Woodworth

re: "IBIS has me worried. All I can think of when I see a camera with a moving sensor is a $500 repair bill every 5 years or so." A fair point in many respects, but will you still be using the same camera in 5 years time? There was a time when you bought a camera and had it for years, I have a Contax 139 and an Olympus OM2 from the 1970's that both still work... however today a five year old camera is getting on a bit! I have been using IBIS in other cameras for a while and so far it has been trouble free.

Don't mind a touch screen on my iPhone but otherwise ...nah!

Personally I don't like a touch screen having used one on an Olympus Pen-F. Essential seemingly to some but by no means universally essential. I turned the touch screen on the Olympus Pen-F off as I kept accidentally activating things. It made it all quite annoying but on the Olympus at least, it could be deactivated and I expect this will also be the case with the X-E3. I'm waiting for September 7th in the hope that Patrick was fed a few red herrings and the pictures and specifications he posted are deliberate fakes so that the actual X-E3 will be something much nicer, better and altogether more buyable.

I'm with johant regarding styling. I think the X-T20 has nicer styling even though I prefer the X-e line normally. I was hoping for something more business like, something that says that it's a serious camera, something to be appreciated. I can't quite put my finger on it but it just doesn't look right. Imagine a smaller X-Pro2 without the optical viewfinder and you'd have a nicer looking camera from my perspective.

My initial reaction to the rumours was: disappointment! Now these pictures show that I was right. On seeing the pictures, I am left under-whelmed, lacking in interest, passionless, it seems that it almost certain that the X-E2s will be the last Fuji I ever buy.

I think that many have expressed their disappointment at the freshly rumoured specs for the X-E3 in different ways, citral being just one example. Whilst I don't wholeheartedly agree, I see the sentiment. Fortunately rumours are just that, rumours and not actual fact. The truth will be revealed for the better or worst very soon. I hope that Fuji have learned from their customers and listened to our wishes (as they have previously) and that the new X-E3 won't be as awful as is rumoured. The rumours are based on leaked images, comments and hints from trusted sources and probably some speculation. This is something that can be very misleading, I hope it is in this case. I'd imagine that Fuji have several prototype X-E3 cameras being tested in the field and perhaps a completely different model or two at the same time. This would mean that perhaps the information we have is somewhat confused. I think that at worst we'll get the X-T2 sensor and AF in a body somewhat similar to the X-E2s, I don't think the X-E2 will morph into too different. For me it needs a tilt screen and IBIS to make me want to buy it, but I shall wait and see.

"Bottom line when push come to shove a tripod with remote switch is the best stabilization available." But only for some kinds of photography. You can always get amazing images with really simple, basic equipment but if there are modern improvements, such as IBIS available, why struggle? "lots of folks seem to think that the more features, the better, even if they end up never using it." I kind of agree, but there are some basic modern conveniences, like IBIS, that simply make life easier. I also think there are often too many features because I don't use them, such as touch screen, but for others these features are very helpful. I'd rather have a camera with too many features because one day I may appreciate the very function I once despised.

But with what full frame is today, APSC is still at a disadvantage quality wise in comparison, at least from my experience. The weight/bulk of lenses is certainly an issue still with what is currently on the market. For example, I'd rather use a Fuji 23/1.4 than a Sony/Zeiss 35 1.4 when it comes to having to carry the equipment, but in terms of IQ the Sony has the advantage when it comes to IQ alone (to be fair, the only advantage). I use both Sony A7 cameras and Fuji X cameras so my points are based on my own user experience. There is an argument to be made that perhaps there should be a full frame Fuji that is priced in between the Fuji X and the GFX systems. If this were the case, I would ditch my Sony cameras in favour of the Fuji but realistically as things stand, the Sony cameras give me IQ that the X range don't and whilst the GFX is tempting, it is a bit pricy and lacks a wide enough lens for my needs (I regularly use a 15mm on my Sony). So I'm a bit stuck. It's fair to say that I do like the X range for what it is, it's just that it has a few limitations as no camera can be all things to all men, so to speak. I wouldn't have used a Leica instead of a Hasselblad, for commercial work in the day. Getting back to the X-E3 (the topic in question), I do hope Fuji don't disappoint!

The trouble with the X-Pro2 is that it really should be full frame at that size (take a look at the Sony A7 series for example), so unless you happen to like or need a big camera that is APSC, it has limited appeal - to me anyway. I truly hope that these rumours are a load of none-sense. It really does not make any sense for Fuji to shoot itself in the foot and bring out some kind of dumbed down, low spec X-E3. I can see that there may be a concern that having a better X-E3 than the fairly new X-pro2 is confusing for the purchaser but really I think that the X-E3 should be as good as they can make it , even if it makes the X-pro2 look like it's had it's day. I don't think Fuji are stupid after all, why bring out a dinky toy* when people want a real car? (* = an old fashioned metal toy car)

Negativity? I'm not so sure. I think it's disappointment. If the rumoured specs are right then the X-E3 will be less exciting than the X-E2s was. Yes, you can keep a positive frame of mind and yes you can be loyal to the brand - if that's critical to you but at the end of the day Fuji is in the business of selling products to a group of enthusiastic consumers and if the new product is a lame duck, they can expect the consumer to be disappointed. I don't understand why the X-E3 can't have more useful features, why does it have to be a rubbish version of the X-Pro2? There is room for an X-E3 with IBIS, tilting screen and all the rest of the various features now apparently discounted as well as an X-pro2. Fuji, why not simply see which one is more popular and make future decisions based on that? There are quite a lot of used X-pro2 cameras on the market here in the UK right now b.t.w. I like my X-E2s but to buy the X-E3 I would have to have good reasons to do so. Apparently I'll be keeping my X-E2s.

Looking at the latest list of what the X-E3 is rumoured to have as specification, the question "why bother?" comes to mind. The only advantage seems to be the 24mp sensor and better AF. Yes, better AF is really good and much needed but from what I've seen the difference between 16 mp and 24mp isn't all that much. Yes, it's an improvement but when I compared X-T2 and X-T1 images the increase in resolution was fairly small in reality. I truly hope these are just rumours and that Fuji prove that rumours are just that - speculation! No tilting screen, no IBIS, no D-pad, no combined Shutter/ISO dial, max Shutter Speed still 1/4000, more expensive than X-T20, no pop up flash, hmmm - not looking all that good really. For me IBIS and a tilting rear screen are both very important features and their absence are probably a deal killer.

It will be interesting to see (hopefully in September) what the X-E3 will look like and how it will be equipped. Interestingly enough, having read some of the preceding posts in this thread and learned of how forthrightly some have expressed their views, it is worth reminding people on how similarly strong views have historically been expressed, such as "it certainly won't have IBIS, tilting screen, etc, etc, etc" then they went on to be proved wrong (albeit with different cameras). I shall just wait and see. I still hope for IBIS and a tilting screen but won't be tempted by an X-T20 any day soon as I like the look and feel of the X-E line. I love using my X-E2s and have just shot a wedding using it and my "Fujicrons". I was perfectly happy with it and hope to have a better spec X-E3 to shoot another such occassion in the near future.

A thought occurred to me when thinking about camera wear due to IBIS, just how long do we keep cameras these days anyway? I have an X-E1 which I suppose is almost five years old but despite it functioning perfectly, the X-E1 is now selling for as little as £150 (used) in the UK and maybe even cheaper. It is probably really "long in the tooth" as far as most are concerned, elderly and not taken seriously. Sad really. I think it's still a great little camera and I will continue with it for as long as it works. I would imagine that most people keep a camera for no more than three years as the lure of a newer model grows stronger as each new model is introduced. I can't imagine IBIS killing a camera within three years, or even within 5 years so whether it shortens a camera's operational life is probably academic for most people. As to battery life, yes I'm sure it will empty a battery faster. So I keep plenty of spare batteries, solved!

You can imagine so, but in my experience there are about a 50/50 split between shots that need IBIS and those that need a shutter speed of 1/125s or faster to capture. Perhaps I operate in lower light levels than most, who knows? No-one really wants motion blur unless it's an artistic choice, certainly not my choice. Where IBIS gives an real advantage is with prime lenses, especially the 90mm. I know I can set the camera to something like 1/125s at f2 with auto ISO and I'll get a shot, but sometimes it's simply better not to use higher ISO settings and this is where IBIS helps. What I really can't understand is why anyone would not want the option of IBIS as it can be switched off if not wanted, but there may come a day when even the most ardent skeptic chooses to use it and benefits accordingly. As to the worry about wear and tear, I have several Sony cameras, an Olympus and previously had Konica-Minolta cameras and it never seemed to be an issue.

I'd have to take issue with this. Almost any handheld photography would benefit from some form of stabilisation, particularly in low light situations. This is not my opinion, it is my experience. I do quite a lot of theatre, concert and candid photography and this is where IBIS is useful. Yes, I know it won't stop subject movement blur and yes I know that architectural or landscape photographers won't have much use for it. I know that some simply don't want IBIS, but for those of us who do low light, hand held photography, using prime lenses, it is essential.

I sincerely hope this rumour is true. The one thing that has been lacking from the Fuji system (for me) is IBIS and I am truly delighted that this may soon be rectified. Fuji seems to be the one manufacturer who is really working with photographers rather than merely pursuing "in house" ideas. Long live Fuji!

The latest camera I bought was a Newton and Guardia Baby Sybil of about 1913 vintage, the pictures from those cute little 4x3cm plates will rock my world! That said, I'll still opt for digital every time! Film is great, I still have plenty of film cameras but don't really want to start processing and printing in a hurry (anyone want to go out stinking of darkroom chemicals?). I am still loving my experience with my "vintage" X-E1 but would love to see what the X-E3 will bring us.

Quite looking forward to the X-E3 (provided that it has all the features I want ...) but I'm in no hurry as I am quite enjoying using an X-E1 that I got as it was really cheap. No faults at all, mint condition (as mint as possible for it's age), just seemingly unwanted - but not by me! It's quite refreshing going back to basics.

To me the X-E2s never made much sense as an upgraded X-E2 is so very similar. Also, I don't know why they introduced an X-T20 before an X-E3, it's almost as if Fuji think that the X-E2 is old news and the new boy is the X-T10/20 line. I personally like the X-E2 very much, it is my favourite Fuji. I'd very much like to see an X-E3 soon, even if it's just an X-T20 reshaped into an X-E2 style. That said, I (banging the same old drum here!) still want IBIS even if no-one else does! I'd also like to see a wide angle prime in the region of about 12mm with an f2 aperture. In essence, for me (but not everyone's cup of tea perhaps), I'd like the X-E3 to have the XT-2 sensor, IBIS, weather sealing and an articulated (or tilt-able) rear screen all in a body similar to an X-E2.

It had started with glances and wonderings at the new and alluring X-Pro1. What man hasn’t stolen a quick look at an attractive new model from time to time … just so long as the camera in your life doesn’t notice (she almost always does)! Then one fateful day a lovely, sleek and attractive X-E1 with a sexy 35/1.4 came into my life. The old DSLR was abandoned without ceremony or regret, my head had been turned, I was now a Fuji man, no doubt! Soon the X-E1 and 35/1.4 became part of a harem, lenses, bodies and flashes were added. A smorgasbord of Fuji! There were X-E2s, an X-T1, X-Pro2s and an X-T2 and a positive orgy of lenses! That brief stolen glance had become a life style, a way of thinking and seeing, an obsession! A 23mm, a 56mm, a 90mm, a 16mm all soon made a home for themselves. Life with a whole heap of Fuji was a ball. A party where there was nothing off limit. As soon as something new came out, I had to have it, but there was also a feeling of dullness, a loss of vision. Was I just becoming a camera collector? Sure I was making a living out of it but was the focus the equipment or the making of pictures? Sure professionals need the right equipment but when I thought back to early days when a Hasselblad with 50mm, 80mm and 150mm lenses and an M6 with 24mm, 35mm and 90mm lenses sufficed, what was I doing? I began to feel cluttered and confused, what was going on? There was simply too much stuff. I needed to rediscover my first love. So they all had to go, the party was over. I needed to clear my head and get a fresh perspective. I’ll be faithful to my X-E2 and just keep f2.0 lenses, yes that’s it, that’s what I’m going to do. I’ll relive those heady romantic days when I wandered freely with a single Fuji in my hands and a few lenses in my bag. I felt so free, so light, so happy. Less is more, embrace the simple life. Then Fuji revealed a bigger model, what was this? The curvy GFX with it’s voluptuous body was in the spot light. She was alluring, promises of performance beyond anything yet experienced but she wasn’t a cheap date! Could I… should I? No, she’s not for me. I can’t afford the cost of allowing her into my life. Does the journey end here? Has Fuji gone in a direction I don’t want to follow? What about all those lovely new optics? What should I do? Oh, no! Then there was mention of an X-E3, would she have a tilt-able (or even an articulated) rear screen? Could there be IBIS? What would she look like, how would she perform … might there also be a 70/2? Oh, no - not this again! Here we go, my name is Chris and I am a cameraholic! For goodness sake, K.I.S.S. make pictures and not camera collections! I’ve stripped down my Fuji stable to the bare basics, just what I actually need and no more. It’s going to be a couple of X-E bodies and a few f2 lenses and nothing more…

...and add IBIS and you've got a winner!

Personally I have never had any mechanical issues with Fuji bodies, but I do agree with the notion that the lenses are the things that make Fuji so appealing - none of the bodies are as good as I'd like them to be. If there was a smaller X-Pro2 with IBIS I'd think it was just about as good as it could be. Interestingly enough Sony have the opposite problem in that they have great cameras but not nearly enough lenses and their approach to lenses seems a bit hit and miss to me.

... and IBIS of course!!!

A smaller X-Pro2 would be nice. The optical viewfinder not essential. Maybe an X100F with interchangeable lenses?

I don't think you quite understand. For the kind of work I do I need to move quickly and be as inconspicuous as possible to get the pictures. Monopods get in the way and attract attention. I do use the 50-140 because of it's stabilisation but would like to be able to use my 90mm with more confidence. I have noticed that my success rate has improved with the X-T2 for some reason, but it's not as reliable as the Olympus Pen F and 75/1.8 combo. I don't want to use the Olympus professionally, as it's not as good as the Fuji but sometimes needs must... this is why I'm trying to get Fuji to introduce an IBIS camera.