The X-Pro series is Fujifilm’s best lineup and perhaps the most sought-after. The company created the models with serious photographers in mind, offering innovations such as a hidden LCD, better color rendition, and great high ISO results. While it has been years since the X-Pro 3 was introduced (almost six, to be precise), the wait for the successor continues to clear one thing: The expectations are rising in such a way that it can impact sales. With questions looming about whether the camera will ever be introduced, here is a look at what people want from the device.
Editor’s Note: Additional input was provided by Editor in Chief Chris Gampat.
Hybrid Viewfinder Debate
One of the most polarizing topics that comes to mind when discussing the Fujifilm X Pro 4 is the hybrid viewfinder. While some believe the optical viewfinder should be removed entirely, others want to ditch the EVF and go for a pure rangefinder-style experience. The answer, for most, lies in the improvement of both.
Many users want:
- Higher EVF resolution and refresh rate (The X Pro 3 has a 3.69M-dot OLED electronic viewfinder (EVF) with a native refresh rate of 100fps)
- More magnification options in OVF
- A “vintage” viewing mode like the one introduced on the X-E5
With many modern viewfinders now boasting close to 9.44M-dot resolution and up to 120fps refresh rate, Fujifilm will have to match current standards. However, removing the hybrid viewfinder could affect those waiting to upgrade their devices and undermine the entire line.
The X-E5 Changed the Conversation
The X-E5 was introduced four years after the previous model, which means Fujifilm released the camera at the right time for the lineup’s fans. However, this also complicates things. The X-E5 has better build quality, a much better set of upgrades, but also a higher price point. All of this was expected from the X-Pro 4, and given the current sensor debate, the question looms: Will the X-Pro 4 be like the Fujifilm X-H2?
As we mentioned in our previous article, the 40.2MP X-Trans CMOS 5 HR is the latest sensor and is now available in four cameras, including the X-H2, X-T5, X-T50, and X100 VI. This means either they introduce a similar sensor, which essentially makes the camera a copy of an existing model, or go against the tide and get a whole new X-Trans sensor just to keep the device’s novelty.
Either way, the camera must be launched with reinvention, from the ground up, or Fujifilm will certainly lose out on its users.
What the Community Wants
In addition to the challenges mentioned above, Fujifilm users have further expressed their needs on Fujifilm Rumors:
- X-Processor 6
- Brand-new autofocus system with strong subject detection
- Bigger body and NP-W235 battery
- Weather sealing
- Internal ND filter (or electronic ND option)
- Hidden rear screen but with better functionality, such as fully articulation LCD
- Larger joystick and improved ergonomics
- A customizable top dial instead of the film simulation dial
- Aspect ratio dial of the GFX100RF
- Hyperfocal mode
- Easier in-camera crop switching
- Launch alongside an updated XF 18mm f2
Now, the biggest challenge would be the price and the launch timing. The X-T6 is expected to arrive this year, which means all the best features are likely used up in the upcoming camera. Therefore, the launch of the X Pro 4 should ideally precede it. If not, then Fujifilm will make us wait another few more years. And of course, the price is likely to be closer to $2,500.
The Unsolvable Problem
Reddit, especially, has seen the growing frustration of photographers. Some are considering buying the X-E5 instead of waiting for the X-Pro 4. Then others are searching after purchasing older X-Pro models rather than waiting for a new one. To many, X-Pro has been an emotional connection with photography. It is liberating to have a camera that delivers the right images without much post-production hassle. In fact, as we had expressed in our X Pro 3 review:
The Fujifilm X Pro 3 is truthfully one of the most innovative cameras to come out this year. Though Sony has been pushing the boundaries when it comes to innovation, Fujifilm has been doing things that no one else is. The hidden LCD screen is a brilliant innovation that keeps photographers focused on what’s important. Classic Negative and the addition of the Clarity setting will mean that you’re doing less work in post.
This is why the X-Pro 4 should be special, or the company should simply announce that it is killing it for the X-T or X-H lineup. It is far better to have the brutal truth out there than us hoping for a camera that may never be launched.
But even beyond this, we shouldn’t expect a whole lot from Fujifilm. In reality, they’re going to pay some influencers to make a big splash but it’s going to be more or less still the same camera as it was before. With that said, it’s bound to be the same camera the XH2 is, just in a rangefinder-style body.
We’re expecting it to be one of the biggest letdowns.