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. ;)