FUJIFILM X-T4 Mirrorless Digital Camera

Fujifilm’s X-T4 retains an APS-C sized sensor that we’ve learned to love over full-frame sensors. Internally, there is a 26.1MP APS-C X-Trans 4 CMOS sensor that’s powered by the X-Processor 4. This powerful combination is also featured in the highly regarded X-Pro3, and as such, is capable of capturing some truly stunning images.

IBIS

A defining feature of the X-T4 is the addition of In-body image stabilisation (IBIS). The IBIS unit itself is 30% smaller and 20% lighter than the one in the X-H1 meaning the X-T4 can keep the compact feel and lightweight design that Fujifilm is so passionate about. It provides an impressive 6.5 stops of stabilisation on 18 of the 29 Fuji XF lenses and this feature works in both stills and video mode. Because of this, it’s become a real viable option for both pro stills and video practitioners; in particular, those capturing night, sports and action photographs, as well as, filming in unstable shooting situations. Unlike most other IBIS systems that use springs, this system uses magnetic force which in turn increases functionality whilst also being smaller and lighter.

Digital Image Stabilisation

If IBIS isn’t enough to keep you steady and slowing things down isn’t an option, you can make use of the X-T4’s Digital Image Stabilisation (DIS) in video mode. This mode essentially slightly crops your image and then uses that crop to stabilise your footage. Therefore, using this setting when shooting in certain resolutions can incur up to a 1.29x crop. Below is a table of exactly what cropping occurs in which resolutions, however, if you think you’ll be using multiple settings and resolutions for a project, you can set the crop permanently at 1.29x so everything stays consistent.

Stills-to-Movie Switch

Finally, there has been the addition of a stills-to-movie switch. To enter video mode, you no longer use the drive dial on the top left of the camera (like on the X-T3). That dial has been re-organised so that changing from stills to video now has a dedicated switch under the shutter speed dial. This well-designed extra doesn’t just give you the ability to shoot video, it completely changes the camera. Your “Q” menu becomes a video menu, the main menu shows video options and most importantly – it does not continue to use your stills settings in video mode and vice versa. For example, in most cameras, if you are shooting stills in manual mode and you switch to manual video mode, your settings (shutter speed, aperture, ISO and – most annoyingly – picture profile) will be kept the same. However, this new setup allows you to shoot video and stills with ease, swapping quickly between the two modes and keeping your video settings separate from your stills settings.

Video Capabilities

The video capabilities on this body are hugely exciting. Various features have been included in the X-T4 that gives options to filmmakers. You can capture C4K60P 10-bit 4:2:0 internally or if you need that extra colour depth, you can output the video through the HDMI for 4:2:2. If slow-motion is more your thing then the X-T4 can shoot 1080p up to 240fps, outputting (in PAL) at 25p or 50p, providing 4x or 8x slow motion. The IBIS system is particularly effective for this when used with the electronic image stabilisation function (DIS), giving you smooth and steady footage. There’s also an IS boost mode that reduces slight camera shakes, allowing stabilised fixed-point video capture without a tripod. Fujifilm has included an F-Log View Assist function which corrects low-saturated and low-contrast video while recording F-Log. Video can be converted to a BT.709 equivalent for a display making it easier to get the correct exposure whilst recording.

Mechanical Shutter

Sitting in front of the sensor on the X-T4 is a brand new mechanical shutter. This has been designed for a far longer life expectancy than the shutter in the X-T3, doubling the tested shutter actuation from 150,000 to 300,000. If this wasn’t enough, the new shutter also allows the X-T4 to have a greater continuous shooting speed – up to 15fps using the mechanical shutter. For anybody out there who is interested in the sound of a shutter, you’ll be pleased to know that not only is the new mechanical shutter a lot quieter, but it also sounds delightful. Using the electronic shutter (ES) you can shoot short bursts of up to 30fps (with a 1.25x crop). Blackout time and release lag time have both been shortened, making the X-T4 a powerhouse for action shots.

Autofocus Algorithm

A new AF algorithm means the AF speed can be as fast as 0.02secs, with huge improvements noticeable in AF tracking as well as face and eye detection. Focusing in low-light situations isn’t a problem for the Fujifilm X-T4 either, with AF available down to -6EV.

Vari-Angle Monitor

The X-T4 is slightly larger than its predecessor due to the addition of a fully-articulating screen. The 1.62 mil dots vari-angle monitor keeps this camera up to speed with a lot of the market, allowing you to get more creative with your shooting by getting unique angles and perspectives, and should you want to, you can even use it as a front-facing screen for vlogging. This screen, as well as the EVF, can be boosted in 3 new ways: Low Light Priority, Resolution Priority and Frame Rate Priority. These modes make respective shooting practices easier and will ultimately make your shooting more efficient.

A Newly Designed Battery

As well as this, we have a new battery – The NP-W235. It’s always a contested point, but Fuji can be congratulated for holding on as long as they could before making this change; it is now really a necessity. This new battery has a 1.5 times larger capacity over the older generation NP-W126S battery. The X-T4 is CiPA rated to 500 shots, and 600 shots in Eco mode, which is great for a mirrorless body.

Battery Grip

You can’t have a new battery design with a new vertical battery grip. The new VPB-XT4 battery grip allows for one battery in the camera and two in the grip; resulting in giving you a huge 1,700 shots. The grip also has a headphone output if you prefer not to use the USB-C adapter, or want to plug in whilst using audio. You can charge all three batteries simultaneously by plugging in the camera with the grip attached, meaning you can leave it overnight without having to swap around batteries.