Fujifilm has announced firmware update version 4.0 to the Fuji X-T1, which includes features an advanced autofocus system for shooting moving subjects with improved AF accuracy for still image and video capture.
Other additions include eye detection during AF, enhanced shutter speed dial operation, exposure compensation in manual mode and finer framing grid lines for enhanced visibility and image composition.
Zone and Wide/Tracking AF Modes
Zone and Wide/Tracking modes, which use 77 autofocus points across a wider area to substantially improve the camera’s ability to track and capture moving subjects.
The Zone mode allows users to choose a 3×3, 3×5 or 5×5 zone from the 77-point auto focus area. When combined with the AF-C continuous focusing mode, the camera continues tracking a subject in the selected zone. The 3×3 and 3×5 zones at the center, in particular, offer extra-fast focusing with the use of the built-in phase detection pixels.
In the Wide/Tracking mode, the camera displays the area in focus, identified automatically out of the 77-point auto focus area (Wide in the AF-S mode) and tracks the focus area’s subject across the entire 77-point AF area (Tracking in the AF-C mode). This makes it possible to maintain focus on a subject that moves vertically, horizontally, and back and forth.
Eye Detection AF
The new firmware update provides Fujifilm’s Eye Detection auto focus, which automatically detects and focuses on human eyes. The function allows you to easily focus on the eyes even in difficult conditions, e.g. when shooting a portrait wide open to obtain a beautiful bokeh background.
Auto Macro Mode
The firmware update introduces an Auto Macro function that automatically switches the camera into the Macro mode while maintaining the conventional auto focus speed. You no longer have to press the Macro button to initiate a close-up shot. This update eliminates the Macro function assigned to the Macro Button, allowing you to assign a different function to the button.
Movie Mode AF
The optimized algorithm delivers a more natural and smooth auto focus action during movie recording.
Shutter Speed Dial Improvements
When the Shutter Speed Dial is set to T, you can use the command dial to set the full range of exposure times. This means you can change the shutter speeds across a broader range without having to change camera position. This is particularly useful when shooting in the portrait orientation with the Vertical Battery Grip VG-XT1 attached.
Exposure Compensation Control in Manual Mode
The Exposure Compensation dial can be used to make exposure adjustments while shooting in the Manual exposure mode with the ISO Auto setting.
Framing Grid Lines
The lines on the framing grid have been made finer making it easier to view the subject.
The new firmware version 4.0 will be available in late June as a free update here on Fujifilm’s website.
Consider the X-E2 is a newer released model, I hope it will not be forgotten by Fuji so quickly to upgrade its firmware with the similar functions as well.
After nearly three decades as a Canon shooter, being a Fuji customer is a revelation. The new features they have added since I’ve owned the X-T1 work out to two additional generations in the Canon world.
I’d been asking Canon for exposure comp in manual mode (w/ auto ISO) since the 5D first debuted. It’s still not available now in a 5D series camera. Fuji just added it to the X-T1. The last update added 1/32,000 shutter speed so I can use fast f/1.2 lenses in bright light. The list goes on and on. Wow, Fuji. Wow.