X-Pro2 Addendum 3.10

Addendum to “The Complete Guide to Fujifilm’s X-Pro2” eBook, for firmware 2.10, 3.0 & 3.10.

WHY THIS ADDENDUM?

While Fujifilm offer some brief descriptions of the new features in the release notes (below), some additional explanation might be of assistance.
Ordinarily, where there are just a few changes in firmware I might release an update to a book. But as you know, the collective firmware updates above offer substantive changes.
Since updating an entire manuscript is quite time consuming, I’ve opted to release this addendum in the interest of speed.

THE ORDER OF THINGS

Of all the features available in this firmware update, it’s likely that each photographer will have a shortlist of their favourites.
I really like the changes to RAW. Now all stills can be shot in RAW, including Advanced Filters – making them far more attractive to shoot.
I also like the addition of copyright and photographer info in the EXIF, and especially love the ability to name the seven custom settings in the Q-Menu.
And of course, there’s the AF-C Custom presets to get your head around.
But rather than list these features in the order Fujifilm does on their site, or in my order of preference, I’ve decided to group them into “fairly logical” topics, each with a reference to the following list for completion.
Of course, some features necessitate more explanation; some less.

FIRMWARE LIST
Here’s the full list in the order Fujifilm presents it:

Firmware 2.10

The firmware update Ver.2.10 from Ver.2.01 incorporates the following:

1. Accessory option is added in firmware upgrade function. With this upgrade, firmware of accessory like Shoe Mount Flash can be upgraded with the camera.

Firmware 3.0

The firmware update Ver.3.00 from Ver.2.10 incorporates the following:

2. Shooting RAW in Bracketing and Advanced Filters. The update enables you to use the RAW format when shooting not only in AE Bracketing but also in other Bracketing modes (ISO, Dynamic Range, White Balance, Film Simulations) and also in Advanced Filter modes.
3. Extended ISO 125 and 160 selectable. The update adds ISO125 and ISO160 to extended ISO levels available.
4. Programmable long exposure of up to 15 minutes. Long exposure in the T mode currently goes only up to 30 seconds. The update will allow users to extend it up to 15 minutes.
5. “AUTO” setting added for the minimum shutter speed in the ISO Auto setting. The update adds an AUTO option for the minimum shutter speed in the ISO Auto setting, that allows the camera to automatically define the minimum shutter speed according to the focal length of the lens attached.
6. Faster “Face Detection AF”. The update enables the use of Phase Detection AF for faster performance in Face Detection AF.
7. Improved in-focus indication in the AF-C mode. The update reduces focus hunting in the AF-C mode, making it easier to track a subject.
8. Addition of a smaller Focus Point size in Single Point AF. The update adds a smaller Focus Point size in Single Point AF, bringing the total number of available sizes to six. The new smallest size facilitates pin-point focusing.
9. Improved in-focus indication in the AF-C mode. The update reduces focus hunting in the AF-C mode, making it easier to track a subject.
10. Addition of a smaller Focus Point size in Single Point AF. The update adds a smaller Focus Point size in Single Point AF, bringing the total number of available sizes to six. The new smallest size facilitates pin-point focusing.
11. Addition of “AF Point Display”. With the update, you can choose to have AF Points constantly displayed in Zone AF and Wide / Tracking AF, making it easier to track a subject.
12. Addition of “AF-C Custom Setting”. The update adds “AF-C Custom Setting” for specifying focus-tracking characteristics. Choose from five presets according to your subject’s type of movements.
13. Change of focus frame position while enlarging it. The update allows you to move the position of focus frame while enlarging it in Single Point in the AF-S mode or in the Manual Focus.
14. Addition of “Eye Sensor + LCD Image Display” in the View Mode. The update gives the “Eye Sensor + LCD Image Display” option in the View Mode that allows you to shoot through the viewfinder and check images on the LCD, just as you would with an SLR.
15. Shorter EVF display time-lag. The update shortens EVF display time-lag in the AF-C mode so that you will not miss a photo opportunity.
16. Name Custom Settings. The update allows you to assign a specific name to Custom Settings 1 – 7.
17. Copyright information in EXIF data. The update allows you to register the photographer’s name and the copyright holder’s name in advance so that the camera automatically adds the information to EXIF data for each image.
18. Voice Memo function. The update enables you to record 30-second “Voice Memo” clips in the Playback mode.
19. Extended AE Bracketing. The update extends AE Bracketing from the current 3 frames +/-2EV to up to 9 frames +/-3EV.
20. Addition of “Shoot Without Card” mode. With the update, you can have the “Shoot Without Card” mode turned OFF so that the camera cannot shoot when there is no SD card inserted.

Firmware 3.10

The firmware update Ver.3.10 from Ver.3.00 incorporates the following:

1. Options of “-6” and “-7” are added in the EVF BRIGHTNESS setting. With the additional options, even in an extremely low-light condition, the brightness of the EVF does not distract you from shooting.
2. Function assignment to the Rear Command Dial. You can assign a specific function to be activated when the Rear Command Dial is pressed.