Fujifilm X-E5, X-Pro4 not dead: X100VI alternatives for "pure photography" lovers back on the agenda

Shortly before the launch of the X100VI, there was a lot of hubbub about Fujifilm potentially killing its premium X-Pro and more affordable X-E camera models, with nobody seemingly knowing what's really going to happen to them. Fortunately, Fujifilm has confirmed that both the X-E and X-Pro will live on in a recent interview with Phototrend.

In the interview, Fujifilm's product planning manager, Jun Watanabe, confirmed that Fujifilm will continue to produce the X-Pro and X-E cameras, citing photographers that are looking for a “pure photography” experience that neither the X-T cameras nor the X100 cameras quite deliver.

"We can't confirm whether or not a rangefinder-style interchangeable lens camera is coming soon. However, let us be clear: we have not discontinued the X-Pro series. We believe that the XT series or the compact X100 do not satisfy all customers who want a "pure photography" experience."

"Just like the X-Pro series, we can't give you more information, but we haven't stopped the XE series."
– Jun Watanabe, Fujifilm Head of Product Planning, via Phototrend (machine translated)

Fujifilm's X-E and X-Pro line-up take a lot of what makes the X100 cameras so special and puts it in an interchangeable-lens body, giving users those nostalgic retro vibes with the flexibility of Fujifilm's variety of X-Mount lenses. Where the two camera nameplates diverge comes down to target market. While the X-Pro cameras generally target higher-end users with a higher budget — usually packing in more dials and tactile control surfaces — the X-E cameras are normally less expensive and more simplistic in nature.

If Fujifilm follows its usual trends, the X-E5 and X-Pro4 will feature basically all of the important bits found in both the X100VI and the X-T5, and the X-Pro4 might even get some fancier bells and whistles that neither of the aforementioned cameras have.

Unfortunately, Fujifilm didn't spill any more of the beans during the interview, specifically about launch dates or any meaningful camera details, but we had previously postulated, based on Fuji's history, that it would be at least six months before Fujifilm releases the X-Pro4 and more than likely an additional six months after that before we hear anything about an X-E4.

Either way, there are bound to be leaks and rumours about the upcoming cameras if they are indeed still on the roster. In the meantime, if you're looking for a camera, the Fujifilm X-S20 is just $1,699.95 at BestBuy with an 18–55 mm kit lens, while the Fujifilm X-T5 body is $1,699.95 on Amazon.