Sony and Fuji at Amazon

Sony RX100M II  (or RX100M2) is among the most popular cameras on Amazon. The price for the new camera is just $100 higher than for RX100. RX100 was very popular, and the new model adds few useful things to the proven concept.

Sony also dominates sales of compact system camera (excluding heavily discounted cameras). NEX-5R, NEX-6L/B and NEX7 essentially dominate this sector.

Interestingly, release of Fuji X-M1 boosted the sales of Fuji X-E1. In fact, X-E1 is more popular than the recently released X-M1. Obviously, Fuji X-E1 offers more than X-M1 including a superior XF18-55mm F2.8-4 OIS lens. This should send a very strong signal to the company. Fujifilm got it right with Fuji X100 and X100S, and hopefully it will do the same with Fuji X-E2 and X-Pro2.

Sony RX100M2: announcement, preview, sample images

Sony RX100 II / RX100M2 is officially announced and very interesting preview based on production camera is available on DPReview including real world photos. There is some confusion with the name, but at least we know it is not RX200. Sony is doing a very good job here by providing a finished product for review.

What's new in RX100 II compared to the Original RX100. The sensor is now backlit or back illuminated. This technology increases the sensor sensitivity and hence reduces the noise, which is crucial for cameras with slow lenses. Sony claims the 40% reduction in noise with the new sensor. It also speed up the autofocus. This is the biggest BSI sensor used in consumer cameras. RX100 II got a tilting screen and hot shoe which allow to add a flash or some other accessories. All these things make the new model even more attractive than RX100. All these perks come at price. The new model will cost slightly more than RX100. It seems that Sony will keep both models for some time: after all, Sony RX100 is hugely popular in major markets, for example, in the US, where it is still cost ~$650. B&H already has RX100M2 listed but the price is unknown.

Panasonic LX7 and Sony RX100

I had a discussion today with one of my friend about small cameras. We both have DSLRs but my Olympus collects dust for some time now. He is a dedicated full-frame shooter. It is not a problem for him to carry 10 kg of equipment on photo trip but he is somewhat reluctant to do this every day. It is not just size and weight, there are some other reasons. But he like to have a camera with him for occasional opportunistic shots. 

One of the possibilities for him would be an advanced compact camera. Obviously, none of these cameras would compete with (full frame) DSLR at pixel level. Still, the image quality of current advanced compact cameras is pretty good. Currently Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LX7 and Sony RX100 are the most popular models from this class on Amazon. These cameras illustrate opposite approaches in this class. LX7 has a very bright lens, F1.4-F2.3 with a handy 24-90mm zoom range. RX100 has a dimmer lens,  F1.8-F4.9, with ~30-108mm zoom range. With such lens Panasonic gets more light to the sensor, which would reduce the noise. LX7 is equipped with 10MP 1/1.7" sensor, while RX100 has huge 1" sensor with 20MP. Both cameras have an optical image stabilization. Currently on Amazon Panasonic LX7 is about $200 cheaper than Sony RX100.

Fuji and the rest of the world

Panasonic GX1 + 14-42mm OIS lens $639
Canon EOS M + 18-55mm EFM Lens $698
Olympus PEN Lite E-PL5 Single Kit $718
Sony NEX-5R + 16-50mm PZ OSS $744
Samsung NX300 + 18-55mm lens $849

Here is a list of current mirrorless cameras without a viewfinder from a local camera shop. I used upper models in this category. Olympus E-P5 is not available yet, so I used E-PL5. Some of these models come with extra, for example Canon is bundled with 90EX Speedlite flash. All prices are in Australian dollars. Sometimes it is possible to get a better deal, but Digital Cameras Warehouse is one of my favourite camera shops in Brisbane.

In the US (B&H) Olympus E-Pl5 is priced at $600, Samsung NX300 - $700, Canon - $550, Sony NEX-5R - $600 (including bag and 16Gb card).

Here in Australia Fujifilm X-E1 + XF 18-55mm Lens is available for $1249. In B&H X-E1 is listed for $1200.

So, Fuji X-M1 with XC 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OIS lens is expected to be priced here in Oz at around $800, close to the most expensive cameras in this category, Sony NEX-5R and Samsung NX300. It might look a bit expensive in the US but here in Downunder, the same price looks very reasonable for what you get.

Fuji X-M1 and XC16-50mm: autofocus speed

DPReview posted the first look (preview) on Fuji X-M1 and XC16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OIS lens based on pre-production camera. It seems that the autofocus speed is very good. Quote: "... it feels really, genuinely quick (perhaps the first time we'd use that description for an X system camera)". The new lens does not have linear motors (LM), but apparently it does not resulted in slow autofocus. Maybe the moving part is smaller and lighter. Anyway, the camera looks very interesting. 

Fuji X-M1 is announced

Fuji X-M1, Fujinon XC16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OIS and XF27mm F2.8 lenses are announced. The details including sample images are available on Fujifilm site. If the new products are not showing up, reload the page.

The camera specs say "X-Trans CMOS", not "X-Trans CMOS II" as on Fuji X100S. If true, the new camera did not use the latest hybrid autofocus available in Fuji X100S. Several sample images are available for XC16-50mm.

Fuji X-M1 is available for pre-order in places like B&H for ~$700 (body only) and ~$800 with the new zoom. The 27mm pancake lens can be preordered for ~$450. In the same shop Fuji X-E1 body is selling for ~$800, and X-E1 with excellent XF18-55mm OIS is priced at ~$1200.

Unexpected and very positive news: Fuji X-E1 and X-Pro1 will get a focus peaking through the firmware update at the end of July. This might be handy for FX60mm Macro lens…

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Very interesting comment on Fuji X-M1 and new lenses from Thom Hogan on his Sans Mirror site. His comments reflect view of a professional, a person who need to back up the top body with the cheaper model. Well, I bet many people use just one camera, so while consistency in UI is important, it might not be an issue. After all, Fuji X-E1 body is just $100 higher than X-M1.

Specs of Fuji X-M1 and XC16-50mm lens

The specs of Fuji X-M1 and XC16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OIS lens appeared on the web (link to Photo Rumors).  The camera and XF21mm F2.8 pancake are expected to be available at the end of July. The XC16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OIS lens is a bit smaller than XF18-55mm (diameter x length, 62.6mm x 65.2mm compared to 65mm x 70.4mm) and lighter (195g vs 310g). The new zoom is expected only in September.

The X-M1 gets a 3" high-res LCD screen, bigger than on Fuji X-E1.  It is a tad lighter than X-E1, 330g agains 350g. Fuji XM1 dimensions: 116.9 x 66.5 x 39.0mm, and Fuji X-E1: 129 x 74.9 x 38.3mm.  Focus peaking is available. Sensor: X-Trans APS-C CMOS active. Hopefully, it is the same sensor as in Fuji X100S.

Camera deals in Brisbane

Sunny day | Fuji X10

It was cold and rainy in Brisbane couple days ago, and I went though my 'summer' photographs. I like this picture because of its warm colors.

The ground is covered with yellow Tipuana flowers. It is not a native species, but it is very popular ornamental tree in Brisbane.

BTW, Harvey Norman shop in Queen Street mall, Brisbane, has a huge sale because of the store closure or relocation, or something like this, and Fuji XF1 is selling for ~$380 (AUD). I guess this is ex-demo camera. This is very good price for Australia. In my favourite shop Fujifilm XF1 is priced at $490. The store has a good selection of DSLRs, mirrorless and compact cameras for major manufactures: Canon, Nikon, Sony, Panasonic, Olympus (OM-D E-M5, E-PL5) Samsung (but no NX300). Most models are discounted for 20%.

Two days before Fuji X-M1 announcement

Additional details are coming about new entry-level mirrorless camera from Fuji, X-M1, as well as Sony RX100MkII / RX200. According to the rumors, Fuji X-M1 will be available with new XC16-50mm OIS lens, XF27mm pancake or body only. The price is a bit of speculation at the moment, but I would expect something about $600 for the body and ~$750-800 for the zoom kit. Well,  rumored $600 for the zoom kit might be somewhat unrealistic considering considering current price of other models in the same category, such as Samsung NX300 (~$850 kit), Olympus E-PL5 (~$720), Sony NEX-5R (~$750).

Control of new zoom lens, XC16-55mm F3.5-5.6 might be appealing to people used to point-and-shoot cameras. It took me some time to get used to the XF18-55mm and Fuji X-E1 because I used dials for aperture adjustment on both compact and DSLRs for more than 10 years. So far Fuji made excellent lenses for its X system. While the specs of the new XC zoom are fairly standard, it might be an interesting option if the quality is good. The new on-sensor hybrid autofocus system will help with the autofocus speed, and excellent sensor characteristics allow to use high iso. Frankly, if the lens is sharp and contrast and if the autofocus is broadly comparable to XF18-55, I would prefer 16-50mm. I generally need more DoF, not less, and I also prefer to have a slightly wide length. 

Both Nikon A and Ricoh GR are tested by DPReview

It is an old news, but nevertheless: DPReview published their opinion on Ricoh GR. The camera got a Gold mark (Nikon A got Silver some time ago). None of these cameras made to Amazon 100 top selling cameras when I checked the stats a couple days ago. Fuji X100S did. Both Ricoh GR and Nikon A have 28mm (eqv) lens, and are smaller than Fuji X100S. Both models use a traditional Bayer sensor while the Fuji is equipped with a non-conventional X-Trans sensor.

Here we go: Fuji X-M1!

Some images of rumored Fuji X-M1 appeared on the web, as well as a new zoom lens, XC 16-50mm f3.5-5.6 OIS. It is still a rumor, and I cannot figure out if those are renderings or photographs. The camera has X-M1 engraved on the front panel and it has a nice tiltable screen.

The traditional Fuji exposure compensation dial is replaced with a non-marked dial. The camera also got a second non-convetional dial at the rear. The screen looks big, so the camera has very few buttons clustered on the right side. It got the red button! There is no "Launch!" word written nearby, so it is probably a dedicated movie button. Obviously, Q button is there. A pop-up flash is present, as well as "Wi-Fi" word on the top. This is year 2013, so wi-fi is must to have feature in any camera.

New zoom, XC16-50mm f3.5-5.6 OIS. If true, it is not XF, it is XC. C probably means Consumer or something similar. The lens has two rings, for zoom and probably manual focus. Aperture apparently will be controlled through the body / dials. Finally, the rear plastic dial on Fuji X-E1 might get some work to do. It is also possible that the ring is programmable for either aperture control or manual focus. This will be really handy for people who despise manual focus :) The lens has an optical image stabilisation / OIS and takes 58mm filters. Fujinon XF18-55mm takes the same size. The new zoom looks a bit shorter than the XF18-55mm, but not very small. It starts at 16mm, and 16mm should give the same angle as 24mm-25mm on full-frame cameras. This might be very handy. No LM labelling (linear motor). The linear motors contribute to a fast autofocus.

The new 27mm pancake is small, with just one ring. Hopefully, it is a programmable ring. 

Canon M goes on steroids

Remember time when Canon handicapped their entry-level DSLRs by disabling some features though software? Hopefully these things are in the past now. The competition is severe in camera world in these days.

Back to the topic. One of the major issues for Canon M CSC was a slow autofocus. Slow is relative term. Actually, the camera is not that slow for a general use as it is generally portrayed, but it is not as fast as in competing models. However, recently Canon released a new firmware for Canon M, and it seems the autofocus is significantly faster after the update.  

Canon M kits are selling at fairly low price now (new Canon M model is rumored). Canon recently announced a very compact wide angle zoom for the M mount, Canon EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM (preview here). Its weight is just 220g and the focal length is equal to 18-35mm on full-frame body. Suddenly the M system became an attractive option for people who like to hike with small and light camera. I would be more than happy to carry Canon M with the 11-22mm on my bushwalking trips to local rainforest because my current setup (28mm eqv) is a bit restrictive on wide angle. Cameras such as Ricoh GR or Nikon A might be more compact but Canon M with the wide-angle zoom is just more versatile. The wide-angle zoom for Fuji X mount is planned for release only at the end of this year. Fujinon FX10-24mm F4 would be a slightly wider lens (equal to 15-36mm on full-frame bodies). It will be bigger, too. But right now Canon M is a very attractive offering, with DSLR-like image quality in compact package and very interesting wide zoom.

RX100 is still very popular

I like to check list of top selling cameras on Amazon. Sometimes the numbers are just unbelievable. For example, Fuji X100S is present in top 100 best selling cameras (position 68 in all categories). Fuji X100S is a great camera, no doubt but it is an elitist camera aimed on certain group of people. At $1300 it is one of the most expensive cameras in top 100 list. On other hand, other compact cameras with APS-C sensor, Nikon A and Ricoh GR, did not made it to the list on that day.

Another interesting fact: Sony RX100 is still selling close to $650. Today it was on position 21. Other camera with 1" sensor (Nikon 1) did not made it in top 100 list.  Nikon 1 J2 is selling for $300  including10-30mm VR lens but it is less popular that the Sony. J2 is not a latest model, but the replacement for Sony X100 is expected to be announced later this month. Still, Sony RX100 is prices twice more than the Nikon, and it is more popular.      

Nikon 1 is an amazing system with the fastest autofocus among current breed of mirrorless cameras, but many people want to have a small and capable camera. Nikon has the technology to make a good compact camera with 1" sensor and fast autofocus. Such camera probably would outsold RX100 or RX100MkII. But for now Sony is the only company producing 1" compact cameras.

This situation describes a very narrow segment of camera market, advanced compact and mirrorless cameras. The whole market is dominated by two giants. In fact, Nikon is very successful company.

Fuji announcement next week.

A big announcement is expected from Fujifilm next week, so the specs of a new entry-level mirrorless camera will be leaked soon. According to Mirrorless Rumors, the new camera will not be equipped with with X-Trans sensor. Will it be a traditional Bayer sensor or something else? But it would be a nice test of people needs. The first CSC Fuji model, X-Pro1, came with the unique hybrid viewfinder, but Fuji X-E1 with electronic viewfinder is arguably more popular model. I do not have numbers to back up this claim, but X-E1 consistently has a higher rank among best selling CSC cameras on Amazon. Obviously, viewfinder is not the only thing different between two models, but it is significant thing. EVF is more compact and probably cheaper and more flexible in term of assembly, so X-E1 is smaller, lighter and cheaper. The ability to choose is very important. People who value a good optical viewfinder and prime lenses can buy X-Pro1, while X-E1 is aimed on a wider range of people. Fuji X-A1 / X-M1 / X-x1 equipped with non-X-Trans sensor might be a shocking revelation to the company. After all, Fuji X100 had a conventional sensor, and it was a hugely popular camera. After all, how many people bought X-Pro1 or X-E1 because of the X-Trans sensor? Considering a limited support of X-Trans RAW files at early stages of the system, it seems that many people have bought these cameras despite of the sensor. Imagine "X-E2" with a standard Bayer sensor and weak anti-aliasing filter. Or without filter. Something similar to sensors used in Nikon A or Ricoh GR. Would it be popular? I am very curious to see a X mount camera without X-Trans sensor...

In addition, ambiguous rumors point on a new small zoom lens for the forthcoming entry-level model, more compact than the current XF18-55mm. It might be a marginally wider (16mm), sort of a darker version of Sony 16-50mm F2.8. Samsung 20-50mm is a very compact, and it is very popular with small NX cameras such as NX300 or NX1000. Obviously, it is not very wide lens.

Autofocus: Canon M vs Sony NEX

One of my friends decided to try several mirrorless cameras. Obviously, he read thing or two on the web before going to the shop. He tried Canon M first, and was surprised with the autofocus. According to his words, it was not instant but not slow. He tried Sony NEX-5(something) and was blown away with the autofocus. It was nearly instant. Obviously, the autofocus speed on mirrorless cameras is smaller comparing to DSLR, but for static or slow moving objects it probably would be more than acceptable for many people. Obviously, different people have different requirements for a camera, so for some the autofocus speed on CSC might not be sufficient. The only solution: go to the shop and try the camera yourself.

Fun with Fuji X10

Jumping spider | Fuji X10 (crop)

We went to a local park where kids found a tiny but very energetic jumping spider. These spiders can jump at considerable distance, and kids spent some time playing "jump, little spider, jump, jump, jump".

Once again I appreciated the versatility of a compact camera. For me, Fuji X-10 beats Fuji X-E1 as a fun camera. I guess the same can be said about any advanced compact cameras: Olympus XZ1, Nikon P7700, Sony RX100 etc. The progress in sensor technology is truly amazing.

The spider was released to natural environment :)

Jump to me! | Fuji X10 (crop, resize)

Sony RX200 specs leaked

According to numerous rumors, Sony will replace RX100 with a new model, and the announcement is expected later this month. Now the specs for a new model (RX200 or RX100M2) were leaked. The new model has some interesting and useful improvements, such as tilting screen. However, the lens keeps its specs. Well, X100 is an extremely popular model, so why mess with the successful design? Ain't broken... Early rumors suggested a significant upgrade in lens specs and quality, and unfortunately this is not materialized. No doubt, the new model will be very popular because of its huge 1" sensor and extremely compact size.

Fisheye for NX

Samsung announced a 10mm F3.5 fisheye lens for NX mirrorless cameras. The lens is just 26mm thick and weight 71g. Yep, it is not a typo - 71 grams or 2.5 oz. It is tiny. Samsung is doing remarkable job with NX.

Sample images from Canon EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM

Canon UK has several sample photos taken with the recently announced wide-angle M mount lens, Canon EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM.  The focal length is equal to 18-38mm (35mm film eqv). The lens weight is just 220g. DPReview site posted a brief preview of the lens. The lens represent the most compact wide-angle lens for APS-C mirrorless cameras. Canon M, the only (first) mirrorless camera from Canon, is selling under $600 USD at places like B&H, and this is price for the kit with either a standard zoom or 22mm f2 pancake. In addition, Canon will release a new software that should improve the autofocus speed on the camera. Very attractive development of Canon M system...

Fujinon XF55-200mm F3.5-4.8

The numbers do not say everything in this case but still can be very interesting and entertaining. Couple Canon lenses in the table above are 'full frame', so it is not a fair comparison. Canon 70-200mm has a different design but for me it is a benchmark lens in this category. I am curios to see a head to head comparison between the Fuji and Canon 70-200mm f4 OIS for image sharpness and contrast. Judging from opinions of early adopters Fuji XF55-200mm is a good lens.

ZUIKO 50-200mm F2.8-3.5 SWD is my favourite lens for Olympus DSLRs, due to a useful focal length and image quality. However, I am not very happy with autofocus at very short distances. It looks a bit off in most cases. I blame myself. It is very slow on Olympus mirrorless cameras, at least on previous generation. Anyway, I switched to Fuji X some time ago, and I am very interested in Fujinon XF55-200mm. Fujinon lens is slower that the ZUIKO or Canon 70-200mm f4 but Fuji mirroless cameras are good at high iso, so it would not be a major issue. In addition, for static objects OIS will help.

Sony RX200 later this month!

According to Mirrorless Rumors, Sony RX200 will be announced in June, and it supposed to have a swivel  rear screen. No word on lens spec, viewfinder, or sensor. It probably will follow tested and proven RX100 body style, but with non-fixed screen. Amazingly, Sony RX100 is still priced at ~$700 in Australia.

Also, another full frame camera a'la RX1 is expected within several months. It is unclear if the new model will be available alongside with Sony RX1, or RX1 is going to be discontinued. Sony may emulate / replicate Sigma approach and manufacture several models with different focal length, 28mm or ~50mm, in addition to 35mm (RX1). I would bet on 28mm :)

Fuji X-E1 at iso 1600

Common Brown | Fuji X-E1 & XF60mm Macro

Some time ago I've rented Fujinon XF60mm Macro lens. The XF18-55mm is not the best lens for macro, and I miss the close-up ability, especially after being used to the supermacro option on Fuji X10. I can swap X-E1 and X10 cameras every second day, but I prefer the image quality from the X-E1 for all other situations, especially for landscapes. It is in a different league compared to the X10.

Shooting macro can be challenging. I am talking about bugs and flowers, not studio type macro. For this type of macro a big depth of field is very important, so the good light is essential. Bright light creates a lot of problems, especially highlights clipping. And sometimes there is just not enough light. So, the iso goes up very often, especially on cameras with big sensors.

Here is a picture of Common Brown, one of the local butterfly, taken with Fuji X-E1 and XF60mm Macro at iso 1,600 at f/5.0 and 1/105 sec exposure. I believe the exposure compensation was set up to -0.7 but I need to check the original file (Exif on flickr does not show any exposure compensation for the cropped image). The lens is not stabilised, hence the exposure has to be relatively short. The image is cropped in GIMP and saved at ~77% JPEG quality. The bigger version is available on flickr including the original resolution.

Autofocus accuracy on Fuji X-E1

Goanna | Fuji X-E1 & XF18-55mm

Just an opportunistic snapshot of a fairly big goanna on the picnic ground in dry eucalypt forest, either in a State forest or Springbrook national park, along the road leading to the Natural Bridge national park. Goannas are frequent visitors to picnic ground where they can steal some food or just get some leftovers. The image was cropped and the JPEG quality was reduced in GIPM. The image is available at the original resolution on my flickr page. 

Fuji pricing policy

Lucky US customers just got discounts on Fujifilm products, e.g. $300 off the XF18-55mm or XF60mm Macro price when purchased with a camera. This sound like a reasonable deal. I am not a big fan of the Fuji pricing policy on lenses and cameras. Here in Australia X-E1 & XF18-55mm kit saves you about 30% over the separate purchase. The difference is just huge compared to other manufacturers of mirrorless cameras.

I don't mind to pay a higher price for a better product assuming it is a fair price. But by such huge difference between kit and separate purchase indicates on the opposite...

Fuji FX55-200mm is available in Australia

According to this post on the DPReview forum, Michaels Camera in Melbourne already got Fuji XF55-200mm F3.5-4.8 R LM OIS lens, so it is become available earlier than anticipated. It seems that the lens is excellent optically (read the post), and the optical image stabilisation is also very good. My favourite zoom range, my favourite size, my favourite lens mount... Time to save pennies, cents, pfennigs, centimes, dimes :(

Another person posted some photos taken with XF55-200mm. The first image is taken at 1/40 sec at 200mm, and it does look sharp. Very tempting lens...

Bushwalking in Girraween

Round rocks of Girraween | Fuji X-E1 & XF18-55mm

Girraween national park is one of the most strangest places I've ever visited. The park is located in so called Granite Belt region at the NSW/Queensland border, in about three hours drive from Brisbane. The park is famous for several rocks and granite monoliths: Pyramids,  Sphinx, Turtle, Castle as well as  waterholes and numerous huge round boulders as on the photo above. The mountains are not high enough to cause rains, so the area is covered by the dry rigid bush. It can be very hot during summer and very cold (by Queensland standards) in winter, especially at night.

Some walks in park are easy and suitable for kids, other require certain fitness and climbing skills, e.g. walk to Mt. Norman. The First Pyramid is a very popular destination in dry weather.

The park is also famous for its diverse floral display, especially around a spring time. Eastern grey kangaroos are common in the park and can be seen at very close distance. It is also a home to big red crayfish but I have not seen it so far.

The park has two big campgrounds but early booking is essential during school holidays or long weekends, especially around the spring time. Private accommodation is available is several places near the park for people not interested in camping, and tours might be arranged to the private observatory located in this area.

Australian landscape. Girraween | Fuji X-E1 & XF18-55mm  

More rumors on entry-level mirrorless camera from Fuji

I guess this rumor is all around the web now, but I got it on Mirrorless Rumors. Fuji is expected to release 2 (two) entry-level CSCs / mirrorless cameras, and one might be announced later this month. The rumored names for these models are still a guess, so people can bet on X-A1 or X-M1. I will call it X-x1 :) No build-in viewfinder but non-fixed (tilted?) rear screen. Not big surprise here :) One model might be equipped with X-Trans sensor, the other apparently not. Would it be a Bayer sensor or something else? Fuji engineers do like non-standard sensors, and they definitely know thing or two about sensors. While it is possible that the company would add a standard Bayer mask, I would not exclude something more exotic here  :) Fuji X100 has a standard Bayer sensor, and it was a huge success. Fuji Sx DSLR cameras equipped with non-standard sensors had/have many devoted adepts. It is good to remember that Fuji X100 is the only X-branded camera with a standard Bayer mask… Obviously, it will get all the latest autofocus tech used on Fuji X100S.

I am curious to see what lens will be sold together with X-x1. One of the obvious candidates is the new (unannounced) XF27mm F2.8 pancake. Or Fuji may have something up their sleeve… Some compact zoom… It is just a dreaming, don't take it seriously :-)  

Also, lucky Fuji fans in the US might get rebates on Fujinon lenses. Frankly, here in Down Under, the price difference between kit and separate body and lens purchase is just insane. I do not mind to pay a premium for a new product, but current Fuji pricing policy looks like a rip-off to me. Thankfully, I am not in a rush to buy XF55-200mm, so I plan to snap it later on eBay. BTW, the lens (XF 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8 R LM OIS) is expected to be in Oz around mid-June at about $800, so an instant rebate might be very handy.