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New Flagship Fujifilm X-T4 Mirrorless Camera Details

Fujifilm are a force to be reckoned with in the mirrorless camera market. Not only is it hard to ignore their oh so desirable retro design language, but their compact interchangeable lens cameras consistently over-deliver. With a number of accolades including producing one of the highest resolution medium format cameras on the market (the mighty GFX 100), the introduction of a new flagship model always causes a stir in the photographic community. And so it does once again with the brand new Fujifilm X-T4.

The previous XT-3 model is an accomplished and highly regarded model used by countless photographers famed both online, such as Thomas Heaton who switched his second body to the XT-3 recently, to working professionals across all genres. So with the announcement of the upgraded model X-T4, we look at what the most notable specifications are together with who might consider upgrading, or side-grading to the new flagship hybrid.

Flagship model means what exactly?

The XT series of cameras has typically showcased Fujifilm’s prowess across both stills and video recording, providing a compact hybrid option to serious enthusiasts or professionals working in both mediums. Flagship in Fuji’s case denotes the pinnacle of both stills and video technologies which they currently produce in this compact size. For a hybrid camera this means the very best of both worlds. Here are some of the highlight specifications introduced in the XT-4:

1. As of the release in February 2020, the XT-4 delivers the highest burst frame rate of any mirrorless APS-C camera. With 15fps in mechanical shutter mode few can argue that Fujifilm are committed to high speed photography, which of course includes sports, action and wildlife. Speeds such as these really leave only one question, can the autofocus mechanism keep up? The answer is a resounding yes.
2. Autofocus algorithms have been updated across all modes, including Face / Eye AF modes. Fujifilm invented phase detect and despite Sony competing as hard as possible in this specialised arena, Fuji have responded with the XT-4. AF is now able to acquire focus in a mind numbingly quick 0.02 seconds, and tracking modes have all been updated to consistently keep focus lock on your subject. In fact Fuji claim up to 50% more accurate results over the previous model. This is quite something, as their system was absolutely rock solid before, helping photographers to gain focus quickly and efficiently.
3. A completely new shutter mechanism assists with the aforementioned speeds. Quick, quiet and accurate are the headlines of the new unit. Those and the fact it is now capable of 300,000 actuations. This puts the Fujifilm flagship well into professional durability with most photographers never getting anywhere near that number of shots over a camera’s lifetime.
4. Another entirely new feature is the in-body 5-axis stabilisation system. This is the first XT body with built-in stabilisation, which has been developed from the standalone X-H1 camera. However the new IBIS is decidedly better, with up to 6.5 stops of advantage when used with one of 18 lens models from the extensive X-mount range. The newly developed gyro sensors boast around eight times the detection accuracy over the predecessor.
5. Video functions in the XT-4 have remained amongst the most pro-quality available and include 4K at 60p. An addition for the 2020 model includes ultra high speed recording in Full HD, allowing videographers to capture 240p. This is quite astonishing and promises beautiful slow motion playback with detailed video impossible with an XT before.
6. Further enhancements related to video include the addition of a single switch to change between stills and video camera modes. This is a superb addition for the majority of users who shoot both moving and still images. A separate video-only menu also makes it far easier to lock down settings without switching back and forth between menus. Speaking of which there is now a Quick Q button for easy access from the rear of the camera.
7. The last big upgrade, which many, many Fuji users will be thrilled about is the addition of a full vari-angle LCD screen. YAY! Not only does this allow shooting at any angle, but it is a touchscreen and higher resolution that anything gone before from Fuji. At 3 inch, aspect ratio 3:2, and 1.62 millions dots, with 100% coverage, nobody can be disappointed any longer.
8. Battery life has been extended through the design of a completely new unit, aptly named the NP-W235. Photographers can now capture up to 600 frames in economy mode, or 500 in regular shooing mode.
9. Other tweaks which bolster the overall impressive nature of this updated body include a quicker start up time, now under 0.4 seconds. A new Film Simulation has been added, Eterna Bleach Bypass. This renders a low saturation, high contrast look, perfect for cinematic style video that gives the kind of look you might see in films like ‘Saving Private Ryan’.
10. Let’s make this a round 10, with the minor updates to the body casing. Available in both silver and black versions (it is very hard to choose between them, they are both beautiful). The new video switch is one addition, back button AF is now more pronounced and the camera is a hair larger now, yet still weighs in at just 607g (including battery and SD memory card). There are of course, TWO SD card slots naturally. Wink wink.

XT-4 sensor and processor

From this mighty list of no less than 10 updates we can see how seriously Fujifilm have taken the update to one of their most popular camera models. Yes it uses the existing 26.1MP X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor and compatible X-Processor 4, however these deliver unquestionable quality images and video with enough resolution to punch in and crop. Fujifilm colours are amongst the best in the business, promising accurate and delightful simulations that require no, or very little editing. There are 18 simulations now across stills and video, allowing photographers to get on with what they love, capturing photos and movies.

What are the advantages of a crop sensor (APS-C)?

This is an APS-C sized model. With that we know of plenty of pro photographers who shoot with a crop sensor across all brands, not to mention micro four thirds pros. Anyway, the fact this is a crop sensor will appeal to a particular audience who see the benefits. These include:

• More compact, lighter body (this is just 607g.)
• Smaller and lighter compatible lenses
• A zoom in factor of 1.53. This means you get closer to the action with a compatible lens. (see more about this below)
• Images are captured with a greater depth of field. For subjects such as landscapes, cityscapes, architecture and so on, that presents a solid advantage.
• More bearable cost. There is no dispute that a flagship full-frame mirrorless camera costs a lot more than a crop body.

Which type of photographers might benefit from the XT-4 Crop Sensor?

If we take some of the target photographers who might adopt the XT-4, we may find people who shoot subjects and the advantages:

• Street - this is compact and lightweight. AKA discreet. Not to mention stylish!
• newborn / baby. Once again this is not a huge ‘in your face’ DSLR which can be off-putting
• Macro / closeup - Being lightweight helps with gaining micro focus adjustments
• Architectural - Although architecture can be very specialised, a 26.1MP sensor and excellent lenses, without the weight of a dedicated system cannot hurt.
• Wildlife / nature - photographers get closer with the XT-4. This means a 400mm lens (which is considerably smaller and lighter than a DSLR equivalent) becomes around 600mm on this body
• Portrait / family photographers have a compact and versatile system with a host of lenses.
• travel / holiday makers will benefit once again from the lightweight nature of the body and lens combination. (check out the kits available including the XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 and the XF 16-80mm f/4 kits.
• Wedding shooters already love the XT range, thanks to hybrid technology, light lenses and cost-effective first and second bodies
• Landscape lovers who hike and travel a lot definitely see advantages with the high quality optics available as well as the lightweight nature of crop sensor equipment.

Most of the images you see here in our post are taken with the XT-4, so you can see just how fantastic this CMOS 4 sensor really is. Personally I believe this will be another smash-hit when we list all of the updates out in this way. Photographers who already shoot with the Fujifilm system have been given the updates they asked for and newcomers will be tempted by the world class features in both video and APS-C sized stills.

Read more about the lens kits including the X-T4 with XF 18-55mm and the X-T4 with XF 16-80mm.

The XT-4 also comes with a series of brand new accessories to ensure this camera has the latest technology.

• Vertical battery grip VG-XT4 (accepts two batteries for up to 1700 shots)
• XT-4 battery (NP-W235) (the new battery provides up to 600 shots on a single charge)
• XT-4 dual battery charger BC-W235 (charge two batteries at once)

The battery grip is an excellent addition for photographers who want the extra size that a grip provides, not to mention the extended shooting capacity of two extra batteries.

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By Park Cameras on 26/02/2020