I've been using this wonderful feature to photograph bees in flight, and it works brilliantly! I've never once in all my life managed to capture a bee in flight, and it be in focus, and now I get them frequently. I've also used it to capture the moments that birds take off the ground, and I'm REALLY looking forward to capturing the perfect moments with my brand spanking new grandson! Even though I've been using it, I still learned a couple of things from your excellent video, so thank you!
Darrell, this is exactly the kind of subject matter that PRE-SHOT ES can help you capture, so it's great to hear that you're using it for nailing those incredible nature moments. 👍 I love photographing bees, and it's been fun to experiment and take advantage of the technology that modern cameras offer. Thanks for your comment, keep having fun with your Fuji!
Waow... ive had my xt3 for 2 years now and this is a revelation.... ive tried many times to capture butterflies take off... this will no doubt aid me to nail it in the future!!
Wow! Excellent video! Thanks so much. I recently bought an xt3 after not shooting for about 15 years. There is SO much to learn. I shoot my dog a lot so this technique will surely be very helpful! 🙏
Thanks so much for your comment. Yes, cameras like the X-T3 have so many powerful settings, and my goal is to help people understand how to maximize their creativity with these tools. 👍
Hey Dan, you hit the nail on the head for me, I actually understood exactly what you were trying to get across. Thank you. It couldn't have come at a better time. Since bailing from my Nikon kit (weight in the backcountry) I picked up an X-T20 and learned the new system from your book. It's a great lite little camera but it's not geared for fast mountain bike action. I was going to wait for the X-T4 but the wait is killing me so I'm going to pick up the X-T3 in the next few days. Your video answered questions I had and some questions I didn't know I had ;) about shooting action sports using Fuji. By doing the leg work I think you might have just saved a few people from saying WTF and also added more value to your content. Cheers brother. .
Thanks for the comment, Andrew. And even though the X-T4 has now officially been announced, you really can't go wrong with the X-T3, especially since it's currently on sale for $200 off. Anyway, I hope you can put this technique to good use in your photography!
@@DanBaileyPhoto This will be my 6th year shooting the Boston Marathon but my first year using only Fuji. My D750 handled it well. I'm looking forward to giving your technique a go on the new camera. Cheers
@@DanBaileyPhoto I went to Bromfield last week and they were closed and it looks like for good. There was paper on the windows and when I peeked in all the shelves were bare. :( I went to Hunts at Kenmore Square and they told me that Bromfield left rather hastily. Such a bummer we need more camera shops not less. Thought I'd let you know since you have a history. Cheers
Invaluable explanation here. Thank you. You're so right that the manual's single sentence is totally inadequate to describe this feature, which seems to be rather similar to the Olympus OM series of cameras' "Pro Capture" mode. For example: The Fuji manual doesn't even tell us how many frames sit in that pre-shutter button buffer! It just says a series is taken. What a strange omission. Comparing the two systems, it seems as if the 20 frames captured by the Fuji are a lower, set number, whereas OM-D cameras can record a settable number of up to 60 frames before the shutter button is depressed. Sony cameras also have a pre-shutter button feature, only for slow-motion video. One sets up the high frame rate mode so that it records its sequence either before or after the shutter button is depressed. I'm not sure whether they've got a stills mode for the same way of shooting... I know my old RX10iii does not. You used the example of bikers here. All of these features are absolutely tailor-made for unpredictable wildlife. Focus on the bird as it sits on a branch, and wait for it to take flight. One just cannot consistently hit the shutter at the right moment for those bursts of shots, but this mode lets them happen. I am thrilled to have stumbled across this. Thanks again.
Ian, thanks for your comment. Yes, I do know that Olympus has a similar feature. Nikon actually had something like this on their older AW action point and shoots, but it wasn't explained or highlighted very well. The Fuji PRE-SHOT system works extremely well, and I have indeed found it to be invaluable for photographing birds. I shot quite a few flying bird scenes last spring with my 55-200 lens, and even thought that lens isn't considered the fastest AF zoom lens in the Fuji line, using PRE-SHOT ES allowed me to nail a number of great images with that lens. Have fun with it!
Awesome!!! Wish I could be there at Cross Crusade this weekend! I have a few friends from Anchorage who went down to race. Pre-shot ES will definitely help; have fun shooting and let me know how it goes!!
Thanks for the tip! I’ve seen the option in the menu for a long time, but I hadn’t taken the time to look into it because I didn’t realize how helpful it could be.
@@DanBaileyPhoto It does seem like it struggles to keep up, but I do get some great shots with it regardless. What might you recommend for a Fuji sports lense?
In my experience, the best sports lens for the X Series is the 100-400. It has an incredibly fast AF motor, and its long zoom lets you get really close and get some awesome telephoto/compression shots. The 50-140 is also an excellent pro quality sports lens. Both are highly recommended.
Edwin, thanks for your comment. PRESHOT ES is definitely a cool feature, but there manual gives very little documentation on how you can actually use it in real life situations.
Those should be good subjects to use with PRE-SHOT ES. I've shot a lot of biking with this technique, and with windsurfing, you have the dynamic element of all that splashing water. Good luck!
Thanks for the video. I too have been enjoying this feature for action sports. Sometimes It really helps on those days when my reaction time is a little off.
Thanks Dan, a really informative video. I'm going to give it a try. I wanted to also say that I really enjoyed your X Camera E-book. Some very useful information that's not in any manual.
Mark, thanks for the comment and your feedback on my X Series ebook. I'm glad you're finding that to be a helpful resource, and I'm glad this was a helpful lesson for you. I hope you can put this technique to good use and capture some really cool moments!
Thanks, Mike. Due to the fact that this feature is tied to the faster electronic shutter read rates that were made possible by the faster processor of the newer cameras (X-T3 and later), I don't think it will be added to the models. Right now, it's found in the X-T3/4, X-Pro3 and X-T30.
Dan Bailey I like to “attempt” to photograph flight and action. I just upgraded to the XT4 from the 2. Will give this setting a whirl tomorrow at a wetlands trust. Thanks
Not there yet Dan w/my XT -2 and XT-1 but serious reviewing XT-4. Will sell the two and one. Figure I have one more good camera in these old bones and could really benefit with the stabilization. Of course if the lottery comes in I will be riding with you and maybe a wide format. :)
Thank you very much Dan, for this useful tutorial! Will this Pre-shot ES feature also work with BBF (i.e. if I use a back button instead of half-pressing the shutter button)?
Hi Johannes - No, PRE-SHOT ES is directly tied to the shutter button, so it will not work with BBF, or any other configuration where you assign focus to another Fn button. Hope that helps.
@@DanBaileyPhoto I have a fuji xe-4 camera with which I am very satisfied... I generally take portrait photography, but I also like landscape photography. Because fuji lenses are very expensive, for now I only managed to buy a 35 mm 1.4 R and XC 16-50 mm..
hi dan. finest video. but maybe you should show the settings with a glance on the camera back, just to highlight your steps. looking forward to your next tipps on fuji x100v!!! cheers jan
Thanks for the comment, Jan. Good idea, I'll keep that in mind for future videos. I think I did something like that on one of my Fuji tutorials. I've been having fun with the X100V. Previously, I'd never used the X100 series cameras before, but I'm finding it to be a cool little camera. After all, it's the original X Series, right? The new V model has the same creative features which were introduced on the X-Pro 3, like Color Chrome FX Blue, Tone Curves and the new Classic Neg film sim, which I LOVE! Hope you're doing well right now and staying creative when you can. Take care! -D
I've only just seen this and I think you may have saved me a lot of money as have been thinking of changing to another camera system, which would mean at least one new lens, just to get this, or a similar feature. As it stands, so long as this Pre Shot ES works with a Fujinon 100-400mm lens on the camera, all I need to do is buy a new or even second hand XT-4..... Would appreciate your thoughts!! Thank you!
Hey there - Yes, I can definitely confirm that PRE-SHOT ES works extremely well with the Fujinon XF100-400mm lens, which has incredibly fast autofocus. I use this setting all the time with my own 100-400 and X-T3/4, and see excellent results, shooting everything from fast cycling races to flying birds, and even quickly changing portraits/lifestyle. PRE-SHOT ES basically turns your Fuji into an action shooting powerhouse. What kinds of subjects do you like to shoot?
@@DanBaileyPhoto Thank you for confirming that. I was also wondering whether the 70-300mm lens would be any good, as I do find my 100-400 rather heavy. I shoot mostly wildlife and birds.....
Pre-Shot ES does help when shooting with the 70-300, but that lens does not have nearly the same AF performance of the 100-400. That said, with this setting and practice, it’s definitely possible to capture birds with slightly lower performing AF lenses.
@@DanBaileyPhoto Thank you very much for both your replies which I find most helpful. Since I do already have the 400mm lens anyway, that certainly seems the way to go, then, along with getting an XT 4 as an upgrade from my XT 2. I'm really pleased that the XT 4 has the feature I've been looking for, and doubly pleased to have found your video! I never would have realised otherwise. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience.
You're welcome. 👍 And if you're coming from the X-T4, you will find the X-T4 to be an incredible upgrade with regards to speed and AF tracking, especially with the 100-400mm lens. In my experience, that may very well be the best performing Fuji lens for shooting fast action.
Luis, that depends on a number of factors, just like any photo. Overall image quality is not affected by using this technique. As long as you use good glass and a fast enough shutter speed, your pictures will be sharp.
This is such an important feature ! Three questions: 1. Can you hold the shutter half pressed indefinitely and it buffer indefinitely? 2. Can this process be done remotely? 3. Does anyone know if such a feature is available on other brands? And if not, gee wow why the heck not? This has so many use scenarios it's ridiculous. Practically unlimited. . Pre-shot for video would also be great !
1. Yes, but if you hold the shutter down, the buffer will continually refresh. I think the buffer will hold something like 20 images. 2. No, it cannot be done remotely. You have to have your finger on the shutter. 3. Yes, Olympus has a similar feature on some of their models, and I know that Nikon experimented with this kind of features a number of years ago on one of their early mirrorless "action" cameras. I don't know if the other manufactures have included similar features in their latest models, but the technology is there. It is definitely a very useful feature for shooting fast subjects.
I appreciate your efforts in transferring theoretical knowledge. However, when I try to apply the settings you have discussed I cannot apply them to the chamber as they are not presented. It is useless to have photographs illustrating the theory if you don't know what the actual camera settings are!
Hi there, thanks for your comment! I'm sorry if I wasn't clear here... please let me know what you don't fully understand about this setting I've discussed, and I will try to clarify further. What Fuji do you use and what do you like to photograph?
Hey Jax - No, PRE-SHOT ES is only activated when pressing the shutter button. Question: are you a longtime back button focus user? I've found that when shooting fast action with tracking autofocus, it's way easier and more efficient to use the standard method of shutter button focus.
Hey Adam! Yes, I started doing these video lessons about a year and half ago. Make sure you spread the word, and maybe when this is all over, I can come back and see you guys again! Say hi to Ben for me!
@@DanBaileyPhoto Thats Awesome! Yeah that would be great maybe we can even do some sort of web based thing until things get back to normal lol. Will do!
Geoff, yes it does. The orientation of the focus zones in the viewfinder is independent of how you actually activate the focus via front or back button.
Hi Dan! Nice information on the Pre-Shot ES. I've been using it on my X-T3, however, on my X100V there was no menu setting as there is to turn on PreShotES in menu on X-T3. I have been looking through the X-T4 manual online and I don't see a menu item or even a mention as to the function of the PreShotES. Are you sure if it is available on X-T4 or is it just a hidden feature dependent on camera settings?
Thanks for your comment. You are correct, PRE-SHOT is not found in the X100V, but it is definitely included as a feature on the X-T4. It’s in the Shooting Settings Menu: fujifilm-dsc.com/en/manual/x-t4/menu_shooting/shooting_setting/index.html
Dan Bailey okay. I see that it is listed as a menu function on the XT4. It does work on X100V you just don’t have a clear menu setting for it. Primarily x100v requires you be in ES setting and then pick a frame rate from choices of 8, 10, or 20 frames per second. Half depressing shutter activates it just the same. Thanks for your reply.
@@Corkstercam I just checked on my X100V. It does have high speed ES (Electronic Shutter) shooting, but not the PRE-SHOT ES function. Half pressing activates the AF tracking, but it does not actually capture and write images to the buffer on that model.
@@DanBaileyPhoto Actually the X100V does have Pre_Shot ES function. It just doesn't have a menu tab and it is different in that you don't have to worry about setting drive to CH, in fact when you set Shutter to ES the CH in drive mode is greyed out.
@@DanBaileyPhoto Here is what I have found for the X100V: it looks like if I go to Continuous ES, it shows the drive mode automatically switches to "ES" and the CH is grayed out. However, when I half depress the shutter it does buffer images until I fully depress the shutter and it stores those pre-shots to the card. I am finding it works best in "S" single shot mode and doesn't appear to work in "C" continuous shot mode or manual mode. So, what was confusing, is the instruction for the other cameras says to independently set ES and CH and the X100V doesn't have that capability. It has settings in the drive mode for 8FPS, 10FPS and 20 FPS while in ES Drive mode.. I know it will do Pre Shot in the 10FPS and will do more testing to see if it will in the 20 FPS. There are also choices of 30crop, 20crop, and 10 crop speeds so I guess what is happening you are choosing the FPS setting in the ES drive setting rather than in addition to being in burst mode. At least for now I know if I am in ES shutter mode, 10FPS and Single shot mode it is storing images in buffer until the shutter is fully depress. Once fully depressed in records the buffered shots and however many FPS you have chosen while the shutter is fully depressed. Again, there is no indicator you are in Pre-ShotES mode. Here is a screen shot of the back of the camera when you are ready for PReShotES: facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=3613095825367273&set=p.3613095825367273&type=3&theater
Sure, here’s a post I wrote that describes how Focus Bracketing works on the Fuji cameras. danbaileyphoto.com/blog/how-to-use-fujifilms-new-focus-bracketing-feature/ Let me know if you have any questions.
Great video, so glad I found it! I too love to take images if MTB riders. I went to enable this setting on my X-T4 to play around with it but unfortunately the option to enable it is greyed out (it's set to off but on is in grey). I have my shutter type set to ES. Is there another setting I'm missing? Thanks for the help!
Thanks, I’m glad you found me! For PRE-SHOT ES, the camera also needs to be in CH mode (Continuous High). Make sure that’s enabled on your Drive Dial. Also, make sure the autofocus is set to AF-C. Let me know if this works.
@@DanBaileyPhoto thanks, will do. I live in Nashville so I’ve ridden all the trails in mid Tennessee. I go to Chattanooga often as well. Hoping to venture out a bit more this coming year. Already have Florida plans and a west trip in the works.
Well, this is driving me mad! I have a new x100v and I have been trying to make this work. I have come to the conclusion that pre shot es is NOT available on the x100v. There is no pre shot es in the shooting menu and having looked at an xt4 video of the same set up it shows in the menu on that camera. I now feel cheated 😂 still love my x100v though! The firmware is at the latest version as well !
Frank, you are correct. Although it has the same sensitivity and processor as the other high-end Fujis, and it has a nearly identical menu setup, the X100V does not have the PRE-SHOT ES feature. I went round and round about this with someone who insisted that it does have PRE-SHOT ES. At any rate, you’re right. Kind of a bummer, but first really take away from the fact that the X100V is one sweet little camera. I love mine too. 📷💙 What di you like to shoot with yours?
@@DanBaileyPhoto Thanks Dan, I’ll use it when I end up with an xt4 ! At the moment I’m moving house and in the middle of lockdown so a bit limited in opportunities for subjects, so just getting my head around all the settings and having fun with it. I’m using it as my sole camera for the next few months to get some discipline going. So far, some rain on a clematis stalk and a bit of snow and anything that catches my eye 😂 Loving it so far, it’s like my film cameras from the 70’s!
Frank, I think that during the past year, I've used my X100V as much, if not even more than I've used the X-T3. I absolutely love the Classic Neg film sim and the new Clarity setting. Those two things, and its extremely close focus capabilities, have made for a whole lot of fun during this otherwise stressful time of lockdown and keep away.
Unfortunately, the XT-200 doesn't have this features. PRE-SHOT ES requires the faster processor that's used in the higher end Fuji models. You do have a fast electronic shutter, so this can help with trying to capture very fast action, but it just doesn't have the PRE-SHOT feature.
Hey Jarlath, thanks for your comment. I'm fairly certain that the X100V never did have the PRE-SHOT ES setting. Purely a marketing;/positioning decision for this particular model. What do you like to shoot with your X100V
hello from russia! thank you for the video! I'll try your settings! i have fujifilm xt 3 50-140 @stadiongigant Please take a look and see if you can advise. Respectfully yours, Michael. Russia city Krasnodar
Hello Michael, thanks for your comment. With your camera/lens setup, this PRE-SHOT ES setting should help you get better results when shooting fast moving subjects. Let me know how it works for you!
