photoxels
This is a very interesting interview by 2how.com about the direction of the Fujifilm X-System mirrorless cameras. Though I don’t read Thai, I can guess at the questions from the answers given by Mr. Kawahara.
The gist of the interview:
- Compact camera market is going down but mirrorless camera market is on an upswing.
- Fujifilm listens closely to its customers as it improves its cameras, often by a firmware upgrade.
- Three categories of X-Series: Pro with the X-Pro1 (and X-E1 and X-E2); Mid range (enthusiasts?) with the X-E1, X-E2 (and X-M1); and Entry-level with the X-M1 and X-A1.
- A new category to expand user base.
- Signal Processor accounts for the success of the image quality of the X-A1.
- X-E2 has more than 60 improvements over the X-E1. Faster AF is thanks to both the new signal processor algorithm and hybrid sensor with Phase Detection pixels.
- No planned successor for the X-Pro1 except thru firmware upgrades.
- 16MP resolution is enough (I love how he emphasizes this), however customers demand more, so expect a higher resolution sensor (and hence an X-Pro2?).
- Twelve lenses are enough, but again customers demand more, so more will come. [Editor’s note: I quite agree that there are “enough” quality lenses for the X-Series. Where Fujifilm can improve is providing lenses for specialized photography: the fast super long zooms that will take the X-Pro1 a step further into the realm of professional sports photography; the 1x macro/micro lenses for super closeup photography; the accessories to use the X-series cameras for astrophotography. These are the photos that wow and will establish the Fujifilm brand.]
- It may be difficult (optically impossible?) to have a small XC lens with a large aperture value.
- X-DNA Design focuses primarily on the operability of the camera.
- Concerning a full-frame X-Series camera, the problem is that the current XF lenses will not work and so new full-frame lenses will have to be developed. This will come at the detriment of current APS-C X-Series camera users. So, unless customers can make a convincing argument why X-Series should go to full-frame, there are no plans to do so “just now.”
- Fujifilm likes the X100s camera size and is reluctant to increase it. Going full-frame will require a larger camera body.
Read the article at: 2how.com.
