Pal2Tech Fujifilm X-M5 Autofocus Test Update: Improved, but Impressed?

Pal2Tech shared a follow up video to the original Fujifilm X-M5 autofocus performance. You can see it above.

While we can see the Fujifilm X-M5 being better than the X-T5, I confirm what I wrote in pretty much every other article so far: it’s not at Sony and Canon level. Which is why personally I applaud the improved autofocus, but I’ll call myself impressed only when I see it on par with Sony and Canon.

Also, we have to see how much the improved performance over the X-T5 is to attribute to the AF algorithm on the X-M5 (which is in Beta on Pal2Tech’s camera) or it is simply due to the general faster readout speed of the 26MP sensor.

So far the most convincing autofocus demo I saw is the one of Thomas B Jones, with a 2.5 minutes non-stop live eye tracking during a talking head video, and especially when showcasing product mode the transition  between product and face is smooth without stepping to acquire focus.

Look, even the toughest Fujifilm AF haters out there show video clips on much much better AF tracking works on X-T4 for example (or on early 5th generation firmware). So while Fujifilm is not at Sony or Canon level, they have already shown that they can do much better than what they are currently offering on the 5th generation cameras.

As I always said: Fujifilm, just downgrade the firmware! You did it in the past with the flawed X-T1 firmware, so you can do it also now.

Anyway, in November the new firmware will drop. We will see and judge there.

If everything goes well, these are the last days in which AF haters can make clicks with Fuji AF hate videos.

On the other hand, if nothing is fixed, FujiRumors will be the first to share tons of AF hate videos like we did here and here.

Just expect us the be balanced and fair in reporting, giving you multiple sources and feedback so you can judge yourself.

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.

Size & Specs Comparison: Fujinon XF16-55mmF2.8 II vs I vs Sigma 18-50mmF2.8

Life was easy until October 13.

At least for those looking to purchase a standard f/2.8 zoom lens.

Because the two options we had, the Fujinon XF16-55mmF2.8 I and the Sigma 18-50mmF2.8 DC DN, were so different to each other that people did not have much to think about: if you want compactness, go for the Sigma. If you want a wider range and an aperture ring, go for the Fujinon.

But with the arrival of the new Fujinon XF16-55mmF2.8 II, decision making has become a bit more complicated.

As shown in the size comparisons above, the new Fujinon XF16-55mmF2.8 II falls between the older XF16-55 and the Sigma 18-50 in terms of size. So, if your primary reason for choosing the Sigma was compactness, the decision between the two lenses has now become a bit more challenging.

While the Sigma is still a bit smaller, the new Fujinon will give you a wider range (16-55 instead of 18-50), an aperture ring (which can be de-clicked), likely better weather sealing (as the one of the Sigma is rather basic), and something that is often overlooked: Fujifilm colors.

Look, I own third party autofocus and manual focus lenses. They are some fantastic offerings out there. But one of the main reasons I prefer my Fujinon’s, is that I get consistent Fujifilm colors. That’s for example also why I bought the Fujinon XF10-24mmF4. I did love my Samyang 12mmF2, but the colors just did not look like the ones I was used to when using my Fujinon glass.

However, there is still one huge argument for the Sigma 18-50mmF2.8: the price! If you look for best value for money, the Sigma might be the best option.

Which one would you pick?

Fujinon XF16-55mmF2.8 II vs I: Is the New Version Worth the Switch?

I guess the question these days for those, who already own the “old” XF16-55mmF2.8 is: should I upgrade the new XF16-55mmF2.8 II or stick with the old one?

In order to try to help you to find the right answer, I’ve searched for comparisons, but I was surprised to find that this particular comparison hasn’t been adequately addressed by reviewers at launch. If I missed them, please let me know in the comments, so I can add them to this article.

But now a new video has been released by FujiFanBoys that provides a quick comparison between the new Fujinon XF16-55mmF2.8 II and the previous XF16-55mmF2.8.

I will sum it up in bullet points for you, but if you want to see the sample images and get a few more details, check out the video above.

  • the new XF16-55mmF2.8 II is a bit sharper and has a bit more contrast
  • the new XF16-55mmF2.8 has a bit better bokeh
  • the new XF16-55mmF2.8 has a bit better autofocus
  • the new XF16-55mmF2.8 as virtually no focus breathing (the old one was good there too, but not as good as the new one)
  • the new XF16-55mmF2.8 is lighter and smaller
  • the new XF16-55mmF2.8 has a de-clickable aperture ring

So who is this lens for?

Well, if that’s your first XF16-55mmF2.8 lens, then go for the new one. It’s a lot lighter and smaller, it’s a bit better optically, and costs the same as the old one.

Things get more complicated if you already own the old XF16-55mmF2.8.

In this case, FujiFanBoys says that if you shoot mainly primes and already own the old XF16-55mmF2.8, then there is no need to upgrade. But if you rely a lot on the XF16-55 for your work, then size and weight alone are a good reason to upgrade.

And what was your decision? Feel free to let us know by voting the survey:

As an owner of the old XF16-55mmF2.8, I decided to...

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Fujifilm X-M5 has Better Autofocus than X-S20, but New Firmware is Coming REPORT (+VIDEO)

 

It’s difficult to gauge how well the autofocus of the Fujifilm X-M5 truly performs.

Why?

The real issue is that performance depends on which Beta firmware version reviewers are using.

In the lead-up to launch, Fujifilm frequently updates the firmware for pre-production models, sometimes even multiple times a day.

So, someone testing the camera in mid-September may have significantly different results from someone testing it in mid-October.

And since reviewers aren’t able to re-test everything after every update, any autofocus performance assessment right now should be taken with a grain of salt, as it’s unclear which firmware version was used.

So we can come to a situation in which some might claim that the X-M5’s autofocus is on par with other X series cameras, while others might say it offers the best autofocus performance of any X series camera.

With that disclaimer out of the way…

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