There are rumors that Fujifilm is working on an all-new camera for 2025. There are suggestions that it won’t be based on an existing Fujifilm camera, but that the mystery model will feature an all-new sensor in a format that Fujifilm has not yet used for.
Obviously this news, which was shared by Fujifilm Rumorshas sparked a wild guessing game among Fujifilm fans, many of whom are speculating about what the retro camera specialist might come up with. After all, Fujifilm consistently makes some of the best cameras, including the X100 VI, which was one of this year’s highlights, yet has remained completely absent from the popular full-frame and Micro Four Thirds (MFT) sensor formats.
Judging from the rumors – which, again, are speculation – and based on Fujifilm’s current camera lineup, which is most likely?
Which sensor size makes the most sense for Fujifilm?
Fujifilm’s main camera systems are the X-series, which includes interchangeable lens cameras such as the X-T5 and the The X series uses an APS-C sensor, while the GFX series with larger sensors is known as medium format. These sensor formats sandwich full-frame.
Many fans think that Fujifilm is unlikely to enter the full-frame camera world, despite its popularity. Not only would a full-frame Fujifilm camera cannibalize its current systems given the gross similarity in size, but it’s also a highly competitive market with Sony, Canon, Nikon, Panasonic and Leica focusing their efforts there.
Of course, Fujifilm could create a one-off and unique full-frame camera with a new series without committing to the format, but that might not be the most likely scenario.
The same can be said for Micro Four Thirds, a sensor size slightly smaller than APS-C, used by excellent mirrorless cameras from Panasonic and OM System. So where does that leave us?
One possibility could be a versatile premium compact camera with a 1-inch sensor and handy zoom lens, similar to a Sony RX100 series camera, with the latest model being the RX100 VII. Fujifilm has never used this sensor format before and the premium compact camera market is seeing growing interest, not least due to Fujifilm’s own success in this area with the X100VI.
Sony looks like it has abandoned its RX100 series, and shoppers are short of new options in this part of the market. Fujifilm could also add a retro twist, creating an excellent travel camera that could also be a good option for vlogging.
Leica recently revived the D-Lux premium compact camera series with the D-Lux 8. It features a Micro Four Thirds sensor and a large aperture zoom lens. However, being a refresh of the D-Lux 7, the technology is a bit dated and Fujifilm could easily create a more attractive option than Leica by using the latest technology.
There are plenty of potential candidates, from plausible to unlikely, including an Instax interchangeable lens camera. Judging from the rumor forums, which Fujifilm is also working on, it could generate quite a bit of interest.