Full-frame or APS-C sensor?
What do you shoot with?
The competition has ended.
Fujifilm X-T4: Just a fling or a committed relationship?
9.9.2020
Translation: machine translated
I have been a committed Nikon photographer and full-frame enthusiast for ten years. But now I've had an affair with an APS-C camera from Fujifilm.
Employees for galaxus.ch which I photographed with the Nikon D810.
Once seduced by Fujifilm
Something serious this time?
Comparing the Nikon D810 with the Fujifilm X-T4 is not entirely fair. The Nikon D810 is already getting on in years and there are better successor models. But I'm interested to see whether the Fujifilm X-T4 can do everything to become my new workhorse.
I've been shooting and filming with the Fujifilm X-T4 every day since April. I have noticed the following aspects in particular during use:
Weight and size
The Fujifilm camera and its lenses are significantly lighter and smaller. Example: The Fujifilm X-T4 incl. 35mm f2 weighs 771 grams. The Nikon D810 incl. 50mm f1.4 weighs 1260 grams. The equipment is less noticeable when I'm working and I'm not immediately recognised as a photographer.
Look and feel
Optically, the Fujifilm X-T4 appeals to me much more. The old Nikon design has not evolved in the last ten years (i.e. from D90-D810). It still looks exactly the same. But that's not all bad. Because the Nikon D810 is better in my hands.
Electronic viewfinder
I struggled with the viewfinder on the X-T2. It had a delay and the resolution was not satisfactory. The new viewfinder has probably been significantly revised. It's fun to work with and I never felt like I was missing anything. As I can already see the finished image in the viewfinder, I can concentrate better on the composition.
Employees I have photographed with the Fujifilm X-T4:
Flipscreen
I really appreciated the flipscreen for video productions. You could even vlog with it.
Video quality
The difference in age is very noticeable here. The X-T4 has 4K and shines with a very precise eye autofocus. Fujifilm's powerful film simulations can also be applied to the videos. The integrated image stabiliser is also very useful.
Fujifilm XT-4 Footage
Full format vs APS-C sensor
I am a full-frame enthusiast. I haven't had a camera with an APS-C sensor since the X-T2. So this step was a little difficult for me. Over the last five months, I've now photographed all my assignments with the Fujifilm X-T4. The difference in the image effect between APS-C and full-frame format is much smaller than before. The difference in blur/bokeh is almost unrecognisable. What do you think about APS-C and full-frame format?
Battery performance
I only had one battery the whole time, but that wasn't a problem. The battery and the camera are significantly better than the X-T2. I charged the camera on the go with the power bank without any problems for several jobs a day
Photo quality
Focus
The eye autofocus of the X-T4 convinced me. It is fast and works perfectly even in poor lighting conditions. I can move the focus field around with the cursor, just like with Nikon. With Fujifilm, however, I have several fields and can also focus on elements at the edge.
Menu
I've probably got too used to the Nikon menu over the years. With Fujifilm, the Q menu is practical. But as soon as I had to go deeper into the menu, I got upset. For example, when I format a memory card, the camera then switches to Liveview mode. If I then click on the menu again to format the second card, I have to make another ten clicks to format the second card. Isn't there an easier way?
Buttons and dials
The buttons and dials look nicer on Fujifilm. With Nikon, however, they make a more valuable impression on me. The three large dials (ISO, shutter speed, exposure compensation) on the X-T4 look nice and give the camera an analogue touch. In practice, however, I have never touched them. I shoot manually and have to be quick. So I simply use the two scroll wheels at the height of the shutter release with my right hand.
Conclusion: I'm in love again
I have now tested the Fujifilm X-T4 extensively for five months instead of one. David Lee, who organised the camera for me to test, has also asked me several times: When will the review finally come? Unfortunately, I have to admit: I have fallen in love with the camera. Because I can rely on it and it's extremely fun to work with. And that's exactly what makes a good camera. It should be fun and support you in your creative work.
In five months, the X-T4 has never let me down. It has more than supported me in my creative work and proved to be a workhorse.
Since I still don't want to return it, I'm happy to take the time to answer your questions. What else would you like me to test?
Thomas Kunz
Photographer
thomas.kunz@digitecgalaxus.chAs a photographer, human being and dad, I tell stories as close to life as possible. With all its corners, emotions and uniqueness.
