The Complete Guide to Fujifilm's X-T4

By Tony Phillips

The best help in the world on the X-T4!

Written for Fujifilm's outstanding X-T4 hybrid camera, this is EVERYTHING X-T4 explained in easy to understand language! It is the Manual on Steroids and much more... In it, I assume you are a photographer, so I don't dive in to the basics of photography (except in an Appendix).

• Language: English
• Publisher: The Friedman Archives
• Release date: Sep 9, 2020
• ISBN: 9781087900193

Book preview

The Complete Guide To Fujifilm’s X-T4

Expert Insights for Experienced Photographers

by

Tony Phillips

V1.0a

Firmware v1.03

ISBN 978-1-0879-0019-3

Published by The Friedman Archives Press

Copyright © 2020 Tony Phillips. All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced either in print or in any digital format without express written permission. Contact the author at [e-mail]

PDF VERSION: Hyper-Navigating

The PDF version offers many hyperlinks – including from the TOC (Table of Contents) to each section, and for cross references. Use the HOME and TOC links on the bottom of each page to rapidly jump to those locations.

FOR THOSE WHO BOUGHT PRINTED EDITIONS

There are a LOT of illustrations in this book that lose their effectiveness somewhat when converted to black-and-white print.

To offset these problems the Publisher offers a free, full-color, downloadable .pdf file of this eBook to all customers who bought printed books (either color or black-and-white). (The.pdf offers a far superior user experience. Think of it as the director’s cut – the way the author intended the work to be seen.)

To get your .pdf file, just email ([e-mail]). Attach the receipt of the book you bought (if you didn’t buy it from the FriedmanArchivesPress.com website, then Friedman Archives does not have your customer information), and we’ll send you a download link.

GRATITUDE

Simply saying thank you isn’t enough, but I want to thank my wife Lorna for her enormous support. By now, she could surely write a book – if I haven’t thoroughly put her off with all my clacking away on the keyboard.

The Author

Tony is an author, photographer, pilot, teacher, and lecturer, and has a long-standing passion for photography. He has many published books on photography. Over a dozen on Fujifilm X cameras and lighting. He is recommended by MirrorLessons as one of 6 Authors of Mirrorless Camera Manuals Whose Books You’ll Actually Enjoy Reading. His book on the X-Pro2 was headlined in Fujifilm’s blog as The Most Comprehensive Guide on the X-Pro2. He conducts photographic seminars on the fundamentals of digital photography through to advanced lighting.

Anyone can take great pictures if they have the desire. And, it is not the equipment (though important), rather the person, that makes those pictures great.

Tony is widely travelled, a businessman and entrepreneur. He now spends much of his time writing, teaching, travelling, lecturing, and hunting great images.

Visit www.TonyPhillips.org to learn more. Or email Tony at: [e-mail] .

Tony’s YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/c/TonyPhillipsPhoto

Some of Tony’s photography books.

A BIG THANK YOU

To thank you for buying this book, I’m offering THREE bonuses – usually $19.95 value.

The first is a free PDF copy of the 132 page eBook Mastering Flash with Fujifilm X Cameras (1st Ed). See Section 9.7 for more info.

I’ll also send you an .XLS spreadsheet with all the X-T4’s settings with brief explanations, my own personal settings, section references to this book, and a column to note your settings.

Also included is a Phone Companion with notes on each menu setting. Essentially an easy to carry summary right in your phone!

To claim bonuses: Since I don’t know where you purchased this book, simply send a copy of your receipt to [e-mail] with XT4 book bonus in the subject and I’ll blast you your download links.

● This subject is very important since I run email sorting algorithms.

● Receipt must be pasted inline or attached as a file (PDF, JPEG). No online/cloud links please. I cannot access your online accounts.

See Section 9.7 for more info on these bonuses.

Book Updates: From time to time I write updates covering MAJOR firmware releases. If you want to be notified when these are available, email [e-mail] with: XT4 Update Notification in the subject.

If you request bonuses, I automatically add you to the notification list.

THIS BOOK In this book I make the assumption you’re an experienced photographer, and don’t need tutorials on the basics. (I include an appendix for reference). Nor do I delve into Fujifilm software or PC based editing. While many of the explanations for the camera’s features / functions are tutorial in nature with loads of examples and tips, about half of this book is reference – allowing you to dip into it at your leisure.

Table of Contents

The Author

Chapter 1      X-T4 Key Features

1.1

      

Speed – Sensor & Processor

1.2

      

Stabilization

1.3

      

Video

1.4

      

Focus Brilliance

1.4.1      Autofocus

1.4.2      Focus Tracking & AF-C Custom Presets

1.4.3      Uprated Face Detection

1.4.4      Focus Zoom

1.4.5      MF Assist - Crisp manual Focus

1.4.6      Pre-Shot ES (Burst) – Action Bracketing

1.4.7      Joystick & The AF Area – The Focus Lever

1.5

      

EVF LCD, Touch

1.5.1      Mega Electronic Viewfinder

1.5.2      Large Indicators

1.5.3      LCD - Keep Your Face out of the Mud!

1.5.4      Touch Screen

1.5.5      Sports Finder Mode

1.5.6      Night Vision Mode

1.6

      

Classic Neg. (Film Simulation)

1.5

      

Multiple Exposures (9 shots!)

1.6

      

HDR – High Dynamic Range

1.7

      

Body, Buttons, Build, Styling

Chapter 2      Other Significant Features

2.1

      

Customization

2.1.1      The Q Button

2.1.2      Function Buttons

2.1.3      MY Menu – Customize your own menu!

2.1.4      Other Customizations

2.1.5      Back Up Camera Settings

2.2

      

Photo Shooting Modes - DRIVE

2.3

      

Flash

2.3.1      Flash Sync Speed – 250X

2.3.2      On-Camera Flash

2.3.3      Wireless Flash

2.4

      

Inbuilt Films - Film Simulations

2.5

      

Advanced Filter Effects

2.5

      

Panorama

2.6

      

High-Speed Stills Shooting

2.7

      

Hybrid Shutter – Mechanical, Electronic, Front Curtain

2.8

      

Memory Cards – 2 Cards & Fast

2.9

      

Wireless – Wi-Fi, Bluetooth

2.10

      

Lens Corrections

2.11

      

Additional Features

Chapter 3      Camera Configuration

3.1

      

Essential Configuration

3.2

      

Customizing Camera Functions

3.2.1      Customizing Fn Buttons & Gestures

3.2.2      The Q-Menu

3.2.3      Deciding What to Assign & Where

3.2.4      Select Custom Setting (BASE…)

3.2.5      MY Menu

3.3

      

Working with the Displays

3.3.1      Display Views

3.3.2      Configuring The Custom Display

3.3.3      Dual Display View (Manual Focus)

3.4

      

Working With the Touch Screen

3.4.1      Shooting Stills with the Touch Screen

3.4.2      Shooting Movies with the Touch Screen

3.4.3      Movie Optimized Control

3.4.4      Touch Screen and AF Modes

3.4.5      Playback Images with the Touch Screen

3.4.6      Overlays with the Touch Screen

3.5

      

AF Mode by Orientation

3.6

      

Shooting Style Ideas

3.7

      

My Personal Camera Settings

3.7.1      Photo (Stills) Menu Settings

3.7.2      Movie Menu Settings

3.7.3      Setup Menu Settings

3.7.4      Playback Menu Settings

3.7.5      Drive Menu Settings

Chapter 4      Quick Start Guide

4.1

      

Exposure Essentials – P.A.S.M Modes

4.2

      

Focusing Essentials

4.2.1      How does the camera know WHERE to focus?

4.2.2      Single AF / Continuous AF Focusing Modes

4.2.3      Instant AF & Back Button Focus

4.2.4      Focus Frame - Move & Zoom

4.2.5      Zone AF Trick for Portraits & Street

4.3

      

Image Stabilization Essentials

4.4

      

Movie Essentials

4.5

      

Playback Essentials

4.5.1      Look At It This way - The Display Button

4.5.2      EXIF Image Information

4.5.3      Movie Playback Views

4.5.4      Magnifying the image

4.5.5      Thumbnail Views – Multi-Frame Playback

4.5.6      Image Deletion

4.5.7      Protecting an image or Movie

4.5.8      Slide Show

4.6

      

Battery Essentials

4.6.1      Saving Power

4.6.2      USB Charging, Power & PowerBanks

4.7

      

Shooting Specifically for RAW

4.7.1      RAW Restrictions

Chapter 5      Shooting Essentials

5.1

      

How a Camera Sees Light – Metering Modes

5.1.1      Multi (Multiple Zone Metering

5.1.2      Spot Metering

5.1.3      Center Weighted Metering

5.1.4      Average Metering

5.2

      

ISO Essentials

5.2.1      High ISO Noise Levels

5.2.2      Manual ISO

5.2.3      AUTO ISO

5.2.4      Auto ISO in Manual Exposure Mode

5.2.5      ISO Bracketing

5.2.6      ISO-Less Sensor

5.3

      

Soft-Switching ISO

5.4

      

White Balance (WB)

5.4.1      Auto White Balance and Pre-Set WB

5.4.2      WB Shift - Fine Tuning the 7 WB PreSets

5.4.3      Color Temperature – Kelvin

5.4.4      Custom White Balance

5.5

      

Autofocus Options - AF Modes

5.5.1      Single Point

5.5.2      Zone

5.5.3       Wide/Tracking

5.5.4      All (AF Modes)

5.6

      

AF-C Custom Settings

5.6.1      AF-C Preset Variables

5.6.2      Five AF-C Custom Settings (Presets)

5.6.3      Icons are Your Friend

5.6.4      Cooking Your Own AF-C Custom Preset

5.6.5      Tracking VS Zone AF Mode & the Presets

5.7

      

Flash Essentials

5.7.1      Flash Control Modes

5.7.2      (TTL) Flash Modes

5.7.3      Flash Sync - Modes

5.7.4      Flash Compensation – TTL Flash

5.7.5      Flash Power – Manual Flash

5.7.6      Flash Types

5.7.7      Flash and Red-Eye Removal

5.7.8      Modeling Flash

Chapter 6      Film Sims, Filters, Curves, Color Chrome & Toning

6.1

      

Film Simulation

6.1.1      Film Sim Tone & Saturation

6.1.2      The Matrix

6.1.3      Photography Vs Softography

6.2

      

Shooting B&W

6.2.1      Monochromatic Color

6.3

      

Tweaking the Tweaks

6.3.1      Color Chrome  & Color Chrome FX Blue

6.3.2      Grain Effect

6.3.3      Tone Curves

6.3.4      The Tone Curve Graph

6.3.5      Clarity

6.3.6      High ISO NR (Noise Reduction)

6.3.7      Other Ways to Reduce Noise

6.3.8      Color

6.3.9      Sharpness

6.3.10      Dynamic Range (DR)

6.3.11      D Range Priority

6.3.12      HDR – High Dynamic Range

6.3.13      Image Size (L 3:2)

6.3.14      Image Quality

6.4

      

Combining Sims and Settings

6.4.1      Cool Pastel

6.4.2      Tri-X High Contrast Monochrome (HCM)

6.4.3      Other Films – Tweaking Suggestions

6.5

      

Advanced Filters

6.5.1      Toy Camera

6.5.2      Miniature Mode

6.5.3      Pop Color

6.5.4      High-Key

6.5.5      Low-Key

6.5.6      Dynamic Tone

6.5.7      Soft Focus

6.5.8      Partial Color

6.5.9      Advanced Filter Restrictions

Chapter 7      Drive Modes

7.1

      

HDR

7.2

      

Single Frame

7.3

      

Continuous Low / High ES (Burst)

7.4

      

Bracketing

7.4.1      AE Bracket (Automatic Exposure)

7.4.2      ISO Bracket

7.4.3      Film Simulation Bracket

7.4.4      White Balance Bracket (WB)

7.4.5      Dynamic Range Bracket (DR)

7.4.6      Focus Bracketing (Focus Stacking)

7.5

      

Advanced Filter

7.6

      

Panorama

7.6.1      Panorama Exposure

7.7

      

Other DRIVE modes (Not in DRIVE menu)

7.7.1      Multi Exposure

7.7.2      Sports Finder Mode

7.7.3      Pre-Shot ES (Burst) – Action Bracketing

7.7.4      Stop Motion Photography

Chapter 8      Exterior Controls - Uses & Settings

8.1

      

Primary Exposure Controls

8.1.1      Program Shift

8.2

      

Aperture Ring

8.3

      

Shutter Speed Dial

8.3.1      250X - Flash Sync Speed

8.3.2      TIME

8.3.3      BULB

8.4

      

ISO Dial

8.5

      

Exposure Compensation Dial

8.6

      

Manual Exposure Mode

8.7

      

Focus Mode Selector

8.7.1      AF-S (Single AF)

8.7.2      AF-C (continuous AF)

8.7.3      MF (Manual Focus)

8.8

      

Sync Terminal (PC Sync)

8.9

      

Left Plastic flaps

8.9.1      Microphone Jack

8.9.2      Remote Release

8.9.3      HDMI

8.9.4      USB-C – Headphones, Charging, Connecting

8.10

      

DRIVE Dial

8.11

      

Delete Button (TrashCan)

8.12

      

Playback Button

8.13

      

Film Plane Marker

8.14

      

Viewfinder Diopter Adjustment

8.15

      

View Mode & the Eye Sensor

8.16

      

Still/Movie Mode Dial

8.17

      

AF-On Button

8.17.1      AF Lock Only

8.17.2      AE/AF Lock

8.17.3      AF-On

8.17.4      Instant AF

8.18

      

AE-L Button

8.19

      

Front & Rear Command Dials

8.20

      

Joystick – Focus Stick/Lever

8.21

      

Q Button

8.22

      

DISP/BACK Button

8.23

      

Fn Buttons & Gestures

8.24

      

Indicator Lamp

8.25

      

Other Controls

Chapter 9      Stills Lighting (Flash)

9.1

      

Flash Options

9.1.1      Fujifilm Accessory Flash Models

9.1.2      Third Party Manual Flash Models

9.1.3      Third Party TTL Flash Models

9.2

      

TTL vs Manual Flash

9.3

      

TTL Flash

9.3.1      Flash Compensation

9.4

      

Manual Flash Mode

9.5

      

Getting flash off-camera

9.5.1      Off-Camera Key Concepts

9.5.2      Off Camera Methods

9.5.3      Commander - Manual IR Wireless

9.5.4      Manual Flash - Radio Wireless Triggering

9.5.5      TTL - Fly by Wire – Cables

9.5.6      TTL – Fujifilm’s Optical wireless system

9.5.7      TTL – Radio Wireless Triggering

9.6

      

FP High Speed Sync

9.6.1      HSS benefits

9.6.2      Flash Power

9.6.3      Shooting HSS

9.7

      

Mastering Flash - Go Further

Chapter 10      Lens Considerations

10.1

      

AF Range Limiter

10.2

      

MKX Cinema Lenses

10.3

      

Fast Glass

10.4

      

XF vs XC vs MXF Lenses

10.5

      

Fixed-Focal Length Prime Lenses

10.6

      

OIS - Optical Image Stabilization

10.7

      

Teleconverters

10.8

      

Adapting Lenses

10.8.1      M-Mount

10.8.2      Using Modern Existing Glass

10.8.3      Adapting Legacy Glass

10.9

      

Lens Modulation Optimizer

10.5

      

Hankering for an X100V?

Chapter 11      Movie Mode

11.1

      

The Quick Guide

11.1.1      Playing Movies on the LCD

11.2

      

To 4K or not 4K

11.2.1      What is 4K?

11.3

      

F-Log & HLG

11.4

      

Film Simulations for Video

11.5

      

Other Neat things the X-T4 Brings to Video

11.6

      

Focusing in Movies

11.6.1      Touch Screen Focus:

11.6.2      Manual Focus (Hollywood Style)

11.7

      

Controlling Movie Exposure

11.7.1      Automatic Exposure for Movies

11.7.2      Aperture Exposure for Movies

11.7.3      Shutter Exposure for Movies

11.7.4      Manual Exposure for Movies

11.7.5      Zebra Stripes

11.7.6      Thoughts on Lighting and Exposure

11.8

      

Other Movie Options

11.8.1      Metering for Movies

11.8.2      Movie Framerate

11.8.3      Lenses And Movie Making

11.8.4      WB – White Balance in Movies

11.8.5      Film Simulation

11.9

      

Recording Audio & Microphones

11.9.1      Mic Adjustment & Other Audio Options

11.10

      

Movie Files

11.11

      

Editing

11.12

      

Stop Motion Movies (Stop Motion Photography)

11.12.1      a Milky Way Stop-Motion Movie

Chapter 12      Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Wireless & Instax

12.1

      

Wi-Fi Remote Control

12.2

      

Manually Transfer Images to Device

12.3

      

Automatically Transfer Images to Device

12.4

      

Bluetooth Pairing

12.5

      

Instax Printing

12.5.1      Pairing with an Instax Printer

12.6

      

Other Wi-Fi Functions

12.7

      

Other Bluetooth Functions

Chapter 13      The Playback Menu

13.1

      

Switch Slot – for Playback

13.2

      

Raw Conversion – Edit Pictures in-camera!

13.3

      

Erase

13.4

      

Simultaneous Delete

13.5

      

Crop

13.6

      

Resize

13.7

      

Protect

13.8

      

Image Rotate

13.9

      

Red Eye Removal

13.10

      

Voice Memo Setting

13.11

      

Rating (Favourites)

13.12

      

Copy

13.13

      

Image Transfer Order

13.14

      

Wireless Communication

13.15

      

Slide Show

13.16

      

Photobook Assist

13.17

      

PC Auto Save

13.18

      

Print Order (DPOF)

13.18.1      Printing the Date on the Image

13.18.2      Removing DPOF & Resetting All

13.19

      

Instax Printer Print

13.20

      

Display Aspect Ratio (Disp. Aspect)

Chapter 14      Photo (Stills) Menu

14.1

      

Image Quality Setting

14.1.1      Image Size

14.1.2      Image Quality

14.1.3      Raw Recording

14.1.4      Film Simulation

14.1.5      Monochromatic Color

14.1.6      Grain Effect

14.1.7      Color Chrome Effect

14.1.8      Color Chrome FX Blue

14.1.9      White Balance

14.1.10      Dynamic Range

14.1.11      D Range Priority

14.1.12      Tone Curve

14.1.13      Color

14.1.14      Sharpness

14.1.15      High ISO NR (Noise Reduction)

14.1.16      Clarity

14.1.17      Long Exposure NR (Noise Reduction)

14.1.18      Lens Modulation Optimizer

14.1.19      Color Space

14.1.20      Pixel Mapping

14.1.21      (Stills) D:\Desktop\CameraIconBlackTransp.png Select Custom Setting (C1-C7 presets)

14.1.22      (Stills) D:\Desktop\CameraIconBlackTransp.png Edit/Save Custom Setting (C1-C7 Presets)

14.1.23      Mount Adapter Setting

14.2

      

AF/MF Setting

14.2.1      Focus Area

14.2.2      AF Mode

14.2.3      AF-C Custom Settings

14.2.4      Store AF Mode By Orientation

14.2.5      AF Point Display

14.2.6      Number of Focus Points

14.2.7      Pre-AF

14.2.8      AF Illuminator

14.2.9      Face/Eye Detection Setting

14.2.10      AF+MF

14.2.11      MF Assist

14.2.12      Focus Check

14.2.13      Interlock Spot AE & Focus Area

14.2.14      Instant AF Setting

14.2.15      Depth-Of-Field Scale

14.2.16      Release/Focus Priority – AF-S & AF-C

14.2.17      AF Range Limiter

14.2.18      Touch Screen Mode

14.3

      

Shooting Setting

14.3.1      Drive Setting

14.3.2      Sports Finder Mode

14.3.3      Pre-Shot ES (burst) – Action Bracketing

14.3.4      Self-Timer

14.3.5      Save Self-Timer Setting

14.3.6      Self-Timer Lamp

14.3.7      Interval Timer Shooting

14.3.8      Interval Timer Shooting Exposure Smoothing

14.3.9      Photometry (Metering)

14.3.10      Shutter Type

14.3.11      Flicker Reduction

14.3.12      IS Mode (Image Stabilization – OIS, IBIS)

14.3.13      ISO AUTO Setting

14.3.14      Multi Exposure

14.3.15      Wireless Communication

14.4

      

Flash Setting

14.4.1      Flash Function Setting

14.4.2      Red Eye Removal

14.4.3      TTL-Lock Mode

14.4.4      LED Light Setting

14.4.5      Master Setting

14.4.6      CH Setting (Channel Setting)

14.5

      

MY Menu (Stills)

Chapter 15       Movie Menu

15.1

      

Movie Setting

15.1.1      Movie Mode

15.1.2      File Format – Choose CODEC

15.1.3      Movie Compression

15.1.4      Full HD High Speed Rec

15.1.5      Fix Movie Crop Magnification

15.1.6      F-LOG / HLG Recording

15.1.7      4K Movie Output

15.1.8      Full HD Movie Output

15.1.9      HDMI Output Info Display

15.1.10      4K HMDI Standby Quality

15.1.11      HDMI Rec Control

15.1.12      (Movie) IS Mode

15.1.13      (Movie) IS Mode Boost

15.1.14      Zebra Setting & Zebra Level

15.1.15      Movie Optimized Control

15.1.16      Tally Light

15.1.17      (Movie) Select Custom Setting (presets)

15.1.18      (Movie) Edit/Save Custom Setting

15.1.19      Wireless Communication

15.2

      

(Movie) Image Quality Setting

15.2.1      Film Simulation (Movie)

15.2.2      Monochromatic Color) (Movie)

15.2.3      White Balance (Movie)

15.2.4      Dynamic Range (Movie)

15.2.5      Tone Curve (Movie)

15.2.6      Color (Movie)

15.2.7      Sharpness (Movie)

15.2.8      High ISO NR (Noise Reduction - Movie)

15.2.9      4K Interframe NR (Noise Reduction)

15.2.10      Peripheral Light Correction (Movie)

15.2.11      Mount Adaptor Setting

15.3

      

(Movie) AF/MF Setting

15.3.1      Focus Area (Movie)

15.3.2      Movie AF Mode

15.3.3      (Movie) AF-C Custom Setting

15.3.4      AF Illuminator

15.3.5      Face/Eye Detection Setting (Movie)

15.3.6      MF Assist (Movie)

15.3.7      Focus Check (Movie)

15.3.8      Instant AF Setting

15.3.9      Depth-Of-Field Scale

15.3.10      AF Range Limiter

15.3.11      Touch Screen Mode

15.3.12      Focus Check Lock

15.4

      

(Movie) Audio Setting

15.4.1      Internal Mic Level Adjustment

15.4.2      External Mic Level Adjustment

15.4.3      Mic Jack Setting

15.4.4      Mic Level Limiter

15.4.5      Wind Filter

15.4.6      Low Cut Filter

15.4.7      Headphones Volume

15.5

      

(Movie) Time Code Setting

15.5.1      Time Code Display

15.5.2      Start Time Setting

15.5.3      Count Up Setting

15.5.4      Drop Frame

15.5.5      HDMI Time Code Output

15.6

      

Related Movie Settings

Chapter 16      The Setup Menus

16.1

      

User Setting

16.1.1      Format

16.1.2      Date/Time

16.1.3      Time Difference

16.1.4      Language

16.1.5      (Stills) My Menu Setting

16.1.6      (Movie) My Menu Setting

16.1.7      Sensor Cleaning

16.1.8      Battery Age

16.1.9      Reset

16.1.10      Regulatory

16.2

      

Sound Set-Up

16.2.1      AF Beep Volume

16.2.2      Self-Timer Beep Volume

16.2.3      Operational Vol. (Volume)

16.2.4      Shutter Volume

16.2.5      Shutter Sound

16.2.6      Playback Volume

16.3

      

Screen Set-Up (Setting)

16.3.1      EVF Brightness

16.3.2      EVF Color

16.3.3      EVF Color Adjustment

16.3.4      LCD Brightness

16.3.5      LCD Color

16.3.6      LCD Color Adjustment

16.3.7      Image Display

16.3.8      Autorotate Displays

16.3.9      Preview Exposure & WB In Manual Mode

16.3.10      Natural Live View

16.3.11      F-Log View Assist

16.3.12      Framing Guideline

16.3.13      AutoRotate PB (Playback)

16.3.14      Focus Scale Units

16.3.15      Aperture Unit for Cinema Lens

16.3.16      Dual Display Setting

16.3.17      Display Custom Setting

16.3.18      Large Indicators Mode – EVF and LCD

16.3.19      Large Indicators Disp. Setting

16.3.20      Information Contrast Adjust

16.3.21       Q Menu Background (Stills & Movies)

16.4

      

Button/Dial Setting

16.4.1      Focus Lever Setting

16.4.2       (Stills) Edit/Save Quick Menu

16.4.3       (Movies) Edit/Save Quick Menu

16.4.4      Function (Fn) Setting

16.4.5      Selector Button Setting

16.4.6      Command Dial Setting

16.4.7      Shutter AF (Back Button Focus)

16.4.8      Shutter AE

16.4.9      Shoot Without Lens

16.4.10      Shoot Without Card

16.4.11      Focus Ring

16.4.12      Focus Ring Operation

16.4.13      AE/AF-Lock Mode

16.4.14      AWB-Lock Mode

16.4.15      Aperture Ring Setting (A)

16.4.16      Aperture Setting

16.4.17      Touch Screen Setting

16.4.18      Lock

16.5

      

Power Management

16.5.1      Auto Power Off

16.5.2      Performance

16.5.3      EVF/LCD Performance

16.6

      

Save Data Settings

16.6.1      Frame No.  (Frame Number)

16.6.2      Save Org Image

16.6.3      Edit File Name

16.6.4       Card Slot Setting (Stills)

16.6.5       Card Slot Setting (Movie)

16.6.6      Select Slot ( Stills Sequential)

16.6.7      Select Slot ( Movie Sequential)

16.6.8      Select Folder

16.6.9      Copyright Info

16.7

      

Connection Setting

16.7.1      Bluetooth Settings

16.7.2      Network Setting

16.7.3      PC Auto Save

16.7.4      Instax Printer Connection Setting

16.7.5      Connection Mode (USB)

16.7.6      USB Power Supply Setting

16.7.7      General Settings

16.7.8      Information

16.7.9      Reset Wireless Setting

Chapter 17      Digital Imaging Topics

17.1

      

An Introduction to RAW

17.2

      

Shooting Exclusively for RAW

17.3

      

How Cameras Create JPEGs

17.4

      

Image File Types - RAW, TIF, JPG

17.5

      

JPG Artifacts

17.6

      

Shooting JPEGs

17.7

      

RAW Processing

17.7.1      RAW Conversion

17.7.2      Noise Reduction

17.7.3      Sharpness

17.7.4      Software Options

17.7.5      So what’s all that mean?

17.8

      

Fujifilm X RAW Studio

17.9

      

Image Resolution - viewing & Printing

17.10

      

Tone Curves

17.10.1      S-Curve – Adds Contrast

17.10.2      Reverse S-Curve – Removes Contrast

17.10.3      Brightening Curve

17.10.4      Darkening Curve

Chapter 18      Tech Topics

18.1

      

The Sensor

18.1.1      BSI – backside Illumination!

18.1.2      Megapixels

18.1.3      Phase Detect AF

18.1.4      No Optical Low Pass Filter!

18.1.5      X-Trans 6x6 Colour Filter Array

18.1.6      Micro-lenses

18.2

      

The X-Processor 4

18.2.1      14-bit RAW

18.3

      

Memory Cards

18.4

      

Sensor Dust – Checking & Cleaning

18.5

      

GPS GeoTagging - Alternatives

18.6

      

Fujifilm X-Acquire – Tethered Shooting and Settings Backup

18.6.1      Tethered Shooting

18.6.2      Settings Backup and Restore

18.6.3      Converting Images In-Camera

18.7

      

PC Auto Save

Epilogue

Appendix A      Additional Resources

A.1

      

Internet Resources

A.2

      

Tony’s Books

A.3

      

Publisher Offerings Of Interest

A.4

      

Cameracraft Magazine

A.5

      

Ways to ‘Wow!’ with Wireless Flash

A.6

      

High-Impact Photography Seminars

Appendix B      Condensed Guide to the Basics

B.1

      

Shutter Speed

B.2

      

Aperture (F/Stops)

B.3

      

ISO

B.4

      

Exposure Variables – The Tradeoffs

B.5

      

Program Shift

B.6

      

The Histogram

B.6.1      Brightness

B.6.2      The Histogram Exposed

B.7

      

The Secrets to Outstanding Images

B.7.1      Light

B.7.2      Composition

Chapter 1      X-T4 Key Features

In a year of turmoil, the X-T4 slipped subtly onto the scene. Not anything like the flail of praise or anguish as the X-Pro3 preceeding it.

And yet, it is every bit as good. Perhaps better, depending on what you value in a camera.

The X-Pro3 garnered phrases like pure photography, & focus on the moment… If you read the hubbub surrounding it you immediately know you can emulate this same desire by closing the LCD any time you desire.

So we own an X-T4, you and I. What does that mean?

I guess, it’s the right tool for the job we have in mind. It brings something interesting to our photographic endeavours, it handles in a way that seems pleasing to us, that challenges us, that expands our photographic endeavours.

And above all, it produces wonderful images and video.

As photographers, we capture snaps – to remember things by; forensic images – to show what things were like; and artistic images – to create mood, feeling, emotion… to evoke a response from those who see. As videographers, we do the same, evolving a story to draw our viewers along.

But photography has changed a lot since the availability of high quality digital cameras, nowadays driven by more processing power than Armstrong had when the Eagle touched down in Serenity in 1969.

Whichever photographic mode you prefer, capturing an image has become something of a process. A paradox if you like - between the desire to create substantively right-brain images and art, and the imperative to master scads of left-brain technology to get the job done.

So the T4 is not just a camera, is it?

It’s way more, with buttons, dials, knobs and menus. It’s a computer with firmware and glass and algorithms, driving all those fantastic features that combined, allow you to capture special moments in a way you like to work.

So what do all the controls and functions do?

And how do we use it ALL to create art and images?

I’ve spent months digging through everything to create this book in the hope of demystifying all the X-T4 can do. In these pages, I delve into all the camera’s features, providing what I hope are clear explanations of what everything is, what it’s for, and how to use it – even the hard stuff. There’s over a thousand tips and tweaks to help you get up to full speed with it and maximize your enjoyment, comfort, and skill with the camera – so that when you’re in the mud shooting, everything feels normal, and you know where to look for THAT feature you NEED right now to make the shot work.

So buckle up and enjoy the ride………………….

X-Aware users TIP: For readers well familiar with X cameras, notable changes/additions are highlighted in blue. Since there are many X cameras, I generally note changes from the previous generation – in this case, the X-T3.

So what is it that sets the X-T4 apart?

•      Image Quality - Great JPGS. & RAW. Cinema-grade video

•      Optimized for both Photos and Video

•      Stabilization – shoot slower and lower (low shutter or low light)

•      In your hand, on a rig – a perfect fit. (The list could go on…)

It might surprise you, but when people ask me which is the best camera, my answer is It depends…

But on what?

Since the sole purpose of any camera is to make images (or video), do you like the outcomes the camera produces? Do you like its pictures, its video?

How does it feel in your hands? Do you like the way you work with it when capturing these pictures/video? The screens, the buttons, menus and dials?

TIP: There are other requirements, but every major camera system has these to some degree: - Enough accessories: Flashes, lenses etc. - Speed: is the camera fast enough to do its job? - Support: Updates, company support. etc

1.1      Speed – Sensor & Processor

You heard what the man said… I feel the need, the need for speed!

At the heart of your new beast, is the fastest sensor and processor Fujifilm has fielded – by a long way. There’s a lot to be said about why this is important, and I dish all the dirt on why all that speed matters in the Tech Topics chapter starting with Section 18.1.

But for the moment, consider this. The X-Trans CMOS 4 BSI sensor allows for 26MP at low noise, and it’s 1½ times as fast as the previous generation of Fujifilm sensors – which themselves, were twice as fast as their predecessor. Significantly, it has way more phase detect pixels too.

And there’s no mystery about where these fast-focusing phase detect (PDAF) pixels are on the X-T4’s X-Trans Sensor. They’re everywhere! The PDAF area covers 98% of the sensor - up from 37% in the Pro2! For a helpful view when you’re in the mud shooting, tab the joystick to briefly see the subtle overlay shown in Figure 1-1.

There are other technological goodies built into X-T4’s sensor – like micro-lenses for added sharpness, and the absence of anti-aliasing filters.

Similarly, the quad core X Processor 4 is three times faster than the previous generation of Fujifilm processors. This allows for upgraded JPEG algorithms, faster processing of images, 14-bit RAW files, way better face detect algorithms, focusing in near darkness, effective IBIS, great tracking algorithms, new JPG tweaks, and a very fast camera. It’s the processor that does the heavy lifting, running all the internal software to read data from the sensor, convert it into JPEG and RAW files to save to the memory card(s). Again, read up more on this in the tech topics in Chapter 18.

TIP: I know, I know, I know. Most of this speed and pixels rhubarb was in the X-T3 too. But added features make this camera a great package.

TIP: There are over 1000 tips sprinkled throughout this book in breakout boxes like this. Some big, some small. Browse through, or search for TIP: if you’re impatient.

TIP: The X-T4’s speed/performance changes according to how you set MENU --> D:\Desktop\Fujifilm\IMAGES 4 book\Icons\SetupSpannerIconTransp.png --> Power Management --> Performance. Use Boost for high viewfinder refresh rates and the snappiest camera. Normal gives you a lower EVF refresh rates but conserves battery. The new Economy mode will get you through a long day.

TIP: ¥ The speed of the X-T4 processor is a whopping TWENTY times faster than the X-Pro 1!

TIP: The BSI sensor means base ISO is lifted to 160 in the T4 – from 200 in previous-gen X cameras. This impacts F-Log video and high DR modes, which can now operate at ISO 640 – down from 800.

Changing speed ourselves, let’s see how speed lets you slow right down…

1.2      Stabilization

New to X-T cameras is stabilization. New to Fujifilm is the way this is done.

It’s perhaps paradoxical that the camera needs to be really, really fast for you to shoot really, really slow without blur – at least while you’re still handholding it.

In-body image stabilization (IBIS) in the X-H1 was a first for Fujifilm. The X-T4 is only the second to include this kind of tech. But it’s a different breed of tech.

Does it work?

It does! And is comparable to IBIS in other cameras.

The X-T4 has stellar in-body image stabilization, AND it works in conjunction with OIS stabilized lenses. With a lens like the XF 50-140mm, or the XF 80mm, it yields 6.5 stops of stabilization.

What this will amount to for most people, is the ability to shoot at much lower shutter speeds in low light, thereby keeping ISO’s to a minimum for highest picture quality.

Alternatively, convert these additional stops of light into shooting at LOWER ISOs in low light circumstances. It’s 6.5 stops! Use it how it suits you best.

The X-T4’s image stabilization system moves the sensor in 5 axes; left-right, up-down, yaw, roll, and pitch.  (Very clever, actually!)

The true beauty of it is that it works with any lens you attach.  Any XF lens you own gains a level of stabilization on the X-T4. But say an SMC Takumar 50mm f/1.4 (or other classic lens)?  No problem.  Put it on the camera via an adapter and take advantage of the stabilization system too.

You can use IBIS for shooting stills or video. In movie mode, it goes a good way to steadying out the shakes. Of course this is not Steadicam quality dampening, but it makes a significant difference to what you can video handheld.

IBIS & OIS: When an OIS lens is used, IBIS provides three axes of stabilization, and OIS two.

See Section 4.3 for IBIS Essentials, and Section 14.3.12 for quite a bit more on IS Mode and IS Mode Boost for video.

TIP: 18 of the 29 Fujinon lenses give 6.5 stops. Others give 6. The lowest is 5 stops.

TIP: There is no IBIS control in the Q-Menu, but you can assign it to a Fn button or My Menu. Otherwise it’s a dive into MENU --> --> IS Mode.

TIP: Disabling OIS by switching the lens switch off, disables all stabilization. Essentially it’s a quick way to toggle all stabilization on/off.

IBIS for Non-Fujifilm lenses:

TIP: IBIS works for non-Fujifilm lenses too. You won’t get 6.5 stops however. Adapted lenses typically only have 3 axes of stabilization.

TIP: For non-Fujifilm lenses, remember to enter the focal length into the camera to maximise IBIS for that lens. Do this in MENU --> D:\Desktop\CameraIconBlackTransp.png --> Mount Adapter Setting. Section 14.1.23.

TIP: If you don’t set the focal length correctly, IBIS will make the situation worse than it would otherwise be without it.

Zoom Lenses TIP: You can only select ONE focal length. For zoom lenses, select the length you are shooting at.

TIP: One lens stays selected by default in this menu. So if you remove (say) a Fujifilm lens and attach an adapted lens, it will default to the selected lens. So no need to dive in here and change it if you’re working with only one adapted lens.

1.3      Video

This is one of the first Fujifilm cameras designed so you might actually shoot a movie. A real Hollywood blockbuster movie, that is. Grab a brace of X-T4’s for a multi-camera setup, and you are good to go. Well, you’ll still need something of a Hollywood budget, and a bit more kit than that – but this camera could shoot it all for you. And with MX cine lenses, you will have one of the lowest-cost setups on the lot.

Again, overhauled for excellence in video: The X-T4 has been completely overhauled for video. Besides the new Photo/Movie dial and articulating LCD… There’s

•      HVEC H.265 high quality, high compression codec

•      F-log recording;

•      4K internal and external recording;

•      new video modes;

•      240p slo-mo shooting;

•      a movie-only film sim – externa – plus all the usual film sims;

•      soft-touch optimized control over shooting variables which you can change DURING shooting;

•      AF-C tracking for video;

•      zebra exposure warning;

•      Focus peaking and magnification;

•      Linear lens focusing;

•      MX lenses;

•      and to cap it off, and an extensive rework of video settings to give independent settings for video – meaning you can switch from stills to video, and the camera remembers settings for each mode.

A Montage of M-TIPS

TIP: Even the slo-mo mode has been uprated. While it’s captured from a 1.29x sensor crop like the H1 and T3, it is NOT upscaled – meaning a noticeable jump in quality on previously available captures.

TIP: 4K 30p can capture for 30 minutes to SD. 4K 60p is 15 contiguous minutes.

TIP: Video recording with 2 memory cards seamlessly switches from card one to the other when the first is maxed out.

TIP: Did you know that the Eterna film simulation has the lowest contrast AND lowest saturation of any of the inbuilt films? There’s a graph in Section 6.1.1 showing relative tone and saturation between all sims.

Video quality is outstanding, turning in sharp results with great colour. You can use film simulations to shoot movies for great/modern movie effects, negating the need to grade and colour footage manually, or switch to Log recording for wider tonal control in post.

The dedicated AF-C focusing mode turns the whole unit into an expensive camcorder – though like all camcorder autofocusing for movies, that is subject to limitations – since the camera really has no idea what you want in focus. But it’s all up to par for camcorder work. Of course, in Hollywood, no one uses autofocus to shoot a movie. It’s all manual. But for most of us, movies and autofocus will come in handy some time or other.

So, Fujifilm’s movie mode is ready for the silver screen! Section 4.4 provides a quick start guide to shooting movies. Chapter 11 covers all this in much more detail. For movie settings see Chapter 15.

1.4      Focus Brilliance

1.4.1      Autofocus

I’ve shot every X camera - and those since the X-T3 are the fastest focusing X’s! Period! Uprated algorithms in the T4 seem to take this even further.

Additionally, the low light limit for phase detect autofocus has dropped significantly from -1EV to -6EV! What? That makes the fast focus effective even in very low light situations.

Notably too, this sensor incorporates phase detect pixels across 98% of the sensor –providing AF tracking across 91% of the width, and 94.5% of the sensor height. No more wondering if your subject is inside/outside the PDAF area. It’s effectively everywhere!

As such, all this makes it a noticeable and worthwhile upgrade to your camera system.

Notably, the venerable X-T1’s sensor has 77 focus points with 15 phase detect points grouped at the centre. Of these, 49 points are user selectable. Fast forward just a few years, and the X-T4’s X-Trans IV sensor has 425 focus points – all are phase-detect (PDAF), and all are directly selectable.

This allows for high-speed 15fps¥ stills shooting, autofocus as fast as most DSLRs, and focusing between shots during AF-C burst shooting. (¥ 20fps with electronic shutter – up to 30fps at 1.25crop.)

TIP: Fujifilm says The … X-T4 gives an AF speed of up to 0.02 second; which is the fastest AF speed among mirrorless cameras with an APS-C size sensor.

TIP: Not all lenses are born equal – and this means that some lenses cannot make full use of the X-T4’s fast focusing capability. But for all those that can, expect the T4 to not only keep what you are focusing on IN FOCUS, but also to track that subject! For more on which lenses give you the best AF results, see Chapter 10.

1.4.2      Focus Tracking & AF-C Custom Presets

AF-C Custom Settings are predictive focusing presets, if you like, with some presets ideal for following the pace of action in a party or on the streets, and others ideally suited to high-octane sport.

What these presets do is refine the tracking concept, by identifying the area the camera is hunting in, and most importantly, by using your input to better understand what kind of subject the camera should be tracking. Indeed, for best results, it’s imperative to match the action you are photographing to the appropriate preset and AF Mode. Without this input, some presets work very poorly when used in contrary circumstances.

These tracking modes are a boon for sports and wildlife photographers, allowing us to shoot all kinds of motion at burst speeds with a high degree of certainty that we will accurately capture the action we wish to follow.

You’ll find presets like these in other top-end cameras – and in spite of the apparent complexity when you first look at them, they are easy to use. The icons provide a simple memory hook to match action-to-preset.

There are five AF-C Custom presets to suit the kind of action you wish to track, and one DIY CUSTOM setting too. Notably, the presets ONLY work in Zone AF, or Tracking AF focus modes.

Each preset is comprised of three variables, which determine:

1) how tenaciously tracking should stay locked on a subject;

2) how erratically the subject is expected to move; and,

3) which part of the AF zone to prioritise during focus.

Given these variables, it is imperative the correct preset be selected for the intended subject, in order to instruct the camera what to do with intervening obstacles, temporary loss of the subject, subject velocity and consistency, and what should happen with initial, and subsequent focus in the focus zone. I include a full rundown on these variables in Section 5.6.1.

Custom Presets, but which Focus Mode is best? Since these presets can be used with Zone AF and Tracking AF modes (Not Single Point AF), some consideration should be given as to which of these two will provide the most accurate tracking given the intended subject – especially with high-speed, or erratic subjects.

Zone AF Mode: Zone is one of the preset variables mentioned above, and Zone AF mode gives the best results when tracking high-speed, or erratic action. Use this for sports, animals etc.

Tracking AF Mode: relies on the camera determining where the subject is in the entire composition, and tracking it around the frame. This mode has a mid-sized focus frame. Place that over your subject and focus away. The frame tracks the subject rather reliably across the entire area of the sensor, even acquiring them as they turn or briefly move out of frame.

You might think that this is the best mode to use all the time, since it covers the whole sensor, and not just at AF Zone. But given the enormous pull on processing, this kind of tracking is best suited to human, rather than high-octane subjects.

TIP: Tracking AF Mode has been upgraded. the new focus frame shows exactly what is tracked. Great for tracking people

AF-C Custom Settings are discussed fully in Section 5.6.

Putting AF-C Presets to the Test: To test the presets, I headed trackside to a race meet. The sub-second sequence in Figure 1-8 shows the result.

When I first used the presets way back in the X-T2, I wasn’t expecting them to perform well in these conditions, but as Figure 1-9 shows, they do a great job of focusing on the subject and ignoring the obstacle passing on the inside between subject and lens. This is preset 2 in action, ignoring obstacles.

Many pages are devoted to AF-C Custom Settings in Section 5.6.

Tracking TIPlets…

TIP: It’s worth noting that how well tracking works depends somewhat on how outstanding your subject is. A subject moving from shadow to sunlight can be lost. Likewise, picking out distant subjects in a composition doesn’t always work well.

Presets and Lenses - TIP: Which lens you use also impacts on AF-C tracking results. Heavier lenses have a lot more glass to move during focusing. Additionally, the newer range of Fujifilm lenses have uprated electronics and linear tracking motors which work synergistically with the X-T4’s faster processor. Read more about this in the lens discussion in Chapter 10.

TIP: While you can always visit MENU --> --> AF-C Custom Settings to select your preset, it can also be assigned to the Q-Menu, for rapid switching.

Assigned to a Function button gives quickest access – especially in the early stages where icons act as a handy memory-jogs to get the appropriate preset fast.

1.4.3      Uprated Face Detection

If you want to see how good face detection is, and point it at a child. Watch how it finds faces and follows them across the viewfinder.

TIP: Alternatively, focus on your favourite TV rerun, and watch how the camera acquires faces, how much of the frame a face must fill, angles and obliques. A few minutes in, you’ll have a very good idea how well face detection works, and how you might get the most out of it.

New face detection algorithms and more processor speed mean a leap forward in Face and Eye detection accuracy. Which means the X-T4 has face detection that really works. Something I’ve never been quite willing to say about an X camera before these latest X’s – and something I never really used before because of the accuracy issues and limitations these modes place on the camera.

Not anymore. Better side detection, faster acquisition, better tracking, make this a mode to use. Especially for children on the go. So if you’re a pro doing this kind of work, or shooting your own tiny tribelings, go for it with Face Detect. Highly recommended. A first for me with my X cameras.

1.4.4      Focus Zoom

Focus Zoom is indispensable for eyeballing critical focus. It’s easy to use, and works in AF-S and Manual Focus modes. Just press the rear command dial and your view is instantly filled with the area under/around the focus frame. This works even if you’ve relocated the focus frame as in Figure 1-11b - you zoom that area, not the centre-of-screen. This is a very handy tool, and easy to use without taking your eye from the viewfinder.

Close-up on Focus Zoom TIPS:

TIP: There are two zoom levels. Just roll the rear dial left/right to switch between 2.5 and 6x zoom, whilst zooming.

FOCUS ZOOM AND AF-S:

TIP: Focus Zoom is useful in AF-S autofocus mode to check focus is locked and loaded on the intended target. Just press the command dial and autofocus away.

TIP: Focus Zoom only works in Manual focus and AF-S Single Point Autofocus Mode. The feature is inert in Zone, or Wide/Tracking AF.

1.4.5      MF Assist - Crisp manual Focus

The X-T4 provides great manual focusing aids for fine-tuning manual focus. All work in concert with Focus Zoom, meaning you can manually manage focusing with a high degree of accuracy in the least amount of time.

The first MF Assist option is Digital Split Imaging – somewhat reminiscent of DSLR split screens from days of yore – or youth, depending on how old you are willing to admit you are. With DSI you know your image is in focus when the panes line up. (Figure 1-12.)

The second – and new in the X-T3 and now X-T4 – is the Digital Microprism. And like the previous option, it reminds me of my old Pentax film cameras with microprism focusing screens. While I love the look, it’s not as useful to me as the previous option. But fun nonetheless. The image is in focus when the small squares magically melt away. (Figure 1-13.)

The third option is a very useful feature called Focus Peak Highlighting.  As you turn the focus ring, areas that have high contrast (which usually equates to sharp focus) are highlighted in coloured pixels.  (Figure 1-14.) 

Switch between these modes by long-pressing the rear command dial. A notification briefly flashes in the viewfinders alerting you to your selection.

You’ll notice a fourth mode as you toggle through these – Standard – which means no MF Assist at all. Choose this to eyeball manual focus in the viewfinder. Not very satisfactory even combined with Focus Zoom.

MF Assist options have additional settings in MENU --> --> MF Assist. Your selection is saved, so from now on you can just use the rear dial for rapid selection. See 14.2.11 for more on these settings.

TIP: To quickly cycle between manual focusing aids, long-press the rear command dial for a second. This action advances to the next MF Assist method in the queue.

TIP: Page 79 in the manual states The MF ASSIST menu can be displayed by pressing and holding the center of the rear command dial. That’s not what happens. Rather, that action advances to the next MF Assist option as described above.

1.4.5.1      Digital Split Imaging

If you are sufficiently ancient enough (think wise… ) you’re likely to recall the heady days before autofocus existed, where split imaging was virtually the only way to achieve accurate manual focus.

Fujifilm has revived the concept with digital split imaging - for those of us hankering for the good ole days - or perhaps just used to focusing screens on high end DSLRs (See Figure 1-12). In some literature, Fujifilm recommends the use of DSI for macro and wide aperture work.

There are two ways to engage this feature. The menu way, in MENU --> --> MF Assist --> Digital Split Image, or, the speedy way, which only works when the camera is set to Manual Focus mode. Just long-press the rear command dial for a second. Repeat to cycle through manual focusing options.

TIP:  The DSI pane can be B&W or colour.  Select in MENU --> -->  MF Assist.

TIP: Focus Zoom makes DSI easier to use. Just activate DSI, then press the rear dial to fill the screen with only the DSI pane.

1.4.5.2      Digital Microprism

This focusing method is somewhat like the first of these methods, using out of phase pixels arranged into a faux microprism focus screen. Though now, instead of the camera resolving this, you get to  choose what they focus on. It’s a grid, something like the Pentax microprism mentioned earlier. As you bring the composition into focus, the phase detect grid slowly melts to show you a clear, in-focus subject.

Where this might really come into its own, is when actually using vintage glass. Bolt on a Pentax 50 1.4 Super Tak, and the experience is somewhat like that which you had with those lenses in their heyday. Only now, the images are something else altogether.

I had fun using this with classic lenses – and pretending I was 17 again.

TIP: In a way, Digital Microprism lets us peek into how phase detection works, showing two sets of phase detect pixels out of phase. Grouped together in a grid as they are, they reasonably emulate the optical microprism. Mind you, the Pentax microprism was never fast to focus with either.

TIP: Because they are all manual, classic mechanical lenses typically have finer focus rings with a lot more turns – compared to modern lenses. They were built this way when there were no electronics to manage focusing, and everything was by eyeball. Fujinon fly-by-wire lenses emulate this behaviour electronically in MF mode.

1.4.5.3      Focus Peaking

If you’re new to this, you will find this fun and useful. Using it is simple. Just rotate the focusing ring, and things that are in-focus (have high contrast) are highlighted in a snow of red, white, blue, or yellow. Of course, since it’s really highlighting high-contrast outlines in these colourful snowflakes, it’s not entirely foolproof. But it is quite good.

There’s a good array of highlight colours to choose to suit most shooting situations, and you can set contrast intensity in MENU --> --> MF Assist --> Focus Peak Highlight --> (colour + High or Low).

I combine Focus Zoom with Focus Peaking for the best in manual focus, with peaking set to ‘Low’ for critical focusing.

TIP: ‘Low’ gives you the least number of snowflakes to contend with by selecting areas of highest contrast, and ‘High’ selects areas with a wider range of contrast – giving you a higher number of coloured snowflakes, and potentially a little less accurate focus.

MF in AF mode TIP - Peaking & AF+MF: If you’ve enabled AF+MF in MENU --> --> MF Assist, you can manually fine tune focus in autofocus (AF-S) mode (like you can with most DSLRs), and both Focus Zoom and the MF Assist features work as described in this section. See Section 14.2.10 for more on this feature.

AF in MF TIP: In manual focus mode, you can autofocus anyway by pressing the AF-On button! This instantly focuses on the subject behind the focus frame, then returns to manual focusing. Many people permanently operate their camera in this mode. This uses either AF-S or AF-C for autofocus, according to Menu --> --> AF/MF Setting --> Instant AF Setting.

TIP: You can assign the function of the AF-On button to any function button. Use either  AF Lock Only, or AF-On. See Section 8.17 for the merits of these functions.

TIP: You may find Focus Peaking easier to use in B&W shooting. Red stands out well. If you’re shooting RAW+JPEG, you’ll have a B&W and colour image.

TIP: Combine Focus Peaking or Digital Split Imaging and Focus Zoom. Just enable Focus Peaking (say), then press the rear dial. Voila!

TIP: Magnification levels vary when combining Focus Zoom with MF Assist options. Split Imaging only zooms the area of the split image frame. Microprism does much the same. Focus Peaking with zoom has higher magnification since it is the area under/around the much smaller focus frame. Plus, there are two magnification levels. Roll the rear dial to switch between 2.5 and 6x zoom.

1.4.6      Pre-Shot ES (Burst) – Action Bracketing

Fujifilm has included an action bracketing mode in the X-T4. They don’t call it this, rather, Pre-Shot ES. This terminology does not adequately describe what this function does.

What it does is capture the precise moment of action in a high speed action sequence. It does this by buffering images from the moment you half-press the shutter button, and saves images to the card from this buffer once you full-press the shutter. Keep pressing to save more images.

In this way, you surround your high-speed event with a high-speed sequential burst of images so that you might capture the precise action you are looking for. Because of this, I think of this mode as Action Bracketing – which I know is nowhere near as technically accurate as Pre-Shot ES.

Read up on Pre-Shot ES in Section 7.7.3.

TIP: How many buffered images are saved? I counted 11 frames. There is no way to set this.

TIP: The ES part of the name indicates this function requires the Electronic Shutter to pull off its magic.

1.4.7      Joystick & The AF Area – The Focus Lever

If you don’t use the touchscreen, the 8-way joystick is the quickest way to move the focus frame.

If you focus-recompose, you might find yourself using the joystick instead. I mean, focus-recompose is a work-around around a camera limitation, isn’t it! If the camera knew what you wanted to focus on, the focus point would be in the right position every time. Of course it doesn’t, so the next best thing is rapid relocation of the point when you have the time to do so. This works well except for fast moving subjects.

MENU --> D:\Desktop\Fujifilm\IMAGES 4 book\Icons\SetupSpannerIconTransp.png --> Button/Dial Setting  --> Focus Lever Setting offers three settings to alter the joystick’s behaviour. Alternately, long-pressing the joystick is the fastest way to change these settings. Since anything other than On just neuters the joystick, I keep this On.

TIP: Just press the joystick twice in quick succession from a shooting mode to rapidly centre a relocated focus frame.

1.5      EVF LCD, Touch

It’s no good having all those high-octane internals, and touchy-feely goodness if you can’t see what you’re getting, right? The X-T4 has a plethora of ways to let you see what your camera is up to. And some new ways of shooting too.

1.5.1      Mega Electronic Viewfinder

This is Mega 3.69 million dots – and all at 100fps in high performance Boost mode! EVF lag is a thing of the past, and what you see in the viewfinder, is what you get. (WYSIWYG, for the old-timers among us!)

Of course, the big deal with an electronic viewfinder is you see a live view of what you are shooting, overlaid with shooting info you usually only have on a rear LCD.

Fujifilm brings creative thinking with EVF shooting information rotating when you turn the camera on its side. Enable this in MENU --> D:\Desktop\SetupSpannerIcon2.png --> Screen Set-Up --> Autorotate Displays --> On. This effects both the EVF and LCD, so if you swap between displays info is just where you expect it.

What makes the electronic viewfinder so good?  It’s a 0.5 inch Organic L.E.D. (OLED) display as used on high-end phones. They’re brighter, have wider colour gamut and faster refresh rates than the LCD. 

TIP: Boost mode not only switches the viewfinder from 60 to 100fps, release lag also drops. Of course there’s a corresponding battery hit!

The EVF displays the playback image too – reducing chimping (moving the camera from your eye to view your last capture on the LCD), since you can see it right in the viewfinder. Set your preferred review option in MENU --> D:\Desktop\SetupSpannerIcon2.png --> Screen Set-Up --> Image Disp. Of course, you can just press the Playback button to review images in the EVF.

The various viewfinder and LCD display modes are covered in Section 3.3, and Section 16.3 digs into all Screen Set-Up options.

View Mode TIP:  If you use the EVF exclusively, you can set the VIEW MODE to EVF ONLY + Eye Sensor with the View Mode button.  Now the LCD never switches on, and the EVF remains off, conserving battery power till your face gets near the viewfinder’s IR sensors, before turning on. There’s little lag, so if you’re an EVF lover, this is a good way to go. Of course, the sensor is triggered just as easily by fingers, jackets etc, so this might not be the best when using a neck or shoulder strap.

View Mode TIP:  Set VIEW MODE to Viewfinder Only, and the EVF remains ON while the camera is on. This mode sucks down battery quickest of all the finders.

EVF Chimping TIP: If you sometimes like to chimp to see your images as you shoot, there’s a special EVF view mode just for you. Choose Eye Sensor + LCD Image Disp. Now, capture an image using the EVF, and pull back to see it displayed on the LCD. If you DON’T pull back, the camera does NOT preview the image at all.

TIP: How long the image remains on screen (previous TIP) depends on the review option in MENU --> D:\Desktop\SetupSpannerIcon2.png --> Screen Set-Up --> Image Disp. Continuous works well here, since when you put your eye back to the EVF, playback review is dismissed.

TIP: Playback, and Shooting VIEW MODES must be set independently. To view (play back) images only with the EVF, set the playback view mode independently to the shooting view mode.  Do this by pressing the Playback button to view an image, put your eye to the viewfinder, and use the View Mode button to select your View Mode. All View Mode options are available. Alternatively, choose Eye Sensor and playback toggles between LCD & EVF depending on your proximity to the eyepiece.

TIP:  If you find the EVF to be a little dark (or bright) right out of the box, you can increase/decrease the brightness to +-1 for a subtle change, right out to +-5!  Do this in MENU --> D:\Desktop\SetupSpannerIcon2.png --> Screen Set-Up --> highlight EVF Brightness (now put your eye to the EVF) --> +1 (brighter). 0 is default.  There’s a similar setting for the LCD.

Preview and Contrast - TIP: You can use the EVF for more than just previewing your image. Switch to RAW+JPEG, and Acros film sim, and more easily see what’s happening with the tones in your image. This is great for monitoring contrast in a scene for accurate metering, and the RAW gives you colour, and all the data to work with for greatest exposure management too.

One significant benefit the EVF brings to outdoor videography is you don’t have to strain your eyes looking at a sun-washed LCD on a bright day. Simply switch to EVF instead! Or if you are really into videography, you might want to invest in a field monitor with hood, to mount to the video rig you invariably need, to get the job done. Right?

The low-lag viewfinder is one of the essential ingredients of the X-T4. With it you:

•      can see how your image will look before you shoot (exposure, white balance, tweaks, depth of field);

•      get a live histogram for ultimate exposure management;

•      have great tools for manual focusing (Focus Zoom, Focus Peak Highlighting and Digital Split Imaging);

•      have compositional guidelines and a digital level;

•      can customize screen information;

•      The EVF is not hopelessly dark shooting in low light,

•      Best for long focal-length lenses.

I review viewfinder and LCD display modes in detail in Section 3.3, and Section 16.3 covers all aspects of Screen Set-Up.

1.5.2      Large Indicators

If you find overlayed info too small, you might love Large Indicators.

Boost the size of the indicators (text and icons) in MENU --> D:\Desktop\Fujifilm\IMAGES 4 book\Icons\SetupSpannerIconTransp.png --> Screen Set-Up --> Large Indicators Mode. (Section 16.3.18)

Go even further, and assign Large Indicators Mode to a Function Button for rapid switching between normal and large mode.

TIP: You can independently set large indicators for the EVF or the LCD.

TIP: Using a Fn button