Fujifilm has regularly put together a collection of some of the best mirrorless cameras for hobby shooters. But anyone expecting more from the Series X this year might be disappointed, according to the latest rumors. Fuji Rumors, which has a strong track record of X-series speculation, said quite emphatically this week that "there will be no more Fujifilm X-series cameras in 2021." And that's pretty safe, saying it's "100% accurate". Considering it's only May, it would be a surprise based on Fujifilm's recent history. As Fuji Rumors points out, this would be the first year since the launch of the X Series in 2013 that the company has released just one APS-C camera (the Fujifilm X-E4, which landed in January). So why might this be the case? After all, Fujifilm has traditionally released a new X Series model in September or October each year, with the Fujifilm X-S10, Fujifilm X-Pro 3, and Fujifilm X-T3 entering that window in recent years. There are several possible reasons. Clearly, the pandemic has had a major impact on supply chains, release cycles, and the bottom line for all camera manufacturers. Nikon recently denied that the launch of its Z-mount lenses has been delayed, though its only announcement this year is the development of the Nikon Z9. But the lack of new X-series cameras this year, if that turns out to be the case, isn't necessarily a black mark on Fujifilm or the health of its mirrorless APS-C system. The company has had a banner year of new launches in 2020, with the Fujifilm X-S10, Fujifilm X-T4 (which currently tops our best cameras list), Fujifilm X100V and Fujifilm X-T200 arriving last year. The company has also restructured in parts like the UK, which has seen it combine sub-brands like Instax with Series X under one umbrella, making 2021 more likely to be a year of consolidation. And while some Fuji fans will no doubt seek out cameras like the long-rumoured Fujifilm X-H2, the lack of new X-series bodies might not necessarily be a bad thing.
(Image credit: Fujifilm)
Concentrate and recompose
The lack of new X-series cameras doesn't necessarily mean it's going to be a quiet year for Fujifilm overall. We saw the arrival of the Fujifilm GFX100S, its latest medium format camera, back in March, and already there are rumors that it will soon have a more affordable sister. But perhaps even more important for current Fujifilm X-series owners is the ability to see the company focus on revamping its lens lineup. The XF33mm f/1.4 R WR, the spiritual successor to the classic XF35mm f/1.4 R, is scheduled to launch this year and could make a great street photography companion for cameras like the Fujifilm X-T4 and Fujifilm X-Pro 3. According to Fuji Rumors, the XF23mm f/1.4 Mk II and XF56mm f/1.2 Mk II are also in the works, the latter expected to be an update to the current popular version, just with faster focusing and a slightly lighter form factor. than the recent Fujifilm XF50mm f/1.0.
The Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM topped a Fuji Rumors poll of Sigma lenses that Fuji fans would love to see made for the X-mount (Image credit: Sigma) While these two lenses may not arrive until 2022, there are also strong rumors that Sigma is gearing up to release its first X-mount lenses in 2021 as well. In December, a Fuji Rumors source said that "there will be Sigma lenses for Fujifilm in 2021." This followed a post by Sigma on social media in which he responded to a question about the possibility of Sigma X-mount lenses with "I hope we'll see such lenses in 2021." So far there has been no sign of this announcement from Sigma, but if that news arrives in the second half of the year, along with some new Fujifilm Prime lenses and generous firmware updates for its existing cameras, it will ensure that the X-series continues to perform. be a popular place for amateur shooters. For professional photographers, well, it looks like 2022 is going to be the biggest year, thanks to the arrival of the Fujifilm X-H2. A new stacked sensor and processor combination, which could again explain the rumors of a quiet year for Fujifilm's new camera bodies, is rumored to debut in this camera. By then, the Series X lineup looks solid, and hopefully if these rumors are correct, it'll be bolstered with another tasty drink over the next six months.