Many rumor sites are speculating that Fujifilm will introduce the next generation of X-T camera the first week in September. I believe the speculation is for September 8th. (UPDATE: The announcement has now been delayed with no new date specified) About a month from now. I wonder what the X-T6 will be as compared to the X-T5 and will it be something I would consider buying?
Unlike previous weeks leading up to a new release, rumors and information from the trusted rumor sites have been scarce. Usually, in the months and weeks prior to the introduction of a new camera, many aspects of the camera are released—trickled out—deliberately, in my opinion, to build a bit of excitement and as marketing hype. But not so much for this camera. That may not bode well for those of us who are X-T fans. It may signal that the X-T6 is merely a small, incremental update of the X-T5, as was the OM-1 Mark II over the OM-1 Mark I. Just some minor to moderate improvements. Let’s hope not. If Fujifilm shows small, incremental updates, that in my opinion, is a huge mistake.
As I sit here and hold my Fujifilm X-T5, my all-time favorite digital camera, I wonder what improvements Fujifilm will give us, what new features will be implemented, what current features may be eliminated, what engineering improvements will be made and what will remain the same? So, I conducted a little thought experiment to expand my thoughts about what the new camera may bring to the photographic table, so to speak.
As is, I think the X-T5 is a really good camera. If it were not replaced, I think it is more than ‘good enough’ that it could serve its users for several more years and stay competitive. It has a few shortcomings, mostly because its technology is getting older, but if it were my only camera to use for the next several years, I could be okay with that.
After owning and using this camera extensively since it was first introduced in November, 2022, i think i can speak intelligently about it and a potential successor. By the way, I’ve used Fujifilm cameras since February 2014 when I bought and X-T1 and I’ve had all of the XT series of camera bodies. So I have seen the incremental changes in the cameras as Fujifilm has introduced new and better camera bodies.
I want to qualify the rest of this post by saying these are my thoughts about how I use my Fujifilm cameras, the types of photography I practice and what I do with my photographs. These are just my opinions and opinions are neither right nor wrong, just opinions. Your situation may be completely different and my thoughts, wants and hopes may not be germane to you whatsoever. That’s fine. But maybe I will highlight a few things that will be pertinent to your situation and then you can judge whether or not you would want to purchase the X-T6 when it is introduced.
I believe that if Fujifilm introduces this camera with features that are ‘as good as’ features in other cameras, then they have missed the boat. I don’t think it is wise for a company to play catch up. When Sony, Nikon, Canon or OM introduce new cameras, the features, AF, etc. are cutting edge, better than about anyone else’s at that point it time. Next generation. They typically leapfrog each other in providing improvements. If Fujifilm is only catching up, then they are five years behind and will never be a leader in the industry. They’ll be known as followers. Good enough is good enough, would be the game they are playing.
First, the things I think are just fine and probably don’t need improved or changed…
-Size & body shape is fine; right size, right weight, right haptics for me. Feels good in my hand.
-Memory cards, I’m okay with dual SDXC cards, fast enough and interchangeable with all the other memory cards I use in my other camera; I don’t need the speed or cost of CF Type B cards.
-Joystick; still a must and the Fujifilm has implemented the one in the T5 is fine with me.
-Buttons and dials. Keep them all. Don’t eliminate any.
-4-way selector; the trend is to eliminate them but I hope they don’t; it is useful.
-LCD screen’s 3-way articulation; four-way would be nice but I can live with three. Don’t change to a fully articulating swing-out one. Please!
A few Things I would like to see improved…
-#1 in importance—AF and subject recognition must be much improved; not an option. There must be a giant leap forward. No excuses.
-Build quality, not quite where I would like it to be after using X100VI and X-E5; step it up a bit. It seems a bit less than previous X-T cameras also.
-Sensor; same number of pixels but go with a fully stacked sensor with faster readout speed. That also helps with AF.
-Image processor; they always need more capabilities as features, AF, etc. require it. A new image process is mandatory.
-Shutter; mimic the Nikon Z8 and implement a sensor that doesn’t need a mechanical shutter. I loved this feature on that camera. I found it was flawless.
-Little better resolution in EVF; LCD is fine; a jump to 5.76mp for the EVF.
-Better IBIS; match or exceed newest Fuji cameras or even better.
-Highlight weighted metering mode; this is a great feature; never clip your highlights; I had this on my Z8 and my Ricoh GRIIIx; I used it quite often in tricky situations.
-Menu system is outdated and has ‘lost its way’ after so many upgrades and additions. Follow OM and Sony’s lead and rethink it entirely. Use colors like you did in the beginning as it helps distinguish among several groups of pages.
-Keep same battery size and shape but increase capacity; make sure the new battery works in the current cameras as well.
A few things I would like Fujifilm to add…
-I don’t need a lot of new features as I stay pretty basic with my photography, but there are a few from my other cameras that would give the X-T6 greater versatility.
-I liked my Nikon Z8’s ability to program a Fn button to instantly switch several settings when a situation rapidly changes. Sony has this as well. For example if one were making landscape images and a Bald Eagle suddenly flew over, several settings could instantly be changed to catch the bird-in-flight. Push the button again and the camera returns to your previous settings.
-I really like OM’s feature of virtual neutral density filters; 1-7 stops; a nice upgrade?
-I also like OM’s ability to take long exposures and watch the image build right in front of your eyes on the LCD. When the exposure looks perfect, end it. No do overs. Nail it the first time.
-I also like OM’s in-camera pixel shift combination (50mp handheld high resolution and 80mp tripod based high resolution capabilities); I’d like it even if it just JPEG but a raw composite would be better.
-Automatic sensor cover when camera is turned off, similar to the Z8’s. I think one or more of the Sony cameras has this as well. Wonderful to protect the sensor and sensor dust.
-Add another function button below the one on the front; one additional Fn button is always helpful.
-Add a green filter to the monochrome and Acros film simulations.
-Snap focus; I find this is a very useful asset in my GRIIIx. Fast to employ and it works.
-Something to consider? More than just black and chrome finish? Also, leatherette in several colors? That may be going too far but a gunmetal finish would be nice as they have done in the past.
A couple of things I would not like Fujifilm to add…
-Film simulation dial on the camera like the X-E5; I’m not a fan. But that’s just me.
How about Video? I don’t ever use the video capabilities so I have no comment.
Lastly…
Now…I’ll leave my most controversial wish for last. I would like Fujifilm to ditch the X-Trans sensor architecture and go to the mainstream Bayer Array architecture. There are just too many issues with Lightroom (still—after all these years) with these sensors and most of us use Lightroom. The demosaicing of the raw files just isn’t as good as it should be at this stage. We deserve better. If I recall, Fujifilm invented the X-Trans sensor to counteract moire. Well, with 40mp sensors, moire is really not much of an issue these days. It was a real issue with 12-16mp cameras and such. I also wouldn’t worry about the ‘Fujifilm colors’ or film simulations. Fujifilm uses a Bayer sensor on the GFX line of cameras and the colors and film simulations look just fine if not better than with the X-cameras. I suspect a lot of Fujifilm aficionados would vehemently disagree, but this is my desire and no one has to agree. Just sayin’.
These are just some quick thoughts that came to mind—my wants, not necessarily anyone else’s. There may be a few other things that haven’t come to mind. If you have other suggestions or hopes or even fears, let the rest of us know in a comment below.
Now….let’s sit back and see what comes.
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Thanks for looking. Enjoy!
Dennis A. Mook
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Hi Dennis. I just don't know. I hope that Fujifilm manages to incorporate even half of your wish list. They have a lot to do if they want to grow in the current market. My first foray into the Fujifilm universe was 2016. Upgrading over the years I ended up with the X-T5. But I had four Sigma lenses because Fujifilm's offerings were not giving me what I wanted. The aperture ring on the 33mm f/1.4, among others, was too loose, too easy to move. On a lens that lists at close to $1K, that does not compute for me.
ReplyDeleteI agree that autofocus on the bodies needs a huge leap. I agree that the Film sim dial on the X-E5 is not something that is in the plus column for me. I was waiting for that body because I was in the market for a small everyday kit. I ended up with a used Sigma BF and 4 Sigma lenses. It is challenging, it has it's limitations, and so far I enjoy using it.
I owned the Z8. Like you, too much to grab on the way out the door. It was probably the nicest, most technologically advanced camera I have ever owned. Used the trade in value to get the Sigma. I'm with you on incorporating some Z8 features into the next Fuji generation.
So I have currently settled on the BF and the Nikon Z5 II.
Speaking of build quality, I owned the X100V and it took a tumble from one cardboard box to another of about 18 inches. It must have landed on the shutter release, and would not focus or take a picture. To Fuji's credit they replaced the shutter release free of charge. I was surprised and happy. But, an 18 inch fall onto a cardboard box didn't give me a warm feeling about the build.
Hope you are vertical and remain so for many moons. When a customer at work asked me how I was and I told him I was vertical, his reply was to keep moving, that way they can't throw dirt on ya'.
Best regards.
Al, thanks for your thoughts. I’m really intrigued by the BF. It is a stunning looking camera and I like cameras that are somewhat challenging to use. In the future, I’d be interested in your experience with it. I just watched the last few of Omar Gonzalez YouTube videos. He took his son to Peru and Sigma gave him a BF and several lenses to use and make videos. The images looked gorgeous. ~Dennis
DeleteDennis,
DeleteYes, Omar’s channel was a favorite haunt of mine during my Fuji days. I still visit to see what’s up. The BF is different, to say the least. Adorama had a black one for $500 off list. I don’t think I would have gambled on it if I hadn’t found that one. I paired the body with a new Sigma 35mm f/2 Contemporary. The interface is a bit daunting at first. The thing that allowed me to see its potential operation was a YouTuber post by Logan Webb entitled Sigma BF User’s Guide. Over 24 minutes he dives into everything I wanted to know. Well worth a look if you are curious. The UI is fascinating to me. You can dive into the menus, and many YouTubers failed by saying you had to get into the menus to do anything. Not true. With the spin dial and center button you can access most of what you need.
After finding that post, and a few others by Robert May, I was able to wrap my brain around the UI. Made me think that it might be very interesting on cameras in the future.
I thought about zoom lenses but that seemed to defeat the size factor. So I went with the 35 f/2 and added a new 17 f/4 contemporary. I also added three used lenses, all Sigma contemporary; the 45 f/2.8, the 65 f/2, and the 90 f/2.8. Very compact. The 65 is the heaviest of the bunch. I can carry the body with lens attached plus 1 or 2 others in a bag that’s about 5-6 liters. I use wraps around the lenses because the bag is not a camera bag.
The LCD is not the brightest, so super bright days can be challenging. That seems to me to be the biggest problem. Logan commented on that. I added the Small Rig grip, under $50. Without that it is a bit much to clamp your hand around it even with the knurling, especially with the 65mm. Questions? Let me know.
Thanks Al. I’ll check out those two guys you mentioned. Out of curiosity, if nothing else. But who knows? ~Dennis
DeleteHi Dennis. I was intrigued by your quote: “ I liked my Nikon Z8’s ability to program a Fn button to instantly switch several settings when a situation rapidly changes. ”
DeleteCould you share the way you did it?
Many thanks
John.
John, thanks for asking. I’m happy to help. It’s menu item f2. There are two choices. Recall Shooting Functions and Recall Shooting Functions (Hold). When you access the menu item there will be a long list of settings which you can invoke selecting them. It selecting them places a check mark in the square. Choose how few or how many you want to use. Things like shutter speed, aperture, burst rate, AF function, etc., etc. After you have selected which of these you would want your camera to instantly change to, then program a button to that function (Recall Shooting Functions). This is where the two choices come in. Recall Shooting Functions will instantly change your camera to those new chosen settings as long as you keep the button depressed. Letting go returns the camera back to where it was. Recall Shooting Functions (Hold) will change those settings and keep them changed after depressing the button. The will not change back until you press the button again. I used that function to instantly change from my regular shooting settings to settings to capture birds-in-flight. I found it worked very well. I hope this helps. ~Dennis
Delete