The Fujifilm X-T line was never supposed to be a flagship camera.
Let me explain why.
When Fujifilm launched the Fujifilm X-H1, they called it their flagship camera, giving it top of the line features that no other camera had at that time (like IBIS) and in part still no other camera, except for X-Pro3, has (like the ultra-tough body). The Fujifilm X-T2 was positioned under the X-H1.
However, since it took Fujifilm so long to release the Fujifilm X-H1 successor, the Fujifilm X-T line had to take over the “flagship-role” for a couple of years.
But now, with the the release of the Fujifilm X-H2S and the pre-announced Fujifilm X-H2, everything is going back to normal so to say.
X-H is the flagship, and X-T is the mid-range.
And that’s not me saying it, but Fuji Guy Billy, who went through the “what is what” in the Fujifilm camera lineup with Bigheaedtaco, who then shared Billy’s list with us in the video below (starts 9:59).
X-S series:
Refinement: Base Level
Interface: DSLR design with PSAM interface
X-T** series:
Refinement: Base Level
Interface: classic SLR design with classic interface
X-E series
Refinement: Base Level
Interface: Rangefinder design with classic interface
Who REMAINS and who is OUT
I agree with Bigheadtaco when he speculates that all those camera lines mentioned in the list will see a successor at some point. Otherwise I believe Fuji Guy Billy would not have mentioned them
if correct, this means that also the X-E line will continue, hence there is hope for a Fujifilm X-E5
this means little hope for Fujifilm X-A8, Fujifilm X-T300, X-A30
the “new” entry level (or base line) is considered the X-T** and X-S line
PSAM PANIC
there will be 3 lines with a more classic interface, and 2 lines with PSAM dials
Non-PSAM dial camera lines will remain the majority in the Fuji lineup (4 non PSAM lines vs 2 PSAM lines)
Fujifilm has not lost its soul! Classic control lovers like me will have plenty of cameras to pick from also in the future
By getting rid of a few lines and separating more clearly the remaining ones, Fujifilm has addressed one of the major concerns that was confusing Fujifilm X shooters: too many camera lines positioned too close to each other without sufficient differentiation.
In short we could say that every line will have a higher end and a lower end version
HIGH: X-H line – LOW: X-S line
HIGH: X-T* line – LOW: X-T** line
HIGH: X-Pro line – LOW: X-E* line
P.S.: It was just so much more fun when Fujifilm used other terms to identify their camera lines, like when they said the X-T** line for hipsters :).
Somebody is right now sending some Sony sensor specs to all possible websites. And of course we received it too.
An APS-C format stacked sensor, dubbed the IMX671-AAPH, appears to be a public version of the sensor used in the X-H2S.
This is a sensor that allows for high speed readout without DRAM, the same architecture as the IMX472 in the Olympus OM-1.
Perhaps Fujifilm can achieve greatness in high-speed photography in the future.
Down below you can see the full file I have received.
Again: I have received this anonymously. I did not plan to publish it but since it is spreading all over the web, I will share it now, even thought it is very likely a fake.
There is a question I get very often these days via email but also in the comments here on FujiRumors. Does the X-H2 HR have the same body of the X-H2S HS?
Well, in regards to the Fujifilm X-H2 HR body, Fujifilm will do what in my opinion makes most sense (for R&D reasons): they will use exactly the same body of the Fujifilm X-H2S and just put a different sensor inside.
I know some will be disappointed that also the Fujifilm X-H2 will have a PSAM dial, but here are two positive aspects of that:
you’ll be spared blurry leaked camera images when we have our X-H2 rumor marathon (because I am sure we will have lots to talk about)
Ah, speaking of rumors… do not think we are done yet.
In fact, I am working on so many rumor fronts right now. One of them of course being the Fujifilm X-H2 40MP, but the eye of FujiRumors is also watching beyond that already. ;)