Not including in-body image stabilization in the next Fujifilm X series camera could end up being a big misstep.
In-body image stabilization is a feature many photographers look for these days when deciding which camera to buy. Sony has mastered it, Olympus and Panasonic have the technology nailed down, and Pentax uses it in many of their cameras. And while Fujifilm has still been a little IBIS shy, a recent report suggests that the upcoming X-Pro 3 may well include the technology. Join us after the break to read more about some potential X-Pro 3 specs, and why we think the next Fujifilm X Series camera needs to embrace IBIS.
A recent post over at Mirrorless Rumors talks about specs that have come to light in regard to the next possible Fujifilm X series camera, the X-Pro 3. It is likely the specs listed are only a guess, but honestly, they don’t seem far fetched. Expectations for the new X series camera are high. In order to please the masses and compete with the competition, Fujifilm would do well to stop rehashing their cameras and instead make their models stand out more from each other. Another X-T3 variant in different clothes likely won’t make fans happy.
The report suggests that the Fujifilm X-Pro 3 will feature a 26.1 Megapixel X-Trans Sensor (likely the same one found in the X-T3), the same X Processor 4 quad-core CPU for image processing, 4K 60 bit video recording capabilities, a three inch and three-axis tilting touchscreen in a weather-sealed magnesium alloy body; sounds exactly the same as the X-T3 (sigh). But word on the street is that it could also feature five-axis in-body image stabilization.
Fujifilm has dabbled with image stabilization tech in the past, but it would seem that they have gone off the boil in regards to this technology. In fact, they stated that they believe their image stabilized lenses are good enough. While their lenses are indeed very good when it comes to stabilization, many photographers and videographers want to have IBIS in their cameras so that they may effortlessly use non-stabilized lenses as well. And that’s really not too much to ask in this day and age, is it?
The videocentric X-H1 is the only X series camera with IBIS at present, but it is not as powerful as the X-T3, and even the X-T30 when it comes to resolution and processing power. As it stands, Fujifilm is asking those who want IBIS to buy a weaker camera if they want in-body stabilization, and with the successor to the X-H1 not on the radar yet, one could argue that the next Fujifilm X series camera really needs IBIS so that Fujifilm’s pro bodies can keep up with those from competitors. Some will argue that the X-Pro 3 is not the right X series camera to have in-body image stabilization, but we think Fujifilm will do well to create some distinction between their cameras at this point.
The X-Pro 3 should be announced sometime in the near future. At that point we will know what the guys and gals at Fujifilm have decided to do with one of their most beloved X series camera models. How do you feel about the X-Pro 3 possibly having IBIS? Will it bother you if it doesn’t have it? Let us know in the comment section below.