X-E1/X-1 Pro with on-chip phase detection AF

Presumably new X-E1/X-1 Pro cameras with on-chip phase detection AF must be just around the corner? It would be crazy to buy one now given focus is the current major drawback that is already sorted on the same sensor used in the X100S.

Not a chance; the X-pro1 replacement is 1 year away and the X-E1 replacement 2 years away.

focusing isn't slow on the present Fuji system cameras, it's just not as lightning quick as the new x100s will/may be.

lets face it, if you can't focus quick enough with either the X-pro1 or X-E1 then you're probably talking about tracking a moving subject. In which case buy a DSLR because there isn't a compact mirrorless camera system out there that can track a subject with the ease in which a decent DSLR can.

i think a lot of people read to much Bull S*** that is posted on the web by people who have never experienced or owned such camera, it's usually opposing fan boys that stir up a frenzy over nothing.

in your opinion someone maybe crazy to buy the X system cameras now because they lack the 'improved' focusing of the x100s ?  That is crazy, I have the X-E1 with 18-55 and 35 1.4 and I am producing the best files I ever have after selling my Nikon pro gear. If the Fuji X system doesn't suit you now (especially with the new wide range of lenses on the horizon), then the chances are it never will.

i would suggest you get one in your hands and try first, if its not for you then you'll just have with look at a different system.

I don't think so. I believe the X-Pro1 and X-E1 replacements will be launched at almost the same time, not a year apart.
(Like Nikon does with their V and J series  Same sensor, but flash and OV added for the more expensive model V)

And I will not be surprised if they are announced already at the end of this year along with the announcement of a few more lenses. Especially with all the improvements being added for the X100s.

Are you so sure about the X-Pro2? I think the hybrid VF is a dead end, more or less useless for wide angle and tele lenses, or for the zoom lenses coming out later this year.

Even more so a reason for getting out a replacement for the X-Pro1 fast.

Sure, but that replacement could simply be the X-E2 only, i.e. a camera without an hybrid VF, and thereby much more compatible with the fuji X lens roadmap.

For me there must be an Xpro2 with an OVF...I bought the xpro 1 because the OVF, and I wouldn't be happy if they'll drop the idea with their next generation cameras.

But if the wanted to drop the OVF, why not designing an X100s evf only? (cheaper, simpler, smaller...)

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Mr. President, I'm not saying we wouldn't get our hair mussed. But I do say... no more than ten to twenty million killed, tops. Uh... depended on the breaks.

The OVf on the X100s wit its 23mm lens is usefull. But its not usefull for the XF14, XF55-200,or XF 10-24mm lenses and any other wide angle or tele-lenses in the pipe-line. And even the 18-55 zoom is much easier the use with the EVF.

I just picked up to 1855 and I was shocked at the focus in speed compared to the 35. Xe1 with the new linear focus motor is plenty fast. 35 focusing is great for me , there's always going to be something better.

Which is why there's an EVF in the top line models as well. The hybrid viewfinder and OVF specifically are the heart and soul of this system and what drew a LOT of us to it. Its true they're bringing out lenses that will work better (or only) with the EVF, but they also have a 23mm, 28mm, and 56mm primes on the roadmap that will all work well with the OVF. As long as there's a robust group of prime lenses in this system, they'll offer at least one model with an OVF for the life of the system I'd bet a good bit of money. The XE1 was and is a low cost alternative to the X-Pro. It is not and will not be the flagship. The X-Pro or something like it is very likely to remain at the top of the food-chain of this system. Hopefully they'll improve the EVF in BOTH models to get rid of the smearing and lag. But there will always be an advantage to the OVF for a lot of us. You don't have to like it or buy it, but it'll be there for those of us who will do both.

-Ray
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http://www.flickr.com/photos/20889767@N05/collections/72157626204295198/

phase detection will be on all new fuji and Sony cameras. Both apsc hybrid camera ranges are hopeless in low light / indoors for focusing so you lose tonnes of shots. I have a Sony and want a fuji xe1 but only when the "s" comes out with phase detection af

I have a XE-1 and if you think it's focus system is "hopeless" your just plane "WRONG"

He said hopeless in low light, not hopeless in general, which as an x-pro owner, I can say is not that far off from true. The camera is great and fun to work with, but low light is a major problem. You have to spend your time hunting for bright spots for the CD to lock onto - like most any CD only AF system. Phase detect if done properly would certainly make it a *lot* more useful in these environments, and change consumer perspective of the camera dramatically (which is much more important to Fuji that users badmouthing each other on the forums).

For normal indoor with a little light coming in a window it's not hopeless, but you do have to be patient and very conscious of where you place your AF point for best results.

Some of us may find it manageable, but that doesn't change the fact that there's a lot of room for improvement.

This looks a lot like one of those 'I don't own the X-Pro1 but I know it's cr@p' posts...

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Chris@1D-Images.com
Mac Pro/MacBook Pro/iPods/iPhones/iPad

It's not the case with my e-x1 18-55: I should say the ratio is approx. 2/100 and it's usually my fault, not the camera's

Your last sentence is why I firmly believe that Fujifilm will incorporate the GenII versions of the XTrans with PDAF on chip and faster EXR processor as soon as they can - my guess would be that both of the new chips are pad for pad compatible with the older versions so it would be an easy manufacturing change.

Fujifilm is trying their best to bring a total camera system to market. They are demonstrating that they are listening to their customers and addressing issues and problems as soon as they can. What they don't want to have happen is a potential buyer to choose a different system.

If they don't bring out S versions of the X-Pro and X-E cameras by the end of this summer it will signal to me that Fujifilm is not really dedicated to giving it's customers the best product that it can deliver.

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Conrad --------------------------------------------------- Show Low, Arizona

I don't think they would update the X-Pro 1 and X-E1 that fast. However, I think they might decide to update the X-Pro 1 sooner than the X-E1 since that was released earlier than the X-E1. Mirrorless cameras tend to be updated on a yearly cycle compared to a 2-4 year cycle for DSLRs. I expect a X-E1s or X-E2 to come out around the same time this year in October 2013. Plus, it might be beneficial for Fuji to examine feedback from people using the new Fuji X100s before updating the X-E1 and X-Pro 1.

If they bring out a new X-E camera that soon "I would just return to them my xe-1 and demand a free upgrade to the x-e2" as someone wrote in another forum. And who would buy the X-E2 if the X-E3 might be around the corner at that time?

Yes but people were asking for quicker focusing speeds on the x100 and that still took 2 years to impliment (along with some helpful firmware uodates).

The XE1 has only been out for a couple of months; do you thinkfuji didnt have this new sensor available then? Ofcourse they did; it was left out for a reason...

Probably to evaluate how well it works on a single product and assuming it is successful then they wouldnt have put it in the XE1 as that would have instantly made the X-Pro1 obsolete.

It will no doubt turn upin a Pro1 and XE1 body but I personally dont think Fuji will change any time scales. There is no chance another XE1 with new sensor will be out this year, that would be bad marketing

I'm an x100 user and like most, believe the camera very good. Mostly I find this forum quite useful but sadly other times not so. All the latest Fuji cameras are at the edge of technology but all I see here is people worrying about "the next model bla bla"

If you own an X-E1 or Pro, you have fabulous camera. Please, lets all just go enjoy, take photos and have some fun

Steve.