JackEtweather
Well-known member
I have now been using the Fufifilm X-T4 for two weeks, replacing my X-H1, and being my seventh Fujifilm X-model camera, and I'd like to offer my thoughts on using it.
Although even with firmware update (presently up to v1.10), the IBIS in video is still prone to lag and sticking, though it’s not nearly as unfortunate as the X-H1’s. The main problem is in panning or tilting: when a new object that extends across most of the frame, in either direction, is introduced, the IBIS has to pause a bit to take it into consideration, and otherwise, sudden movement to the side or up/down throws is brain off a bit. I really hope that Fuji finds a way to smooth this out in a firmware update or two. If not, however, this glitch can be worked around. I confess to having been IBIS-spoiled by previously owning Panasonic cameras.
I had found switching between still and movie modes on the X-H1 disappointingly time-consuming, even with the attempt to separate them. In this regard, the X-T4's own design doesn’t get in the way of using the camera. The Still/Movie switch, with dedicated settings in either mode, was a long time coming, and the way it should be.
The X-T4's shutter is even smoother and quieter than the X-H1’s, enabling me to reliably shoot hand-held at down to 1/4 second - although the IBIS helps a lot, too. This is the shutter that I'd been missing since I'd moved to Fuji from Panasonic.
The X-T2 had felt a little too small, under-formed; the X-H1, despite its welcoming grip, could sometimes feel like holding a brick. The X-T4 is perfectly-proportioned; the grip can always be enlarged to the X-H1's proportion with the SmallRig L-bracket grip.
The X-T4's custom buttons are plentiful and well-placed. (The Q. button on the X-H1 is prone to accidental pressing.) I have AF-ON and AE-L buttons set to "AF-ON," the latter being well-situated for vertical shooting. The button on the front I have set "AE-L." Even the Q button can be custom-set to another function; the Quick Menu can be set to be summoned by a screen swipe.
Speaking of the screen, I much prefer the previous models' Fuji-style screen, as the "flippy" design is prone to breakage at the joint, and it is distractive to look away at an angle from the subject. However, for low-angle vertical shooting, or shooting to the side, it's wonderful. The "flippy" screen had almost kept me from getting the X-T4, but it's a testament to this camera's excellence otherwise that I was willing to try to disregard this annoyance.
The life of the new, larger battery is wonderful. I go through no more than half a battery over seven hours of shooting stills with occasional 4k video; mainly through the EVF; power management level "normal."
I am not a videographer, but I do prefer to pull focus manually in shooting video or to use single back-button focus to set it, so I am unqualified to complain about the X-T4's autofocus during video. In stills shooting, I use AF-On back-button focusing (as previously described), but when I have used AF for stills, I found it to be blazing-fast and accurate.
From my perspective, and for my purposes, the video specifications and performance of the X-T4 are top-notch for a hybrid APS-C camera; at least, they exceed my own needs. I don't use F-Log or HLG, just the Eterna profile for video, which gives me all the gradable latitude I need. Despite bitrates up to 400mbps; 200 is the most I need, though 100 (in 4k) looks fine in most cases. Rippling water and such warrant 200.
Although I had a hard time feeling as though I could afford the X-T4, obviously I could come up with the money (selling my X-H1 to defray half of it). The X-T4 is what the X-H1 was supposed to have been.
Although even with firmware update (presently up to v1.10), the IBIS in video is still prone to lag and sticking, though it’s not nearly as unfortunate as the X-H1’s. The main problem is in panning or tilting: when a new object that extends across most of the frame, in either direction, is introduced, the IBIS has to pause a bit to take it into consideration, and otherwise, sudden movement to the side or up/down throws is brain off a bit. I really hope that Fuji finds a way to smooth this out in a firmware update or two. If not, however, this glitch can be worked around. I confess to having been IBIS-spoiled by previously owning Panasonic cameras.
I had found switching between still and movie modes on the X-H1 disappointingly time-consuming, even with the attempt to separate them. In this regard, the X-T4's own design doesn’t get in the way of using the camera. The Still/Movie switch, with dedicated settings in either mode, was a long time coming, and the way it should be.
The X-T4's shutter is even smoother and quieter than the X-H1’s, enabling me to reliably shoot hand-held at down to 1/4 second - although the IBIS helps a lot, too. This is the shutter that I'd been missing since I'd moved to Fuji from Panasonic.
The X-T2 had felt a little too small, under-formed; the X-H1, despite its welcoming grip, could sometimes feel like holding a brick. The X-T4 is perfectly-proportioned; the grip can always be enlarged to the X-H1's proportion with the SmallRig L-bracket grip.
The X-T4's custom buttons are plentiful and well-placed. (The Q. button on the X-H1 is prone to accidental pressing.) I have AF-ON and AE-L buttons set to "AF-ON," the latter being well-situated for vertical shooting. The button on the front I have set "AE-L." Even the Q button can be custom-set to another function; the Quick Menu can be set to be summoned by a screen swipe.
Speaking of the screen, I much prefer the previous models' Fuji-style screen, as the "flippy" design is prone to breakage at the joint, and it is distractive to look away at an angle from the subject. However, for low-angle vertical shooting, or shooting to the side, it's wonderful. The "flippy" screen had almost kept me from getting the X-T4, but it's a testament to this camera's excellence otherwise that I was willing to try to disregard this annoyance.
The life of the new, larger battery is wonderful. I go through no more than half a battery over seven hours of shooting stills with occasional 4k video; mainly through the EVF; power management level "normal."
I am not a videographer, but I do prefer to pull focus manually in shooting video or to use single back-button focus to set it, so I am unqualified to complain about the X-T4's autofocus during video. In stills shooting, I use AF-On back-button focusing (as previously described), but when I have used AF for stills, I found it to be blazing-fast and accurate.
From my perspective, and for my purposes, the video specifications and performance of the X-T4 are top-notch for a hybrid APS-C camera; at least, they exceed my own needs. I don't use F-Log or HLG, just the Eterna profile for video, which gives me all the gradable latitude I need. Despite bitrates up to 400mbps; 200 is the most I need, though 100 (in 4k) looks fine in most cases. Rippling water and such warrant 200.
Although I had a hard time feeling as though I could afford the X-T4, obviously I could come up with the money (selling my X-H1 to defray half of it). The X-T4 is what the X-H1 was supposed to have been.