Last Updated on 10/07/2024 by Nilofer Khan
For any Fujifilm lover, the X-Summit is a great way to be introduced to the company’s innovations. Not only does Fujifilm reveal what one must expect from them in the future, but it also includes the improvement of the existing lineups. For instance, at the beginning of this year, the company introduced the Fujifilm X100VI, Fujifilm GFX 100S II, and Fujifilm X-T50 in an X-Summit event this year. And now, it seems that the company hopes to end the year with a bang.
October Will Be Fujifilm’s Month
According to Fujifilm’s new video on YouTube, the company has exciting things lined up for this year. For starters, the GFX Grant Challenge Program will begin accepting submissions soon, but the details have been scarce. In the past, the event had 15 winners, each rewarded with exciting prizes and the opportunity to have their work displayed around the world.
But that is not all. The video, in which Yuji Igarashi, Divisional Manager of Fujifilm’s Professional Imaging Group, makes announcements, also includes firmware updates. However, this is mainly pertaining to videography, and not stills. Igarashi notes that the company “received comments, especially on autofocus, to improve the performance.” So, the company will include better subject tracking and face/eye detection performance for the X-H2, the X-H2S, and the GFX100 II.
Lastly, Fujifilm has announced the X-Summit for October 14 at 9:00 EST / 13:00 GMT, which will be held at Fujifilm’s Clay Studio in Tokyo. The company hasn’t revealed which products will be announced, but considering it is Fujifilm’s 90th anniversary, and according to the updates by Fujifilm Rumors, we speculate that the company will introduce the following:
- Fujifilm X-M5
- Fujinon XF 16-55mm f/2.8 (the shrunken version)
- Fujinon XF 500mm f/5.6
In other areas, speculation includes updating the X Pro 4, X-E5, or GFX 100R. While these are assumptions, our Editor, Chris Gampat, is certain the X Pro 4 won’t be announced this year.
Fujifilm is Trying To Shake Things Up
From its appearance, users can expect several changes. The X-M5, for instance, is an entry-level device and an upgrade from the X-M1. In our review of the older device, we wrote how Fujifilm’s award-winning sensor, put in a super rugged body, proves that the company is “willing to change their ideas to appeal to another crowd of customers.” According to Fujifilm Rumors, the X-M5 is likely to follow suit by perhaps using the 26 MP X-Trans IV sensor and the X Processor 5. Considering the craze for X100VI, the company dropped the pop-up flash to replace it with a film simulation dial. Could it be a popular choice for photographers? Maybe. But we must see the new features to pass a judgment.
In addition, the chances of the Fujifilm X-Summit introducing a new sensor design or size are also high. Not too long ago, we wrote an article about the company reviving its iconic panoramic camera. So, since the event focuses on design, this could become a possibility, too.
Moreover, we must be happy that Fujifilm is taking responsibility for its autofocus. It’s been years since we repeatedly mentioned how the company needs to match its competitors’ offerings. The slow pace certainly has resulted in many users switching to Canon, Nikon, or Sony, and that is certainly not what a company would want.
Overall, the Fujifilm Summit seems to be the best way forward. It remains to be seen how the company proves its commitment to its users.