With the X-T30 release about three weeks away, I’ve been thinking about what other Fujifilm APS-C cameras might be in the pipeline. I don’t have any inside information, so my guesses should be taken with a large grain of salt. I will speculate what I think might be released in the coming months and years, but please just know that these are simply guesses. I could very well be wrong, as I’ve been wrong before.
In my estimation, sometime in late summer or early fall, Fujifilm will announce the successor to the X100F, which might be called X100V, X110 or X200. I think the X-Pro3 will be announced near the same time, and released sometime before Christmas. Also, don’t be surprised if the X-A6 is released before the end of the year, or perhaps early next year.
I believe in 2020 there will be a number of new Fujifilm X cameras. I’m guessing that first will be the X80, released in the first quarter of the new year. Near the same time will be the X-H2, which will be dubbed “the ultimate APS-C camera” by Fujifilm. In the summer of 2020 the successor to the X-T100 (X-T100S? X-T110? X-T200?) will be released. There might be an X-A20 (think cheaper X-A6) around the same time. I expect that in the fall the successor to the X-E3, perhaps called X-E3s, X-E4, or X-E5, will be announced.
In spring of 2021 I think that the next generation of X-Trans will be announced, and the first camera will be the successor to the X-T3, which might be called X-T4 or X-T5. In the fall the X-T30’s successor will come out, which might be called X-T35, X-T40 or X-T50. And that concludes my guesses for what Fujifilm X cameras are in the pipeline for the coming months and years.
Let me know in the comments what Fujifilm X cameras you think will be the next!
I would love for Fujifilm to release an X100V. That way I can buy a gently used X100V at discount.
I meant X100F
Yes, that’s the #1 thing that the X100V would mean: cheaper X100F!
Next model might come even sooner. Fujifilm registered product code FF180005 with Bluetooth authority on February 15. FF180003 was X-T3 (registered June 1), FF180004 GFX-50R and FF180006 X-T30 (January 8). 0-3 months, I bet. Interesting detail that FF180006 went out before. So it was a model originally scheduled for introduction before or with the X-T30. Just like X100F and X-T20 were.
That’s interesting. What do you think it will be?
I think it will be a X100V: a modest update to the latest tech. Would like to see a whole new full frame X200, but that would raise a huge debate about full frame system and ruin XF-system sales totally. Can also be the well known GFX100 that will come out in few months anyways. X-H2 would be welcome update to stay competitive with the new full frame offerings, but I’m afraid it’s too early for that.
I think a full-frame fixed-lens camera (something along the X100 line) could be interesting, and since it’s not interchangeable-lens Fuji wouldn’t need to develop a new system. Maybe even take the Sigma DP approach and make three different models with different focal lengths.
Full frame X200 is still a fascinating idea. Zeiss ZX1 and Leica Q2 are taking the category at whole new level, but with very high price point. There would be perfect spot for a X200 with lower resolution full frame sensor, updated 35mm lens and sensible price. Personally, I will be happy with a crop sized X100V, or even discontinued and discounted X100F, since speedier AF and other X-T3 goodies are not that important in X100-series camera. I’m still using my old X100 from the pre-X-Trans era, and quite happy with it.
A discounted price on the X100F will be the top aspect of a new X100V. I’m sure the new model will be awesome, but the X100F will still be great for many years.
Developments on the X100-line are certainly interesting to follow. Stepping up to full frame is an option, but that would jeopardise both XF and GFX sales, since people would expect Fujifilm to launch a new full frame system and put XF or GFX investments on hold. And there is so little to improve on X100F without a total overhaul. It’s miserable situation for Fujifilm when people think, like you said, that top aspect of the new model is discounted price for the current model. I would not be surprised if we don’t see a new model at all. It makes a lot more sense for Fujifilm to direct people to X-E instead, since the lens lockup is their insurance against the pressure from the competition. Fujifilm has built a solid product line and settled for incremental updates. I think they got surprised by especially Canon coming so strong to the mirrorless market. It’s sad to see discounts on new X-T30 already before it even starts shipping.
The X-E line is pretty fantastic, too. I think Fujifilm will continue to be a top contender in the APS-C market, but I wonder how healthy that market is overall. I believe that Fujifilm sees lots of potential in the MF market, but it’s always difficult to break into something new. It will be interesting how things shake out in the coming years.
About the different focal length versions of the X100: I think that ship has already sailed. Leica Q offers cropping option for longer focal lengths. Unlike X100F where digital tele converter upscales JPEGs, Leica took different path and simply saves croplines in full resolution raw file. Leica Q2 will come with huge 47 megapixel sensor (and sadly with price to match) and the cropping option will be even more valid. And it is super-handy feature to use. Brute-force-megapixel-digital-zoom is the way to go. The WCL and TCL converters for the X100 are really nice demonstrations of Fujifilm’s capabilities in optical design, but too close to the real lens system in practice.
Yeah, I can agree with all that. I guess, besides, the real profit is with lens sales not so much camera sales.
Fujifilm pretty much owns the APS-C market already. Sony must fight back in full frame and there is very little to expect from it for the APS-C. Full frame will be huge in 2019-20. Fujifilm can offer top image quality with products like GFX100, but it’s not the right weapon to fight sub-$2000 full frame cameras with fast AF and frame rates, and system size not much bigger than crop size mirrorless. Don’t get me wrong: The X-T3 is great camera, but on a camera store floor it is a tough when competition is something “full” and you’re not.
I don’t care anyway, love my XT2 and 100F, and won’t be upgrading til they die!
Those are great cameras, no reason to “upgrade” to something that’s marginally better.
I keep squeezing my X-E2….