Autofocus
The Fujifilm X-T10’s new AF system allows you to select groups of AF points for focus tracking
The X-T10 comes with a new advanced autofocus system, which will also be available in a firmware update for the X-T1 (as Version 4). For static subjects this employs Fujifilm’s familiar 49-point grid covering most of the frame, with the AF area size selectable in five steps to match the subject. However, it adds eye-detection AF for portraits, along with two new modes for continuous focusing on moving subjects.
‘Wide tracking’ mode uses an expanded 77-point grid covering effectively the entire sensor. It’s designed to follow subjects that are moving across the frame and keep them in focus. The subject’s expected starting point, where the camera will initially acquire AF, can be set anywhere in the frame.
Group mode uses sets of AF points positioned in a defined area of the frame, and is designed for when you wish to maintain a specific composition. When shooting at 3fps in CL mode, it’s possible to select between 3×3, 5×3 and 5×5 focus point sets, and move them almost anywhere in the frame. In 8fps CH mode the camera can only use phase detection for focusing, so you’re limited to 3×3 or 5×3 groupings in the centre of the frame.
With static subjects the X-T10 focuses quickly, silently and accurately, especially with the small 16-50mm kit zoom. It also works well in low light, and I prefer to turn off the blindingly bright autofocus illuminator as it’s rarely needed. Focus speed is, however, lens dependent, and some of one of Fujifilm’s premium fast prime lenses such as the XF56mm f/1.2R are noticeably slower.
We haven’t yet had time to test continuous focusing out fully, but initial impressions are quite positive. It’s certainly a real improvement over Fujifilm’s previous efforts, and promises to make the X-T10 (and indeed the X-T1) much better at shooting moving subjects. We’re aiming to produce a more in-depth article covering the real-world capabilities of the new focus system shortly, so keep an eye out for this in the next month or two.
