Victor Ha is Vice President of Electronic Imaging Division and Optical Devices Division at FUJIFILM North America Corporation, and someone with an outspoken vision about the imaging market, much beyond any individual camera model – which is why we invited him to join us for a very interesting discussion about the “state of the industry.” Full disclosure: FUJIFILM is a sponsor of the Focus Check podcast.

Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by FUJIFILM and FilmConvert. Check it out at [29:13].

Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music PlayerFM iHeart Radio YouTube

Time stamps and show notes:

00:00 – Intro

05:50 – FUJIFILM’s Massive Success with the 100X VI

19:58 – What Could the Camera of the Future Look Like?

21:45 – Why no image editing and 5G in cameras?

26:10 – Is Camera-to-Cloud the Future?

35:00 – FUJIFILM Camera to Cloud Review – Is it Really Working? A CineD Documentary https://www.cined.com/fujifilm-camera-to-cloud-review-is-it-really-working-a-cined-documentary/

36:10 – Are Memory Cards Becoming a Thing of the Past?

44:00 – Victor’s Own Photography

48:39 – How FUJIFILM Pays Attention to What the Market Wants

56:00 – Custom Cinema Camera Based on FUJIFILM GFX100 II Sensor

59:21- OFG Customs 65 Explained – Custom Cinema Camera Based on FUJIFILM GFX100 II Sensor https://www.cined.com/ofg-customs-65-explained-custom-cinema-camera-based-on-fujifilm-gfx100-ii-sensor/

01:01:20 – Victor’s Thoughts on the Slowdown of the Camera Market

01:18:10 – Outro

We hope you enjoyed this episode!
You have feedback, comments, or suggestions? Write us at podcast@cined.com. 

The X100 Phenomenon

We reported on the newly released X100VI at the top of the month, stating that pre-order sales were through the roof. This was, in no small part, due to the explosion of popularity of the X100 series on social media in the past year. But not to diminish the quality of design from the folks at FUJIFILM – the X100VI is a powerhouse when it comes to small, lightweight, walkaround photographic capabilities. Not to mention aesthetically pleasing with its retro design. But a welcome surprise was the video capabilities of this unassuming beast.

Just as a quick recap, the X100VI allows for 6.2K30P, 4K60P, and 10-bit 4:2:2 capture. It has a 40-megapixel BSI-CMOS sensor and X-Processor 5 found in the XT-5. Also new to this camera is “In Body Image Stabilization” (IBIS) providing 6 stops of stabilization. Lastly, it’s worth mentioning that it also features internal Neutral Density (ND) filters, which is almost unheard of for such a small form factor. It is, by all accounts, a stellar piece of photographic equipment – a camera for professionals and amateurs alike.

Limited “Limited Edition” coming very soon

With the X100VI already back-ordered and difficult to find, FUJIFILM tempts us again by celebrating their 90th birthday and releasing a special Limited Edition version. This version will feature identical technical specifications as the non-limited version, however, it comes with a few bells and whistles for hardcore fans. From FUJIFILM’s website:

To celebrate Fujifilm’s 90th anniversary year in 2024, “FUJIFILM X100VI Limited Edition” will be released in a limited number of 1,934 units worldwide.

These Limited Edition, numbered, X100VI units are packaged in a special box that includes a special strap, soft release button, and history cards.

The camera body is engraved with the corporate brand logo from Fujifilm’s founding in 1934, along with a unique serial number.

From Fujifilm.com

FUJIFILM emblazons their Limited Edition model with a vintage logo, randomly selected numerical value (out of 1,934) on the hot shoe mount, special carrying strap, and soft shutter release button. Along with these items, you also get cards explaining the company’s rich history and a special edition box to package it all together.

Apparently, only 300 units in total will be up for grabs for U.S. buyers. One hundred cameras will be sold daily from March 21st to March 23rd on a first-come, first-serve basis. The units will be available approximately around noon EST on each of the three days. So if you live in the United States and hope to collect one, we’ve armed you with all you should need.

While no price is listed on their website, initial reports priced the Limited Edition at $1,999. We will have to wait and see if that remains true when the Limited Edition becomes available on March 21st. Further details can be found on FUJIFILM’s Website.

Any thoughts on this Limited Edition X100VI? I’m still waiting for my pre-order to be fulfilled on the launch edition. I don’t think my luck is good enough to bag one of these. But hopefully, you can!