With all of the buzz surrounding the new Fuji X-E1 camera, I am not sure if you noticed the press release about the previously rumored firmware update for the X-Pro1. There will be four major improvements in v2.00: improved AF and manual focus speed, better operating speed and a new auto-ISO setting of 6400. The new firmware will be available for download on September 18th. The big question is: will the X-Pro1 perform as fast as the X-E1 with the new firmware?
Update: this video shows the AF speed with the new X-Pro1 firmware:
Press release:
Since the launch of the X-Pro1 in early 2012, Fujifilm has received customer feedback on the camera’s performance and is addressing the issues raised by launching a firmware upgrade. On the installation of the new firmware, users will see significant improvements in Auto Focus, Manual Focus and processing / writing speeds.
Firmware version 2.00 improvements:
1.Improved auto focus performance*1
Focussing in challenging lighting conditions, where light is low or bright, will now be much faster in Auto Focus mode. The focusing distance has also been improved, allowing you to get closer to the subject and capture a great shot without switching to macro mode.
2. Improved Manual Focus performance
The speed of the image coming into focus when turning the focus ring has been vastly improved. When adjusting the focus ring using the electronic viewfinder or the LCD panel on the back of the camera it is now much easier to focus, always displaying the image closer to full aperture with minimum depth of field. The 10x magnifications / focus check feature on the X-Pro1 has been well received and in this firmware update an additional 3x option is now available. It is also now possible to find the optimum focus point whilst viewing the entire screen.
3. Improved operating speed.
At maximum speed the X-Pro1 will now write to memory card twice as fast as before. *2 Additionally, image playback now occurs less than one second after pressing the image playback button. On some occasions previously, for example when using continuous shooting, you had to wait until the images had been processed before they were shown on screen.
4. New 'Auto (6400)' ISO setting
This increased ISO not only speeds up the shutter speed, but also stabilises the image and mitigates blurring of the subject.
Firmware availability
This new dedicated firmware will be available from 18th September 2012 To enable these features, please update the firmware of your Fujinon XF lenses at the same time. The firmware can be downloaded from “Support” on the Fujifilm website. Please go to the support website below for details on other changes. Firmware available at Fujifilm global website: http://www.fujifilm.com/support/digital_cameras/
Notes
- *1: The effect will differ according to the lens attached.
- *2: The effect may differ according to the card type and image compression
