Fujifilm X-M5 Autofocus Test Tidbits

It’s still not easy to find proper autofocus test regarding the Fujifilm X-M5.

So all we have for now are little tidbits here and there, mainly coming from Asian countries, which are traditionally the main market for the X-M (or perviously the X-A) line.

I will share two videos below.

The first is (I think) a Chinese video. Click the play button below to start the video right at the AF section. Here is what we can notice and what the guy said:

  • lens used: Fujinon XF 33mmF1.4
  • cat tracking seems to work fine also when the cat moves in a busy space and behind some obstacles
  • the guy runs towards the camera and says (if the translation is accurate), that the accuracy is 80-90%, with most of the images out of focus only when the subject was very close to the camera
  • it seems that the entire episode is filmed on X-M5

The second video comes from Brazil. I share it because the reviewer covers half of his face with the hand, but the X-M5 does not get distracted and keeps focus on the eye. In fact, you can see the eye box jump to the left eye as soon as the right eye is covered by the hand. So at least this issue seems to be solved.

In a third video below we see the AF tracking in video, which does not look very convincing. Or, as the autor of the video, Matt, said: “Personally think [autofocus] it’s not as bad as some people were worried about, but definitely still not perfect.”

First conclusion: it’s better in tracking cats than humans :)

Of course I am kidding. We really do not have many elements in our hands to make a proper judgement. But the Fujifilm X-M5 should ship in about 10 days (November 21 according to stores), so I guess soon enough we will have a much better understanding of its AF performance.

And maybe we will get the promised autofocus firmware update before that, so that we can judge the new AF on our own 5th generation cameras.

Fujifilm X-M5: “Whatever Fujifilm Did, Autofocus is as Good as on my Sony” – Dangerous Overpromise?

A couple of weeks have now passed since the announcement of the Fujifilm X-M5.

And so far the big controversy has not yet received a final answer: how good is the autofocus on the Fujifilm X-M5?

Now a new Fujifilm X-M5 hands-on review has been published by PavSZ (see above).

In his video, he says the X-M5 autofocus is much better than the one on the Fujifilm X-S20.

And when asked about it in the comments to his video, he says multiple times that he shoots also Sony cameras, and that the X-M5 is just as good as Sony in terms of autofocus.

The problem?

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How Many Cameras and Lenses Does Fujifilm Release Every Year? And What it Could Mean for 2025

Some asked us how much gear Fujifilm releases every year.

So we decided to check back the last 3 years (2024 included, since there won’t be any more announcements) to see what the current pace at Fujifilm is. Below are the results.

Gear released in 2024 – 4 cameras and 4 lenses

Gear released in 2023 – 2 cameras and 4 lenses

Gear released in 2022 – 3 cameras and 4 lenses

So, overall we see: we get 4 lenses a year for X/GFX system combined.

2024 was more focused on the X series with 3 lenses for the X system and only one lens for the GFX system.

As far as cameras goes, we can get 2 to 4 cameras a year.

What does it mean for 2025?

CAMERAS in 2025:

As of today, the state of the rumors as far as cameras coming in 2025 goes is the following:

If Fujifilm maintains the pace it set in 2024, there could be room for one or maybe even two more camera releases in 2025, considering that the 1″ sensor camera might not be counted in the lineup we discussed earlier, which focused solely on APS-C and medium format models.

LENSES in 2025:

Fujifilm has quite consistently released around four lenses each year, combining both X and GFX series models.

So far I have no rumors about future lenses, which means you have four slots you can fill in with your wishes. :)

If anyone out there can maybe give us a hint on future X and GF lenses, feel free to reach out to FujiRumors. Your help would be greatly appreciated.

Overall, 2025 remains a significant mystery, but I’m hopeful that our trusted sources (and maybe some new ones) will be able to shed light on some of the unknowns and provide insights that will make us even more excited for what’s to come.

Until then, keep shooting, keep enjoying life… and every now and then, keep checking in on FujiRumors ;).

Fujifilm Launches Mirrorless Digital Camera “FUJIFILM X-M5”

FUJIFILM X-M5 Mirrorless Digital Camera
– The lightest model in the current X series
– Equipped with a full range of functions for both stills and video
– Perfect for everyday photography

October 14, 2024

TOKYO, October 14, 2024 – FUJIFILM Corporation announces the global launch of the “FUJIFILM X-M5” (X-M5), from middle of November 2024. The X-M5 will be the latest model in the X Series, offering outstanding image quality, compact and lightweight body.

The X-M5 weighs approximately 355g*1, making it the lightest*2 camera in the X series. The X-M5 is equipped with a full range of functions, including subject detection AF that can detect moving objects such as animals and cars using AI, and 6.2K/30P movie recording function, making it possible to shoot both still images and movies.

The X-M5 is the ideal camera for a wide range of users, from first-time digital camera users to photography enthusiasts, with a compact size that makes you want to carry it with you every day and a wealth of shooting functions, while maintaining the high-quality appearance that is the hallmark of the X series, further expanding the joy of photography.

The X-M5 is equipped with the back-illuminated 26.1-megapixel “X-Trans™ CMOS 4”*3 sensor and the “X-Processor 5” high-speed image processing engine, enabling high-quality shooting. The dial is located on the top surface for switching between “Film Simulation” modes, which allows users to enjoy various color tone expressions as if they were changing photographic films. Combined with the AUTO mode on the mode dial, even first-time digital camera users can easily enjoy the richly colored image creation that is unique to Fujifilm.

In addition, powerful digital image stabilization, a high-performance built-in microphone, and in-camera SD card recording at 6.2K/30P 4:2:2 10bit support comfortable video recording. The newly added “9:16 Short Video Mode” in “Vlog Mode” makes it easy to shoot the vertical videos that are popular on social media.

*1 Including battery and memory card
*2 For current X series models.
*3 X-Trans is a trademark or registered trademark of FUJIFILM Corporation.

1. Product features
(1) Compact and lightweight body and product design that makes you want to enjoy shooting

▪ It weighs approximately 355g and measures approximately 111.9mm in width, 66.6mm in height, and 38.0mm in depth. The extremely lightweight and compact body for a mirrorless digital camera makes it easy to carry around and enjoy photography every day.
▪ Despite its compact size, the camera has the high-quality appearance of the “X series”. Symmetrically placed dials on the top surface of the warship section highlight the beauty of the camera.

▪The Film Simulation dial is conveniently placed on the lek shoulder of the top face. Users can easily switch between a total of 20 Film Simulation modes according to the subjects and scenes, making it easier to enjoy a variety of color tones in both still and moving images.
▪ The top right features a mode dial. In AUTO mode, the camera automatically recognizes the optimal shooting mode for the scene, allowing even first-time digital camera users to easily capture high-quality stills and videos.

(2) Equipped with a high-performance sensor and high-speed image processing engine to achieve high image quality and high-performance AF

▪ The X-M5 is equipped with the back-illuminated “X-Trans™ CMOS 4” sensor with approximately 26.1 megapixels and the latest high-speed image processing engine “X-Processor 5”. This allows for high image quality photography with low power consumption.
▪ The camera features the subject detection AF, developed with deep learning technology, in addition to the existing Face / Eye AF. AI is used to add the ability to detect animals, birds, cars, motorcycles, bicycles,
airplanes, trains, insects and drones*4
▪ The latest AF predictive algorithm provides high tracking performance for moving subjects and high precision AF in low-contrast environments.

*4 Set the Subject Detection Selng to “BIRD” when you want to detect insects and to “AIRPLANE” when you want to detect drones.

(3) 6.2K/30P video recording and other extensive video func^ons

▪ The X-M5 can record 6.2K/30P 4:2:2 10-bit video onto an SD card inserted in the camera, and also supports extensive video functions including 4K/60P and 1080/240P capability.
▪ The camera is equipped with powerful digital image stabilization. It is effective not only for minor camera shake but also for large shaking that occurs when shooting video while walking.
▪ For the first time in our digital camera lineup, three built-in microphones are equipped. You can choose from four microphone directivity options: surround, front, back, or front & back, depending on the situation. The camera is also the first to feature a steady-state noise reduction function, which reduces noise that continues to ring at a certain frequency, such as air conditioning noise.
▪ Vlog mode allows users to change shoo^ng conditions intuitively by touching the LCD. Improvements in the number and placement of icons make video recording even more intuitive. In addition, the new “9:16 short movie mode” allows users to easily shoot vertical videos popular on various social media and smoothly share the captured content.
▪ New bit rates of 8 Mbps and 25 Mbps have been added to the bit rates that can be selected in the “Media Recording Settings” when shooting video. This shortens the transfer time to external devices such as
smartphones, and contributes to shortening the ^me required to upload captured video directly to social media.

2. optional accessories

Cooling Fan “FAN-001″*5 (already on sale)
▪ This cooling fan can be attached to the rear panel of the camera body without a cable, supporting long hour shooting and video recording in a high-temperature condition. The power can be supplied to the fan from the camera body
Tripod Grip “TG-BT1″*6 (already on sale)
▪ This grip enhances mobility and camera’s hold while adding tripod functionality. Users can comfortably take self-portraits and low angle shots, where it is normally difficult to hold the camera in position. As a tripod, the TG-BT1 can be used for a wide range of love fujiru mors applications from group shots to tabletop still.
*5 Compatible models are FUJIFILM X-M5, FUJIFILM X-H2S, FUJIFILM X-H2, and FUJIFILM X-S20.
*6 Compatible models are FUJIFILM X-H2S (Ver.3.00 or later), FUJIFILM X-H2 (Ver.1.2 or later), FUJIFILM X-T5 (Ver.1.00 or later), FUJIFILM X-T4 (Ver.1.70 or later), FUJIFILM X-T3 (Ver.4.50 or later), FUJIFILM X-S20, FUJIFILM X-S10 (Ver. 2.60 or later), FUJIFILM X-T30 II (Ver. 1.20 or later), FUJIFILM X-T30 (Ver. 1.50 or later).

Fujifilm Launches “FUJINON Lens XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR II”

Fujifilm Launches “FUJINON Lens XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR II”
– The new large-aperture standard zoom lens offers improved descriptive performance
– 37% lighter than its predecessor
– New function “Smooth aperture control” suited for movie recording

October 14, 2024

TOKYO, October 14, 2024 – FUJIFILM Corporation announces the launch of the “FUJINON Lens XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR II” (XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR II) globally from end of November 2024. The lens is a new lineup of the “XF lens” interchangeable lens lineup for the mirrorless digital camera X Series that offers outstanding image quality and compact size and weight.

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Fujifilm Confident in New Autofocus – Says It’s “Nailed” Ahead of Early November Firmware Release – REPORT

Fellow Fujifilm shooter photorabz was at the Salon de la Photo photography fair in Paris.

There he had the chance to talk to Fujifilm reps about the upcoming firmware updates and this is what he was told (video below):

  • Fujifilm is working on the firmware since May
  • the firmware is for X-H2S, X-H2, GFX100 II, X-S20, X100Vi, X-T5 and maybe also the X-T4
  • Fujifilm told him that this time they nailed it very well
  • Fujifilm is very happy with this new firmware and they are very optimistic
  • the firmware will be announced on October 14, but it will be released, he thinks, in early November

As usual, I believe it only when I see it.

And actually, we might already see the newest AF algorithm in action with the X-M5 on October 14.

EXCLUSIVE: Fujinon XF16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR II Press Release and Product Images Leaked

A kind source (THANKS!) has passed us the full press releases and specs sheets for the upcoming gear.

Down below you can read the press release for the Fujinon XF16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR II.

A message to the source: Thanks a lot. You have been instantly elevated to the elite team of trusted sources. If you want, you can contact me again anonymously and give yourself a nickname, so I can eventually recognize you in future if you decide to contact me again. Thanks so much!

Press Text

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EXCLUSIVE: Fujifilm X-M5 Full Press Release Leaked and Product Images

A kind source* (THANKS!) has passed us the full press releases and specs sheets for the upcoming gear.

We start with the full press release for the Fujifilm X-M5, which you can read below.

*A message to the source: Thanks a lot. You have been instantly elevated to the elite team of trusted sources. If you want, you can contact me again anonymously and give yourself a nickname, so I can eventually recognize you in future if you decide to contact me again. Thanks so much!

Press Text

** CLICK HERE to Read the Rest of the Article **

The Future of Fujifilm’s Autofocus Could Be Revealed with the X-M5 on October 14

Fujifilm said they are aware of the “comments” of the Fujifilm community regarding the latest autofocus issues and they promised firmware updates to fix that.

The fix will come in November for their flagship Fujifilm X-H2s, X-H2 and GFX100 II cameras, but also other fifth generation cameras such as the X-T5, X-S20 and “more”  will get firmware updates this year, as Fujifilm officially said here.

Sure, it takes time. But to a certain degree I can understand that.

Fujifilm knows they have to get it right this time, so they’re likely testing the firmware more rigorously than ever, which is surely costing a lot of time and money.

But the big question is: how well will the autofocus firmware really work?

Well, maybe we might not have to wait until November to see these autofocus improvements in action.

In fact, we could get our answers as early as October 14 with the launch of the Fujifilm X-M5.

Why?

Well, Fujifilm has been aware of the autofocus issues for months now. They already began addressing them with a firmware update back in June. Since then, they’ve continued working on the improvements, so the firmware must have evolved significantly from the June version.

And I’d not be surprised if the first camera to actually incorporate the enhanced autofocus capabilities won’t be the X-H2s, X-H2 and GFX100II in November, but the Fujifilm X-M5 coming on October 14.

After all, why not equip the brand-new Fujifilm X-M5 with the most up-to-date firmware available, especially since it’s a fresh release that requires a new firmware anyway? And maybe that’s also  why Fujifilm has published a X-M5 teaser poster where they write big “fast autofocus“.

If that turns out to be the case, if the X-M5 is indeed the first camera to feature the new AF algorithm, then by October 14, we’ll already have a glimpse of how well the latest autofocus firmware performs.

I guess that’s one more excellent reason to follow the X Summit on October 14 at 9AM New York time.

Fujifilm’s November Firmware Update: Autofocus Fixes, New Features, and More Enhancements to Come (+ My Take)

Earlier today Fujifilm has shared a video with their “October announcements“. You can check out all details in this article.

Among the others Fujifilm promised firmware updates to come in November.

First off: they did say that they got lots of feedback from customers especially regarding the autofocus. Based on that feedback, Fujifilm is now working to improve the firmware. But there is more, so let’s check it out:

The Good

  • Firmware update coming in November
  • Cameras mentioned: Fujifilm X-H2, X-H2s and GFX100 II
  • Improved Subject Tracking while video filming
  • Face/Eye detection while video filming
  • F-Log2 C for wide color gamut
  • Timecode Synchronization by Ambient Lockit devices through wired connection

The Questions

  • are other 5th generation cameras (X-T5 & Co) also getting the improved AF while filming?
  • what about AF-C tracking in stills?

The Surprises?

It almost passed unnoticed, but Fujifilm also said that they are considering further enhancements. So it looks like we are not yet done with Kaizen love for 5th generation cameras.

What could it be?

Well, I don’t have that much anymore on my wishlist, but if I could pick one thing, then I’d like to get the fully automatic subject tracking of the Fujifilm X-S20. I also suggested Fujifilm how this could be implemented on other Fujifilm cameras in this article here.

Of course, feel free to share your wish with the Fujifilm community in the comments down below.

My Thoughts

Fujifilm (like many other brands) often tends to conceal significant bug fixes under the vague term “minor bug fixes.” This article dives deeper into the issue, offering real examples of what Fujifilm has masked with this phrase—some of which were rather embarrassing. Read more here.

This time, though, Fujifilm is putting a spotlight on the autofocus improvements. To me, this signals that they’re taking it more seriously than ever, with a firm commitment to finally getting it right.

It’s also evident that while Fujifilm recognizes the issues, they’ve chosen not to rush a fix like they did with the June firmware. Instead, they’re taking extra time—and probably conducting more thorough testing—to ensure this firmware update works as intended.

I guess they’re well aware they can’t afford to get it wrong this time and it looks like Fujifilm has embraced this challenge, as evidenced by the emphasis they placed on the upcoming autofocus improvements in the video released today.

But again: I believe it only when I see it.

And the Fujifilm X-T5 & Co?

We will see what happens in November, but I would not be surprised if the Fujifilm X-T5 and other cameras would get a bunch of improvements too. Maybe not everything the flagship X-H and GFX cameras will get, but it just makes sense that some of the improvements find its way down also to lower end models.

But again, that’s a pure speculation of mine, not a rumor whatsoever.

Overall, after today’s firmware announcement I am definitely more confident. Fujifilm Japan has spoken and finally addressed the issue publicly. But I have learned not to celebrate too early and wait to see what happens in November with the new firmware.