When the X-T4 was announced, I noticed many people were sceptical as to the 'point' of this camera, compared to the competition.
Now, there's a fairly obvious reason someone already invested in X system should be interested in it. However, this is a camera that is intended to appeal to new users or those from other systems (hence much of the controversy on this forum). I therefore thought it would be good to summarise the advantages of the X System over some of its competitors.
Here's my attempt:
1. Direct control of the main exposure parameters. This consistently tops polls as to why people use Fuji cameras. Almost all the Fuji lenses have aperture rings and almost all bodies have a shutter speed dial. Many have direct control of drive settings as well. It is intuitive and it allows you to see settings at a glance without a little LCD. If you like this, it's hard to move away. If you don't, you're probably looking in the wrong place.
2. An all-round system. Many people have pointed out that other bodies can beat the X-T4 in a number of ways. However, it is at least competitive in just about every area. That sums up the positioning for the X system. It's not the obvious choice for some disciplines, but it can excel at them all. Even video, which was unthinkable before.
3. Handling matters. Fuji's bodies aren't for everyone, but they are one of the few manufacturers that offers a diverse range of body styles and shapes. Some of their handling features are even unique - such as the OVF. Your experience of using a camera is often more important than the camera's specifications.
4. Constant improvement. There is obviously kaizen, even if that isn't as significant as it has been. However, even when it comes to hardware, Fuji never sit still. Many of their early models actually had significant issues with their functionality. C-AF and video were borderline unusable. Despite this, they have ended up excelling in areas where once they were well behind the pack. That means you can have confidence they won't fall too far behind.
5. Smaller and larger options. Many people with full frame systems end up with second cameras or even second systems due to the size and weight of their gear. Those that choose m43 have to give up some capability compared to full frame cameras. Fuji don't have any magic sauce for making lenses lighter and smaller than lenses of equal capability in larger systems, but they do offer small and large options at most focal lengths. That goes for bodies too, where the likes of the X-T30 offer most of the capabilities of their larger brethren in a tiny, lightweight package.
So, what should make people look away from the X system?
1. If you need more resolution than 24 megpixels can provide. Based on the popularity of the 24 megpixel full frame models, most people don't need extreme resolution. However, if you do, you have to look elsewhere (maybe to the GFX system)
2. If you need the narrow depth of field of f1.4 full frame primes, or can tolerate it for the sake of low light performance, then there are better choices. You can theoretically get what you need in the Fuji system, but only with compromises (eg. manual lenses, speedboosters). The same applies to f2.8 zooms on full frame.
3. You really hate X-trans. I'm a fan of X-trans, but I realise many people aren't. Most of those have found ways to adapt, but if you're really against it, you currently only have low-end options.
4. You always want to be at the leading edge of technology. In that case, you have no choice but to keep switching systems, as manufacturers leapfrog each other.
Now, there's a fairly obvious reason someone already invested in X system should be interested in it. However, this is a camera that is intended to appeal to new users or those from other systems (hence much of the controversy on this forum). I therefore thought it would be good to summarise the advantages of the X System over some of its competitors.
Here's my attempt:
1. Direct control of the main exposure parameters. This consistently tops polls as to why people use Fuji cameras. Almost all the Fuji lenses have aperture rings and almost all bodies have a shutter speed dial. Many have direct control of drive settings as well. It is intuitive and it allows you to see settings at a glance without a little LCD. If you like this, it's hard to move away. If you don't, you're probably looking in the wrong place.
2. An all-round system. Many people have pointed out that other bodies can beat the X-T4 in a number of ways. However, it is at least competitive in just about every area. That sums up the positioning for the X system. It's not the obvious choice for some disciplines, but it can excel at them all. Even video, which was unthinkable before.
3. Handling matters. Fuji's bodies aren't for everyone, but they are one of the few manufacturers that offers a diverse range of body styles and shapes. Some of their handling features are even unique - such as the OVF. Your experience of using a camera is often more important than the camera's specifications.
4. Constant improvement. There is obviously kaizen, even if that isn't as significant as it has been. However, even when it comes to hardware, Fuji never sit still. Many of their early models actually had significant issues with their functionality. C-AF and video were borderline unusable. Despite this, they have ended up excelling in areas where once they were well behind the pack. That means you can have confidence they won't fall too far behind.
5. Smaller and larger options. Many people with full frame systems end up with second cameras or even second systems due to the size and weight of their gear. Those that choose m43 have to give up some capability compared to full frame cameras. Fuji don't have any magic sauce for making lenses lighter and smaller than lenses of equal capability in larger systems, but they do offer small and large options at most focal lengths. That goes for bodies too, where the likes of the X-T30 offer most of the capabilities of their larger brethren in a tiny, lightweight package.
So, what should make people look away from the X system?
1. If you need more resolution than 24 megpixels can provide. Based on the popularity of the 24 megpixel full frame models, most people don't need extreme resolution. However, if you do, you have to look elsewhere (maybe to the GFX system)
2. If you need the narrow depth of field of f1.4 full frame primes, or can tolerate it for the sake of low light performance, then there are better choices. You can theoretically get what you need in the Fuji system, but only with compromises (eg. manual lenses, speedboosters). The same applies to f2.8 zooms on full frame.
3. You really hate X-trans. I'm a fan of X-trans, but I realise many people aren't. Most of those have found ways to adapt, but if you're really against it, you currently only have low-end options.
4. You always want to be at the leading edge of technology. In that case, you have no choice but to keep switching systems, as manufacturers leapfrog each other.
