As was disclosed at the launch of the new X-E2s, the Fujifilm X-E2 is the next in line to receive a brand new firmware update. It essentially puts the camera on the same level as the new version, the X-E2s, rendering that extra “s” almost obsolete. One of the most important updates is the new AF settings including Zone AF and Wide/Tracking, which have already been seen on the X-T1 and X-T10.
The X-T1 also has a new firmware update (version 4.30) that fixes the problem issued with the previous firmware version (find out more here). It also adds compatibility with the focus limiter of the new XF 100-400mm lens. You can download the new version for the X-T1 on the Fujifilm website.
The X-T10 receives a minor upgrade (version 1.20) that also makes the camera compatible with the XF 100-400mm and improves the Eye sensor performance. You can download the X-T10 firmware here.
As for the X-E2, you can download the new firmware 4.0 here.
Below is a complete list of all the improvements made to the X-E2 (almost 30 improvements).
New AF System
- Zone and Wide/Tracking modes: from the 49-single-points the camera will use 77 autofocus points across a wider area to improve the camera’s ability to track moving subjects. With Zone AF you can choose a group of 3×3, 5×5 or 5×3 area while Wide/Tracking works across the entire AF area.
- Improvement of AF accuracy: with the single point AF the focus area is divided into smaller sections to determine the distance from the subject more accurately. The sensitivity in low-light has also been improved from 2.5Ev to 0.5Ev.
- Eye Detection AF: adds Eye Detection AF, which automatically detects human eyes. Note that you need to activate face detection first.
- Auto Macro mode: the Auto Macro function automatically switches into Macro mode. You no longer need to press the Macro button. This also means that the Macro button can be re-assigned to another function.
- AF improvement in the Movie mode: an improved algorithm delivers a smoother and more reliable AF during movie recording.
- Phase detection support for Instant AF: in Instant AF mode (operated by pressing the AF-L button during manual focusing), the camera will use Phase Detection AF to focus faster.
Function enhancements
- Electronic shutter with a maximum speed of 1/32000sec: the camera is now equipped with a fully electronic shutter with a maximum shutter speed of 1/32000s which means you can use a very fast aperture in daylight. The electronic shutter will also deliver completely silent shooting. You can set the electronic shutter in 1/3 steps from 1sec to 1/32000sec. Beware that the electronic shutter can produce rolling shutter effects with fast moving subjects. The use of flash is not possible.
- Shutter Sound: The shutter sound can be muted. With the new “Shutter Sound” and “Shutter Volume” options in the set-up menu, you can choose the type and volume of the sound made when the shutter is released.
- White Balance Bracketing: Capture the same scene with three different white balance settings (the one you select plus one warmer and one cooler in ±1, ±2 and ±3 steps).
- Enhanced ISO Auto Setting to AUTO1/AUTO2/AUTO3: You can configure three ISO Auto settings (AUTO1/AUTO2/AUTO3).
- Exposure Compensation control in Manual: You can use the Exposure Compensation dial to make exposure adjustments to ISO sensitivity when shooting in Manual mode and ISO Auto.
- Natural Live View function: you can preview a more natural RAW-like image in the viewfinder instead of the exact contrast and colours of the Film Simulation modes or other effects. Just turn the “Preview Pic. Effect” setting to Off in the menu.
- Finer lines on the framing grid: The lines on the framing grid (available in the Screen Set-Up menu) have been made finer to make it easier to view the subject.
- New Video Frame rates (50P / 25P / 24P): 50fps and 25fps options have been added to the existing 30fps and 60fps options which is good news for users working in the PAL regions (such as Europe). 24fps offers a cinema-like view.
- Manual Shooting in Video mode: The update will allow you to choose the ISO sensitivity before shooting as well as give you the possibility to adjust aperture and shutter speed during movie recording.
- Expansion of shutter speed in Program Shift mode: In the current Program Shift mode, the slowest speed available is 1/4sec, but the update will increase it to a maximum of 4secs.
Operability improvements
- The new user interface: The new user interface has been designed with particular attention paid to the size and layout of displayed settings.
- Improved Shutter Speed Dial operation: When the Shutter Speed Dial is set to T and the Shutter Type to Mechanical + Electronic, you can use the command dial to set a full range of exposure times from 30s to 1/32000sec. Previously this was limited to 30s to 2s.
- Name of Silent mode changed to avoid confusion: The Silent Mode has been renamed to “Sound & Flash”.
- Direct selection of AF area: The update will let users select the focus area using the 4-way selector buttons, without pressing any Fn button.
- Unlocked AE-L / AF-L Buttons: The function of the AE-L/AF-L button will be interchangeable depending on the user’s preference.
- Variable Focus Area during MF: When working in manual focus, you will be able to change the size of the focus area during Instant AF with the AF-L button.
- Q. Menu customization: To make the Q Menu even more efficient, the update will allow its items to be customised with different settings according to the user’s preference.
- Interlocking of Metering and Focus areas: Users will be able to interlock the AF area position with the Metering area when Spot Metering mode is selected.
- Movie Recording: Movie recording starts by pressing a function button, not the shutter button. “MOVIE” in the DRIVE options is deleted.
Other changes
- Supports focus limiter function for the XF 100-400mmF4.5-5.6 lens
- “Background Color” menu in “Screen SET-UP” menu is deleted.
- Maximum number of images taken in continuous shooting mode: approx. 28 images (JPG) and approx. 18 images (RAW)