X-T1 Upgrade Advice: XT-4 or X-H1 with 16-55

Hello all,

Been meaning to upgrade my X-T1 and get a 24-70 equivalent zoom for my event work. The x-t1 pretty beat up (e.g screen doesnt work) and my 35mm f2 is often not wide enough for group shots, not that versatile when doing events.

Looking for better af, better handling (grip is rather shallow on the t1), a bump in resolution, some decent video chops, a workhorse generally.

Now, the t4 body is coming  out at $1700, the xh1 with 16-55 is around the same price.

The shiny new xt4 is tempting with all the advances in af and all. The flippy screen, having used a gh5 I dont care much for it. I have no issue with xt1 implementation save the fact that it doesnt do vertical tilt.

To go for the latest and greatest now, or to go for decent body and some glass?

What do you guys  think?

Hi, good question, but what is your budget? You imply $1700, in which case the XH1 + 16-55 would seem to be a good choice. But if the budget runs to the XT4 ($1700) plus the 16-55 (£950 in the UK), then that would seem to be a good choice.

You say events, but what type? if fast action in lower light levels, then the XT4 would be a good choice. If static or slower action in better light levels, then the XH1 would do.

If you could give us more definition, then we could offer more focused advice.

Hi, the X-H1 is great at counterbalancing bigger lenses, and has a very comfortable grip. It's mostly a very capable camera and definitely a good upgrade from the X-T1 for the price it's going for right now. Nonetheless the X-T4 has yet to be announced and hit the shelves, so I wouldn't presume to be able to make a judgement right now. If I can give you an advice: use the specs to narrow what you need. Now if you think both cameras are good enough for what you do, then go out to a store and try them out, or even rent them for a day or two, that way you'll know what you really want.

When I laid hands on the X-T3 I knew it was going to be my next camera, but then came the X-H1 deals, so I went to a shop and tried them out side by side, just to be sure I wouldn't be missing out on something great. The X-H1 grip sold me right there on the spot, although I was sure I would be getting the X-T3.

So the key is testing and testing and testing again.

I don't see why the X-H1 wouldn't gratify, with your preference for that screen and a better grip than the XT line.

Were you to get the X-T4, you still wouldn't have a lens wide enough for your work.

I you were to split the difference and get the X-T3 w/ 16-55, you would have AF faster than the X-H1, but no IBIS.

For the price you're also getting a battery grip and two extra batteries with the X-H1 deal. I'm guessing Fuji is going to charge a premium for their new battery, and another $300 or so for the VG-XT4 grip, so they're not really at the same price.  I would recommend getting the X-H1 with the (wonderful, excellent) 16-55 now, and wait to switch to the X-T4 (if you must) after it's been released for a while and goes on sale.

ndethi wrote:

Been meaning to upgrade my X-T1 and get a 24-70 equivalent zoom for my event work. The x-t1 pretty beat up (e.g screen doesnt work) and my 35mm f2 is often not wide enough for group shots, not that versatile when doing events.

Looking for better af, better handling (grip is rather shallow on the t1), a bump in resolution, some decent video chops, a workhorse generally.

Now, the t4 body is coming out at $1700, the xh1 with 16-55 is around the same price.

The shiny new xt4 is tempting with all the advances in af and all. The flippy screen, having used a gh5 I dont care much for it. I have no issue with xt1 implementation save the fact that it doesnt do vertical tilt.

To go for the latest and greatest now, or to go for decent body and some glass?

What do you guys think?

Almost same situation here.  I have XT-1's (all in good shape though) and a bunch of lenses so my needs/wants are a little different.  However the IBIS is appealing.

I am leaning towards the XT4 because 1) unable to find new XH1's (used w/grip are selling at about $800, 2) I'm leery of the 1st generation IBIS (new territory for Fuji),  3) I don't care for the top digital read out and 4) while I readily buy used lenses, I prefer new for bodies.

Admittedly the XT4 flip out screen I don't care for and yes, $800 for used XH1 with grip and batteries is a good price but overall, still leaning towards the XT4.

Try 'em side by side when the X-T4 comes out, really helps making the decision straightforward. (If you can of course). Cheers.

ndethi wrote:

Hello all,

Been meaning to upgrade my X-T1 and get a 24-70 equivalent zoom for my event work.

Looking for better af, better handling (grip is rather shallow on the t1), a bump in resolution, some decent video chops, a workhorse generally.

The X-H1 is just fantastic value, and it pairs well with the 16-55.

ndethi wrote:

Hello all,

Been meaning to upgrade my X-T1 and get a 24-70 equivalent zoom for my event work. The x-t1 pretty beat up (e.g screen doesnt work) and my 35mm f2 is often not wide enough for group shots, not that versatile when doing events.

Looking for better af, better handling (grip is rather shallow on the t1), a bump in resolution, some decent video chops, a workhorse generally.

Now, the t4 body is coming out at $1700, the xh1 with 16-55 is around the same price.

The shiny new xt4 is tempting with all the advances in af and all. The flippy screen, having used a gh5 I dont care much for it. I have no issue with xt1 implementation save the fact that it doesnt do vertical tilt.

To go for the latest and greatest now, or to go for decent body and some glass?

What do you guys think?

I would take a serious look at the X-T3. No flippy screen, great autofocus, blazing fast operation etc-etc-etc!

If you can get the job done right now with the X-T1 an X-H1 is going to big a big step up. 
To have the X-H1 and the 16-55 for $1700 is a crazy good deal.

jhorse wrote:

Hi, good question, but what is your budget? You imply $1700, in which case the XH1 + 16-55 would seem to be a good choice. But if the budget runs to the XT4 ($1700) plus the 16-55 (£950 in the UK), then that would seem to be a good choice.

You say events, but what type? if fast action in lower light levels, then the XT4 would be a good choice. If static or slower action in better light levels, then the XH1 would do.

If you could give us more definition, then we could offer more focused advice.

Budget is around 1500, 1700 USD. Events i do are

small corporate events: workshops, breakfasts, seminars often in high ceiling hotel conference rooms, not the best lighting(amount and quality of it(often too warm)) and nightlife events - music concerts, some nightclub photography. So yes definitely low light is a big part of what i shoot.

yayatosorus wrote:

Hi, the X-H1 is great at counterbalancing bigger lenses, and has a very comfortable grip. It's mostly a very capable camera and definitely a good upgrade from the X-T1 for the price it's going for right now. Nonetheless the X-T4 has yet to be announced and hit the shelves, so I wouldn't presume to be able to make a judgement right now. If I can give you an advice: use the specs to narrow what you need. Now if you think both cameras are good enough for what you do, then go out to a store and try them out, or even rent them for a day or two, that way you'll know what you really want.

When I laid hands on the X-T3 I knew it was going to be my next camera, but then came the X-H1 deals, so I went to a shop and tried them out side by side, just to be sure I wouldn't be missing out on something great. The X-H1 grip sold me right there on the spot, although I was sure I would be getting the X-T3.

So the key is testing and testing and testing again.

Thank you yayatosorus.

I actually did a need list and much as I can say coming from an X-T1 I feel the X-H1 can meet my needs. I worry for what if i'm missing out on an opportunity to get a camera I wont feel the need to upgrade from in 4/5 years. My fear is buying an XH1 then feeling the need to upgrade next year.

On the testing unfortunately i might not be able to. Not near any stores in my country. Though I have heard good things about the X-H1 grip.

Bob Tullis wrote:

I don't see why the X-H1 wouldn't gratify, with your preference for that screen and a better grip than the XT line.

How much video will I miss out as a beginner on the XH1 vs the XT4?

DarnGoodPhotos wrote:

Were you to get the X-T4, you still wouldn't have a lens wide enough for your work.

I you were to split the difference and get the X-T3 w/ 16-55, you would have AF faster than the X-H1, but no IBIS.

Makes sense. the X-T3 but no IBIS. Hmmm. I'll give it thought. Plus Kaizen!

Lettermanian wrote:

For the price you're also getting a battery grip and two extra batteries with the X-H1 deal. I'm guessing Fuji is going to charge a premium for their new battery, and another $300 or so for the VG-XT4 grip, so they're not really at the same price. I would recommend getting the X-H1 with the (wonderful, excellent) 16-55 now, and wait to switch to the X-T4 (if you must) after it's been released for a while and goes on sale.

True. I love the vg grips. Have it on the xt1. So total cost of new xt4 with grip and two extra batteries would run me about $2170 vs just above/under $2000 for the Xh1+1655 
If i get the xh1 now then i will probably wait to get the xh2 later in two years, will i be missing too much by then, whats becoming more contentious now as i think about it is how bad is the xh1 for video?

I like your train of thought. Looks like a good plan.

I have the X-H1. For stills the AF is really fast. For video I shoot manually with old Pentax lenses. Great lenses for almost no money. If you shoot video with AF the X-H1 isn’t that great. But if you use manual focus I would highly recommend it!

ndethi wrote:

Bob Tullis wrote:

I don't see why the X-H1 wouldn't gratify, with your preference for that screen and a better grip than the XT line.

How much video will I miss out as a beginner on the XH1 vs the XT4?

IMO, not much if anything.   I don't do much video, but when I did turn to it. . . I was quite floored with the quality of the XT2, and these models are improved in that regard.