Sony A1 II Wins Praise for a Feature Fujifilm X-S20 Had First and I Hope to Get on X-T5 & Co via Firmware Update

So, I have looked at a few launch videos of the Sony A1II.

One feature that reviewers unanimously praised on the Sony A1 II is its automatic subject detection mode—a capability that the Fujifilm X-S20 has had for quite some time. However, Fujifilm has consistently declined to implement this feature in its higher-end models via firmware update.

Interestingly, while the Sony A1 II is now being lauded for this feature as though it’s the greatest innovation since sliced bread, the same reviewers largely overlooked it when the Fujifilm X-S20 introduced it. At best, it received a passing mention, with only a few exceptions like Johnnie from CineD, who both praised the feature and urged Fujifilm to roll it out to other cameras via firmware updates.

This disparity highlights Sony’s superior ability to engage with influencers compared to Fujifilm. Also, Sony likely emphasized this feature heavily in its launch materials, whereas Fujifilm seems to have neglected to draw attention to it.

That said, I completely agree that fully automatic subject detection is an excellent feature. Fujifilm has implemented it in the X-S20 and, I believe, also in models like the X-T50 and X-M5.

But for some reason, Fujifilm seems to treat this as a “beginner” feature, limiting it to models with full Auto mode, as if more advanced photographers wouldn’t benefit from it. However, with the Sony A1 II now receiving widespread praise for this capability, I hope Fujifilm will rethink their stance.

Here on FujiRumors we also suggested a very simple way to implement that feature on other 5th generation models:

Will Fujifilm give it to us via firmware update?

Well, Fujifilm had a similarly stubborn stance when it came to limiting Auto mode to JPEG-only recording. Thankfully, after persistent advocacy through several articles, they eventually listened and allowed RAW recording in Auto mode as well.

I hope Fujifilm will listen again this time and bring the fully automatic subject detection mode to all 5th generation cameras through a firmware update.

FujiRumors is happy to give Fujifilm patent-free access to our idea on how to implement it on current cameras. ;)

Save up to $200 on Fujifilm X-T5 and Selected XF lenses in USA

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Fujifilm X-M5 vs X-T5 Autofocus Test: No Competition, the X-M5 Wins Hands Down

Pal2Tech was one of the guys, who addressed the latest Fujifilm 5th generation gear autofocus issues in his videos.

That’s why he was particularly interested to test the autofocus of the Fujifilm X-M5 versus the one of the Fujifilm X-T5.

You can see with your own eyes his comparison in the video above (just click and it will start at the right point).

This is what Pal2Tech has to say about:

  • the focus square on the X-M5 was able to keep with up with him (moving fast around the yard) in a noticeable way
  • when he starts to run, the X-T5 box is behind him whereas the X-M5 autofocus box is sticky on his face
  • when jumping into frame, the X-M5 locks focus faster than the X-T5
  • when moving very very fast all over the frame like crazy, the X-M5 locked focus better than the X-T5
  • he track running dogs and and people, and it keeps up with them fairly reliably
  • the X-T5 would not have nailed that many images in that order in AF-C for stills
  • tracking cars the X-M5 handled very well. Every shot was in focus
  • tracking bicycles also worked very well
  • the autofocus performance is great and definitely better than the X-T5, even before the X-T5 experienced the AF issues with the May firmware
  • Pal2Tech is very impressed by what he saw and he hopes firmware updates will come with same AF to other models

Look guys, Chris from Pal2Tech did put lots of effort into this test.

It’s up to you now to trust him, or maybe trust YouTubers who did not hold the X-M5 in their hands for a single second and looked hours of launch videos to find 2 seconds in which the AF of the X-M5 failed.

Is it at Sony and Canon level?

Well, I feel confident to say very likely not. But according to the most in depth test we could see so far, it is the best autofocus Fujifilm has yet offered on any its cameras.

It seems to be a step into the right direction.

10 New Features of the Fujifilm X-M5 – and Some Coming to X-T5 & Co via Firmware

The Fujifilm X-M5 has just been launched.

And quite surprisingly for being the most affordable MILC camera of Fujifilm, it comes packed with a bunch of new features that even Fujifilm’s highest end cameras don’t have.

Some of those features will come via firmware update to other models for sure, some we can hope for, but others are hardware features available only on the Fujifilm X-M5 so far.

So let’s quickly run thorugh them:

  1. Manual Focus range customization
    You can set the rotation reach from 60 up to 900 degree individually for each lens. This will come via firwmare to other models. – see screeshot here from this video
  2. New Menu Interface in Vlog Mode
    Vlog mode has now a new interface (with more options and new features) that makes it easier to use – see screenshot here. There is also a zoom slider on the LCD – see screenshot here taken from this video
  3. Three micorphones
    the X-M5 is equipped with three microphones, allowing you to choose between capturing sound from all directions or focusing on either the front or rear mic, depending on your needs. Alternatively, you can use both the front and rear mics simultaneously, which is perfect for interviews where you want to record audio from both the person filming behind the camera and the person in front
  4. 4K LG (Long Play)
    4K with 1.18x crop for longer record times
  5. Vertical Recording Mode
    It’s there, it’s new. You can film Full HD with it. The advantage is that you do not need to flip your camera to record vertically, hence it is more comfortable to hold in your hands when filming
  6. Cable Connection with X App
    connect camera via cable to phone for fast transfer of files larger than 4GB to X App
  7. Recording Timer
    Set a timer (30 / 60 seconds) and then record vertical video
  8. Bit Rates Expansion
    New lower bit rates offered such as 25 mbps or even 8 mbps to generate smaller files
  9. Green Frame
    when you record video in slow motion mode, the recording frame turns green (instead of red). This helps to avoid to erroneously record in slow motion – see screenshot here from this video
  10. Steady-State Noise Reduction
    steady-state noise reduction function reduces noise that continues to sound at a certain frequency, such as the noise from an air conditioner.
  11. New portrait enhance mode
    you can set it from strong to weak. Not completely new, as it was available on older Xacti cameras like X-T200 and X-A7

BONUS 1

  • USB-C Powering even with empty battery
    I’m not entirely certain about this, but maybe you can help me out. The X-M5 can be powered via USB-C, as seen on other cameras, but it seems it can continue to operate even when the battery is completely drained. Normally, when the battery is empty, you have to wait for it to charge a bit before the camera can run on USB-C power again. The original concept was that if the power cable was accidentally unplugged, the battery would still have enough charge to keep the camera running and save your files. However, with the X-M5, it seems that’s no longer necessary—if powered via USB-C, the camera will keep running continuously, even with a fully drained battery. But on the other hand, if you are for example in an live talk online and you use the X-M5 as webcam, you prefer to have the camera running even without battery rather than switching off

BONUS 2

  • Good Bye Black Box
    We are used to get our X gear shipped in black boxes. Well, that’s no longer the case with the X-M5, which will come in brown boxes (see here the screenshot taken from this video). I wonder if that’s the new color for all Fujifilm X gear going foward

FIRMWARE BONUS

  • Aperture switch
    That’s a feature of the Fujinon XF16-55mmF2.8 II and allows for smooth brightness transition when adjusting aperture. It works now already on X-M5 but a firmware update will come to make it work with other cameras – quick example in this video

Anything else that you noticed? Feel free to let us know in the comments.

Pre-Orders

Fujifilm Says Autofocus Firmware Updates for X-T5, X-S20 and Other Models Coming This Year

When Fujifilm had their X Summit announcement, they promised us autofocus improvements via firmware updates for the Fujifilm X-H2, X-H2s and GFX100 II.

Many, me included, wondered why there was no mention of other 5th generation cameras such as the X-T5 and the X-S20.

Now, I was confident something would come also for those models, which is why I wrote here “I would not be surprised if the Fujifilm X-T5 and other cameras would get a bunch of improvements too“.

Well, it looks like my intuition was right.

Fujifilm has now pinned a comment to their October announcement video that we shared here and said:

Dear Customers,
Thank you for your feedback and comments on our AF system performance.
We’ve been working on X-T5, X-S20 and other models as well, to release the firmware within this year for improved user experience. We will communicate the details as soon as we have more information.
We appreciate your understanding.

So here you have it. Also the Fujifilm X-T5 and X-S20 (and other models) will get AF improvements this year.

What I am not sure is if lower end models will also get F-Log2 C and Timecode Synchronization, but I personally could not care less about those features on my X-T5.

Fujifilm X-T50 – The Olympic Choice! Welcome Gold Medalist Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone to the X Shooter Club

Olympic Gold Medalist Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone has been spotted carrying around her Fujifilm X-T50.

The image has been shared on her Instagram story here.

She picked the charcoal X-T50 btw.

And just because it was so nice, enjoy her Olympic gold medal run (with world record) below.

I guess she was in a hurry to get her race done and finished quickly so that she can finally do what she was really there for: get out and explore Paris with her Fujifilm X-T50 ;).

Fujifilm X100VI Production Boost Completed? Latest MapCamera Sales Rankings Show X-T5 at #1, X100VI at #2, and X-T50 at #6

The MapCamera sales ranking for August are out. Here is the ranking, and below some thoughts.

  1. Fujifilm X-T5
  2. Fujifilm X100VI
  3. Canon EOS R5 Mark II
  4. Nikon Z8
  5. Sony ZV-E10 II
  6. Fujifilm X-T50
  7. Sony α7C II
  8. Canon EOS R6 Mark II
  9. Nikon Zf
  10. Nikon Z6III

Some thoughts.

First: for a long time the Fujifilm X-T5 order were suspended in Japan in 2023. And also in 2024 the supply struggled since July. Now that supply seems to be more stable, the X-T5 jumps back to the top of the ranking.

Also, the X100VI is high up in the ranking and takes the 2nd spot (out of rank previously). And that’s despite the fact that orders are still suspended in Japan and the units shipped come from pre-orders placed months ago.

But this potentially shows that Fujifilm is able to ship out a bit more units than before, thanks to increased production boost that Fujifilm promised to complete within summer.

I hope that’s the first sign of a positive trend in terms of X100VI shipping.

The Fujifilm X-T50 with its controversial film simulation dial snaps the 6th spot.

Read also:

Fujifilm X-T50 Review by DPR (Silver Award) and More Reviews

DPReview has published its review of the the Fujifilm X-T50.

They have lots of great things to say about this camera, and also about the new kit lens, the XF16-50mmF2.8-4.8.

From the great JPEG and RAW image quality and the color profiles, the size and weight, the control dials (they appreciate the film simulation dial) and so forth.

In fact, it would be right on track to snap the Gold Award, if it wasn’t for two issues: the price and the autofocus performance.

One more reason to stress Fujifilm again to finally give us that super easy autofocus fix we suggested.

Dear Fujifilm,

Summer holidays are basically over. Call back your engineering team, let them read this article, and it should take them 5 minutes of hard work to get the AF fixed.

PROS

  • Good image quality in JPEG and Raw
  • Great selection of color profiles and a good dial to control them with
  • Quick-access Auto lever is a fun touch
  • Size and weight make it very portable
  • Wide variety of inexpensive, relatively fast primes available
  • Built-in flash is a nice-to-have
  • Robust video features
  • Has enough dials to give you control without being overwhelming

CONS

  • The price
  • Autofocus tracking performance is noticeably a step below peers
  • Switching between face and subject detection is a two-step process
  • Joystick and Q-menu button can be a little hard to reach
  • Tiny viewfinder
  • Relatively short battery life

You can read the full review at dpreview here.

And since we are talking X-T50, down below are more reviews.

Get Fujifilm X-T5 Alike Sized Viewfinder on Smaller X Series Cameras with This 3D Printed Accessory

Usually when Fujifilm launches a new compact camera, there are always people who wish it had a larger EVF.

Of course that’s not possible, if the concept of the camera is to be compact and small. You have to make tradeoffs.

Personally I am fine with this choice. The EVF on my X-E3 is certainly not big, but big enough for my type of shooting. I am certainly not wishing of a larger EVF on my compact X-E3, but rather for a tilt screen to avoid to shoot like this ;).

And yet, there are plenty of people desiring a larger EVF and if you are among them, then this could be a solution.

Fellow Fujifilm X Shooter Yukosteel has designed a 3D printed solution to use DSLR magnifiers adapted to X-T30 and alike cameras, to make EVF 0.76x – 0.84x magnified, larger than X-T series.

Yukosteel has published article which you can read here and after more testing he also published 3D printable adapter models.

Yukosteel also plans to design an adapter for X-E and X100 series in nearest future, which is a bit more complex task but doable.

Read the full story at yukosteel here.