Firmware version 3.00 for X-T1

More like a free model upgrade!

Only a few days to go and we will be able to download the new update! Fujifilm have really outdone themselves once again with this free firmware update that really changes the capabilities of the X-T1 in a big way. Even non Fuji shooters are so impressed with this update that it has been cause for some extra attention towards Fuji.

Remember the things missing in the X-Pro when it was introduced? It’s hard to believe today, but it didn’t have focus peaking; now it does! And what about all the updates for the XE-1 and Xe-2 or the early X100. Fujifilm is constantly trying to please its customers by making their cameras perform their best. With each camera release, no matter whether it’s a bug, a missing feature or a defect, they will try to please its customers. This kind of support is unique in the camera industry and it sure is causing attention! So let’s see most of what will change on the 18th December if Fuji will deliver on its promise.

Fuji X-T1 & XF 56mm f/1.2R EXPOSURE: 1/4000sec @ F/2 ISO 200. I didn't have an ND filter and i purposefully overexposed this shot knowing that i could pull back some detail. This is a good example of when you may need a fast shutter speed.

New shutter options

One of the X-T1’s weak spots was its maximum shutter speed of 1/4000sec, especially when you consider those fast prime lenses such as the 23mm and the 56mm. Most photographers investing in the Fuji system are doing so more for their lust for creative bokeh effects, which unfortunately is hard to get in broad daylight. So you’re either forced to use an ND filter slowing down your shooting style or limit your bokeh creaminess by stopping down the aperture! Now thanks to the new firmware, which amongst other things will bring us a new electronic shutter, the X-T1 can shoot with a speed up to 1/32,000sec which is a full 3 stop advantage allowing a wide open aperture for nearly all daylight conditions? Firmware version 3.0 now adds a SHUTTER TYPE option to the shooting menu with 3 possible choices (MECHANICAL, ELECTRONIC or MECHANICAL+ELECTRONIC).

MECHANICAL+ELECTRONIC
From those three nearly everyone will be setting the Hybrid mode as their default shutter choice for obvious reasons - It gives you the best of both worlds. If ELECTRONIC SHUTTER or MECHANICAL+ELECTRONIC is selected, shutter speeds faster than 1/4000s will be chosen automatically in Program AE and Aperture Priority AE or they can be chosen manually in Shutter Priority AE or Manual mode by rotating the shutter speed dial to 4000 and then rotating the command dial to the desired speed.

ELECTRONIC
Selecting the ELECTRONIC shutter is of great use to photographers who need to shoot in complete silence and this is a very common need for a lot of working professionals especially in nursery’s, theaters, churches or movie sets (no more sound blimp necessary). For those who choose the ELECTRONIC shutter option, you do get the choice of adding some sound with the new SHUTTER SOUND and SHUTTER VOLUME options in the setup menu for a more positive shooting experience or muting the sound altogether.

There are a couple of drawbacks with the ELECTRONIC shutter though that you must be aware of before selecting it as your default choice. For starters it’s not recommended for fast moving subjects due to the rolling shutter phenomenon. Secondly because of the way the exposure is taken (line by line) erratic lighting such as with the flickering of fluorescent lights may cause fogging or banding effects. Also take note that the longest shutter speed is restricted to 1sec and ISO between 200-6400. You have been warned about the drawback of electronic shutters so don’t rush to blame Fuji for a weak product, though I’m predicting that there are going to be many such cases on the forums.

MECHANICAL
Last but not least, the mechanical shutter option will still be needed for many photography situations. Studio and advertising photographers will be selecting this option more than anyone else simply because any strobe or flash work cannot be used with an electronic shutter; they are technically incompatible with each other. The use of any remote triggers such as the popular Pocket Wizards won’t fire unless you have selected the Mechanical shutter option.

Classic Chrome

For all us JPEG lovers we now get another film simulation that some say is reminiscent of Kodak’s Koadachrome though I don't think so judging by Lightrooms version. The new CLASSIC CHROME (as it’s called) is a nice addition and can be found together with the others in the SHOOTING MENU>FILM SIMULATION>CLASSIC CHROME. The new CLASSIC CHROME helps counter the quite saturated images that Fuji is well known for by offering a much desaturated look without sacrificing any of the “Fuji” contrast. I personally like the skin tones with the new CLASSIC CHROME but I’m still not sure how often I may be using it. I have below some images with the Provia and Classic simulations applied in Lightroom. This is not the right way to judge the new Classic Chrome thats coming but I thought this was a good place to add some images to the article ;-)   

Natural Live View function

One of the biggest advantages of the X-T1’s electronic viewfinder is its WYSIWYG ability. Not only can it show the exposure settings in real time but it also can show the effects of the different Film simulation choices and custom color effects. Of course this is not always desirable especially for those who only shoot RAW or with manual focus lenses. In these situations you may prefer a more natural view reminiscent of an optical viewfinder which has two distinct advantages firstly, the JPEG film sim effects can be distracting for RAW shooters who may want to judge exposure on what they see and secondly, manual focusing can be made easier since you will be able to see more details in the shadows since the film sims usually clip the blacks. To select this new Natural View function select OFF for the new SCREEN SET-UP> PREVIEW PIC.EFFECT in the setup menu.

For more control on the way the EVF and LCD looks Fuji is now offering a HUE refinement tool so you can adjust them to your liking. From the SETUP MENU go to SCREEN SET-UP>EVF COLOR and LCD COLOR options to adjust the hue of the EVF and LCD.

EVF / LCD Color Control

Direct selection of AF area

Now with the firmware update, you'll be able to set the focus point with the four-way controller on the back of the camera, without having to press the Fn button. To get to your other functions, just press the Fn button and the corresponding button. 

INTERCHANGEABLE AE-L / AF-L Buttons

If you are one of the users who prefers using the AF-L button but didn’t like its placement on the XT1 then this firmware upgrade may put a smile on your face. Now you can interchange the functions between the AE-L and the AF-L buttons.

Variable Focus Area during MF

In manual focus mode, the Instant AF button will now use phase-detection AF for faster focusing (look Phase detection AF support for Instant AF), and you'll be able to change the size of the focus area while you're in Instant AF mode.

Direct selection of Macro mode

Users will be able to directly turn ON or OFF the Macro function in Auto Focus mode to expand the distance measurement range to the short-distance range. This will be possible without accessing the pop-up menu screen and of course is only available with some lenses.

QUICK Menu customization

For frequently used items, Fuji offered us the Q-menu but it was more suited to JPEG shooters since it wasn’t customizable enough to allow us RAW shooters to add other more relevant items. Now, Fuji will allow us greater control of both the layout and items shown. Some problems with the Q-menu were “Base” was always displayed as Base, changed items were not tagged with an asterisk or some other means to alert the user and generally the lack of customization for switching/adding other items made the Q-menu less usable for most. Now, things should be better but i have no idea what we can and cant do with it yet. So just like you guys, I can’t wait to get my hands on the new firmware and try it out!

New Video Frame rates

The X-T1 currently offers 60fps and 30fps frame rates, but the update will add 50fps and 25fps so that users in PAL regions, such as Europe, won't have to convert frame rates. There will also be a 24fps option for a 'cinematic' look.

Manual Shooting in Video mode

Another update concerning video shooters. Now you'll also be able to choose the ISO before you start shooting, and adjust both the aperture and shutter speed while you're recording.

Instant AF update

In Instant AF mode, which is operated by pressing the AF-L button during manual focusing, the update will enable Phase Detection AF, providing faster focusing speeds.

Interlocking spot with Focus area

From my understanding, the firmware 3.0 update will lock the AF area position with the Spot metering as long as it is selected as the metering of choice. This is a big plus in my eyes and something I have been longing for ever since I left Nikon.

Expansion of shutter speed in Program

Currently when in Program mode, the slowest-speed that the camera can select is 1/4sec. With the firmware update this will increase to a maximum of 4secs as long as you are using the mechanical shutter option.

Function settings

Currently we have 17 different options available for corresponding to the various Fn buttons. Now with the firmware v.3.0 we get another four: “Flash compensation”, “Shutter type”, “Preview Pic. Effect”, “Preview EXP. / WB in Manual mode” and “Lock”

Instax Printing

With the new firmware, the X-T1 will be able to connect and print select photos to the Fujifilm "instax SHARE SP-1

Lock Function

Currently if we press and hold the Menu/OK button continuously we can lock the Selector buttons and the Q-menu button. Now we will get this same function as a menu choice as well.

More Custom WB options

Instead of one, now we will have 3 places to enter our own CUSTOM WHITE BALANCE choices. Obviously, by registering different WB settings in advance of the shooting, this will afford us with more control and a less troublesome shoot.

EVF / LCD display

Most of us have the SCREEN SET-UP>PREVIEW EXP. IN MANUAL MODE set to ON so we get the full WYSIWYG effect in the EVF and the LCD. The problem with this option was for most professional photographers who regularly shot with strobes or flash in or out of the studio had to every time remember to dig into the menu and find the relevant menu setting and turn it off so they can get the OVF effect. With the new firmware we get some limited customization plus quick access since it will be included in the list of new items that will be added to the Fn buttons. Customization has to do with whether to include WB along with exposure settings during the neutralization or ignoring stage.

AF+MF

From what I’ve been told, this is not a menu selection but instead will be set as default, meaning that once the update is applied, we will get seamless manual focusing override while in AF mode. You half press the shutter to autofocus on your subject and then if you desire so, you can fine tune the focus with the manual focus ring – this is a nice touch!

PC tethering

Up until now, Fujifilm has been supplying us, its customers, with free firmware upgrades and we are very thankful for that. Of course software development cost money so when it comes to answering to studio shooters needs for a tethering option, it was only obvious that Fuji would have to charge for it. Still, this is yet another good move from Fuji to actually supply such software after months of request by portrait and advertising studios. Most studios will appreciate the new HS-V5 software which will allow for tethering, transferring images and full control of the camera. From what I understand it’s only a Windows product so Mac users will be disappointed – maybe in the future this may change.

Final thoughts

Well that’s it, quite a list and I'm sure most, if not all of us Fuji shooters are going to really appreciate this update. Sure, some things that a lot of us wished for didn’t materialize like more bracketing steps, better battery monitoring, a configurable video button and the list goes on, but surely we cant complain, can we?

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