Where to start?

Komri wrote:

Hello,

I've been reading lots of posts here and everyone seems super helpful, so hoping I can get some good advice. I recently went to Iceland and borowed a fuji x100v and Olympus e-m10 ii with a couple of zoom lenses. I enjoyed getting into photography for the first time and would like to now buy some kit of my own. We very pleased with the pictures.

I preferred the interface on the Fuji, so have decided that's the band for me. I want to do mainly landscapes, but also family and travel photography. I'm likely to start out with the 16-80 kit lens and then a faster prime. Eventually I may get another couple of lenses, the 10-24 and a telephoto if we do a safari holiday look semsible options, but will see how i get on. I'm not going to be doing serious videoing, just of the kids.

I'd like advice on which camera, I expect to keep the camera body for many years, not upgrade for a long time. I've been looking at the x-s10, x-t4 and x-t5. The x-t5 is appealing because its the latest tech so likely to last longer and a little lighter than the x-t4.

The X-S10 is very capable for the price and size. It likely is less durable because it is one class lower, and lacks the weather sealing - which applies at least as much for dirt and dust as for rain. I mention this because you're planning to keep it for many years.

X-t4 would save some money, but is the heaviest, and xt5 not that much more, I'll look for black Friday deals here in the UK.

Compared to what you borrowed, the X-T4 is considerably larger - and somewhat heavier than the X-T5. As a new body, the X-T5 is not likely to go on sale for at least a year - especially likely if the body proves popular (which is likely). The X-T4 is seeing some discounts now, but not huge ones yet.

The s10 is appealing as it's a lot cheaper, but I wonder if its too small for bigger lenses, and not weather sealed. Smaller battery would mean I'd need multiples I expect. It doesn't seem to be that popular due to its PSAM controls, I suspect I'd learn more from the dedicated dials.

I wouldn't worry at all about the battery difference. If you travel, you really need to carry two batteries either way - and that cost is relatively minor. The larger battery is mainly an advantage for long video shoots - not likely a concern for you. All three bodies have nice grips, so the weight difference for large lenses won't make a huge difference. If you are truly interested in learning the SS, aperture, ISO relationships (good for you!), yes those dedicated dials truly do make a difference - and will encourage you.

What do you recommend? Is it worth jumping straight into the deep end with the x-t5?

As primarily a stills shooter who doesn't do a lot of sports shots requiring long bursts, the X-T5 is a super-appealing offering (I'm still happy with my X-T2, but the upgrade is a major attraction sometime down the line). You are likely to end up spending more on lenses if you get into photography much at all, so that initial body purchase isn't as big a part of your expenses in the long run. However, there is no reason to believe that the X-T5 will be more durable than the X-T4 (which has a good track record established)... All three bodies are winners in my view, but they clearly have differing strengths. You're asking the right questions.