Fujifilm medium format mirrorless camera coming this summer

Fujifilm is rumored to be working on a mirrorless camera with a medium format image sensor that will be unveiled this summer.

We have seen quite a lot of medium format cameras being announced this year. All of them feature a similar image sensor manufactured by Sony – the first CMOS sensor of its kind.

Sony’s 50-megapixel (or higher) medium format sensor has made its way into the Phase One IQ250, Hasselblad H5D-50c, and Pentax 645Z. According to the rumor mill, it will also be found in a Fujifilm medium format mirrorless camera that is scheduled to become official by the end of the summer.

Fujifilm medium format mirrorless camera is in the works and will be introduced this summer

Fujifilm GF670 is a medium format camera with a “folding” design. Fuji is rumored to be working on a new camera with a medium format sensor that will look like the X-Pro1, but have the dimensions of the GF670.

A person, who has decided to remain anonymous, has revealed that Fujifilm is actively developing a mirrorless camera with a medium format-sized image sensor.

Another source has managed to confirm that the Japan-based company will introduce the device to the masses sometime this summer.

Some would argue that the Photokina 2014 would be a better place to mark Fujifilm’s return to the medium format business. However, the company may want to launch it during a dedicated event in the hopes that nobody else will steal the show and all eyes will be on its product.

Fuji’s upcoming MF camera sports hybrid viewfinder and Sony 50-megapixel CMOS sensor

The Fujifilm medium format mirrorless camera is currently in the prototype stage and it features an identical sensor to that of the Pentax 645Z. This could mean that it will capture photos at 51.4 megapixels, a slightly higher resolution than that provided by the same sensor in the Hasselblad H5D-50c and Phase One IQ250 cameras.

A source has reported that the MF camera’s design is similar to the Fujifilm X-Pro1, so it includes a hybrid viewfinder as well as the ability to swap lenses. Nevertheless, its dimensions are similar to the Fujifilm GF670, a folding medium format camera that is available at Amazon for under $2,000.

Both Sony and Leica launching their own medium format cameras in 2014

Other companies should also reveal new medium format shooters this year. Sony is believed to be working on such a device with a design inspired by the Mamiya 7. As expected, it will sport a version of the company’s own 50-megapixel CMOS sensor.

Last but not least, a new Leica S shooter will be revealed at the Photokina 2014. It may seem a bit redundant, but Sony has a huge market share in the image sensor market so the upcoming Leica MF camera will also feature a 50MP CMOS sensor.