Fujirumors is reporting that the Fujifilm X100V successor, which I’m calling the X100Z, will be announced in early 2024 (and they’re almost always right). Going by previous models, that means Fujifilm will announce the camera in either late-January or early-February, and it will likely ship in late-February or early-March.
That’s good news, especially if you’ve been trying to get an X100V but just can’t. Reinforcements are coming soon enough, and the wait will be over before you know it.
Here are some issues, though. If you’ve been patiently waiting for an X100V, and you’ve been on a backorder list for months and months—are you going to be happy when your X100V ships just a little prior to the announcement of the new model? The X100V is great, so I hope that the timing won’t sour your opinions or experience, but it might. Or this: will those on the waitlist for the X100V be given priority for the X100Z? Let’s say you’ve been waiting six months for your X100V and it hasn’t shipped. Suddenly the X100Z is announced. Will the store offer to bump you to the top of the preorder list for the new model? I know of one store that told me this will be their plan. Is it fair to those who don’t have an X100V on backorder but who preorder the X100Z within minutes of its announcement, but can’t get their camera shipped timely because others jumped the line from the X100V? It could be that you’ll have to cancel your long-awaited order and place a new one for the new camera, getting in a whole different line, possibly not at the top. Is that fair? I don’t have any answers, I’m just posing the questions—it’s something that Fujifilm and camera stores will have to carefully consider and tread lightly with.
I don’t know what Fujifilm will call the next X100-series model, but I’m betting on X100Z. Why? First, it sounds cool. Second, “Z” (Zeta) is the sixth letter in the Greek alphabet, and this will be the sixth iteration of the camera. Third, Fujifilm used Z in some of their film emulsion names, such as Fujicolor Pro 800Z. It makes a lot of sense to me, so that’s why I think it’s what they’ll choose. But I have no idea.
I don’t believe Fujifilm will bring very many changes to the new model. The X100-series doesn’t evolve much. I do believe it will include the 40-megapixel X-Trans V sensor and processor. Some want the 26mp stacked sensor of the X-H2s, and some want the X-Trans IV sensor of the X100V. While anything is possible, I would be pretty darn surprised if it isn’t the 40-megapixel sensor. Due to the fixed-focal-length limitation, having more resolution offers more versatility. Also, Fujifilm could give us the X-Pan 65:24 aspect ratio (Fujifilm: hint, hint)….
Speaking of that, the Digital Teleconverters will benefit from the 40mp sensor, and Fujifilm could even include a third option, something like 80mm or possibly 85mm. I hope, though, that they fix the problem of the faux Grain not scaling. As it is now, the Grain appears huge when using the 70mm Digital Teleconverter; however, it should scale so that it is the same size as when not using the Digital Teleconverter.
Another potential benefit of the 40mp sensor would be digital image stabilization for video. Some sort of hyper-smooth digital cropping that still renders 4K would make the camera more useful for videography. I know that a lot of people want IBIS, but I’d be surprised if Fujifilm put it into this model. Who knows, maybe they will (and it would certainly make the new model an upgrade), but if I were betting money, I’d say that the X100Z doesn’t have IBIS.
I think bringing back the four-way D-Pad on the back would be a nice touch. I believe that Fujifilm was trying to move away from it, but there was a lot of outcry from the community. That’s something Fujifilm could do to differentiate the X100Z from the X100V and make a lot of people happy.
I suspect that whatever part or parts Fujifilm was having difficulty securing in order to manufacture more copies of the X100V, will be replaced by some alternative(s) that will more easily be available. How that affects the camera, I have no idea. Maybe a slightly different rear LCD? I’m sure I’m in the minority here, but I’d actually prefer no rear screen, or maybe just the little box-top rear screen like on the X-Pro3. Maybe a slightly different viewfinder? Whatever it is, I’m sure there will be something different that allows the camera to be more readily produced.
The most obvious thing that Fujifilm could do—and they absolutely should do—with the X100Z is introduce a new film simulation. I don’t know if Fujifilm realizes just how important film sims and Film Simulation Recipes are for camera sales and customer retention. If they do end up naming the camera X100Z, then a Fujicolor Pro 800Z-inspired (maybe called PRO Neg. Z) film sim would make a lot of sense; otherwise, Fujicolor Pro 400H (that with overexposure behaves similarly to the film), Fujichrome Sensia, Fujichrome Fortia, cross-process, infrared, Instax, and Neopan 400CN are a few other ideas. Obviously, Eterna Bleach Bypass and Nostalgia Neg. will also be included in the new camera.
Beyond that, I don’t think there will be a whole lot of differences between the X100V and X100Z. They will be much more alike than dissimilar. I said, though, that we were going to dream, so let’s throw some wild ideas out there, and see if any of them happen to come to pass.
My first wild idea is that Fujifilm uses an APS-H sensor instead of APS-C. I have no idea if the camera’s lens has APS-H coverage—my guess is that it does not—but if by chance it does, I believe that the current 40mp chip cut to APS-H size would be about 60mp (that may not be accurate… let me know if I got my calculation wrong). The 1.3 crop factor would make the lens 30mm full-frame equivalent. On paper the X100Z would be more similar to the Leica Q3, but at a fraction of the cost—it would be the Q3 killer!
Next, an interesting idea someone suggested was that the IR filter, which normally is directly on the sensor, could be moved next to the ND filter, and—like the ND filter—it could be enabled and disabled. In other words, with the push of a button, your X100Z could convert to full-spectrum! The lens has, apparently, an IR hot-spot in the center, but maybe it’s something Fujifilm could correct in-camera (similar to vignetting). It’s a crazy idea, but would be super cool!
I mentioned IBIS already, stating that I don’t think it’s likely to happen, but if Fujifilm can include it on the X100Z with minimal effect on size, weight, heat, and cost, that would be amazing! I hope they can, but I doubt they will. We can dream, though, right?
Of course, I’d love to see a monochrome-only version. If Fujifilm doesn’t do it with an X100-series body, they should do it with an X-Pro model. In other words, Fujifilm should definitely make an Acros-version of one of their cameras, and the X100 is a logical option.
How about three different versions, each with a different focal length? Sigma did something like this with their DP line. There could be 18mm, 23mm, and 33mm options, each identical, except for the focal length.
Fujifilm could also make special edition models, like Dura Silver or brown leather or something like that. It would have to be really well done and not cheesy. Charge a little extra for these variations.
That’s all I have. What crazy ideas can you think of for the upcoming X100Z (or whatever Fujifilm will call it)? Let me know in the comments!
Hi Ritchie,
As much as this is good news, would it sell with the similar retail price as the V? It’ll most probably be higher just like what happened with the XS and XT line, perhaps approximately by 20% on average especially with that new sensor.
Another thing to consider is the build quality. I think it was Mr. Roman Fox who mentioned that the XT5’s build isn’t that robust enough like that of the XT4 and moreso, especially compared with the XT3 ( https://youtu.be/f3GrgHNEIsY at 1:16).
Povided that the AF performance may be better for the X100 ver. 6, the V may just prove itself to be the better investment. Also with the current inflation, can middle class income like me keep up with the demands of 40mpx sensor investing in TBs of external HDs?
I just hope that Fujirumor post would realky send X100v prices falling to retail rates evoking remorse and regret from scalpers or profiteers who hoarded them. At least I saw 2nd hand prices drop by 15-20% already on all almost all X100 series bodies at facebook marketplace already. Personally, what these people did was a disgrace but oddly enough, others still went to purchase them at ridiculous prices.
Thanks for your huuuuuge contribution to the Fuji community, Ritchie.
There’s a good chance that the next iteration will be more expensive. I hope not, but that seems to be the trend. I wouldn’t be surprised if it was $1,700.
My wife has an X-T4 and I have an X-T5. I don’t notice any build quality differences between the two. I tried to find something that seemed different (including the paint), and I’m just not seeing it. I think it’s been misstated. As far as I can tell there is no build quality difference between the X-T4 and X-T5 (I don’t have an X-T3).
There’s definitely something to be said for MP and storage (and even speed). The 16mp sensors are especially great in this regard.
It’s simply supply and demand. The demand for the X100V doubled practically overnight, and supply hasn’t. I suspect that there will be more used X100V’s on the market after the X100Z is released.
Thanks for your comment and kind words!
Bonjour Ritchie !
Je pense que pour tous les nouveaux appareils Fuji, la priorité devrait être donnée à la personnalisation des JPEG plutôt qu’à des caractéristiques techniques.
Fuji est connu et reconnu pour la qualité de ses JPEG et les possibilités de personnalisation de ceux ci. Mais il y a encore à faire dans ce domaine pour être plus que parfait.
Je pense notamment au fait de pouvoir :
– régler les courbes RVB individuellement en plus de celle de la luminance.
– régler les tons moyens, bien entendu sur toutes les couches y compris luminance.
– rajouter du vignetage mais n’importe où sur l’image, pas seulement au centre comme le font d’autres appareils ( Olympus Pen-F par exemple ) et avec différent choix de dosage.
– avoir des réglages encore plus fins, c’est à dire pouvoir choisir 0.25 / 0.50 / 0.75 / 1, au lieu de 1 en 1 ou de 0.5 à 1.
– rajouter de nouvelles simulations de film.
Tout ceci serait extrêmement bénéfique pour la création de recette de simulation de film, et même la création d’image tout court.
Cela correspondrait pleinement à la philosophie d’un appareil tel le X100.
Merci Ritchie pour ton travail effectué via ton site.
Ce sont toutes d’excellentes suggestions ! Je pense que Fujifilm devrait en choisir quelques-uns à inclure dans les prochains modèles. J’espère qu’ils le feront ! Merci pour votre commentaire et votre gentillesse !
Intriguing thoughts. Several potential upgrades might add weight and size so it’s a delicate balance.
More mp, double card slot, internal memory and digital zoom to 90mm would be glorious.
I think, with a 40mp sensor, a second SD Card slot makes sense. Everything is a delicate balance (as you said), but if they can squeeze that in it would be nice. Thanks for the input!
Instead of a second SD-card slot, I’d rather see some innovation with internal storage (say 128GB) and Xapp integration. If a phone can have substantial internal storage, why not a camera (cough, GRIII).
That’s an excellent point. No reason why 128gb or even 500gb can’t be internal. Memory is cheap and tiny nowadays.
hey Ritchie, it feels a teeeeny bit misleading calling it the 100Z in the headline here since it’s not the official model name. My guess is that they’d give the camera a complete overhaul and call it the X200 instead. like another commenter already alluded to, the V is already such a robust and iconic camera at this point, so the successor would have to be more than just a step up – we need a leap.
thanks for always offering a space to jumpstart these conversations!
I don’t have any inside information, but I don’t think there will be a leap in the next X100-series camera. There’s never been a big leap, so I would be extremely surprised to see one now. It most certainly will be a “step up” kind of camera.
I don’t think they will rename the model series to X200. I suspect that name would be reserved for a whole new camera line, perhaps if a full-frame version was created. X100Z makes a whole lot of sense (and I’ve not heard a single other guess that does), so I’m sticking with it. But who knows what it will be called? There’s probably a dry erase board in Japan with a short list of potential names that the marketing crew has been staring at for months, trying to decide. I bet X100Z is not only on the list, but one of the very top options. But what they end up picking is anyone’s guess. It will be interesting to see.
I appreciate your comment!
Also, interestingly enough, many months before the X100V was announced I guessed the name correctly right here on Fuji X Weekly. 😀 Hopefully I can go 2-0.
I think the naming convention will take on the 1st letters of the japanese numbering in Romaji … so:
x100s = S for second
x100T = T for third
x100F = F for fourth
x100V = V for 5th gen in roman numerals AND THEN ….
x100R = Roku = six in japanese
x100N = Nana = seven
x100H = Hachi = eight
x100Q or x100K = Kyu = nine
x100J = jyu = ten
That makes sense to me. 😉
Those definitely could be the names. I have seen X100R floated around (and I’m sure it’s on their shortlist), but since Roku is a popular brand name, it’s quite possible the word associated is something Fujifilm will try hard to avoid. I think X100X will be the 10th, almost for certain.
We need hi-contrast BW. Only Ricoh offers such option. And a fully redesigned app.
The app just was redesigned. It’s called XApp. But it’s only compatible with newer models.
I don’t disagree on the hi-contrast B&W comment. Maybe a new film sim modeled after Kodak Technical Pan or Kodalith? That would be awesome!
I don’t expect major upgrades here but would love to see it 100% weather sealed with the new sensor. IBIS would make it just that tad bit nicer too. Excited to see what the changes will be compared to the X100V.
I understand that the front lens element needs to breathe when focusing and that’s why it isn’t 100% weather sealed (and you need a filter). Not sure if this is something that Fujifilm can fix without some significant changes?
I too am excited to see what Fujifilm does with the new model. If I buy or not probably will depend solely on if there’s a new film simulation. I hope there is, I’m sure my wife hopes there’s not… 🤣🤣
Hahaha! Yep – The 100% weather sealed comment I should have mentioned would be amazing (if it would even be possible) but I understand why they made it “nearly” fully weather sealed due to the lens element going in and out.
Fingers crossed for the film sims. My guess is that they’ll at minimum have 2 extra (as compared to the X100V) from their newer models and possibly an additional one for the X100V successor just to make it a bit extra :).
It will have Eterna Bleach Bypass and Nostalgic Neg for sure, but they should add a brand new one for certain.
Is there a chance to get np-w235 battery?
I think if Fujifilm moves the SD card slot to near where the M/C/S switch is, it might be possible to squeeze in the new battery. This will be interesting to see….
The model number is not important. What I need is zoom lens just like what Sony offer in their RX100 series.. preferably 18-55mm f2-4 just like their 1855 kit 😉
Well, I wouldn’t be interested in that personally (I prefer primes over zooms… and I briefly had an RX100 II many years ago… didn’t keep it for very long). There are a couple of X-Trans II pocket zooms, but I think the market for that type of camera is pretty small overall. I guess you never know what Fujifilm will do, though, and perhaps that’s even something they’re working on. You never know….
Yeah, special editions. Why jumping on a hype that made x100v dissapear thanks to dumb tiktokers who probably used it twice? You want the leica disease for fuji? Endless special editions, ridiculous resell prices and so on?
Pentax special editions sell well, and some are actually meaningful, like the new Monochrome K3iii. With any of these companies, their camera divisions being more profitable is a good thing. Fuji making more money from non-Instax cameras would be better for us XTrans shooters in the long run.
So long as the supply is there and we can actually buy at least regular editions.
I would be tempted to buy a special edition, just depending on what’s special about it. And I agree: regular versions need to be plentiful and not scarce.
TX-1 format with 65:24 is the top of my list, particularly if they went with the 40mp sensor. Expanded crop-telephoto makes a lot of sense, too.
Actually… being able to actually purchase one is the top of my list, but that almost goes without saying.
If they did a monochrome… it’d be neat if they could build the color filters into the camera like the ND filter. Swap between Dark Red for serious drama, a basic Yellow contrast filter, and a Green filter. Maybe even add the option to pre-set them with the film sim presets.
I do like the idea of built in color filters on a monochrome model. Not sure how practical it would be, but it would certainly be unique. Thanks for the comment!
How about in-lens OIS instead of IBIS? Not quite as effective, but not requiring a bigger camera with more heat to dissipate, and less expensive than IBIS. Something like the Leica DC Mario-Summilux in the Leica D-Lux 7 or Panasonic Lumix DC-LX100, though not necessarily a zoom.
Then again, how about a small range zoom, 18-35mm f/2.8 say.
Or interchangeable top-level autofocus prime lenses! Still with leaf shutter. Lose the optical viewfinder but replace it with a super EVF like the X-HS. That would be a Leica Q replacement AND add Leica M interchangeable lens. I know, I know…. That would not be an X100V replacement, but a whole new line and level of Fujifilm cameras. That is my dream camera for Fujifilm… or Leica….
I assume that to include in-lens OIS, the lens would need to be bigger, but I’m not an engineer, so that’s just a guess. I do know that to make it interchangeable-lens yet keep the leaf shutter, Fujifilm would need to produce a new line of lenses just for this camera, because the leaf shutter is in the lens. Personally, I wouldn’t want a zoom or to lose the hybrid viewfinder, but each person has their preferences… this is the second time I’ve seen the zoom lens suggestion, so there’s at least some interest in it. I appreciate the input!
If they made a nifty fifty variant, I would pre order day 1.
I agree! Would be interesting if they offered a few different focal lengths, like Sigma did with the DP cameras.