Fujirumors posted a poll today asking whether people would prefer the (someday upcoming) Fujifilm X-E5 to have the same Shutter Knob as the X-E4, or replace the Shutter Knob with a Film Dial, or use a Shutter/ISO combo Knob like the X100/X-Pro cameras. As of this writing, a little over 70% would prefer the Shutter/ISO Knob, according to the poll.
Way back in March of 2021 when the X-E4 was brand-new, I said “It would have been a nice touch if Fujifilm had included an ISO ring around the shutter knob.” It should not surprise anyone that my vote is for the Shutter/ISO combo. In my opinion, if the X-E4 had had that combo Knob, had kept the M/C/S switch, and had kept the rear Command Dial, the camera would have been pretty much perfect. I understand that the Shutter/ISO combo Knob is much more complicated and more expensive, but it would be worthwhile to include it on X-E series cameras, in my opinion.
There’s a vocal group of people who didn’t like the X-E4, but prefer the X-E3 instead, and want the X-E5 to be more similar to the X-E3 than the X-E4. That’s because the X-E4 was slimmed down with a minimalistic approach, but perhaps just a bit too minimalistic. It’s completely understandable that not everyone appreciated it. The reason why the X-E5 is much more likely to have more in common with the X-E4 than the X-E3 is simple: the Fujifilm X-E3 did not meet sales expectations, while the X-E4 exceeded them. Fujifilm had to steeply discount the already affordable X-E3 just to clear the warehouse, and even then had trouble selling them (the X-E3 could be found rather easily a year after it was discontinued, and for a discount). The X-E4 was difficult to find in-stock throughout its production life, and had months-long backorder lists when it was suddenly discontinued, presumably because Fujifilm ran out of parts and couldn’t secure enough to justify keeping the assembly line open. Now, the X-E4 sells for a few hundred more used than it did brand-new. I’m not saying that the X-E3 is a lesser camera, only that Fujifilm had trouble selling it and had trouble meeting the demand of its successor, so it is logical that they’d follow the formula that worked well for sales.
The less that Fujifilm changes from the X-E4, the better in my opinion. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Give it the X Processor 5, an improved EVF, the M/C/S switch, rear Command Dial, and that combination Shutter/ISO Knob, and you’ve got a really compelling camera. But, who knows, Fujifilm might do a complete overhaul. I have no idea.
While I actually really like the Film Dial on the Fujifilm X-T50, and I found a way to make it work quite well, I would not replace the Shutter or Exposure Compensation Knobs with it. That just doesn’t make any sense. If Fujifilm really wants to include the Film Dial on the X-E5, it would need to be an additional feature, and not a replacement of something already existing. Maybe similar to how Leica integrated the ISO Dial into the M11?
It will be interesting to see how Fujifilm evolves the X-E line. It’s much beloved by those who have owned them, but always on the chopping block, it seems. Apparently it’s not mainstream enough to have a secure spot in the X-series lineup, but the passionate fanbase prevents Fujifilm from axing it. If the X-E5 existed today, it would sell like hotcakes; heck, if the X-E4 was still being manufactured, it would be selling like hotcakes right now. Whenever the X-E5 is eventually released, perhaps next year, it will likely do very well for Fujifilm. But, I do think it’s important to strike while the iron is hot, and it’s hot at this very moment—so the sooner the better.
The shutter/ISO dial should be on all the new cameras. I wouldn’t mind having a film sim dial even on the X-T 6 when it is released if it also has the Shutter/ISO combo dial and the exposure comp dial. This would be best of both worlds, especially if they allow custom recipes based on the sim dial simulations to be saved for each of the sims.
I like the combo dial a lot. I understand that it will add to the cost of the camera, but I would like to see it utilized on more models, personally. Thanks for the comment!
I agree, awsome dial. But as reported very complex (with a lot of manual steps including special parts) and so very expensive. Hence either the X-E5 step up in the camera range, aka same level as the X-T50 / X-S20 so mid range level, OR it needs to be kept cheaper without this dial.
I vote for the dial on FujiRumors as IF it steps up.
If kept low level, then as suggested I would prefer an ISO dial in place of the compensation dial, which can go on the rear wheel for exemple…
I wonder how much the dial actually adds to the cost of the camera. I would be willing to pay a few hundred more… say, a $1,100 or maybe $1,200 with other improvements… especially since there is a low-budget option coming apparently (X-M5), and also that’s what used X-E4’s are going for right now. But it would definitely need to be cheaper than the X-T50 and X-S20.
Yeah pretty vocal group as for AF…
For my part I have the E-X4 and like very this minimalistic approach. Thanks to it, not very much bigger than the X70. It is so far my smallest interchangeable camera with X-Trans IV sensor (so nearly all the goodies). Hence I wouldn’t mind at all the X-E5 keep this approach and do not mind at all a sim dial as the X-T50. Fully customisable with safe settings this time so one can store easily more recipies!
I think the size and weight of the X-E4 are an important aspect of it. The X-E4 + 27mm combo are smaller and lighter than X100VI, so it’s such a compelling travel camera. I think it’s important for the X-E5 to continue that… whatever changes they make should not add much girth or heft in my opinion.
The X-E3 maybe inferior to the X-E4 in terms of technology, but it far out weighs the latter in terms of usability. I’m not looking for a camera to take the picture for me; I want a camera that I can control at my fingertips. The X-E3 is no where near perfect in either role, but other than pressing a couple of buttons to get to the drive mode the E-X3 is incredibly quick to use. The E-X4 is a different story. It’s a stain on Fujifilm’s camera lineup in my opinion. Along with the X-Pro 3 Dura. IYKYK
I do agree. Too bad I sold my well-loved and used X-E3, but no way I was going to replace it with an inferior X-E4. Ditto, X-Pro 2 versus the lower feature X-Pro 3. I tried the X-H2s, and it was technically a terrific camera, but I hated its psam personality, so I dumped it and got a slightly inferior and less “professional” X-T5. Meanwhile, my old Nikon D810 and Z5 and Z7 got sold and replaced with the retro style Df and Zf. I even prefer my old Leica D-lux 7 to the new Fuji X100vi. I replaced my previous X100f with the Leica, and even though I got an X100vi way back in March, I almost never use it; except for IBIS it’s practically the same as my first x100, with no real improvements. I love my GFX-50R, which I use with mostly M-mount Voigtlander manual focus lenses, but I am afraid it will be an orphan in the GFX line, as each new psam dial S model comes out with no new GFX-100R or even a GFX-50Rii update. And will there ever be a decent new X-Pro 4… 5… 6 to replace the pathetic 3? I have a fear of soon being stuck with over-priced Leica’s and Nikon’s.
I know some photographers that you cannot pry their X-Pro3 out of their hands. 🤣 It’s much beloved by many. Still, I kind of like the X-Pro2 over the X-Pro3, personally… it’s a special camera that I think will be highly desired and collected for many years to come. It’s my understanding that an X-Pro4 (or maybe called X-Pro5) is in the works right now, but I have no idea when it might be released.
The reason why GFX went the PASM route is because most of the sales in the beginning (when it was the 50R and 50S and then GFX100) were not from X-series users, but those without any X-series camera, coming from Canikony brands. People who come from those brands tend to prefer PASM (that’s why the X-H2/X-S lines are PASM, too). Unfortunately, I think Fujifilm feels that traditional tactile controls hinder GFX sales, and that’s why there is not a successor to the 50R. I have no interest in a PASM GFX personally, so the 50R is the only one that I would ever consider buying.
I love my X-E4. Such a great camera for me. I would choose an X-E4 over the X-E3 any day of the week (that’s just me, everyone has different preferences… different strokes for different folks…). It’s definitely not a “stain”… the X-E3 was considered a flop because they couldn’t sell them… Fujifilm overestimated how well it would do and manufactured too many copies, while Fujifilm greatly underestimated the X-E4’s demand, and didn’t make enough. Proud X-E4 owner here… it’s the only camera I’ve even used over the last two weeks, despite owning a bunch of other models.
Ritchie, congratulations on bringing film simulation recipes to the official Fujifilm scene! I hope you can spread some full-spectrum camera joy as well.
I’d definitely like to see full-spectrum become a little more mainstream (not that it will ever be mainstream… but if I can help interest in it to grow, I think that’s great). Appreciate the comment!
I guess it’s one of those things where every user has their preferences. I almost never adjust the ISO dial, sometimes the shutter, but use the exposure compensation all the time. For ISO, I almost always either want auto or minimum, and that’s easy enough through a button. But with shutter speed and exposure compensation, I’ll set those fairly often.
Film Sim… I think it has a tonne of untapped potential. Folks are hesitant because it’s new, but if it was more common, I think people would probably appreciate it.
So my preference for dials: Exposure Compensation > Shutter Speed > Film Sim > Dedicated ISO. Combo Shutter/ISO is fine, but not necessarily a priority to me.
Given the compactness of the X-E series, I’d expect just two dials. In which case… maybe it’d make sense to just use Shutter Speed, and a top custom dial, to go with the standard front-or-rear control dial. Having more flexibility seems more important with a smaller camera.
I use Auto ISO (along with Auto Shutter) probably 80-85% of the time… it’s just when I want to manually control the ISO that it’s a bit inconvenient. I use the front Command Dial to adjust ISO on the X-E4… and occasionally accidentally change it (usually to ISO 51200 😮 🤣) by inadvertently bumping the wheel. The combo dial would resolve that, but it’s not a major issue, only a minor one.
You are right: the more the Film Dial is included in future models, the more people will warm up to it. Indeed, there is a lot of untapped potential.
What are the X-M and X-E series supposed to be? Do they have an identity, like the X-H as pro-style models? Or are they just changing this way and that based on sales success or failure? Sometimes success seems to depend on whether or not Fujifilm guessed right about how many units to build, rather than on how popular the camera was, with which customers.
Surely Ritchie is right about who is buying most of the GFX series cameras and lenses. And yet, there are a number of us, Mr Roesch and myself included, who do not like the psam-style of the GFX-S cameras. We have limited our possible purchases to the single R model, which is beginning to get a little long in the tooth tech-wise. Are we an insignificant number of customers? I find myself wondering if I will change my mind and buy a newer S model for IBIS or a better EVF or improved sensor? Or sell out completely and switch to Leica, which seems to be heading toward some combination of X-Pro-style body and extra-high pixel count. A 100MP Leica M-12 with a combo RF/OVF/EVF would be tres chic (and tres expensive, too, of course!), but maybe not out of the question compared to the cost and weight of a new GFX and a few GFX lenses. Plus, I could actually carry a camera and multiple, albeit manual-focus, prime lenses!
Well I’m part of the Fuji customers who like you do not like PASMvat all. So indeed I’m sticking to the GFX 50R. Being vastly with the X Mount with several bodirs and a bunch of lenses, the GFX was not a priority for me.
I found one second hand in mint condition to a very good price from one customer of my reseller who was updating to the 100S series.
Good for me. While I terribly miss IBIS (realy needed on GFX so to keep speed at a much lower and acceptable setting) and faster AF, I do not mind at all to stick to the R…
I will not update to PSAM 100 series. I will wait if it comes one day. It feels like having an oversized X-Pro1…
Hoping the new hypothetical R will be a bit smaller and lighter in the process…
About the M series, it was very successful in Asia. Not at all in Europe and US. Very much like the A and Txx series.
The M was constructed by Fujifilm and only camera of this low entry-level to get an X-Trans sensor.
It does bear the entry-level / entry point from upgrading from a smartphone at the time and set the benchmark for the A and Txx with cheaper Bayer sensor.
The E was the little brother of the X-Pro, EVF only+ less robust + smaller and lighter.
So quite logical if Fuji do produce again entry-level camera, which is very nice as camera prices keep rizing, do take back the M and not the A or Txx series.
I’m glad Fuji will produce a X-M5 and X-E5. At a certain time the E series was considered dead and burried like the A and Txx competitint directly against the all mighty high-end smartphone (see the latest iPuone 16).
Market is still shrinking but stabilisating itself. Hence the confidence to produce the M5.
But yeah, account and financialy wise being right is assessment of selling the right amount of acameras for Fujifilm is much more important that vs the real success of it.
Do not forget it is like every private / corporate company : it aims first to make profit and give the dividends to its shareholders, then only to satisfy its customers. For that Fujifilm do listen well to (pro) customers and do provide good after selling service with firmware updates, etc.
This way not the case of other well known companies (outside camera market too).
Fujifilm could do way better for sure. But I’m glad it already do what it does and provide a certain level of commitment to the photographer and video communities it build over the last 10 years.
Quite typical fortunately of Japanese companies vs European and US ones.
See for example the lastest communiqué from Nikon about its huge (and unexpected) Z9 sales…
I think, as fans, it can be hard to see it strictly from a business perspective. Ultimately, Fujifilm makes cameras to make money. If they think something will be profitable, that’s what they’re going to do; however, if they see it as unprofitable, they’re going to avoid it. Sometimes that perspective clashes with my feelings and opinions. Sometimes what I would personally suggest is divergent from what they should actual do, strictly business speaking. I try to stay balanced here on Fuji X Weekly, but I’m more of a fan than a businessman, so I often find myself leaning a certain way.
Talking of Fujifilm camera DNA after 10 years, to recap as what I can see after 10 years:
# GFX 50/100 series with PSAM -> ultimate Flagship of the brand, competing directly against FF with same price tag. DSLR like operation, designed for professionals and very high-end amateurs / creators. Highly praised, The GFX 50 brought aggressive pricing against competing MF long established brands. Shacking for good the MF market. While a Bayer sensor, it brought incredibale High IQ / DR with Fujiflm color science. Made specifically by Sony for Fujifilm which provides to Sony along Nikon the tools to shape the sensor chips.
Now thanks to filmmakers and the Etherna sim, GFX 100 series is coming more and more to them. Thanks to the use of cinelens and dedicated boxes, the GFX 100S II is now said to be able to replace film IMAX. Let’s see what Nolan & Co will use in the near future for their next movies…
As said Fujifilm, the GFX line has very high development potentials.
The GFX 50 series might soon go dead with the success of the GFX 100… GFX 50 series cameras can be seen dumpted like the R so to be replaced by the 100 MP + PD AF sensor more capable and compact cameras.
# GFX R line with retro dials-> dead for the moment as not as successful by Pro and Advanced amateurs who way prefer PSAM with IBIS and higher resolution/ IQ than what FF can offer
# X100 line -> father of the X system, Holy Grall, retro-style iconic fixed prime lens, most successful line, very highly praised and requested. Fuji cannot produce enough of it… Second hand market getting crazy since a long while now…
# Xyy line -> The Compac retro line fixed prime lens, little bother of the X100 . X70 was Highly praised but like the X-E4 got short. Second hand market getting crazy since a long while now. Could have been a direct competion for the Ricoh GR. Big tech issues to keep it compact whith the new X-Trans (cooling, processor, etc). Very dead line, after the failure of the XF10 as Xyy to endure required extra dev investment. Fujifilm clealy choosed wisely to put its efforts on bringing the GFX and X-H lines + IBIS and focus on reducing as much as possible it (remember at the start Fuji said it was impossible to miniutarised IBIS).
Now X-T4 proven wrong, then the X-T5 (smaller IBIS system that X-H1 and X-T4), X100 (smaller again) and now X-T50 being the smallest while retaining all the F stop. IBIS system is widely now spread in all new bodies. A requirement also for video. Hence maybe with the research done + the X-Trans V giving less heat, at last a X80 could be brought back to life with an X-Trans V and IBIS in a small package. The design of the the X-E5 / X-M1 might tell, as the X80 is being requested by the community since years now, and in Fuji lines there is no replacement nor a valide competitor against the GR (in fact people get the GR, as Fuji offering is null). Let’s see in 2026…
# XF line, failed Bayer attempt to compete against the Ricoh GR. Dead line since the very beginning as the XF10 while likable was culpcript by a slow processor and AF (coming from the X-A and X-Tyyy lines). Could have been much better.
Very last compat camera APS-C sensor after the X70 with a fixed prime lens to succeed the dead 1/3” sensor Xyy line (with a zoom) along the extra compact lines with the XF1 and then XQ1 & 2.
# X-Pro line -> former professional line, very first X Mont with ground-breaking OVF from the X100.
What brought us interchangeable lenses and XF lens line, and what Fuji being called the Leica of the poor…
Now niche as being overthrown twice ! First by the X-Ty line then by the X-Hy line.
X-Pro3 evolved to the niche market for photographers with a much dividing hidden rear screen (at least Fuji tried again something different and took risks).
# X-E line -> former little brother of the X-Pro. Mid-level range, entry level to the X Mount before came the X-T1. Overthrown by the X-Tyy line and with the collapse of the market + stop of the X-A / X-Tyy lines (which where only successful in Asia) the X-E4 went small and minimalist as its former bother the X-M while retaining an EVF and controls. Here also dividing while the demand for it was high. Second-hand market for the X-E4 is crazy like the X100 line, proving the high success and appreciation of the concept in contrario to the X-Pro.
The X-E line should be going below the X-Tyy line as Mid-Level range for enthusiasts / beginners (coming from smartphone) or people wanting a second body extra light (as the X-E4 can be).
The X-E5 should be cheaper than the X-T50 (which became very expensive) and simpler.
# X-Ty line -> High-End range. The retro style king for X Mount! On its coming overthrown quickly the X-Pro line as it brought a large EVF, WR, etc. Became the Flagship of the brand until the GFX and X-H2.
Now the High-end for the retro style user who do not want to go the X-H line.
Not any more like a Nikon Z9, but more so Z8 which will bear the tech coming from the X-H line.
The X-Ty is going a little bite down but not as much as the X-Pro line fortunately as being very successful and praise like the X100. This line will endure whatever.
# X-Tyy line -> little brother of the X-Ty, as was the X-E for the X-Pro. Highly successful and praised.
While a bit forgotten for a time with the coming in power of the GFX and X-H lines but not forgotten.
Update came very late via the X-T30II then X-T50. First line to get 1 number gap in its numbering (but in Asia the 4 is not liked at all). Like for the X-Pro3 and X-E4, Fuji is going bold with the X-T50 by introducing the sim dial. Highly dividing in the community but at least Fuji is putting light (sic !)/ front line its film simulation and acknowledge at last the usage of recipies with them (at least from Fujifilm US). Designed to bring new commers / shooters & videographers to film simulation and the rest of goodies that is offering Fuji. Thought the price tag became very (too) high… Giving potential room for the X-E5…
# X-Tyyy line -> Entry level, cheaper version attempt of X-Tyy line. The very young little bother the X-T lines.
Bayer sensor but like with the X-A an XF with all the goodies and “Fujifilm experience”. Brought by huge success of the X-A line in Asia. Production externalised. Successful in Asia, total failure in Europe and in US. The line is now very dead after only 2 iterations.
# X-M line -> Entry level camera for the young Asia mother (big cliché like the Leica of the poor) bearing X-Trans sensor. Line being killed (too expensive) an replaced by the cheaper Bayer X-A line complemented by the X-Tyy also Bayer and both produced outside of Fujiflm. Fujifilm is broughting back the very dead the line with the X-M5. Will it bear the sim dial, kept cheap? We shall see.
But cleary the rebirth of the entry-level. We can see that Fuji is not any more afraid by the smartphone market and try to find a new sweet spot. Let’s see how it goes. Might be only successful in Asia.
# X-A line -> cheaper version of the X-M. Bayer, entry level camera. Production externalised. Huge success in Asia, total failure in Europe and did not hoock either in US. Brought the X-Tyyy line.
With the shrinking market and smartphone high competition + COVID, the line is now very dead.
# X-Hy line with PSAM -> the new Flagship of the brand. For professionals, sport (S version), videographers. Bring IBIS the X mount and much better grip, well the body design follows standard DSLR one. This the line that will now bring the new tech evolution
# X-Syy line with PSAM -> the little brother of the X-H line. Like the X-Tyy line designed for the same market shares / level. For new comers who are afraid of the retro dials and want to keep PSAM and having a good hand grip. First line to bear IBIS all the way. Like X-H, video friendly camera for creators.
As you can see now the offering is wide-ranged and organised / divied in 2024 as such (in order):
# GFX 100S II (PSAM)->Highest IQ+DR / Flagship for pros & high-end amateurs coming from FF + filmmakers;
1) GFX 50S II (PSAM) -> Higher IQ+DR while being cheaper;
2) X-H2 (PSAM) -> Flagship -> for pros, creators & hig-end amateurs (video centric);
3) X-H2S (PSAM) -> Flagship -> for pros & hig-end amateurs who want speed over the MP;
4) X100VI -> Icon of the Brand, the fixed prime lens rangefinder retrostyle;
5) X-T5 -> High-end retrostyle dials;
6) X-Pro3 -> Rangefinder retrostyle with hidden screen, niche for photographers (needs a refresh);
7a) X-T50 -> retrostyle with sim dial -> Mid-level -> for enthusiast and new comers who want dials and do not want to pay full price of the X-T5 and / or having a smaller & lighter body;
7b) X-S20 (PSAM) -> Mid-level -> same as X-T50 but PSAM and aimed also to creators (video centric thx to its video rear screen);
8) X-M5 -> Entry level -> to be released during the second half of 2024, big return of the entry level camera after the dispaearence of the X-A7 & X-T200.
Thorough overview. Thank you for sharing!
I see that the X-T30 II is missing. It was not replaced (at least not yet) by the X-T50, and is still being manufactured and sold (remember a year or more ago when it was “rumored” to be discontinued? That turned out to be wrong…). The X-T30 II and X-T50 exist side-by-side, with the X-T30 II more of a lower-end (but not low end) camera and the X-T50 as mid-tier.
I think on the GFX side, the 50S II has been discontinued. The 100 II is the flagship, and the 100S II is nearly the flagship, but smaller and cheaper.
Very welcome Ritchie.
I focus indeed on the latest releases of each line…
Programmed obsolescence, like in IT…
Thanks for added comment / correction, as indeed about the X-T30 II and the GFX 50S II. It is hard to tell when the stock is going away depending on the continent / country you’re in…
While the GFX 100 II is the flagship in principle, it is clearly overthrown by the 100S II which where I live is selling like hot cakes (well considering the continent, country, market shares and production rate).
And I never see the X-T30 II. No stock ever since it’s launch. Short lived here like the X-E4 ???
On asking the resellers I know, no demand either… All go to the X-T5 and X-S20.
Very low demand for the X-T50 which is considered overpriced. On the other hand the GFX 50S II is still well in stock and requested (and stock id way different figure of the actual production).
So yeah heavily dependent on the location and culture.
Like the X-A and X-Txx lines..
So I’m really wondering 🤔
A bit like the different wishes, lovez and hates, we all have as customers (and fans) of the brand.
That’s true about location and culture… can make a big difference. It’s surprising to me that Fujifilm let both the X-A and X-T000 lines disappear, but perhaps the X-M will take their place?
The X-E line is a smaller, lighter, cheaper rangefinder style… a lower-tier X-Pro, so to speak. The X-M1 was even lower-end than the X-E, and served as a base-level X-Trans option. I’m not sure exactly how the X-M5 will fit into everything, but I imagine it being lower-end than the X-E line.
As far as GFX… I think (my opinion) that Fujifilm does not feel there is a large enough market for traditional tactile controls on GFX to justify making it. The GFX50R was seen as a sales disappointment, and Fujifilm wishes to avoid repeating that. I personally would love a 50R successor of some kind, but I’m doubtful that is in the current plans, unfortunately.
Great, more bloat to even the base camera. I think they should also put 2-3 more customisable buttons.
In my personal experience, if the X-E4 had an M/C/S switch, a Shutter/ISO combo dial, and a rear Command Dial… there wouldn’t be a need for more buttons. As it is, I use the front Command Dial for ISO, and I could use that for something else instead, and I use one of the Fn buttons for Focus Mode, so I could use that for something else instead. I would use the rear Command Dial for access to C1-C7. Still, an extra button or two wouldn’t hurt, either… at “worst” it might go unused. I appreciate the input!