What do the professionals think of the new FUJIFILM X-T2 Firmware Version 4.0?

We asked X-Photographers Kevin Mullins and Jeff Carter to tell you more about the newly released FUJIFILM X-T2 firmware version 4.0 and explain how they’ve been using the new features.

On 8th May, 2018 we released new firmware updates for the FUJIFILM X-T2 which added new features to the system for both stills photographers and keen videographers. We asked X-Photographers Kevin Mullins and Jeff Carter to tell you more about firmware version 4.0 and explain how they’ve been using the new features. Continue reading “What do the professionals think of the new FUJIFILM X-T2 Firmware Version 4.0?”

What To Expect with Fujifilm’s Latest Firmware Updates

Today is a day you most likely have been waiting for – a huge release of updates to a range of X Series cameras and lenses.

By now its common knowledge that Fujifilm are famous for bringing the best functionality to X Series equipment through firmware updates.

Today is a day you most likely have been waiting for – a huge release of updates to a range of X Series cameras and lenses. Online right now, you will find a total of 18 different updates, which have been released for a line up of current and older camera bodies and lenses. These products range from the older X-Pro1 to the newly released XF100-400mmF4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR lens.

In order to get the most from your Fujifilm X Series camera body or lens it is recommend you update the firmware as soon as possible. Below you will find a short summary of what you can expect when you perform the firmware update on the relevant piece of gear. If you are unsure on how to perform a firmware upgrade read this article here.

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Summary of updated change to X Series Cameras

If you own a X-E1, X-E2, X-E2S, X-Pro1, X-T10, X-T1 or X-Pro2 and you update the camera body firmware (see firmware link section below) to the newest version plus you update the firmware for the listed lens (see firmware link section below) you can expect the following changes…

For the:

  • XF35mmF2 R WR & XF90mmF2 R LM WR- The accuracy of the manual focus adjustment to be enhanced when photographing using manual focus.

For the:

  • XF10-24mmF4 R OIS
  • XF18-55mmF2.8-4 R LM OIS
  • XF18-135mmF3.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR
  • XF55-200mmF3.5-4.8 R LM OIS
  • XC16-50mmF3.5-5.6 OIS II
  • XC50-230mmF4.5-6.7 OIS II- The accuracy of the manual focus adjustment to be enhanced when photographing using manual focus.
    – Tracking performance of AF will be enhance when zooming
    – The accuracy of the image stabilization will be enhanced on various shooting scenes.

For the:

  • XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR- The accuracy of the manual focus adjustment to be enhanced when photographing using manual focus.

For the:

  • XF50-140mmF2.8 R LM OIS WR
  • XF100-400mmF4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR- The lenses will deliver superior performance in combination with FUJINON Tele Converter XF 2X TC WR.
    – The accuracy of the manual focus adjustment to be enhanced when photographing using manual focus.

Please note all improvements will only work if you update the camera body firmware as well as the lens firmware (see firmware links below).

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FIRMWARE LINKS

 

X Series camera body firmware updates

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Fujifilm X-E1

Current Update:        Ver.2.60

New Update:             Ver.2.61

 

Fujifilm X-E2

Current Update:        Ver.4.00

New Update:             Ver.4.01

 

Fujifilm X-E2S

Current Update:        Ver.1.01

New Update:             Ver.1.02

 

Fujifilm X-Pro1

Current Update:        Ver.3.60

New Update:             Ver.3.61

 

Fujifilm X-T10

Current Update:        Ver.1.20

New Update:             Ver.1.21

 

Fujifilm X-T1

Current Update:        Ver.4.30

New Update:             Ver.4.31

 

Fujifilm X-Pro2

Current Update:        Ver.1.01

New Update:             Ver.1.02


XF & XC Lens firmware updates

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XF35mmF2 R WR

Current Update:        Ver.1.00

New Update:             Ver.1.01

 

XF90mmF2 R LM WR

Current Update:        Ver.1.00

New Update:             Ver.1.01

 

XF10-24mmF4 R OIS

Current Update:        Ver.1.01

New Update:             Ver.1.10

 

XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR

Current Update:        Ver.1.00

New Update:             Ver.1.10

 

XF18-55mmF2.8-4 R LM OIS

Current Update:        Ver.3.12

New Update:             Ver.3.20

 

XF18-135mmF3.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR

Current Update:        Ver.1.01

New Update:             Ver.1.10

 

XF50-140mmF2.8 R LM OIS WR

Current Update:        Ver.1.11

New Update:             Ver.1.21

 

XF55-200mmF3.5-4.8 R LM OIS

Current Update:        Ver.1.12

New Update:             Ver.1.20

 

XF100-400mmF4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR

Current Update:        Ver.1.01

New Update:             Ver.1.11

 

XC16-50mmF3.5-5.6 OIS II

Current Update:        Ver.1.00

New Update:             Ver.1.10

 

XC50-230mmF4.5-6.7 OIS II

Current Update:        Ver.1.00

New Update:             Ver.1.10


 

The gear that keeps on giving

The above image was taken with the X-T1 which had recently had a firmware update to make it compatible with the XF18-135mm lens which was used to obtain this shot, via the remote control feature and a monopod.

I remember when I first approached Fujifilm UK with the idea of testing their equipment in the jungles of Borneo. My intention was to rely on the X-Series to document my trip, which had a heavy focus on nature. Unfortunately at the time the X-Pro1 and X-E1 weren’t quite up to the speeds I required to use this system exclusively. If I had done this trip in 2014, oh how things would be different. Not purely because of the wonderful X-T1 but because of the firmware improvements made to the X-Pro1 and other cameras.

These firmware updates are so much more than simply updating cameras to optimise their usability with lenses launched more recently. If you look at this link you can see the timeline of improvements made to the X-Pro1, from large improvements like auto focus performance and better “single-hand” settings operability to extra functions being added like focus peaking for manual focusing. Below shows a screen grab with some of latest firmware updates for the X-Pro1.

Screen Shot 2014-10-28 at 12.48.48

It wasn’t just the flagship model which gained firmware upgrades; the X-E1 had much the same improvements and the X100 had an autofocus improvement that meant that it was in fact the ongoing firmware updates that were the most spoken about thing of this camera, instead of the previously poor autofocus. Further down the line, the X-E2 has had the refresh rate of its EVF improved to the very high standard of the X-T1. The X-A1 and X-M1 can now both wirelessly transfer pictures to the brilliant SP1 printer for near-instant prints.

Now the X-T1 is set for a major firmware update. The Internet has been buzzing with excitement around the new features that are integrated into the X100T and X-T1 graphite edition. Other than the wonderful 6-part creation of the graphite finish, this new version has some very exciting software improvements. The first headline feature is the new Classic Chrome JPEG film simulation that’s blowing everyone’s mind with its unique style that’s so different from the other film simulations available.

The second feature is the crazy electronic shutter toping out at 1/32000! For those of you using the fast prime lenses at F1.2 and F1.4, this opens up a huge realm of creativity. Only recently I had to juggle a neutral density filter between the XF23mm F1.4 and XF56mm F1.2 while exploring sunny Lisbon to take full advantage of the thin depth of field on offer. This new feature will make this a thing of the past, one less thing to have to worry about. The benefits of the electronic shutter don’t stop there – being electronic there are no moving parts to generate noise meaning it is truly silent shooting. This has always been one of the big factors that has made the X100s such a joy to use to quiet situations, a factor that often meant I would lean towards the X100s series instead of the X-T1.

Lisbon

Taken in the centre of Lisbon using an ND filter so I could use f1.2.

These aren’t the only updates to look forward to, as there are many many more features due to happen in a December firmware overhaul:

  • 4-way controller AF selection
  • Changeable focus area during MF
  • Q menu customization
  • Interlocking AF and metering points
  • Unlocked AE-L/AF-L buttons
  • Direct selection of macro mode
  • Phase detection AF support for instant AF
  • Expansion of shutter speed in Program Shift mode
  • Manual shooting in video mode
  • New video frame rates

These all look like great improvements as the X-Series continues to evolve into an increasingly refined camera system, appealing to an increasingly wide genre. Notably for action/fast paced photography, the addition of the 4-way controller being able to move the AF point is very help for quickly adapting to situations instead of having to focus and recompose which can get annoying and frustrating with fleeting moments. The customisation of the Q menu is definitely a bonus, allowing photographers to really tailor the camera to their needs, prioritising the features that are most frequently used instead of constantly having to search through menus. I could go through and state the pluses of each new feature upgrade but this webpage explains them all

These are the upgrades that Fujifilm have let us know in advance about, I can only imagine the other ‘goodies’ they have in store in the near future. Logically you would think that the X-E2 could potentially have remote shooting via phones or tablets like the X-T1 and X100T. Both the X-E2 and X-T1 might be able to wirelessly transfer pictures to the SP1 for wireless printing on the go. There are so many features that Fujifilm could add to the ever-increasing list of benefits for using the Fujifilm X-Series. I think the number 1 benefit on this list is that Fujifilm look after their current users, with upgrades such as this.

To look for the latest firmwares updates for your Fujifilm product search here.