9/23/2019 Fujifilm Xt2 Firmware Update
May 21, 2018 - I updated one camera to FW4.0 and left the second X-T2 on FW3.0 to give. Fujifilm will undoubtably be issuing a new firmware update in the. Fujifilm announced today that a series of firmware updates are coming to X Series mirrorless cameras later this year. The X-Pro2 will be getting 4K video recording as part of its update.
Fujifilm has released a major firmware update for the that may make it even harder for owners of that camera to justify the jump to the. As we mentioned in —and as Chris and Jordan pointed out in —the price of the X-H1 makes it a tough sell to owners of the X-T2 who have been looking to upgrade. And now, with Firmware Version 4.0, those users may not want to upgrade anymore anyhow. Version 4.0 replaces version 3.0 (imagine that), and adds nine new features in all. Some of the video highlights include the ability to record 4:2:0 F-log directly to the SD card, and the addition of a 1080p 120fps slow motion mode. There are also major improvements to the Phase Detect AF algorithm, with the low-light limit dropping from +0.5EV to -1.0EV, the maximum aperture increasing from F8 to F11, and 'major improvements' in AF-C performance while operating zoom.
Finally, a focus bracketing feature has been added that lets you bracketing up to 999 frames in intervals of focus shift between 1 and 10. There's no word on whether the X-T2 gains the improved video processing of the X-H1 (it doesn't gain 200Mbps capture), but this is one of the things we'll be checking when we re-assess the X-T2 review in the coming weeks. To learn more about this update or download it for yourself (and if you own an X-T2, you definitely need to download it ASAP), read the release notes below and then pay a visit. Release Notes.
The firmware update Ver.4.00 from Ver.3.00 incorporates the following issues:. Addition of “Focus Bracketing” The update will enable the photographer to shoot focus distance bracketing up to 999 frames.
When the photographer starts shooting, the focal location is shifted with each activation of the shutter by the step of focus shift set from 1 to 10. Compatible with the newly developed cinema lens FUJINON MKX18-55mm T2.9 lens and FUJINON MKX50-135mm T2.9 lens.
Aperture information can be displayed on the monitor. The upgrade allows users to select T-stop or F-stop. The upgrade allows users to check the focus distance with the distance indicator shown on the monitor. Automatically corrects the distortion and the color/brightness shading.
Camera automatically calculate the White Balance based on the lens position and deliver the color expressions with Film Simulation modes. Enlarged and customizable indicators or information The upgrade allows users to enlarge indicators and information in the viewfinder and/or LCD monitor. This upgrade will also enable users to customize the location of where the information is shown on the display. Addition of F-log SD card recording The upgrade allows users to record F-log movie data into their SD card.
Addition of 1080/120P high-speed video mode The upgrade allows users to shoot 1080/120P high-speed video (1/2, 1/4 and 1/5 speed slow motion), ideal for recording spectacular slow-motion footage. Enhanced Phase Detection AF Latest updates to the AF algorithm provide the following performance enhancements:. The low-light limit for phase detection autofocus has been improved by approximately 1.5 stops from 0.5EV to -1.0EV, raising the precision and speed of autofocus in low-light environments.
The range at minimum aperture has been expanded from F8 to F11. For example, even when using the XF100-400mmF4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR with the tele converter XF2X TC WR, phase detection autofocus can now be used. Major improvements have been made to the AF-C performance while operating the zoom, which provides major benefits when shooting sports and other scenarios in which the subjects moves unpredictably. Finely-detailed surface textures of wild birds and wild animals can now be captured at high speed and with high precision as a result of improvement in phase detection autofocus. Addition of “Flicker Reduction” For enhancing the quality of indoor sports photography, the upgrade allows users to reduce flicker in pictures and the display when shooting under fluorescent lighting and other similar light sources. Addition of “Select Folder” and “Create Folder” Enables the user to choose the folder in which subsequent pictures will be stored. And also enable to enter a five-character folder name to create a new folder in which to store subsequent pictures.
New functions are added to store and read of camera settings by FUJIFILM X Acquire Once connecting a camera to a computer via USB cable, the “FUJIFILM X Acquire” allows users to backup/restore camera settings to/from a file. With “FUJIFILM X Acquire” (ver.1.7 or newer), CUSTOM REGISTRATION/EDIT settings are also stored and read. Like this update!
Was hoping for more care for details for the focus stacking feature. Better on Fuji: Ffunction as part of the drive options lets me switch to it more convenient than diving into menu Lens is re-adjusting to closest distance, so easy to run the same distance again with different settings. D850 does one run, then I need to dive into the menu again.
And not forget to set the lens back to closest focus No AF needed - manual focusing also possible. So, if I'm out of reach of the outer focus points, I still can use manual focus. Better on Nikon: automatically generated separate folder. Things to improve (on both cameras): Calculate the focus steps between closest and chosen furthest distance.
Set an aperture, focus to closest and distant point, camera calculates number of shots and step between. I'd wish Fuji introduces user settings. Automatic generation of new folder should be possible.
AF-C improved also. Slo-Mo is nice. Good news for xt2 users. But seriously annoying for xpro2 users who will no longer have a camera with virtually identical functionality, except in a different form.
I did purchase an xt2,and a xpro2.but got rid of the xt2 because I didn’t like the body, sure in the knowledge that the two were essentially the same functional wise. This was reinforced when the 4K upgrade came in.
Now they are Differentiating between the two in functionality. If I had known they would add flog internal and 120fps to the xt and not the pro, I would have kept the xt. As flog in particular would have been a very good thing.
So I’m actually a bit miffed. Fuji is really an impressive company, they are not perfect mind you, I have minor issues with their cameras, but overall a step above other manufactures. The XT2 is just a beautiful machine, it feels fantastic in hand, yet is very compact for what is does all the while yielding image quality that is really is every bit as good as FF (and better in many cases) and focusing as fast and with more accuracy than most SLRs. Fuji glass is just mind blowing. I had incredibly low expectations of the 35 F2 when I purchased it, but it really is true what they say, this lens is exceptional and is (subjectively speaking) every bit as good my Canon 35 1.4 L II in terms of rendering. Updated and have been playing with it for a day now. SO far I am very impressed.
Mostly in the C-AF especially during video. Still wish they had face detection in 4k though. I cannot wait to play around with my F-Log files later. Over all Fuji just made the honest choice of making my existing camera better and not just pushing a newer body.
Thank you Fujifilm for a consumer that thinks brand loyalty is a terrible philosophy your loyalty to your customers is a breath of fresh air and will not be forgotten. Kudos to Fuji for upgrading the X-T2, which I SOLD in order to buy this X-H1, TWO MONTHS AGO. Are you listening, Fuji??? Because if you are, then WHY are you spending a single SECOND of time on the X-T2, when you OWE THAT UPGRADE TIME to those many of us loyal customers who purchased your FLAWED 'flagship' that cannot auto-focus properly during video shooting, whose face-detection AF sucks, and that's experiencing lock-ups and other unwelcome glitches??? I'll wait for your reply, but not much longer. TICK-freakin'-TOCK, Kaizen!!
Yes I understand, but your camera body (X-T1, X-T2, X-Pro2, etc.) was already doing exactly what it had originally been designed to do when you paid your money for it, unlike this new X-H1. This new 'best' 'flagship' 'video' (and most expensive) X-body was released with flaws that keep it from performing as advertised, meaning that we who bought it have NOT gotten what we paid for yet. So it's all-good that Fuji is improving their older cameras, of which I own two others. But do that AFTER you fix the new one that's not yet functioning right, FUJI!
Otherwise this X-T2 upgrade is a slap-in-the-face to those of us who are STILL left hanging!!! We all kid ourselves that getting 'better' technology will improve our photographs, but a lousy photographer will always take lousy photos, even with the 'latest and greatest' camera. The best way to improve our photography is to study the work of others, and analyse our own images to see how they could have been improved. Instead of hitting the button and praying, better to spend more time learning how to get the most out of a subject with good lighting, better composition and a full understanding of how various camera settings will affect the result. In your eagerness to be understood as elitist or purist photographers both of you have missed the point; I can spend much more time learning now that I have fLog to save me that equivalent time that I would have wasted dealing with video files in post.
Technology that speeds up my workflow frees up my creativity - I can get more done because of it. So, I'm glad of the new technologies and yes, I will seek them out, ('run after' the better technologies, if you wil)l, especially if they are handed to me for free. Are you getting this? Jadot - No, I'm not.
In general I believe that the best way to improve my standard of photography is to become thoroughly familiar with the equipment I already own, and as I said, study the work of good photographera and learn from it. Certainly there are situations where a.major. leap in technology may make it easier or faster to produce the image I'm after, or increase the technical quality of the image, but such leaps usually involve at least 2 or 3 iterations of a camera. Better in my opinion to upgrade less frequently, and concentrate on improving my visualisation and technique. If that makes me 'purist' or 'elitist', so be it!
'In general I believe that the best way to improve my standard of photography is to become thoroughly familiar with the equipment I already own, and as I said, study the work of good photographera and learn from it.' In general I believe the best way to improve is to USE the camera as often as possible and take pictures. You can study as much as you like, one day you need to press a shutter release. And I don't need to know any dark corner of a menu by heart. Studying other photographers to repeat their work is an exercise. Improving to me is developing my own ideas.
At least the few I have. Entomb - Was from around 60 feet, as I was doing a shoot from a multi storey building and it hit a concrete surface below. I doubt any make of camera would have survived that. It pushed the exp comp dial making either manual or exp adjustment erratic plus the magnesium sub frame was off angle making the shutter stock.
Operationally though from a boot up and display it worked on that level. Since I've invested in brilliant X series lenses, it would be not be possible for me to invest in other makes. Hmm, inspite of my previous snide comments about fuji users being firmware Q&A testers, a firmware update that somewhat undermines your own product line does rather speak well of their dedication to customer pleasure; which I am sure is an excellent business strategy. They should still sack the idiot responsible for refusing to come clean about the plastic skin texture 'feature', and for not including an option to switch it off, and for baking their RAWs at high ISO etc etc. All these and more are reasons why my gaze has long been wandering off to such as the Sonys. Still, can't beat Fuji skintones, and OOC jpegs of people smashes even the Fuji presets in lightroom.
@BlueBomberTurbo: It's a very common mistake to compare ff with apsc at the same f-stops. Focal length and f-stops have different meaning on different sensor size systems. To get the same image you would always use one f-stop wider open on apsc systems, like you would use a focal length shorter by the crop factor.
If you look at the dpreview test chart there is no significant difference in high iso perfomance if you take that into account. Of course you need lenses with this extra low f-stop on apsc to have an equivalent system to ff. When it comes to dynamic range there is no question about the sony A7III clearly better than the Fujis. However, even the Fujis are excellent in this respect and didn't see any limit with my X-t2 in last couple of years.
So for me what's the point in being better than good enough? It's totally different with autofocus. Here the Sony eye af is the first I would really consider 'good enough'. Yes, but what one should keep in mind is that the better low light performance comes only in combination with the shallower depth of field. Comparing different sized sensors at the same f-stops gives the false impression that there is a general low light advantage regardless of your aperture setting.
I would appreciate if the dpreview test charts would automatically take this into account. As you pointed out there is a low light advantage with the availability of brighter lenses for ff but only at situations where you can afford the shallower DOF. The problem with equivalence, apart from not being a theory, is that people pick and choose their variables to support their conclusion.
Also known as cherry picking. Equivalence can be a useful pedagogical tool, but it has its limits as not all variables can be equivalent between two different systems. Also, photography is not a comparative art where there is only one way to photograph and all formats must conform to that. I certainly don't shoot the same way with my medium-format camera as with my APS-C one. So much of the time equivalence is just a method to 'win' arguments.
No, but as a review site, it's very useful for us to be able to know how two cameras with different sensor sizes might be expected to compare, so that we can assess whether one is over- or under-performing. Similarly, as you say, it's a useful pedagogical tool. Especially for helping people understand the trade-offs they're making, with whatever decision they're trying to make (and cutting through nonsense marketing claims). And, as I say, making clear where there is little or no advantage to buying a larger sensor. How is it perceived as a stick? Ever been on an internet photography forum? The problem with neutrality is it depends on the variables you hold constant.
And that is its weakness, it requires you to pick. At one point in my life, I thought technical discussion would be the most neutral, but I find in fora such as this, it is usually the most passionate. Instead of looking at the variables as flexible that converge in some cases and diverge in others, it is usually people taking the variable and conditions to prove a point. In all my years before the digital age when we had even more formats than we do now, equivalence was limited to field of view. Most discussion was about how the format you have worked. Now people are so focused on the minutia to look at any perceived strength or weakness in whatever team they are backing. You have never had someone criticize DPreview methodology because it did not result in the answer they wanted?
@D logH: I realized as well that the word 'equivalence' itself seems to raise temper with many people. I suggest people feel being lectured. As a physicist I am likely to get the principles of linear optics easier than others.
Nevertheless I have been proven wrong some times in discussions about photo technology. In my experience it is advisable to separate facts from emotions. We all tend to use our brains mainly to justify the quick decisions and opinions we get from our emotions. I highly appreciate dpreview as a site strongly dedicated to the facts. There is still lots of space for the passion and personal preferences. We should not mix it up with the facts though.
Hmm, do we have different definitions of equivalence? I am talking about two photographic devices with two sets of parameters, especially f-stops, focal lengths, sensor sizes.
Those two setups are considered to be equal if they result in the same images. As a scientist you shouldn‘t just make claims but explain why you think - where this equivalence relation is misleading - I have posted pseudoscientific arguments There are simple relationships between the mentioned parameters in linear optics. I have given an example in this thread. Please also explain where you think there is any ambiguity with this relation, that allows for „cherry picking“. D logH - Ultimately, as you say, the relationships are solid, so long as you don't overstate the impact of those relationships (eg: sensor performance and lens performance will make a difference).
But from our perspective it's too useful a comparison tool to reject, simply because some people try to misrepresent it. I'd argue that brands comparing lenses for one sensor size with those of equivalent focal length from another, and then highlighting how small and light they are (while skirting round the unspoken differences) are just as guilty of this. Your premise is flawed. The Fuji X-T2 firmware version 1 was not 'half-baked'; it was a fully functional camera, with 'all the features from the beginning'. This idea that Fuji is releasing 'incomplete' products is incorrect. Fuji simply takes a different approach to how they upgrade their cameras: on select models, Fuji chooses to provide real upgrades to the camera's features and functions instead of releasing multiple camera bodies, as other manufacturers do.
Some people see this as an advantage, not having to purchase a whole new camera body to get significant feature upgrades. Conversely, for most brands, one does have to purchase a new body to get significant upgrades. So why are only Fuji customers being fooled? The 'argument' could easily go both ways.
By your own logic, aren't you also being fooled if you're content to be lured into the trap of having to buy new bodies continuously to get any kind of significant feature upgrades?? I own both Fuji and Sony cameras (and few others). Fuji makes wonderful engaging cameras but they are still behind the rest (in its flagmans) and some of These one cannot fix with firmware 1) phase detect af area is still only 40 percent square.
Sony had larger phase detect area already in 2014 with a6000. Sony a7iii, a7r3, a9 and a6000 line has larger phase detect area. Olympus em1’2 has larger face detect area. Fuji just released a camera again XH1 with same 40 percent square. 2) battery life. Every other flagman (a7iiii, em1m2) moved on to larger capacity battery.
Fuji had capacity (already makes high capacity battery in gfx line) yet still put the same inferior battery it had since xe1 (essentially) in its new flagman XH1. 3) having to use grip for many things (headphone jack, 11fps, etc). Everyone else has all the capacity without requiring to use the grip. One thing to note is that the A6300 costs half as much as the X-T2. At least after you add the prerequisite grip that puts its performance almost as high as the A6300.
Good thing the Sony has fast autofocus so you can actually get the shot.;) Fuji keeps trying to improve AF via firmware updates, but it's still not nearly up to par with what Sony's had from the start. Kinda sad, since all of Fuji's 24MP sensors are the same as what came in the A6300.
Which also brings to mind the question of why Fuji decided to gimp the sensor and reduce dynamic range. @Hausner85 Dual card slots? Weather sealed body? Yes: I've had my camera in rain, snow, and caked with ice, and it didn't slow down once.
Proper controls? Depends on what you're used to. Most who come from Canon would recognize the main controls on Sony as exactly the same. Front/top dial and rear dial/D-pad. If anything, Sony's controls are extremely flexible compared to competitors, allowing you to customize nearly everything, including the dial and D-pad functions. You can make the controls proper to your style of shooting easily enough. No good glass?
Fake news: Add to that anything Canon, and pretty much any lens that's Leica M-mount depth or shallower, and Sony's got the biggest selection of autofocus lenses of any camera every made. @BlueBomberTurbo And that's guys how we spot a fanboy. You see Canon may have just two wheels but it also has those nice 4 buttons on top that every canon user will hit blindfolded and a nice AF joystick. No amount of customisation will overcome the fact that A6xx cameras have to few controls.
X-T20 is betting them hands down left alone X-T20. Even Sony knows that and give three wheels on modern A7's. And just look at controls Canons EOS M6 or M5.
When people talk about Google glass they don't care for adapted glass or manual. They also don't care about the number of lenses. They want high quality reasonable priced native AF lenses.
Sony doesn't offer even reasonable 23/24 1.8 and 50/56 1.8. And as I said they don't have even on good zoom. Zeiss 16-70 for 999$ isn't a mach for XF 18-55 that is a kit lens. The lack of good native lenses and proper controls are exactly the reasons I sold my A6000 and Zeiss 16-70 a while back. 'Sony doesn't offer even reasonable 23/24 1.8 and 50/56 1.8. ' Half right.
The 24 is certainly expensive (Zeiss tax), but the AF is telepathic and the image quality is fine. The 50/1.8 OSS, on the other hand, is a ridiculously good lens at a bargain price ($300). Contrasty and sharp wide open, with great bokeh and OSS. Both are my bread and butter lenses for weddings, being 36 and 75 equivalents. 'And as I said they don't have even on good zoom. Zeiss 16-70 for 999$ isn't a mach for XF 18-55 that is a kit lens.
' The 18-135 OSS is very promising compared to anything that came before it, and at a reasonable price ($500). All images I've seen have great sharpness and bokeh. The Zeiss 18-70 is a step-up kit lens for the A6300 (vs 16-50/55-210 combo), as is the 18-135.
@BlueBomberTurbo No 8 buttons is not enough. Canon DSLR will have more. Also they work like: press a button hold and move the wheel this is fast and reliable method.
On EOS M5 you can move AF point by dragging on touchscreen while the Eye is up to EVF. Samo goes for Fuji X-T20. 24 is overpriced. 50mm to soft on eges and all that hussle with adapting glass. Of course you can make it work. It just works so much nicer and smoother with controls like on X-T20 or X-T2.
Go and barrow any camera with aparature ring on lens and see how nice it is. I don't really get what you're talking about. Are you complaining that it doesn't record audio during the slow mo footage? No camera that I've tested that has 120fps slow motion, records audio at the same time. It would be stupid. The A7iii doesn't record audio as far as I'm aware, and the GH5 (widely thought of as one of the best MILC cameras for video work) also doesn't record audio during slow motion video.
You're literally complaining about something that doesn't exist. The Fuji is not missing a feature, it's a feature that was never intended to be there. If you want audio for your slow motion, record it externally (which you should be doing anyway) and sync it later. Oh I see, you're just talking about a standard 120fps video, not 120fps slow motion footage.
I misunderstood what you were referring to. Still, I don't see 120fps video playback reaching a useful audience anytime soon. The file sizes and processor requirements would be too high for the minimal benefits (basically not noticeable in normal viewing situations).
It's a nice gimmick, but not for a serious workflow. Also I love how I get called a fanboy by a Sony user, when I'm completely platform agnostic. Seriously, the Sony community is by far the most toxic out there, and I've been a member of it for years.
It's shameful. Edit: If Fuji had added this option, I wouldn't have complained. Always nice to have more options. I just don't see any actual use for it beyond a gimmick. 60fps is already a pain to render out graphics for, and most production today is still done at 30fps (or less) anyway. Just someone who deals with footage on a daily basis.
I honestly can't think of a single occasion where something was recorded in normal speed, where I thought 'this would be cool if I could slow it down and then speed it back up mid shot'. Of course, there were times where this is used in a shot, but it's planned for in advance, and so everything is set up to get the most out of it. And so it's recorded in 120fps and then the footage is edited, just like you said. However the audio in these situations is not recorded with the in-camera microphone, it's just not good enough. In fact, neither is the a6500 in general, or the X-H1. The video from them is usable for B-Roll and that's about it.
They're stills cameras, with decent video for holiday and kids. Good enough for holiday. Think what you like, it's your money.
You started this by spouting off in your fanboy way that the Sony had this feature from the start. I'm just saying nobody cares, it's a gimmick not a 'must have'. Does the a6500 have focus bracketing?
I already know it doesn't have a good menu system or a good lens lineup, as I've owned it. In fact from what I can see, the only feature that the X-T2 gained that the a6500 already had is the 120fps, which is a gimmick video feature which wasn't really necessary on a stills camera.
It got added because the X-H1 has it, not because anyone was really asking for it. Sony's next APS-C camera will release this year, and will probably add 240fps slow motion and maybe some improved Eye-AF modes. It won't have much more than that, because Sony will want people to keep buying their A7iii. Which is a much better camera system anyway. It's a tone curve with a logarithmic response across much of its range. Ie: it devotes the same number of available levels to each stop of captured light (except in the shadows).
Unlike most still image tone curves that devote most values to the tones around middle grey. The advantage is that it tends to increase the ability to capture dynamic range, while maintaining maximum processing flexibility. The downside is that, especially in 8-bit capture, you're spreading your 256 available values pretty thin, so you risk posterization, especially if you mis-expose the footage. If my account history shows anything, than that I am a big fan of Sony. But seriously those firmware upgrades are great, and other manufacturers should adopt it. I was always really mad that my Sony A7 II didn't got some of the features/ bug fixes the Sony A7R II got just a few moths later.
So I was upset, but wanted the new A7 III, which would have solved all my issues, but in typical Sony fashion they screwed it up and disabled many important functions on the A7 III, I already had on my A7 II. So currently I cannot upgrade to the A7 III and all of that because Sony doesn't offer any new features via software updates.- Please Sony if you could adopt anything from Fuji, adopt the firmware updates. I am constantly tempted to switch systems if you continue your business model. Yeh, I have to say I'm constantly fighting the urge to buy an A7Rii or an A7iii, they have a lot of features and the lure of full frame is tough to resist. Problem is, I don't trust Sony as a company.
The stareater problem they added via firmware years ago still hasn't been fixed, and even new cameras have the same problem. Mostly though, it seems like Sony update firmware by making people buy a new camera body, and that's not the kind of customer service I like. Fuji do it right.
Here's hoping the X-T3 is an amazing camera. Otherwise I might end up with a Sony! @Nirurin, exactly. People like repeating myths they've heard on the internet without ever actually checking the info for themselves.
X-trans was a problem several years ago (not a huge one and far from being a 'dealbreaker', but still). Lightroom demosaicing sucked. Since then pretty much every proper RAW editing software that I know of solved those issues. Lightroom works as well as with bayered sensors. Capture One produces sweet results as well. And people still keep believing these 'x-trans is bad' nonsense. Worms and watercolour effects remain a problem with X-Trans.
I owned an X-T2 and have posted about it on here many times but you are free to dismiss it as nonsense if it makes you feel better. Here's some reading: And there's plenty of more examples out there highlighting the issues with X-Trans III. I myself have commented that I loved everything about the X-T2 except for the sensor (and the overpriced & lacking 23 f/1.4), it was a nicer camera to use ergonomically than my A7R II, but the hassle of X-Trans is indeed, a dealbreaker. Your extremely hostile response does nothing except highlight yourself as a sad fanboy I am afraid and I won't interact further with such a type. Hope you enjoy the circlejerk.:).
I not only used to shoot sony, but am in the process of buying either an A7Rii or A7iii, so am not a 'fanboy' in the slightest. Saying so makes you sound like an idiot, sorry. I do, however, shoot primarily landscapes, and have never had an issue with worms. Worms are caused by someone who has little to no experience with post processing. If you ramp the sharpness to 100+, and the details up to max, then you get worms. It's true, I've tested it. However you also get similar artefacts with Bayer sensors as well.
Nobody should be using these kinds of settings though, so it's a non-existent issue. However if Fuji decide to change to Bayer, I wouldn't care, as long as the sensor ended up producing as little noise as the current X-Trans sensors do. The fact that you basically just went 'X-Trans sucks and I don't want to hear any different' and then fled, just shows your ignorance, and willingness to remain ignorant. Which, unfortunately, makes you the sad fanboy. I'll admit, I'm not a birder, so I can't comment on that. Completely possible that such photos require a huge amount of cropping and sharpening in post.
I've seen plenty of amazing bird photos done with a Fuji though, but perhaps they use some other post processing method. Willing to admit that Fuji might not be the ideal for birders though.
I've personally cropped my 24MP images down to about 12MP in size (and less) and done basic lightroom noise reduction and sharpening, and ended up with clean and sharp images with zero artifacts. Just my personal experience.
But I shoot landscapes and people (and some normal wildlife), not birds, so YMMV. Sony APSC files have never been great for me. Switching to Fuji was night and day in comparison. However the a6500 is a lot better when using FE lenses, which was something I didn't want to do at the time. Again, YMMV, depends what you shoot and what colours you like.
@lukecookphoto, no 'worms' and 'watercolour effects' aren't a 'problem'. You never hear anyone say 'yeah, pixelization and fuzziness is a problem with bayer sensors, I wish manufacturers stopped using them'. When you zoom in 200% percent, of course you are going to see 'worms'. That's just a pattern of a filter. With bayers will will just get blur and pixelization, at the same magnification. Is one better than the other?
No, both are technical limitations and no one is ever viewing photos like that except die-hard gear heads who can't help but only go looking for 'flaws'. Many find that what you call 'worms' add perceived resolution and detail in normal viewing conditions.
No client has EVER even considered judging my photos by doing an extreme zoom-in and go looking for flaws on pixel-level. That's a definition of pixel peeping. It never ceases to impress me how people on the internet manage to find some tiny 'issue' and blow it out of proportion.
On May 8th, Fujifilm released their updated firmware for the X-T2 mirrorless camera. This takes the current firmware to version 4.0 and embodies Fujifilm’s Kaizen philosophy by making enormous changes to what the camera is able to do. Let’s take a look at it here. Fujifilm, unlike many manufacturers, uses the same sensor for almost all of its cameras. With each generation of sensor comes a new processor, and that gets used throughout their lineup. The differences are primarily implemented in software or by physical changes to the body styling.
This leaves the buyer with the opportunity to choose based on preference, not on image quality. It also gives Fujifilm the opportunity to bring new features into all their bodies as they develop them. With each successive firmware version, Fujifilm has improved the feature set and overall performance of the X-T2 dramatically. This round of updates brings many of the features of Fujifilm’s flagship X-H1 to the older body. So many features, in fact, that one is left to wonder if there is any reason to upgrade to the newer body. I know I was quite excited to update my beat-up old X-T2, so let's take a look at how this firmware stacks up. The Major Updates Focus Bracketing Macro photographers are going to love this new feature: automated focus bracketing.
It is now possible to shoot up to 999 frames while having the camera move the focus slightly in between shots to enable maximum depth of field. Not being a macro photographer, I don’t have a wonderful frame to show you here, but I this shot of the Fujifilm X-H1 body should suffice. Autofocus One of the big differences I noticed when picking up the X-H1 for the first time was how snappy the autofocus was compared to the X-T2. The new firmware brings that same enhancement to the older body, giving the PDAF points sensitivity down to -1EV and improving the camera’s ability to track in AF-C while zooming.
What this translates to in practice is an overall faster autofocus system, especially in dim conditions. For wildlife or sports photographers, you will appreciate how well the zoom lenses track while you zoom now.
Internal F-Log Recording The X-H1 introduced a feature that was long requested for the X-T2, internal F-Log recording. Finally, this feature has also made it into the X-T2. The log footage, coupled with the Eterna LUT (why couldn’t Fuji just include the Eterna film simulation on the X-T2?), allows for footage that looks very much like the native Eterna footage from the X-H1. As you can see below, even with the LUT applied, some contrast and sharpening will need to be applied to get the X-T2 footage to match with the X-H1 footage. Slow Motion Video Recording The slow motion video recording from the X-H1 has been passed over directly to the X-T2, so we now have access to up to 120 frames per second saved at either 120P or 23.98P depending on what you choose.
Flicker Reduction For those who shoot a lot indoors under flickering lights, switching this mode on will make sure you get more even colors and tones across images shot in a sequence. Differences That Still Remain Video For those who often switch between stills and video like myself, the X-H1 still has the upper hand here. The new firmware does not separate video and stills settings into their own menus. This is a small thing that makes working with the X-H1 so much easier. In addition, the X-T2 still does not allow us to select the bitrate for video recording. Perhaps this will come in a future upgrade, or perhaps this is Fujifilm’s way of differentiating the two cameras.
Body Of course, even with many of the features carrying over, some will still prefer the X-T2 body for its smaller size and lighter weight, just as some will prefer the X-H1’s greater heft and larger grip. Then, of course, there's the exposure compensation dial that is still present on the X-T2. IBIS The final differentiating feature, especially from a video standpoint, is the in-body stabilization of the X-H1. This makes such a huge difference to video stability and the need not to carry a tripod for simple night shooting. In Conclusion The Fujifilm X-T2 Firmware 4.00 brings so much of the X-H1 to X-T2 users that if you don’t need the IBIS, or prefer a smaller body, it would now make no sense to upgrade to the X-H1. Once again, there has been a new life breathed into an old product from Fujifilm. If you haven’t already, pick up the, and if you’re still interested in an X-H1, you can get one!
The X-T2 is also currently at B&H, so this could be a good time to pick up a bargain. So far, the focus stacking feature is a major letdown. It is very ambiguous. Not being able to set the out point for the end of the focus sequence makes the whole process hit or miss.
And what does a 'step' even mean Fuji? The updated manual doesn't help either. It makes it sound like the last frame taken will be at infinity 'regardless of the option chosen for frames, shooting ends when focus reaches infinity' but, apparently after testing, that is only the case if you have enough frames set to make it to infinity.
I'm a big Fuji fan and I love everything else in this update but this feature is a bust. I'm certainly not perfect so if you guys have any tips on this please feel free to share. I'd love to be proven wrong about this cause I was really looking forward to this feature.
Btw the link the updated manual is. Would be awesome if you could ask them why 90% of the menu system is unavailable to add to My Menu, Q Menu, etc. 20+ clicks to turn on the electronic level when I need it and 20+ clicks to turn it back off. 13-15 clicks to disable shutter speed operation on the command dial when I want to make sure I don't accidentally change shutter speed. 13-15 clicks to re-enable it. I've been using the X-T2 for a year and a half and I absolutely love it.
It completely sidelined my 5D3. But it's infuriating to not be able to add shortcuts to things I need to access routinely. It makes no sense at all. My Menu on the 5D3 is superior to the X-T2 in that regard.
Finally being able to separate my work into folders (FINALLY, on the 4th firmware revision) is a welcome and overdue feature. It's also another menu item that I had in My Menu on my 5D3 that I can't add to My Menu on the X-T2. I just don't understand why Fuji doesn't allow us to customize the camera to our needs. Their My Menu implementation is effectively useless. Sorry to hear, yes it might be an X-H1 feature:( I found this whilst searching a bit for you. Not sure if it can help Custom Functions: MyMenu: I totally agree on the artificial constraints, It's always tough as we have ideas and engineers have other ones.
That being said, Fuji is the most reactive company out there, and if the info comes up a few times, they will react (and believe me. They read what is published and take good notes). Will look around to see if i find something else. I am quitting my 5dMk3 for the X-H1. Had the mk3 with me on a wedding, took 4 pics with it this week-end. Whilst swapping lenses on the fuji system.
I say sell the mk3, get the x-h1:D ADDON: You can add a custom Function to a FunctionButton, i guess you can then activate/deactivate your electronic level. Thank you for trying to help, but, as I wrote, I've read the manual a number of times over the last eighteen months. It's not possible to create the shortcuts I need. I don't know what an X-H1 is like, but on the X-T2, when you go to configure My Menu, most of the menu system is greyed out and unavailable for selection. Same with the buttons. The options available for selection do not include the two specific examples I cited, as well as many other menu items. There's just a lot of stuff in the menu system that can't be assigned to My Menu or to a button.
It makes no sense, but that is the case. If you can get your hands on an X-T2, you'll see what I'm talking about.
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