FUJIFILM X-T4
The latest retro flagship model sports longer battery life, IBIS, and handy design tweaks
Since Fujifilm announced the X-T1 back in 2014, the X series of cameras for which it laid the foundations have been objects of desire among devotees of high-end mirrorless models. The marriage of advanced features and retro styling provides users with a unique photographic experience, coupled with a system of reliable technology and cutting-edge lenses.
The X-T4 is the latest iteration of the range. Interestingly, Fujifilm seems to regard the new camera as a sister to the existing X-T3, rather than a like-for-like replacement, suggesting that the two models will sit alongside each other for the foreseeable future. This is not entirely surprising, as the trend of the industry today is one of incremental improvements, rather than astronomical leaps in specification from one generation to the next. In many ways the X-T4 is very similar to its predecessor – to a casual eye the cameras look almost identical, and a glance at the core specs reveal many shared under-the-hood features too. Both the X-T3 and X-T4 make use of a 26MP 23.5x15.6mm (APS-C) X-Trans imaging sensor, have an identical extended ISO sensitivity range of 80 to 51,200, and 4K UHD video recording capability. The electronic viewfinder is also the same, measuring 0.5 inches and providing a resolution of 3.69 million dots.
In terms of body design, it is largely unchanged too, which should be good for Fujifilm users, although the physical dimensions of the newer camera are slightly larger. The X-T4 measures 134.6x92.8x63.8mm compared to the X-T3’s 132.5x92.8x58.8mm. A closer look will reveal a few layout modifications, which we will explore in more detail in a moment.
The most significant addition to the X-T4 is the new five-axis image stabilisation system, which combines the efforts of both lensbased stabilisation and a new in-body image stabilisation (IBIS) facility. This arrangement uses new technology based on magnetism instead of the more conventional springloaded structure to move the imaging sensor, as seen in the Fujifilm X-H1. The gyro sensor in the X-T4 reportedly offers up to eight times more accuracy in detecting motion too. Overall, the system should provide up to 6.5 stops of compensation. In use we found that
the camera was able to produce sharp images as low as 1/4sec at 50mm when using the XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR lens. Videographers are probably going to be those to benefit most from the new system, and the footage was impressively stable when shooting video clips. While Fujifilm suggests that users can shoot free from a gimbal, we wouldn’t advise you to throw yours away just yet, as a steady hand is still required for pro-grade handheld clips.
For both stills and video, a great feature of the X-T4 is the dual card slots, which should almost guarantee that the user never runs out of storage space. Handily, one slot can be used to store movies while still images are saved to the other, for a smooth backing-up workflow.
Autofocus has also received an upgrade.
The new algorithm incorporates distance, colour and shape data to improve accuracy, and in practice the system works very well. When shifting focus from very near to far-off subjects, the X-T4 was able to find the correct position almost instantly. When coupled with the LCD screen’s touch shutter function, the setup makes autofocus a reality for video shooting, smoothly and quietly shifting focus for seamless clips.
The EVF is big, bright and glorious to use. Camera data is easy to view, and the image itself is crisp and contrasty. On a few occasions we felt there was a noticeable difference between the colour temperature and brightness of the EVF and LCD, which made assessing the true image challenging.
In terms of handling, the X-T4 is lovely to hold and operate. The body is small, lightweight and portable, yet the contoured grip enables the user to keep a reassuring grasp. All of the buttons and dials are sensibly placed for ease of access during shooting. The top dials are all sizable and quick to operate when changing camera settings, while both main dials have an easy, one-touch locking mechanism to prevent unwanted rotation. A significant change has been to reallocate the lower section of the shutter speed dial to a Still/Movie switch, instead of metering mode as on the X-T3. This makes switching between photo and video shooting far quicker, and the redesign choice makes more sense – users will likely want to change shooting mode more regularly than metering option. The build is solid, and the camera is well-balanced, even with heavier Fujinon optics.
Performance-wise, images from the X-T4 are excellent. Noise is well-controlled even at ISO 6400 and above, while colours are natural but punchy. White balance is a strength of Fujifilm cameras, and often the choices made by the auto WB system of the X-T4 were exactly what we would have selected manually. Files are detailed, sharp and filmic in quality, as might be expected from a high-end Fujifilm model.