Hi all,
I hope you had a great transition to 2014.
Well, for this first post in 2014 I’ve put together some rumored cameras with some “dreamed” cameras (imagined by FR-readers in the comments to older posts).
At the end we got 12 cameras, one for each month. Looking at this Fuji-calendar, in which month will your wallet suffer?
And feel free to extend this imaginary X-roadmap in the comments.
cheers,
facebook, google+ and twitter
[poll id=”37″]
85 Responses
neither, quite happy with my XE2, don’t see any reason for an upgrade. Perhaps in a year or two when it reaches 24MP
Don’t worry, it’s mostly speculative wishful thinking. Personally, I only see two of these twelve cameras actually happening in 2014. So please enjoy your X-E2, as it will be around for quite some time, and I expect it to be improved several times during its lifespan.
Instead of thinking about buying new cameras several times a year, I reckon it’s more worthwhile learning how to better use what you already have at hand. I doubt that many Fuji X users are capable of exploiting the full potential of their gear. I for one am certainly not, but I am happy to learn and share my findings.
Amen! I assume you’re working on a book update or seperate book which covers the XE2. When might it be available?
Amazon says 31MAR.
I agree totally
since the Fuji-X ambiente is more about photography than about pixel peeping I am quite happy with this movement. I’m still experimenting with my X-E2 and try different old lenses (Voigtlaender, Zeiss-Contax-Y, Staeble) and my superior new ones (14 mm and 55-200). my recommendations for 2014 would be to enjoy photography, force yourself to make nice photographs with only one lens on your camera build the X community on that in the first place. the perfect gear for the keen eye.
The only thing I am interested in would be a nice weathersealed X-Pro 1 upgrade.
But then again, all of my existing lenses won’t be.
And please, no big SLR-wanabe
I just handled a Oly OMD E-M1: Very impressive speed, my trusted X-Pro 1 really feels like a snail beside it. This kind of speed would be nice with the next X-Pro or X-Whatever.
And another Please: Fuji, please don’t change too much on the layout. I handled a X-E2 and I would not buy it just because of the missing “View Mode”-Button. That really was a stupid change from the X-E1.
With an EVF like the OMD has, I would be able to come over my beloved XP1 OVF, but I would prefer a 23(35)mm optimized Hybrid-OVF, so that with the 23mm lens, the OVF is as nice as the one from the X100.
Over all, Fuji has adressed most of the “nice to have”s with the latest FW-upgrade. Therefore I do not really feel pain 😉 and can patiently wait.
The discussed 16-55 f2.8 weathersealed lens would for sure be nice, but I fear it would be really big, what is not what I would like to have.
We’ll see. Rumor, rumor, rumor.
Daniel
With the size of Nikon’s and Canon’s 17-55/2.8, Fuji’s XF 16-55/2.8 will be definitely bulky and heavy.
SLR’s long register distance forces wide angle lenses to be larger for half decent performance. That’s the biggest advantage of the short register distance on mirrorless or rangefinder cameras.
It would still be bulky to some degree, but, not as much as those SLR lenses.
A good example might be Samsung’s newly announced 16-50 f/2.0-2.8. Of course, that will be slightly larger than a constant f/2.8 most likely. But probably not by much.
The only I think they should release instead of a FF X100 is instead release the X100S but with a f1.4 lens. That would make much more sense, and easier on the pocket I think.
Actually a FF x100 with an f2.2 lens would be smaller than an apsc sized f1.4 x100 since a f2.2 lens is easier to construct. They would both show the same DOF. In general you can assume that you gain 1+1/3 stops of DOF control by moving from APSC to ”full frame”.
For example, the highly praised sigma 18-35 1.8 is equivalent to a 27-52mm f2.8 full frame lens, in terms of field of view and depth of field control which makes it sound less impressive.
Some more:
I really thought, but I cannot vote as none of the above cameras would give me the itch to buy it. A weather-sealed X-Pro1s with much more processor power would make me think but as already mentioned I am even more satsified with my X-Pro1 since the latest FW-upgrade and my XP1 follows me for almost two years and 13k pics.
But I am really shocked that the majority is looking for the FullFrame X-Pro. I just have to take a look at my Canon L lenses to get rid of that whish.
We’ll see.
Daniel
Oops, I voted for the X-Pro2 but did not notice that this would be a FF camera until I read your comment. I would not have voted for it if I had read the poll correctly since FF gear is too large for my taste. I don’t need FF so give me the current Fuji sizes please.
Why do most people want to see X-PRO Full frame? Does it mean that existing XF lenses are no use?
If I need a full frame DSLR style camera I’d keep shooting with my D700 … Please, don’t shoot yourself in the foot again
I’ll sell my APSC stuff and just go FF. No big deal.
That list bores me senseless 😉 Fuji, how about something fresh and new rather than all these look alike retro cameras?
And set the price at the lowest level you plan to sell it for over its life cycle, rather than setting the initial price so high that people think you are nuts and simply buy something else. Stop being like every other electronics company and milk the price curve … be a camera company instead!
I voted XPro1s because that is the model at which I’ll jump ship from Canon. Not too worried about weather sealing as I’ll probably not go out if it’s raining. (A lesson I learned the hard way even with canon weather sealing). I’m intrigued by some of the new models mentioned and although I voted X200 FF I think that if Fuji are intent on bulking up with Dslr “style” I think I’d rather see a telephoto (56mm?) fixed focal length version of the X100 (size being the main drawback I’ve read about why this hasn’t happened yet).
How about the elephant in the room: an X100 successor with a zoom lens (i.e. a big brother X20)? That’s the real gap in the product lineup.
Come on Fuji, start channeling your 645Zi legacy!
Agree
We seem to be in a minority…
Hello Patrick, bought the X-S2, say farewell to my X-S1. Use a 16Gb card. This was in the old X-S1 about 650 raw pictures.
Now the same card and a max of 485 pictures. I saw that 1 raw picture is now 36 Mb. The install is only RAW. Wat is the difference (not only the 11 Mb).
Is there now significantly more info in the picture self? Can you explain that?
Thanks and regards en also for you and maybe your crew a very happy 2014.
peter
Since there is no X-S2 (nor will there be one), this is an interesting statement. It must be coming from some kind of parallel universe.
Rico I’m sorry, after 45 years of Nikon I’m always wrong with the model numbers or types.
I mean of course the X-E2,
Damn, I was already looking for that wormhole! 🙂
oke, but do you know the answer? Otherwise I have to buy other memorycards. Thanks, Peter
Since the RAWs are larger, I am recommending 32 GB cards with the X-E2 (and X100S). Obviously, 14 bit files require more space than 12 bit files.
This poll is a bit biased towards gearheads particularly those that dont actually already own a Fuji. (imho). It might be better entitled what camera would make you upgrade from your existing one for?
I think Rico is right – getting the most out of the camera you have is more important – ive learnt a lot from him.
I wish the comments stated what camera(s) the poster had.
A better poll might be what frustrations are you having with your current fuji camera – i suspect few will say – oh no the pictures arent full frame – personally i’d like to be able to turn face detect on/off on a button – id like a built in ND filter (on my X-E2). I’d love off camera eTTL to work so i could use all my 3rd party canon flashes.
Built-in ND filters and supporting custom protocols of competing companies aren’t really feasible, but putting FD on a button certainly is.
Realise the ND filter is probably unrealistic but the X100 has one and I don’t understand is it a hardware thing or a software thing? it never felt to be a real filter i always thought it was a turning down of sensitivity in software thing.
Re the wireless flash you are almost certainly right but just musing if a canon ettl cable seems to work with fuji flashes why doesnt it cant it be made to work with third parties ones?
forgetting cable – if fuji were to have a wireless flash system – i would imagine the third party makers could emulate it. my yongnuo flash will work in nikon or canon mode why not fuji as well or even simpler could fuji adopt the canon or nikon system ?ie license it? (again appreciate this is unlikely to happen but so is FF anytime soon!)
The ND filter is a real filter, of course, and I don’t think we can expect Fuji to re-release their lens lineup (or at least part of it) with larger, heavier and more expensive versions that include ND filters, when it’s quite easy to simply attach such a filter when needed.
Wireless TTL flash appears to be high on the wish list of at least a few users, but so far, Metz saw no need to support the Fuji protocol. There may be support from smaller third-party developers.
As for the Canon cable, I have discussed this issue in my books (see chapter 1).
just found this – http://www.finepix-x100.com/en/story/lens-2
Sorry you had already answered – I guess part of me thought it was a clever software trick rather than real optics.
In many ways I loved some of the features of the X100 – the ultra quiet leaf shutter the built in ND filter. ultimately i just got to the point where the 35mm equivalent lens wasnt working for me all the time – i just needed a portrait view something 50-85mm in 35mm equivalent.
so perhaps my perfect camera is an upgraded waterproof x100 with wifi. not bothered about FF but speed up the lens to f1.4 add in OIS and allow me to switch between 35mm and 70mm (equivalent) at the flick of a switch. 😉
I am confident (probability 100.00%) that Fuji will eventually release an even more capable successor to the X100S. It may be FF, it may be APS-C. Personally, I am not sure which route is better, not only because of the cost (FF would cost about 700 dollars more due to the larger sensor and the more expensive lens), but also because performance features like very fast AF are easier to implement in smaller sensors (see Olympus MFT).
Hi, I’m happy with my x-pro, I would love a 100mm f2 lens, it was my favourite when I had a canon 40d. Cheers Jon
I agree. I think Fuji is making a mistake by not addressing the need for a fast 90mm prime (135mm equivalent).
Amen: https://twitter.com/winterriot/status/407316017732657152 😉
Yep. One reason I cannot get rid of my m43 setup altogether is their 75/1.8 (150mm equivalent). I shoot headshots often, and 135mm equivalent is the sweet spot in my experience for those. If Fuji makes a 135mm equivalent, I’d get rid of my m43 setup altogether. But nothing is on a road map for this. I guess I can keep using my Nikkor 85 1.4D with an adapter instead, but I would like a solution with AF.
For those hankering for a full frame camera there are plenty of options already out there on the market. You need look no further than Nikon, Canon, Sony and if you really like spending there is also Leica. All have options for top quality lenses. Just be prepared to open the check book.
For me personally, I pick up my new X-pro1 and assortment of lenses tomorrow. Woohoo!
Fuji APSC X-trans has all the resolution I need.
It is indeed somewhat ironic that Leica’s upcoming new mirrorless camera system will be APS-C.
I did not know that… very interesting
i didnt understand why poeple are not so enthusiast for the organic sensor. i am crazily wait for the organic sensor. Image quality of the xtrans sensors are quite good but i need more dynamic range.
Neither of these. Since we are talking dreams: true digital MF rangefinder. Exactly like GF670, but even more flat when folded (like old Zeiss Icon and other old cameras). Only RAW, no AF, absolutely minimalistic, but very sturdy and weather sealed when closed (folded).
I don’t know if this is possible, though. Is making a big sensor with big photodiodes for some reason harder, or is the price just a question of volume and marketing? Because MF lenses can be certainly much simpler with bigger tolerances to achieve 30-40 MP on 6×9. So they should be also cheaper to make. So could such a camera be theoretically actually cheap? For me, that camera would be a revolution.
I would love to see a minimalist camera like you described!
I’d like to see Fuji revolutionise the DSLR market in the same way as they revolutionised the compact market when they introduced the X100 & X-Pro1. The market is completely saturated with DSLRs that are rammed full to bursting point with features, knobs, dials, wheels, switches, modes, scenes, gadgets etc etc that we’re all told we need (by enthusiasts as well as salesmen), but how I WISH there was a DSLR that restored the basic, simple process of photography with traditional controls and minimal fiddling about. The other manufacturers seem hell-bent on winning the feature race, and I think it’ll all implode when consumers realise they’re being taken for a ride. Anyone for a razor with TWELVE blades? Because it’ll surely shave closer than one with only eleven blades.
I don’t want Full Frame because I think APSC is good enough, because I don’t need larger file sizes, and because I don’t want to have to replace all my lenses -again-.
I don’t get why everyone is asking for full frame. Or maybe those are not fuji X user… I mean, going full frame means bulk and need to reinvest in new lenses ! And the price point should be higer as it requires more (i.e litteraly) quality glass to cover the 24×36 image circle…
Honnestly, I’m having a Love/Hate relationship with the x-pro, but I’m pretty sure I would reget it if I were to sell the stuff.
AF is still a pain but it’s not only a PDAF vs CDAF thing, it’s also the noise and overall velocity of the motor.
What I would really want to see is not more bodies, but lenses. Like a fast 135mm equivalent…
One big request would be to have mecanical gearing!
I know that wuold mean more bulk but, I just wish the aperture and focusing could be fully mecanical. I don’t like the focus by wire the feeling is so wrong (at least on the 35mm). And the aperture blade dance gives a shutter lag feeling I dislike.
For full frame and speed, I’ll keep my D700. And probably add a 24-70 to that kit because Nikon’s prime are slow to focus (I came from Canon L before going nikon then fuji).
FWIW the X-Pro 1s ought to be noted as having an X-trans II processor (CDAF+PDAF) not an X-Trans (CDAF only). That’s probably true about most of the cameras on this list, though, and it’s likely what you meant, anyway.
how about drop the autofocus altogether for a 35mm prime with focus tab?
also could you tell me how many raw shots in continuous mode can you shoot and then how long till it clears the buffer before you can shoot again. I have various M lenses and have Ricoh GXR that’s a bit slow recording RAW. im considering an X-E2. thanks
My wished camera would be a full frame sensor in a small body like the X-E2 size, 24MP, fast auto-focus with all the Fuji lenses (and not just the one used for the benchmark used for the as), with an XF-mount line of Full Frame lenses, so that legacy crop factor lenses would still be useable on this new camera on a cropped mode factor that would turn on automatically once attached.
Please, no DSLR size or weight!!
Typo, should read “used for the ad”
By the way, probably more a camera for 2015… A full frame equivalent of the X100s in 2014 would be a good step in this direction.
I voted the X200 FF but mostly because I would like to see Fuji’s interpretation of the Sony RX1 with OVF/EVF, controls etc. I do fear however that it wouldn’t be much cheaper than the Sony if at all which puts it out of my reach 🙁
On the more practical side, I’d like Fuji to bring out a new ‘big’ flash gun, something like the Yongnuo 560/580 with full TTL and built-in radio control. And of course a compatible radio trigger to go with it!
My other wish – as already mentioned by others – would be a X100 with portrait lens: say a 60mm or 70mm F2. Judging from Pentax’s 70mm F2.4 the lens doens’t have to be big to have good IQ and those two cameras would cover (almost) all of my needs and fit in a very small bag 😉
I also think that announcing a black X100s after Fuji said they wouldn’t is a blow to the customer-friendly image the company aquired thanks to all the FW updates etc. Unless they offer a ‘repaint- service’ for $200-300 including a full check of the camera, of course. Now, that would be A-W-E-S-O-M-E!
Regarding the vote here…
Most of the poll options did not interest me. I voted for a FF Fuji X rangefinder style camera. If the camera was not a true rangefinder that took Leica lenses, I would prefer it to be a FF X-E1 and not the FF X Pro. I much prefer the smaller sized X-E1.
There are very few things lacking in the digital arsenal available to photographers nowadays. The top of the list in ‘needs’ is an affordable digital alternative to the Leica. Another vacuum in the needs would be an affordable 6mp FF digital back for the Hasselblad. (Lets say in the $3,500 range.)
When we left off in 2013 I was discussing zone focusing. It was mentioned that one could zone focus the new school Fuji lenses with no distance markings by using the viewing screen or EVF to see the electronic focus scale.
Let me contrast how zone focus can be done on the well thought out Leica. If you have ever handled Leica or Zeiss lenses you will notice they have a protrusion to grip when focusing. The finger grip can be used to zone focus the lens without even looking at the camera. If you know where a ’3 o’clock’ setting equals in feet, you can set the lens focus as low key as one could hope for.
This stealthy focusing benefit can only be appreciated by hard core street and documentary photographers. Everyone else that can take their time shooting wont need this option. But it is an important focusing tool to have available if one needs it.
If we look at the rangefinder focusing method it is not that fast of a focus system. A DSLR manual focus is better. The Fuji AF, on a good day, is much faster than the rangefinder for focusing. The benefit of the rangefinder focusing system is; it is a more positive focus method when we compare it to the Fuji AF that is refusing to set focus.
No one is claiming that a rangefinder will out focus the Fuji X when it comes to speed. The benefit of the rangefinder focus system is that of zone focusing ease and no shutter lag. The aperture is already set, focus is set and you can fire at will with no lag. With the Fuji X, one must work around these lag areas. You cannot relax when shooting a Fuji, you have to battle the AF as well as the lag. The only way I get the shots I do with the Fuji is to shoot the Fuji like a Leica and not like a Fuji.
Leicas used to be a very reliable workhorse for pros worldwide. But Leica has become a greedy, bloated shell of what it used to be. A reliable, affordable Japanese Leica knockoff would be most welcome.
http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/leica-m-type-240/314052-risked-life-limb-get-shot-7000-a.html
http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/leica-m-type-240/312320-parts-dropping-out-my-m240.html
http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/leica-m9-forum/278616-leica-m-strap-lugs-unscrewing-merged-7.html
Most sensible thing I’ve read in a a while. Like you, I zone focus on my X100. Saves me having to worry about AF altogether….but the electronic lags are still there. Like the Contax Gs.
I have XE2 and i’m really happy, but when coming out FullFrame I change it 🙂
I need more range. And would love more resolution. So I’m more interested in seeing Fuji put out a 400mm lens (could be zoom, don’t care) with decently large aperture so I can do some basic wildlife photography using this gear.
Sure, weather sealing is a nice idea but it’s rarely meaningful. Most cameras will do just as well under rain as a weather sealed camera. I’ve seen a NEX-7 go through a full dunk in seawater and work fine without even bothering to try to clean it up.
I am somewhat interested in an X30 with 1″ sensor. I have serious doubts about the sensor size increase, though. In fact, I straight up disbelieve it.
My two wishes from Fuji (besides getting me that 56/1.2 NOW!!) are high res sensor, (24mp would be awesome! Drop x-trans, even better! 20mp is a nice compromise. 16mp x-trans is like shooting a 12mp camera. I miss large prints.) and as mentioned, a looong lens. 600mm equivalent or more. If Tamron can give us 150-600 for 1100, Fuji can do something for us within reason.
Patrick: you forgot “None of the Above”
*joins the poll*
My dream camera will be X-Pro1S (sorry for bugging you from time to time via FB PM about it, Patrick. I’m guilty as charged.)
Since I have X100s, X-Pro1s is a good choice for me since I do require an interchangeable mirrorless. Coupled that with X-Pro1s’ size (which I assume will be similar to X-Pro1), I can carry it everywhere I go without being noticed. Here in Indonesia, big camera means professional; and usually big camera also means being harassed, either bugged by other people to take their photos or worse, bugged by a security.
My wallet will suffer right after I get one.
The dates are speculations, right? I assume X-Pro1s will come out on the first quarter of 2014 though.
As for the people who vote for full-frame rangefinder -like camera from Fuji, I still don’t get it.
Organic sensor, anyone? I’m sure organic sensor is the best investment than going FF.
I think that you will more suffer than your wallet. Dead items can hardly suffer.
Rico,
Which two cameras on the list, do you think will actually be made by Fuji?
Nice try! 😉
I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again, as soon as there’s a Fuji x with a viewfinder and a flippy touchy screen I’m sold! Give me an x mount omd!
None of these are appealing to me. Maybe X-Pro2 with APS sized sensor or X-E3. Assuming the improvements are significant (sensor quality, processing power, etc.)
Im more then happy with my x-pro1 and x100. Must be something wrong with me since Im looking forward to any newer cameras. The 56´ is the only thing atm that I want.
X200:
– Full Frame;
– 28/2.8 fixed.
Everyone realizes FF X200 would cost $2500+, right?
and hardly compete with Sony RX1. But what if it was only 1500$ …. no forget, all Fujis are barely overpriced, so do not expect a cheap one. I still chew on the 3200$ I once paid for the S5 body, despite it being the best they ever made.
Ideal camera…..how about one, which isn’t obsolete the moment you press the “BUY” button.
None of these is exactly what I need. I’d need an X-Pro with a 20+MP APS-C X-Trans sensor, weather sealing, weather-sealed lenses and faster focus than the X100s (the X100s focus ability and speed isn’t what it was cracked up to be – “as fast as the OMD” was a crock). Add TTL flash metering and full Adobe Lightroom RAW support and they’ll have me working exclusively with the Fuji system. More accurate frame lines in the OVF would be nice too – the recent firmware update on my X100s made them worse by showing MORE than what the camera would cover, meaning I would not be getting everything I expect to in the frame. Before, I could crop what I didn’t need.
What about a NONE option? 🙂
I have the X-E1 with the 14, 18-55, 55-200 and 35 mm lenses. I will likely buy the 23 and 56 mm lenses. To me the camera has always been the throw-away and the key has always been the lenses. As Rico said, get familiar with what you have…I have been shooting the 35 only since I bought it as I did the 14 when I first got that. I also bought Rico’s book (thank you!) and each time I shoot, I learn more. There is much yet to learn. So, on topic, I vote none of the above. I want the upgrades to the X-E1 firmware and ongoing development with this size of sensor. I would like 22-24 MP because I crop many of my shots. I print on an Epson 3000.
I have absolutely no interest in FF and the survey of camera equipment posted the other day tells me Fuji will not build a FF. That market is well served by Canon, Nikon, etc. Someone asked for a list of equipment owned and used. When I want FF and speed, I take out my Canon 5D mkII (with portrait grip) and attach the appropriate lens. I have an 11-18 Tamron and the others are all Canon. These include 20mm – 2.8, 50mm – 1.8, 50mm 1.0L (yes it is), 28-70 2.8L, 80-200 2.8L and 300 4.0L as well as a 2X teleconverter and full Tube set, three Canon flashes, LED bars and blocks, various other lights, Seconic light metering system, tripods, stands, etc. I HAVE NOT USED THE CANON SINCE BUYING THE FUJI! One small bag holds all the Fuji gear and Las Vegas provided some wonderful opportunities for photos. This year I will travel extensively with only the Fuji. Back up is a 10X.
You forgot a weather sealed xpro 1s with a organic apsc sensor!
Since we’re just making up imaginary cameras. Why not a weather-sealed FF X-Pro 1 with organic sensor? Mirrorless size, medium format quality.
Just give me an X-E2 with a flippy screen. Nothing else have to change.
im considering an X-E2…I currently shoot a variety of M lenses with a Ricoh GXR.it does not have an AA filter and produces good image quality. however in continuous mode it requires ten seconds to record 4 raw images.
can any one tell me how many raw images an X-E2 shoot consecutively and how long does it take to clear the buffer?
8 images before delay, and about 8s to clear the buffer. I’m using a “400x” Lexar SD card.
Of course, you can continue shooting at a lower speed as the camera writes images to the card at about 1 per second. And a variety of variables will change the performance for you, such as shutter speeds and card speeds.
I want a tilt LCD version of X-E2
As a 40yr filmer using Nikon and Hassey, followed by a much hated D200 which basically ended my love of photography, I am pleased to announce the purchase of a black X-E2. with kit zoom. For the first time in several years I am excited to hold a camera in my hands, and cannot wait to begin shooting with it. We just need to get rid of this -20*C weather! I’d love to see a weatherproof version, but the logistics of sealing the optics would possibly be an issue. Will continue to follow this site and ask questions. Still miss the smell of chemicals on my hands though… Thanks!
Well, I had a D200 and did not hate it, I just was disappointed of the low ISO ability as much as I was of the excellent IQ. But, at that time, to close the breach, I got a Fuji S5. It made me love and enjoy the D200 in a way that I never separated from it. The S5 was where for me photography came to a high point and Fuji started to go down into the abyss. Fuji is what the D200 was once, a huge body with a limited capability sensor. Fuji’s X-Trans is just a piece of crap. But, remind this, it is just the opinion of some people, not all. I am among those some people, even if they are a real huge crowd. If X-A2 had a conventional sensor as X-A1 has and a viewfinder, I will have a look at it, despite Sony having such good prices for the bodies and me a shitload of lenses for it.
Fuji Rumours, and Fuji:There must be a lot of us ordinary guys, i.e. non-pros but long time camera buffs, who can’t afford the new FF and system cameras and Fuji’s expensive lenses- even tho of excellent quality. While a long time user of Nikon cameras- from the F2Photomic to the F5 (all since deceased thanks to a thief- and I indeed did spend a small fortune on Nikon cameras and lenses), I finally got rid of my Nikon system-D200(which gave up the ghost thanks to a broken (my fault) CF slot) + several heavy high end lenses. I started again, and in the interests of light weight, quality and price, opted for a Panny Lumix LX3 which I enjoyed until the Fuji X10 came out in Dec 2011. Tho frustrating at times, I have taken many wonderful photos and will continue to use this super little camera.
This is why a 1″ X30 appeals to me, and why a X-S2 would also appeal. Please, Fuji, think about us older ex Nikon guys who don’t want a new system with expensive lenses but just an excellent camera with one good quality zoom lens. Tho I’ve been thinking seriously about a X100S, a X200, tho not FF, with a decent zoom- similar to the X10, and in the $1000-1500 range would be just right, and with the new technology should be doable. Surely there would be a real market for a camera like this. You don’t need to compete with Leica or even Sony as your products are good enough for the likes of me and many photographers looking for quality cameras that won’t break the bank or my pension. Just want to have fun and take great pics. And until Fuji comes out with something that I know they are capable of, I will continue to snap away with abandon with the little beauty I have now, the X10.
FullFrame is the Way..Nothing else!!
Just my opinion. I would put the chances of FF at less than 10%. Canon, Nikon and Sony have that niche covered and will likely be the only survivors in that arena. From a business standpoint, FF is both a closed market and a capped market. Phone cameras and mediocre images are the rage and “selfies” rule (I hate the name and the ugly photos produced but to each his/her own). Enter the Fuji X series. The image quality had created a niche for this camera line at the current price point. Note the move to lower priced lines. Fuji has done their marketplace homework. A full frame Fuji X would have a body price of $2500-3500 US and good lenses would begin at $1500 for a basic prime and go up, way up from there. Developing, tooling and building the FF would add another $500 million+ to the equation. Cost savings could only be achieved by farming out sensors, bodies and lenses to the big three. What would you get? Direct competition with Canon, Nikon and Sony. There is no acceptable business decision anyplace in this discussion and Fuji will not toss a pile of money on a whim.
IMHO, Fuji needs to expand the X series market and almost all the other ideas I have seen at this site have merit. I bought the X-E1 and lenses because of image quality, size, weight, the enjoyment of this wonderful camera system, a renewed love of photography, relatively low price and Fuji’s commitment to the continued development of the series. FF is well served by the big three and of no interest to me.
A fullframe for Fuji in the future..Surely there must be cameras present time are phenomenal but to exploit its objectives need a fullframe if you want to wander in the professional market of high-level..I’ll keep my xe2 nice close because I had Canon 60D and it lower quality..the only thing that aspect now is the 10-24mm, although I preferred a 10mm fixed..since I love the photos of landscapes and interiors 🙂
Instead of any of this, I’d much better prefer seeing a significant firmware update for X-M1/A1/E1/others fixing (among other things):
– AF-C and tracking AF brokenness – right now it’s useless because it does refocus on full press. Ideally it should work like the one described in “First Look: Fujifilm XQ1” article, but simply not doing a refocus would be a good first step.
– movable AF-C cross-hair (already in X-E2). However, no need to bother is AF-C implementation won’t change.
– bring back deliberately missing film simulation modes to X-M1 and X-A1, among other small improvements from X-E1 et al.
– make wi-fi usable or make the protocol open, so others will do it. Remote trigger anyone?
– make hot pixel mapping easy (it’s already possible if you know how and don’t mind losing your warranty)
–
Some of it is probably wishing for too much, but some of it is already done, so… pretty please?
Bah! I meant “refocus on _half_ press” and the last point supposed to be:
– [enter your favorite bug / missing feature here]
🙂
I believe Fuji made the decision to avoid the full frame market when they decided to go with the X series. They invested the time and money to build the best camera possible of its type. I am not even certain that the sensor will scale up to full frame. There may be major issues. Building FF lenses is another issue. The size of the X series lenses is one reason they are both relatively inexpensive and of exquisite quality. Building a larger lens is much more expensive and difficult. Moire increases with lens size as well and because area increases with the square of the radius, all issues become much greater. As well, the X series is a niche camera system and Fuji likely hoped for a much larger market penetration in the US and Canada and that has not yet happened.