In many respects the Fuji X-T4 is the same as the X-T3. However, the new camera makes some significant upgrades. For many photographers the most significant of these is the addition of in-body image stabilisation (IBIS).
Image stabilisation was a notable omission from the X-T3 specification sheet. This came as a surprise to some who expected it to be present after Fujifilm included it in the X-H1. However, the X-H1 is significantly larger than the X-T3 and that is in part because of the size of the IBIS unit.
Two years down the line after the introduction of the X-H1, Fujifilm has managed to shrink the IBIS unit by 30%. It’s also 20% lighter. This was achieved by using magnets instead of springs in the system and it means that it’s now small enough to fit within an X-T Series camera shell.
The X-T4’s IBIS works over 5 axis and has a claimed shutter speed compensation value of 6.5Ev with 18 of Fuji’s XF and XC lenses. It works in tandem with the IS system in stabilised lenses, using the lens-based system first and making up any shortfall with the in-body system.
According to Fujifilm UK, it’s better than the X-H1’s IBIS. And helpfully, it functions with third party lenses over 3 axis.
The Fujifilm X-T4’s IBIS also operates in video mode, along with a new Digital Image Stabilisation (DIS) system and IS Mode Boost.
Mechanical Shutter Unit
Fujifilm has given the X-T4 a new mechanical shutter unit. This is dampened and 30% quieter than the X-T3’s mechanical shutter. Crucially, it also enables continuous shooting at up to 15fps (frames per second).
Using the mechanical shutter at high shooting rates avoids the risk of rolling shutter effects when photographing some moving subjects.
However, the X-T4 can also shoot at fast rates with its electronic shutter – just like the X-T3. That means it’s possible to shoot at up to 30fps with a 1.25x crop applied.
Battery
One of the criticisms often levelled at mirrorless cameras is that they are power-hungry. Fujifilm has attempted to compensate for this with the X-T4 by giving it a new higher-capacity battery.
The new NP-W235 has around 1.5X the capacity of the NP-W126S battery used in the X-T3. This extends the life on a single charge to around 500 images in Normal mode and 600 frames in Economy mode.
There’s also a new battery grip, VG-XT4 that can accept two additional NP-W235 batteries to enable up 1,700 images to be shot.
If the battery is charged using the charger supplied in the box with the X-T4, it will reach full capacity in around 3 hours. Alternatively, it can be charged in-camera via the USB-C port although a power-delivery type connection is recommended.
Read our Fujifilm X-T3 review
Film Simulation Modes
Fuji’s Film Simulation modes have proved very popular amongst photographers wishing to share images direct from their camera. They are also useful for anyone who wants their stills and videos to match.
The X-T4 introduces new variant of the Eterna Film Simulation mode introduced with the X-H1.
Called Eterna Bleach Bypass, the new Film Simulation mode has lower saturation and higher contrast than the Standard option. It’s a popular look for movies, but it can also be applied to stills.
New Autofocus Algorithm
As the X-T4 has the same sensor and processing engine as the X-T3, it also has the same Intelligent Hybrid AF system that uses both phase and contrast detection.
In Single point AF mode there are up to 425 selectable AF points arranged in a 25 x 17 grid. Alternatively, it can be set to 117 points in a 13 x 9 grid, and the size of the points can be varied.
In addition to Single point AF, there’s Zone AF which allows the AF points to be selected in 3 x 3, 5 x 5 or 7 x 7 groups, and
Wide/Tracking AF.
While the hardware is the same as the X-T3’s, Fujifilm has reworked the autofocus algorithm for the X-T4. This enables the camera’s continuous AF system to keep pace with the maximum (15fps) shooting rate of the mechanical shutter. As a knock-on effect, the Face & Eye AF and AF Tracking are also improved.
Video
Like the X-T3, the X-T4 can shoot C4K (4096 x 2160) MOV video at up to 60p. However, it can also record in MP4 format.
In addition, its possible to record Full HD video at up to 240p (with continuous focusing), twice the rate possible with the X-T3. That’s great news for those who like to see action in slow-motion.
And, as I’ve already mentioned, there’s Digital IS and IS Mode Boost for smoother footage.
Other improvements for videographers include F-Log View Assist (based on BT.709), back-up recording and the ability to fix the movie crop so that the framing stays the same even if you switch between different resolutions.
In addition, the 3.5mm mic jack can be set to Mic or Line (depending upon what you want to connect) and there’s control over the level.
The X-T4 doesn’t have headphone port, but there’s a USB-C to headphone adapter supplied in the box.
Fujifilm has also made a useful handling and control change for videographers. The main and Quick menu options and layout change depending upon whether the camera is set to stills or video mode. That means you don’t have to wade through lots of unnecessary menu options to find the ones you need.