Admiring Light
Menu
  • Home
  • Review Index
  • Shop Talk
  • Technique and Vision
  • Opinion
  • Portfolio
  • Site Index
  • About
    • Privacy Policy
Menu

Testing the new Fujifilm Firmware Updates

Posted on March 31, 2015April 22, 2015 by Jordan Steele

Fujifilm released several firmware updates today.  There are updates for both the X-T1 and the X100T that fix a few issues.  The X-T1 updates focus on fixing flash not firing if the mechanical+electronic shutter setting is on, even with the shutter speed below sync speed, along with a few other remote and tethering fixes.  The X100T fixes the flash issue above as well as some viewfinder improvements and settings with the conversion lenses.

The Fuji X-T1 and XF 10-24mm f/4 both received firmware updates today, along with other XF zooms and the X100T
The Fuji X-T1 and XF 10-24mm f/4 both received firmware updates today, along with other XF zooms and the X100T

But for me, the most interesting was the release of new firmware for four OIS lenses, the 10-24mm f/4, the 18-55mm f/2.8-4, the 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 and the 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8.  This new firmware promises “improvement of stability of OIS function.” Given the broad range of what that can encompass, I thought I’d do a somewhat informal test before updating my lenses. For this somewhat unscientific test (true results need a much larger sample size and mechanically similar shake for each shot.)  Since I don’t own a calibrated hand shake rig, I had to rely simply on shooting the images myself and seeing where they ended up.

I own three of the four lenses that have updates here, so I took sample images sitting in my chair, but with arms free, using the EVF of my X-T1.  First, I took images at a variety of shutter speeds to determine effective stability under the old firmware, with three shots at each shutter speed setting.  I then updated the firmware (including the X-T1’s firmware), and did the test again.

Results are below.  The number out of three is the number of shots that were sharp at that shutter speed setting under the new and old firmware, to see if there was any marked improvement.  I consider getting 2 of 3 shots sharp being successful at that shutter speed.

Fujinon XF 10-24mm f/4 OIS @ 10mm:

Firmware v. 1.00 Firmware v. 1.01
1/4s
3 of 3 sharp
3 of 3 sharp
1/2s
3 of 3 sharp
2 of 3 sharp
1s
3 of 3 sharp
3 of 3 sharp
1.8s
None of 3 sharp
1 of 3 sharp

Fujinon XF 10-24mm f/4 OIS @ 24mm

Firmware v. 1.00 Firmware v. 1.01
1/20s
2 of 3 sharp
3 of 3 sharp
1/10s
2 of 3 sharp
3 of 3 sharp
1/5s
None of 3 sharp
3 of 3 sharp
0.4s
None of 3 sharp
2 of 3 sharp
0.8s
None of 3 sharp
None of 3 sharp

As you can see above, while the firmware update had minimal effect at 10mm (the OIS is already incredible here, with 3/3 shots at 1 full second sharp), there was dramatic improvement at 24mm. With the original firmware, the IS was only effective in this test to approximately 2 stops slower than unstabilized.  Following the firmware update, I’m getting close to 4 stops at 24mm.  I’m very pleased with this improvement.  One thing to note, that doesn’t show up in the chart is that, especially at 10mm, the ones that weren’t sharp at 1.8s with the new firmware were much closer to being sharp than the 1.8s exposures under firmware 1.00.  This, plus the fact that I was able to get 1 out of the 3 sharp at the insanely slow speed of 1.8s, tells me there is still some minor improvement at the 10mm end as well.

Fujinon XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 OIS @ 55mm

Firmware v. 3.11 Firmware v. 3.12
1/20s
3 of 3 sharp
3 of 3 sharp
1/10s
3 of 3 sharp
3 of 3 sharp
1/5s
2 of 3 sharp
1 of 3 sharp
0.4s
None of 3 sharp
1 of 3 sharp
0.8s
None of 3 sharp
None of 3 sharp

With the 18-55, the improvement is less clear.  I had less success at 1/5s, and more success at 0.4 seconds, but a difference of 1 either way is certainly in the realm of chance with a sample size this small.  The minor improvements here are most apparent with the level of sharpness in the ‘sharp’ shots.  They appear to be much better on the new firmware, with an almost tripod-like crispness.

For an example, below are two crops from the sharpest example of each set at 1/10s.  The v3.11 firmware on the top, and v3.12 firmware on the bottom.  Click to view at 100%.  Note that while there isn’t any notable motion blur, the earlier firmware image is just a very slightly bit soft.  The new firmware keeps that rock solid, and gives the same sort of performance that I am used to when shooting with this lens on a tripod.  The OIS always felt just slightly ‘off’ on the 18-55 (and I’ve actually shot with 3 copies, with similar results)…with the new firmware, that ‘off’ feeling is gone, replaced with very good, solid images.  This was the case for essentially all the shots with the 18-55mm on old vs. new firmware.

100% crops of 1/10s images from 18-55mm @ 55mm, f/4.  Firmware 3.11 on top, Firmware 3.12 on bottom. (Click to Enlarge)
100% crops of 1/10s images from 18-55mm @ 55mm, f/4. Firmware 3.11 on top, Firmware 3.12 on bottom. (Click to Enlarge)

Fujinon XF 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8 OIS @ 100mm

Firmware v. 1.10 Firmware v. 1.12
1/20s
3 of 3 sharp
3 of 3 sharp
1/10s
2 of 3 sharp
3 of 3 sharp
1/5s
1 of 3 sharp
2 of 3 sharp
0.4s
None of 3 sharp
1 of 3 sharp

Fujinon XF 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8 OIS @ 200mm

Firmware v. 1.10 Firmware v. 1.12
1/15s
2 of 3 sharp
3 of 3 sharp
1/8s
1 of 3 sharp
1 of 3 sharp
1/4s
None of 3 sharp
1 of 3 sharp

With the 55-200mm, again, we have minor improvements.  I was able to get one sharp shot more per sequence at 100mm at 1/10, 1/5 and 0.4s, showing some minor improvement, but again, in this small sample size, it’s hard to say too much definitively here.  It certainly doesn’t hurt the quality, and some minor improvements can be seen.

Conclusion

Overall, the firmware updates for the Fuji zoom lenses appear to provide some benefit in all cases.  These can range from fairly minor improvements, in the case of the 55-200mm, to a nice increase in sharpness for the 18-55mm, and a dramatic improvement with the 10-24mm.  Again, this test isn’t perfect, and is somewhat limited by the small sample size, but I think it points to some nice improvements from Fuji with this latest round of updates.

9 thoughts on “Testing the new Fujifilm Firmware Updates”

  1. Pingback: NEW FIRMWARE UPDATES for the Fujifilm X-T1 (ver. 3.10) and Fujifilm X100T (ver. 1.10) + Improved OIS for ZOOM LENSES! | Fuji Rumors
  2. Alex says:
    April 1, 2015 at 12:40 am

    Thanks for doing this

    Reply
  3. CemD says:
    April 1, 2015 at 2:27 am

    thx for this. I had also a quick test shots after upgrading with 18-55 and 10-24 with same Apertures dim lightning and the 18-55 was by far superior in the improvement, I couldn’t get the 10-24 to produce sharp results. I shall compare again, yours a bit opposite.

    Reply
  4. Pingback: Fujifilm phát hành firmware m?i cho X-T1, X100T và lo?t ?ng kính: C?i thi?n l?y nét, ch?ng rung,… | Công ty Qu?ng cáo và Truy?n thông JIN
  5. Pingback: Fujifilm phát hành firmware m?i cho X-T1, X100T và lo?t ?ng kính: C?i thi?n l?y nét, ch?ng rung,… | Lão Tr? Photography
  6. Rick Lewis says:
    April 2, 2015 at 3:16 pm

    Thanks for the examples. I really didn’t expect too much from the 18-55mm OIS update but can confirm the images do appear a tad sharper on the few I have made. I’ll take this any day over Fuji sitting on their hands.

    Reply
  7. GerryW says:
    April 12, 2015 at 8:20 am

    Thanks for running these tests Jordan. I have the 10-24mm and was trying to determine what benefits to stability this 1.01 update provided and as you would have gathered there is scant if any information available from Fuji on the benefit and therefore impetus to update. Really appreciate you going to this effort and publishing. Cheers!

    Reply
  8. james downing says:
    May 11, 2015 at 11:41 am

    I have been using the x-t1 for over a year and after the new update, both the 18-55 and 55-200 lenses are incredibly sharp.The sharpness has increased to the point that I have stopped using my 23,35,and 60mm lenses.I think how you set up your camera can change the sharpness of the lens.There are some hidden features in the camera that make a huge difference in sharpness along with the software used.I actually use 3 different programs to process my images in raw and over the past year have come up with a procedure that gives me images that beat out my nikon equiptment.

    Reply
  9. Pingback: Fujifilm phát hành firmware m?i cho X-T1, X100T và lo?t ?ng kính: C?i thi?n l?y nét, ch?ng rung,… – blognhiepanh.vn

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Follow Me:

Follow Us on FacebookFollow Us on RSSFollow Us on InstagramFollow Us on Mastodon

Most Popular Posts

  • "Full Frame Equivalence" and Why It Doesn't Matter (286)
  • Fuji X-Pro 2 vs. Sony A7 II: Noise Comparison (70)
  • Fuji 56mm f/1.2 vs. Panasonic Leica 42.5mm f/1.2 Nocticron (63)
  • Review: Metabones Speed Booster (Canon FD to Fuji X) (56)
  • Review: Olympus OM-D E-M5 (48)

Recent Comments

  • Sam Taylor on My Favorite Photos of 2022
  • Damien on Review: TTArtisan 50mm f/1.4 ASPH (RF Mount)
  • Jordan Steele on Review: TTArtisan 50mm f/1.4 ASPH (RF Mount)
  • Damien on Review: TTArtisan 50mm f/1.4 ASPH (RF Mount)
  • padam19 on Review: Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM

Archives

©2023 Admiring Light | Theme by SuperbThemes
We use cookies to personalize content and ads and to analyze our traffic. We also share information about your use of our site with advertising and analytics partners who may combine it with other information that you’ve provided to them or that they’ve collected from your use of their services. You may consent to the use of cookies or opt out. Accept Reject Read More
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

SAVE & ACCEPT