X-E2 DEAL
The X-E2 body is currently $62 off at BHphoto (+ 4%reward), AmazonUS and Adorama (+ 4% reward) / The silver X-E2 kit is $100 off at BHphoto (+4% reward) and AmazonUS .
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X-E2: Behind Firmware 2.00
Talk to Rico (open forum for questions & feedback)
Fuji X Secrets Workshops – Rico’s Flickr sets
Mastering the Fujifilm X-Pro1 Reading Samples (65 free pages)
Mastering the Fujifilm X-E1 and X-Pro1 – The Fujifilm X-E2 – Beyond the Manual (coming soon)
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Berlin Calling!
The German version of my new eBook The Fujifilm X-E2 – Beyond the Manual is finally entering production. As you may guess, the delay was due to Fuji issuing firmware 2.00 for the X-E2 today. Luckily, I was able to get my hand on an early copy of the firmware, and after a week of testing, I feel comfortable telling you what this update is about – and what’s still missing.
Don’t have the new firmware, yet? Click here to get it.
As I am now working on the English version of the eBook, I am also adding two new dates to my Fuji X Secrets workshop schedule. That’s because except for two open seats at the Beginners Workshop on 31MAY in Nuremberg, all other Fuji X Secrets workshops are currently sold-out. So on 19JUL and 20JUL, we are going to Berlin! If you live in the area or happen to be there on this summer weekend, let’s meet in person and experience a “real-life version” of X-Pert Corner!
X-E2 Goes X-T1
While the X-T1 is pretty popular these days, I also really like my X-E2. As a matter of fact, it’s still my favorite X-Mount camera to date. So I’m glad that Fuji keeps making it better.
The main improvement in firmware 2.00 is bringing the X-E2 on par with the X-T1 regarding display lag time. With the new firmware, the camera’s electronic viewfinder (EVF) display lag is now 0.005 seconds, matching the X-T1’s highly touted Real Time Viewfinder.
Minimizing the display lag helps with action shots, as the lag between actual and perceived reality (through the EVF) is shrinking. Basically, this helps you pressing the shutter just in time instead of missing crucial moments. In addition to that, the X-E2 viewfinder now offers the same low light performance as the X-T1, maintaining a high frame rate of at least 50 fps.
Essentially, the X-E2 becomes a faster, more responsive camera.
Take a Peak!
Another feature coming form the X-T1 is color focus peaking, adding the colors blue or red as options. Focus peaking is a popular manual focus aid, especially for users of legacy lenses. Click here for a video demonstrating the new options.
In order to make the most of focus peaking, you should use it wide open with bright lenses. But be careful: Many legacy lenses exhibit a phenomenon called focus shift. This means that the focal plane is shifting once you stop the lens down to working aperture: What was perfectly in focus wide open can end up being out of focus. Normally, you’d expect quite the opposite due to the expanding depth-of-field (DOF). However, focus shift can often outrun DOF expansion.
Relax! Users of native lenses do not have to worry about this. In manual focus mode, the automatic aperture always opens up fully for measurement purposes, and once the working aperture is set, the camera automatically corrects for focus shift. It’s all part of the parameters that are stored inside the lens firmware.
Button Up!
Firmware 2.00 adds two new options that can now be assigned to any of its four function (Fn) buttons: face detection and view mode (aka EVF/LCD setting).
Adding face detection on/off as a Fn function is a no brainer, of course, just like omitting it in the first place was unfathomable. I mean, seriously?
The same is true for culling the View Mode button in the X-E2 and replacing it with an annoying submenu buried in the setup menu. This definitely caused some grief, but Fuji’s eagerly expected firmware 2.00 solution is half-hearted at best. Instead of emulating a genuine View Mode button, pressing the appropriately assigned Fn button simply pops up the old (aka annoying) EVF/LCD SETTING menu in the active display. So if you have your X-E2 mounted low on a tripod and the camera is in “EVF only” mode, pressing the Fn button will pop up the EVF/LCD SETTING menu in the EVF, where you may have a hard time seeing it.
Even worse: Shooting mode and playback mode still always share the same display. You can’t set the camera to shoot with the EVF and playback images on the LCD. Personally, I have adapted and simply use my X-E2 in EYE SENSOR mode all the time.
Not So Flashy
Here’s another addition: a new SUPPRESSED FLASH setting in the FLASH MODE menu. I don’t remember anyone actually asking for this, so this feels like one of those “solution seeks problem” things. That said, I could image studio photographers liking this mode, as they now don’t have to switch-off their flash unit (or remove/turn-off the flash cable or wireless remote) for shots that don’t require flash. Then again, turning-off a mounted flash or removing a cable or wireless remote sounds at least as convenient to me as changing the flash mode to SUPPRESSED FLASH in the camera menu, even the Quick Menu.
The new mode is obviously not for the camera’s built-in pop-up flash, as you can simply stow it to “suppress” it. Unlike other cameras, the built-in flash of the X-E2 never pops up automatically, but only when the user presses the mechanical flash release button.
Who Let the Bugs Out?
Fuji says that they have fixed a bug that caused film simulation bracketing to record the third picture as Astia even though the third picture was set to Pro Neg. Hi.
What Fuji doesn’t (at least officially) say is that they have also fixed a bug that caused Pre-AF and AF-C to secretly focus with the upper-left AF frame when the user changed the size of the actually selected AF frame to a non-default size. This could explain why some users reported that their X-E2 didn’t properly track subjects in AF-C mode: They might have selected a non-default AF frame size.
What’s Next?
We may expect another (minor) firmware update in May for all current X-Mount cameras. Another one is in store for June, adding direct Instax Share wifi support to the X-M1, X-A1 and XQ1. We already talked about this in my previous column. Wireless remote and interval shooting will eventually come to the X-E2, as well. Oh, and there are plans for a really cool firmware update that will affect (almost) all native lenses. Fuji really keeps them coming. Stay tuned.
What’s Not?
There won’t be an XF18-135mmF3.5-4.8 R LM OIS WR.
There will be an XF18-135mmF3.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR.
For your convenience, here’s a TOC with links to my previous X-PERT CORNER articles:
- First Look: Fujifilm TCL-X100 Teleconverter for X100(S) Cameras
- First Look: Fujinon XF10-24mmF4 R OIS
- First Look: Fujifilm X-T1
- First Look: Fujinon XF56mmF1.2 R
- Exposing Right
- Using Auto-ISO
- Using Face Detection
- First Look: Fujifilm XQ1
- PDAF & LMO Lens Firmware Updates Coming in November
- First Look: Fujifilm X-E2
- How Fuji could save the X-M1
- X-A1 vs. X-M1: Photo Ninja Edition
- X-A1 vs. X-M1: the Shootout
- Using the Fujifilm X-A1 [& X-M1]
- First Look: Fujinon XF23mmF1.4 R
- RAW Converter Shootout Results
- Ultimate RAW Converter Shootout
- First Look: X-M1 with New Kit Zoom and Pancake Lens
- Zeiss Touit vs. Fujinon XF
- Remote Shutter Control for X Series Cameras
- Apple Camera RAW, X-Trans and EXR
- First Look: XF55-200mmF3.5-4.8 R LM OIS
- Studio X
- Using the X100S
- Using the X20
- X100S vs. X100
- X20 vs. X10
- RAW, JPEG, Silkypix and “Fuji Colors”
- Adapting Third-Party Lenses (updated with Speed Booster)
- RAW for JPEG Shooters…
- Tips for Updating your Firmware
- How to Clean the X-Trans Sensor
- Using the XF14mmF2.8 R
- Decoding XF18-55mmF2.8-4 R LM OIS
- Comparing RAW converters: JPEG vs. Lightroom, Capture One, Silkypix & RPP
- XF14mmF2.8 R appears to be almost distortion free
- How to Expand Dynamic Range
- How to Use Extended ISO
- EXR, anyone?
- Capture One – When the Going Gets Tough…
- Using Shooting Profiles and the Quick Menu
Rico Pfirstinger studied communications and has been working as journalist, publicist, and photographer since the mid-80s. He has written a number of books on topics as diverse as Adobe PageMaker and sled dogs, and produced a beautiful book of photographs titled Huskies in Action (German version). He has spent time working as the head of a department with the German Burda-Publishing Company and served as chief editor for a winter sports website. After eight years as a freelance film critic and entertainment writer in Los Angeles, Rico now lives in Germany and devotes his time to digital photography and compact camera systems. His book “Mastering the FUJIFILM X-Pro1” (Kindle Edition) (Apple iBook Store) (German version) is available on Amazon and offers a plethora of tips, secrets and background information on successfully using Fuji’s X-Pro1 and X-E1 system cameras, lenses and key accessories.
44 Responses
So X-E1 and X-Pro 1 user might get some love from Kaizen in May?
i really hope so. these would be also some good improvements for the x-pro!
so come on Fuji…Please! 🙂
tomorrow is may 🙂
Thanks for your thoughts! 😀
So, Patrick, either Rico is just bluffing or your sources are not correct on the faster 18-135. I was actually pretty suprised as it seemed already quite large. But let us still hope that they manage to make it faster while retaining IQ and size.
It’s not my source. I said that we know it since the CP+, not that we know it because a source told me. It was a reminder of an older news that comes from dpreview. http://www.dpreview.com/news/2014/02/16/cp-2014-fujifilm-stand-report/8
Fuji confused us: they said 5.6 in January, showed a mock up in February with changed aperture, and now 5.6 again…
I see. My bad. 😉
As I said I would favor a 5.6 if it optically better, smaller and lighter. (The X (and all other) system loses quite some ground regarding bulk and size with the tele lenses.)
Hi Rico, Thank you for your very clear explanation about the firmware update.
However, I am not sure if I understand your last statment right: There will be no XF 18-135 with 4.8 at the end?? The last rumours however just confirm this f 4.8!???
apparently the mock-up shown at the CP+ in February (showing an aperture of 4.8 at the tele end) is not the final version.
It’s confusing, Fuji said 5.6 in January, then they show a mock-up with 4.8, and now they go back to 5.6.
http://www.dpreview.com/news/2014/02/16/cp-2014-fujifilm-stand-report/8
Where’s the intervalometer function they promised? I like all of these adds, a lot, and I thank Fuji…but I’d be very disappointed in not having a so important feature they promised to add w/ this firmware update.
And again fuji is killin it on customer satisfaction. I was about to sell my xe2 cause of the lag and trouble focusing on moving subjects because it’s always a step behind, now with this update what your focusing on is accurate in real time, improving af on moving subjects.
Again, cannot praise fuji enough!
How good do you think the XE2 is for shooting small little fellas that won’t stop running around the house? 🙂
sigh… Wireless remote is the feature I’m waiting for… Seems have to continue the waiting
Thanks for this Rico. I wish they’d add colour focus peaking to the X100s. Was hoping it would have been in last week’s firmware release to support the tele converter.
Agreed on the focus peaking colors. Would a firmware update be able to give the X100S the same refresh rate for the EVF as the X-T1 and (now) X-E2?
Good question. I always understood that the x100s and X-E2 shared the same EVF and processor? Maybe the hybrid viewer complicated things?
Man, Fuji sure knows how to make their current customers happy!
Very much loving the faster evf and extra functions from fn buttons.
Hopefully next up is full-feature of the app/wifi and intervalometer
Kai Zen = Fu Ji
To bad no extra aspect ratio: 4:5, 6:7.
Pretty please put it in the next one.
It saves us allot of post processing!
It is a welcome update to be sure. And I’m grateful for it. I am just a bit deflated, though, that the wifi wasn’t updated and no intervalometer. The first I can understand, maybe it’s harder than I think, but the second… it should be there now. I’m really curious about this potentially cool lens firmware update. I’m trying to think of anything that would be really meaningful that can be done. After all, you can’t change the physics of the lens or its physical properties. So the only things left would be calibration control or focus related items I think?
People will love it.
Hm. Only thing I can think of right now: maybe the AutoISO setting will be stored in the lens… but that only improves it for primes.
Ah, wait! Manual override of AF-S?
That could be it! Good thinking. Manual override is the most likely thing that’s lens friendly in firmware. (and focus related).
Now if there was an option to auto-invoke manual focus aids when using manual override that would be awesome. (And disengage it when using AF again).
There was a mention of the wifi to Instax sp1 printer for the x-m1, x-a1 and x-q1 but nothing on the x-e2 or x-t1 mentioned at all?
I’ll definitely press for support from the T1/E2, too.
X-E2 Firmware Update – Feature request:
1) Please add the possibility to assign a “SWITCH view mode” to any function button. (SWITCH without the need to look at a menu!)
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.
Hopefully they don’t continue to sleep on providing us with the ability to convert the files to a lossless format, such as TIFF, using the in-camera converter.
While all of the feature improvements are nice, the end result (the image) is the most important. At this point, the in-camera converter provides the best results, but only allows us to save in jpeg, which is lossy and thus not optimal. So, I am a little shocked that they haven’t provided this already.
Hopefully they stop sleeping on this, or provide their own bare-bones external processor (not 3rd party). My Sigma DP1 Merrill produces exceptional image quality, which has only been made possible because sigma provides their own raw converter, to get the most out of the files.
Without it, I am starting to lose interest, despite the fact that the images are still very nice, as I am tired of relying on the compromises available, as Fuji could make it better.
I quite do not understand…does update…make the X-E2 focus tracking like in XT-1
No, it just fixes a particular bug. The X-E2 does focus tracking but not in the same manner as the XT-1.
thank you
The X-E2 always had the same focus tracking at 3 fps. There’s no performance difference with PDAF that I know of, but there is a performance difference in CDAF tracking. Of course, the bug could ruin it for some people, so things should now improve.
Improve? Kinda. Sorta. Maybe. Had a big shoot yesterday, in a very bright sun. Tested X-E2 (with the new fw) against X-T1. It’s still a drag, AF wise – especially with the heavy glass like 56/1.2 or 23/1.4.
However, keep in mind that I’ve used a 3 stop ND filter, which most likely killed any PDAF advantage.
Is there any reason other than weather sealing to upgrade from an xE2 to the XT1? Is there any difference in image quality?
No difference in image quality. The big differences are weather sealing, ergonomics, better predictive/continuous focus, and some EVF changes.
There is no difference in IQ. Personally, I prefer the ergonomics of the X-E2.
if you’re a manual focus/legacy lens user then the dual screen EVF on the X-T1 is a very nice feature.
Are the following features coming to the X-E2?
– Vertical EVF / screen layout
– “dual screen” layout for MF
How about a GeoTag feature that asks the phone for a location on every shot or at least every minute (if shots are taken)?
And how about X-T1 focus tracking (even if it’s only in 3fps)?
At 3FPS it has productive AF just not enhanced, It works good to.
personally while i welcome the update – why dont they use the buttons as a toggle rather than point to a menu? the macro button could just turn macro on and off. the face detect – while welcome on a fn button – while cant it just toggle it on and off – then i could just press it without taking my eye of the image. now i have to press it – change the setting then go back..its slightly lazy programming..while i give them credit for kaizen, instead of writing some code for a toggle they just point to the existing menu.
also is there any reason why we cant have functions on the left and right buttons on the dial?
my wish would be to have the option for having the up down left right buttons live to move the focus point so i dont have to select focus point then move it – i could with my eye up to the sensor just move it by pressing those buttons..
I love this. Not only do they update my camera with new features from products released after mine was. They also do it within months of the release of the new product, no long grace period here. Further more they dont wait until everything is implemented but give us several kaisen days a year as soon as something important is done. Now EVF-stuff and more fn-options, next time maybe wifi and who knows what, maybe programmable macro button or remote iTTL flash or instax printer support. It feels a bit like getting a new camera a few times a year.
All so much better than nikon that didnt want to order a $2 screw for repairing a 180/2.8 from another nikon repair shop within the EU just because there is now a 180/2.8D in their product line.
Well played fuji!
Nice firmware.
Though, I am really not happy with auto-iso implementation. Every camera should have an auto mode where the shutter speed is at least 1/f. Why do we take the risk to have blurry pictures when we are in auto mode. I always have to keep an eye on the shutter speed, I must not forget to change this setting. The worst is with zooms…
Of course, you can take a margin and set an high shutter speed. This is not really convenient with zooms and I don’t want to waste some exposure.
There are other implementations but Fuji should AT LEAST give access to this basic mode. We lost this mode with the x-e1 due to the last firmware… Do you know any recent camera which has the same implementation as Fuji ????
Secondly, the mode where you set aperture+shutter speed does not work completely. The ec is ignored…. I think this mode can be really usefull, other camera makers did understand this and make it work perfectly.
Fuji, please make a “real” camera where the basic modes work perfectly as expected.
Now everything is meters only on the MF scale ?
Nice firmware.
Though, I am really not happy with auto-iso
implementation. Every camera should have an auto mode where the shutter
speed is at least 1/f. Why do we take the risk to have blurry pictures
when we are in auto mode. I always have to keep an eye on the shutter
speed, I must not forget to change this setting. The worst is with
zooms…
Of course, you can take a margin and set an high shutter
speed. This is not really convenient with zooms and I don’t want to
waste some exposure.
There are other implementations but Fuji should
AT LEAST give access to this basic mode. We lost this mode with the x-e1
due to the last firmware… Do you know any recent camera which has the
same implementation as Fuji ????
Secondly, the mode where you
set aperture+shutter speed does not work completely. The ec is
ignored…. I think this mode can be really usefull, other camera makers
did understand this and make it work perfectly.
Fuji, please make a “real” camera where the basic modes work perfectly as expected.
After upgrading to 2.0 I noticed horizontal lines in the evf and lcd when shooting under fluorescent lighting. The pictures and video were not affected but it is a little annoying looking at those lines. Has anyone else had this happen to there XE2?