Fuji X-T1 firmware update draws near; even more new features promised for existing owners

 

 

Last September, we told you about a new firmware update for the Fuji X-T1, promised by the company for delivery in December. Well, now we have a precise date for that update's arrival, as well as a list of new features that's even longer than ever. Ordinarily, we'd have saved this for tomorrow's Firmware Friday roundup -- and indeed, we'll still have news of new firmware for other cameras to tell you about tomorrow -- but this update is so impressive in its scope that it truly deserves its own item.

The Fujifilm X-T1 firmware version 3.0 will be arriving on December 18th, just in time for the holidays. It will include the following changes that we already knew of:

• AF Area direct selection – Users can select the focus area with the 4-way controller, without pressing the Fn Key.

• Function replacement for the AE-L/AF-L buttons - The currently locked AE-L/AF-L button function will now be interchangeable, depending on the user’s preference.

• Focus Area size variability during MF – Users will be able to change the focus area in Manual mode during One Push AF with the AF-L button.

• Macro Mode direct selection – Users will be able to directly turn ON or OFF the Macro function in Auto Focus mode to expand the distance measurement range to the short-distance range. This will be possible without accessing the pop-up menu screen.

• Q Menu customization - The update will render the items and layout of the Q Menu, used for quick access of frequently-used items, changeable to the user’s preference.

• Video frame rate selection - In addition to the existing 60fps and 30fps selections, 50fps and 25fps, as well as a 24fps selection will become available to users. 50fps and 25fps allow video editing in the PAL region, such as Europe and elsewhere, without converting the frame rate. The 24fps will offer movie-like video capture and play back.

• Video manual shooting – Users will be able to select ISO sensitivity prior to shooting videos, as well as adjusting the aperture and shutter speed during video shooting.

• Phase Detection AF support for One Push AF - With One Push AF, operated by pressing the AF-L button during manual focusing, the update will enable Phase Detection AF with quicker focusing speeds.

• Metering area focus area interlocking - The update will enable users to interlock the AF area position with the metering area when spot metering is selected.

• Expansion of the Program Shift setting area - The update will enable the current Program Shift, in which the low-speed side is 1/4 second, to be shifted to a maximum of 4 seconds.

• Electronic Shutter – Adds electronic shutter function to original X-T1 Black bodies with a maximum shutter speed of 1/32000 second.

• New “Classic Chrome” Film Simulation – Film simulation that delivers muted tones and deep color reproduction.

As well as all of the above, Fuji has also revealed some further changes in the X-T1 v3.0 firmware, as follows:

• Support for INSTAX Share Printer – Photos can be sent directly to the INSTAX Share Printer for instant prints.

• Lock Function – Users can lock the camera to prevent unexpected dial and button operations.

• AF+MF Setting – Users can half press the shutter to autofocus, and then make fine adjustments using the manual focus ring.

• Three Custom White Balance options – Expands number of white balance users can store.

• Expanded EVF/LCD display types in Manual Exposure Mode – Users can now customize the way the image is displayed on the EVF or LCD.

• LCD Brightness and EVF/LCD Adjustment Control – Users can customize display brightness based on environment.

• Flash Compensation in Fn Button Setting – Users can now add Flash Compensation to any of the six custom function buttons.

One change not specifically mentioned in the firmware update, but which our earlier discussions with Fujifilm lead us to believe will also be available for X-T1 Black owners, is the new natural live view function of the X-T1 Graphite Silver.

We will, of course, have more details on all of this in a future update, just as soon as the final X-T1 v3.0 firmware is available. Watch this space!