,894 votes, and here are the results.

  1. X-T5 = 13%
  2. X100VI = 7%
  3. X-T3 = 7%
  4. X-T2 = 5%
  5. X-E5 = 5%
  6. X-T4 = 4%
  7. X-H2 = 4%
  8. X-Pro2 = 4%
  9. X-H2S = 4%
  10. X-T1 = 3%
  11. X-T30/X-T30II = 3%
  12. X-E3 = 3%
  13. X-Pro3 = 3%
  14. X100V = 3%
  15. X-E2/X-E2S = 3%
  16. X-H1 = 3%
  17. X-E1 = 2%
  18. X-T50 = 2%
  19. X-S20 = 2%
  20. X-E4 = 2%
  21. X-T20 = 2%
  22. X-S10 = 2%
  23. X-Pro1 = 2%
  24. X100F = 2%
  25. X-M5 = 1%
  26. X100 = 1%
  27. X70/XF10 = 1%
  28. X10/X20/X30 = 1%
  29. X100S = 1%
  30. X-T10 = 1%
  31. X100T = 1%
  32. X-M1 = 1%
  33. X half = 1%
  34. X-A1/A2/A3/A5/A7/A10/A20 = 1%
  35. X-T100 = 0%*
  36. XQ1/XQ2 = 0%*
  37. X-T200 = 0%*
  38. XF1 = 0%*
  39. X-S1 = 0%*
    *denotes 0,4% or less

So, in less than 1 month, the Fujifilm X-E5 has already surpassed legends like the Fujifilm X-T4 and caught up with one of Fujifilm’s most sold cameras ever, the Fujifilm X-T2. And right now it is just 2% points away from catching up with the Fujifilm X-T3 and X100VI.

If we were to group it in lines, these are the results.

  1. X-T* = 32.21%
  2. X100* = 15.20%
  3. X-E* = 14.61%
  4. X-H* = 9.98%
  5. X-Pro* = 8.56%
  6. X-T** = 8.41%
  7. X-S** = 4.18%
  8. X-M* = 2.25%
  9. X70 / XF10 = 1.24%
  10. X10/X20/X30 = 1.18%
  11. X half = 0.64%
  12. X-A* = 0.56%
  13. Other = 0.51%
  14. X-T100/200 = 0.47%

The Fujifilm X-E5 has pushed the X line close to the X100 line on the 3rd spot of the most owned Fujifilm camera lines by FR-readers.

Is this a success?

That’s too early to say. But it is a solid start, actually the best start of any X-E camera so far (and by far). And this makes me confident in the future of this camera line.

Follow FujiRumors on Patreon, Facebook, Instagram, RSS-feed, Youtube, Flipboard and Twitter

Fujifilm X-T40/X-T30III: Finally Closing the Gap?

go to minute 5:53 of the video to hear the thoughts of Patrick about it

One of the critiques Fujifilm gets is that they have a confusing camera lineup with too many lines.

The Fujifilm X-T30III or X-T40 just fueled again this criticism, but I think this time they don’t deserve it.

First things first: Fujifilm has indeed likely canceled 6 X series lines already (or even 7, if we consider X70 and XF10 not part of the same line):

So we have a total of possibly six canceled lines.

And how many lines has Fujifilm introduced?

Well, 2 new lines have been introduced recently: Fujifilm X half and the Fujifilm X-T50,

Yes, also the Fujifilm X-T50 is a “new line”, because as we told you in this rumor, it does not belong to the X-T10, X-T20, X-T30 line since Fujifilm will launch a dedicated successor for that line (X-T40/X-T30III) in 2025.

And actually there will also be a third totally new line soon, and that camera is already listed at BHphoto here.

In short: Fujifilm has axed more lines than it has created new ones.

With all that said, I think launching the Fujifilm X-T40/X-T30III makes totally sense.

Why?

Well, because Fujifilm’s entry level line has basically been axed (except X-M line) and their other lower-end to mid-range models got an overall specs upgrade with a consequantial significant price increase (X-E5 and X-T50).

At this point in time, Fujifilm has no true entry level camera with viewfinder and that’s a problem if you ask me.

But how could a Fujifilm X-T30III/X-T40 look like?

Speculations (NOT RUMOR)

  • my realistic scenario: X-T30 II body with 5th generation processor and latest firmware
  • my hope scenario: X-T30 II body but with X-T100 alike unique screen mechanism – we reported here
  • my dream scenario: X-T50 body with 4th generation 26MP sensor

Since I think that price matters when it comes to the Fujifilm X-T40 or X-T30 III, I believe they’ll go for the first scenario I mentioned above.

But feel free to let us know in the comments what you think about all of this.

Fujifilm Price Increase Confirmed – Unshipped Orders at Old Prices Could Be Canceled August 1st

We previously reported that Fujifilm will raise prices on August 1. Now we have the first confirmation: the U.S. store Capture Integration writes:

Fujifilm will increase all products on August 1st. Importantly, all pre-existing orders will be canceled at the older prices. NO CURRENT orders will be honored at pre-tariff pricing. Price increases range from 7-11%. Most notably…”

FujiFilm GFX100 II up 11%
FujiFilm GFX1000 RF up 10%
FujiFilm GFX100S II up 8%
GF Lenses all up 7-9%

Not mentioned is X series gear, which will go up too.

IMPORTANT NOTE: We don’t yet know if this policy applies only to Capture Integration, or if other retailers like B&H Photo will also refuse to honor current prices for gear ordered now but shipping after August 1.

RECOMMENDATION: See it in stock? Buy it now. If not, order anyway and hope the store honors current pricing. Worst case? They cancel your order.

DON’T LOSE HOPE: If you can’t find gear in stock at B&H or similar stores, check Amazon—many official Fujifilm retailers also sell through Amazon, so you might find items there that are out of stock elsewhere. To see which stores are authorized Fujifilm dealers, check the official Fujifilm USA list here.

The Curse of the X‑E Line: Can the Fujifilm X‑E5 Break the Spell?

Fujifilm X-E – The Cursed Line

There was a time, when Fujifilm was only offering rangefinder X series cameras.

Well, that’s if you don’t consider this camera here, which I guess we’ll never know why Fujifilm called it an X series camera.

But anyway, rangefinder was Fujifilm’s quiet re-entry in the mid-higher end digital camera market (their previous attempt was this one).

And silently, on tiptoes, Fujifilm carved out its very small niche of truly passionate photographers.

The X-E1 is Born

The Fujifilm X-E1 was definitely one of the best expressions of this understated approach into the mirrorless camera market: no thunders, no specs brags, just beauty and joy encapsulated in a wonderful camera body.

But the Fujifilm X-E1 would become the last X-E camera with a relatively quiet and tranquil life.

Because Fujifilm’s priorities started to shift, their ambitions to grow, and the X-E line started to be on the edge of survival.

X-E2 – The Struggles Begin

Let’s begin our tale of struggles with the Fujifilm X-E2, which btw I owned and destroyed when I had to jump into the Mekong river to avoid getting smashed by the Li Phi waterfalls.

Fujifilm had the brilliant idea to launch the Fujifilm X-E2 just 3 months before they announced the Fujifilm X-T1, which came in the more popular SLR styled package and offered superior specs like weather sealing, UHS-II card slot and the largest EVF on any mirrorless camera.

The X-T1 was Fujifilm’s statement to the photography world: we want to go more mainstream now! And as a consequence it stole the show (and sales) to the X-E2.

The Fujifilm X-E2 was followed by the Fujifilm X-E2S, which is basically an X-E2 with an auto button. So we can ignore that one.

The X-E3 Problem

** CLICK HERE to Read the Rest of the Article **

Debunked: Fujifilm Will NOT Announce Two Cameras on June 12 – Only Fujifilm X-E5 Coming in the Next Weeks

The… Rumor… (Sort of..)

So we know, Fujifilm has currently registered three unreleased cameras:

  • FF250001 – Fujifilm X-E5 (maybe not? important note at the bottom)
    Multi-frequency Wireless
  • FF250002 – Fujifilm GFX Eterna
    Multi-frequency Wireless
  • FF250003 – unknown
    Single Frequency Wireless

Recently, the Chinese weibo account E8M claimed he received information that two new Fujifilm cameras will be announced within the next three weeks – see here.

Well, to my knowledge that’s not correct.

From what I know, only one X/GFX camera will be announced in that timeframe: the Fujifilm X-E5.

E8M also reported that both FF250003 and FF250001 have appeared in the Bluetooth certification database – see here -, and that this implies both cameras are launching soon.

But again — to my knowledge — that’s not the case.

I have huge respect for E8M, because he is the best in spotting camera registrations that are made public on the internet for everyone and this is why I follow him with great dedication.

However, when it comes to rumors, I’d take them with a grain of salt.

As a reference in regards to E8M rumors, check out this list of rumors here and the rumors about the new X-Trans V sensor.

So, I invite everyone to follow E8M since he is fantastic, but take his “rumors” with a grain of salt.

But of course take also my rumors with a grain of salt. It’s all just rumors and I can be wrong too. With that said… just trust me ;).

An Instax?

Bottom line: in terms of X and GFX gear, only the X-E5 will be coming in the next few weeks.

As for other gear like a new Instax camera — maybe. That’s possible. But Instax models usually don’t appear under “FF…” registrations, so that’s a different story.

The True Question – Fujifilm X-T6 and Co?

More interesting, however, is a question raised by FR-reader Mistral:

Could it be that FF250003 (with single-band Wi-Fi) is actually the Fujifilm X-E5, and FF250001 (with dual-band Wi-Fi) refers to an entirely different, possibly higher-end camera?

That’s a possibility. If that’s the case, then FF250001 might not be the Fujifilm X-E5 after all — and that could open the door again for exciting high-end cameras like the Fujifilm X-T6, Fujifilm X-Pro4, Fujifilm X-H3, or Fujifilm X-H3S to arrive later in 2025.

But as of now, my best bet is that the FF250001 is the Fujifilm X-E5.

Follow FujiRumors on Patreon, Facebook, Instagram, RSS-feed, Youtube, Flipboard and Twitter

Fujifilm FY2024: Pro Imaging Revenue Up 21%, but Risks of $140M Loss due to U.S. Tariffs – Price Hikes and Product Strategy Change Likely

Once again Fujifilm has published very positive sales figures as far as their imaging division goes.

  • Professional Imaging: Revenue ¥50.1 billion (up 20.9% YoY)
  • Digital camera sales grew mainly in Europe, the U.S. and China
  • Robust sales of the four models launched last year — X100VI, GFX100S II, X-T50 and X-M5— boosted revenue.

However, things might go worst in 2025, with Fujifilm estimating an overall operating income loss of USD140 million. That’s a 6% loss on their overall estimated income for the fiscal year 2025.

The potential impact on the projected full-year operating income of ¥331.0 billion is estimated to be a negative USD 140 million as a baseline, with a fluctuation range of USD ±100 million, taking into account such measures as reevaluating our supply chain, further reducing costs, and restructuring our product and pricing strategies to minimize the impacts. Potential impacts from future tariff negotiations between the U.S. and other countries, as well as reduced product demand resulting from reciprocal tariff applications, are not included in this estimate due to the difficulty of making a reasonable assessment at this time.

Fujifilm is trying to respond in several ways to the new circumstances, including a “revised” product and pricing strategy. What they mean by that is I guess pretty obvious: increased pricing and delayed product launches (or no more product launches/shipments at all in USA).

For example, I’d not be surprised if the upcoming Fujifilm X Half would not be even sold in USA.

In response to the U.S. tariff policy, the Company will pay close attention to future dynamics and take swift and necessary measures — such as reviewing our supply chain, further reducing expenses, and revising our product and pricing strategies — to minimize any negative impact on the company-wide performance.

Look, Fujifilm as a company will survive this. I am not worried about them.

But I don’t know if all the smaller photography stores will be able to get through this uncertain and tough period. That’s what I worry about.

via Fujifilm here, here and here

23 Fujifilm Products Win Red Dot Design Award 2025 and This is How Much it Costs Fujifilm

23 Fujifilm products have won the Red Dot Design Award 2025.

As far as photography related gear goes, these are the winners:

This might cost Fujifilm at least 100K+ USD.

And I am not making this number up randomly.

In fact, RedDot has a public price list on how much licensing fees cost (something between 5K and 12K).

The most “basic” package is the “Winner Package Regular” which costs 4,900 Euro.

But depending on which package you purchase, you can also end up paying 12,800 Euro for a single award. Plus, you can also purchase optional extras that can cost many thousands of Euro on top of it. And then there are also the registration fees that have to be paid upfront.

So let’s assume Fujifilm went for the most basic package, they have spend 112,700 Euro (130,000 USD) to purchase the RedDot Brag Right awards.

And consider that Fujifilm is just one company. Tons of other companies pay lots of money too to “win” these awards. Now you can figure it our yourself how much money these “Award” companies make with these awards.

Press Release

** CLICK HERE to Read the Rest of the Article **

Fujifilm Gear Coming 2025 – Updated List and What’s Missing!

Last year we investigated how much gear Fujifilm launches every year (see list below). The result: between 2 to 4 cameras a year and 4 lenses a year.

So let’s see at which point we are in 2025 so far.

Gear (to be) released in 2025

So we have 4 cameras coming for sure in 2025, which matches Fujifilm’s best years in terms of number of cameras released. And while we can always hope for a 5th camera, it is also possible that in terms of cameras, this is all we get. What is sure: the Fujifilm X-Pro4 will not come in 2025.

If you look at lenses, Fujifilm has pretty much consistently released 4 lenses a year. So far we know of one coming for sure, the Fujinon GF32-90mmF3.5, and one being rumored, the Fujinon XF23mm pancake. If Fujifilm were to match the previous years, then there could be still 2 more lenses coming in 2025.

At this point in time, I have no idea which additional lenses could come, but I hope that maybe sources will reach out to us and give us a hint of what’s to come. And if that happens (and if sources agree), I will share it will all of you here on FujiRumors.

In the meantime, these are the lenses the FR community wants based on Fujifilm’s suggestions, and these are the most wanted lenses based on our own mega survey.

Gear released in 2024 – 4 cameras and 4 lenses

Gear released in 2023 – 2 cameras and 4 lenses

Gear released in 2022 – 3 cameras and 4 lenses

Follow FujiRumors on Patreon, Facebook, Instagram, RSS-feed, Youtube, Flipboard and Twitter