Thoughts on the Fuji X-T4
Having used Fuji X-Series cameras now since the original X100 (which I still have) and the X-Pro1 (which I don’t) I’m always following what the company does, even if I don’t always agree. Today, Fuji announced the X-T4 and its interesting because I think it represents a solid maturing of the X-T line.
I’m not going to bore you with specs or link to every different blog and video I can find on the camera, because there are plenty of other sites which do that already. If you want a good overall review, then DPReview have you covered. Instead I’m just gong to share my two cents.
This post is intended as a discussion of the camera, both good and bad, and some observations of the market. Here’s the short version - I’m going to compliment Fujifilm for producing a near perfect evolution of the X-T line, but I question the price and market position and I ponder where they will go from here?
The X-T4 is an evolution of the X-T3 in a good way. It uses the same sensor, but addresses many of the shortcomings of the previous model. In particular, it adds IBIS and also features a bigger battery, which were two of the biggest criticisms of the older model. Another feature that will be welcome for some is the new fully articulating screen, although some photographers prefer a simple tilting one. For video users though, it will be an advantage, especially if you want to use it for vlogging.
Overall, it’s a maturation of the line that began with the X-T1 and X-T2, but its not a huge leap. Still, I find it hard to see what else they can add to this model now, without a significant sensor bump. I think this is about as good as one could make an APSC camera, at least in terms of specs. As an all around hybrid camera (still and video) it has packed the features in and its hard to criticise in a major way.
I also like the refined look. The new EVF bump design and grip give it a nice compact but tough look. I especially like the black model. Again, it’s all about refinement, but there’s just something about it that makes it look modern, almost futuristic, despite its retro heritage.
There are a couple of minor negatives though. In terms of pure image quality, this is essentially the same as every other Fuji camera for the last 4 years. While the company did jump from 24 to 26mp when the X-T3 was released, in my opinion, the image quality is pretty much the same since they started using 24mp (cue hate mail telling me that this isn’t the case). While this is a good sensor, with the increase in competition from other mirrorless cameras, many offering full frame sensors for similar prices, Fuji will need to improve on this in some way in the next iteration in order to stay competitive.
The biggest negative for me is the price. At $1699 its only a $100 cheaper than a Nikon Z6 which offers may of the same features but with a full frame sensor. The Sony A7III is also similarly priced. And despite the Fuji shooters mantra that Fuji's cropped sensors are as good as full frame, this is demonstrably untrue, especially with the modern sensors in the likes of the Sony A73 and the Nikon Z6. (To be fair, Fujifilm no longer makes that claim - but some fans still do) It’s also an increase in price over the X-T3. While this gives you IBIS, you loose an included charger, and this will be an additional expense. Now, you can defend this because, IBIS is obviously expensive, but Sony has the IBIS equipped A6600 for $200 cheaper. It also makes you wonder what the future of the X-H line will be, as this basically makes the X-H1 obsolete.
One other thing to consider, is whether or not some of the software features in this camera will make it to other models. Fuji made a name for itself with its generous firmware updates, but this seems to have petered out lately. Given that there isn’t a huge difference between the X-T4 and the X-T3 in terms of hardware (apart from IBIS - its the same sensor and processor) it would seem like something they might do, but its not entirely impossible that Fuji keeps the new features (new simulations, new curves modes etc) for the X-T4 and X-Pro3. Another questions is whether or not the X-Pro 3 will get the new bleach bypass film simulation. This isn’t just my speculation by the way, others have pointed this out recently too, that Fuji seems to have stopped doing the major feature firmware updates. This could lead to a degree of fragmentation across the line if different models have different film simulations and on-board software functions, but this could well be intentional.
Of course, for Fuji fans none of this matters, and I’m not pointing out any of the negatives or price comparisons to takeaway from the camera. As I said, it’s a significant evolution of the line, to the point of near perfection for what it is. I am certainly considering it to replace my (currently non-functioning) X-Pro 2, and to be honest, I wasn’t sure I would ever buy a new fuji after my recent reliability issues. The X-T4 has me definitely reconsidering this opinion.
Preorder
Preorder the Fujifilm X-T4: AmazonUSA | BH Photo | Amazon UK (Not yet listed)
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