Phototrend published two new interviews with Fujifilm representatives from CP+ 2024. Here are the recaps by FujiAddict:
Fujifilm X Interview Summary
- The Fujifilm X-Pro series hasn’t been discontinued but they can’t say when we will see Fujifilm X-Pro4.
- X-T and X100 cameras are not enough for Fujifilm’s pure photography audience.
- Fujifilm has a lot of expectations for the X-Pro4
- Fujifilm X-E isn’t discontinued either, but they can’t speak about the Fujifilm X-E5 yet.
- Sports photography is a tough market that Fujifilm has just started trying to break into, but feedback has been positive.
- Fujifilm has announced the development of second-generation lenses like the XF16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 and Fujifilm will continue to strengthen its lineup.
- Fujifilm isn’t considering Bayer sensors because X-Trans has unique advantages suppressing moire and chromatic aberrations.
- Photographers wanted IBIS and REALA ACE for the X100VI and Fujifilm made it happen
- The IBIS in the X100VI is the smallest and thinnest IBIS unit yet
- The IBIS in the X100VI is 6mm thinner than the X-T5
- Fujifilm uses image data to improve IBIS like live view that improves the precision of stabilization
- Fujifilm considers the X100 design to be the perfect template so they don’t see a point in changing much, but they did increase the grip size a little for better grip.
- The Fujifilm X100VI has AF equal to the best 5th-generation Fujifilm cameras.
- Fujifilm released a limited edition X100VI to celebrate its 90th anniversary and it has nothing to do with how popular and collectable the X100V became.
- Fujifilm doesn’t want to over do their limited edition products but maybe for the 100th anniversary, they will do another.
Fujifilm GFX / Wildlife Sports Interview Summary
- Fujifilm is satisfied with the launch of the Fujifilm GFX100II because both professional photographers and filmmakers have adopted it.
- The GFX100 II from a sales standpoint exceeded Fujifilm’s expectations.
- The Fujifilm GFX100S also remains very popular since its price has been lowered.
- Fujifilm has never calculated its market share of medium format, but they quickly became the standard so they guess they are number one.
- Since APS-C and Full Frame are now around 40-60MP Fujifilm is focusing on 100-megapixel medium format sensors.
- Camera ergonomics are very important to Fujifilm and they feel the switch from a shutter speed dial to a camera dial was a positive one.
- Fujifilm believes it is time for the GFX to take on wildlife and sports, which is why they announced the GF500mm f/5.6.
- Smaller sensors allow for more compact telephoto designs, but they are pretty much the same design on medium format, especially the front element so why not?
- The GF 500mm f/5.6 will be a large lens, but the AF elements will be as compact as possible.
- The most difficult lens to design for GFX is tilt-shift because the image circle is huge so it took them more than 4 years to design.
- Fujifilm thinks PSAM dials are faster for photographers even though vintage dial-based cameras are coming back in a big way.
- Hybrid users also seem to prefer PSAM
The full interviews can be found here and here.
