The Fujifilm X-T4 in 2024 - Still Worth It?
The Fujifilm X-T4 is a camera I used to have many complaints about.
In the past it’s given me problems, but after finding some workarounds, the X-T4 has become my main workhorse.
I use it almost everyday from making YouTube videos to photography sessions.
And even in 2024, it could be a great option if you’re looking to get into either photography or videography.
Also fyi, this review will be a bit more “feature heavy” than usual.
This is because the X-T4 is a camera I use mainly to get stuff done, unlike the V or X-Pro series which are more about the craft.
Lets get started.
The Bads
When I first got this camera, there were two things I complained about:
autofocus
ibis
They weren’t “perfect”.
This was probably an unreasonable expectation on my part, but that’s what many of us were hoping for when this camera was first released.
At the time, the X-T3 was a pretty popular camera, so there were a lot of high expectations for the X-T4.
I thought it’d be the “perfect YouTube camera”, with the great video specs, the ibis, the flip out screen, etc.
But unfortunately, it didn’t meet those expectations.
Autofocus
The X-T4 has had autofocus issues since the beginning.
Now I should note this is primarily for video.
When it comes to photography, I’ve never had any issues.
But for video, the camera would hunt and have trouble knowing what to focus on. And this was even when using linear motor focusing lenses. And yes, I’ve played around with the settings.
This was a big downside because video is what this camera is built for. If you only cared about photography, you could grab the X-T3 or any of Fuji’s older bodies.
So I’ve had problems when trying to film myself outside, film others, and film product shots for this channel. Which is basically every scenario, I know.
The good news is that the autofocus seems to work well for talking head shots like this.
But that’s the only time I ever rely on the autofocus.
For everything else, I have to use a different method to get good video.
Manual focus works great for filming yourself because you don’t need to worry about hunting or breathing.
Simply set your focus setting to manual and use the lens to adjust accordingly.
Autofocus lock works similarly.
To use the AFL method, change your camera settings so that “AFL” is on toggle.
Now when you press AFL, your focus is set until you untoggle it.
Simply pick your focus, press AFL, and begin recording.
Now your focus is set and your camera won’t hunt, breathe, or change focus randomly.
These two methods have helped me a lot when filming myself.
However, when filming others it can still be a bit challenging because you’re doing all the focus manually.
So if you’re constantly doing video work for others, you might want to consider something with better autofocus.
IBIS
The second problem I had with this camera was the ibis.
The X-T4 has a few “bouncy warpy” motions when recording handheld video on wider focal lengths like 16mm and above.
However, it’s fairly normal for IBIS to perform worse on wider focal lengths, and past updates by Fujifilm have made it a bit better.
The best solution I’ve found with this was to use a lens with OIS.
This can be something like the XF 18-55.
This has fixed some of the problems and helped me to get more stable handheld video footage.
I’ve also stopped being so stubborn and started to use tripods more...
So that’s my current setup: the X-T4 + 18-55.
I think this is a well balanced combo for most users.
It’s portable and good for most scenarios - especially if you like to shoot handheld.
But at the end of the day, don’t expect this camera to have the same kind of stability that gopros and iphones do.
IBIS is meant to smoothen things out, not make your videos perfect.
Maybe one day, camera technology will be at the level where we can carry one of these guys and still get gimbal like video.
But until then, we gotta work with what we have.
The Good Things
Although it has some faults, the X-T4 is still a great camera.
After using it for almost 3 years now, it gets the job done.
Hybrid Features
Lets get into the Fujifilm X-T4’s hybrid functionalities first.
The X-T4 is a camera that is good at both photography and video because it’s essentially an X-T3 with a few add ons.
The video quality is amazing - it’s got DCI 4k, 10 bit whatever.
That will take care of most of your videography needs.
I know many newer cameras are starting to have 6k and 8k, but most of us don’t need that.
Especially if you’re someone who is just planning to make YouTube videos, 4k is more than enough.
Hybrid Switch
One of my favorite aspects is the hybrid switch button which allows you to easily switch between photo and video.
This is useful when I’m out shooting sunsets and want to take a photo here and record video there.
Other cameras like the x100v or X-Pro3 have a “drive function button” to switch between photo and video, which takes a few extra steps.
So I find those cameras more oriented towards photography.
So it’s a small but very useful feature of the X-T4.
Fully Articulating Screen
Another great hybrid feature of the X-T4 is the fully articulating screen.
This may be a turn off for photographers but it’s actually really useful for making YouTube videos and filming yourself.
I make use of this screen all the time.
This is because sometimes you just need to see yourself.
I used to record video with cameras that didn’t have a flip out screen and I’d have to go back and forth to double check the shot.
So if you’re thinking of filming yourself, a flip out screen will make the process a lot smoother.
I’ve also found the X-T4’s screen great for getting low on vertical photography shots.
But besides that, a screen like the x100v or X-T5 would be better for pure photographers.
Eterna Film Simulation
The final feature that makes the X-T4 a great hybrid camera is the Eterna film simulation.
If you don’t know what Eterna is, you can think of it like a semi f-log video setting for Fujifilm cameras.
It allows you to get a “flatter” video footage so you can color grade more easily.
It’s not as muted as f-log however, so it still looks good unedited.
This is the film simulation I record most of my video in.
And nowadays, most newer Fujifilm cameras have Eterna.
Which is great because if you bump up the dynamic range to 400 and shoot in Eterna, you can get really nice looking video footage with or without color grading.
X-Trans4 Sensor
Now that we’ve covered the hybrid functions of this camera, lets bring it back around.
Another “great quality” of the Fujifilm X-T4 is the X-Trans4 sensor.
The X-Trans4 sensor is my personal favorite for Fujifilm cameras.
However, I haven’t tried the newer sensors yet so I can’t speak on those.
But the X-Trans4 sensor is the same sensor that’s in the x100v and the X-Pro3.
Meaning you’ll more or less get the same images between all of these cameras - the main difference would be the lens you choose.
It’s a bit difficult to explain why I like the XTrans4 sensor so much.
Part of me is just nostalgic because this was the sensor that started things off for me. It’s the sensor that I used as I was getting into and excited about photography.
And the look itself reminds me of what I think of when I think of “Fujifilm” - a modern digital film look.
Without going into the science of it, because I really know nothing about it, I like the images I get from this sensor.
Moving on.
Battery
The battery life in the Fujifilm X-T4 is a big win.
This was one of the upgrades that was added when this camera first came out.
Cameras like the X-T3, the x100v, and the X-Pro3 all use the older standard battery.
Which is great if you’re only planning to take photos.
However, the bigger battery is more useful for video.
This is because video in general is a big battery drain.
So Fujifilm made this new battery because they knew many people would use the X-T4 for videography.
So if you’re looking to shoot a lot of video, this is another reason why the X-T4 is a great option.
Who is it For?/Still Worth it?
The Fujifilm X-T4 is kind of like a jack of all trades, master of none.
It’s a “systems” camera.
Meaning it’s not specialized like the X-Pro3 or the x100v, which are more “niche cameras”.
The X-T4 is about getting the job done, not feeling a certain type of way about photography.
So in many ways, it’s perfect for someone who doesn’t know what they want yet.
It’s a camera that will allow you to explore the space of photo and video without committing to some unique feature or quirk.
Those “quirks” may be benefits for the niche user but can be weird for the average user.
The X-T4 will allow you to explore your options, try different lenses, and still take great photo and video.
It’s a camera I’d recommend for someone who doesn’t care about the fancy camera stuff and just wants something to get the job done.
If you can live with the faults, and use the workarounds I mentioned earlier, it’s a great hybrid camera.
Now it’s important to note that the Fujifilm X-T4 isn’t considered a “holy grail” camera in the community.
It doesn’t have some cult like following like the x100 or X-Pro series.
Which is actually a good thing.
Because you can get this camera for a really good price.
Some of these other cameras are valued so highly, that they’re really expensive.
But ironically, because the reputation of the X-T4 isn’t like that, it’s a great value option.
The body itself I’ve seen go for around 900$.
Combined with the XF 18-55, it might cost you around $1300 (at time of writing), which is potentially the lowest cost to entry for what you’re getting.
So although I’ve given the X-T4 some flak in the past, it’s what’s been keeping this channel alive.
It’s a great camera, and this was my way of showing it some love.
And I’d say the Fujifilm X-T4 is very worth it if you’re looking to buy a camera in 2024.
Thanks for reading.
