Fujifilm X-T4 Review

The Fujifilm X-T4 shown with the XF 23mm f/1.4 R

Fuji X-T4 Review

Fujifilm X-T4 vs. X-T3 vs. X-H1

I took the Fujifilm X-T4 out for a spin over a weekend and was looking forward to seeing how it would stack up against the X-T3 and X-H1.

The X-T4 is a true hybrid shooter camera and the specs are indeed impressive. There is a lot to be happy about if you are a Fujifilm X Series photographer or looking to enter the X Series for the first time.

I am primarily a stills photographer and this review will only briefly go into video details about the Fujifilm X-T4, though Fujifilm has clearly made some positive strides on this model to keep video shooters happy.

The Fujifilm X-T4 shown with an XF 35mm f/1.4 R

Fujifilm X-T4 Introduction

When the Fujifilm X-T4 hit the market in the spring of 2020 it had only been 18 short months since the Fujifilm X-T3 was released.

And with that said the X-T3 was considered cutting-edge at the time of its release in 2018. The camera market is extremely competitive and camera renewal cycles for some models are becoming more frequent.

Sony, I believe, has set the precedent for this. While it creates excitement among camera enthusiasts I also find that if you try to take part in this race, you will be spending more and more on upgrades, and yet, more rapidly you will be stuck with the second-best camera

Not that this should be overly important but I wanted to mention that this can be a tricky balance to strike for manufacturers as well as consumers.

A man is doing stretches at English Bay Beach at sunset. Sample image from a Fujifilm X-T4 — English Bay, Vancouver, Fujifilm X-T4, XF 90mm f/2 R LM WR @ f/5.6

Cast my quick market analysis aside and there is plenty to be excited about with the Fujifilm X-T4. I will mention the new battery first as we have been waiting for this for some time.

IBIS, image stabilization was first introduced in the Fujifilm X-H1 and now here it is in the X-T4 in a new and lighter version.

We have a new fully articulating screen, better video specs, and a couple of new film simulations. More about the upgrades later.

When you first pick up the Fujifilm X-T4 it feels like a perfect merge between the Fujifilm X-H1 and Fujifilm X-T3. You could say it is the best of both worlds and at a price point only slightly higher than the Fujifilm X-T3 when it was first released.

In the paragraphs below I will share my thoughts on the important differences/similarities between the Fujifilm X-T3 and Fujifilm X-H1. I will also question whether the Fujifilm X-T4 still has a soul or perhaps has lost it.

Fujifilm X-T4 mirrorless camera with an XF 35mm f/1.4 R lens — The Fujifilm X-T4 with an XF 35mm f/1.4 R

Handling and Build Quality

My first reaction was: Yes, they finally got the X-T series right. I view the X-T cameras more as working cameras than the X-Pro or X-E series. (Not that you cannot work with an X-Pro or X-E camera).

When on a gig it is assuring to have a solid grip on the camera and buttons should be easy to access and have a nice quality feel.

While maintaining a low weight, 18.5 oz / 526 g, the Fujifilm X-T4 feels as if it will stand the test of time. It has a quality feel to it and nothing feels flimsy or put together by hap-chance.

English Bay sunset in Vancouver. A sample image from a Fujifilm X-T4 — English Bay, Vancouver, Fujifilm X-T4, XF 90mm f/2 R LM WR @ f/5.6

The exposure compensation dial, like on the Fujifilm X-T3, can only be handled properly using two fingers. To alleviate this problem, I set it to the C position and used the back command dial for exposure compensation.

I tested the Fujifilm X-T4 during the summer months but can imagine that the compensation dial may be easier to adjust with gloves on a cold winter day. The new shutter sound is quiet and well-dampened. I was afraid it would be too quiet as I still enjoy the affirming sound of a shutter. I think they got it just right.

A family, all wearing face masks, walk along English Bay in Vancouver at sunset while passing by an ice cream truck. Sample image from a Fujifilm X-T4 camera with an XF 23mm f/1.4 R lens — English Bay Beach, Vancouver, Fujifilm X-T4, XF 23mm f/1.4 R @ f/2.8

Fujifilm X-T4 in Action

I am familiar with other Fujifilm X Series cameras and had the X-T4 set up to my liking fairly quickly. My tester came with a manual but if you are new to Fujifilm or want to utilize all features in this camera there is a long list to go through in order to set it up properly.

Although I did not shoot video during my test the new quick switch between video and stills can not be praised enough. (I did shoot one clip, which I will not show here, to test the IBIS handheld with my XF 90mm lens and it was very impressive and would certainly do for usable footage).

Two people walk along the beach at English Bay in Vancouver. Sample image from a Fujifilm X-T4 — English Bay, Vancouver, Fujifilm X-T4, XF 35mm f/1.4 R @ f/7.1

Touch Screen and EVF

I decided to give the touchscreen functionality another try. If you have read my Fujifilm X-T3 and Fujifilm X-H1 reviews you will know I turned this feature off as I inadvertently would switch settings unintentionally.

I am happy to report I am getting on with this feature more so and actually enjoyed shooting a few frames by hitting the focus point on the LCD.

The OLED EVF, 0.75x magnification, 3.69m dot is big bright and impressive. I did boost the colors in the user settings as they looked flat to me or slightly off on the white balance. This will be a matter of preference.

Kids are playing on the rocks at English Bay in Vancouver. Sample image from a Fujifilm X-T4 — English Bay, Vancouver, Fujifilm X-T4, XF 90mm f/2 R LM WR @ f/2.8

Fully Articulating Screen for Vloggers

The fully articulating screen is great or not so great depending on your preference. You may enjoy it if you are a Vlogger but I prefer the articulating screens of the Fujifilm X-T3 or Fujifilm X-H1.

I would not call it a deal-breaker and could easily live with the Fujifilm X-T4 screen. I do see the advantage of completely hiding the LCD during long walks/hikes or when transporting or packing away your gear in order to protect it.

Fujifilm X-T4 Autofocus

Through a new algorithm, the Fujifilm X-T4 has improved on autofocus but in my limited testing, I found no meaningful difference to a Fujifilm X-T3 or Fujifilm X-H1 for single-shot shooting except perhaps for eye-tracking which continues to see improvement.

With that said I did not get a chance to stress test the Fujifilm X-T4 for any autofocus tracking. For travel photography, I rarely need blazing speeds. Keep in mind the Fujifilm X-T3 should be capable of the same autofocus ability and may receive these improvements in a firmware update.

Fujifilm X-T4 shown with an XF 14mm f/2.8 R

Fujifilm X-T4 vs. X-T3

The first thing that pops into mind is the significant price difference between the Fujifilm X-T4 and Fujifilm X-T3. As of August 2020, the Fujifilm X-T3 has been reduced to $999.00 while the Fujifilm X-T4 is listed at $1,699,00.

The engine/processor and sensor of these two cameras are the same. The new battery in the Fujifilm X-T4, NP-W235 will get you 500 shots per charge compared to 390 in the X-T3 with the NP-W126.

The form factor may sway you in one or the other direction. While they are almost identical in weight the Fujifilm X-T4 is the larger camera. Personally, I prefer the size, feel, and grip of the X-T4.

Howe Sound and the mountains of Vancouver Island. Sample image from a Fujifilm X-T4 with the XF 90mm f/2 R LM WR — Straight of Georgia and the mountain range on Vancouver Island, Fujifilm X-T4, XF 90mm f/2 R LM WR @ f/11

Film Simulations

The Fujifilm X-T4 boasts a couple of new film simulations. The Bleach Bypass simulation is based on a darkroom technique where you skip or limit the bleach during the development of color film, which retains the silver in the film and it creates a high contrast desaturated look.

The popular Classic Neg. film simulation is based on Fujifilm’s Superia negative film. I have found the Classic Neg. very pleasing and will share a few sample images below.

Image Stabilization

IBIS, the 5-axis image stabilizer is the big news for the Fujifilm X-T4 and could be a deal-breaker if you want to shoot video handheld.

The Fujifilm X-T3, however, packs a lot of punch and perhaps represents the best value currently in the X Series. Keep in mind, if you own a gimbal, tripod, monopod, or rail you have alternative ways to create a stabilized video.

Flower shopping on Main Street in Vancouver. Sample image from a Fujifilm X-T4 — Main Street, Vancouver, Fujifilm X-T4, XF 35mm f/1.4 R @ f/4

Fujifilm X-T4 vs. X-H1

On paper, the Fujifilm X-T4 and Fujifilm X-H1 seem far apart although the X-H1 was released only two years earlier. The X-H1 will still produce excellent images/footage with its 24-megapixel X-Trans III sensor vs. the 26-megapixel X-Trans IV sensor in the X-T4.

Both cameras have IBIS, with the X-T4 sporting a newer lightweight version. In my test, I was able to handhold the X-T4 and get sharp images down to 1/15th of a second.

I tested using the XF 90mm f/2 R LM WR, XF 35mm f/1.4 R, and XF 14mm f/2.8 R. Checking my review of the Fujifilm X-H1, I had sharp images down to 1/8th of a second.

A Fujifilm X-T4 set up for vlogging with fully turning articulating LCD and Rode VideoMic Me — Fujifilm X-T4 with the XF 23mm f/1.4 R, fully articulating screen, and Rode VideoMic ready for Vlogging.

These tests are unscientific and should be taken with a grain of salt as they were not done side by side or at the same time. I no longer own the X-H1.

Going from memory, I recall the X-H1 being a slightly better IBIS performer. This could have something to do with the camera being heavier, the shutter being more dampened, and having a slightly larger grip.

At 23.7 oz, 673 g, the X-H1 is the beefier of the two compared to 18.5 oz, 526 g, for the X-T4. While the X-T4 feels excellent I still recall the X-H1 as being refined to a slightly higher degree.

I spotted a used X-H1 today on Craigslist for $760.00 which I find represents very good value.

Fujifilm X-T4 Image Quality

The Fujifilm X-T4 is the fourth camera I have tested using the X-Trans IV sensor, the others being the X-T3, X-T30, and Fujifilm X-Pro3.

I cannot say I was surprised by the results as I knew what to expect. Nor was I disappointed. With the IBIS in the X-T4, this should be as good as it gets for the APS-C-based Fujifilm X Series cameras.

The IBIS is a big contributor to the final outcome of your images from a Fujifilm X-T4. IBIS is not only useful for video. I mainly shoot stills with prime lenses, none of which have image stabilization.

The IBIS brings the keeper rate up and gives me the ability to stop my lenses down for greater depth of field if so desired, while still maintaining low ISO, and I can do so with lower than usual shutter speeds and still get sharp images.

I have found IBIS very useful for landscape photography, handheld product photography, shooting handheld inside, or in any low light conditions.

Conclusion

Has the Fujifilm X-T4 lost its soul? Not really but it came to mind as it no longer is the “small Honda Civic” which may have lured some of us into the Fujifilm system in the first place. It will appeal to a new audience who are attracted to the analog feel of a camera with a competitive feature set.

The Fujifilm X-T4 is getting more and more features and I will not complain about improvements such as IBIS and a new and better battery. This does come at a cost of a slightly bigger form factor but kudos to Fujifilm for keeping the weight in check.

A big Coca Cola sign in a window display along Main Street in Vancouver. Sample image from a Fujifilm X-T4 and XF 35mm f/1.4 R — Main Street, Vancouver, Fujifilm X-T4, XF 35mm f/1.4 R @ f/1.4

The Fujifilm X-T4 would most certainly be a suitable travel companion as long as you are willing to carry a slightly bigger camera.

Only time will tell how far Fujifilm will push the envelope with the upcoming X-H2. rumored to be released in 2022. This should be a top-of-the-line performer and we may see a new sensor for what it is worth.

Video specs will most likely be top shelf and if Fujifilm continues to refine the X-H series it could be worth the wait for some. It will likely inherit the new battery from the X-T4 and hopefully the new quick switch from stills to video shooting.

Where does this leave the Fujifilm X-T4 or the photographer who decides to pick up an X-T4 in 2020? If you need the specs of the X-T4, do not wait around. There will always be something better around the corner but the improvements will be incremental and also come at a higher cost.

Sunset over English Bay in Vancouver. Sample image from a Fujifilm X-T4 — English Bay, Vancouver, Fujifilm X-T4, XF 90mm f/2 R LM WR @ f/5.6

I predict the X-H2 to come in just under $2,000 which will put it in close competition with some full-frame cameras. Fujifilm may surprise me but we shall see. Until then there is plenty to be excited about with the Fujifilm X-T4.

Pros

Great Vlogging camera with a fully articulating screen
The best video features in a Fujifilm camera to date
Image stabilization
New battery
Good ergonimics

Cons

Some may prefer regular LCD implementation

Update:

I have now had a chance to review the new X-H2S and X-H2 cameras from Fujifilm. You can read the reviews here:

Fujifilm X-H2S Review
Fujifilm X-H2 Review

Please see more sample images below.

Price / Availability

Thank you for reading my review. If you are planning a purchase and would like to support us, you can do so, at no additional cost, by using the affiliate link below. A small commission goes to us and helps us keep the wheels turning at 5050 Travelog.

Check the current price at B&H Photo

Fujifilm X-T5, B&H Photo

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Fujifilm X-T4 - Sample Images

Below are a few sample images from Vancouver, processed in Capture One Express. Some images are slightly cropped and on some of the images, I have used Fujifilm film simulations, such as Classic Neg., Velvia, Pro Neg. Hi, and Acros.

Please click to view larger images.