Understanding Zone Autofocus on Fujifilm Cameras

[@jradamsjr]

As an Intermediate photographer w/ XT-4, this is the sort of video that motivates me to be a Patreon supporter and places you (and Omar) at the top of the “heap!” 🙏😊❤️

[@sunnyta619]

Yup!

[@hVF8KZuQPeCc8u]

Thanks, this was very helpful! My sense, is that the XT-4 gets a lot of criticism because of its autofocus system. Sure, perhaps the AF is not necessarily user friendly to operate but this video may go a long way to respond to all the naysayers. Camera Conspiracies/Kasey Stern, whom I appreciate, sold his XT-4 because of his frustration with the video AF deficiencies. Perhaps he just needed to learn how to use it (and yes, it still would not be on Sony level). I am wondering if a lot of the negative reviews about cameras comes down to the reviewers never spending enough time to learn the nuances of the camera. pal2tech, you are my hero. You are the one who has spent the time to learn the Fuji system and help us newbies learn the ropes. My XT-4 thanks you.

[@MelvinGarcia]

Casey bought another X-T4 because he realized his mistake.

[@hamdouch26]

I turned on face-eye detection but still not working instantly..sometimes it works sometimes take time on my xt4

[@KristiGay1973]

True! 99% of Fuji complaints are user error.

[@rvpcqp]

Nope. Fuji af system just sucks. Other highly competent reviewers have pointed out the flaws & complexity of the tracking modes. Even the newer bodies with better processor aren’t that great. XH2/s were actually worse than XT4 at tracking BIF. If you’re vlogging or doing portraits in good lighting fine, but paying $2-2.5k in 2023/2024 the af performance is unacceptable.

[@Garyonthefly]

Thanks Chris! After 6 mos of shooting with my X-T4, you've finally helped me understand and tweek my autofocus! NOW it makes sense. Like having a new camera! You're invaluable.

[@FLORAMORAITINI]

Nice comment

[@CoffeeNdCameras]

As someone who recently switched from Sony to Fujifilm, your videos have really helped me dial in key settings to make my X-T5 just a beast of a camera. It makes me love taking photos again and with the whole system being so different, these videos have really helped me get the most out of my new Fujifilm. I’m so glad I switched and grateful for your informative videos!

[@abdusco]

I made the same switch and I hope I get used to how Fuji autofocus works before I quit out of rage and switch back. Sony autofocus was so much better and out of your way.

[@simonalvarezbelon2020]

I absolutely LOVE these videos - not only have they made my experience of starting out with a new fuji about a million times better, they're also my favorite thing to watch when I'm high. Two birds one stone.

[@FlorianCortese]

Thanks, Chris. Hugely informative. Even though I have been using Fuji cameras for about 2 years now, I've learned more about Zone focusing than I thought I knew!! I use the ALL setting and move through the various focus settings by turning the command dial. But this info on the use of the Zone setting means I need to fine tune things and use the custom setting more than just leaving it on option 2. Have a great weekend!

[@pal2tech]

Thanks Florian!!! You too and let me know if you run into any issues with this!!

[@TheLobster033]

Not gonna lie. Every single time you drop a video, I'm as hyped as I was in the glory days of Mythbusters! Except, I can actually practice what you explain :P

[@pal2tech]

🙏

[@sashagirl357]

As someone new to the Fuji system (I'm a long time Nikon user), I find all of your videos to be very instructive, interesting, and entertaining. You have to be the best photographer out there providing content for us Fuji cameras users! Thank you!

[@Eazyydoesit]

Sometimes I wish I could subscribe to this guys channel twice, he’s that good .

[@alanbeamer9513]

VERY informative and the presentation is perfect. I read the manual and it explains HOW to change auto focus settings, but never WHY. Your explanations and real EXAMPLES are incredibly helpful. Thanks so much for your efforts, Chris !!

[@pappgyula2541]

A detailed, all-encompassing presentation that explains the context and justifies the claims with examples. I learned a lot. One thing I did not understand! How to configure face and eye recognition to work not in the whole field but only in a preset area. I don't like the way Fuji picks which person is out of focus.

[@jamesr124]

Amazing video! Exactly what I've been looking for. My main camera for the past few years was a Sony a7 iii. It was stolen a few months back. Couldn't afford to replace it with another. After watching your videos and some others I wanted to give Fuji a try. Took a chance with a Fuji xs10. Colors are amazing. Everything about it is great besides the autofocus. I've always thought it was operator error lol. After watching this I'm 100% sure it was. Thank you, for the fun and knowledgeable videos! I'll be giving the settings a try this weekend.

[@chrismacdonald.6295]

Fascinating video of the focus options for the XT5. I’m a street photographer and capturing photos of random people on the street is my interest. For this type of photography, focus is crucial so as not to miss any out of focus shots. As you suggested, zone is the way to go as opposed to wide/tracking. I only picked the XT 5 today and was out in the park taking pictures of flowers, (easy subjects). Be interesting to see how face detection works. Respect to your expertise. Thank you.

[@dr.seltsam1975]

One of the best channels for Fuji content. All necessary information within 11 Minutes very understandable explained. Thank you sir for all your work ! Greetings from snowy Germany !

[@dom_espino]

Thank you very much, I have an XT2, I use it for street photography while walking and relaxing in the city. I tried all these settings but without any hope of big changes considering that I have an old camera and to my surprise, it was like giving vitamins to my dear friend XT-2.

[@evslone]

Well heck, I wish I had watched this a year ago. Just now found it. Super helpful. Thanks so much.

[@kindface]

Not only are you often picking the topics that really matter, your explanations are so easy to understand and straight to the point. I stumbled on your channel a week or two ago and it's become one of my small handful of staple photography channels. Keep up the good work and thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@marxfortzutd6103]

Fr

[@csbodkins2090]

Some of the best content created for the Fuji platform! Thank You!

[@RichardGingrasPhotography]

When it comes to Fuji cameras, you are my reference and are the best. Keep up the great work.

[@nb1223]

Man your work is invaluable to the Fujifilm ecosystem. Thank you!

[@boothmeister6024]

I've been a Fuji shooter for the 5 years but the auto focus system has always puzzled me a little. I think this is the first video I've found that really makes it the system clear and understandable. Thanks 😉.

[@thomasclark631]

For Fujifilm users one of the most informative channels. Thank you for helping users get full advantage of the many features of Fuji cameras.

[@wanderingfool6312]

Thanks Chris, that’s saved for future reference. As a long term xh1 user, I’ve been relying on the centre point for my wildlife shots. But now that I’m in the process of considering an upgrade, it’s likely I’ll have more confidence in letting the camera decide in different situations, making this refresher invaluable.👍

[@REMY.C.]

Ooohh XH2 on the way? (When it's available of course).

[@BadrulHishamAG]

Many photographers told me that fuji systems r not good for sport photography. N i almost agreed with them just bcoz i didnt set my camera correctly. Haihh. TQ chris. This video very helpful! 😊

[@DanialMustafa]

As a new Fuji user, I have found your videos are really really helpful! Including this zone focus topic. Your style of using easy words really help me understand especially as a non-English speaker. Keep up your great work!

[@edwin_ac]

Thanks for this video. I'm one of those Fuji users who sometimes complain about zone autofocus, without understanding the AFC custom settings.

[@brunosbites]

Appreciate your way to explain the basics as well the advanced settings with such enjoyable easy way. That’s what I call a pro about teaching!

[@enjoythelittlethings3359]

Excellent !!! 7.17 and 7.41 were brilliant demonstrations of what AFC Customs settings really are, which are other tricky to understand. Those for sure will go into my personal user manual. Prof. Fuji, pal2tech is a goldmine!!! Many thanks.

[@kundanrai]

I have had my Fujifilm X-S10 for more than a year but it's only now that I am learning how to use the various settings. Thank you so much. The only dedicated Fujifilm channel that I have found.

Just one of the best channels of KZbin. Not just Fuji channels, not just photo or video channels, but any kind of channel. Congrats and thanks for all your well transmitted knowledge.

[@widhitrileksana9782]

thanks for explain it clearly, I've been confused with missing focus on street photography

[@evo271]

Just got an XT20 and did a shoot, thought the focus a bit problematic, this explains alot and i can't wait to try it again with these recomendations.

[@GrayAngus]

Wow! Absolutely love all the detail but so much to consider. Definitely need this to be saved in favourites for quick recall.

[@olubunmiolajoyegbe545]

The BEST auto focus tutorial I've seen. Thank you. 👍🏿

[@susaschweder6685]

That was really helpful, I will have to rewatch the Video a few times. Yesterday I complained about the zone autofocus. I had to take pictures of a Karate training and the focus always picked something wrong. For example the teacher instead of the people doing their training. I will try to learn all your settings so next month when I have to take pictures of a Karate tournament I will be prepared better.

[@_daniloprado_]

Super clear explanations as always! I never quite understood the 0 and 4 in the focus settings.

[@pal2tech]

Thank you so much Danilo!!! I'm so glad it was helpful!!! I really appreciate the support, thank you!!! 🙏

[@pantelispetrou1593]

Awesome explanation! Thank you! After experimenting with an entry-level Nikon camera for quite a few years i thought its time to move on with a better camera. I've done some research and decided to buy the Fujifilm X-S20. Fujifilm cameras have indeed many differences and take some time to understand the menu etc. And thank god for finding your videos. You are my savior! You know your subject well and have a great charisma in explaining. As a favor, could you please collect all videos you have made for focusing so its easier to find them?

[@s12pendler]

Dude, your videos are amazing! I got myself an X-T4 (absolutely love it!) and your videos have been incredibly helpful, entertaining and fun to watch. You have the right mix of humour and information while still keeping me focused in a time where the general attention span is down to a couple of seconds for most things:) I love myself a good paper manual, but when I can just watch you explain it to me... so much better. Thanks

[@carolinezaramati9193]

😉Thank you Chris for this concise and clear explanation. You should be on the payroll of Fujifilm!

[@chuan-kangshih78]

Your videos are both helpful and entertaining 😅👍

[@Hikebike365]

Thanks for this! I've been imaging for over 50 years..... Started young, but still.... Yikes! Anyway, got on the Fuji train as soon as the XE1 was released. Still shooting with Fuji - (it's the lenses). I've always used the center point for all my work, but after watching this, I will fiddle around with the area mode.... Thanks again

[@alejandromedina2349]

Thanks! I mostly a still-macro photographer. So not much use for zone settings, but I must say that your explanation was much better than any other I have seen or read. I would surely give it a try! I also want to thank you big for your video on focus bracketing, a feature that was completely unaware of my camera has. That alone replaces a robot for doing the same, moving your camera in or out. Another thing to try!

[@MrTonydiab]

Love your videos Sir, I started shooting sport with my XT4 and XT5, I have struggled shooting a gymnastics. I will give your settings a try tomorrow. Thanks

[@trendyhappypets]

Wow, for the last 30 minutes, I have been watching over 10 KZbin videos about Fujifilm autofocus, and this is by far the best video that explains it so clearly! I have been looking for this for so long, thank you!! Now, I can shoot how I want without getting frustrated :) and also...the part where you imitated the camera zone going crazy, I was rolling on the floor laughing, lol love it!!

[@TroupeGoal]

Very interesting, I had always heard that single point autofocus was preferable, but just tried zone autofocus with my kids running around in the garden and it worked extremely well.

[@boblab8097]

This channel is a gold mine of great information! I was one of those new Fuji users who played with zone autofocus for a few minutes but quickly became frustrated by the number of blurry shots of my then 2 year old, and switched to single point. Now, with the excellent information provided by this video, I will give zone another - more substantial - chance.

[@TextileHouse]

I am about to throw my x-s10 against a wall because I’m struggling with the AF. Nikon user for all my life but wanted something lighter so I went with Fuji after lots of research. Never had a problem taking pics of the family, which is what I use my camera for (travel and the grandkids) but lately I cannot catch a break - everything is out of focus. Just a blurry mess. Thought I’d look for some tutorials and this video was excellent. Camera is getting a cleaning and firmware update but will be practicing more using some of your suggestions as soon as I pick it up from the shop. Thanks for such a well made video.

[@winifredliang5683]

I was having some trouble with focusing some shots, this video was super helpful, cant wait to test out the settings!

[@JoeLopez]

Such great tips here! I use my X-T3 to shoot ice hockey and already have new settings to try. Thank you!

[@awurraadwoakye6014]

Thank you very much. Looks like I have not been using my XT-2 to its full capacity. I am into kids photography, and I bet this will be of great help. Thanks again for sharing.

[@eamonnmckay1676]

Very informative, Chris. Thank you. You know, I've had my XT-4 for a couple if years now, and I'm not using a fraction of its possibilities, particularly when it comes to focus (probably because I've never been compelled to do so - I don't shoot motorsports, for example, or need to focus on my son or daughter play football (I'm Irish - it's *not* soccer!!) And I must admit, I've always felt somewhat intimidated by the multiple factors that come into play with focus preferences. I need an entire course on this aspect of the XT-4 alone. Have a great weekend, Chris.

[@pal2tech]

🙏 🙏 You too Eamonn!!!!

[@SergevanNeck]

Great video. Just a minor point: it's not necessary to assign a button to the AF mode if you set it to ALL. In that case the rear dial will step through the various zone sizes, wide tracking, and single point, all in one place.

[@REMY.C.]

The best way I found to very quickly change the autofocus modes is to enable AF MODE / ALL in the AF menu, I set my rear joystick to PUSH TO UNLOCK and when I need to change the autofocus mode I just push the joystick and use the rear wheel that's gonna cycle between all modes available as follows: SINGLE POINT --> ZONE --> WIDE TRACKING It'll give you every stage available in any mode then it'll go for the next mode. Oh and it's contextual, that means that it'll give you only the possible modes whether you're in AFS or AFV. Therefore I don't have to assign another button for the AF modes.

[@macolganjames5937]

I have an xt2. How do I set my rear joystick to 'push to unlock'. Thanks.

[@REMY.C.]

@@macolganjames5937 on my xt4 or xpro3 I just push the joystick for a few seconds and the setting appears. I chose Lock and that's it.

[@REMY.C.]

It's PUSH TO UNLOCK, my bad. Very handy when you have your camera on a strap, the joystick rubs the clothes and change the focus area.

[@macolganjames5937]

Got it now thanks. Very handy tip 👌

[@edwardgreenberg8298]

ust can not say enough about this channel. Will be taking a 22 hour flight to Australia in February and plan to watch everyone of your videos in preparation for the trip. You definitely the default video guy when it comes to everything Fuji. Thanks as always.

[@pal2tech]

Edward!! Thank you so much!! 🙏 🙏 That means a lot to me!!

[@glassguy_222]

This is my go to channel whenever I get lost in the fuji settings. Very helpful and thorough .Keep it up!

[@stephenrobinson9923]

Your explanations of Fuji functions are the most understandable of all the KZbin channels. I am working my way thru all your videos and for the first time, for me ever, will support your endeavor.

[@PikPikkabbu]

Fantastic, educational and very useful lesson. Also, I really appreciate Chris's natural friendliness.

[@legacy3340]

I literally just got my xt30 ii. This is a lot of help thank you

[@jerryleow711]

I had tested and proved your theory is correct, now I am convinced to use XT4 instead of changing camera.

[@pal2tech]

👍

[@anthonyfong4922]

Just discovered this video. Thank you. You are a lifesaver. I moved from Nikon to FujiFilm and the learning curve with regards to function is quite steep. Thank goodness for your videos.

[@theshawnmccown]

That slowmo replay killed me. 😆

[@pal2tech]

👍

[@fabiolulliscorza]

Thanks a lot, I finally understand how the auto focus works

[@sayhowling]

very useful! i cant seem to understand this AFC setting but now I do!

[@MattFaris]

Thank you for another amazing video on the Fuji system basics. Just got an xt3 usually shooting canon and these are invaluable!

[@marcin.sobocinski]

Pure gold😀. I was struggling with the proper settings and now I know what I need to put in my custom mode to have the best results! Clearly explained! Thanks.

[@raphaeldekadt3427]

Thanks! A terrific tutorial video! As a long time Fujifilm XT series user, I'll be recommending this to all my Fujifilm user friends!

[@412foto]

very helpful! thank you! Going to use this when shooting an event tomorrow

[@ahmad1080p]

this really helps, I just bought xs20 and I was so upset and disappointed with the focus system, this video gave me lot of understanding.

[@DietrichLasa]

You are a blessing for Fujifilm shooters - so well presented. You are a great pedagogue who doesn't take himself too seriously (which can be stressful). Thank you!

[@r.derrickthomas2909]

Great video Chris! I'm a seasoned Fuji shooter and because of my shooting style I am often switching scenarios and have to capture the moment without spending time configuring the AF settings. I usually just keep my finger on the back-button focus and move the camera accordingly - but this definitely will help me in those quick-capture moments. Keep up the great tutorials - they really help newbies and those with more experience.

[@lino4thmr1985]

Hey Derrick were u able to get better autofocus..n quick capture? Let me know..video looks convincing..but just wanted to know how quick is all the fiddling in real world scenario... especially street n urban portrait scenarios...

[@arunsaraf6710]

Thanks Chris, I have learnt most of the technical aspects of my Fuji camera by watching your channel. I could never imagine that this Zone focusing will be so helpful in improving my hobby.

[@AK-tf2sf]

Thank you SO much for this, I'm a beginner and have my fuji camera that I love, but I've been struggling with the focus. I knew it was my inexperience and not the camera itself. Excited to watch more of your videos and learn more.

[@mrrobbienh]

Brilliant ! Quick and informative description of some [new] autofocus features for me having upgraded from an old XE-1 to the XT30ii 🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@fredriepsaame]

Thanks, Chris. Following your channel for a while and I think I missed this one ☹and it is an eyeopener. I am a streetphotographer in Rotterdam (the Netherlands) for almost 45 years. First shooting first with an Olympus OM-1 (1978 - 1987) and then various Canon cameras from 1987 until 2021. I have a Fujifilm Xpro-3 for almost 2 years now but I am to lazy to read the instructions or any instructions what so ever (I only read what I need😴) and this helps. Keep up the good work. Greetings from the Netherlands.

[@Former_Pilot]

Always a complete and thorough explanation. Welcome for us Fujifilm users.

[@familypics4620]

This video is much better at explaining the mechanism of the af-c custom settings. Thank you!

[@timnightingale4325]

This was really helpful. Fujifilm helped me with the settings recently, which made a big improvement but I am going to try your set up. Capturing birds in flight on this system is a really tough gig, especially compared to the other big brands, who seem to be more advanced in this area. Thank you.

[@cfjpcfjp]

I was seeing the official video from Fuji and... Hmmm... Too difficult... One minute later and pal2tech explains everything so perfectly... Love love love your videos! Thank you!!! And really love your humor 😂

[@IvanKam11]

Hahahaha now I see why CC labeled part of the video "gibberish", 😂😂 But as always, Super super informative (entertaining as well) video Chris!! Thanks for sharing!

[@KNAPPAID]

I know this video is old and the subsequent released camera may have it , but one of the reason i moved to sony from fuji is the lack of general object tracking by either a centre lock on method or the touch to track method equivalent in sony

[@urumps9922]

Got my X-H2S and was searching on how zone area switching works, and i found the perfect answer with you! Thanks !!

[@TheDougoverly]

Chris, this was super helpful to me. I am a hobbyist photographer and have been using Fuji cameras for about 18 months. I tried some of the techniques you outlined just yesterday in a street setting and had some nice results. Thanks for the education! Your videos are awesome!

[@Przem1959]

Lately I was really lost with AF settings and possibilities. So your help has come just in time. Thanks for your Herculean works!

[@jamesthomson7047]

Great video. Really enjoy your content. Please keep up the great work. Thanks again

[@f4.therapy]

Thanks Chris that was super useful, Ive had a Fuji camera for 3 years now and never new exactly how zone focus works, thank you so much! 👍👍👍

[@shaungara3333]

I've just sold my Nikon Bodies and lenses and am going down the Fujifilm route. Your videos are wonderfully informative and your sense of humour is mint 👍😂📷

[@tollarplennie]

Great info. As a sports photographer I constantly struggle with the focus. This I will definitely try, huge thanks in advance:)

[@8213paha]

Hi. What settings are good for running athletes?

[@lovefounder90]

thank u. You are the best people i've seen when learning to use Fujifilm

[@jasonpackard2079]

Excellent, Chris! Thank you for taking the time to teach. It turns out I thought I had a better grasp on these settings than I actually did. You explained them brilliantly. I do a lot of street photography and I’m always experimenting between manual zone focusing and using various auto focus modes. For someone who generally likes to keep their subject just off center, what autofocus/ face eye/ tracking sensitivity, etc settings would you recommend?

[@rizwanislam4951]

Please make a video on double exposure settings on Fujifilm

[@dodgy1954]

Thanks again to you Chris. I have to confess that I have struggled with some aspects of Fujifilm focus settings. This video was / is, like ‘another brick in the wall’; possibly the last on this subject as I think it finally answered any of my remaining queries or confusion relating to the focus settings overall. Perfect!

[@1will4783]

Palztech, you're awesome! I'm new to Fujifilm, not long got the x-s20 & loving it. Your info is so helpful. Thks. Blessings

[@NBPT428]

Thanks Chris. This clears up translation and application of the custom settings submenu. The settings and descriptions from Fujifilm are so ambiguous making it confusing to figure out how each of those custom settings is going to modify the autofocus system. HUGELY Helpful!

[@didierpetre4490]

Congratulations for your clear explanations, even for non-english mother tongue audience

[@SamBorgman]

You just tackled the one thing I needed to learn next. There's just way too much to figure out with modern cameras, especially mirrorless. One year with my XT4 and I'm still learning how to use some features properly. Haven't even touched video yet. And I'm tech savvy too. It's just really hard to remember all the things that need to be changed based on what you're shooting.

[@keithahlstrom176]

Once again I find myself here listening to your energetic info blasts about my little fuji system. Good stuff. Thanks.

[@flossiechops1]

Brilliant advice! Thank you

[@ciaronl]

I'm a long-time Fuji user but I learned a lot from this, thanks!

[@1inkedchick]

Thank you, thank you, thank you!! I love my x-t4 so much but there are so many settings that at times it is overwhelming trying to figure out all the little nooks & crannies in the menu system. This video opened my eyes to a setting that I overlooked. Appreciate your content!

[@rainerlewa3253]

Hello Chris, thank you very much for your great review. Now I'm even more looking forward to my X-t4, which will arrive in the next few days. Keep up the good work and best regards from Germany.