- Fujifilm’s newest mirrorless camera packs clever tech into a retro body.
- Subject detection uses deep-learning AI to recognise and focus on cars.
- ‘Surround View’ function also allows you to see the car before it comes into the frame.
Taking photos of moving cars is one of those things that is easy to do, but difficult to master, and camera maker Fujifilm has had a solution to this for a while now with its ‘subject detection’ system that includes a setting for cars, which has now been given a boost with its latest release, the X-E5 mirrorless camera.
The X-E5 now boasts a subject detection system that uses deep-learning AI technology to detect animals, birds, airplanes, trains, insects, and drones, as well as cars, motorcycles and bicycles.
Selecting the “Automobile” setting will prioritise cars and, once enabled, the camera will automatically detect and track a car within the focus area, prioritising focus on the car, even if other subjects are in the frame.
The X-E5 is the latest addition to the X Series of mirrorless digital cameras, with the company saying it offers “stunning image quality, classic styling, and advanced features in a sleek, portable design.”
The X-E5’s compact body weighing approximately 445g, making it perfect for roadtrips, and it uses Fujifilm’s powerful 40.2MP back-illuminated CMOS 5 HR sensor and high-speed X-Processor 5.
For the first time in the X-E series, the X-E5 is equipped with a five-axis in-body image stabilisation (IBIS)
mechanism, offering up to 7.0 stops of stabilisation in the centre of the frame, making those moving car shots and low light shots sharper and more stable.
The X-E5 also has another feature that will make moving car shots easier. The Surround View function displays a semi-transparent or outlined area outside the actual image that enables the user to see outside the EVF frame to easily monitor what’s about to come into frame.
Fujifilm says the X-E5 sees the debut of a new top plate made entirely from machined aluminium, combining crisp edges with smooth curves to “deliver a refined, tactile feel in hand” and is available at participating retailers or online at Fujifilm.com, for a RRP $2899NZD (body only).
Here’s some handy tips for taking photos of a moving car:
1. Use the Right Gear
A DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual settings is ideal. Pair it with a fast lens (f/2.8 or lower) and a zoom in the 70–200mm range for flexibility. A camera with good autofocus tracking and burst shooting mode will also make a big difference.
2. Master Panning
Panning involves moving your camera in sync with the car’s motion while using a slower shutter speed (e.g., 1/60 to 1/125 seconds). This keeps the car sharp while blurring the background, creating a dramatic sense of speed.
3. Use the Right Shutter Speed
Faster shutter speeds (1/1000 or higher) freeze motion, ideal for sharp, clean images. Slower speeds, on the other hand, introduce motion blur that can add excitement and energy to the shot.
4. Find a Good Location
Choose a spot with a clear view, safe footing, and an interesting background. Corners or sweeping bends work well because the car naturally slows down and you can capture more angles.
5. Focus Ahead
Anticipate where the car will be and pre-focus your camera there. This technique, combined with continuous autofocus, increases your chances of getting a crisp image.
6. Shoot in Burst Mode
Use continuous shooting mode to take multiple frames per second. This gives you a greater chance of capturing the perfect moment.
7. Experiment and Practice
Every car, lighting condition, and location is different. Try different angles, settings, and techniques. Practice is key to improving.