According to digicame-info Fuji will launch a new interchangeable lens camera for ¥ 70.000 yen ($700-€540) in the next months. This X-mount entry level camera should be announced in July and shipped in autumn. [FR already told you that the 27mm pancake lens could be released in June. And, as Tim said in the comments “this lens would be great with a compact X body, no viewfinder, just the sensor a touch screen and a few buttons.” Could this be the camera Tim imagined?]
Now, how would you like this entry-level camera to be? Could you go without a viewfinder? Share your ideas and wishes and create your perfect X-entry-level camera in the comments.
I’ll check this rumor with my trusted sources, so stay tuned on Fujirumors, I’ll do a bit of extra work for you this weekend 😉
via mirrorlessrumors via digicame-info
51 Responses
I have been waiting for more rumours of this possible X-M1 so I am happy to see this new bit of info. For me a camera with an APS-C X-trans sensor that’s maybe 25% more compact than an X-E1 (achieved by removing EVF but up LCD res to 921k dot) would be perfect for my needs personally. The timing of this is a blow to the olympus E-P5 scheduled to be announced next month.
rumored price of E-P5 is around $1000, way 2 expensive consider absent of evf.
no wfinder, no photography for me.
That’s why this is expected to be an “entry level” model.
Professionals and experts like you can still buy the XPro and X-E… “No vf, no photos”… Classic
I have to agree with gabriele: My only justification for shooting without a viewfinder, would be a “pockitable” camera (like XF-1).
Same here. I prefer camera with a prober viewfinder. Even simply optical tunnel only for pancake would make a new camera interesting.
I agree. I would rather it just have a really nice EVF – and no screen on the back at all! How awesome would that be!?
I am glad if the X-M1 gets released. This can be a good entry-level body, that makes no compromise in terms of IQ.
And the more people join the Fuji X system, the better it is: Fuji can design and sell more lenses, the after-market for used lenses develops, everyone is happy.
I like the usage synergy between an X-E1 / X100s and to a lesser extent an X20, but I can see an X-M1 being the camera a lot of people have been waiting for.
Agreed! I’m glad that Fuji started with the high end of the market, but in order for them to remain a viable option, they will of course have to address the lower end of the market. As long as they don’t spread themselves too thin, I think this can only help those of us who enjoy their more advanced options by allowing the revenue from the masses to help support their R+D and potentially lower pricing on lenses through quantity of scale.
This could be a smart move from fuji, granted that it had some sort of viewfinder attachable (preferably an EVF-slot with hinges). This is a straight up competition vs Panas GF-series and Olympus PEN with 20mm f1.7 attached, a setup that I have heard a lot of people are using. But for me personally, don’t make the body too small (thinner than X-E1 but not smaller) and don’t take away the shutter/EC-controls + make room for an optional EVF and OVF in the flash socket.
Depends on the AF, If it has all the IQ that the X-Pro 1 has but significantly better AF in low light and tracking, I’ll buy it. Smaller is always better, and my wife could use it.
I need the X100s af-Speed or Else no interest what so Ever for me.
Not even remotely interested in something like this. If I won one in a contest I would sell it and use the money to get another fuji lens. As someone already said, no viewfinder, no sale.
This camera should be as small (and cheap) as possible. About the size of an Olympus e-pm2. An ideal compagnon and backup to the x-pro1.
+1
This would be a great addition to the system. An almost-pocketable carry-everywhere Fuji with no IQ compromise would be a great companion to the X-E or X-Pro.
Too much X in my opinion. X has to be an eXclusive brand for a limited target.
“limited target” is a quick way to a short lived system.
Whether anyone here would purchase this entry camera is largely irrelevant, we’re already X users, but theres an awful lot of shooters out there who aren’t. Fuji has be earning plenty of critical acclaim but their success is in sales not glowing reviews.
I work in camera retail, for every 1 person I manage to pair up with a new X camera I see 10 more walk out with a NEX or Pen (I can’t even give away Panny’s, EOS M’s or Nikon 1’s mind you). Price is a huge barrier, everyone loves the look of them but can’t stretch the $$$ quite. At around $800 in a single lens kit, I believe I could put plenty of these entry Fuji’s in the hands of happy buyers.
(Although it pains me to say, Fuji will likely need to put a direct video button on the body if its to appeal to the target market… ugh. Sad days indeed)
Cheerio 🙂
> “limited target” is a quick way to a short lived system.
You mean like Leica?
Heh, ok buddy. You go and count how many new cameras have “Leica” written on them (hint: check the Panasonics) then come back and tell me they’re not diversifying their brand.
Don’t forget that, for a while, Leica was on the verge of closing up shop
If it’s to be an X-series camera it should have a viewfinder (and yes I know, on that basis I’d relegate the XF-1).
I dream about a “X20” with APS-C sensor. Nothing else.
+1 – or even with a 1″ sensor.
Add ND filter, change OVF to EVF. Hey would would almost be an XE-1 with fixed Zoom?
Nice to dream:)
Take a look at the Canon EOS M. There are LOT’s of people who could not care less about a viewfinder, or even know what one is. Its a huge market, the highest quality images, but real easy to use – for people upgrading from the “mobile” experience, this is Fuji’s new target market for revenue growth.
I would probably buy one just for the smaller form factor (without any loss in image quality). Especially if it came in red (or electric blue).
most entry level body has simplified control layout, a single mode dial like XF1 is worse than missing a viewfinder imo.
FYI, XE1 is selling for 75,000 yen in Japan, only $50 more than the new body.
If this new camera has an interchangeable lens mount I would say no way fuji. The X-E1 is already nicely priced and fills the role of lower end to the X-Pro.
What I would like is an APS-C point and shoot – a digital version of the Fuji Natura Classica line. Something pocketable that would compete with the Ricoh GR and Nikon A and sit just below the X100s.
I personally cannot see Fuji releasing such a camera as a smaller and cheaper XF body would directly compete with their own X-20 which was only just released.
Not interested. I have a iPhone if I want this kind of arm stretched out type shooting experience. The small compact market is a dying breed. This market group of entry level buyers are less and less needing these cameras. Fuji, just keep making cameras for photographers like you have been doing.
A significant portion of Fuji’s revenue used to come from cheaper compacts. Now that revenue is almost gone. In response they, and everyone else, need to make higher quality higher margin cameras.
Otherwise, Fuji will not be making cameras for much longer.
Most of the development cost is around the core sensor and system, the body and style are how Fuji unlock and package that development value. If it were not for the x100 there would have been no XP1, and without that no E1, and the XF1 came from the x10 which itself was a scaled down version of the x100. The x100s is descended from the XP1 and will probably from the foundation for the new body, and any future XP1.
I don’t see how taking that core sensor/system and making it available and accessible to new photographers who until now have only experienced a mobile phone is anything other than good or great for photography as a whole. If that means a mobile phone like interface, great! These people will never by one of the current X cameras no mater what the cost is, they are intimidating cameras, but if you get them on the system then perhaps one day they will get interested about a viewfinder, or aperture, or ISO.
Camera makers have a very difficult market to work in, they need to recover lost revenue if they want to survive. Even Leica see’s the benefit, or is that necessity, of offering cheaper versions of flagship products.
If it has the sensor and features of the X100s, retains the manual controls (Exposure compensation and shutter dials), and at least an option for a viewfinder, it will likely sell very well, which will be great for Fuji . For me, the X-Pro 2/X-E2 will be more appealing. And, if they introduce a new firmware for the X-Pro 1/X-E1 providing minimum shutter speed setting in auto ISO and focus peaking, I would likely buy one of those instead, as it would then make a decent second camera for my future X-Pro 2. Until the X-Pro 1/X-E1 have focus peaking and minimum shutter speed setting in auto ISO, I will not buy one, as those are key features that should not be missing. With focus peaking, the quirky AF in low light will not be an issue to me. Shockingly, Fuji has not addressed these key missing features yet with a firmware update, as these are perhaps the most requested features, which are preventing people like me from buying a Fuji ~ the AF will never be great in low light for the X-Pro 1/X-E1, so focus peaking is essential…
You need to buy one of these camera’s. Then you are going to find that the things you are complaining about in every post are not that much of a limitation. They might be a irritation, but they are not a limitation.
Lots of people are surviving without these features. It only takes a little bit of ability to overcome them.
They may not be too much of a limitation, and I could live without them, but since they have shown with the X100s that they have the ability to provide something much better with respect to performance and features, I will likely wait, as my old DSLR is still better in performance and Fuji still does not have enough lenses to replace mine.
Unfortunately, we are currently in a transition period in camera technology, with significant advancements in mirrorless cameras, but it seems it will still be some time before there is a mirrorless camera that can truly replace a large sensor DSLR in terms of performance and image quality. I am hoping the X-Pro 2 will be one of the first cameras that can replace my DSLR for all of the various types of shots that I take. It is almost there, but still falls short of my camera in performance.
If Fuji were to introduce minimum shutter speed in auto ISO and focus peaking in the X-Pro 1, I would likely buy one, as the weakness of the AF in low light would not be an issue to me ~ I would use manual focus instead. However, at the price that it is selling for, I don’t see any reason to buy one without those features, as it really is incomplete, especially at that price point.
To me, it is not an issue of ability to make the camera work for me. It is the fact that I am not willing to pay for something that has somewhat fell short. That said, Fuji is the only company that I believe is on the right track, designing interesting and inspiring cameras.And, after a year of working out the kinks – RAW conversion is nearly there – it seems that they will soon introduce a highly efficient and accurate system camera. I am looking forward to it.
I would like to have a stick-on EVF as an option (like Sony, Leica, Panasonic, Olympus offer it), so I can use the little X as a small or as a larger package.
Yes, a stick on EVF, as long as it is not too expensive, would be a great option. And, if it retains the manual controls and has the sensor and features of the X100s, it will be a great option for some ~ my wife would perhaps love it, as she likes composing with the LCD. If it has those features, I would perhaps get it as a second camera for myself. For vacations and photowalks, it would be great to have two X-series cameras, so I wouldn’t have to switch lenses very often (not practical with DSLRs): perhaps a decent compliment to an X-Pro 2 or an X-Pro 1 with focus peaking and minimum shutter speed setting in auto ISO (not available yet!). We will have to see how much they cut out of it. If they are smart, it will be designed like the X100s (looks, controls, and features) without the hybrid viewfinder, but with an option for a pop on EVF, as you mentioned.
Nope. Already have the X-Pro 1, whose flaws still haven’t been fully addressed through firmware updates. Just not going to buy every camera Fuji releases every six months.
I think this already came up at some point, but couldn’t the M be for monochrome? I guess lots of enthusiasts and pros would go for it, since the only other such camera is currently the Leica Monochrom and I don’t have to mention it costs a bazillion dollars and doesn’t have autofocus.
Of course you can convert every color image into black and white, but a sensor without color filter will always be superior.
I did think about getting my XP1 converted to monochrome. Apparently there are people who do it for DSLR sensors (they remove the color filter from the sensor). The rational for me is to get more life out of the body once an upgrade comes along.
Somehow I doubt there is much of a market for it … but then if I’m interested perhaps there is some built up demand after all. But you know, it would need a good premium to cover the dev costs and the Leica M is a much better camera, so there comes a point in pricing where the more expensive alternative becomes better value.
B-O-R-I-N-G. The X-E1 is as “Entry Level” as Fuji should get!
The x series is getting crowded this way here is how I see it and how they should market:
Entry level:
– xf-1
– x20 & x20
– x-m1???
Advanced amateur (prosumer)
– x100s & x100
– x-e1
Pro
– X-pro1(2)
–
In short they lack a”pro” body for the pro user.
But like apple (leaving mac-pro for what it is) they found out that the consumer /prosumer is the largest market where the money is.
Pro’s are reluctant to abandon their canonikons or medium format. But maybe the x-series have a surprise for the pro user in 2014? Maybe taking the aps-c sized sensor to a whole new level? 36mp xtrans3?
I’d expect 20 or 24 MP for an X-Pro2. Hopefully not more, the files would be too large for my taste.
With the X-Pro 2, assuming the image circle of the current and soon to be released lenses will cover it, Fuji should introduce a 20 – 24MP APS-H (1.2 crop factor) sized sensor, which would be nearly full frame while keeping the size of the X-Pro 1 and use of the current and near future lenses ~ that is how they should take it to another level. A 36MP sensor would be pointless without lenses that can render 36MP; and, 36MP in an APS-C sized sensor would be silly, as it would reduce the high ISO performance of the sensor.
It is funny to see people with the D800 using lenses that cannot render 36MP ~ most of Nikon’s lenses can perhaps only render about 16 – 20MP. It is kind of the same as people buying a full frame camera using inferior glass, such as the kit lens ~ totally pointless, countering the benefits of the superior sensor. Those cameras are great, but the glass is equally, if not more, important.
In my opinion, as I mentioned above, Fuji should improve upon the X-Pro 1 with the X-Pro 2 using the current lenses ~ increase the sensor size to the maximum that the image circle in those lenses will cover…
We all have so much to say and complain about Fuji. But actually if you’re using the system it works pretty well.
I used to be, until recently, a Nikon D700/D600 user. Yes, there is certain things I miss, but I think we all need to ask ourselves why did we switch. For me it is all about the portability. For years I used to lug around my equipment all over the world. Travelled with kilos of cameras and lenses and I enjoyed it. But then came around a system that offered me the quality I was looking for with amazing portability. Yes I would love to be able to access the focus point selection without having to press the AF button first and yes I can’t wait for the 23 and 56 to arrive. But I know they will come and I know they will be what I’m looking for. A little patience. How long has Canon and Nikon been working on their systems to get them where they’re are today and still we’re not satisfied. Patience
I just hope that any effort by Fuji to create a lower cost kit does not mean that they cut corners on the quality of the 27mm lens. I’m hoping that in the cost/size/quality triangle, they keep the quality up, because I for one Amy will to pay for a great quality + size combination.
My guess on what this camera will be? The smallest possible body to wrap around the 16mp x-trans sensor and a 2.8″ screen. If that means fewer manual controls, so be it. Similar size to x20 but less control.
I think they should look for opportunity in mobile phone. E.g., partnering with Apple to make an iPhone camera module like how Nokia is using Carl Zeiss lens. Ofcourse easier said then done:P
If this allows Fuji to sell more cameras, more lenses and expand the system, why not? It might be a nice alternative to a NEX5 for many.
Fuji X-e1 the other way around.
im placing my bet with a fuji that has an Optical viewfinder only.
I think the new baby will be a simplified X100S – sans glass and OVF.
P.S. I assume that there will be no more X100 successor. Fuji want to sell glasses.
To each X100 body is possible now to sell only one glass. To a glassless body it is
possible to drive the sale up to 1.5 – 1.7 factor.
Yes. This explains also why Nikon are not developing any APS-C fixed lens cameras.
Oh wait.
Bye bye Nikon and Ricoh new APS-c cameras if this is true.