In this article, I’ll explore which Fujifilm kit I’d buy next and why.
Of course, if I had the money, I’d buy all of my wish list next week!
Since 2011, Fujifilm has consistently delivered a roadmap of excellent X Series and GFX Series cameras, lenses, and accessories.
In 2011, Fujifilm released the Fujifilm X100, the first generation of a classic rangefinder-style fixed-lens camera.
Since then, they’ve released a broad range of APS-C and medium format digital mirrorless cameras.
Their innovation, engineering, and commitment to continuous improvement (Kaizen) have shown the world that digital mirrorless is the way of the future.
New cameras and lenses have launched in the past year, and more are on the horizon.
There’s plenty of Fuji rumors flying around, and I have hopes for what’s next.
Let’s explore what’s old and new and what I’d like to see for Fujifilm photographers and videographers in the future.
Fujifilm Cameras That Are Gone But Not Forgotten
Before we look ahead to what we’d like to see from Fuji, we must consider what X Series cameras stood out.
It’s also critical to recognize how Fujifilm camera models changed the way photographers regarded APS-C crop sensors.
Fujifilm X70
Fujifilm X70 – Gone but not forgotten!
The Fujifilm X70 launched in February 2016 and was initially met with some confusion.
Fujifilm intended the camera to be a point-and-shoot for street photographers.
However, it launched at the same time as the acclaimed Fujifilm X-Pro 2 and was, as a result, overshadowed by its bigger street photography brother.
I’ve owned the Fujifilm X70 since launch, and it’s probably my favorite do-everything go-everywhere Fuji camera.
The X70 was revolutionary as it featured an all-metal chassis, a tilting touch screen, and a fixed 18.5mm (28mm full frame equivalent) Fujinon aspherical lens.
The smallest Fujifilm X camera neatly houses tactile command dials, a built-in flash, and Fujifilm film simulations.
In today’s market, photographers are scouring the internet to find an X70 in decent condition.
They love its size, compact form, Fujifilm aesthetic, and image quality.
Fujifilm X-T1
Fujifilm X-T1 + Fujifilm XF 50-140mm f/2.8 | 1/500 SS | 320 ISO | f/2.8
The Fujifilm X-T1 was the first generation of the X-T series, and it enabled Fuji photographers to shoot with pro-level performance.
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Launching in early 2014, it boasted a 16.3MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS II image sensor and EXR Processor II.
Despite a low-resolution sensor by today’s standards, the image quality and appeal were undeniable, as was the Fujifilm color science.
Today, the Fujifilm X-T range is up to generation V with a performance boost thanks to the 40.2MP X-Trans CMOS 5 HR sensor and powerful X Processor 5.
The Fujifilm X-T5 offers a wide range of applications for hobbyists and professionals in all genres.
Fuji also developed an amateur-level offshoot of the X-T series with the X-T10, X-T20, X-T30, and, most recently, X-T30 II.
Fujifilm X-Pro 2
Fujifilm XPro 2 + Fujifilm XF 16mm f/2.8 | 1/500 SS | 1600 ISO | f/6.4
As seen with the X100 and X-T series, Fujifilm loves to style its products after retro film cameras. Perhaps none more so than the award-winning Fujifilm XPro 2.
The Fujifilm XPro 2 launched in March 2016 and offered digital mirrorless photographers a rangefinder-style camera with an interchangeable lens mount.
Street and travel photographers fell over themselves trying to scoop up an XPro 2, and they’re still a sought-after second-hand camera.
It had a 24MP image sensor and offered greater shutter speeds and low-light performance than the Fujifilm XPro 1.
The latest entry in the series is the Fujifilm XPro 3. It launched with much fanfare and FOMO—Fear Of Missing Out.
Standout Fujifilm Lenses
Fujifilm X Series lenses are among the most admired consumer-level optics on the market.
The Japanese company also develops specialty optics such as binoculars, cine lenses, and broadcast lenses.
Fuji has maintained a steady schedule of new X Series lens releases since 2012.
It’s also important to note that Fujifilm is updating and refreshing some of its existing lenses to refine optics and performance.
The Fujifilm XF 10-24mm f/2.8-4, a perfect lens for landscape photographers, received an update in late 2020 to include weather sealing and minor improvements.
As for the XF 27mm f/2.8, it also received an update in 2021 to add weather resistance and little else.
Fujifilm XF 16mm f/1.4
Fujifilm X-T1 + Fujifilm XF 16mm f/1.4 | 1/500 SS | 200 ISO | f/5
The Fujifilm XF 16mm f/1.4 was the first Fujifilm lens I purchased to accompany my Fujifilm X-T1.
While it didn’t have the fastest autofocus performance, its image sharpness and clarity were unmistakable.
What’s more, the XF 16mm f/1.4 was weather-sealed and paired perfectly with the weather-resistant X-T camera bodies.
I traveled to Japan with the XF 16mm and loved its wide angle, which allowed me to capture more context and depth.
Fujifilm XF 18-55 f/2.8-4
Fujifilm X-T1 + Fujifilm XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 | 1/180 SS | 200 ISO | f/9
While it’s happening less and less, Fujifilm X Series cameras include a kit lens in the box.
The Fujifilm X-T series of cameras typically shipped with the Fujifilm XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4.
It was quickly hailed as one of the best kit lenses of all time, and many photographers sought it after purchasing a camera body without a lens.
The XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 is an ideal all-purpose and travel lens.
It delivers clean image quality while offering the flexibility of a relatively fast zoom.
Fujifilm XF 56mm f/1.2
Fujifilm X-T1 + Fujifilm XF 56mm f/1.2 | 1/1000 SS | 200 ISO | f/4
If I were to pick out one of the sharpest lenses in the Fujifilm lineup, it would be the XF 56mm f/1.2.
It’s all metal, weather-sealed, and has a lens barrel that houses optic wizardry.
It captures some of the crispest images with exceptional depth of field and background blur.
The Fujifilm XF 56mm f/1.2 is an ideal portrait lens.
Furthermore, Fujifilm released a second XF 56mm f/1.2 lens that included a built-in apodization filter, producing even smoother background effects and subject separation.
What’s New From Fujifilm
Fujifilm X100VI – powerful performance in a slick compact camera.
Fujifilm X100VI
Fujifilm has continued to enhance its camera and lens lineup.
Most recently, the company released the much anticipated Fujifilm X100VI.
The latest generation of the classic X100 series launched in February 2024.
The demand for the X100VI resulted in stock shortages and long backorder lists.
Fujifilm GFX 100 II
Fujifilm took the photography world by storm in early 2017 with the launch of the digital mirrorless medium format GFX 50S.
The medium format image sensor delivered a staggering amount of image detail and RAW file data.
Since then, Fuji has released seven GFX medium-format cameras, including the Goliath Fujifilm GFX 100 II in September 2023.
The G in GFX doesn’t stand for Goliath, but it should!
The GFX 100 II boasts a whopping 102MP image sensor and a range of professional-level image capture features for optimal performance.
What’s more, the available GFX lens range continues to increase with the recent addition of tilt-shift lenses.
What’s Rumoured To Be On The Horizon?
I’m not a fan of the rumor mill or the disappointment I see in others when a much-believed rumor turns out to be fake.
However, it’s fair to take an educated guess at what Fujifilm has planned for the near future.
While the Covid years threw their plans out of whack, there’s a pattern to their release plans.
Furthermore, current-generation best sellers don’t stay best sellers forever, and the company must stay ahead of the game.
I also believe there’s room for more in the existing lens lineup.
As for Fujifilm X Series cameras, there are two I’d like to see in the next 12 months.
New Fujifilm XPro
The Fujifilm XPro 3 relied on the X-Trans 4 CMOS image sensor and the X Processor 4.
It launched in late 2019, just before the world went into lockdown.
The delay in release since then may be a result of Fujifilm’s making up for lost sales of the XPro 3.
I think it’s fair to say that it’s time for the Fujifilm XPro 4 with a significant performance boost.
It wouldn’t be a stretch to believe that it will feature the latest 40MP X Trans 5 CMOS HR sensor, X Processor 5, IBIS and a bigger battery.
It’s interesting to consider that Fujifilm discontinued the GFX 50R – a rangefinder-style medium format camera.
An X-Pro 4 with a 40MP sensor wouldn’t be far from the 50R and its 50MP performance.
Fujifilm X-E5 – Please!
The Fujifilm X-E series of digital mirrorless cameras has proven to be a hit and has outlasted other Fuji series cameras.
The Fuji X-E4 launched in early 2021 with a 26MP X Trans 4 CMOS sensor and X Processor 4.
It’s a delight to shoot with, given its size and weight, along with the adaptability of the X Series lens range.
A Fujifilm X-E5 makes sense within the next 12 months to improve low-light performance and autofocus algorithms.
Performance improvements could be made with some tweaks to master low-light shooting.
A sensor boost could also be on the cards.
However, I don’t believe Fujifilm will install the 40MP sensor and X Processor 5.
Although, they managed to fit that sensor and processor into the compact X100VI body.
What We Won’t See Again
As much as I’d love to see a successor to the Fujifilm X70, I’m convinced it’ll never happen.
The Fujifilm X100 series continued to flourish and sell like hotcakes long after the original X70 disappeared from store shelves.
Other Fujifilm X Series cameras enjoyed only a brief time before being discontinued.
The Fuji X-M1, X-A, and X-T100 series appealed to entry-level photographers due to their lighter build, lower price, and more straightforward functionality.
Smartphone photography and videography quickly surpassed the capabilities and performance of these Fuji cameras.
As such, I believe that Fujifilm consolidated its stable of cameras to focus purely on a few in each release cycle.
The shortage of chips and rare earth materials has probably also played a part.
If I Could Upgrade My Kit
I’ve settled down a lot since the days of unchecked Fujifilm lens and camera purchases.
I suffered from severe GAS – Gear Acquisition Syndrome – and have since trimmed down my kit to essentials only.
However, I still lust after fresh new gear from time to time – I’m not dead inside!
People often ask if they should upgrade their cameras just because a new one has come out.
My advice is to always work with the camera you have and invest in glass.
My current kit is geared toward street and travel photography, but I’d like to fill a couple of gaps.
I’d like to buy the Fujifilm XF 90mm f/2 or XF 56mm f/1.4.
Alternatively, if I can’t afford either of those, I’d pick up the Fujifilm XF 50mm f/2.
It’s another compact prime that’ll work well with my Fujifilm X-E4 and keep my kit lightweight.
All of my lenses are wide primes, and having a longer prime opens up my capacity for portraits and product shots.
The only other lens I’d love to have in my kit is the Fujifilm XF 30mm f/2.8 Macro lens.
I’ve not done much macro photography before, but I’d like to get more involved in the genre.
I also appreciate that it captures a 1:1 Macro ratio and is a compact lens.
If I were tempted to stretch the budget a little and pick up another Fujifilm X Series camera body, it would be the Fujifilm X100VI.
I recently tested and reviewed the X100VI and instantly fell in love with the compact powerhouse.
Final Thoughts On The Future Of Fujifilm
Aside from what’s currently available and what’s on the horizon, I also have a wish list of Fuji gear that I hope to one day carry in my bag.
The Fujifilm lens range, including the XF 16mm f/2.8, XF 23mm f/2, XF 35mm f/2, and XF 50mm f/2, are lightweight and incredibly compact.
I’ve always felt that this range, often referred to as Fujicron, is missing an equally compact and sharp 70mm f/2 lens.
A 70mm focal distance and wide f/2 aperture would be ideal for budget-friendly portraiture, product shots, and food photography.
I don’t doubt that Fujifilm still has many tricks up its sleeves.
Fujifilm X-S20 + Fujifilm XF 16mm f/2.8
With regular Fujifilm Summit events each year, the Japanese company will continue to delight photographers and videographers.
Fujifilm has been in the optics, photography, and color business since 1934.
They continue to reinvent themselves, their products, and how photographers embrace them.
I believe the future of Fujifilm X and GFX photographers is in great hands.
What are your thoughts on Fujifilm’s past, present, and future? Join the conversation, and feel free to ask me any questions.
