Now I hear you say, that the Fujifilm X-H2 is around the corner. Of course I am investigating, and I think I can post an update about the Fujifilm X-H2 pretty soon.
But for now all I can say is: no, there ain’t going to be a Fujifilm X-H2 anytime soon, as we already told you here.
This sensor structure also allows for the revolutionary “pixel merge technology“, already used in the Samsung Galaxy A7
This is how it works on the Samsung Galaxy A7: the 24 megapixel sensor can, for better low light image quality, combine 4 pixels into 1 pixel and end up with 6 MP files (via samsung.com).
The hot rumor today is:
Samsung will provide Fujifilm with APS-C and Medium Format pixel merge technology sensors.
The rumor is of a 36 megapixel APS-C sensor, that could be switched to 9, 18 or 27 megapixel according to your needs. You will also be able to switch between Bayer and X-Trans layout. Last but not least, the pixels will also be able to flip by 180° into black & white mode.
The source told me, this technology will be ready for the Fujifilm X-H2, Fujifilm X-T4 and Fujifilm X-Pro3, followed by a 150 megapixel medium format Fujfilm GFX 150.
This “universal all-in-one” sensor is Fujifilm’s answer to customers’ often impossible desires: one sensor, to satisfy them all!
But Fujifilm’s mission to deliver what we really desire and need does not stop here!
According to our source, the next step is the use of Vibranium from Wakanda for lens development, which should allow for a fully optically corrected XF 8-600mm f/0.85 pancake lens for less than $500.
It looks like our constant complaints finally pushed Fujifilm to re-invent the laws of physics.
This digital photography revolution starts today, with this rumor, on this special, very special day, that I will mark in my calendar… and you should do the same :).
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
The second episode of the Fujilove podcast with Fuji Guy Billy just went online (episode 1 here).
It’s a one hour talk, and assuming not many of you have this time right now (you are once again reading FujiRumors at work, right? ;) ), I have summed it up all in practical and compact key points for you. Once you have more time, listen to it all here.
Adobe, Worms, X-Trans and Alternatives
Adobe’s new enhance detail feature addresses the worm effect, which appears especially in shadow areas zoomed in at 400%
worm effect is an Adobe X-Trans interpretation problem
Fujifilm tries to work close with Adobe to try to provide best possible understanding of the X-Trans files
Necessary to upgrade from X-T20 to X-T30 for landscape photography?
X-T30 has latest technology
X-Processor 4 and X-Trans 4 BSI sensor much faster readout. That’s great for video (less rolling shutter for example)
on the photo site, X-T20 and X-T30 are comparable
if you are happy with X-T20 image quality, Billy does not recommend to upgrade for landscape photography
most improvements are for sports autofocus tracking and video
X-T20 is at its maximum potential, so you probably won’t see much updates to it anymore for better AF system etc.
by FujiRumors: let’s hope this does not mean the Fujifilm X-H1 is also at its maximum potential, since it uses the same sensor/processor of the X-T20
Should people get the wide aperture lenses f/1.2-f/1.4 or the f/2 series of lenses?
depends on needs
for low light, professional portraits and for shallower DOF, get the fast aperture lenses
f/2 are great for travels, compact and lightweight
Newer cameras like X-T3 improve autofocus also on the f/1.2 and f/1.4 lenses
Lenses for Video: Stepping vs Linear Autofocus Motor
Fujifilm made big steps in video department
when using AF in video, the f/2 lenses are better since they use quiet and fast AF stepping motors. AF moves smoothly
downside: stepping motors do not have the strength to move heavier glass fast enough. For faster glass you need the linear motor with higher torque capabilities
higher torque is great for stills, but you don’t want such fast AF movements during filming, where you want smooth and gradual focusing
Fujinon MKX lenses: manual focus only lenses, hence no focus breathing. They are sharper than XF16-55mmF2.8 and XF50-140mmF2.8
for family, friends, vlogging, Billy choses the f/2 lenses
Autofocus Motors Compared: Stepping vs. Linear vs. DC coreless vs ultrasonic
Billy says the 56mmf/1.2 is equivalent to 85mmf/1.2 in terms of 35mm field of view. It is very fast and hence has big glass elements the AF needs to move
autofocus motor options are:
– stepping motors
– linear motors
– DC coreless motors
– ultrasonic type of motors
Each of these 4 motors has Pros and Cons
XF56/1.2 has a DC coreless AF motor, because stepping motor is not strong enough to move big glass quickly, unless a much bigger stepping motor is designed, which would make lens very big
DC coreless motor allowed the XF56/1.2 to be smaller and still have enough power to move the glass elements
problem with DC coreless motors is that they do not move as smoothly and consistent as stepping motors
XF35/2 uses a stepping motor, because lens elements are small and light. Silent and smooth
linear motors are bigger than stepping motors, but silent and smooth like stepping motors, so great for video. Some Fujinon lenses have even 4 linear motors inside
AF motor choice depends on the prupose on the lens: is it mento for video or stills? Is it a fast aperture lens? Should it be compact?
X-T30 offers great value feature-wise and takes over lots of features of X-T3
30 fps with no EVF blackout, great video functions like internal F-log
X-T30 is a fully featured camera
Fujifilm cameras look beautiful, and also design and controls is reason to buy a camera
in the Fujifilm system, you don’t sacrifice image quality if you buy a $1,200 or $1,800 camera. Strategy is to use same sensor/processor for same image quality
Lens Corner – XF16mm f/2.8
XF16mm f/2.8 falls into the f/2 compact lens lineup. Small, fast AF, weather sealed, excellent IQ with nice detail and a great minimum focus distance
16/28 Is scary good in terms of quality for its price
XF16mm f/1.4 is different type of beast. More control over DOF and more flexible in low light, but Billy thinks Fujifilm will sell much more XF16/2.8 lenses than 16/1.4, because it’s great value
for small camera bodies like X-T30, the f/2 and f/2.8 lenses are great combo
16/2.8 is also a good lens for vlogging, still some nice shallow DOF
Tip Corner – Movie silent control
movie silent control is found in X-H1, X-T3 and X-T30
movie silent control gives you independent control from your dials. Just tap on the back of the screen and from there use touch controls to change ISO, f/stop, Shutter Speed
even better than touch: use the joystick to change movie silent control settings
movie silent control allows for independent video/stills controls
on X-T30, you can set one of the function buttons to turn ON/OFF movie silent control
Will X-T and X-H get flip out screen in future? X-T30 for Vlogging?
Billy hoped for an X-T30 with flip-out screen and hopes for it to come to X-T/X-H line in future
X-T100 with selfie screen has different design, and it’s actually wider camera than X-T20/30, because there needed to be room for the selfie screen hinge
with HDMI output you can use external monitor to see yourself
It comes down to costs and design. Changing the design raises costs
Top concerns of vloggers:
1 – Am I in the frame? With wide 16mm lens or XF18-55 you don’t have to worry about not being in the frame
2 – Is the camera still recording? X-T30 has tally light
3 – Am I in focus? Eye AF on X-T30 is huge improvement.
X-T30 is very good vlogging camera. It has also a low rolling shutter
Selfie screen can be distracting. Billy used X-T100 for vlogging, and he tends to look at the flip-out screen instead of looking at the lens
Accessories and Software
Remote release on X-T30
– Option 1: X-T30 has a mechanical thread to use with mechanical cable release
– Option 2: X-T30 works with any Canon compatible 2.5mm radio trigger. There is also Fujifilm RR-100 remote cable release for wire connection
– Option 3: Use camera remote App via bluetooth remote. It’s a free and awesome option
App Improvement
Updated App coming around X-T30 launch date [March 20]
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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