Fujirumors is reporting that Fujifilm is in the process of “reviving a camera line that most of us thought axed.” According to Fujirumors, the camera could be released anytime within the next six months. It’s always exciting when new gear is on the horizon, and it’s fun to speculate what it might or might not be. But, until it is actually released, it’s hard to know anything for certain, and so all speculation should be taken with a huge grain of salt.
The idea of a camera line revival made me consider which discontinued camera series could possibly be resurrected (apparently it isn’t the GFX50R). Over the years various series have become defunct, typically (but not always) due of disappointing sales figures. There are a number of options, so let’s briefly consider each.
My biggest hope is for an X70 successor, likely called X80. The X70 was Fujifilm’s closest competitor to the Ricoh GR series. It’s more-or-less a smaller and more wide-angle and less premium (a.k.a. more affordable) X100-series camera. Supposedly the X70 was discontinued (in 2016) because Sony suddenly stopped manufacturing the 16mp sensor found inside it, and the higher megapixel X-Trans sensors were too hot for such a small body, which prevented a successor from happening; perhaps they’ve finally figured out the heat issue (X-Trans IV sensor combined with X Processor 5?). I’ve been asking for an X70 successor for several years now, and with the popularity of Ricoh GR and other compact cameras, it seems like a no-brainer. I hope this is what’s coming, but it definitely might not be.
There are a few cameras that it could theoretically possibly be, but I’d be extremely shocked if it was. An X-S2, for example, which would be a DSLR-shaped fixed-lens super-zoom small-sensor Bayer+PASM followup to the X-S1, is not likely. I’m pretty certain that an S4 Pro is not coming, as the S3 Pro was built inside a Nikon DSLR. I don’t think an X-A30, a stripped down Bayer successor to the X-A20, is on the horizon, either.
Kodak (or, really, JK Imaging using the Kodak brand name) is selling cheap point-and-shoots like hotcakes right now; while a followup to the XF1 might seem strange, maybe it would actually be genius. If this is the upcoming camera, it would be a highly unexpected move, but one that might actually pay off and even possibly return this style to the mainstream. With the popularity of digicams right now, an XF2 isn’t completely out of the realm of possibilities; however, the odds seem pretty slim that this is it.
Perhaps an X40 is the upcoming camera: a pocket-sized retro-styled zoom with an EVF. There’s definitely an interest in an X30 successor—I’ve heard from at least a handful of people who would really like to see one—but I’m not sure if there is enough global demand for it to be worthwhile for Fujifilm; however, I would buy one if they made it. There is certainly a chance, albeit a small one, that an X40 is coming soon.
Kind of in-between an XF2 and X40 could be an XQ3, a followup to the XQ2. I’m very doubtful that Fujifilm will make any more small-sensor X-Trans cameras; however, if they produced an XQ3 (or X40) with a 20mp 1″ sensor, that would be intriguing (outside of the XF2, I don’t think Fujifilm should go any smaller than a 1″ sensor).
I’d actually be quite surprised if they released any new X series cameras with a sensor smaller than APS-C. In all probability, whatever camera Fujifilm is working on is an APS-C model, and not one with a tiny sensor. There are several options that I believe are much more likely than the XF2, X40 or XQ3.
The XF10 was the low-budget Bayer+PASM version of the X70, and it was a bit of a flop. However, with the popularity of Ricoh GR cameras right now, it wouldn’t be surprising if Fujifilm is working on a (hopefully significantly improved) successor, likely called the XF20. While I would much prefer an X80, I wouldn’t be against an XF20, if that’s what it ends up being.
That’s it for the fixed-lens options! Let’s take a look at some possible interchangeable-lens cameras that the upcoming model could possibly be. Fujifilm is supposedly working on a future X-E5 that is not this unknown camera, so I won’t discuss the X-E series in this article.
The X-A line used to be a top seller for Fujifilm, especially in Asian markets. These cameras were low-budget Bayer+PASM models that were not actually manufactured by Fujifilm, but contracted out to a 3rd party for assembly. The last one was the X-A7, which didn’t sell particularly well, and the line was discontinued. It’s possible that Fujifilm will revive this series with an X-A8, and maybe even manufacture it in-house.
Similarly, the X-T000 line was a low-budget Bayer+PASM series not manufactured by Fujifilm. It was basically an X-A camera but in an SLR shape (instead of rangefinder) and with an EVF. It’s unlikely that Fujifilm would revive both the X-A and X-T000 series, but they could bring back one of the two, and if it’s the X-T000 line, the camera would likely be called X-T300.
Last—but far from least—is the X-M2. I think the upcoming camera is more likely to be an X-M1 successor than an X-A8 or X-T300. The X-M1 was basically an X-A1 with an X-Trans sensor; the X-M2 would be a low-budget X-E like camera (but cheaper, with a PASM dial, and without an EVF), utilizing the 26mp X-Trans IV sensor. Fujifilm is desperately missing an affordable base-level camera that allows those on a tight budget to get into the system, and an X-M2 could serve that role. A brown faux-leather version would be quite nice.
If Fujifilm is indeed reviving a once-defunct camera series, it could be any of these (or maybe one that I overlooked—who knows?). There’s not a lot that can be gleaned from this exercise, other than it’s likely to be a more affordable camera, which is great—there aren’t currently a lot of options right now if you don’t have much to spend. My personal preference would be for an X80 (I’d be first in line to buy it!), but the XF20 would be ok if that’s what it ends up being. I think an X-A8, X-T300, or (especially) an X-M2 are also strong possibilities. Basically, we know very little, and it could be just about anything.
Which of these cameras would you be most interested in? Let me know in the comments!
Longtime Fuji DSLR and P&S user here.
The x30 has been my go-to travel, take anywhere camera for years, so an x40 with more mp would be great.
It definitely could be. Thanks for the input!
I would be interested in a rangefinder design with phase detect focus, auto focus too, IBIS but no video. And if they want to go far out I’d also like a monochrome version.
Thanks for the input!
Might it be the long-hoped for X-Pro4…?! 🤞🏻
I don’t think the X-Pro series classifies as “a camera line that most of us thought axed”. Fujirumors reported it is not the next X-Pro, which will likely come sometime in 2025 and not 2024. I do think an X-Pro4 (or possibly named X-Pro5) is coming, but not just yet.
https://www.fujirumors.com/fujifilm-ff240002-camera-registered-could-it-really-be-the-fujifilm-x-e5-or-x-pro5/
Fuji not offering an x pro rangefinder style camera is like Porsche not offering the iconic 911. Porsche sells far more suvs than they do 911’s because of its loyal fan base. The x pro line is like that in my opinion. Fuji has stated they want to position themselves as makers of premium digital cameras and the cameras niche market is a perfect choice. They already have the hybrid viewfinder and have proven they can fit ibis into an even smaller camera. Find a way to improve high iso grain, give us decent af and you have yourself a new xpro 4/5. We know it can be done Fuji, don’t let us down.
I have a few thoughts on this in-general.
– I do believe that Fujifilm will release an X-Pro4 (or maybe called X-Pro5), and they are likely working on it right now.
– I’m surprised that it has taken so long, but…
– I think camera companies release new models too quickly and should wait longer to release successors.
– They should have availability of the old model until closer to the release of the new model.
Don’t know if it counts as discontinued, but I would also like to see the X-Pro4
I don’t think that it counts; also, Fujirumors has reported that it isn’t the next X-Pro. I do believe that an X-Pro4 (or maybe called X-Pro5) will come, but not just yet.
https://www.fujirumors.com/fujifilm-ff240002-camera-registered-could-it-really-be-the-fujifilm-x-e5-or-x-pro5/
A xm2 would be really sexy. Not sure what capabilities could be taken off from a such an already minimal xe4. I own both. But I guess smaller body, same sensor, better battery usage, less video options would do. I like the design and idea of the x40 but I find those cameras missing dof, same for xq3. X80 or xf20 would be really interesting indeed.
I speculate, if it is an X-M2, is the differences between the X-E4 and X-M2 would be:
– X-Processor 5 on the X-M2
– No EVF on the X-M2
– Smaller, lighter, more plastic body for the X-M2
– PASM dial instead of shutter knob
– Maybe $700-to-$800-ish price tag
Those are just guesses, though.
X40 would be fun: I loved the X30 and they even had a dinky metal lenshood for it, but I’ll be really disappointed if they kill off the X-Pro line as I am just steeped in the RF and RF-style way of working and never get the same connection from SLR and SLR-style cameras. (As a total aside a Fuji 35mm film camera would be awesome too!)
I don’t believe the X-Pro line has been axed, and the successor will likely be announced sometime in 2025. If it is an X40, I think the sensor would need to be larger than the X30 sensor was. There seems to be a number of people hoping for an X40. I appreciate the input!
I’m saying this as a joke but what with Pentax and a Hong Kong company called Mint producing new film cameras maybe Fujifilm will resurrect the DL Supermini.
It was a tiny premium compact from the mid 1990s with a superb lens which was very sharp with excellent colour rendition. I’ve got some beautiful slides taken on Sensia, Provia and Astia.
They were about £400 in the UK but I’ve seen good ones being offered for around £800 recently!
It’s incredibly unlikely they’d do this but not completely impossible.
Fujifilm Natura Black would be a cool pick to bring back for a film camera. 24mm f/1.9 lens compact.
That’s a great idea that I’m sure would be highly welcomed and praised. In this instance, the camera was registered with WiFi, so not likely an analog model. Still, Fujifilm should, in my opinion, show a recommitment to film photography.
Would love an X-Pro4….🙏📷
I don’t think the X-Pro series classifies as “a camera line that most of us thought axed”. Fujirumors reported it is not the next X-Pro, which will likely come sometime in 2025 and not 2024. I do think an X-Pro4 (or possibly named X-Pro5) is coming, but not just yet.
https://www.fujirumors.com/fujifilm-ff240002-camera-registered-could-it-really-be-the-fujifilm-x-e5-or-x-pro5/
I’m still hoping for a new Fuji stereo camera, a successor to the FinePix Real 3D W3! It’s about time stereo-photography made a comeback…
That is definitely one that I overlooked! You never know, it could be it.
I own the X-T4, and as “light luggage” the Sony Cybershot DSC-HX99, a small, fine compact camera with a 24-720mm super zoom (35mm equivalent). If Fuji were to bring out a similar compact camera with film simulations, that would be really cool.
(Keep dreaming, Baby …)
You never know… there’s a chance for an X-S2 (slim, yes; but a chance nonetheless).
Thanks for the post! I’d love a small camera that fit’s easily in bike jersey pocket, needs to be light so there is no sag. Would need weather sealing
Something like the fixed lens options could work; however, I don’t anticipate that any of them would be weather-sealed.
I’m hoping for an X40. Although I have the X-T5 and use it for paid work, it’s my X30 that makes me want to go out and shoot. It’s a compact camera with a wonderful manual zoom. The X40 would be a great addition to the Fujifilm lineup and compete directly with the new Leica D-Lux-8 and Panasonic Lumix S9 style cameras.
If not the X40, an X-E5 coupled with a new “pancake” zoom (basically the 15-45 with a manual zoom).
There are a number of people hoping for an X40. You never know, it could be it.
As neat as an x70 update would be, an x30 or x10 update might make more sense. The success of the D-Lux 8, how hard it’s become to get used large-sensor compacts like Canon G7Xii at a reasonable price… having a 1″ sensor X-Trans travel zoom camera with Fuji’s film sims would probably be a big hit. Get some OIS in the lens, make sure there’s decent video modes too. Great for newer photographers, or a casual-camera for “serious” photographers. An x70 is in a lot of ways too close to existing models. But a smaller-sensor compact zoom camera fills a really different niche from any other Fuji camera.
Part of what the Pentax 17 nails is not just providing a camera for new film photographers, but an excellent casual camera for someone with more experience. Great grip, excellent winder-feel, and viewfinder (being directly centered over the lens seems really handy for minimizing parallax issues) There’s just enough control to keep things involved and interesting, a great shooting experience for when you want to shoot, but don’t want to be precise with focus and metering like when shooting something like a medium format camera. I’d call it a very propulsive camera–it makes you want to keep shooting.
Not that a more “serious” Fuji camera can’t do that, but something smaller and versatile like a 1″ sensor compact probably hits that vibe better.
I think that if Fujifilm were to make an X40, it would need to have a 1″ sensor at a minimum. There’s more people hoping for it than I thought would, so perhaps that’s an indication of potential demand.
I have been waiting for an Xpro-4 or 5. While the three was somewhat tempting the last few years events, shortages and prices had me thinking of the Xpro-2 or maybe an XE. For now I sit pat with the XT-20.
My guess is sometime in 2025 is when the next X-Pro will come out.
Interestingly, Omar Gonzalez is still shooting with his X-T20; not just occasionally, but still quite regularly.
Give me a X70 II with a viewfinder and I’m all set.
I’m not sure how they would handle the EVF. While not ideal, one option could be an external EVF that could mount to the hotshoe.
My hopes are that Fujifilm will create the succesor of the X-S1 bridgecamera 📸
Kind regards from Erwin
You never know; however, the odds seem rather slim that they will. But, there’s always a chance.
I also believe that is time for an X-M2 camera. The X-Trans sensor is everything as is definitely permanently linked to film like photography – the special attribute that keeps Fujifilm afloat.! Enough said.
Apparently it is, and they’re going to call it X-M5.
The FujiGA645 line. That would be nice!
Apparently it will be an X-M5…
https://fujixweekly.com/2024/07/17/fujifilm-x-m5/
I would like to bring up an old problem. Here’s the XF10. A brilliant, giant-killing machine. It could be. But its famous AF problem is so annoying even to enthusiasts that they often prefer not to use it. Why can’t this be fixed with a software update? I know, it’s not a big deal for Fuji, but it would really strengthen the company’s image in the short term!
I think it’s more of a hardware/processor issue than firmware. But, I’m all for Kaizen updates for any and all cameras. The XF10 was a commercial flop, so I don’t know how much effort they’re going to put into it, but I think XF10 owners would appreciate if something could be done.
An x40 with more mpx and 1″ sensor would be great. Coming from a person that still does not have fujifilm camera, but would love to come into the fuji world and explore it
with some fun small and versatile imaging machine.
I think it would be successful if they did it, but I’d be surprised if they did. I think Fujifilm moved beyond sensors smaller than APS-C awhile ago. Still, I’d welcome it if they made it.