Fujifilm X-T3 Firmware Update 3.0

I had the newly improved face detection turned on for this image.  I'm not sure which face it detected, but the indication
showing on the back of my camera's LCD was that a face or faces had been detected.  I was concentrating on the gestures of the two individuals rather than whether or not the face detection was tracking the faces. (click to enlarge)
Fujifilm X-T3, 16-55mm f/2.8 lens @ 16mm; 1/250th sec. @ f/13; ISO 320

On April 16, 2019 Fujifilm announced that firmware update 3.0 for their X-T3 camera was available for download.  As is their custom, Fujifilm treats us, their customers, in a first class manner by giving us updates that improve and add new functionality.  Thank you Fujifilm.

I'm not one to immediately download updates in software as I want to see if any bugs, glitches or problems arise.  In the past, I've seen problems arise with both my Olympus and Fujifilm cameras which required those manufacturers to release another update to reverse the problematic firmware upgrade so users don't have to deal with the unexpected issues.  When the bugs are fixed new firmware is, again, released.  I'd rather avoid all of that.  I just wait for several days before I install the updates.  Since the X-T3 firmware update was released, I have not read nor seen anything that would give me pause in updating my camera so yesterday I downloaded and installed v3.0.  

I won't go through what is included with this update but if you are interested in reading what Fujifilm is giving us, you can find it on Fujifilm's website here.  The one aspect of this update that is of most interest to me is the improved ability to track faces and eyes.  Since I use my Fujifilm cameras to photograph family events, which translates to kids running around and not standing still so I can easily focus on them, the improved eye and face detection is welcomed.

In trying out the Face/Eye Detect feature it was immediately apparent to me that the feature was, indeed, much improved.  Trying it around the house with my wife, in photographs depicting people and even on the television screen, anytime I pointed the camera at a face, the camera immediately picked up on it or specifically, nearest eye.  Cool!

Test two would be a real life scenario.  I drove to a nearby marina where oyster fishermen dock to unload their catch.  I shot a series of images of the oystermen shoveling and unloading their boats.  On the ones in which an eye or face was detected, it clearly stated that on the LCD when viewing the image.  The camera locked in on the faces.  I am pleased with this improved feature and plan to use it when necessary.  Also, it is easy to engage as the feature can be turned on/off in the Q-menu, the regular menu or you can program a function button to toggle it on and off.  Very convenient.

I'll be playing with the other features in the firmware upgrade this week as I always want to be as familiar with my tools as possible to maximize my success rate.  As I've said many times in the past, the better you know your tools, the more success you can achieve.

I've had no issue downloading and installing this new firmware.  Everything in my camera seems to work as designed.  I've not read about anyone else having issues.  If you have an X-T3, you might want to consider update 3.0 as it gives us some real improvements in our tools.

Oysters right off the river bottom!  (click to enlarge)
I'm not a fan.  You can have my share!  Lol.

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Thanks for looking. Enjoy! 

Dennis A. Mook 

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