[Update: firmware press release in English!] Fuji X100 firmware available September 10? (focus-numerique)
XF 23mm pre-order
The bokeh-licious (great word Oli ;)) XF 23mm can be pre-ordered here: USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / Pictureline EUROPE: PCHstore
X100 super-firmware
The French site focus-numerique shared a press release with some more details about the upcoming X100 firmware here (translation). It confirms that the FR-source was right… the firmware will be amazing!
It also says that it will be available on September 10. But it’s the only site until now to have posted this Fuji press-release. I can’t find this information neither at Fuji’s official site nor on other magazines. Maybe this announcement could have been posted erroneously by focus-numerique. We will see, if they take it off in a while or not [UDPATE: it has been removed]. All I know is that it was planed to be released earlier, but Fuji needed a bit more time to make it work perfectly… anyway, one more proof that it will come!
So, will it be released on September 10 or a bit later? Stay tuned on FR facebook, twitter and RSS feed to find it out! As soon as I’m able to confirm the release for September 10 or give you a new release date, I’ll let you know dear readers ;).
cheers
Patrick
Oh, and here is the automatic google translation of the French text (and at the bottom also the translation that FR-reader Koen sent me via facebook):
A new firmware for the expert compact APS-C Fujifilm X100
IFA 2013: Fujifilm announces new firmware stamped two experts for its compact X100 available for download on September 10.
Fujifilm X100 review test review video mode
The new firmware includes the following changes:
> Improved AF: AF is approximately 20% faster in many situations, especially on scenes with very high or very low luminosities, and in case of change of the distance of focus. Out macro mode, the minimum focusing distance has been reduced by approximately 30%.
> Improved manual focusing: The “Focus Highlight Peak” (assistant area of sharpness) function available on cameras and X100S X20 devices, is deployed on the X100 via firmware update. It allows development of more precise manual focus by highlighting the depth of field.
The image is displayed with a shallow depth of field (the maximum aperture), which facilitates the identification of the area of sharpness in manual focus via the viewfinder or the LCD screen.
> Better reactivity: The power should be a little faster. It is no longer required to maintain the support to select the area autofocus button.
The new software will be available for download on September 10!
Koen’s translation
> Improved AF: AF is approximately 20% faster in many situations, especially when scenes have either very high or very low luminosities, and in case of a change of the focus distance. Out macro mode, the minimum focusing distance has been reduced by approximately 30%.
> Improved manual focusing: The “Focus Highlight Peak” (area of sharpness guidance) function available on the X100S and X20 cameras, is deployed on the X100 via firmware update. it allows for more precise manual focus by highlighting the sharpness area. The image is displayed with a shallow depth of field (at maximum aperture), which facilitates the identification of the area of sharpness, when in manual focus, via the viewfinder or the LCD screen.
> Better response: the activation (I guess this means powering (back) on the device) will be a little faster. It’s no longer required to keep the AF button pressed down to select the focus area.
The new software will be available for download on September 10!
[UPDATE: English Press Release] – (thanks Falevian)
Fujifilm Press Release (Source http://www.steves-digicams.com/news/fujifilm_updates_finepix_x100_firmware.html)
FUJIFILM LAUNCHES SIGNIFICANT FIRMWARE UPDATE
FOR THE ORIGINAL X100
New firmware v2.0 delivers focus peaking, faster AF and improved close-up focus
Valhalla, N.Y., September 5, 2013 – FUJIFILM North America Corporation today announced a new firmware v2.0 update that dramatically improves the performance of the original FUJIFILM X100, the first model in the premium X-Series line of digital cameras.
Since its release in March 2011, Fujifilm has received meaningful feedback from X100 photographers throughout the world, and the firmware upgrade reflects many of their requests. This new firmware update delivers improved autofocus and manual focus, as well as other convenient features for users who update their FUJIFILM X100.
“Photographers around the world have trusted their images to Fujifilm and the X-Series, and this new firmware update is concrete evidence that we are not only listening to our customers, but also working hard to improve our products on a continuous basis,” said Manny Almeida, senior vice president and general manager, FUJIFILM North America Corporation.
Key Features of New X100 Firmware v2.0
Improved Auto Focus
Approximately 20% faster AF speed and enhanced focus distance compared to the previous firmware version
Close-up focus distance shortened by 30% before needing to switch to macro mode
Improved Manual Focus
New Focus Peaking function assists in manual focusing by enhancing the outline of the subject in high contrast
Improved focusing via the EVF or LCD when using wide apertures
Improved Operability
The camera start-up time has been shortened by approximately 0.2 seconds.*1
Pressing the AF button now toggles the focus area selection screen, and the area of your choice can then be selected
The X100 firmware v2.0 update will be available on September 10.
To download the new firmware and instructions on upgrading your cameras, please visit: http://www.fujifilm.com/support/digital_cameras/software/.
*1 QUICK START mode [OFF]