New X cameras from Fuji

Fujifilm will release a new compact X camera, X30, apparently with electronic viewfinder and non-fixed rear screen. According to leaked images, the rear layout differs significantly from X10 - price to pay for tiltable(?) screen. It seems that the new camera will be announced soon.

Rumors about X200 and X-Pro2 circulate around the web for some time, with major announcement expected "very soon". We may see a new sensor in these cameras.

If I only can get some spare time for photography...  

Upgrade for Fuji X-T1

Some rumors about an early upgrade(?) of Fuji X-T1 circulate on the web (see this post on Mirrorless Rumors). The only discussed change is for the viewfinder. It is a bit strange: the viewfinder on Fuji X-T1 is one of the best currently available. If the rumor is correct, how the release of the new model would affect price of X-T1? Here in Brisbane the body only is listed for $1600AUD. For comparison, Fuji X-E1 (body only) is just $450, X-E1 with XF18-55mm - $800.

Announcement of weather-sealed Fujinon XF18-135mm lens is expected next Monday. The lens road map site indicate the lens aperture as F3.5-F5.6. The lens will make a natural part of weather-sealed X-T1 or X-T1P.  

A compact camera from Nikon with 1" sensor

Very interesting rumor: some people expect to see a premium Nikon compact camera (with fixed lens), 1" sensor and bright zoom lens.

Intriguing announcement from Fuji

June 19, this year. Two weeks to wait. Hopefully, Fuji will announce the rumored X30 with 1" sensor. The new weather-sealed zoom lens is an another candidate.

Samsung to put 1" sensor in their camera

Apparently Samsung may build camera with 1" sensor. Nikon and Sony both made cameras with similar sized sensors. Immensely popular Sony RX100 is a truly compact camera with 20MP 1" sensor, while RX10 is an extremely appealing high-end model boosting 24-200mm F2.8 lens in front of a similar sensor. Nikon 1 system has several bodies and lenses.

Compact cameras with 1" sensor provide both convenience of and high image quality, and it is good to see other manufactures going this route. After release of Sony RX100 the web was full of expectations and speculation about other cameras from other companies, especially Olympus. However, most camera makers decided to put smaller (back-illuminated) sensors in their advanced compacts. Fuji kept 2/3" sensor in X20, but it is twice smaller than 1" sensor.  

Weather-sealed mirrorless camera from Fuji

More rumors appeared about a weather-sealed Fujifilm mirrorless camera, X-T1 (tough?). This would be an extremely welcome addition to Fuji X family. The only problem: there is no weather-sealed lenses for the X mount. Weather-sealing is not mentioned for the latest XF10-24mm F4 R zoom lens. It is possible that a new weather-sealed lens will be announced alongside with the weather-sealed body. It can be XF18-135mm F4.5-6.7 R OIS planned for release in the middle of 2014, but this does not agree with the rumored X-T1 announcement later this month.

New wallet-friendly Olympus OM-D camera

According to some web rumors, Olympus will release an "entry-level" OM-D camera in nearby future. In Oz Oly E-M1 (body only) is available for about $1500, while E-M5 goes for under $900 (with extras). For comparison: Oly E-P5 body is available for ~ $850. Will the new OM-D camera be cheaper than that?

I guess the new model will use the latest hybrid autofocus as E-M1. Improvement of hybrid autofocus technology allows decent compatibility with 4/3 lenses, so just this feature in affordable body is a very welcome addition to the OM-D range.

In Brisbane I can get Fujinon XF55-200mm F3.5-4.8 lens for $770. If the new OM-D body will be in the same price range, I would be able to use it with ZUIKO 50-200mm F2.8-3.5. No lens swap, just carry two cameras. I would not expect weather-proofing for an entry-level body, but the same true for my Fuji gear.

Sony lensor unit with 1" sensor

Sony is very innovative company. It has (arguably) the most popular mirrorless system, or at least one of the most popular. RX100 and RX100MII, the compact cameras with 1" sensor, are extremely popular despite of relatively high price. Sony essentially abandoned traditional DSLRs and switched to semi-transparent mirror. Now Sony is aiming on camera / mobile hybrids. The idea is pretty straightforward: smartphones have screens and can remotely control cameras. So, strip a camera from controls and fit it with WiFi or some kind of wireless connection. But Sony added another remarkable thing: magnet. It seems that it is possible to stick such lensor on smartphone and get a "proper camera". I guess the magnet will work on other metal surfaces, so it would add more opportunities to remotely controlled photography.

According to recently surfaced rumors (or here), Sony will release two lensors, 10x zoom with 1/2.3" sensor and another unit with 1" sensor used in RX100MII. The 1" lensor is fairly big, with a 3.6x Zeiss lens. Zeiss name, fairly conservative 3.6x zoom range, size of the lensor - all these things indicate a high quality product.

Olympus E-M1

A few days ago the specs of new rumored mirrorless Olympus camera appeared on the web (e.g. see this post on Mirrorless Rumors). Basically, the new camera (E-M1? - a bit strange numbering and confusing numbering if true) looks similar to E-M5 with several things updated and improved. One of the most interesting new feature: phase detection autofocus embedded into a 16MP sensor. This should (at least in theory) provide a decent autofocus speed with 4/3 lenses, but through 4/3 to m4/3 adapter. Occasionally Olympus bundles such adapters with cameras. 

New Olympus camera in September

Olympus is rumored to announce a mirrorless camera that can work both with 4/3 and m4/3 lenses. Technically, it is possible to use 4/3 lenses on current m4/3 bodies but at expense of an autofocus speed. The new camera is rumored would not require any adapter. One way of doing this would be a movable sensor: distance between lens and sensor is different in Olympus DSLRs and m4/3 mirrorless cameras. Besides of compatibility with two lens systems, this should add build-in macro capability, obviously at expense of f number. Technically it might work with any m4/3 lens. Autofocus (speed) might be an issue for kit zoom lenses, but this might open a really interesting opportunity for excellent prime lenses available for m4/3 system.

How big will be this camera?  It seems the camera is planned as a replacement for Olympus OM-D E-M5, but, on other hand, with such build-in adapter it might be similar in size to Olympus 4/3 DSLRs. Unless Olympus use some additional tricks :) 

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.

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.

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.

Panasonic GX2 with build-in viewfinder

The most interesting development in camera world is happening on its periphery, in mirrorless / compact system cameras, and very often the innovative or interesting ideas are offered by companies without strong tradition in photography. This post is about rumored Panasonic GX2. According to the leaked specs the camera will have a new 18MP sensor and tiltable viewfinder. Finally, m4/3 guys decided to put a viewfinder on the side of the camera. Several Sony cameras such as NEX-7 have such arrangement, as well as Fuji X-E1 and X-Pro1. On other hand, cameras with a "hump" viewfinder such as Olympus OM-D E-M5 are fairly tall. The rumors also suggest in-body image stabilisation, which sounds a bit unlikely for Panasonic: the company got several optically stabilised lenses for their m4/3 cameras. It is not completely implausible. Olympus and Panasonic share some knowledge on cameras. I would not be surprised if Olympus would share its latest 5-axes stabilisation with Panasonic. Anyway, this would be one of the appealing MFT models, a compact and capable camera

Entry level mirrorless camera from Fuji

According to Mirrorless rumors, Fujifilm will announce X-M1 mirrorless camera in next couple months. The name X-M1 was appeared on the web during announcement of X-E1 (~ five month ago). Considering that cheap tiny models without viewfinder and limited external controls are among the most popular mirrorless cameras, it is reasonable to expect for Fujifilm to add product in this segment. So, X-M1 probably will be similar to E-PLx / E-PMx style cameras, and presumably would not cost an arm and leg. Little brother (or sister?) of X10/X20, XF1, is a very appealing camera for some people.

Fujifilm has 55-200mm lens in their roadmap scheduled for release around this time, so it might coincide with the release of the new camera. It would make sense to release the camera with the latest autofocus system (the latest X-Trans sensor first appeared in X100S). Olympus did this with its PEN E-PL5, and created very attractive and affordable camera. If Fuji will keep its traditional button layout and replace fixed rear screen with tiltable / articulated version - that would be a good camera.

The same source predicts update for both X-Pro1 and X-E1 later this year. Obviously, Fuji want to add a fast hybrid autofocus on their mirrorless cameras, so it is not surprising.

Sigma DP3 Merrill with 50mm macro lens

According to Mirrorless Rumors, the new Sigma DP3 Merrill has 50mm f.2.8 Macro lens. If the camera has a real macro lens, it might be an ultimate solution for close-up photography for some people. The classic Macro at 50mm. The image quality probably will be equal to Sigma DP2M, which is "breathtaking". 

Update. The camera was announced on January 7. Quote: "The DP3 Merrill has a minimum focusing distance of 22.6cm (8.9”) and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:3". No miracle here, it is not 1:1 macro lens. It might be useful camera for product shots and some close-up shots but it would not substitute a proper macro lens.

Sensor in Fuji X20

Fujifilm is about to announce new cameras including replacement models for Fuji X100 and X10, and some specs for Fuji X100s and Fuji X20 are leaked. This rumor is somewhat confusing. First, it was expected that Fuji X100s will have a hybrid viewfinder. Maybe the upgraded HVF is based on OLED. It is confusing because Fuji X-E1 has electronic viewfinder. It seems that Fuji X100s will also have a hybrid viewfinder, and upgraded electronics. Also, the same source claims that Fuji X20 will have X-Trans sensor while it was expected that the successor of Fuji X10 will keep EXR sensor. Maybe it will combine both technologies. After all, the main feature of X-Trans sensor is essentially just non-standard color filter. But now I am curious to see the real specs. If Fuji X20 will get X-Trans sensor, than the camera can be the best compact with small sensor for shooting at high iso. And, on top of that, both cameras are getting focus peaking for manual focusisng and hybrid autofocus. 

Fuji X20: old rumors

I've missed this post on Fujirumors about Fuji X10 replacement. It is still rumor but from 'trusted sources'. Fujifilm X20 will get an updated optical viewfinder. Apparently some information will be displayed in the viewfinder.


According to some rumors, Fujifilm X20 will get the same / similar 3" screen as XF1. Fuji X10 has 2.8" screen. 

Rumored specs of Fuji X20

It seems that Fujifilm use 2/3" sensor in 'Fuji X20', replacement of Fujifilm X10 (Mirrorless Rumors). This is great news because all other manufactures reduced the sensor size in current models of advanced compact cameras. If true, kudos to Fujifilm! The MPs go up to 14 (I guess it is unavoidable, people need more MP :( ), but the most interesting update is the lens: 24-120mm (eqv) F1.8-2.8. If true, the  new lens gains on both wide and tele end of the zoom range and essentially maintain the brightness. No word on build-in neutral density filter. Well, Fuji XF1 has build-in ND, and hopefully the 'X20' will have one, too. Why it is important: the speed of a leaf shutter depends on aperture, and on Fuji X10 the maximal shutter speed at F2.0 is about 1/1000. Obviously,  on sunny day this is not enough, and sometimes the aperture must be closed to >5. The ND filter reduces amount of light and allows to take pictures at bright light with open aperture (good for background). I am also curious about Supermacro option. Even at 28mm (eqv), as on Fuji X10, the front element is very close to object. I hope that in 'Fuji X20' Supermacro mode is not implemented at 24mm (eqv). No word for screen (tiltable of fixed). My guess is fixed, to keep the size down. 

It seems that the replacement of Fuji X10 will keep the optical viewfinder. I practically do not use OVF on Fuji X10: it is small, does not show accurate framing, has no information whatsoever, not even focus point or focus confirmation. It is still useful on sunny day. 

More rumors

According to Mirrorless Rumors Fujifilm will announce the replacement for X10 and X100 in January. It is expected that X200 will have 16MP X-Trans sensor, the same as in X-Pro1 and X-E1, while Fuji X10 apparently may keep the EXR sensor of its predecessor.

For anyone interested in current generation of advance compact cameras DPReview team compared essentially all cameras in that class. Perfect camera suitable for everyone does not exist. Canon G15 has good lens, Sony RX100 with its big sensor wins on resolution etc. Sadly, Nikon P7700 is a bit slow compared to other cameras. Well, P7000 was also slow.

Interestingly, people expect a new m4/3 camera in January next year. In last few years Olympus had very high "model refresh rate". Will it be a new PEN or new OM-D? I would bet on new OM-D model with a build-in viewfinder positioned below E-M5. Hopefully one day Olympus will make m4/3 version of their E-300/330, something similar to Fuji X-E1 in term of external controls but with a tiltable monitor.

No new rumors on Olympus E-7, and anyone waiting for E-5 replacement, need to wait a little bit longer, maybe until the second half of 2013.