According to Fujirumors, the “camera line that most of us thought axed” that Fujifilm will be reviving is the X-M series. Apparently it will be called X-M5 and will be released sometime before the end of the year—September and November are a couple of months that Fujifilm likes to use for announcements, so maybe then. Nothing else is known at this time.
For those who don’t remember, the X-M1 was a short-lived camera near the beginning of the X-series that wasn’t particularly successful. It was unusual in that it had an X-Trans I sensor paired with an X-Trans II processor. It was a predecessor to the X-A line (the X-A1 had an identical body), and positioned lower than the X-E series. While it had a rangefinder look, it was given a PASM dial and didn’t have a viewfinder.
The X-M1 was released in the summer of 2013, right after Fujifilm began rolling out X-Trans II cameras. They also announced the nearly identical X-A1 just a few months afterwards. Those who were more familiar with the X-series and cameras in-general opted for the X-E1 or (a few months later) X-E2 because the X-E1 line was better (build quality, EVF, etc.), while those who were unfamiliar opted for the X-A1 instead because it was cheaper and the advantage of the X-M1 wasn’t obvious or well communicated. The X-M series was axed about a year later, but supplies lasted for another year due to unsold inventory.
While the upcoming camera will be called X-M5, I’m not sure what might be similar or dissimilar compared to the X-M1. I have some guesses, but it’s pure speculation. I have some suggestions for Fujifilm, but it might be too late in the design process to be implemented; however, I’ll give them anyway. I think the X-M5 is actually a smart move because Fujifilm is desperately missing a budget-friendly option for those who wish to get into the X-series but don’t have a ton to spend.
If I were Fujifilm, I would design it with a rangefinder-like shape that’s not too dissimilar to the X100VI and X-E4. In other words, it should look like the X-M1 to a large degree. I think they would be smart to keep the size down as much as possible—in fact, make the X-M5 the smallest interchangeable-lens X-series camera ever produced. Personally, I would ditch the PASM dial and use a shutter knob—the X-H series wen’t from non-PASM to PASM, so no reason X-M can’t go the other route. I doubt that it will have IBIS, unless the idea is not to keep the price down—an X-M5 with IBIS will likely be at least $900-$1,000 for the body alone, an X-M5 without IBIS should be in the $700-$800 range.
I would use the 26mp X-Trans IV sensor paired with the X-Processor V (like the X-S20, which also parallels the X-M1) and the old NP-W126S battery. Because of the small body size and heat dispersion issues, the camera will likely need some performance limitations to prevent it from overheating, which will simultaneously differentiate it from more premium (a.k.a. expensive) models. It won’t likely have an EVF, but it should have a tilting screen similar (identical?) to the one on the X-T50; however, if they do choose to add IBIS, don’t be surprised if it has a flippy screen like the X-S20. I would hope that Fujifilm would give it C1-C7 custom presets, but the X-M1 didn’t, so it’s possible that the X-M5 won’t either; however, that would be a mistake if they did—perhaps just C1-C4 if they feel the need to limit it (please give it C1-C7, though).
It seems like a safe assumption that the X-M5 will sit below the (discontinued) X-E4, eventual future X-E5, and the X-T30 II as Fujifilm’s low-budget base-level camera. Since Fujifilm discontinued both the X-A and X-T000 lines a few years back, there hasn’t been a good option for those on a tight budget to get into the X-series, except to hope for a good deal in the used market. I cannot tell you how many times people have asked me for advice on purchasing an inexpensive Fujifilm camera, but there just aren’t any options for brand-new bodies (the X-T30 II being the closest, currently). With the X-M5, there might finally be an inexpensive camera to recommend.
The X-M1 was my first Fujifilm camera.
Awesome! I think budget-friendly cameras like it are a great gateway into the system.
The drift away from lower end cameras has been very dramatic so I’m always pleased to see something new in this sector.
The problem though is marketing: how to persuade people that a real camera is orders of magnitude better than any smartphone? Olympus expressly positioned their cheaper Pens as a step up from a phone but didn’t seem to have any where near the success they could and should have.
For vast numbers of people these days the thought of buying a camera just doesn’t seem to enter their heads. How can you market something which to the target buyer is effectively a new concept, or at best something they associate with their parent’s or even grandparent’s generation?
I don’t think that Fujifilm has to convince anyone to buy one despite their cellphone. I believe that the demand already exists—enough for one model, but probably not enough for two—for people who already desire a “real” camera but who cannot afford more expensive models (for example, the X-T30 II is just out of their budget). I hear from people regularly regarding this.
If Fujifilm also makes it the smallest interchangeable-lens X-series camera ever made, it will also attract those wanting to assemble small/lightweight kits for travel and walk-around photography.
Between the two, I think there will be sufficient demand to justify it, and it will sell well.
The X-M1 was my first. I would be excited if they brought it back.
Yeah, I think it will be more exciting than some people are suggesting. Thanks for the input!
Hi Ritchie, interesting thoughts. What is the diffference between a tilting and a flippy screen?
Most folks use flippy to mean upwards tilting to allow selfie or vlogging and tilting to mean both up and down movement to allow for above head shots also. Then vari usually means a fully articulated svrean that can reach almost any angle. Ritchie can correct me if his defs were different!
I think the big difference between tilting and flippy is where the hinge is. Tilting is like X-T5, X100VI and X-T50, while flippy is more like the X-H2, X-S20 and X-T4.
Where the hinges go. A lot of old DSLRs have what’s called a “flippy screen” where there is a side-hinge, the screen flips out that way, and there is a lot of articulation (including the option to face to the front–so someone on camera can see the screen), but it’s off to the side, which isn’t very discreet. A Fuji example is the X-S20. Looking up one of those on Fuji’s website or B&H would give you a sense of how that works.
Tilting screens typically only articulate vertically. A great example would be the x100vi, where the screen can tilt up or down only, but can’t face the front and can’t be angled to the side (sometimes useful for vertical orientation).
The flippy screen has a hinge on the side, is more like the X-S20 or X-T4. A tilting screen is more like the X-T5, X100VI, and X-T50.
The XF10 is awesome. Truly a pocketable camera with very good specs
I definitely wouldn’t mind if Fujifilm made a successor to the XF10.
I think this makes sense, I’m not going to buy one (at least not likely)
If it is an X-Trans 4 sensor and X-Trans 5 processor without IBIS, with a flip out screen
and video features I think it will sell well to the youtubers and TIK tok generation that can’t buy (or afford an X100 VI or X-T50.
I don’t think it needs IBIS especially if it comes with the XC 15-45 kit lens (which has OIS) and has some form of digital stabilisation for video built in.
Touch screen, no viewfinder, whether it has PASM or Shutter speed dial I think it makes little difference for new photographers (maybe the retro appeal of dials is there) but I would include the X-T50 film sim dial… If it is priced similar to the original ZV – E10 (£699) however I expect it’ll be priced closer to the ZV-E10 II (£999) I think it’ll sell.
Vlog + Fuji colours + Retro all for under £999
I think if the digital stabilization is good, then IBIS is probably not necessary for a budget vlogging camera; however, if it is a vlogging camera, then IBIS is probably more ideal. I’m not sure if this one will be more stills or video centric… my initial thought was stills, but it might lean more towards video.
Ha ha, I nailed it on the other article…
Sure did! 😀
Unfortunately, there is no prize to give away.
Personally, I would prefer if Fuji focused on making it the smallest X Mount possible, rather than the most budget model. I’m hopeful for this as they have chosen an X-M model rather than an X-A model. If only they could fit a pop up EVF, say with the popup flash head. I personally would be happy if they used the tiny FNP-50-B battery to make it smaller and lighter. If you want to take lots of shots, carry more batteries, or get a bigger more comfortable camera body. IBIS would be fantastic, and make good use of the tiny sharp XF27mmF2.8 lens with it.
I see the benefit of both. There are folks who simply want the smallest, because it is better for travel or walkaround. There are folks who want the cheapest because their budgets are limited. If the camera can fulfill both, that’s a win for Fujifilm. I could see a hotshoe EVF accessory as a possible solution to the EVF problem—Fujifilm has done that before, so it’s not entirely unheard of. IBIS will definitely not be paired with the smaller battery, I’m pretty sure. I think it will have the NP-W126S battery, with or without IBIS. If the camera has IBIS, don’t be surprised if it is more video-centric.
The X100VI has IBIS, and that camera has better battery life than the V, which didn’t. So if cameras have been built using the NP-50 battery (way) in the past, then IBIS should be applicable for a new one. … This is thoughts for a camera you always want to have with you that’s small, that can offer high quality shots when you want it, but not for heavy demand use. IBIS furthers capabilities for low light, or motion blur effects. IBIS doesn’t actually have to be used, but it’s there for a small quality kit. If you have a link for a hot shoe EVF, that would be interesting, but I don’t see how it would get graphics data? Could you mean a cold shoe OVF?
Fujifilm discontinued that battery, so I would be very surprised if they brought it back. The hotshoe EVF was for the GFX50S. They could do something similar for the X-M5, maybe.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1756016-REG/fujifilm_bf00018051_200_evf_gfx_for_gfx_50s.html
I have X-H1, X-S10 and X-A5. The latter is a lot of fun too. High time it gets updated. All it needs is new sensor and processor. Viewfinder would bring it to X-E5 territory. It should keep PASM dial and full auto/scene mode. This is what beginners want and need. My wife is making great photos keeping it at SR+ all the time.
You make a good point: sometimes these cameras are used by people who want full-auto. Even if it’s not PASM, an Auto switch (like on the X-T50, for example) is essential, I think.
Even for advanced users an AUTO switch is the only way for custom settings to be able to include the full list of settings including the EV, f, focusing … not to mention ISO and shutter. X-S10 and X-H2 excell there. T5 and H1 are victims of dials. I guess x-t50 cannot include m-c-s focusing selection as a part of C1-C7. Sorry, but is seems Fujifilm cannot get its act together on this.
I definitely prefer the dials and layout of the X-T5, X-T50, X-H1, etc., over the X-S10, X-H2, X-A5, etc.., personally. But they make these varied options because different people have different likes and dislikes. Different strokes for different folks.
Kind of a competitor to the Ricoh GR III, though without the retractable lens? The GR III seems really popular and well-liked.
I think if it is more stills oriented, maybe they’re thinking it could compete with the GR III (although I would like to see a Mark II 18mm f/2 lens). If it’s more video oriented, then it might be more of a Sony ZV-E10 II competitor.
From other rumors I heard it will be basically a X-S20 without the viewfinder in X-M1 shape. The inner specs will be identical. Might be step towards a vlogging camera like the Sony ZV-10.
But hell yeah a X-S20 in small with smaller price tag would be great an my next camera.
I haven’t seen any rumors other than those shared by Patrick. Since the X-S line was made more mid-tier, a lower-end model for the X-S/X-H branch would make some sense.
The X-M5 might be meant to compete with Sony ZV-E10II
That’s a possibility. My initial thought was a stills-centric camera, but maybe it will be more video-centric.
Watching the X-M5 rumors with great interest. I love small cameras, and I would totally go X-M5 if it has the newer AF for stills. I only wonder if the LCD will be facing to you tilt like the X-E4 or like the X-S20 (I would prefer the X-E4 option).
It will definitely be interesting to see what it ends up being.
No interest whatsoever. I am monitoring if Fujifilm introduces a really compact camera. A successor to 2016’s Fuji X70 (APS-C, f2.8, competing with Ricoh GR or Nikon CoolPix A). Or a digital version of the Fujfilm Natura S.
I’ve been hoping for an X70 successor for years… I have no idea if it will someday come or not. Seems to be a lot of interest in such a camera.
This would really be a hard sell if it truly got no IBIS, especially if it’s another vlogger targeting camera. It would be competitors all have IBIS, and there’s nothing truly game changing to justify getting this over finding a much much cheaper used X-A7 with 24mp sensor and a respectable 4K 30p recording.
I would rather this be the photography-centric counterpart to the X-S20 with a tilting screen and IBIS but traditional controls, and while the X-T50 fits this role, it got that premium price tag having the latest sensor. Both the X-S20 and X-S10 are already a bargain for anyone looking for a Fuji video camera with the PSAM controls.
Small compact APS-C camera with IBIS would be Fuji’s best answer to the Ricoh GRIII, and I really wish that’s where they set their sights on (maybe release another pancake lens with it).
I think Fujifilm is desperately missing an affordable entry-level model, and the X-M5 will fill that role. Worldwide, I think it will sell really well, especially in certain Asian markets. In some countries, it might only do so-so.
I think an X80 should be Fujifilm’s best answer to the Ricoh GR models. The X70 and XF10 were Fujifilm’s most similar. I think the X80 should be high on their priority list… I’ve been saying that for awhile now. Will they do it? I have no idea.