Announcements from Fujifilm WAHOO!

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Ya I know, some people think that I'm a complete Fujifilm fanboy.  Fan yes, complete, probably not.  All the same, when the company does an announcement there is usually something new to look at, as well as continued proof of the commitment to existing customers and the announcements this week are no exception.  Let's dig in.

Fujinon GF250

The first announcement is a new lens for the GFX-50s medium format camera.  I reviewed the GFX-50s last year and liked it very much.  The challenge with any camera body is the availability of the right range of glass.  Fujifilm has announced a 250mm f/4 for the GFX-50s, the longest telephoto for the camera so far.  When used with the large sensor on the GFX-50s, this lens is going to offer new options for distant subjects and even wildlife.  It's dust and weather sealed and rated down to -10C.  The new lens incorporates OIS and is targeted to be available by the end of May 2018 at an MSRP of $4124.99 CAD.

GF1.4x TC WR

Expanding the capability of the 250/4 is the announced GF1.4x TC WR teleconverter.  1.4x teleconverters are excellent options as they increase focal length by 1.4x at a cost of only one stop of light.  When used with the new 250mm, you will have a 35mm full frame equivalent of 277mm, but on a sensor 1.7x larger than full frame.  The teleconverter will be available in late May 2018 at an MSRP of $1059.99 CAD

Extension Tubes MCEX-18WR MCEX-45WR

To supplement the other lenses, particularly the well respected 120mm macro are the MCEX-18WR and MCEX-45WR extension tubes.  These intelligent tubes will provide for greater levels of magnification with the macro lens and can be used with the other GF lenses to allow much closer focusing.  I like extension tubes.  They are compact, relatively inexpensive and allow you to change your view without entering into serious amounts of debt.  The tubes are set to be available in late May 2018 for $409.99 CAD each.

Firmware Updates and Functional Enhancements

I've said before that I do not believe that any maker provides as much investment protection to buyers as Fujifilm does.  The announcement details new firmware coming for the X-T2, X-H1, X-Pro2, X-E3, X100F and GFX-50S.  I've pasted the deliverables and dates into this post.

1. FUJIFILM GFX 50S (Ver.3.10) – Available in May 2018

  • Compatible with the newly developed FUJINON GF250mmF4 R LM OIS WR lens including “Focus Preset,” “AF-L” and “AF-ON”.
  • Addition of “Flicker Reduction” to reduce flicker in both pictures and display when shooting under fluorescent lighting.
  • Addition of “Select Folder” and “Create Folder” allowing users to choose the folder that images are stored in and to create a new folder.
  • New “Large Indicators Mode” enabling users to enlarge indicators and information in the viewfinder and/or LCD monitor and to customize the location of where the information is shown on the display.
  • Addition of Fn button support for “35mm Format Mode” for quick setting changes.

2. FUJIFILM X-H1 (Ver.1.1.0) – Available in May 2018

  • Addition of Focus Bracketing allows the photographer to shoot focus distance bracketing of up to 999 frames.
  • Compatible with new cinema lenses FUJINON MKX18-55mmT2.9 and FUJINON MKX50- 135mmT2.9.
  • Enlarged and customizable indicators and information in the viewfinder and/or LCD monitor.
  • Users can also customize the location of where information is shown on the display.
  • Enhanced Phase Detection AF during movie recording.
  • Expanded Phase Detection AF Area options during still shooting.
  • Enhanced Bluetooth® connectivity with FUJIFILM Camera Remote app.
  • Addition of Fn button support for “IS Mode”.

3. FUJIFILM X-T2 (Ver.4.0.0) – Available in May 2018

  • Addition of Focus Bracketing allowing the photographer to shoot focus distance bracketing of up to 999 frames.
  • Compatible with new cinema lenses FUJINON MKX18-55mmT2.9 and FUJINON MKX50- 135mmT2.9.
  • Enlarged and customizable indicators and information in the viewfinder and/or LCD monitor.
  • Users can also customize the location of where information is shown on the display.
  • Addition of F-log SD card recording.
  • Addition of 1080/120P high-speed video mode ideal for recording slow motion footage.
  • Enhanced Phase Detection AF to improve performance in various shooting environments.
  • Addition of “Flicker Reduction” to reduce flicker in both pictures and display when shooting under fluorescent lighting.
  • Addition of “Select Folder” and “Create Folder” allowing users to choose the folder that images are stored in and to create a new folder.

4. FUJIFILM X-Pro2 (Ver.5.0.0) – Available in May 2018

  • Enlarged and customizable indicators and information in the viewfinder and/or LCD monitor.
  • Users can also customize the location of where information is shown on the display.
  • Enhanced Phase Detection AF to improve performance in various shooting environments.
  • Addition of “Flicker Reduction” to reduce flicker in both pictures and display when shooting under fluorescent lighting.
  • Addition of “Select Folder” and “Create Folder” allowing users to choose the folder that images are stored in and to create a new folder.

5. FUJIFILM X-E3 (Ver.1.2.0) – Available in Late April 2018

  • Supports FUJIFILM X RAW STUDIO.
  • Support for backup/restore of camera settings via FUJIFILM X Acquire when the camera is connected to a computer.
  • Compatible with the newly developed FUJINON XC15-45mmF3.5-5.6 OIS PZ lens. 
  • Improved radio flash controller usability allowing users to shoot with compatible third party studio flash in high speed sync or TTL mode via a radio controller.
  • Enlarged and customizable indicators and information in the viewfinder and/or LCD monitor.
  • Users can also customize the location of where information is shown on the display.
  • Enhanced Bluetooth® connectivity with FUJIFILM Camera Remote app.

6. FUJIFILM X100F (Ver.2.1.0) – Available in Late April 2018

  • Enlarged and customizable indicators and information in the viewfinder and/or LCD monitor.
  • Users can also customize the location of where information is shown on the display.

It's a great list of announced offerings and i look forward to getting hands-on to give you a full review.

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