Not that it really matters what I think, but I believe Fuji is likely going to be able to make better cameras with what seems to be their new strategy.
Fuji realized that there was a need to offer high quality video features in their cameras, and started focusing on them with the X-H1, which seemed to be targeted as a high performance hybrid action / stills camera that would pair well with larger lenses. The problem with the X-H1 is they didn’t REALLY cater it to video shooters in some of the key ways that really matter for hybrid shooters.
- It did not really make sense to have the X-H1 have Fujis classic controls. Hybrid shooting benefits a lot more from custom shooting modes.
- It did not really make sense to have a dual axis tilt screen instead of a fully articulating screen. Fully articulating screen is expected these days on high quality video cameras regardless of your opinion on this being a good or bad thing.
IBIS and video autofocus were relatively weak as well, but that is mostly growing pains.
The X-H1 was not a massive success, it was really quickly heavily discounted.
Fuji then tried to make the X-T4 play the jack of all trades. They put a fully articulating screen on it and finally improved the battery. Gave it all the codecs and IBIS.
As a result, I think some X-T line fans were underwhelmed. The dual tilting design is a lot more satisfying for stills shooting than fully articulating screens for most. Again, I think the mixture of classic controls and video centric features didn’t particularly mix very well.
So, I’m optimistic Fuji can take advantage of the X-H2s by allowing the X-T5 to be more focused. Go back to a dual tilting design. Make it more focused on experience over features like raw video and high fps shutters, like they were before. Get a beautiful sounding shutter and satisfying tactile response with hopefully the sensor from the upcoming X-H2.
Anyway, that’s how I see it. Just my read on the recent history for Fuji and how the X-H2s will allow them to make some decent moves going forward.
Here’s to hoping they get their video autofocus issues all sorted out and this ends up being the perfect action and video camera 😄
Jun 10, 2022 at 08:29 PM
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