Fuji manager Mr.Kawahara has been interviewed the website 2how. Here are the key info:
1) He is reluctant to create full frame X series because XF lens would NOT be compatible with full frame camera. “If we launch the full frame body we have to launch the full frame lens too. So it is not good for X-series user.” So there are no plans just now to provide a full frame body.
2) Because of the high customers demand, Fujifilm considers to use sensors with more than 16MP in future.
3) Keep the size of XC lens with larger aperture value is almost impossible, because the optic technology is limited and cannot be solved easily, unlike technological limit.
4) Fujfilm will continue to support and improve its cameras via firmware update: “We want you to use our camera longer and longer in your life.”
via Fujirumors.
7 Responses
Mostly agree with Fuji´s manager opinions, as it´s better to build a solid APSC system and FF is not really necessary for a vast majority of photographers. Still Fuji X system lacks small collapsible zoom lenses. f/4 constant aperture would be more than enough for most uses.
I personally think Fuji’s real problem is that they don’t have much room for pricing any new high end cameras so long as they make APS-C or even FF. The E2 (not really a new camera) retails here for 900€, XPro1 is 1100€. The new cameras from Oly E-M1 at 1500 and the Sony A7 at 1480€ … so Fuji has no chance to release a new camera at a high price point like they did with the XPro1 (which was 1700€ IIRC) and the E1 (1400?€).
The E-M1 is a significantly better camera, it seems, and this is reflected in the price which is still less than what Fuji released the in many ways inferior XPro1 (I have an XPro1 and it is far from perfect).
I would guess that Fuji will stick with APS-C for the simple reason that they cannot make any real money at the moment selling camera bodies, and so will focus on making money from lenses. By adding a DOF scale and a manual focus snap dial (cheap) on the 14 and 23 they are able to increase the price over the 35/60 by a good few hundred dollars.
Once they have sold all the lenses they can, then they will do a FF camera. Perhaps a fixed lens FF before that to keep the market interested, for that they need a sensor from Sony …
I really like fuji strategy. X is the best aps-c mirrorless system, now, and seems like they will improve it in the right direction.
to me Fuji X is the best aps-c system, not only in mirrorless, but really this is a subjective matter and imo only.
I’m also glad to hear this. Full committment to the X-Series will help us and Fuji more that half-hearted support for multiple platforms. Look at Sony’s lens situation: poor and awkward for APS-C NEXes, and expensive, heavy and “slow” for their new E-Mount FF.
A high quality and fast APS-C lens line-up is the way to go. Sensor technolgy will catch up the difference between APS-C and FF typically withinh 12 to 18 months. DoF is a matter of lens aperture, and here Fuji’s XF look great.
I don’t get the FF hype and I’m glad that Fuji doesn’t get nervous and distracted about it.
Totally agree about Sony. As for Samsung nx, they have some nice lenses, but bodies lack important features for photographers, like a decent evf or a decent buffer.
If things evolve this way, my next system will most probably be a fuji (x-e3 with new 24mp sensor?).
Smoke and mirrors.
Fuji is launching a full frame X100 in 2014 and a full frame mirrorless system in 2015.