Features & Functions

Why Face Detection Autofocus is Essential for Vloggers Keeping subjects in sharp focus is paramount for video projects, but that becomes more difficult when you’re filming yourself. Here’s a crucial setting to help

1. High Accuracy

In any camera’s AF system, getting sharp focus on the selected subject is priority number one. For vloggers, the main subject is often a person’s face.

Many of today’s X Series cameras – like FUJIFILM X-M5 and X-S20 – feature Subject Detection AF powered by deep-learning AI technology. This ensures reliable and precise detection of specified subjects, including faces and eyes.

Even when you’re standing against complex, detailed, or distracting backgrounds, you’ll notice a truly impressive accuracy rate, which gives you better footage to work with.

2. Speed and Reliability

Most X Series cameras are built around a hybrid autofocusing system. This means they combine traditional contrast detection and modern phase detection to make AF work.

Without diving into the technicalities, it means your camera has two distinct systems working to achieve focus for greater reliability.

As a more modern technology, phase detection AF is also typically much faster. This means that, within your vlog footage, focus changes from one subject to another will be barely noticeable.

A woman applies makeup in front of a round mirror, with a camera on a tripod recording her, near a window with blinds and a plant.

Photo 2024 © Samio Renelda

3. Continuous Tracking

Once the face detection AF locks onto your face, Fujifilm cameras offer continuous tracking. This ensures that even if you or your subjects move around, the camera will follow their face and keep it in focus without the need for manual adjustments.

4. Customizable Settings

Most X Series cameras offer customization over how the face and eye detection behave. First, you can choose between auto and a left- or right-eye prioritization.

In continuous AF mode, you can also adjust the sensitivity to new subjects and the speed at which focus shifts to them. Preset modes can ignore obstacles or anticipate rapid movement – or you can customize settings to suit your unique vlogging style.

5. Low-Light Performance

Fujifilm’s face detection works exceptionally well even in low-light conditions. This is great for creators who do not always have optimal lighting, which is common in vlogging and spontaneous filming.

For example, with FUJINON XF50mmF1.0 R WR attached, X-S20’s Phase Detection AF works in light conditions as low as -7.0EV. EV is an exposure tool, but many value -7.0EV comparably to a dimly moonlit night.

A person outdoors holding a camera on a stabilizer, smiling and making a peace sign against a clear sky at dusk.

How to Set Face Detection AF with X Series

On modern X Series cameras, press MENU OK then enter the AF/MF SETTING menu.

Next, choose FOCUS MODE and select either CONTINUOUS AF (preferable for vlogging) or SINGLE AF.

Return to the AF/MF SETTING menu and navigate down to FACE/EYE DETECTION SETTING. Select it, then choose FACE DETECTION ON.

Within this menu item, you can pick EYE OFF for facial detection only, or EYE AUTO, RIGHT EYE PRIORITY, or LEFT EYE PRIORITY.

If you want to control the zone in which AF will be triggered, return to the AF/MF SETTING menu and choose AF MODE.

WIDE/TRACKING will ensure any subject within the frame will be considered as a potential AF subject. ZONE narrows down this area a little. SINGLE POINT means AF will ignore subjects in the majority of the frame.