X-Summit Sydney 2024: a quick look at newcomers

Three months after the Tokyo Summit, we’ve just celebrated our second X Summit in 2024 taking place in Sydney. And, of course, with new awesome launches! Today, we introduced our new cameras and lenses in the X and GFX Series, showcasing their advanced features together with professional photographers who got a chance to test our newbies in the field. Here’s a short glimpse into what’s new.

Fujifilm X-T50

The first newcomer introduced at today’s X Summit is a FUJIFILM X-T50 camera. It is sleek and compact, which makes it an ideal camera to carry with you wherever you go, without compromising on quality or performance. It has maintained the classic look but with a new rounded shape for a better holding grip experience. Despite being slightly larger than its predecessor, the X-T50 grip feels snug, making it feel smaller in your hand. The thumb grip extends smoothly outward compared to previous models, providing a better ergonomic feel.

What’s exciting, it’s the first X Series camera to feature a Film Simulation Dial, with 20 simulations to choose from, including the “REALA ACE”. Turning this dial on the top of the camera while shooting lets you enjoy the colours, as if changing film in real-time.

Looking inside, you’ll find the 5th generation X-Trans CMOS 5 HR sensor and the X-Processor 5, enabling high-speed and accurate autofocus and subject detection. The new camera also features a 5-axis IBIS image stabilisation, up to 7.0 stops, achieving clear, high-resolution 40.2MP images. Not to compromise the X-T50’s compact size, we reviewed the structure and arrangement of various parts and units required for IBIS implementation. So, now you have the 7.0 stops IBIS performance in the compact size of X-T30II.

“With the 40.2MP I’m finding that I’m able to really zoom in on the image, even when it’s on the screen and it’s showing so much detail. It’s really amazing to both get that detail when you’re shooting wide and you’re shooting close up as well. It just is holding so much data and I’m absolutely loving it,” – Rachel Claire, travel and lifestyle photographer.

FUJINON XF16-50mmF2.8-4.8 R LM WR

This new featherweight zoom lens elevates the capabilities of the X-T50, taking it to the next level. It is compatible with the X-T50 and other 40MP models with the X-Trans CMOS 5 HR sensor. At merely 240g, it is the lightest zoom lens in the XF line-up. Equipped with dustproof and weather-resistant features, it is a perfect choice for all weather conditions. Covering a popular wide-angle of 16mm to a mid-telephoto of 50mm, it offers high-speed, high-definition AF for exceptionally clear shots.

Given it’s a standard zoom that you carry all the time, close-up performance is very important. That’s why we’ve incorporated the maximum magnification of 0.3x and the minimum focusing distance of 24cm, enabling close-up photography at 15cm from the lens tip.

FUJINON GF500mmF5.6 R LM OIS WR

With a focal length of 500mm, it’s the longest telephoto prime among our GF lenses which offers one of the highest-class quality and resolution. Size and weight really make it stand out. The weight of the lens is only approximately 1,375g, while there’s absolutely no compromise about image quality. Chromatic aberration is minimized to the limit. The new lens is equipped with a powerful 6.0 stops image stabilization system, enabling comfortable handheld shooting and significantly minimizing camera shake. Its AF drive system with linear motors allows for fast and high-precision autofocusing that overturns the conventional wisdom of large-format cameras and lenses.

“The autofocus is so good. It just snaps onto the bird, so like when the bird’s in the sky, I get out and bang, you’re on it. And then you just as you move with the bird, the tracking is fantastic,” – Shelley Pearson, bird and wildlife photographer.

“The thing that really stood out for me is that especially being a large-format sensor system, I can fit this in my bag with the lens on the camera. And that’s incredible, because, normally, when I’m traveling I’m always worried about the weight restrictions on airplanes and how to get it into one bag. And then, of course, we’re on a pretty adventurous trip, so being able to carry it around all day and not need to use a monopod – I think that was a really big advantage,” – Matt Krumins, wildlife, nature, and underwater photographer.

“One of the scenarios we had was in rapids in a river, and these birds were just sitting dead still on the logs. And the ability to handhold a long exposure shot to get the movement of the water, but still capture the 102MP of the birds was just fantastic. It’s an F5.6 lens,  but when it’s paired with a large sensor format, it doesn’t actually behave like an F5.6 lens from a depth-of-field perspective. It is great for wildlife,” – Matt Krumins, wildlife, nature, and underwater photographer.

Fujifilm GFX100S II

Since we first launched the GFX100 in 2019 as the first 102MP large format camera, it has become a favourite among many professionals for its outstanding image quality, AF and IBIS. Additionally, we launched the compact GFX100S, a smaller model offering the same user-friendly experience as the GFX100, making it very accessible. Aiming to bring the appeal of large-format photography to more photo enthusiasts, we’ve created the GFX 100S II.

This camera makes no compromises, delivering top-notch performance. It is equipped with the newly developed 102MP sensor, GFX 102MP CMOS II, and our cutting-edge X-Processor 5, maintaining the best of the GFX 100S… and advancing even further. Weighting only 883g, it’s the lightest 102MP model in GFX Series. The GFX100S II offers the highest image quality in the GFX Series. By improving the pixel structure on the new sensor, we’ve extended the standard sensitivity to ISO 80. This means you can now capture images with a wider dynamic range and lower noise.

What’s more? You will definitely make use of the Face/Eye Detection AF and subject detection AF. Advanced AF prediction algorithms have improved the detection accuracy and tracking performance of moving subjects, so you can leave autofocusing to the camera and concentrate on the shutter release opportunity and composition. In addition, we’ve upgraded the IBIS performance too. The gyro and acceleration sensors accurately capture even the slightest movement, and the correction accuracy is improved, providing up to 8.0 stops of anti-shake performance.

Open up more possibilities with Film Simulations

To celebrate the 20^th anniversary of our Film Simulation, we’re also launching the Film Simulation special content website. On this platform, you will learn more about all our film simulations, compare their characteristics, and open new possibilities for experiments that you’ve never thought about before. Stay tuned to be in the first row to check it out!