Video Based Fuji?

[NicoM]

Do you think we're ever going to get a Fuji X body with video in mind? Will the rumored SLR type Fuji X camera hold more extensive video features? Video is something I love having in DSLRs and other mirrorless systems have put focus on video.

I'd love to hear your thoughts!

 

[zuikologist]

Do we know anything about the current Fuji sensor ability to handle video? To be really interesting, I think it would need proper AF and exposure controls and silent zoom/focus lenses.

 

[NicoM]

Do we know anything about the current Fuji sensor ability to handle video? To be really interesting, I think it would need proper AF and exposure controls and silent zoom/focus lenses.

I don't really fancy AF in video as it can never move exactly how you want it to. Manual exposure is a must, and is the feature that is holding them back right now. I'm not sure how sharpness and moire are with the x-trans sensors.

 

[nongfuspring]

I haven't had any negative experiences with moire with an x-trans, but it might be a different story with video.

IMO for fuji to be really competitive in video it needs more frame rates, bit rates, IBIS, and to get rid of rolling shutter. I think even then it'll have difficulty competing with m43, seems like there's a pretty significant hardware advantage to having a smaller sensor for video.

 

[sevo]

Pro video generally means no AF during shooting.

 

[daveywaugh]

I know this sounds ridiculous, but I've actually done quite a few 'professional' jobs using the XE-1 and manual M mount lenses (especially like using the Summicron DR). There are major limitations (and quirks) with X-video of course, but you know there are some advantages also. I still love the 'look' coming out of the Fujis - much more than NEX or any mid-range SLR. I've actually just ordered an XE-2 specifically for video and look forward to its improvements.

I should clarify that the 'professional' work is only a couple of low-budget TVCs and You-Tube stuff, so we're not talking cinematic masterpeices ;-) But it worked.

I was really excited about the A7 for video (but not after testing) and have even tried the Blackmagic stuff, but I still feel the Fujis are working great for me and see a future in 'X-video'.

Like you, I'd love improvements but just wanted to point out that the great Fuji X 'look' works in motion just as in stills.

 

[NicoM]

I know this sounds ridiculous, but I've actually done quite a few 'professional' jobs using the XE-1 and manual M mount lenses (especially like using the Summicron DR). There are major limitations (and quirks) with X-video of course, but you know there are some advantages also. I still love the 'look' coming out of the Fujis - much more than NEX or any mid-range SLR. I've actually just ordered an XE-2 specifically for video and look forward to its improvements.

I should clarify that the 'professional' work is only a couple of low-budget TVCs and You-Tube stuff, so we're not talking cinematic masterpeices ;-) But it worked.

I was really excited about the A7 for video (but not after testing) and have even tried the Blackmagic stuff, but I still feel the Fujis are working great for me and see a future in 'X-video'.

Like you, I'd love improvements but just wanted to point out that the great Fuji X 'look' works in motion just as in stills.

I like the image, but the fact that you can't change shutter speeds while filming is a deal breaker at this point. When it comes to video, the image has more to it then just the sensor quality. When the sensor chooses too high of a shutter speed, you get horrible video. It doesn't seem like a hard feature to add and I don't know why Fuji hasn't done it yet.

Hope to see some improvements soon!

 

[daveywaugh]

Agree that manual shutter speed control is a must - surely it's possible via firmware? More importantly you don't want the shutter speed too low (otherwise you increase rolling shutter).

 

[tonyc]

Hello

I have emailed Fuji Japan and America about the possibility
Of having manual controls for video added in a future firmware.

But their response was a "thanks we will pass it on"
kind if thing 🙁

Perhaps everyone should email them to get the issue a bit more attention !

Shame the current cameras don't have this feature, very odd.

What about A petition ?

-TC

 

[Bike Tourist]

I didn't buy my X-Pro1 for video. What's that? If I DID want video capabilities I could easily browse among the infinity of cameras which have included that feature simply because they can. Or, better yet, I'd buy a camcorder.

 

[tonyc]

Why is it a shame? Fuji clearly positions them as still cameras. If that doesn't fit your needs, get a different or a second camera.

It's just the fact that they made the decision to implement
video on the camera.
But made it crippled in auto mode.
Which is odd for such a lovely camera with
all it's great manual controls,

I don't think we are asking for an Arri Alexa
or a 5Dmkxx killer, just to "unlock" the
restricted auto mode.

To other comments, why carry two cameras
( Still+Vid ) when you could carry one.
Also I have deep dislike to the Canikon
design ergonomic and aesthetic.

-TC

 

[daveywaugh]

Why is it a shame? Fuji clearly positions them as still cameras. If that doesn't fit your needs, get a different or a second camera.

That's a bit simplistic. It's not so 'black and white' as you make out. I shoot stills mainly, but need to do some video. There are valid reasons why the Fujis are great for video also and they are basically the same reasons we love them for stills! I have 2 bodies and 4 lenses and frankly couldn't afford another system again just for video.

Admittedly I knew the problems with video from the outset, but why can't us video users dream of a few firmware tweaks just like still photographers?

I am still actually 80% analogue but gone are the days that cameras last a lifetime (or a couple) like my M2 or FM2. Digital cameras are computers and they get software upgrades. I am happy Fuji seem to listen to their users and make sensible upgrades via firmware. It's through these forums where we have a viable voice.

Just "get a different camera" is a pretty lame.

 

[nongfuspring]

You know, I don't think so. If you "need" to shoot video for a living, it's the only option. The Fuji cameras are still cameras and you knew that going in. Sure, you can dream, but I'd rather use the right tool for the job. If that doesn't pay off, I'd find a different job. That might sound arrogant, it's not meant like this. I've just never understood why I should do something that wouldn't sustain even proper tools for the job.

I think it's a pretty common dilemma amongst a lot of people I know who make their living in "creative" professions, they need a lot of different gear but can't justify buying ideal equipment specific to each demand because of the unpredictable nature of their work. Long gone are the days when someone was "just" a videographer or "just" a portrait photographer, now everyone has to learn to do everything just to get by and stay competitive. I have quite a few friends who are architects, photogs, artists, designers etc. who went with m43 because of this (since it's sort of a jack of all trades). Often it's not a case of just finding a different job to suit what your camera is best at, that's simply not realistic these days.

I'm hoping for the best also, but I'm not sure if video limitations are a real limitations imposed by processor speed or if they're software.

 

[daveywaugh]

You know, I don't think so. If you "need" to shoot video for a living, it's the only option. The Fuji cameras are still cameras and you knew that going in. Sure, you can dream, but I'd rather use the right tool for the job. If that doesn't pay off, I'd find a different job. That might sound arrogant, it's not meant like this. I've just never understood why I should do something that wouldn't sustain even proper tools for the job.

Fair point but you make out it can't shoot video ;-) I still like what the camera produces and am still making money with it shooting video. As a creative director, I obviously commission most of my jobs to other specialists, but I am still happy to use the Fujis for a lot of my work.

nongfuspring made a good point, and it is reality that the days of specialization are gone - at least for lower budget work.

So the point is, I shoot Fuji for video and I do make money ;-)