Forced into Fuji, requesting guidance

[ikolbyi]

I recently upgraded my DxO Photolabs from version 7 to 9 and noticed my Fuji Filmpacks all greyed out (unable to use them). After contacting DxO support they directed me to this article:

How does DxO Software handle the Fujifilm digital film renderings? – Help center

"As of April 15, 2025, and as requested by Fujifilm, we have updated how our software handles Fujifilm digital film simulations.
These renderings are now exclusively available for RAF files (RAW format) produced by Fujifilm cameras, and they accurately reflect only the simulations available on those cameras."

I was using the Olympus/OM EM5.3 as my main black/white city/travel camera. Apparently I need to replace it (preferably used) Fuji gear. The issue I see is Fuji does not have a direct equivalency to it.

The

• X-T2 or 3 is weathered sealed, but physically larger.
• X-T30 matches the size of the EM5.3, but is not weathered sealed.
• X-E3 or 4 I found annoying to hold/use and not weathered sealed.

Any recommendations? I only need a 24/26mp sensor.

The lenses used (equivalency to what I was using) what I am considering:

• XF 16-50mm F/2.8-4.8 WR - Water resistant (preferred) but expensive
• XF 18-55mm F2.8-4 - Preferred focal length, but not water resistant

Is their something else I should be looking at in native Fuji glass?

size matters (smaller the better); F-stop can not be higher than F4 (F4.8 acceptable); no XC lenses, looking for professional quality glass/image. I don't need anything faster than F4, F2.8 is a nice to have as long as physical size stays small. Primes are difficult to use for this application but the 27mm F2.8 did catch my attention due to size and focal length I typically use (40-50mm FF equivalency).

This camera/lens combination will be my city & vacation camera. Something compact and durable enough to be bumped around and smaller than my primary cameras: OM-1, G9.2 & S1R.2. The OM-1 deep grip prohibits it from sitting in a jacket pocket comfortably.

Please no comments about sensor size (MFT vs APSC), I already photography in all 4 sensor types: MFT, APSC, FF & MF. My questions are regarding Fuji because I have no (zero) experience with X-mount. This thread is meant to help educate/guide me to the best camera and lens for this application.

Thank you.

 

[MJ_Photo38]

I recently upgraded my DxO Photolabs from version 7 to 9 and noticed my Fuji Filmpacks all greyed out (unable to use them). After contacting DxO support they directed me to this article:

How does DxO Software handle the Fujifilm digital film renderings? – Help center

"As of April 15, 2025, and as requested by Fujifilm, we have updated how our software handles Fujifilm digital film simulations.
These renderings are now exclusively available for RAF files (RAW format) produced by Fujifilm cameras, and they accurately reflect only the simulations available on those cameras."

I was using the Olympus/OM EM5.3 as my main black/white city/travel camera. Apparently I need to replace it (preferably used) Fuji gear. The issue I see is Fuji does not have a direct equivalency to it.

The

• X-T2 or 3 is weathered sealed, but physically larger.
• X-T30 matches the size of the EM5.3, but is not weathered sealed.
• X-E3 or 4 I found annoying to hold/use and not weathered sealed.

Any recommendations? I only need a 24/26mp sensor.

The lenses used (equivalency to what I was using) what I am considering:

• XF 16-50mm F/2.8-4.8 WR - Water resistant (preferred) but expensive
• XF 18-55mm F2.8-4 - Preferred focal length, but not water resistant

Is their something else I should be looking at in native Fuji glass?

size matters (smaller the better); F-stop can not be higher than F4 (F4.8 acceptable); no XC lenses, looking for professional quality glass/image.

Fuji make an XC version of there 35mm f2 which is optically every bit as good as there XF 35mm f2.

3 separate reputable reviews all showcased the XC glass is subpar to XF equivalent.

It is not. I had both lenses and compared them, they are identical in pretty much every way. Optical fomula is the same in both lenses.

Plus XC are not weather sealed.

Indeed. Though if you go with a non-weather sealed camera like the X-T30 this is of very little importance.

I don't need anything faster than F4, F2.8 is a nice to have as long as physical size stays small. Primes are difficult to use for this application but the 27mm F2.8 did catch my attention due to size and focal length I typically use (40-50mm FF equivalency).

This camera/lens combination will be my city & vacation camera. Something compact and durable enough to be bumped around and smaller than my primary cameras: OM-1, G9.2 & S1R.2. The OM-1 deep grip prohibits it from sitting in a jacket pocket comfortably.

Is there any chance you can post a picture of your jacket pocket.

I`ve just sold the last of my M4/3 kit and from memory there is no way an EM5 even with a very small lens attached would fit in any of my jacket pockets and I had used EM5`s for about 13 years.

i had zero issues with the EM5.3 and Sony A6400 in my pocket.

Please no comments about sensor size (MFT vs APSC), I already photography in all 4 sensor types: MFT, APSC, FF & MF. My questions are regarding Fuji because I have no (zero) experience with X-mount. This thread is meant to help educate/guide me to the best camera and lens for this application.

No, it needs discussing, a Fuji APS-C sensor is 39% larger than a M4/3 sensor, yet your complaining that Fuji bodies are much bigger, we are talking about just millimetres here.

Sony produces APSC cameras the same size as MFT. Are you suggesting Fuji is not capable of same feat? The Fuji catalog says otherwise.

It depends what you look for in those cameras I guess. Fujifilm made a complete lineup, from bottom entry level cameras to the absolute top, flagship stacked sensor bodies. Sony didn't have to do this, they focused on cheap, small entry level bodies and dipped their toes in the mid range.

Their philosophy wasn't to make a camera that was nice to use, but to make the smallest camera they could with the technology that they had. Fujifilm's approach is simply to make nice cameras, with a focus on user experience, so oftentimes their cameras en up being a little bit larger than Sony if you want the same features in both.

If you really do need something from the Fuji line up that is small, forget IBIS and anyform of weather sealing and forget having a viewfinder as well.

No one has forced you to switch to Fuji, quite frankly I think this is just about the most bizarre thread I have ever seen in any of these forums.

Got a software problem, change the software, simple.

this was already outlined and answered earlier.

Thank you.

 

[ikolbyi]

I recently upgraded my DxO Photolabs from version 7 to 9 and noticed my Fuji Filmpacks all greyed out (unable to use them). After contacting DxO support they directed me to this article:

How does DxO Software handle the Fujifilm digital film renderings? – Help center

"As of April 15, 2025, and as requested by Fujifilm, we have updated how our software handles Fujifilm digital film simulations.
These renderings are now exclusively available for RAF files (RAW format) produced by Fujifilm cameras, and they accurately reflect only the simulations available on those cameras."

I was using the Olympus/OM EM5.3 as my main black/white city/travel camera. Apparently I need to replace it (preferably used) Fuji gear. The issue I see is Fuji does not have a direct equivalency to it.

The

• X-T2 or 3 is weathered sealed, but physically larger.
• X-T30 matches the size of the EM5.3, but is not weathered sealed.
• X-E3 or 4 I found annoying to hold/use and not weathered sealed.

Any recommendations? I only need a 24/26mp sensor.

The lenses used (equivalency to what I was using) what I am considering:

• XF 16-50mm F/2.8-4.8 WR - Water resistant (preferred) but expensive
• XF 18-55mm F2.8-4 - Preferred focal length, but not water resistant

Is their something else I should be looking at in native Fuji glass?

size matters (smaller the better); F-stop can not be higher than F4 (F4.8 acceptable); no XC lenses, looking for professional quality glass/image.

Fuji make an XC version of there 35mm f2 which is optically every bit as good as there XF 35mm f2.

3 separate reputable reviews all showcased the XC glass is subpar to XF equivalent.

It is not. I had both lenses and compared them, they are identical in pretty much every way. Optical fomula is the same in both lenses.

Plus XC are not weather sealed.

Indeed. Though if you go with a non-weather sealed camera like the X-T30 this is of very little importance.

nothing has been purchased yet as I’m waiting on my credit number from EM5.3 and associated lenses. Regarding the X-T30 weather resistant (or lack there of), between YouTube and Reddit, the response have been if you sneeze on it the camera will break to no issues scuba diving with it.

It is hard to separate fact from fiction. The only item I have made up my mind on is the lens. The camera body will be decided on remaining budget.

I don't need anything faster than F4, F2.8 is a nice to have as long as physical size stays small. Primes are difficult to use for this application but the 27mm F2.8 did catch my attention due to size and focal length I typically use (40-50mm FF equivalency).

This camera/lens combination will be my city & vacation camera. Something compact and durable enough to be bumped around and smaller than my primary cameras: OM-1, G9.2 & S1R.2. The OM-1 deep grip prohibits it from sitting in a jacket pocket comfortably.

Is there any chance you can post a picture of your jacket pocket.

I`ve just sold the last of my M4/3 kit and from memory there is no way an EM5 even with a very small lens attached would fit in any of my jacket pockets and I had used EM5`s for about 13 years.

i had zero issues with the EM5.3 and Sony A6400 in my pocket.

Please no comments about sensor size (MFT vs APSC), I already photography in all 4 sensor types: MFT, APSC, FF & MF. My questions are regarding Fuji because I have no (zero) experience with X-mount. This thread is meant to help educate/guide me to the best camera and lens for this application.

No, it needs discussing, a Fuji APS-C sensor is 39% larger than a M4/3 sensor, yet your complaining that Fuji bodies are much bigger, we are talking about just millimetres here.

Sony produces APSC cameras the same size as MFT. Are you suggesting Fuji is not capable of same feat? The Fuji catalog says otherwise.

It depends what you look for in those cameras I guess. Fujifilm made a complete lineup, from bottom entry level cameras to the absolute top, flagship stacked sensor bodies. Sony didn't have to do this, they focused on cheap, small entry level bodies and dipped their toes in the mid range.

Their philosophy wasn't to make a camera that was nice to use, but to make the smallest camera they could with the technology that they had. Fujifilm's approach is simply to make nice cameras, with a focus on user experience, so oftentimes their cameras en up being a little bit larger than Sony if you want the same features in both.

i hated everything about the Sony except for the size. This will be my first Fuji X-trans camera, I have know idea how I will respond to it which is the 2nd reason why looking at used. 1st reason is because this will be a beater camera and I would rather not take risk on an expensive new camera.

As long as this future camera (and lens) is smaller than my existing setups (OM-1, G9.2 & S1R.2) and works with my locked DxO profiles, I can overlook much.

I had 3 complaints with the EM5.3,: menus sucked, micro USB charging & 20 mp sensor. The OM-5.2 fixed two of those issues. The extra 5MP on the 25mp G9.2 is greatly appreciated and I see the difference when cropping. Fuji here has the advantage having a 24mp (T2) and 26mp (T3 & T30) but I need to decide on a compromise:WR or size. It seems I can’t have both.

This is one big experiment, trying to limit out-of-pocket expenses on an experiment as it is easier to fix an issue with H/W than changing and relearning S/W and workflow.

If you really do need something from the Fuji line up that is small, forget IBIS and anyform of weather sealing and forget having a viewfinder as well.

No one has forced you to switch to Fuji, quite frankly I think this is just about the most bizarre thread I have ever seen in any of these forums.

Got a software problem, change the software, simple.

this was already outlined and answered earlier.

Thank you.

--
(G.A.S. and collectionnite will get my skin one day)

 

[a_c_skinner]

I don't know of any good data beyond the annecdotal of how well Fuji cameras withstand rain. So mine go in a bag if it is raining or likely to rain. I'd do the same for my H2, reputedly WR as my E3, now upgraded to T50. Only OM digital give proper IP ratings, none of the major makers do this. So you cannot rely on their WR or lack of WR. IP ratings are what we need if we are to allow cameras to be rained upon.

 

[Twister17]

Only OM digital give proper IP ratings, none of the major makers do this. So you cannot rely on their WR or lack of WR. IP ratings are what we need if we are to allow cameras to be rained upon.

Several Leica cameras have IP ratings. eg. Q2 & Q3 - IP52, SL2 & SL3 - IP54.

 

[a_c_skinner]

As I say, none of the major makers. I missed Leica on my quickish web search. Not that this will help the OP who, despite a lot of suggestions, has been clear the solution to their issue is a Fuji camera.

 

[MJ_Photo38]

I recently upgraded my DxO Photolabs from version 7 to 9 and noticed my Fuji Filmpacks all greyed out (unable to use them). After contacting DxO support they directed me to this article:

How does DxO Software handle the Fujifilm digital film renderings? – Help center

"As of April 15, 2025, and as requested by Fujifilm, we have updated how our software handles Fujifilm digital film simulations.
These renderings are now exclusively available for RAF files (RAW format) produced by Fujifilm cameras, and they accurately reflect only the simulations available on those cameras."

I was using the Olympus/OM EM5.3 as my main black/white city/travel camera. Apparently I need to replace it (preferably used) Fuji gear. The issue I see is Fuji does not have a direct equivalency to it.

The

• X-T2 or 3 is weathered sealed, but physically larger.
• X-T30 matches the size of the EM5.3, but is not weathered sealed.
• X-E3 or 4 I found annoying to hold/use and not weathered sealed.

Any recommendations? I only need a 24/26mp sensor.

The lenses used (equivalency to what I was using) what I am considering:

• XF 16-50mm F/2.8-4.8 WR - Water resistant (preferred) but expensive
• XF 18-55mm F2.8-4 - Preferred focal length, but not water resistant

Is their something else I should be looking at in native Fuji glass?

size matters (smaller the better); F-stop can not be higher than F4 (F4.8 acceptable); no XC lenses, looking for professional quality glass/image.

Fuji make an XC version of there 35mm f2 which is optically every bit as good as there XF 35mm f2.

3 separate reputable reviews all showcased the XC glass is subpar to XF equivalent.

It is not. I had both lenses and compared them, they are identical in pretty much every way. Optical fomula is the same in both lenses.

Plus XC are not weather sealed.

Indeed. Though if you go with a non-weather sealed camera like the X-T30 this is of very little importance.

nothing has been purchased yet as I’m waiting on my credit number from EM5.3 and associated lenses. Regarding the X-T30 weather resistant (or lack there of), between YouTube and Reddit, the response have been if you sneeze on it the camera will break to no issues scuba diving with it.

It is hard to separate fact from fiction. The only item I have made up my mind on is the lens. The camera body will be decided on remaining budget.

I don't need anything faster than F4, F2.8 is a nice to have as long as physical size stays small. Primes are difficult to use for this application but the 27mm F2.8 did catch my attention due to size and focal length I typically use (40-50mm FF equivalency).

This camera/lens combination will be my city & vacation camera. Something compact and durable enough to be bumped around and smaller than my primary cameras: OM-1, G9.2 & S1R.2. The OM-1 deep grip prohibits it from sitting in a jacket pocket comfortably.

Is there any chance you can post a picture of your jacket pocket.

I`ve just sold the last of my M4/3 kit and from memory there is no way an EM5 even with a very small lens attached would fit in any of my jacket pockets and I had used EM5`s for about 13 years.

i had zero issues with the EM5.3 and Sony A6400 in my pocket.

Please no comments about sensor size (MFT vs APSC), I already photography in all 4 sensor types: MFT, APSC, FF & MF. My questions are regarding Fuji because I have no (zero) experience with X-mount. This thread is meant to help educate/guide me to the best camera and lens for this application.

No, it needs discussing, a Fuji APS-C sensor is 39% larger than a M4/3 sensor, yet your complaining that Fuji bodies are much bigger, we are talking about just millimetres here.

Sony produces APSC cameras the same size as MFT. Are you suggesting Fuji is not capable of same feat? The Fuji catalog says otherwise.

It depends what you look for in those cameras I guess. Fujifilm made a complete lineup, from bottom entry level cameras to the absolute top, flagship stacked sensor bodies. Sony didn't have to do this, they focused on cheap, small entry level bodies and dipped their toes in the mid range.

Their philosophy wasn't to make a camera that was nice to use, but to make the smallest camera they could with the technology that they had. Fujifilm's approach is simply to make nice cameras, with a focus on user experience, so oftentimes their cameras en up being a little bit larger than Sony if you want the same features in both.

i hated everything about the Sony except for the size. This will be my first Fuji X-trans camera, I have know idea how I will respond to it which is the 2nd reason why looking at used. 1st reason is because this will be a beater camera and I would rather not take risk on an expensive new camera.

Honestly, if you go for the 16-50, it will not be super pocketable no matter the camera body you go after.

If you want a reliable, inexpensive beater camera to go in the rain with, the X-T2 is an absolute no brainer to me.

As long as this future camera (and lens) is smaller than my existing setups (OM-1, G9.2 & S1R.2) and works with my locked DxO profiles, I can overlook much.
I had 3 complaints with the EM5.3,: menus sucked, micro USB charging & 20 mp sensor. The OM-5.2 fixed two of those issues. The extra 5MP on the 25mp G9.2 is greatly appreciated and I see the difference when cropping. Fuji here has the advantage having a 24mp (T2) and 26mp (T3 & T30) but I need to decide on a compromise:WR or size. It seems I can’t have both.

Indeed you can't. If USB charging is important, then maybe the X-T2 isn't the best choice... it only has micro USB, while both the X-T3 and 30 have USB-C

I don't know which lens you used on the E-M5iii (lookign at your gear list I'm going to assume the 12-45 f/4?), but regardless this is what you can expect from Fuji cameras when it comes to size :

This is one big experiment, trying to limit out-of-pocket expenses on an experiment as it is easier to fix an issue with H/W than changing and relearning S/W and workflow.

If you really do need something from the Fuji line up that is small, forget IBIS and anyform of weather sealing and forget having a viewfinder as well.

No one has forced you to switch to Fuji, quite frankly I think this is just about the most bizarre thread I have ever seen in any of these forums.

Got a software problem, change the software, simple.

this was already outlined and answered earlier.

Thank you.

--
(G.A.S. and collectionnite will get my skin one day)

 

[ikolbyi]

As I say, none of the major makers. I missed Leica on my quickish web search. Not that this will help the OP who, despite a lot of suggestions, has been clear the solution to their issue is a Fuji camera.

--
Andrew Skinner

The learning curve for me is easier on H/W than S/W. In terms of cost, it is a wash in most cases. I don’t want to replace something I’m happy with (DxO). I was only partially happy with my old EM5.3, the EM5.3 was always good enough so I happily marched on with it despite its flaws for those many years.

one of the comments earlier made a compelling case to replace all of my equipment with Fuji. That all depends how I feel this experiment goes and only after my existing cameras no longer function due to age. I would love to reduce my overall kit. The problem is no one camera system I have fills all my needs. Everything is about compromises. Except today, OM raised my eyebrow with release of the 50-200mm F2.8 PRO. That lens could potentially replace two lenses in my bag: my beloved and overused 40-150mm F2.8 PRO & only used for wildlife photography 300mm F4 PRO.

Right now waiting on KEH to proved me final trade-in value. Next step is purchase.

 

[a_c_skinner]

My Nikon full frame stuff didn't survive me buying one of the first Fujis, the X-M1. I place less demands on hardware than most, but Fuji with the ability to have a small, light camera and a bigger more feature rich camera mounting a single suite of lenses just won me over.

 

[ikolbyi]

My Nikon full frame stuff didn't survive me buying one of the first Fujis, the X-M1. I place less demands on hardware than most, but Fuji with the ability to have a small, light camera and a bigger more feature rich camera mounting a single suite of lenses just won me over.

--
Andrew Skinner

70% of my photography is with MFT, only about 30% is with the S1R.2.

the G9.2 (a pre-order purchase while I still had the original S1R) was meant to replace my aging overused beat up OM-1 and add better video capabilities beyond what I had at the time. It turned out the G9.2 has AF performance penalty with Olympus/OM lenses and the sensor speed has too much banding when used with electronic shutter mode so this eliminates Pre-capture mode which is essential for wildlife and helpful for sports. But the 25mp sensor on the G9.2 makes it the best macro body on the market. So it found a niche in my collection for macro & video.
Then the S1R.2 was released and it replaced the aging S1R. Immediately it replaced the video role having more capabilities, this leaves the G9.2 in a weird spot.

the LUMIX/Leica lenses are more compact than Olympus/OM so they are easier to travel with despite the larger body of G9.2. Compatibility between OM & LUMIX is sporadic and complicated which makes interoperability an exercise in needing a college masters degree to understand . …. It’s very annoying.

then after all that, LUMIX released new L-mount glass almost the same physical size as MFT. MFT gained size and weight where L-mount went on Ozempic. So I purchased one of those new small-lite weight L-mount lenses and it did matched MFT, but image quality is questionable. I feel it wasn’t designed to render around the 45mp sensor. The sample photos all used the 24mp sensor.
I just can’t win.

 

[UsherFellig]

I don't know of any good data beyond the annecdotal of how well Fuji cameras withstand rain. So mine go in a bag if it is raining or likely to rain. I'd do the same for my H2, reputedly WR as my E3, now upgraded to T50. Only OM digital give proper IP ratings, none of the major makers do this. So you cannot rely on their WR or lack of WR. IP ratings are what we need if we are to allow cameras to be rained upon.

I see the Fuji Rumorazzo fellow recently posted an item about a Kickstarter project by the SPINN Design folks in Germany who are working on a weatherproof gear wrapper:

https://www.fujirumors.com/#google_vignette

 

[MJ_Photo38]

My Nikon full frame stuff didn't survive me buying one of the first Fujis, the X-M1. I place less demands on hardware than most, but Fuji with the ability to have a small, light camera and a bigger more feature rich camera mounting a single suite of lenses just won me over.

70% of my photography is with MFT, only about 30% is with the S1R.2.

the G9.2 (a pre-order purchase while I still had the original S1R) was meant to replace my aging overused beat up OM-1 and add better video capabilities beyond what I had at the time. It turned out the G9.2 has AF performance penalty with Olympus/OM lenses and the sensor speed has too much banding when used with electronic shutter mode so this eliminates Pre-capture mode which is essential for wildlife and helpful for sports. But the 25mp sensor on the G9.2 makes it the best macro body on the market. So it found a niche in my collection for macro & video.
Then the S1R.2 was released and it replaced the aging S1R. Immediately it replaced the video role having more capabilities, this leaves the G9.2 in a weird spot.

the LUMIX/Leica lenses are more compact than Olympus/OM so they are easier to travel with despite the larger body of G9.2. Compatibility between OM & LUMIX is sporadic and complicated which makes interoperability an exercise in needing a college masters degree to understand . …. It’s very annoying.

then after all that, LUMIX released new L-mount glass almost the same physical size as MFT. MFT gained size and weight where L-mount went on Ozempic. So I purchased one of those new small-lite weight L-mount lenses and it did matched MFT, but image quality is questionable. I feel it wasn’t designed to render around the 45mp sensor. The sample photos all used the 24mp sensor.
I just can’t win.

Alternative : sell everything, get a Fuji X-H2S and a Fuji X-T5.

I know we're in silly territory (to the point that it will probably never happen), but when you think about it :

- The X-T5 has weather sealing, isn't super big (it's actually smaller than both the X-T4 and X-T3/2, only slightly thicker), and the 40MP sensor can be used for high resolution applications as well as macro (Fujifilm has an excellent 80mm macro lens for that). It can also be a half-decent video camera, with the ability to record 6.2K video in 10bit color.

- The X-H2S has a 26MP stacked sensor that can shoot bursts up to 40fps, with Pre-Capture (called Pre-shot in Fuji-World). It can also shoot 6.2K video in Open Gate (3:2 ratio), in both 10bit color and ProRes RAW. If needed, it can also mount a fan accessory for active cooling. For stuff like wildlife, the Fujifilm ecosystem has a number of nice lenses, like the old 100-400 (150-600 equiv), 70-300 (100-450 equiv), 150-600 (225-900 equiv) and the recently released 500mm f/5.6 (750mm equiv). All are compatible with tele converters.

Other than that, the X mount has a number of good lenses that are both small and weather sealed, which is great for travel.

Both camera have IBIS and will make full use of the unstabilized compact lenses like the new 16-50mm

Both cameras have the exact same color science and will not disrupt your DxO workflow.

Both cameras use the exact same battery.

Both cameras were released in 2022 and as such are readlily available used.

I guess you'd need to *really* like the Fujifilm cameras to completely switch to it, but looking at your current camera conundrums, it sounds like a half decent plan.

And keep in mind that while saying this I am mostly a micro four thirds shooter nowadays, only occasionally shooting Fujifilm and having not a ton of appreciation for the company as it currently is. I just felt like it made sense, considering you don't want to change your workflow on the software side of things.