RUMOR - Fujifilm X-T5 won't have battery grip

[Rod McD]

Hi,

I sometimes wonder if Fuji (and other manufacturers) leak these rumors to watch the reaction in forums like this. A customer survey in a vocal little pool of customers. OTOH, they would have many other forums to try out in too. We shouldn't make the mistake of believing that the membership here or in any other forum is representative of their broader customer base.....

Food for thought. ;-)

Cheers, Rod

 

[Rod McD]

Hi,

If the rumor is borne out, I suspect opinions will be as split on this as screen designs. Michael may well be right about product differentiation. To which I would add cost containment in difficult times. Hopefully they don't cut features on the camera itself.

Difficult times or no difficult time there are some things you just don’t do, and removing the option for a battery grip is one of them.

You might do, if it didn't sell well enough and didn't add to your ROI. And you've just released an even more capable camera that does offer one. Business.

Some people need grips and love them. It won't be an issue for me. I don't find vertical shooting requires a grip. And batteries in the pocket work fine for me.

I don’t love them, I do indeed (need) it.

I accept that you do. I may be right or not - every one of us here is speculating. Only Fuji actually know if they plan to offer a grip and they aren't saying. No point getting upset about it on a rumor - we'll all be wiser next year. Fuji would allow with every design decision that they can't please all of the customers all of the time and that some may vote with their feet. And if they are differentiating their products differently, you and I and everyone else here may just have to decide which market segment we're in....

Cheers, Rod

 

[forest dream]

Hi,

I sometimes wonder if Fuji (and other manufacturers) leak these rumors to watch the reaction in forums like this. A customer survey in a vocal little pool of customers.

No.

Before Fujifilm X-E4 launch, many thread mentioned consumer want X-E4 come with weather sealing X-E2S with X-T30 spec.

But, Fujifilm X-E4 release "poor man Leica flat body" (less dials but missing Leica menu/shooting experience).

Many consumer also demand X-T40 (which retro X-T30 with IBIS). But, Fujifilm release X-T30 II which didn't solve Q button issue.

Fuji XF10 almost become alternative of Ricoh GR, but wrong design, worst processor worst AF become deal breaker. If Fuji XF10 use X-A7 processor, provide usable AF performance...

IMO Fuji products manager didn't survey what consumer demand.

 

[Rod McD]

Hi,

I sometimes wonder if Fuji (and other manufacturers) leak these rumors to watch the reaction in forums like this. A customer survey in a vocal little pool of customers.

No.

Before Fujifilm X-E4 launch, many thread mentioned consumer want X-E4 come with weather sealing X-E2S with X-T30 spec.

But, Fujifilm X-E4 release "poor man Leica flat body" (less dials but missing Leica menu/shooting experience).

Many consumer also demand X-T40 (which retro X-T30 with IBIS). But, Fujifilm release X-T30 II which didn't solve Q button issue.

IMO Fuji products manager didn't survey what consumer demand.

Or they did, but got views from other surveys that just didn't match those held here.

I agree with you about the XE3 and XE4, Everyone here wanted an evolution of the XE2s with improved features and sealing, but seemed to get a very different vision in the XE3 that seemed primarily tailored with its touch screen to phone and compact upgraders, and then the XE4 was paired back still further. Hopefully they'll seal the XE5 and add back the MCS switch, a small grip and some customizable buttons. I don't know the history of the XT30ii.

Regards, Rod

 

[Jerry-astro]

Hi,

I sometimes wonder if Fuji (and other manufacturers) leak these rumors to watch the reaction in forums like this. A customer survey in a vocal little pool of customers.

No.

Before Fujifilm X-E4 launch, many thread mentioned consumer want X-E4 come with weather sealing X-E2S with X-T30 spec.

But, Fujifilm X-E4 release "poor man Leica flat body" (less dials but missing Leica menu/shooting experience).

Many consumer also demand X-T40 (which retro X-T30 with IBIS). But, Fujifilm release X-T30 II which didn't solve Q button issue.

Fuji XF10 almost become alternative of Ricoh GR, but wrong design, worst processor worst AF become deal breaker. If Fuji XF10 use X-A7 processor, provide usable AF performance...

IMO Fuji products manager didn't survey what consumer demand.

Oh, give me a break. Do you seriously think that the opinions shared here (or yours in particular) are an accurate representation of the overall needs of the market? There are a lot of strong opinions shared here every day (yours being one of the stronger ones), and that's all fine and dandy as forums like this are all about sharing opinions. However, this forum is but one source for opinions on what Fujifilm should and shouldn't build, and it may not necessarily represent the broader needs of what Fujifilm sees as its overall market. So, it's just fine that you use this platform as a place to share your strong opinions on what you think Fujifilm should build... that is what forums like this are for. However, please don't confuse this with the sort of market research that product line managers do to determine what the market needs and what makes the most sense for Fujifilm's overall product direction. The loudest voices aren't necessarily the ones that represent the best direction to take. And, FWIW, I spent nearly my entire career managing high tech product lines, so I'm not without some experience in this.

I'm not here to agree or disagree with what's being discussed here (there's a little of both). But please don't make the mistake of thinking that this forum (or your very strong opinion in particular) represents an accurate view of the overall market's needs. If you don't like the direction they're taking, then you have a decision to make.

--
Jerry-Astro
Fuji Forum co-Mod

 

[Artur Darulewski]

Hi,

If the rumor is borne out, I suspect opinions will be as split on this as screen designs. Michael may well be right about product differentiation. To which I would add cost containment in difficult times. Hopefully they don't cut features on the camera itself.

Difficult times or no difficult time there are some things you just don’t do, and removing the option for a battery grip is one of them.

You might do, if it didn't sell well enough and didn't add to your ROI. And you've just released an even more capable camera that does offer one. Business.

Some people need grips and love them. It won't be an issue for me. I don't find vertical shooting requires a grip. And batteries in the pocket work fine for me.

I don’t love them, I do indeed (need) it.

I accept that you do. I may be right or not - every one of us here is speculating. Only Fuji actually know if they plan to offer a grip and they aren't saying. No point getting upset about it on a rumor - we'll all be wiser next year. Fuji would allow with every design decision that they can't please all of the customers all of the time and that some may vote with their feet. And if they are differentiating their products differently, you and I and everyone else here may just have to decide which market segment we're in....

Cheers, Rod

So far Fuji had very similar cameras in every segment. The same tech (sensor and CPU) were used in XP3, X100V, XE4, XT30, XT3 and XT4. XH1 line was a bit obsolete (on the paper spec). We could choose body style form factor etc, but in most cases we had similar capabilities and technology behind. XH and XTx lines were the only ones with BG option as top notch workhorses. But even in a flagship segment fuji had 3 different cameras with mixed features: XTx had newer tech than XH, which had the best rugged body. XT4 got IBIS, but also FAS which was a drawback for many of us - there were no one perfect camera. What is more funny there was also XP3 which was similar to XT3 in rangefinder body. That was messy situation indeed and to me, it seems that Fuji wants to sort it out. It seems that H will be the only Top notch fully featured line in two flavours Speed and Resolution. We don't know yet what will happen to T, E, S and Pro lines but I wouldn't be surprised if Tx and Txx lines will be unified - sounds reasonsble from marketing PoV. I assume that it might be advanced retro line for enthusuasts, but with some features removed (no top notch EVF, the fastest USB, BG support etc...). What we already know, XH line have PASM and FAS and GFX-like layout. If anyone prefer retro/traditional control layout then must sacrifice some features. Probably there won't be fully featured T models anymore. It's only my assumption based on the latest facts snd rumors. Apparently Fuji decided that such revolution will attract more users from other systems even if some current retro-oriented customers will be lost. I think X-S10 was a test if PASM camera will be the good way to get out from the niche.

Anyway as a happy XT3 user I have no high hopes for XT5. Still waiting for more tests opinions and reviews related to H2s - even if don't like control layout.

Cheers,

Artur

 

[John Gellings]

Removing options is never a good thing.

Its ok if that option didn’t sell in the first place.

May be it's ok for fuji, not for me.

Fuji has to worry about Fuji. You said never. However, sometimes it is ok. Leica makes good money removing options that most cameras have.

If you shoot vertical, having shutter button and dials on a BG it's quite useful.

Yet, most of my photography is vertical and I’ve never used one. Many others too.

So it seem if you need a BG you have to buy an H2 body and switch to PSAM controls, doesn't seem a great news to me.

If you truly NEED a battery grip, then yes. Or keep using what you’ve been using. Or switch brands, etc

Sure, but here we are discussing about the xt5 BG rumors

Writing about it here isn't going to change it. I guess it feels better to complain. I get that.

 

[John Gellings]

Hi,

I sometimes wonder if Fuji (and other manufacturers) leak these rumors to watch the reaction in forums like this. A customer survey in a vocal little pool of customers.

No.

Before Fujifilm X-E4 launch, many thread mentioned consumer want X-E4 come with weather sealing X-E2S with X-T30 spec.

Yeah, but it wasn't going to happen at $849.

But, Fujifilm X-E4 release "poor man Leica flat body" (less dials but missing Leica menu/shooting experience).

And costs $849 vs. $8499

Many consumer also demand X-T40 (which retro X-T30 with IBIS). But, Fujifilm release X-T30 II which didn't solve Q button issue.

X-T40 was replaced by X-S10 for the time being. The II was simply due to a parts shortage. It must sell well if they made a version II.

Fuji XF10 almost become alternative of Ricoh GR, but wrong design, worst processor worst AF become deal breaker. If Fuji XF10 use X-A7 processor, provide usable AF performance...

The X70 couldn't compete either. The GR rules this category. Fuji tried twice.

IMO Fuji products manager didn't survey what consumer demand.

Or what the majority wants does not fit what preview wants. This is a US centric site.

 

[Kaoticphoto]

Removing options is never a good thing.

Its ok if that option didn’t sell in the first place.

May be it's ok for fuji, not for me.

Fuji has to worry about Fuji. You said never. However, sometimes it is ok. Leica makes good money removing options that most cameras have.

I still own an m6.

Leica with m serious basically have the same body since 70 years, while fuji seem quite confused..

Pro need consistency, bodies need evolution, but changing basic functionality and ergonomics at each iteration doesn't seem a great idea

 

[robert1955]

New rumor: https://www.fujirumors.com/rumor-fujifilm-x-t5-will-not-have-battery-grip-option-new-source/

Any thoughts?

Well, X-T3/4 were positioned as pro cameras, but it seems that X-T5 won't be perceived as pro anymore.

Who cares as long as it’s a great camera? Professionals come in many forms and use everything from low end cameras to the best of the best.

I'm afraid it will be rather X-T40/50 equivalent and we might not get classic X-T3 on steroids, but rather X-T30 with new sensor and CPU - Time will tell.

Of course it’s still going to be the X-Tx series… Fuji knows how many battery grips they’ve sold. I’d imagine it isn’t as many as you think for this series. This news in no way says the X-Tx range is going to somehow now be a $900 camera.

Who cares if Fujifilm didn’t sell that many grips. THE CUSTOMER wants a battery grip, and that is exactly what Fujifilm must produce. Hey man, as long as there is a third party grip I’m cool with that.

You mean THE CUSTOMER wants it, but does not buy it? Because that is the only way not many are sold

FYI Nikon made that really stupid mistake with the Z6/7 and people were P***D. Yeah maybe they didn’t sell that many grips but so what. So they were (forced) to come out with “version II” bodies but by that time Nikon’s customers were not so happy about any of it.

If Fujifilm makes this move they’ll be definitely screwing me big time because I like and I’m a dial type of shooter WITH battery grips. Both my XT1 bodies have battery grips as well as my new XT3. If Fuji takes that away from me I’m screwed, and no I won’t be forced to buy a XH body because those cameras are not for me, as it is they already took the dials out as well as the tilt screen which IMHO was a mistake.

If Fujifilm removes a battery grip option then this simply means that the XT3 will be the last Fujifilm camera I will buy. That ain’t cool.

you surely mean bought not will buy? Or are you already a non-buying customer?

Cheers,

Artur

 

[John Gellings]

Pro need consistency, bodies need evolution, but changing basic functionality and ergonomics at each iteration doesn't seem a great idea

A battery grip is an add on....it isn't basic functionality or a change in ergonomics in the original camera. I'm sorry, but the X-T5 just isn't going to be for you anymore. It happens.

 

[John Gellings]

New rumor: https://www.fujirumors.com/rumor-fujifilm-x-t5-will-not-have-battery-grip-option-new-source/

Any thoughts?

Well, X-T3/4 were positioned as pro cameras, but it seems that X-T5 won't be perceived as pro anymore.

Who cares as long as it’s a great camera? Professionals come in many forms and use everything from low end cameras to the best of the best.

I'm afraid it will be rather X-T40/50 equivalent and we might not get classic X-T3 on steroids, but rather X-T30 with new sensor and CPU - Time will tell.

Of course it’s still going to be the X-Tx series… Fuji knows how many battery grips they’ve sold. I’d imagine it isn’t as many as you think for this series. This news in no way says the X-Tx range is going to somehow now be a $900 camera.

Who cares if Fujifilm didn’t sell that many grips. THE CUSTOMER wants a battery grip, and that is exactly what Fujifilm must produce. Hey man, as long as there is a third party grip I’m cool with that.

You mean THE CUSTOMER wants it, but does not buy it? Because that is the only way not many are sold

He means a few customers want it so Fuji should make it. That is not how a business works though...

 

[forest dream]

Hi,

I sometimes wonder if Fuji (and other manufacturers) leak these rumors to watch the reaction in forums like this. A customer survey in a vocal little pool of customers.

No.

Before Fujifilm X-E4 launch, many thread mentioned consumer want X-E4 come with weather sealing X-E2S with X-T30 spec.

But, Fujifilm X-E4 release "poor man Leica flat body" (less dials but missing Leica menu/shooting experience).

Many consumer also demand X-T40 (which retro X-T30 with IBIS). But, Fujifilm release X-T30 II which didn't solve Q button issue.

IMO Fuji products manager didn't survey what consumer demand.

Or they did, but got views from other surveys that just didn't match those held here.

I agree with you about the XE3 and XE4, Everyone here wanted an evolution of the XE2s with improved features and sealing, but seemed to get a very different vision in the XE3 that seemed primarily tailored with its touch screen to phone

Fujifilm menu can't consider smartphone like touchscreen interface, it just traditional camera menu.

Sample of real touchscreen menu interface - BMPCC4K

and compact upgraders,

• X-E4 remove rear command dials because it blocked by "Thumb Rest". The "Thumb Rest" required since flat body.
• Remove rear command dials& MCS switch for flat body.
• Rear command dials & MCS switch only weight few grams

and then the XE4 was paired back still further. Hopefully they'll seal the XE5 and add back the MCS switch, a small grip and some customizable buttons. I don't know the history of the XT30ii.

Fujifilm X-T30 major deal breaker is too easy accidentally pressing the Q (quick) menu button.

When Fujifilm X-T30 II release, Fujifilm didn't make any improvement for above Q menu button.


X-T30 II Q menu button

Another model like X-S10 fix it via reposition Q menu button.

IMO X-T30 II should at least make Q button just deeper 2mm in current location, for ensure more difficult accident click.

 

[forest dream]

Oh, give me a break. Do you seriously think that the opinions shared here (or yours in particular) are an accurate representation of the overall needs of the market?

May be your are correct. Opinions shared here may not accurate representation of the overall needs of the market.

There are a lot of strong opinions shared here every day (yours being one of the stronger ones), and that's all fine and dandy as forums like this are all about sharing opinions. However, this forum is but one source for opinions on what Fujifilm should and shouldn't build, and it may not necessarily represent the broader needs of what Fujifilm sees as its overall market.

Agree. Em... "demand of two pivoting screen back to X-T5" in this forum may not necessarily represent the broader needs of what Fujifilm sees as its overall market...

So, it's just fine that you use this platform as a place to share your strong opinions on what you think Fujifilm should build... that is what forums like this are for. However, please don't confuse this with the sort of market research that product line managers do to determine what the market needs and what makes the most sense for Fujifilm's overall product direction. The loudest voices aren't necessarily the ones that represent the best direction to take.

Agree.

 

[pictograph]

Hi,

I sometimes wonder if Fuji (and other manufacturers) leak these rumors to watch the reaction in forums like this. A customer survey in a vocal little pool of customers.

No.

Before Fujifilm X-E4 launch, many thread mentioned consumer want X-E4 come with weather sealing X-E2S with X-T30 spec.

But, Fujifilm X-E4 release "poor man Leica flat body" (less dials but missing Leica menu/shooting experience).

Many consumer also demand X-T40 (which retro X-T30 with IBIS). But, Fujifilm release X-T30 II which didn't solve Q button issue.

Fuji XF10 almost become alternative of Ricoh GR, but wrong design, worst processor worst AF become deal breaker. If Fuji XF10 use X-A7 processor, provide usable AF performance...

IMO Fuji products manager didn't survey what consumer demand.

Oh, give me a break. Do you seriously think that the opinions shared here (or yours in particular) are an accurate representation of the overall needs of the market? There are a lot of strong opinions shared here every day (yours being one of the stronger ones), and that's all fine and dandy as forums like this are all about sharing opinions. However, this forum is but one source for opinions on what Fujifilm should and shouldn't build, and it may not necessarily represent the broader needs of what Fujifilm sees as its overall market. So, it's just fine that you use this platform as a place to share your strong opinions on what you think Fujifilm should build... that is what forums like this are for. However, please don't confuse this with the sort of market research that product line managers do to determine what the market needs and what makes the most sense for Fujifilm's overall product direction. The loudest voices aren't necessarily the ones that represent the best direction to take. And, FWIW, I spent nearly my entire career managing high tech product lines, so I'm not without some experience in this.

I'm not here to agree or disagree with what's being discussed here (there's a little of both). But please don't make the mistake of thinking that this forum (or your very strong opinion in particular) represents an accurate view of the overall market's needs. If you don't like the direction they're taking, then you have a decision to make.

Thank you Jerry….

+1

Cheers

 

[thomega]

Who cares if Fujifilm didn’t sell that many grips. THE CUSTOMER wants a battery grip, and that is exactly what Fujifilm must produce.

there's a typo: THE -> THIS;-)

 

[Yannis1976]

Fuji may think PASM dials + IBIS can be affordable ($999 X-S10l) because other brands ($1299 Nikon Z5, FF had IBIS).

Only $1499 Canon R7 has IBIS. So, $1499 X-T5 WWW (without charger) with IBIS seem reasonable for product segmentation.

Olympus and Panasonic m43 models all have ibis and m43 is a competing format for Fuji….
Sony A6600 and 6500 also have ibis.

Partial agree, Fuji may think PASM dials + IBIS can be affordable ($999 X-S10l) because other brands has. It is because other brands (except Nikon Z fc).

Nikon Z fc (which retro dial) also hasn't IBIS.

For other model which use retro dials, Fuji will not give IBIS below $1499 category.

Above products segmentation is main reason why Fujifilm never release X-T40 ($999 retro dials with IBIS).

If they hadn’t put ibis into XT4, I would give some chances to XT5 not having either. But since they started it with XT4, can’t see them removing it in XT5. And again, IBIS shouldn’t be considered a luxury feature in 2023, it is now basic.

 

[michaeladawson]

Who cares if Fujifilm didn’t sell that many grips. THE CUSTOMER wants a battery grip, and that is exactly what Fujifilm must produce. Hey man, as long as there is a third party grip I’m cool with that.

FYI Nikon made that really stupid mistake with the Z6/7 and people were P***D. Yeah maybe they didn’t sell that many grips but so what. So they were (forced) to come out with “version II” bodies but by that time Nikon’s customers were not so happy about any of it.

If Fujifilm makes this move they’ll be definitely screwing me big time because I like and I’m a dial type of shooter WITH battery grips. Both my XT1 bodies have battery grips as well as my new XT3. If Fuji takes that away from me I’m screwed, and no I won’t be forced to buy a XH body because those cameras are not for me, as it is they already took the dials out as well as the tilt screen which IMHO was a mistake.

If Fujifilm removes a battery grip option then this simply means that the XT3 will be the last Fujifilm camera I will buy. That ain’t cool.

Good luck with that. You've posted your litany of what is wrong with every camera company out there and all of their models.

Won't buy another Fujifilm? What's it going to be then? Pentax? Nikon? Olympus? Canon? Back to DSLR?

I eagerly await your new camera choice should this rumor hold true.

 

[Jerry-astro]

Who cares if Fujifilm didn’t sell that many grips. THE CUSTOMER wants a battery grip, and that is exactly what Fujifilm must produce. Hey man, as long as there is a third party grip I’m cool with that.

FYI Nikon made that really stupid mistake with the Z6/7 and people were P***D. Yeah maybe they didn’t sell that many grips but so what. So they were (forced) to come out with “version II” bodies but by that time Nikon’s customers were not so happy about any of it.

If Fujifilm makes this move they’ll be definitely screwing me big time because I like and I’m a dial type of shooter WITH battery grips. Both my XT1 bodies have battery grips as well as my new XT3. If Fuji takes that away from me I’m screwed, and no I won’t be forced to buy a XH body because those cameras are not for me, as it is they already took the dials out as well as the tilt screen which IMHO was a mistake.

If Fujifilm removes a battery grip option then this simply means that the XT3 will be the last Fujifilm camera I will buy. That ain’t cool.

Good luck with that. You've posted your litany of what is wrong with every camera company out there and all of their models.

Won't buy another Fujifilm? What's it going to be then? Pentax? Nikon? Olympus? Canon? Back to DSLR?

I eagerly await your new camera choice should this rumor hold true.

Me too. I'd like a bit of advanced notice so I can give the appropriate forum Mods a "heads up" that he's coming.

--
Jerry-Astro
Fuji Forum co-Mod

 

[DJF55]

robert1955 wrote

You mean THE CUSTOMER wants it, but does not buy it? Because that is the only way not many are sold

He means a few customers want it so Fuji should make it. That is not how a business works though...

... unless no grip means no camera sold...