Menu names vary by model
Fujifilm cameras share a lot of common ideas, but menu names, dial layouts and available options differ between models and firmware versions. Treat the paths below as general guidance and check your own camera’s manual for exact locations.
Start with the physical controls
Many Fujifilm X Series bodies put shutter speed, ISO and exposure compensation on dials, and aperture on the lens ring or a command dial. Because the settings are visible on top of the camera, you can often see your setup at a glance without opening menus.
Setting the shutter speed and aperture to A (auto) or choosing values yourself gives the exposure modes you may already know:
- P (Program): both set by the camera; you can use program shift to choose other combinations that give the same exposure.
- S (Shutter priority): you pick shutter speed, the camera picks aperture.
- A (Aperture priority): you pick aperture, the camera picks shutter speed.
- M (Manual): you set both.
Program shift may not be available in every situation, for example during movie recording. For how these controls fit together, see our guide to camera components.
File format
Many enthusiasts shoot RAW for the editing flexibility, while JPEG gives ready-to-share files straight from the camera. Fujifilm’s JPEG output is popular, so some photographers shoot RAW plus JPEG and use whichever they need. RAW files take more space and need processing.
Film simulations
Film simulations are Fujifilm’s color and tone presets, modeled on classic films. Common ones include:
- Provia: standard, natural color for everyday shooting.
- Velvia: more saturation and contrast, often used for landscapes.
- Astia: softer, with gentler skin tones.
- Classic Chrome: muted, documentary-style color.
- Classic Negative: a contrasty look inspired by color negative film.
- Acros: black and white with rich detail.
Which ones are available depends on the model. They are applied to JPEGs, and when you shoot RAW you can usually apply a simulation later in Fujifilm’s software or compatible editors.
Custom recipes and Dynamic Range
You can build your own look by adjusting parameters such as grain, color, highlight and shadow tone, sharpness and white balance shift, then saving it in a custom setting slot. Fujifilm’s own documentation describes seven slots on cameras with this feature.
The Dynamic Range setting (DR100, DR200, DR400) can help protect highlights in high-contrast scenes, a job that HDR bracketing also tackles. Higher DR settings usually require a higher minimum ISO, so check the limits on your model.
Film simulation bracketing
Fujifilm lets you bracket film simulations. The camera records one shot in up to three different simulations, so you get several looks from a single press and can, for example, capture color and black and white together. It is found in the drive or bracketing settings, with the exact menu path depending on whether your camera has a drive dial or drive button.
Function buttons and the Q menu
Assign frequently used settings to function buttons, such as film simulation, focus mode or white balance. The Q menu is a quick menu you can customize to show the settings you change most often. Setting these up once can save a lot of time in menus.
Auto ISO
Auto ISO lets the camera adjust sensitivity so you can fix aperture and shutter speed. Many Fujifilm cameras let you configure several Auto ISO profiles, with settings for the base ISO, maximum ISO and minimum shutter speed. This is a handy way to keep shutter speeds high enough to avoid blur while letting ISO float. A sensible maximum ISO depends on your tolerance for noise and your lighting. For a related approach, see manual mode with auto ISO.
Focus options
- Back-button focus: assigns focusing to a rear button so the shutter button only takes the photo. Many photographers like this for tracking subjects. The autofocus modes guide explains how it fits with single and continuous focus.
- Touch AF: on cameras with touchscreens, tap to set the focus point.
Some people find touch controls handy but accidentally move focus, so test it in practice.
Spirit level and panorama
Many models have an electronic level that you can show in the viewfinder or on screen to keep horizons straight. Cameras also commonly include an in-camera sweep panorama mode for wide scenes.
A simple starting setup
If you are not sure where to begin, try:
- Shoot RAW, or RAW plus JPEG.
- Pick one film simulation you like, such as Provia or Classic Chrome.
- Use aperture priority with Auto ISO and a sensible minimum shutter speed.
- Assign two or three function buttons to settings you adjust often.
- Practice until you can use it without looking.
The best setup is the one you know well and can use quickly. If you are deciding what camera to buy, see mirrorless vs DSLR, and for background on sensors, CCD vs CMOS.