Fujirumors just reported that the Fujifilm X-Pro3 successor, which might be called X-Pro4 or X-Pro5 or maybe even X-Pro6, will come sometime after September. “After September” could be late this year, such as October or November, or it could be in 2027 sometime, or maybe even 2028. It’s still unknown when the long-overdue camera will be announced, but I hope it’s sooner than later.
There are three things that this report clarifies to me. First, the next X-Pro isn’t coming “early” in 2026 (I guessed that it was coming in early 2026). Based on the pattern of past releases, it should have come in late-2023 or early-2024, but here we are in February 2026 and there’s still not an X-Pro3 successor. Second, the camera is coming sometime, just not imminently. It might be late in 2026, or sometime in 2027, or even later. Who knows? But this is further confirmation that the camera is actively being developed, and the camera line hasn’t been abandoned. There will be another X-Pro, and it could come as early as October (but probably later). Third, it won’t be the first X-Trans VI camera—that might belong to the X-T6, which, according to Fujirumors, is coming in September. Fujifilm introduced X-Trans I with the X-Pro1, X-Trans III with the X-Pro2, and Classic Negative, Color Chrome FX Blue, and Clarity with the X-Pro3 (when you consider that the X-T3 and X-T30 were left on an island, the X-Pro3 could be considered the spiritual introduction of X-Trans IV). So it made sense to me that X-Trans VI would make its debut on the next X-Pro, but that won’t be the case. It also won’t be a fifth-generation camera, like some speculated it could be.
That’s the known, but what’s still unknown is what will be the same or different on the X-Pro4 (or X-Pro5 or X-Pro6, whatever they will call it). My best guess is that the controversial hidden rear screen of the X-Pro3 will be replaced with something different. Maybe it will be more like the GFX100RF screen, or maybe like the X-T5, or something else entirely. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a second screen, perhaps similar to the little vertical one on the X half, make an appearance. A Film Dial like on the X-E5 would make a lot of sense (but please include Classic Negative! And make each position capable of a Recipe, not just FS1-FS3). I really don’t have any other speculation. I’m sure there will be some surprise that will cause a stir, but overall it will be a lot like the previous iterations, which are all fairly similar to each other.
I really don’t know why the X-Pro3 successor is taking so long, other than the X-Pro3 was problematic. Specifically, the ribbon cable to the rear screen was too fragile, and gave a lot of problems, which has been well documented and lengthily discussed. I believe that Fujifilm prematurely halted production (as in, did not secure parts for more when there was still demand) of the X-Pro3 because of this. Had Fujifilm continued to manufacture the X-Pro3 another year or two, the gap wouldn’t seem quite as large. It’s that large gap, which is from late-2022 until now and beyond, that’s so puzzling. When the next X-Pro is released, it will have been at least four years since the last X-Pro was discontinued, which is a large enough gap for a whole different X-Pro to have existed within. It doesn’t make a lot of sense why Fujifilm would allow this to happen, other than they didn’t originally intend for the X-Pro3 to be as short-lived as it was, and how to move forward from the problem was for some reason difficult to figure out. But, it sounds like they got that sorted out, or at least are actively working towards it. It’s a shame, though, that—for over three years now—if you wanted to buy a brand-new X-Pro, which is an iconic camera line, you couldn’t. Soon enough you will be able to again, which is good news, even if long-overdue.
Love my X-Pro3. I’ve heard some folks have had ribbon issues, but haven’t myself. I enjoy the oddball flipdown screen.
Whether I upgrade comes down to pretty much one thing: TX-1 format in camera. That’s it. If it’s included, I’ll probably be trading up. If not, I’m fine chilling with what I have.
I mean, I’ve thought long and hard about swapping my X-Pro3 and all my Pentax kit for a Panasonic S1R and x100v or vi, just because Panasonic has that 65:24 in camera. And the thing that irks me so much is that it’s fundamentally trivial to implement. It’s just an in camera crop.
The XPan aspect ratio is a must, in my opinion, too. It should already be found on the 40mp cameras, there’s no good reason it isn’t, and it’s a shame that it isn’t. Such a simple thing for Fujifilm to implement, and would be so well received. It’s a bit frustrating that they haven’t added it yet. I remember a “rumor” a few months back that Fujifilm was planning to add it to the 40mp cameras via a firmware, I hope that it is true. But, yes, the next X-Pro should 100% have the XPan aspect ratio.
The X-Pro3 is my most cherished camera. It ticks so many boxes for me, but maybe I am a very particular type of photographer.
I love the lack of rear screen, because I dont use the screen for taking images anyway (maybe the odd low angle shot).
I don’t mind the autofocus (which is plenty good for my needs anyway), because I use manual lenses.
I love the titanium build and Dura finish and the lack of highly visible logos,
I love the very comfy grip and the very accessible exposure composition dial. his dial migth be my most used, since I exclusively shoot JPGs, I do not crop or straighten as part of my slow and intential approach to image making.
For me photography is all about the very event of taking the image. Using the viewfinder, carefully compose the image, attempt the best exposure to my liking (under- and overexposure FTW) and snap the image. Since I use the EVF I do not need to double-check the image after pressing the shutter as well and stay in the flow.
For me the X-Pro3 is just the perfect tool. I hope the do something similar with the new X-Pro. If not, well, I’ll always have my X-Pro3, right? Just craving for one or the other film simulation from the newer sensors and maybe more options on the aspect ratio, that’s it basically.
I think Tom Baumgaertel (bewaremyfuji) would 100% agree with you, and also many others who own the X-Pro3. Those who own them tend to really, really love them.
I tried the X-Pro3 and expected to love it, but I actually prefer the X-Pro2 more. That’s just me, though.
It will be interesting to see what Fujifilm does with the next X-Pro.
Hi Ritchie, I can’t wait to see the new X-Pro whenever it comes along. I just wondered what you meant by this comment in your blog post:
‘It also won’t be a fifth-generation camera, like some speculated it could be.’ I ask because I get confused by the generations, especially as processor and X-Trans version sometimes overlap / are out of sync with each other.
I would love it if they didn’t try to keep up in the megapixel race as in some cases I prefer the look of the earlier sensors more, although each X-Trans version has its advantages depending what you are looking for.
Fourth-generation is the X-T3, X-T30, X-Pro3, X100V, X-T4, X-S10, X-E4, and X-T30 II. Fifth-generation is the X-H2s, X-H2, X-T5, X-S20, X100VI, X-T50, X-M5, X-E5, and X-T30 III. It used to be that the sensor defined the generation, but not so much anymore. I have no idea what sensor(s) will be used for the sixth-generation, but it will certainly have X-Processor 6, whatever that will mean. So what I meant by my statement was that the next X-Pro won’t pair the X-Trans V sensor (40mp or 26mp; nor X-Trans IV) with the X-Processor 5. It will have whatever it is that defines the sixth-generation.
Interestingly enough, last year a long-time Fujifilm employee who knows their cameras inside-and-out better than almost anyone (maybe better than anyone) told me that Fujifilm purposefully tries to give the IQ/JPEG output of each generation its own unique charm. In this way, the camera is never obsolete, because there will be those who are attracted to that unique charm. This is why people will say, “X-Trans I is best.” Or, “The X-Trans II sensor is magical.” And so forth. This is apparently by design. I had no idea, and I think it’s pretty cool.