How I Set Up My Fujifilm for Video
I've been shooting on Fujifilm cameras since 2020 - X-H2S, X-T5, and various bodies before them. Over that time I've developed a setup that I now use as a starting point whenever I pick up a new body or hire one in. These aren't universal rules, but they reflect how I work: run-and-gun, often solo, usually delivering fast.
This is the full menu walkthrough.
Movie menu
Shooting mode: Manual. I don't use PASM modes for video - too many variables outside my control.
High speed recording: Off, unless I'm specifically shooting slow motion.
Media recording: Set to Card 1 → 2 for continuous recording. The exception is when shooting ProRes RAW via Atomos, which requires CFExpress - in that case, manage cards manually.
HDMI output: Info display On if not shooting RAW. If recording externally via Atomos, RAW output enabled - I use 6.2K at 24p.
Data level: Video.
Flickerless shutter: Off. I'd rather manage exposure manually than let the camera make decisions for me.
Shooting menu
IS mode: IBIS/OIS. IS boost: Off - I find it introduces a kind of motion stuttering that draws attention to itself.
Zebras: Off. The histogram tells me everything I need.
Movie optimised control: Off. The touchscreen interferes too easily on a busy shoot - a hand, a rig, a cable.
Rec frame indicator: On. The red frame around the image when recording. Simple, useful, worth having.
Shoot without lens: On. Essential for manual or cine lenses.
Shoot without card: Off. Non-negotiable.
Audio menu
Internal mic: Off / 0dB. External mic: On / -9dB. Mic jack: MIC. Limiter: On. Wind and low-cut filters: Off - I'd rather make those decisions in post if needed. Headphones: Level 7.
AF/MF menu
Focus mode: AF-C for video, AF-S for stills. AF mode: Multi or All. AF-C custom: Tracking sensitivity 1, speed maximum. Face/eye detection: Eye Auto. AF+MF: On. MF assist: Peaking, red high. Focus check: On. Touchscreen mode: Off.
User settings
AF beep: Off. Always.
Display: Image display 1.5s, autorotate on for jobs (off for street). FLOG view assist on when shooting log. Framing guideline: HD.
Custom display - what I keep visible: focus frame, histogram, shooting mode, aperture/shutter/ISO, focus mode, white balance, film simulation, frames remaining, image size/quality, movie mode and rec time, mic level, battery, and a card warning. Everything I need, nothing I don't.
Dials: shutter speed on the rear dial, aperture on the front, ISO on the left. This mirrors the traditional film camera layout - fast to reach without looking.
Power management: Auto power off - Off. This causes recording issues, particularly with RAW. Performance: Normal.
My Menu
I keep the following in quick access: Custom mode setting, Film simulation, White balance, AF mode, AF-C custom settings, Face/eye detection, High speed recording, External mic level, Subject detection. The things I change most often on a job. Everything else stays buried.