Added and new functionality is always a welcomed addition to any camera, and Fujifilm has just announced a slew of firmware updates for its X-series mirrorless digital cameras. The flagship X-T1 and X-T1 Graphite Edition cameras receive the bulk of the lot, with about 20 new features being added to their already impressive list of specifications. The X-E2 receives three new added features while the eldest members of the series—the X-Pro1 and X-E1—receive a modest focusing upgrade.
Fujifilm X-T1 and X-T1 Graphite Edition
Poised to "keep the level of technology... as up to date as possible," the version 3.00 firmware for the X-T1 and X-T1 Graphite Edition sees a range of new features being added, many of which boost the standard X-T1's feature set in line with the Graphite Edition's.
- One of the most eagerly anticipated updates for standard X-T1 users is the inclusion of the high-speed electronic shutter function, which enables shutter speed settings up to 1/32,000-second for greater control when working in bright conditions with wide aperture settings. Beyond the heightened speed, this fully electronic shutter also disengages the mechanical shutter in order to provide a completely silent shooting experience. Additionally, different shutter sounds and shutter volume can also be adjusted.
- Classic Chrome, the newest addition to the range of film-simulation modes, is also being brought to the X-T1, and is designed to produce a familiar color palette, characterized by the muted tones and a vintage look reminiscent of past reversal film types.
- Regarding the electronic viewfinder of the standard X-T1, the Natural Live View function will be available, and is designed to replicate the experience of using an optical viewfinder. Rather than showing the effects of exposure and color balance changes in real time, this viewing mode replicates the scene at hand, sans any film-simulation modes or creative exposure adjustments. Also benefitting the viewing experience, both the EVF and LCD's color hues can now be adjusted to your own preferences.
Now, for the updates coming to both versions of the X-T1:
- Direct selection of the AF area will now be possible using the four-way controller without having to press the Fn key.
- The AE-L and AF-L buttons' functions will now be unlocked and interchangeable, depending on personal preference.
- When working in the manual-focus mode, you will now be able to change the size of the focus area during Instant AF by using the AF-L button.
- The Macro function can now be turned on or off in autofocus mode without having to access the pop-up menu screen.
- The layout of the Q menu is now customizable, allowing you to conveniently place the functions and settings you most often change.
- Adding to the 60p and 30p video frame rates, 50p, 25p, and 24p will also be available. 50p and 25p settings are especially useful for imagists working in PAL regions, while 24p delivers a more cinematic feel to movies, compared to 60 and 30 fps.
- You will now be able to adjust ISO sensitivity just prior to recording movies, as well as adjust aperture and shutter speed settings during recording.
- When working with Instant AF mode, phase-detection focusing will now be available in order to achieve faster focusing speeds.
- When working with the spot-metering mode, the AF area position setting can be interlocked with the metering area for more seamless and intuitive shooting.
- The current Program Shift mode's cap of ¼-second as the slowest shutter speed will now be increased to four seconds.
- The Function setting will now avail access to flash compensation, shutter type, preview picture effect, preview EXP/WB in manual mode, and lock settings.
- Support for instant printing with the instax SHARE Smartphone Printing is now supported, allowing you to share imagery, instantly and wirelessly, from your X-T1 to the printer.
- A lock function will prevent any unwanted dial or button operation.
- Up to three custom white balance settings can now be saved within the camera.
- New flash and exposure settings can be previewed and displayed on the LCD or in the EVF during shooting, which can be registered through the use of the Fn button for quick operation.
- AF+MF will allow you to half-press the shutter button in order to acquire focus in AF and then fine-tune the focus setting manually.
- Support will also be available for tethered shooting to a computer using the optional HS-V5 software. This program will provide remote camera control and automatic image transferring.
Fujifilm X-Pro1, X-E2, and X-E1
While not quite the same amount of features, the X-Pro1, X-E2, and X-E1 cameras will also be receiving some added functionality with their newest firmware updates. All three of the cameras will receive the AF+MF function while the X-E2 will also receive the Classic Chrome film simulation mode, an interval timer function for time-lapse shooting, and enhanced wireless capabilities for remote shooting using your smartphone or tablet.
