DEAL
The X-E2 body is currently $62 off at BHphoto (+ 4%reward), AmazonUS and Adorama (+ 4% reward)
RUMOR
A source, who was right in the past, told me that the firmware update for the Fujifilm X-E2 is “coming soon“. It will bring the refresh rate of the X-T1 EVF also to the X-E2! The source did not specify the date, nor if it will bring other features (like the interval shooting function and the remote camera control App).
This firmware makes it a bit easier for X-E2 owners (like me) to resist to the siren songs of the X-T1, which is creaming off award over award and is rapidly falling into the hands of more and more photographers (some of them are trying via email to convince me to get rid of my X-E2 for the X-T1… but I still resist 😉 ).
And Fuji itself said it, that it’s better to sacrifice sales earnings for customer loyalty. In fact the Kaizen philosophy has a negative impact on the sales of newer models, but “in the long run customer trust is very important. We’re a relatively new brand and we need to build trust.”
So stay tuned. I’ll start to frequently check Fuji’s support page in the next days and update you as soon as I see it online. And if you are faster than me, then feel free to drop me an email once you see it online.
cheers
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59 Responses
As good as having the refresh rate of the XT1, what really matters is the lag… Will this firmware improve the lag? I have my xe2 up for sale ATM and I’ll cancel the listing if this firmware can improve EVF lag.
Any ideas?
I found the lag of the E2 to be better than the E1. Enough so that I’ve been able to get basic action shots (birds on branches) with the E2. What are you shooting that requires faster than the E2?
this is a double post of my reply above:
I shoot a lot of photojournalism. I sold my EM5 cause of the EVF lag.
Even with the E2 I still see the lag especially on subjects moving in frame. And yes I sometimes do have to use both eyes but there are times when that is not practical, eg using 55-200 on a walking subject, although it does get focused images in AFC mode by the time I see the shot it’s a fraction too late (and having both eyes open when you’re zoomed in at 200mm is impossible to keep track of both), also when I’m panning, the focus point is slightly off with the EVF lag, I don’t see how having both eyes open when panning will help either, especially when you’re panning on a subject that comes within 2 meters of you, the framing has to be accurate.
So yes when it comes to subjects moving across the frame and panning, it will miss it by a fraction.
The MAIN reason why I want to improve EVF lag is for the AF. I feel the camera misses a lot of subject tracking shots because when you’re looking through the EVF the subject has already left the spot. If the EVF lag was improved to the XT1 I would say it would nail a lot more moving subjects just because you can point the camera and focus in real time (practically) instead of being a step behind. This is especially true when using longer lenses on fast moving subjects.
I come from a D700 so that’s what I’m used to when I shoot PJ. So yes, unless EVF lag is improved I’ll be selling and getting the XT1.
Also for the record I’d say it’s better to have the current refresh rate with no EVF lag than a high refresh rate with lag.
Have you tried a little brainware (not the firmware) update to fix the EVF lag problem? As in, you know, shooting with both eyes open? Right eye controls the framing, left eye is in charge of the right moment? Usually works for anyone except relatively rare breed of people with the left dominant eye. And even then, it’s a matter of brainware update.
What a rude reply….. And no, your ridiculous “update” suggestion will not help for long shootings. In my case, if I use the right too long, my head starts to hurt a bit.
Still, It us actually quite a great and useful tip (Thanks for that!), but totally destroyed by manner……
Impolite? Maybe. Rude? No, at least not in my book.
Let me put it to you this way. Fuji’s design philosophy, as I perceive it, is all about letting photographer apply his or her skills. Not doing things for the photographer, but letting photographer create something that perhaps only he could see.
Yes, slow refresh ratio sucks, and faster refresh ratio won’t hurt anyone. But no, I don’t think that it’s a legitimate reason to sell your camera.
I meant impolite. And I share your POV, but if you write more politely, then your critcism would actually reach the other person much more efficiently.
I also like Fuji’s philosophy a lot, but in my case (a bloody beginner ) the video AF+DOF was not good enough to convince me of the X-E1. So I returned (I had hoped it would be sufficient). Maybe the X-E2 would be better in that regard (I want to use video in full auto ).
I shoot a lot of photojournalism. I sold my EM5 cause of the EVF lag.
Even with the E2 I still see the lag especially on subjects moving in frame. And yes I sometimes do have to use both eyes but there are times when that is not practical, eg using 55-200 on a walking subject, although it does get focused images in AFC mode by the time I see the shot it’s a fraction too late (and having both eyes open when you’re zoomed in at 200mm is impossible to keep track of both), also when I’m panning, the focus point is slightly off with the EVF lag, I don’t see how having both eyes open when panning will help either, especially when you’re panning on a subject that comes within 2 meters of you, the framing has to be accurate.
So yes when it comes to subjects moving across the frame and panning, it will miss it by a fraction.
The MAIN reason why I want to improve EVF lag is for the AF. I feel the camera misses a lot of subject tracking shots because when you’re looking through the EVF the subject has already left the spot. If the EVF lag was improved to the XT1 I would say it would nail a lot more moving subjects just because you can point the camera and focus in real time (practically) instead of being a step behind. This is especially true when using longer lenses on fast moving subjects.
I come from a D700 so that’s what I’m used to when I shoot PJ. So yes, unless EVF lag is improved I’ll be selling and getting the XT1.
Also for the record I’d say it’s better to have the current refresh rate with no EVF lag than a high refresh rate with lag.
Boom xe2 update just released. And Rico confirmed what I was saying about slow af and evf lag on moving subjects, looks like I wasn’t the only one that noticed this limitation. Brainwave update not needed. Taking down my xe2 listing, no need for the xt1 now.
Now if they can get rid of evf lag on xe1 I would also not sell it. I think a second xe2 is on the horizon for me. Fuji is killin it on customer satisfaction
Patrick, can I tell anyone from Fuji visiting your pages that it is this very philosophy (more than any feature or image quality) which finally made my decision to switch to Fuji. And I’m sure many others. I’m happy to stand by a company which stands by me. Well done.
Now — if they could only include a top-notch (or half-way decent) video codec in that firmware update.. would H.265 be too much to ask? Heck, at the moment I’ll take anything.
With the write speeds of X-T1 it could be a raw uncompressed video, no special licensing required.
I just wish that Fuji could make an option to disable a goddamn video button on X-T1. During an average shooting day, I accidentally activate video at least 5 times. Thinking of gluing on some sort of hard plastic dome over that stinky button.
regardless of having high write speeds, i don’t ever see raw uncompressed being saved internally. that’s going to be too huge of files for available uhs-ii cards. out makes more sense. imagine the amount of heat even an apsc sensor would generate. now, it would be a dream to have licensing for prores for compression. but even after all that, the sensor isn’t ideal against patterns or for movement – you’re going to see aliasing and moire. there’s no anti-aliasing filter, remember?
The source did not specify the date, nor if it will bring other features (like the interval shooting function and the remote camera control App).
Toshihisa Iida, senior sales and marketing manager at Fujifilm said:
for example we will release new firmware for the X-E2 soon which will improve the refresh rate of the EVF bringing it to the same level as the X-T1 and also add an interval shooting function.
So we’re definitely going to have the intervalometer. That interview was one of the things who convince me to buy the X-E2 *over* the X-T1 🙂
Yes, I remeber the interview. He promised the interval shooting function. I just wanted to say that this specific source confirmed just the part of the higher refresh rate.
Hey Patrick!
Are there hints that the two focus peaking colours are also implemented in the new firmware?
no hints for now, sry
What I’d love for the intervalometer is a mode where it will add it to a movie instead of just loose files. Had that feature in my D800 and would love to have it again.
It would be nice, though I doubt they’re willing to put in a feature that’s not in the T1. I’d love to have that live-time feature OM-D has.
They could always put it into both…
Why stop with “just” intervalometer? The camera always receives a live view picture, so it should be pretty easy to implement a lightning trigger. Oh, and since it has a built-in mic… a sound trigger, anyone?
Good point. It should be fairly straightforward to do that. Alas, I doubt they’ll go that far in providing the feature.
Fantastic news. The sooner, the better!
Good News ! Anyway i totally agree for the need of better video on the Fujis . No full manuals controls (shutter speed and ISO) , no 24/25P on the X-E2 is really a shame for an hybrid cam in 2014…….
i hope they also bring the split screen option from the ex-T1 to make manual focusing easier
“[…] a bit easier for X-E2 owners (like me) to resist the siren songs of the X-T1 […]”
I’s say, stay with the X-E2 and be a happy camper. As an owner of both X-E2 and X-T1, I always find myself using X-E2 for “fun” projects, switching to X-T1 only when a situation requires “big” glass (such as 56/1.2 or 55-200): then, it’s a bit easier to handle an X-T1 with the vertical grip attached.
Thanks for the tip. I love my X-E2, but my 55-200mm lens is front heavy on the camera. I can see where the X-T1 would balance better with that lens. So I’m still tempted to get the X-T1 for that lens.
I have the X-E1 and the X-T1 and greatly prefer the body and handling of the X-E1…even with the 55-200. I really wish they would have just left the grip off the X-T1. The grip is sized just right to be both useless and uncomfortable. Great camera otherwise…
my x-e2 with both RRS and TU grips handle better than my x-t1 (with or without vertical grip) with any of the heavy glass.
Predictive focus is what I really want. The XE2 is a current camera and should benefit from the latest firmware updates. XT1 premium price gets you EVF size, weather sealed, stronger body. (whilst at it I’d like Face Detection on the x100s also).
Funny thing is, X100s has a face detection. But only in playback (see for yourself: enable “focus check” in settings and hit an arrow down on a d-pad in playback – if there’s a face on a photo, it’ll be recognized as such).
This is why I really hope it will be possible to have face detection for actually taking photos, not only for categorizing photos 🙂
XE-2 has already predictive AF -> http://fujifilm-x.com/development_story/en/developer/response/
Thanks so much, I did not know this and assumed as XT1 reviews mentioned it that it must be new to that camera.
It isn’t, but the X-T1 does it better at a higher frame rate.
not quite. it was supposed to be added at a later time.
My X-E2 has it already and it works. Happy me 😉
This is really great news, I think its really incredible that Fuji owners can find some features of newer models appear on their older models. This will help people to switch to fuji that want a cheaper route in. Picking up a used X-e2 is a nice entry point for many.
I will get a T at some point but I need more glass my body’s do ok, A 16-55 first. If they make it, it will sell.
you mean the 16-55 wr coming later this year?
I was fantasizing about an AF mode where instead of moving the AF box around your frame with buttons, one would focus (half press) on a subject with the AF box centered and where the system would have the AF box follow the subject while one recomposes and would keep focussing until one releases the shutter.
I don’t know whether the E2/T1 processors could manage this combination of object tracking/movement sensing.
Perhaps it already exists on other systems?
My crappy Oly X-Z1 could do that, back in 2012 😉
This is the AF system focussing on a moving object, very similar to what I meant, but I was more thinking about a replacement for the current x-system selection of the AF box position by button (or eventually touch screen).
My idea would need the same algorithms as tracking and probably the movement sensing they use for the panorama mode.
http://youtu.be/ohX8XZRMp2Y
This is the AF system focussing on a moving object, very similar to what I meant, but I was more thinking about a replacement for the current x-system selection of the AF box position by button (or eventually touch screen).
My idea would need the same algorithms as tracking and probably the movement sensing they use for the panorama mode now.
It would be nice if Fuji could go with a touch screen like the E-M1. One of the nice things about the Olympus OM-D line, is you can just touch the rear LCD screen where you want the AF point, and it takes the photo.
But it would be nice to have a system that does not require to take your eye from the EVF, like I described below, or with a mini joystick like controller
i’ve had joystick type controllers get caught on my shirts and break off. the x-e2 buttons are just fine. no to touchscreen.
Main things I want:
– fn button as View Mode
– fn button as Face Detection
– Continued focusing improvements
– Remote camera functionality
– Ability for camera to connect to a wireless network for easier use of Wifi apps
X-E2 Firmware Update – Feature request:
—————————————
1) Please add the possibility to assign the “view mode” to any function button.
2) Please retain 3 different “view mode” settings for the 3 different operating modes:
– Shooting mode –> EVF Only + Eye sensor to turn EVF on/off.
– Playback mode –> Eye sensor: Automatic display selection using the eye sensor.
– Change Settings mode –> Eye sensor: Automatic display selection using the eye sensor.
By giving this possibility, the photographer should be very rarely in the need to change View Mode settings.
3) Faster (more acurate) AF with moving subjects and wide apertures.
4) Auto ISO: Minimum shutter speed: Dynamic 1/focal lenght.
5) Wireless: Remote release / Full remote control.
why would anyone want X-T1 if they already have a X-E1 or X-E2.
Is the Image quality better??? NO
Is the focusing much better than X-E1??? NO
slightly better , yes but not pay fujifilm twice to improve focus speed by a bit, it is still slower than olympus OMD-M5, released before X-E1. You want my money, you better work on the IQ improvement. Dun waste your time on focus speed improvement until at least better OMD-M1.
Recently i play around with a-7, their interface is so much better than your. your exp compensation is so stiff, so many button to change iso, why can’t you be like them. learn from sony. one hand , the right hand have access to everything. the only reason i do not dump your system is because sony mess up their lenses yet again. From alpha DSLR to NEX to alpha FE, sony lens department is the worse.
Don’t quite understand your rant. Everyone wants higher IQ but Fuji’s X-Trans II sensor is already competitive with FF and superior to every crop sensor I’ve seen. I’m not suggesting that Fuji should rest on its laurels (ahem, Canon) but I do think it is important to be realistic. Hard to complain about class-leading IQ; and you certainly cannot argue that Fuji isn’t working to improve its products.
Worth the upgrade? Depends on needs and financial resources. Weather sealed body, different form factor, massive viewfinder, notably improved focus tracking (despite your claim to the contrary), etc. These are not insignificant differences for me.
There is no perfect camera, only the best compromise for your particular situation. Some people complain the exp comp dial is too stiff. Others would complain if it wasn’t so stiff. I don’t love all the retro dials and controls but Fuji’s combination of size, IQ, lens selection, and approach to product improvement and customer service make it a no-brainer choice for me as I transition from a Canon FF system.
pretty weak research.
I have 2 X-E1s and an X-T1. If you think the X-T1 is not a big step up, you are much mistaken.
Sony A7 interface is better than XE1 ?!? I have both cameras. XE1 interface is very logical. I picked up the XE1 and use it without looking at the manual when I first got the camera. With the Sony A7, I constantly press many wrong buttons to find where things are.
Dear Kai Zen people, please, give to X-A1 and X-M1 users another fn button!!! Macro button is unuseful, nobody uses AF taking macros. We need an ae/af-lock button!!!
I really hope they will add compatibility with the remote shutter release function of the camera app. That seems like a very easy thing to add and I would use it all the time.
A voice is wispering into Patricks ear: X-T1…X-T1…X-T1…X-T1…X-T1…X-T1…X-T1…^^
How could you ever resist ? Respect man … 😉
I have the X100s, x-E2 and x-T1. I believe I’ll be selling my x-e2. I over purchased according to the wife. Lol
More importantly, they should provide us with the ability to convert raw files to TIFF in-camera.
In the end, the final result is the most important. Without this option, we are subject to using the compromises that are available today – external raw converters. The Sigma DP1 Merrill that I have been using for the past month has exceptional image quality, which was only made possible because Sigma provides their own raw converter. So, unless Fuji does the same, they need to provide us with the next best option: ability to convert files to a lossless format, such as TIFF, in-camera.