Fujifilm action camera coming soon instead of entry-level MILC

Fujifilm is rumored to kill one of its entry-level X-mount mirrorless cameras in order to focus on developing an action camera meant to compete against GoPro among others.

The mirrorless camera revolution has benefited from Fujifilm’s X-mount cameras, such as the X-Pro1 and X-E1. Over the past couple of years, the Japanese company has introduced multiple other mirrorless models, but that amount may soon decrease.

The rumor mill is stating that the manufacturer is planning to launch an action camera at the expense of an entry-level X-mount shooter, meaning that either of the X-A1 or X-M1 might not get a replacement in the future.

Fujifilm X-M1 could be axed, as the company is looking to focus on the development of an action camera.

Fujifilm could be working on an action camera

Mirrorless and action cameras are among the two digital imaging products whose sales are on an ascending path. Fuji is already in the MILC business, but it has not launched an action shooter that could compete against the likes of GoPro, Sony, or Ricoh among others.

Even smartphone-maker HTC has joined this industry with the launch of the periscope-like RE camera, so there is no reason why a legendary imaging company, such as Fujifilm, would not be able to introduce its own device.

The rumor mill says that this is happening and that a Fujifilm action camera is in development. It is said that the manufacturer will concentrate its efforts and finances, allocated to the entry-level X-mount line-up, on the action camera segment.

There are no given names for the shooter, nor a release date timeframe. However, the source says that the decision has been made, so we might have to wave goodbye to the low-end Fujifilm mirrorless cameras soon.

Entry-level X-A1 or X-M1 could make way for the Fujifilm action camera

At the Photokina 2014 event, Fuji has demoed the Swing Cam, which uses a wide-angle and a telephoto lens at the same time. This device could have implications in the surveillance industry, as it can be used as a security camera, but the idea behind it would also suit the demands of adventurers.

It needs to be said that this is just a rumor, hence it must be taken with a grain of salt, especially considering the fact that it implies Fuji’s decision to kill its entry-level line-up.

The X-mount is kind of crowded at the moment, as it consists of the X-Pro1, X-T1, X-E2, X-M1, and X-A1. The X-Pro1 is the flagship, the X-T1 is the weathersealed camera for wildlife photographers, while the X-E2 is the mid-level model.

The X-A1 is very cheap and sales are said to be very good, so the X-M1 has the highest chances of being axed, because it is very unlikely that both low-end models will be “killed” to make room for a Fujifilm action camera.

As stated above, do no jump to conclusions, yet, and take a look at the Fuji X-A1 and Fuji X-M1 at Amazon, where they are available for $449 and $599, respectively, with a 16-50mm kit lens.