The Fujifilm X Summit was not precisely what many photographers would have expected. The company updated its beginner-level camera series, the XM1, with the XM5 and launched two new lenses. From its looks, the XM5 is for content creators and not photographers, while the 500mm f5.6, adapted to the X mount, and the new 16-55mm f2.8 are not exactly head-turners either. From its looks, it seems that Fujifilm may not release any new cameras this year. However, they teased two cameras during the presentation, which made us wonder which devices could they be.
At the end of the X Summit video, Fujifilm’s Yuji Igarashi, General Manager of Fujifilm Electronic Imaging Division, told the audience there was “one more thing” but did not go to reveal what it was. According to Fujifilm Rumors, two cameras of varied sizes were covered in cloth in front of Igarashi. Although he did lift the veil, it wasn’t facing the camera. However, from the size of it, one can speculate which cameras the company will release next year.
A Fujifilm GFX Series Camera?
As you can see above, the white towel has a bigger camera, which, according to Fujifilm Rumors, could be a new GFX series camera. In our previous article, we mentioned that the GFX series needs to update its 50R, which is one of the company’s best cameras. Thus, an updated version is needed to get better autofocus and a faster f2 lens. There is also the hope of Fujifilm GFX 100R, which could have all the bells and whistles, such as IP-rated weather sealing, faster flash sync, hybrid OVF/EVF like with the X Pro 3, and more.
On the other hand, there are also rumors that the company will launch a fixed-lens GFX camera, which could happen next year. However, knowing Fujifilm, this innovation may take a few more years to perfect.
X-E5 or 1-inch Sensor?
On the other hand, the camera under black cloth is far more difficult to gauge. It is small, so it could be one of the X series cameras. For instance, there is already a huge demand for the X Pro 4, and recently, we did mention that the device will not launch this year. So, could the next generation launch in 2025? There is still hope. However, considering that APS-C cameras are not the company’s focus anymore, all the major improvements may be reserved for the XH series update.
Another camera that could launch next year is the X-E5 or a 1-inch sensor camera. The X-E4 was the smallest and lightest camera in the X series, offering great image quality. However, a newer version will likely address its weaknesses, such as autofocus and in-body stabilization, and feature a dedicated ISO dial. There is also a possibility that the camera will gradually be geared towards content creators, just like the XM5. At the same time, there is also hope for a 1-inch sensor, which could be the successor to the X30, XQ2, and XF1. For instance, better sensor size and AI processing power could really make pocket cameras a favorite amongst users.
While these are pure speculation, the company still has a lot of hope. Perhaps they ditch all these ideas and instead work on something else entirely. Whatever the case, Fujifilm users are excited. However, whether the company considers photographers or sidelines us for a new generation of shooters remains to be seen.