Used: X-T2 vs X-T3 vs X-T4

Okay, here is the scenario. I just bought a used X-T2 + 18-55mm lens for $600

They also had a used X-T3 (body only) for $875 and used X-T4 (body only) for $1000

Curiously they also had used X-T2 (body only) for $500. So obviously bought the one that came with the 18-55mm lens for an extra $100.

I do have the option to return and use store credit to "upgrade".

Question is, would any of you upgrade to X-T3 or X-T4 knowing the prices I just stated.

I love the jpg output from the X-T2. Coming from Nikon I was never happy with jpg output and am tired of editing everything in Lightroom.

But with every iteration there are updates and Fuji is no exception.

I'm kind of new to Fuji world and watched a few Youtube videos comparing all the versions but wanted insight from people here.

I'm mostly a stills photographer. Not much video but wouldn't mind it if I had the latest and greatest video features.

Not much action but would love better eye AF and tracking.

I figure image quality of them all are same or similar. Just question of getting the shots and retaining the good jpg output.

I know the newer models have more film simulations.

Knowing that I am committed to Fuji ecosystem should I start out with at least the newer models vs something that is 6+ years old.

Thanks

I wouldn't trade my own X-T2 for either the X-T3 or X-T4 if the change didn't cost me a dime. None of the "upgrades" such a trade would represent are things I need or want, and some of them actively make the camera less useful to me.  I am a jpeg only still shooter and the X-T2 is all I need for that, and it's a camera I really love. The fact that it is 6+years old makes no difference to me.

Your needs and wants may be different, of course. But by now you probably know enough about photography  to know that "horsetrading" with gear (constantly buying and selling in search of getting the "best" at the lowest price) is a hobby in its own right. And that hobby can get in the way of actual photography in the sense of going out (or into the studio, or whatever) and taking pictures.

NikonGuyCO wrote:

Okay, here is the scenario. I just bought a used X-T2 + 18-55mm lens for $600

They also had a used X-T3 (body only) for $875 and used X-T4 (body only) for $1000

Curiously they also had used X-T2 (body only) for $500. So obviously bought the one that came with the 18-55mm lens for an extra $100.

I do have the option to return and use store credit to "upgrade".

Question is, would any of you upgrade to X-T3 or X-T4 knowing the prices I just stated.

I love the jpg output from the X-T2. Coming from Nikon I was never happy with jpg output and am tired of editing everything in Lightroom.

But with every iteration there are updates and Fuji is no exception.

I'm kind of new to Fuji world and watched a few Youtube videos comparing all the versions but wanted insight from people here.

I'm mostly a stills photographer. Not much video but wouldn't mind it if I had the latest and greatest video features.

Not much action but would love better eye AF and tracking.

I figure image quality of them all are same or similar. Just question of getting the shots and retaining the good jpg output.

I know the newer models have more film simulations.

Knowing that I am committed to Fuji ecosystem should I start out with at least the newer models vs something that is 6+ years old.

Thanks

The X-T4 offers one advantage that the other two models don't, which is IBIS, or build-in stabilization.  Some of Fujifilm's better lenses (e.g. 16-55 f/2.8) are not stabilized.  If you plan to do a fair amount of low light photography, then you might find having a camera that provides that stabilization to be a big benefit, particularly when you shoot handheld and/or in low light situations where a flash or tripod may not be usable or appropriate.  After using an X-H1 for years, then recently replacing it with an X-H2s, I will simply not own a camera that doesn't support IBIS.  Admittedly, that is my own bias, and is also highly dependent on how reliant one might be of in body stabilization (i.e. how much low light, handheld photography you do with non stabilized lenses).

I'm sure you will be very happy with the camera you purchased.  However, the type of photography and typical working conditions should be a factor in any decision you might make whether to keep the body or upgrade it.

NikonGuyCO wrote:

Question is, would any of you upgrade to X-T3 or X-T4 knowing the prices I just stated.

Better video features, faster AF, stickier tracking, in-camera HDR, and a better EVF. Their latest firmware update for the X-T3 gives it the X-T4's AF and real time tracking. The X-T3's AF improvements are particularly noticeable with Fuji's older lenses like the 35 f1.4. the X-T4 gives you IBIS and a longer lasting battery, but it also has a fully articulating screen as opposed to the 3-way tilt screen. The 2 and 3 may have smaller batteries, but you can just stick a second battery in your pocket or use a battery grip if you want to.

I love the jpg output from the X-T2. Coming from Nikon I was never happy with jpg output and am tired of editing everything in Lightroom.

If you shoot at higher ISOs (6400+) the X-T2 is a bit better IMO because it is a little less noisy. Of course this can be accommodated by using good denoising software. It's not a huge difference and you may not even notice it.

The 3 and 4 will have one or two newer film simulations, but you can also use recipes to achieve very nice results in the X-T2 which is an X-Trans3 camera.

https://fujixweekly.com/recipes/

NikonGuyCO wrote:

Okay, here is the scenario. I just bought a used X-T2 + 18-55mm lens for $600

They also had a used X-T3 (body only) for $875 and used X-T4 (body only) for $1000

Curiously they also had used X-T2 (body only) for $500. So obviously bought the one that came with the 18-55mm lens for an extra $100.

I do have the option to return and use store credit to "upgrade".

Question is, would any of you upgrade to X-T3 or X-T4 knowing the prices I just stated.

Yes, in my opinion there is a significant performance increase from the X-T2 gen (I had two X-H1's) to the X-T3 gen. The X-T3 has had several firmware upgrades that put it on par with the X-T4. It also has more ooc jpeg options than the X-T2, a better EVF, a touch screen (I have mine set up as a second 4-way D-Pad for quick adjustments), and other improvements (like a USB-C port, for example).

I love the jpg output from the X-T2. Coming from Nikon I was never happy with jpg output and am tired of editing everything in Lightroom.

In general I also preferred that gen's jpeg output, though now I have tweaked my X-T3 settings to get the ooc looks I like. The Fuji X-Weekly app has many useful film sim recipes as well, which can also be set up as custom film sims in the camera. I use four or five custom film sims most of the time, but have the camera set up with fn buttons to access all other film sims quickly. I am not sure if the X-T4 can save custom film sim settings separately from other custom settings (AF, exposure parameters, etc); that might be a limitation of the newer PSAM bodies (X-S10, X-T5/H2/H2S), so an X-T4 owner would need to confirm. There have been some threads here on this issue where custom film sim settings cannot be separated from global custom settings.

But with every iteration there are updates and Fuji is no exception.

I'm kind of new to Fuji world and watched a few Youtube videos comparing all the versions but wanted insight from people here.

I'm mostly a stills photographer. Not much video but wouldn't mind it if I had the latest and greatest video features.

I find the X-T3 video 4k/30p and slo-mo quality to be fine for my purposes. The question is probably more about your need for IBIS or not for stills and video. I shoot mostly with stabilized zooms so IBIS is not a necessity for me. The X-T4 also has better battery life, but both can be powered by a usb-c power bank if you get into long timelapses etc. I prefer the X-T3's three-way tilt screen over the flip screen of the X-T4.

Not much action but would love better eye AF and tracking.

I figure image quality of them all are same or similar. Just question of getting the shots and retaining the good jpg output.

Basically true. Others may talk about high ISO noise levels better in the older 24mp sensor, but whether the difference is prioritized over the other advantages of the newer cameras is subjective. I don't find it to be a significant issue.

I know the newer models have more film simulations.

Classic Neg has been quite popular for many, and not available on the X-T3. I'm trying a custom film sim recipe for classic neg and so far like the look I'm getting, but a film sim recipe is not as versatile/dynamic as Fuji's "stock" in-camera sims.

Knowing that I am committed to Fuji ecosystem should I start out with at least the newer models vs something that is 6+ years old.

I think that's a valid concern, the X-T2 tech is ageing a bit now. Whatever you choose, be sure to update the firmware on both camera and lens for optimal performance.

Thanks

I loved my X-T2 and only upgraded to the X-T4 for IBIS. If you don't want/need that, stick with the 2.

Mike Carroccio wrote:

I loved my X-T2 and only upgraded to the X-T4 for IBIS. If you don't want/need that, stick with the 2.

I assume you meant to reply to the OP

I have an XT2, but has been gathering dust (been shooting my GFX)…it is a great camera that is capable of great images, but maybe a little long in the tooth technology wise.  Depends on what is important to you, for me I would choose the XT4 or XT5 (yes, i have scene already a couple used XT5s pop up, $350 off new price).

Assuming even the used XT5 is more than you want to spend, the XT4 would be my choice for better battery, IBIS, deeper grip, stickier AF, improved evf, etc, however, i do like the XT3 lcd screen better.

I will say that $600 for that combo seems like a good deal.

Hope this helps,

Rod