Where Is The Fujifilm X-Pro 4? (2024)

The Fujifilm X-Pro series demonstrates Fuji’s commitment to vintage styling and current-gen imaging tech.

The most recent entry in the X Series rangefinder cameras was the X-Pro 3, launched in October 2023.

While the global pandemic slightly thwarted the Japanese company’s plans for global photography domination, it’s been quite a while.

That begs the question: where is the Fujifilm X-Pro 4?

At this point in time, Fuji fans would settle for an announcement declaring it’s in the works.

Let’s explore the stunning and arguably groundbreaking range of Fuji X Pro cameras and consider what’s next!

History Of X-Pro

X-Pro 1

In early 2012, Fujifilm surprised the world by launching the company’s first X Series mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera.

It was only a few months later that Fuji launched the X-E1 – but that’s a story for another day.

The Japanese film, optics, and imaging company had only launched the first X100 the previous year.

The first X-Pro camera body instantly caught the attention of photographers looking for a premium digital camera with a promising lens lineup.

Furthermore, the X-Pro 1 appealed to those looking for a camera unlike any of the other bulbous DSLRs on the market.

The Fujifilm X-Pro 1 featured an all-metal body, retro-rangefinder styling, a bright 3” LCD, and a unique hybrid EVF/OVF setup.

It also boasted charming, tactile physical command dials to control exposure and shutter speed.

While it was a compact body, compared to most DSLRs at the time, it was highly durable and hefty.

The Fujifilm X-Pro 1 housed a 16MP X Trans CMOS image sensor and X processor – the OG!

It also featured the famous Fuji Film Simulations to replicate classic film stock from the company’s long and fruitful manufacturing history.

(Read more about the history of Fujifilm here.)

The X-Pro 1 launched alongside three sharp XF prime lenses: 18mm f/2, 35mm f/1.4, and 60mm f/2.4 R Macro.

While it was a stunning first entry in the Fujifilm X Mount series, the camera and lens were renowned for sluggish autofocus performance, especially in low light.

X-Pro 2

In March 2016, Fujifilm launched the X-Pro 2 digital mirrorless camera system.

Given its focus on Kaizen – the Japanese business practice of continuous improvement – the company made significant improvements over the original version.

The X-Pro 2 featured a faster and more powerful 24.3MP X-Trans CMOS III image sensor, which provided superior low-light performance and color reproduction.

It was also the first mirrorless interchangeable lens camera to feature dual SD card slots to support those seeking a pro-grade output.

Shutter speed, ISO, FPS, and video all benefitted from a significant jump in performance.

The Fujifilm X-Pro 2 represented the brand’s more sophisticated, refined, and impressive X camera.

While still not class-leading, the X-Pro 2 featured significantly improved autofocus performance and the benefit of newer XF lenses.

By the time the X-Pro 2 launched, Fuji offered over 15 XF primes and zooms with more on the horizon.

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X-Pro 3

I recall the excitement around the impending launch of the Fujifilm X-Pro 3.

In October 2019, Fujifilm Australia flew me from Melbourne to Sydney (Australia) for the private launch event.

I still recall the sensation of holding the new camera and marveling at the scratch-resistant Dura-Tech titanium finish.

It was an odd marketing focus to make such a big deal out of the three color variations and the option for a standard titanium finish or a premium Dura-Tech finish.

However, there’s no denying the overall styling, ergonomics, and premium finish of the 3.

Where the X-Pro 2 was refined, the X-Pro 3 was downright sexy!

Fuji tightened up the design and introduced a folding screen that must be folded down to view.

When closed, the rear panel revealed a small color display to showcase which Fuji film simulations or camera settings were in use.

It reminded me of vintage film cameras, which featured a small metal frame on the back, allowing you to slide the end of the film box in.

That way, you knew what film and ISO you were working with at a glance.

In terms of performance, the X-Pro 3 took it up a notch with a new 26.1MP X-Trans CMOS IV image sensor and X Processor 4.

While it didn’t feature IBIS, it delivered exceptional image quality in all lighting conditions.

It also delivered fast read-out speeds and a much quicker, Intelligent Hybrid TTL Contrast Detection/Phase Detection autofocus system.

The gorgeous hybrid OVF/EVF featured a 0.5” 3.69M dots OLED display, and the rear monitor boasted a 3” 1.2M dots touch screen.

It became the talk of the town, and Fuji was riding a wave of praise and adoration; then COVID hit, and the world ground to a halt.

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A Street Photographer’s Weapon Of Choice

Given the range’s performance, durability, and retro styling, it’s no surprise that street photographers adored X-Pro cameras.

The X-Pro 3 is still considered one of the best street photography cameras!

As a street photographer’s weapon of choice, the X-Pro series offered a powerful yet compact mirrorless camera.

Furthermore, Fuji’s determination to create a lineup of high-quality X Mount lenses provided street shooters with choice and flexibility.

Two of the first Fuji X series lenses were the XF 18mm f/2 and XF 35mm f/1.4. Both lenses were compact, sharp, and could withstand a nuclear explosion.

Around the time of the launch of the Fujifilm X-Pro 2 in 2016, Fuji also introduced a new line of compact prime lenses ideally suited to rangefinder cameras.

The Fujifilm XF 35mm f/2 and XF 23mm f/2 were fast, sharp, and weather-sealed. Fuji later added the XF 50mm f/2 and XF 16mm f/2.8 to the ‘Fujicron’ range.

Pairing any of these compact primes with an X-Pro was a match made in heaven, further increasing their appeal to street shooters.

In fact, Fujifilm released a special edition X-Pro 2 with a delicious graphite finish, combined with an XF 23mm f/2 in the same finish.

The Fujifilm XF 23mm f/2 is still my go-to street photography lens.

With its dreamy styling and minimal use of buttons and dials, an X-Pro is an excellent street camera.

Street photographers tend to be on the move and don’t always hold a camera up to the eye or take time to compose a shot.

Street shooters like me tend to move through scenes assessing the light and shadows that fall on urban landscapes.

We dial in our settings with the top-plate dials, see the shot, point, and shoot, and deal with the outcome later.

It’s often hard to quantify or explain why a camera like the X-Pro is perfect for street shooting.

There’s something truly magical about the whole package and how it performs in an urban setting.

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A Choice Of Lenses for X-Pro Bodies

XF 23mm f/2 R WR

As mentioned, the Fuji XF 23mm f/2 WR is the perfect lens for any X-Pro camera.

It measures just 60mm x 51.9mm (2.36×2.05”) and weighs only 180g (0.4lb), making it one of the smallest Fuji lenses available.

The weather-sealed lens features fast autofocus and excellent optical performance, delivering stunningly sharp images and a smooth depth of field transition.

It’s available in silver and black, and a Fuji-made retro-flared metal lens hood is also available separately.

XF 35mm f/2 WR

The first of the new compact prime ‘Fujicrons’ was the XF 35mm f/2.

It arrived in stores a few months before the launch of the X-Pro 2 and offered X Series shooters a compact and affordable prime with excellent optics.

In addition to the existing compact primes, the XF 35mm f/2 offered X-Pro photographers a new lens style that perfectly balanced their X cameras.

Like the XF 23mm f/2, the 35mm is available in black or silver, and the additional lens hood also fits.

XF 27mm f/2.8 WR

The Fuji XF 27mm f/2.8 is the second iteration of the same great pancake prime lens.

It’s THE smallest Fuji X lens, weighing 84g (0.18lb) and measuring 62x23mm (2.44 x 0.9”). 84 grams!

The current edition of the 27mm lens features an aperture ring and weather sealing.

XF 18mm f/2 R

One of the original three Fuji primes, the XF 18mm f/2 is a great companion for any X-Pro model.

While it’s not an ultra-fast focusing lens, it delivers excellent image sharpness in any lighting conditions.

Optically, the lens delivers sharp images with a nice wide 76.5° field of view.

It’s another pancake prime that measures 64.5 x 33.7mm (2.54 x 1.3”) and weighs 116g (0.25lb).

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Is X-Pro 3 Still Worth Grabbing?

In the absence of an X-Pro 4, what’s a street photographer to do?

Fortunately, it’s still worth grabbing any of the first three generations of Fuji X Pro mirrorless cameras.

While the X-Pro 1 doesn’t deliver the image resolution of the X-Pro 3, the shooting experience is just as rich and rewarding.

It’s also worth remembering that the X-Pro range is built tougher than any other Fuji series – or any other brand, for that matter.

The downside is that X Pro cameras last a lifetime and have held to their retail value in the second-hand market due to their quality, durability, and appeal.

I reviewed the Fujifilm X-Pro 3 a few years back and still think it’s one of the best cameras I’ve had the pleasure of shooting with!

Finding one at a reasonable asking price is your challenge.

What We Hope To See in an X-Pro 4

I’m not a fan of rumor sites claiming insider knowledge of Canon, Sony, and Fuji’s upcoming releases.

Please forgive me if I don’t recite the latest gossip to gain a few extra clicks on the site.

It’s hard to know what Fuji plans next. However, I’ve followed the brand and every release since the original X100, so I’ve some thoughts.

It’s also challenging to understand the impact of the global pandemic shutdowns on X-Pro 3 production, shipping, sales, or plans for future camera generations.

I still believe there’s a place in the range for an X-Pro 4 camera offering choice and flexibility over other flagship cameras such as the X00 VI, X-T5, and X-H2 S.

The X-Pro is in a class of its own. Its only true competitor is the popular X100 VI rangefinder-style camera.

However, that’s a fixed-lens compact camera, not an interchangeable X-mount camera like the X-Pro range.

Regardless, should we see a Fujifilm X-Pro 4 in the next 12-18 months, it will feature the same 40MP X Trans 5 image sensor and X Processor 5 as the flagship X-T5.

Given the X Trans 5 features sensor-shift stabilization, the next X-Pro will likely feature that, too.

The next-gen will maintain the same retro design, hybrid viewfinder, and premium build qualities.

One fundamental change will be to improve the resolution of the EVF and LCD while making the rear screen flip in three directions, like the X-T5.

I don’t think Fuji will take risks with special edition coatings and more than likely stick to an all-black and a charcoal grey version.

I’ve been waiting for news of the next X-Pro and X-E Fuji X cameras for some time now.

While there’s no firm proof that either is on its way, I can feel it in my waters that the team at Fuji is close to a big announcement!