Hi,
I tell you, Fuji is doing a great job in keeping this secret. But I thought it’s time for an update to what belongs the X-PRO2. Here is what I can share with you for now:
Some FR-readers hunting for the X-PRO1 in stores all over the world told me that they were not able to find it because they were told by the stores that Fuji is going to replace it with the X-PRO2 next year.
If true, the aim of the stores now is to empty the X-PRO1-stock as soon as possible before the replacement hits the market in 2014. So I wouldn’t be surprised if we see some price drops on the X-PRO1 in near future.
But the big questions are: 1) When it will be announced and 2) what are the specs of the X-PRO2?
This is the complicated part of the rumor. The feedback from new / anonymous sources to what concerns the specs and release date is very different. So I’m right now trying to triple check everything with my trusted sources.
Therefore, take everything with a grain of salt until I get some reliable information from trusted sources.
I’m tirelessly working on the specs and the release date. Any help to dig up the truth would be appreciated. You can share rumors via email at fujirumor@gmail.com or anonymously via rumor box.
You can follow FR via google+, facebook and twitter
cheers
Patrick
X-E2 – USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / DigitalRev / Pictureline / EUROPE: wexphotographicUK / DigitalRev / Fotomundus24 GER / PCHstore /
XQ1 – USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / DigitalRev / EUROPE: wexphotographicUK / DigitalRev / PCHstore /
52 Responses
This rumor must have been invented by those “readers”. Btw, production has probably stopped quite some time ago, but there are still plenty of cameras left in the warehouses. And I really mean plenty. Everybody will get an X-Pro1 if they want one.
I remember a similar BS rumor many months or even more than year before the X100 was replaced. It was of course just as wrong.
so Fuji won’t replace the X-PRO1 next year?
Who knows? A year is rather long, it can be January, it can be December.
that’s what the rumor says until now: no more X-PRO1’s are produced now. The stores empty their PRO1-stock (some stores already did it, but others have enough in stock), there will be price drops (I’ve heard already next month)… don’t think this is BS. I’m careful about specs and realease dates. Have to check it with trusted sources
LOL, good luck with that! 😉
thanks, will give my best 🙂
WHAT if they will not do the xpro series and doo only XE series pumped up on specs for pro? (no more OVF)
You mean, more like the new Olympus flagship camera?
i mean only 1 flagship model (XE3)
That’s what I would like to see. Fuji needs to lead the way in the technology used in their cameras if they want to compete with the flagship EM-1. “Character” and manual controls keep people like me on the fence of joining the x-mount, but features of Olympus cameras keep me in micro 4/3. EM-1 has super fast AF, big and no lag EVF, super rugged weather sealing, 1/8000, 6.5 fps with tracking, and a whole list of firmware features like the color wheel. You can do it fuji I am cheering you on!!
Wouldn’t that make sense, though? I’d be pretty happy with the X-E 2 feature set (ideally with addition of X-M’s tiltable LCD) plus X-Pro build quality and hybrid viewfinder. All the engineering for these parts should be done already — all they need to do is bake them together.
I agree. Personally I’d love to see such a camera from Fuji. It would be new and hence more exciting than an upgraded X-Pro1.
With or without an OVF? You seem to be suggesting different things.
if it will have a hybrid viewfinder, as you suggested, then that would be an X-Pro 2, wouldn’t it.
Yeah, I skipped over the no-EVF part because I can’t see Fuji making an X-Pro without a hybrid OVF/EVF. Their sales guys, at least, seem to believe that’s the signature feature that distinguishes the X-Pro from both the lower-end X line and the competition.
But obviously there’s a lot of room for improvement over the X-Pro 1’s optical finder (its magnification is low by the standards of true rangefinder cameras, and many people — including me — find it hard to get the eye to focus on it.) And of course bringing the EVF part up to the XE2’s specs, or higher, would be a sensible improvement.
I think people are likely to look at the very good EVFs in the Olympus, or the Sony A7, and wonder why an optical finder is even worth the bother anymore, unless Fuji can come up some significant improvements. That may be why the X-Pro 2 is taking so long, since all the rest of the tech for an upgrade is already in other cameras in their product line.
Only makes sense. Note how Fuji is working to flush dated inventory with price reductions. Nothing wrong with this business model given the nature of the industry.
Oh yes, given the inventory and the new external and internal competition, I would definitely expect some interesting deals and kit offerings for this camera.
Key to building and retaining customer brand loyalty is Fuji’s willingness to enhance older/legacy/discontinued models, e.g. recent X100 firmware upgrade. Brilliant! The guy(s) who had this idea deserve a bonus or a new X-Pro2. On the other end of the design spectrum is the “disposable” camera.
http://www.dpreview.com/news/2013/10/18/back-from-the-dead-fujifilm-boosts-x100-with-major-firmware-upgrade
From conversation the rumour I have heard is that the Pro2 will not be available until 2015.
In regard to sensors, the organic sensor is still in development and we are unlikely to see it for a few camera generations. I would also not hold your breath for full frame either, not for the Pro2 at least…
I have been an X-Pro1 user for a year, now owning three of the bodies that I use professionally. I am extremely happy with the camera and lenses, and am in no hurry to upgrade, nor am I concerned with a need for FF as the quality of the images is stunning, even at ISO6400. I would like to see a fast 85 or 90mm f1.4 telephoto prime to complete the lens line.
Off topic: The arrival of the X-E2 puts the X-M1 in a tough spot as everyone is selling the X-E1 and X-M1 for the same price of $799! That doesn’t really make the X-M1 very attractive, even though it’s a great camera. They really should drop the price of the X-M1 to $699…
Given that Fuji added a few firmware features I recently asked for in my column, I would actually prefer an M1 oder an E1 at the same price.
I’m an X-Pro1 user as well, very happy with the camera and really missing a 85mm f1.4
One of the reasons I bought the X-Pro1, was their first offer of prime lenses
Sorry Fuji, I don’t need a replacement, i’m waiting for that lens and would have expected more by now, the Xpan had a 90mm.
I’m pretty sure the specs are: a X100s with interchangeable lenses and a bump in EVF dots.
It would be AWESOME if we could have some sort of confirmation of even the existence and maybe basic specs of the X-Pro2 before the sale at BH ends! Please Patrick? Pretty please?
At the moment, I don’t think we’ll see an X-PRO2 very soon. We’ll have to wait 6 months or even more. But as I already said, this information does not come from trusted sources. Honestly I don’t think it will come earlier, but who knows for sure? So, don’t miss the deals this time Chelsey Wood. 😉
I don’t mind the wait. I just wanna know that the xpro2 will bring competitive features to the market.
The X-Pro 1 is nearly a perfect camera and is a perfect design. I too use a pair of them professionally–but only since last spring. I hope the X-Pro 1 is a year out so the technology is more advanced than what was just announced in the X-E1S (I mean X-E2).
I’d like to see the speed of everything at least doubled if not 2.5X-3X faster and the same for the RAW buffer. A totally lag free EVF of similar resolution to the Olympus OM-D E-M1 (made by Epson). The new AF system introduced in the X-E2, but even more advanced. More reliable AF when using OVF–it’s dead on using EVF usually. The memory card slot moved to the side of the body. Betters battery life (probably wont happen). The shutter speed dial raised above the body height for easier turning (I use a Thumb’s-Up grip which makes the shutter speed dial slightly harder to turn).
That’s it. Like I said, the camera is nearly perfect. I’ve used a lot of cameras in the last 30 years and few were so well done, especially in the digital age. Be thankful!
Well, if they don’t design a much-improved X-Pro 2, and instead stick with the common EVF-only cameras like everyone else, they better do something spectacular with their next offering, as the X-E2 will not cut it with the current growing competition.
I am a fairly satisfied X-Pro 1 user, and I believe their X-Pro line is their best option irrespective of previous sales. Of course most people will not buy one anymore, as it has dated features now. And, it didn’t do well with sales because it was released with too many problems. The OVF is one thing that has set them apart from the competition, so they should work on improving it. If they got rid of the OVF on the X100s, it would have no character, which is the same for the interchangeable-lens system.
I see an X-Pro 1 and an X-E1 everyday in my home, and I would never choose the X-E1 over the X-Pro 1. If they neglect this, I doubt I will be buying any X-Series cameras in the future, as I could careless about a camera with no character. I guess I should stop buying lenses for the system as well, as they may drop the camera I am interested in and not produce anything I would want to upgrade to in the future. What a shame. The X-Series had great potential, but perhaps they are focusing on entry-level cameras with generalist features in the future.
I bought the X-Pro 1 as a compromise until they upgraded it, as I was planning on growing on the system. Throw that away and I may as well use something else.
While the OVF is a unique feature, for a lot of people it’s a totally unnecessary one, which adds a lot of cost. I think the aperture ring/shutter dial control setup is by far the most important feature that differentiates the Fuji cameras from their rivals.
As for the X-E2, what exactly is the problem that people have with this camera? Why is it that the X-E2 does “not cut it”? It’s an ideal upgrade from the X-E1 for me.
I also have the X Pro1 and X-E1 for professional use… plus all lenses and I would always go for the X Pro first. It has a better feel in the hand. The size is easier to move around when using it in the studio, not as fiddly. While I use the EVF a lot, I wouldn’t want to be without the OVF as there are a lot of occasions when it is very useful.
I found the Nex7 was also too small to use as a main work camera and didn’t really realise why I never liked it as much when using it as a studio camera until I got the X Pro. That camera just feels so comfortable to use, especially with the grip. Everything is to hand, plenty of manual control.
I’m looking forward to the X Pro2 and will certainly be getting one. Hopefully it will come with the updates seen on the X-E2 plus extra…. increased resolution to either 20-24mb. That would provide a little extra cropping ability and still allow 50mb tif files required by some agencies.
Weather sealing would be nice. Provide a little extra protection when out in the mountains. But after that, it’s all tweaking as it is near on perfect.
I totally agree ~ the size and feel of the X-Pro 1 is perfect for me. I was just at a store holding the X-A1, the X-E1 and the OM-D, and I do not like the small size of those cameras. The X-E1 felt the best of those three, but I would never pass up the X-Pro 1 for the X-E1, as it feels just right in my hands.
Unfortunately, if Rico is suggesting that they are not really thinking about it, perhaps they will pass on updating the X-Pro 1, as they may be content with the low-end market.
If they were to produce a enthusiast/pro-level X-Pro 2, with an improved OVF/EVF weather sealing, much faster AF, and other key features, it would undoubtedly be very successful. That said, they must design a near flawless X-Pro 2 to avoid the pitfalls the X-Pro 1 encountered. The X-Pro 1 is a very good camera now, but apparently it wasn’t at release, which killed potential sales.
I think they would be unlikely to do away with the X Pro. They created a set of high quality pro lenses released with the X Pro originally. The whole concept seemed to be built around it.
Anyway, the X-E range can be released once evry year or so and the X-Pro once every three. It doesn’t take as much development time away from the X-E and it satisfies the Pro market who in term can promote the X Series to the growing public. The public that want professional quality images but in a smaller package.
I agree with you Stuart. I have used the X-E1 and even though each update on the X-E2 may not seem as a big change I think that all the small and really good upgraded features and performance improvements makes it worth to upgrade from the X-E1 to the X-E2.
Well I read a lot of trade pubs and rumor sites and anything I can on camera technology, as well as talk to other photographers in the know. I originally thought the X-Pro2 would be announced this time next year (2014), but I’m now thinking it may come more quickly.
The X-E2 came more quickly than I thought it would so I’m thinking Fuji is feeling the pressure from Panasonic and Olympus on the mirrorless front. To stay relevant, I think Fuji has to speed up the release of the X-Pro2. Because of this, it may not be as advanced as we would like, to begin with. Keeping with Fuji’s openness to firmware improvements, we may indeed see the X-Pro2 before summer of 2014, with firmware improvements through out the following year.
Just my 2¢ worth. Your millage may vary. 🙂
Love it or hate it, Fuji will never bore us!
If I would be Fuji Marketing Manager I would go for a Photokina presentation of the new X-Pro 2.
That’s the time when new Flagship models go live and Fuji has hopefully time to smash the market with the first Camera with the new Organic Sensor and superb image quality. However this Organic sensor may work …
For me the Fuji X-Pro 1 is still a perfect camera and Fuji should concentrate to bring the promised lenses to the stores, the XF 23 is still not available and the XF 56 1.2 still not announced. I prefer to complete my must have lens portfolio before updating a still excelent camera. Maybe I will even leave the X-Pro 2 and wait for a X-Pro 3 if the improvements are not that big like I see no need to spend the money for a 5D Mark 3 because the Mark 2 is still fine for me. But I’m not autofocus and spex focused, nice handling, picture quality and good lenses are my priority.
I believe too that they will present it before summer 2014. Photokina is always a good opportunity to present new products.
If they wait until Photokina, the X-Pro 2 will need to be groundbreaking, as that is too long to wait unless it comes with far more significant improvements than those in the X100s and X-E2. If it is just those improvements, it should be introduced now…People, like myself, will be annoyed if it only comes with those improvements one year from now.
Right, so every camera that goes more than two years without being updated must have a ‘groundbreaking’ successor? You do realise that’s an impossible task and leads down the Apple path of relentlessly hyping up the smallest feature as though it’s like the wheel being invented all over again?
I have already asked Fuji to implement a feature that only let’s me use the camera after I identify myself giving my fingerprint. Groundbreaking stuff!
Haha ~ hilarious
The point I was making is that if they update it a year from now with only the same features that are in the X100s, which have been available since last Spring, it would be disappointing, as they could have upgraded the X-Pro 1 with those features already, if that turns out to be the case…
Perhaps “groundbreaking” was the wrong choice of a word. But, if we are forced to wait for over a year for features that have already been introduced in two other cameras, that would be a huge disappointment, in my opinion…
It would seem that the x-pro 2 would have to have a full-frame sensor, but the lens size on the x-pro 1 doesn’t make this possible, right? So it would make sense to phase out the x-pro 1 to make way for a full-frame sensor with new lenses. Right?
That would likely be a good choice. However, they could do so with a rangefinder-like design similar to the X-Pro 1. If that is the upgrade they choose to do, I would buy it, as long as it comes with some fast primes at launch. If they choose to do so, if I were them, I would bring it out with a 21mm, a 50mm, and a 85mm ~ all fast primes. After that, they could build the system from there…
Doing so would allow them to have both an APS-C and a full frame line, which would be smart. I don’t see the harm in doing so, as the lens roadmap for APS-C is nearly complete – still needs a fast prime 90mm f/2 and faster, sharper telephoto lens – and there are a lot of people looking for a smaller option for full frame, which is evident with all of the attention Sony has received. I believe Fuji could do a far better job at designing full frame mirrorless camera systems than Sony…
ugh… I hate being so undeceive. I have been debating the switch for days. It is killing me. I think I may get several lenses while the discount is available (have to decide today) then sell the XE-1 body and buy the XE-2 right away, or wait for the Xpro2…. love the functionality of the EM1… But love the classic design of the Fuji… sigh.
Once they decide to bring the X-Pro2 they will have to upgrade the sensor. X-E1 and the very high initial price for the X-Pro 1 killed it’s sales. If they bring the Pro2 with just the “s” features of x100s and x-100s, they better price it agressively and get it out very soon (January 2014). But somehow they don’t seem to intend that.
Therefore the Pro2 would have to show some progress in the sensor department, like 20MP and better dynamic range. Plus better EVF, more precise OVF, faster AF etc. It really has to be a much better camera than the X-E2, otherwise nobody will buy it. It also has to compete with the agressively priced A7 from Sony!
Organic sensor is – as someone reported on dpreview Fuji forum – at least 1,5-2 years away, and even then I could imagine they will first try it in a compact.
+1
I totally agree. Some people got annoyed when I expressed something similar, but it is true, nonetheless.
In my opinion, Fuji has the opportunity to produce something really special in what should be their flagship camera, the X-Pro 1. However, since there are no roadmaps for camera bodies and the only hints at what they may be working on are their last efforts or pure speculation on rumour sites, who knows what they are planning.
I am shocked that some people, including Rico, seem to think they should forget about the X-Pro and focus on X-E styled cameras with additional features, such as tilt screens, etc, which really is suggesting a Canon Rebel-Series approach. They have suggested that would be an exciting improvement, which is a concern to me.
If Fuji drops the X-Pro series and focuses instead on the entry-level and X-E styled cameras, in my opinion, it will be a huge disappointment, as the X-series cameras will just be another mirrorless camera, just like the rest, with nothing setting them apart, except perhaps the X-Trans colour filter.
In my opinion, most of the mirrorless cameras (M4/3, NEX series, X-E1/X-A1) are too small and fidgety to handle, and the X-Pro is just right in size. Though that doesn’t seem to be the consensus among consumers (pros seem to prefer the X-Pro, though it has become dated in features). I doubt I will buy a camera much smaller than the X-Pro, as they feel good in my hands.
So, if Fuji drops the X-Pro and doesn’t replace it with something similar but better, sadly, the X-Pro may be my last X-series camera, which would be a huge disappointment for me. If that is the case, which I highly doubt, as Zach Arias said he is excited with what they are planning and developing for the short-term and long-term, Fuji may loose its appeal and potential. Hopefully they get back on track and design a true enthusiast/semi-pro level rangefinder-like camera with a 20-24mp sensor, much improved AF, a sufficient processor to eliminate lag, and a brighter, larger EVF/OVF.
I agree that Fuji needs to make progress to stay competitive. For my needs the X-E2 beats the A7/A7r because the X-E2 and Fuji’s lenses are smaller and ligther, the X-E2 interface is more photographer centered and Fuji’s optics has so far proved to be of higher quality than Sony’s optics. Add to that a better WB and a better jpeg rendering on the Fujis and the full format A7/A7r is behind the X-E2 even before the price difference is taken into account. That said, of course Fuji needs to make smart moves to improve their products or get obsolete.
Hey everyone! I just wanted you all to know that I finally made the plunge into Fuji X! I am really excited. I ordered:
X-E1
14mm 2.8
35mm 1.4
60mm 2.4 macro
55-200mm f3.5-4.8
I plan on keeping the X-E1 body until the release of the X-Pro2 (praying it comes and with lots of new cool stuff!)
Thanks for all your help thus far guys!
Congratation. Have fun with the X ;). And send me your first shots!
I have been looking for a camera in the X-Pro style for a while. Recently my local retailer cautioned against buying an X-Pro 1 as it replacement is pending. He said that he sold his last one yesterday, no more are coming. This is from the German part of Switzerland.
Shalom
Supply of the Xpro 1 doesn’t appear to be a problem in the UK, with a number of deals offering the body & 18mm for approx £949, plus a further free lens claimed back from Fuji.