Last Updated on 02/26/2020 by Mark Beckenbach
The rumored Fujifilm X-T4 is real folks, and it’s packing quite a number of improvements over its well-regarded predecessor.
In what is perhaps one of the worst-kept industry secrets in recent memory, we can finally confirm that the Fujifilm X-T4 is indeed real. While the XT4 sports the same 26 Megapixel X-Trans BSI CMOS 4 Sensor and X-Processor 4 Quad-Core Imaging Engine as its roughly year and a half old predecessor, there are plenty of upgrades that make it a worthwhile upgrade. Chief amongst these are the 5-Axis In-Body Image Stabilization, the inclusion of a fully articulating touchscreen, and a brand new, higher capacity battery. We got to spend some time with the Fujifilm X-T4 recently during a private media briefing. You can read all about our first impressions after the jump.
Tech Specs
Tech specs for the Fujifilm X-T4 taken from the official press release:
| Model Name | Fujifilm X-T4 |
| Number of Effective Pixels | 26.1 million pixels |
| Image Sensor | 23.5 mm x 15.6 mm (APS-C) X-Trans CMOS 4 with primary color filter |
| Storage Media | SD memory card (~2GB) / SDHC memory card (~32GB) / SDXC memory card (~512GB) UHS-I / UHS-II / Video Speed Class V90 *1 |
| File Format of Still Image | JPEG: Exif Ver. 2.3 *2 / RAW: 14bit RAW (RAF original format) / TIFF: 8/16bit RGB |
| Lens Mount | Fujifilm X Mount |
| Sensitivity | |
| Standard Output Sensitivity | AUTO1 / AUTO2 / AUTO3 (up to ISO 12,800) / ISO 160 – 12,800 (1/3 step) |
| Extended Output Sensitivity | ISO 80 / 100 / 125 / 25,600 / 51,200 |
| Exposure Control | TTL 256-zone metering, Multi / Spot / Average / Center Weighted |
| Exposure Mode | P (Program AE) / A (Aperture Priority AE) / S (Shutter Speed Priority AE) / M (Manual Exposure) |
| Exposure Compensation | -5.0EV – +5.0EV 1/3 EV step (Movie: -2.0EV – +2.0EV) |
| Image Stabilizer | |
| Mechanism | Image sensor shift mechanism with 5-axis compensation |
| Compensation Effect | Maximum 6.5 stops (based on CIPA standard. Pitch/yaw shake only. |
| Digital Image Stabilization | Yes (movie mode only) |
| IS Mode Boost | Yes (movie mode only) |
| Shutter Type | Focal Plane Shutter |
| Movie Recording | MOV (MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, HEVC/H.265, Audio: Linear PCM / Stereo Sound 24 bit / 48 KHz sampling) |
| File Format | MP4 (MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, Audio: AAC) |
| File Size | All Intra / Long-GOP |
| Frame Rate | * All Intra can be used with following settings |
| Recording Time | DCI 4K / 4K 29.97p / 25p / 24p / 23.98p 400 Mbps |
| Full HD 2048 x 1080 / Full HD 1920 × 1080 / 59.94p / 50p / 29.97p / 25p / 24p / 23.98p 200 Mbps | |
| DCI 4K 4096 x 2160 / 59.94p / 50p / 29.97p / 25p / 24p / 23.98p / 400 Mbps / 200 Mbps / 100 Mbps 59.94p / 50p: up to approx. 20 min. 29.97p / 25p / 24p / 23.98p: up to approx. 30 min. | |
| 4K 3840 × 2160 / 59.94p / 50p / 29.97p / 25p / 24p / 23.98p / 400 Mbps / 200 Mbps / 100 Mbps 59.94p / 50p: up to approx. 20min. 29.97p / 25p / 24p / 23.98p: up to approx. 30min. | |
| Full HD 2048 x 1080 / 59.94p / 50p / 29.97p / 25p / 24p / 23.98p 200 Mbps / 100 Mbps / 50 Mbps up to approx. 30min. | |
| Full HD 1920 x 1080 / 59.94p / 50p / 29.97p / 25p / 24p / 23.98p 200 Mbps / 100 Mbps / 50 Mbps up to approx. 30min. | |
| Full HD 1920 x 1080 / High Speed Rec. | |
| 240p / 200p / 200 Mbps (recording) up to approx. 3min. | |
| 120p / 100p / 200 Mbps (recording) up to approx. 6min. | |
| * For recording movies, use a SD memory card with UHS Speed Class 3 or higher. | |
| * For recording movies in 400 Mbps, use a SD memory card with Video Speed Class 60 or higher. | |
| * Recording movies in 400 Mbps can be done with DCI 4K / 4K 29.97p / 25p / 24p / 23.98p | |
| * DCI 4K 59.94p / 50p is not available when H.264 is selected | |
| * Although movie recording will continue without interruption when the file size reaches 4GB, subsequent footage will be recorded to a separate file which must be viewed separately. | |
| Flash Modes | 1st Curtain / 2nd Curtain / Auto FP (HSS) (excl. EF-X8) |
| Sync. Mode | TTL (TTL Auto (P mode) / Standard / Slow Sync.) / Manual / Commander / Off (When EF-X8 is set) |
| Flash Mode | TTL (TTL Auto (P mode) / Standard / Slow Sync.) / Manual / Multi / Off (When Shoe Mount Flash is set) |
| LCD Monitor | 3.0 inch, aspect ratio 3:2, approx. 1.62 million dots touch screen color LCD monitor (approx. 100% coverage) |
| Viewfinder | 0.5 inch approx. 3.69 million dots OLED Color Viewfinder / Coverage of Viewing Area vs. Capturing Area: approx. 100% |
| Eyepoint: approx. 23mm (from the eyepiece lens) / Diopter Adjustment: -4~+2m-1 (Lockable) | |
| Magnification: 0.75 x with 50mm lens (35mm equivalent) at infinity and diopter set to -1m-1 | |
| Diagonal Angle of View: approx. 38° (Horizontal Angle of View: approx. 30°) / Built-in Eye Sensor | |
| Terminal | |
| Digital Interface | USB Type-C (USB 3.2 Gen 1×1) |
| HDMI Output | HDMI Micro Connector (Type D) |
| Other | ⌀ 3.5 mm, Stereo Mini Connector (Microphone) / ⌀ 2.5 mm, Remote Release Connector, Hot Shoe, Synchronized Terminal |
| Dimensions | (W) 134.6 mm x (H) 92.8 mm x (D) 63.8 mm (Minimum Depth 37.9 mm) |
| Weight | Approx. 607 g (Including Battery and SD Memory Card) |
| Approx. 526 g (Excluding Battery and SD Memory Card) | |
*1 Please see the Fujifilm website to check SD memory card compatibility. *2 Exif 2.3 is a digital camera file format that contains a variety of shooting information for optimal printing. |
Ergonomics
The Fujifilm X-T4 looks and feels similar to previous X-T bodies. The much loved minimalist, retro design makes a welcome return. Most people would have a hard time telling the XT4 apart from its predecessors if the model name on the upper right corner was covered. Aside from the Fujfilm and X-T4 engravings, the only things you’ll find along the top of the camera’s front are the Front Command Dial and AF Assist Light. Situated along both sides of the lens mount are the Customizable Function button, Lens Release button, Sync Terminal, and Focus Mode Selector. They are color-matched to the rest of the XT4’s body.
Here’s a comparison between the Fujifilm X-T4 and the Fujifilm X-H1 (with the Vertical Power Booster Grip attached). Both cameras feature In-Body Image Stabilization.
Like previous XT bodies, a majority of the X-T4’s controls are located on top of the camera. The lockable ISO dial along with the Drive Mode Selector dial underneath is situated to the left. The 0.5″ OLED Viewfinder is flanked by the lockable Diopter Adjustment Knob and the View Mode button. The Hot Shoe is located above the Viewfinder. Next up is the lockable Shutter Speed Dial, with the mode dial nested beneath it now dedicated to switching between Stills or Movie mode. This dial was used to control the metering mode on the X-T3. The On/Off switch, Shutter Release, another Customizable Function button, and the Exposure Compensation Dial round out the rest of the controls found on top of the XT4.
Much of the X-T4’s rear is dominated by the 3″ Touchscreen LCD Monitor, which we’ll cover in more detail in just a bit. Let’s first focus on the various buttons found on the back of the camera. Along the top, you’ll find the Delete and Playback buttons to the left of the Viewfinder. Moving towards the right of the Viewfinder, the AE-L and AF-L buttons found on the XT3 has been replaced with the AF On and Q Menu buttons on the XT4. Situated between the two is the Rear Command Dial. The layout towards the right of the X-T4’s Touchscreen is nearly identical to the XT3’s. The only difference on the XT4 is the AEL button in place of where the Q Menu button was on the XT3. The Joystick, directional Selector buttons, Menu/OK button, and the Display/Back button remain unchanged.
Let’s go back to the 3″ Touchscreen LCD Monitor. This is where you’ll find one of the most noticeable changes made to the X-T4’s exterior.
A fully articulating Touchscreen LCD Monitor replaces the bi-directional flipping mechanism found on the XT3’s screen. The bi-directional flipping mechanism always felt like an imperfect implementation. This upgrade greatly improves the XT4’s ease of use. Selfie addicts and vloggers will surely appreciate this upgrade. Kudos to the Fujifilm design team for listening to user feedback!
The X-T4’s various connectivity options can be found towards the left side of the fully articulating Touchscreen. These include a ⌀ 3.5 mm Stereo Mini Microphone Connector, a ⌀ 2.5 mm Remote Release Connector, a micro HDMI (Type D) Connector, and a USB Type-C (USB 3.2 Gen 1×1) digital interface that can also be used to charge the camera.
A pair of UHS-II SD card slots are located on the opposite side of the XT4.
The door to the memory card slots is now removable. We’re not entirely sure why you’d want the memory card slots exposed, but it’s an option with the XT4 if that’s what you’re into.
The Fujifilm X-T4 uses a newly designed, larger capacity battery. This is another welcome upgrade. Here’s a look at the XT3’s NP-W126S battery next to the XT4’s newly designed NP-W235 Li-ion battery. The NP-W235 battery has enough power to capture up to 500 images in normal mode (600 in economy mode). (The older NP-W126S battery was rated for just 390 shots with the XT3.)
Here’s a look at the XT4’s lens mount. During the press briefing, Fujifilm reps stressed that they’ve improved the sturdiness of the mount as indicated by the six screws affixing the mount to the body. By comparison, the mount on the Nikon Z6/Z7 only has four screws, while the mount Canon EOS R/EOS Ra/EOS RP sports five. For what it’s worth, the XT3’s lens mount also featured six screws, and Sony’s been using six screws in their lens mounts since the introduction of their 3rd generation of A7 bodies (Sony A7 III/A7R III/A7R IV) as well as the A9/A9 II.
Build Quality
Although we only spent about an hour with a pre-production sample of the Fujifilm X-T4, it feels just as solid as earlier entries in the X-T series so far. While the XT4 is weather sealed like most of Fujifilm’s higher-end bodies, we didn’t get to put it through its paces during our brief time with the camera. Please stay tuned for our full review for a more in-depth analysis of the Fujifilm X-T4’s overall build quality.
Ease of Use
“The new articulating touchscreen on the XT4 was particularly useful when shooting at odd angles that would’ve prooved quite difficult with the XT3.”
Photographers familiar with Fujifilm’s other X-series cameras will be right at home when picking up the X-T4. The changes made to some of the dials and buttons felt intuitive. The new articulating touchscreen on the XT4 was particularly useful when shooting at odd angles that would’ve prooved quite difficult with the XT3. Having only shot with the Fujifilm X-T4 for about an hour, we’ll need to spend more time with the camera before we can render a more comprehensive verdict on its overall usability. Again, please stay tuned for our upcoming full review.
Autofocus
While the Fujifilm representatives highlighted the improved autofocus capabilities of the Fujifilm XT4 during the press briefing, we didn’t have the time to put it to the test on fast-moving subjects. Much of the time we had with the camera was spent indoors. Above was one of the rare instances where we got to test out the X-T4’s autofocus on a fast-moving subject. As you can see, it was able to lock onto the van without issue. The front of the van does appear to be slightly out of focus, but this was due to the relatively shallow depth of field (f3.6) we were shooting in.
Despite our short time with the XT4, Face/Eye AF performance did seem to be improved over its predecessor. Even during low contrast conditions, the X-T4 was able to detect faces/eyes as evident by the Face/Eye AF detection boxes that we saw frequently on the rear touchscreen. Be sure to check back for our full review where we’ll be testing the Fujifilm X-T4’s autofocus performance much more comprehensively.
Image Quality
All sample images seen within this First Impressions article are straight out of camera JPEGs shot using a pre-production Fujifilm X-T4 sample unit running non-final firmware. As of press time, camera profiles for the Fujifilm X-T4 are not yet available for Capture One and Adobe Camera Raw/Lightroom. All of the images in this sample gallery were shot using the Eterna Bleach Bypass Film Simulation. As a matter of ethics, none of the sample images seen within this First Impressions article have been retouched. This allows you to judge the quality of the images produced by the Fujifilm X-T4 for yourself. The only editing some of these images were subjected to was cropping.
First Impressions
While we got to spend just over an hour with the Fujifilm X-T4 during the private press briefing, it’s clear that Fujifilm’s engineers have been paying attention to the feedback on the XT3. Undoubtedly, Fujifilm’s decision to utilize the same sensor and processor found within the XT3 will draw some criticism. It’s important to remember that the sensor and processor are less than two years old. Fujifilm’s done quite a bit of work under the hood to squeeze even more performance from the X-Trans 4 Sensor and X-Processor 4 Quad-Core Imaging Engine. Let’s also not forget that we’re finally getting In-Body Image Stabilization in the X-T4: Fujifilm managed to pull this off while maintaining a nearly identical form factor! 18 out of Fujifilm’s 29 existing X-Mount lenses will now have up to 6.5 stops of image stabilization when paired with the X-T4. Additionally, the new fully-articulating touchscreen greatly improves the camera’s usability. The new NP-W235 Li-ion battery also offers roughly 50% more shooting time when stacked against the one used in previous X-Series cameras.
The Fujifilm X-T4 is clearly positioned as a premium APS-C Mirrorless camera, with the Sony A6600 being its most direct competitor. While the XT4 certainly has the A6600 beat in terms of resolution, we’ll need to spend quite a bit more time with the XT4 before we can render a definitive verdict on which will take home the Crop Sensor Mirrorless crown. Please stay tuned for our upcoming full review of the Fujifilm X-T4. Fujifilm plans to begin shipping the X-T4 around April of this year, but that’s subject to change depending on production issues related to the coronavirus outbreak in Asia. Available in black or silver, the Fujifilm X-T4 will retail for US $1,699.95 (body only). The new NP-W235 Li-ion battery will retail for US $69.95. A dual battery grip will also be available, retailing at US $329.95.
