Second camera?

With the X100V it should be more than capable as your second body but if you're looking for an excuse, sure why not. I have an X70 and take an X-T2 and X-Pro2 and I much prefer shooting with the XPro series but the XT's are much better suited to the telephoto and fast action work.

I'd recommend waiting and see what the X-H2(s) announcement is first.

But in all seriousness unless you know you will need wider than 23mm from the X100 It is a great camera.

MiniMad said:

With the X100V it should be more than capable as your second body but if you're looking for an excuse, sure why not. I have an X70 and take an X-T2 and X-Pro2 and I much prefer shooting with the XPro series but the XT's are much better suited to the telephoto and fast action work.

I'd recommend waiting and see what the X-H2(s) announcement is first.

But in all seriousness unless you know you will need wider than 23mm from the X100 It is a great camera.

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Yes, this is the problem: my current gear is perfectly adequate! Having a backup body for my zoom lens, though, seems pretty crucial. Maybe I should just rent a second body for the trip. Not sure what the rental options in Kenya are and renting for 6 weeks seems like it could get pretty expensive.

If I was looking for a good rationale, it would be along these lines:

The X100V leaves you with only one focal length as your alternate, so you will be forced to make lens changes anyways at least some of the time - and that works OK for controlled situations, but not in the - presumably wet and/or dusty environs out in the wild. You probably already are thinking that way, but it is a valid concern.

You don't have to stick with the X-T4 as the second body - you can go with a different body with WR and no IBIS such as the X-T3. Use the X-T4 for your non-IS lens choices or as added stability for the long lens(es).

Peyton41 said:

Yes, this is the problem: my current gear is perfectly adequate! Having a backup body for my zoom lens, though, seems pretty crucial. Maybe I should just rent a second body for the trip. Not sure what the rental options in Kenya are and renting for 6 weeks seems like it could get pretty expensive.

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Make sure to research how the body works. On one hand I appreciate how Fuji has so many variations, but on the other hand it's frustrating because you have to learn two systems.

XS10: PSAM, no retro controls

XE4: Needs to be controlled largely through C1-7, which store more stuff like PSAM, focus type, etc.

XT3: Same controls but now you need to manage two types of batteries

XT4: Easiest for use but most expensive, maybe used prices will drop after the XH2 hits

XT30: I think it has the same controls as the XT4? I've never used one myself.

A few weeks ago on a trip, my X-Pro2 broke, and I was left with my Ricoh GR, a fixed prime compact like your X100. It was sad to not have access to a longer focal length, but I could make it work. But I vowed to always take a backup body in the future.

Now as to the choice of second body, there are two philosophies: either take the same body as your main one, or something different. Personally, I went with the different body. X-T3 and X-Pro2 is where it's at for me! Having different bodies gives me more choice; often I'll have a prime on the X-Pro, and a zoom on the X-T, and swap between them depending on mood and circumstance. I typically leave one at the hotel, and only take out the other for the day.

If the X-Pro is not for you, I could see a pairing of X-T3 and X-T30, with the smaller camera typically attached to smaller lenses, and the bigger for bigger lenses. That gives you a variety of sizes to play with. I find it useful to have a smaller, less conspicuous setup for e.g. restaurants and other social situations, and a bigger kit for hikes or trips.

The X-E4 is a curious one, though. Not just scaled down, but also simplified. I don't think I like it. But it seems to appeal to many. I think I'd take an X-E3 instead. There's also a good argument that a backup body should be cheaper, more disposable, than the main body.

vcxz said:

Peyton41 said:

Yes, this is the problem: my current gear is perfectly adequate! Having a backup body for my zoom lens, though, seems pretty crucial. Maybe I should just rent a second body for the trip. Not sure what the rental options in Kenya are and renting for 6 weeks seems like it could get pretty expensive.

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Make sure to research how the body works. On one hand I appreciate how Fuji has so many variations, but on the other hand it's frustrating because you have to learn two systems.

XS10: PSAM, no retro controls

XE4: Needs to be controlled largely through C1-7, which store more stuff like PSAM, focus type, etc.

XT3: Same controls but now you need to manage two types of batteries

XT4: Easiest for use but most expensive, maybe used prices will drop after the XH2 hits

XT30: I think it has the same controls as the XT4? I've never used one myself.

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To the OP, I too have a XT4 as my main camera. The options for a second body listed above are good, but the assessment of the XE4 is open to discussion; I bought one with the 27 in favour of a X100V.

I would go on such a trip with a second body that can accept different lenses for flexibility. Of those listed, if rental is not going to be a big saving over buying second hand, I'd buy a mint second hand XT3 as a back up for its similar controls and WR. The battery observation applies to every other body bar another XT4 anyway. Bought from a reputable dealer a few weeks before the trip to test it and with time to exchange it if there is an issue would seem to me to be a viable option depending on cost and availability. If you wish, you can always resell it post the trip to minimise the cost further.

Regarding the XE4, which I agree has fewer physical controls than other bodies, it is light and takes up little room in a bag and delivers the same IQ as a XT4 in the same conditions. An alternative is a XE3, which might also be a good second hand option. In the XE4's three levels of control, physical, MyMenu and Q Menu, there are 24 options that can be adjusted without diving into the main menu. Depending on how one shoots, most of the time I use aperture priority, in Level 1 - the physical controls, I have five settings available to adjust, and in Level 2 MyMenu anther seven options. So, I have 12 adjustments available before I need to go into the Q Menu for the custom settings in Level 3. There is no right or wrong approach, just an approach that suits individual styles of shooting, but for me the fewer physical controls of the XE4 is not an issue.

On balance, for such a trip, if I wanted the reassurance and flexibility of a second body, and I would without doubt buy a second hand body. If I did not need it long term (because one has the X100V anyway), I'd buy a mint body and resell it afterwards. Any of the bodies above would serve that duty admirably.

More importantly, have a great trip and hope you can post a few images.

Peyton41 said:

My wife’s job is sending her to Kenya for 6 weeks starting in January 2023. We’ll be going on safari, I’m sure, but beyond that we don’t have any plans. I’m wondering if I need a second camera for the trip, both for backup and for being able to have two lenses at the ready without having to change lenses. I’ve been on safari before and I had my 70-300 (Nikon dx) pretty much glued to my camera, but there were often times that I wanted to capture more of the environment or my companions in the vehicle and the 70-300 was too long.

I have an X-T4 and an X100V. Should I get another body? If so, which one? A second X-T4? An X-E4, because it’s small and cheap(ish)? An X-Pro because it’s so beautiful even if I don’t like the screen?

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I like bringing lots of lenses on vacation and going with a smaller kit every day, leaving the rest of the lenses in the hotel. I like having a second camera body so I can have two lenses at the ready (e.g., a ultra wide zoom along with my standard zoom; or a bag of small primes).

I have a X-T30 and X-Pro2 as my second cameras. These days I find myself bringing the X-T30 as the secondary camera because it is slightly smaller and lighter. I tend to keep my X-T4 with 16-55 around my neck and attach my X-T30 with a 10-24 or 13/1.4 on a Peak Design capture clip on the side of my messenger bag.

The other consideration is avoiding swapping lenses in very dusty environments or on the go on in a bouncy bus/truck.

Peyton41 said:

Yes, this is the problem: my current gear is perfectly adequate! Having a backup body for my zoom lens, though, seems pretty crucial. Maybe I should just rent a second body for the trip. Not sure what the rental options in Kenya are and renting for 6 weeks seems like it could get pretty expensive.

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Six weeks’ rental would certainly be expensive. If you want a temporary backup I would buy a used body (X-T2/3/4 in this case) and then sell it when you get back. The net cost should be close to zero; you make even make a small profit if you buy and sell carefully.

I would lean towards obtaining two of the same bodies. In my mind, the simpler the setup, the easier to manage the tools that will give you a better chance at getting the shots you want.

Anything besides another X-T4 means you have to learn (and then know) three different control layouts instead of two. Even if you don’t take your X100V, you’ve still got the muscle memory of that X100V conflicting with something else besides your X-T4.

Personally, I think the contrast in control layout between the X-T3 and 4 is enough to make a difference (particularly the metering mode selection change and movie mode changes- if video matters). I would be worried about grabbing one body for that split moment shot and miss it because a control or button input didn’t respond the same as I would be expecting otherwise. Less potential fumbling around with two of the same model? Although, if the atmosphere you’re in is more relaxed, maybe it isn’t much of an issue.

Depending on when you purchase, would that squeeze your timeline to learn a new layout if it was a different model than X-T4?

Two X-T4’s will also simplify battery management, and maybe packing?

Anyway, a few more thoughts on the question.

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Matt
http://www.instagram.com/matticus390
http://www.flickr.com/photos/akita/
Fujifilm X-T2 and X-T4. 56mm, 16-55, 50-140 and 100-400mm, 1.4 ext.

Peyton41 said:

My wife’s job is sending her to Kenya for 6 weeks starting in January 2023. We’ll be going on safari, I’m sure, but beyond that we don’t have any plans. I’m wondering if I need a second camera for the trip, both for backup and for being able to have two lenses at the ready without having to change lenses. I’ve been on safari before and I had my 70-300 (Nikon dx) pretty much glued to my camera, but there were often times that I wanted to capture more of the environment or my companions in the vehicle and the 70-300 was too long.

I have an X-T4 and an X100V. Should I get another body? If so, which one? A second X-T4? An X-E4, because it’s small and cheap(ish)? An X-Pro because it’s so beautiful even if I don’t like the screen?

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I would choose the same camera (in your case XT4) as my second camera or something with the same control layout so there is no waste time of thinking how to operate when I am in the field.

One with long zoom and the other with stand zoom. Add wide zoom to the bag if you shoot ultra wide. Otherwise, you will be all set.

X100V... maybe for some snap, causal and social picture when the big setup is not appropriate.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/183079213@N06/

I've run 2nd bodies at many times over the last 2 decades, from Nikon D3 / D3x through to 2x X-T3's today.

I would always recommend having the 2nd body identical or as close as possible in control layout and settings as your primary body, other wise you run the risk of missing/messing-up shots because you were trying to adjust something and forgot/couldn't find the control quick enough.

So, I would say get a 2nd X-T4. I would also consider buying a good used one and then sell it again after the trip - likely to be cheaper than renting.

That said, I recently travelled with an XS-10. With this set to match, as far as possible, my X-T3's (aperture priority, ISO on the left top dial and exposure comp on the right back dial), after the first day I got on quite well with it.

For you though this will mean managing two different sets of batteries, so any advantage in weight will be lost in chargers and spare batteries. Only possible advantages I could see for you are cost and that the large handgrip works well with bigger lenses.

Peyton41 said:

My wife’s job is sending her to Kenya for 6 weeks starting in January 2023. We’ll be going on safari, I’m sure, but beyond that we don’t have any plans. I’m wondering if I need a second camera for the trip, both for backup and for being able to have two lenses at the ready without having to change lenses. I’ve been on safari before and I had my 70-300 (Nikon dx) pretty much glued to my camera, but there were often times that I wanted to capture more of the environment or my companions in the vehicle and the 70-300 was too long.

I have an X-T4 and an X100V. Should I get another body? If so, which one? A second X-T4? An X-E4, because it’s small and cheap(ish)? An X-Pro because it’s so beautiful even if I don’t like the screen?

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From what you write, it's not clear which lens you would be using on this second body and why you would need it?

I see the advantage in having more bodies simply to be quicker and to avoid having to change lenses.

I haven't been on safari, but I have been in Costa Rica for 3 weeks photographing wildlife, and my Nikon 200-500mm stayed on my D7200 all that time, and 70-300mm would have been far too short to get close-up shots of anything really..

I have an X-t30 with 15-45mm lens which is an excellent general walkabout photography camera and lens combination and which on the wide end especially is really good IMO.

I feel a second camera is a must. It can and most likely will happen that something close pops up when you have a long lens mounted, or the other way around. The X100V is cool, but 23mm will be limiting. It's not wide enough to capture the plains and vistas of the Kenyan landscape.

I'd say
- One body with either 16-55 or 16-80 or the soon to be announced 18-120
- 2nd body with 70-300, 100-400 or the soon to be announced 150-600

That will put you in there with a fighting chance to grab those shots.

Snap Happy said:

I would always recommend having the 2nd body identical or as close as possible in control layout and settings as your primary body, other wise you run the risk of missing/messing-up shots because you were trying to adjust something and forgot/couldn't find the control quick enough.

So, I would say get a 2nd X-T4. I would also consider buying a good used one and then sell it again after the trip - likely to be cheaper than renting.

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Agreed, agreed, and agreed

1. Get a 2nd X-T4
2. Get it a good condition 2nd hand one. Chances are you will sell it for what you paid for it

Mussel memory is super important when you want to grab a especial moment. I like to have two of the same so I recommend a second X-T4. If you can't afford that, then get something with a similar layout such as the X-T3.

Morris

Your X100 will do a fine job for your "documentary" style photos, and some landscapes. What will not do is mount other lenses, so if your XT4 breaks down, you will be left without an actual backup.

I would get a backup camera and a f/2.8 prime lens for your non-telephoto shots.

Thanks for all the advice. I had not really considered buying a used body and then selling it, but that seems like a good option. The consensus seems to be to buy a second x-t4 so that controls and configuration are identical and shots are not missed. Same batteries is also a big plus.



I think my set up would be one x-t4 with the 70-300 and the other with the 16-80, with the 10-24 in the bag for when I need to go ultrawide. Would still bring the x100v - perhaps my wife could use it to capture some vehicle moments.



I’ve got some time to mull it over and we’ll see what Fuji announces between now and my trip.

Peyton41 said:

Thanks for all the advice. I had not really considered buying a used body and then selling it, but that seems like a good option. The consensus seems to be to buy a second x-t4 so that controls and configuration are identical and shots are not missed. Same batteries is also a big plus.

I think my set up would be one x-t4 with the 70-300 and the other with the 16-80, with the 10-24 in the bag for when I need to go ultrawide. Would still bring the x100v - perhaps my wife could use it to capture some vehicle moments.

I’ve got some time to mull it over and we’ll see what Fuji announces between now and my trip.

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You're welcome. Most importantly - enjoy the trip, the experience and the wildlife!

Peyton41 said:

Thanks for all the advice. I had not really considered buying a used body and then selling it, but that seems like a good option. The consensus seems to be to buy a second x-t4 so that controls and configuration are identical and shots are not missed. Same batteries is also a big plus.

I think my set up would be one x-t4 with the 70-300 and the other with the 16-80, with the 10-24 in the bag for when I need to go ultrawide. Would still bring the x100v - perhaps my wife could use it to capture some vehicle moments.

I’ve got some time to mull it over and we’ll see what Fuji announces between now and my trip.

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Sounds like a good plan! Enjoy the trip and please bring back a lot of pictures to share!