If you’re trying to decide whether the Fujifilm X-T4 is the right camera for you, then this comprehensive Fujifilm X-T4 review is exactly what you need.
For several weeks, I’ve been putting Fujifilm’s newest camera through its paces, with the goal of answering a few key questions:
- What does the X-T4 offer over the X-T3?
- How does the X-T4 compare to other options on the market?
- And, ultimately, is the X-T4 worth the price?
All these questions, and more, will be answered in this review.
So, without further ado, let’s dive right in!
The Fujifilm X-T4: Overview
The Fujifilm X-T4 comes as the latest addition to Fujifilm’s flagship lineup, previously headed by the Fujifilm X-T3. Note that Fujifilm explicitly indicated that the X-T4 does not replace the X-T3, but enters the lineup as a sister model.
In many ways, the X-T3 and the X-T4 are the same; the ergonomics and aesthetics are exceedingly similar, plus you get 26 MP X-trans sensors, dual card slots, and 4K/60p video.
But there are also some fundamental differences. While there’s certainly still room for the X-T3 in a Fujifilm lover’s gear bag, the truth is, the X-T4 is the better camera (though significantly pricier!).
In fact, I’d go so far to say that the X-T4 is one of the absolute best cameras I’ve ever used, and certainly one of my favorites, thanks to its Fujifilm retro charm, as well as its generally strong performance across the board.
Fujifilm is in the business of making all-around cameras: Mirrorless models that can do pretty much anything at a high level, from action to landscape to video. The X-T4 is simply another level of this superb well-roundedness, giving a combination of top-notch handling, improved autofocus, blazing-fast continuous shooting speeds, high-powered video, and excellent image quality.
Here are a few key Fujifilm X-T4 specifications:
- 26 MP APS-C sensor
- 4K/60p video
- Continuous shooting up to 20 fps with electronic shutter (15 fps with mechanical shutter)
- 3.68M-dot electronic viewfinder
- 500 shot-per-charge battery
- Dual SD card slots
- In-body image stabilization
Note that, in purchasing the X-T4, you also get access to Fujifilm’s very impressive array of lenses. Many of these are very reasonably priced, not to mention optically stellar, which is why I consider Fujifilm to be something of a dark horse in the photography world.
That said, there are some drawbacks to buying the X-T4.
While it’s a fantastic all-around camera, it has no particular specialties, which means that it’s probably not the right choice if you’re seeking to capture, say, high-level sports or nothing but detailed HDR landscape photos.
So to find out more about the X-T4, both the good and the bad, read on.
Build Quality
If you’re a long-time Fujifilm shooter, the design of the X-T4 will feel familiar to you. It’s very much in line with the X-T3’s thin, metallic form, though it’s gained a slight amount of bulk, presumably due to the inclusion of IBIS.
For non-Fujifilm shooters, however, holding the X-T4 for the first time may offer a bit of a shock.
First, it feels like a squashed brick; you get a very well-made body, compressed into a compact form. And while the X-T4 does offer a decent-sized handgrip, it’s not as large as what you might expect from a Nikon or Canon camera (and certainly not a Nikon or Canon DSLR), which might take some getting used to.
The Fujifilm X-T4 is weather-sealed, and it feels it; honestly, the whole body just screams durability, which means that you can feel comfortable taking the X-T4 in inclement weather (always important for serious outdoor and nature shooters).
I know I mentioned it above, but I really am a huge fan of the Fujifilm retro aesthetic, which somehow makes the X-T4 feel like less of a finely-crafted tool and more of a camera that works with you.
Handling
As with all Fujifilm cameras, handling is excellent, assuming you don’t mind the old-school dials and switches.
Note that this old-school aesthetic manifests in the form of a dedicated aperture ring on Fujifilm’s lenses, which means that you have to select the aperture by turning the ring on the lens rather than turning a dial on your camera. Also part of the old-school aesthetic is the dedicated ISO, exposure compensation, and shutter speed dials on the top of the X-T4.
I can see how this very external, dial-based handling would annoy some photographers. It’s certainly not built for speed and muscle memory in split-second action, but there’s something really wonderful about setting your shutter speed and ISO via dials on the top of the camera, as opposed to through your camera knobs or touchscreen.
The X-T4’s buttons are well-placed, and I like the focus mode dial on the front (also present on other Fujifilm models); it’s much easier to access in the heat of the moment.
A noticeable upgrade over the X-T3 here is the addition of in-body image stabilization, which allows you to get up to 6.5 extra stops of handholding. This is a huge deal for anyone who frequently shoots in low light, and is a fantastic addition to the X-T4 over the X-T3. In fact, if you haven’t used IBIS before, then you’re going to want to check the X-T4 out immediately. It’s a big help for handheld landscape photography, macro photography, walkaround photography, and much more, further increasing the X-T4’s versatility.
One last handling upgrade worth noting:
The X-T4 comes with a brand-new battery, one that’s rated at 500 images per charge. As with most battery ratings, this one seems to (happily!) undershoot reality. There were at least a few days when I shot over 500 images and still had significant charge left to work with.
For me, and for many shooters out there, this is a big deal. For one, if you’re shooting in adverse conditions, you want to swap batteries as infrequently as possible.
Plus, the better the battery life, the fewer batteries you need to take with you when traveling, for outdoor trips, etc.
Electronic Viewfinder and Rear LCD
The electronic viewfinder looks spectacularly life-like and features a 3.68M-dot resolution. Personally, I neither love nor hate EVFs (they can be great in some situations and terrible in others), but I do think that a minimum resolution of 3.68M-dots is required for good viewing, at least for me, personally, and the X-T4 brings that to the table.
There was never a time when I wished for an optical viewfinder while using the X-T4, and the clarity of the EVF was a huge benefit when working with Fujifilm’s Film Simulation modes (more on these later!).
You also get a fully-articulating rear LCD. This is useful for anyone who prefers to shoot without the EVF to their eye, but it’s especially important for macro photographers, architectural photographers, and landscape photographers in particular; basically, anyone who sets up their camera at odd angles.
With the X-T4’s articulating screen, you can get down-low perspective shots without having to get dirty (and without having to hurt your neck!).
Note that the X-T4’s screen does offer touch functionality, though it’s pretty much limited to setting the autofocus points. This is just fine in my book, because that’s really all I like to use touch screens for since it’s far faster than moving between points with the AF joystick.
Autofocus and Continuous Shooting
The Fujifilm X-T3 was a decent autofocus performer in its own right, but the X-T4 improves on this AF prowess, primarily in terms of tracking. Honestly, I’ve always been impressed by the X-T3’s focusing capabilities, which makes me all the more pleased with the X-T4.
Focusing on still subjects was extremely snappy, even in more difficult lighting situations.
In terms of tracking, I found the X-T4 able to follow predictably moving subjects with ease (e.g., cars), and while my keeper rate wasn’t 100 percent, I was very pleased with the results. Face and eye detection are a bit variable, especially in lower light, but are far from bad.
One of the great things about Fujifilm cameras is the continuous shooting speeds, which are blazing-fast by any metric. On the X-T4, you get 20 fps shooting using the electronic shutter, and this drops to a very respectable 15 fps using the mechanical shutter (up over the 11 fps mechanical shutter on the X-T3).
In fact, continuous shooting is one of the many reasons why the X-T4, and Fujifilm’s top cameras more generally, are such excellent all-around options. While they aren’t really designed as action cameras, you can certainly use them for fast-paced street photography, sports photography, and wildlife photography, assuming you can get the autofocus to work for you.
Image Quality
The X-T4 packs a 26 MP, APS-C sensor, and while it doesn’t offer many changes over the X-T3, it’s still pretty darn powerful.
I tend to be conservative in terms of my tolerance of noise levels, but I feel comfortable pushing the X-T4 to at least ISO 800. Really, noise doesn’t start to become noticeable until around ISO 1600, and images can remain usable through ISO 6400 or so, depending on your purpose.
This is a good performance, especially for an APS-C camera; to my eye, it’s around a half-stop better than the Sony a6600 and pretty much on par with the Nikon Z50. And while the X-T4 can’t quite compete with the full-frame heavy hitters, it’s still plenty useful for photographers seeking a camera that can handle itself in low light.
As mentioned above, one of the benefits of a Fujifilm camera is the film simulation modes, and here the X-T4 doesn’t disappoint. You get 12 high-quality options; it’s a lot of fun to toggle between them, just to see how the world will look with different types of film.
I find these modes to be especially useful for types of shooting where noticeable color grading is acceptable, such as street photography and portrait photography. However, you always have the option of experimenting with film simulation and making changes in post-processing if you’re not pleased.
Price
At the time of writing, the Fujifilm X-T4 costs $1700 USD, which is $500 USD more than its X-T3 sibling, and is nearly $1000 USD more than the X-T30.
And this is where things get a little tricky because while the X-T4 does offer some serious upgrades over the X-T3, I’m just not sure it’s enough to justify $500. If I were trying to decide between the X-T3 and the X-T4, I’d feel more tempted by the X-T3, unless I desperately needed the IBIS or autofocus improvements.
Another issue with the X-T4’s price point is that it puts the camera on par with full-frame options such as the Nikon Z6, and only a few hundred dollars cheaper than the Sony a7 III. This isn’t going to make the X-T4 compelling for DSLR photographers looking to make the leap to mirrorless, or non-Fujifilm mirrorless shooters looking for a more powerful camera.
That said, if you’re already a Fujifilm shooter, or you’re a photographer who appreciates the unique design and all-around capabilities of the X-T4, the $1700 may be worth it.
Verdict
I’m a huge fan of the X-T3.
But I’m an even bigger fan of the X-T4, mostly thanks to the addition of in-body image stabilization, which makes the camera even more impressive for low-light shooting. It’s the ultimate generalist camera for hobbyists and professionals, and it’s an excellent addition to any kit.
Is the X-T4 the best APS-C camera out there?
Truthfully, I think it is. You get excellent image quality, blazing-fast continuous shooting, great handling, dual card slots, good autofocus, and more.
My only reservation is the price, which feels a bit high compared to the X-T3. But you do get in-body image stabilization, as well as improved autofocus, so if you have the extra money to spend, go for it!
You won’t be disappointed.
Summary
Reviewer
Jaymes Dempsey
Review Date
Reviewed Item
Fujifilm X-t4 Mirrorless Camera
Author Rating
