Everybody knows that Fuji is great at making successful mirrorless cameras and the brand’s X-series line has gone from strength to strength. Built around APS-C sensors, the mirrorless cameras are light and compact and feature a classic, retro-chic design – plus there’s a decent choice of models in the range, including the two cameras in our comparison. Launched in early 2020, the X-T4 is seen as the flagship model, but does it fit with your style of photography? If not, then the newer X-E4 (which is more affordable when it comes to budgets) could be the right camera for your kit bag. To help you make the best decision, we’re drilling down into the specification sheets to find out more about each camera…
One – Size and weight:
One of the key reasons photographers will consider a Fuji camera over a typical DSLR is the benefits of reduced size and weight. While both cameras are lightweight, there is a difference between the two models as while the X-T4 weighs in at 607g (including battery and SD memory card), the X-E4 tips the scales at only 364g (including battery and SD memory card). The X-E4 is also smaller at 121mm × 72mm × 32mm compared to the larger X-T4 at 134mm x 92mm x 63mm. Despite the differences in dimensions, both cameras are suitable for carrying around all day without causing any problems.
Two – LCD design:
While both cameras feature touch-sensitive LCDs that measure 3-inches in size and boast a 1.62 million- dot resolution, there is a difference on how the screens can move. The smaller X-E4 features a tilting design that will be useful for setting up awkward high/low compositions, but the X-T4 goes ever further and features a fully articulating design, which is more versatile, particularly if you are using the camera to Vlog with as it will allow you to present to camera without an external microphone getting in the way.
Three – Weather sealing:
If you are planning to take the majority of your images in the great outdoors then this could well determine which model you go for as only the higher-spec X-T4 benefits from weather sealing that means the camera features seals that will protect it against moisture and dust. In fact, the X-T4 is a lot more rugged than it looks and can be used in temperature down to -10 degrees.
Four – Burst rate:
A fast burst rate will allow photographers to make the most of fast action sequences or wildlife subjects, capturing more shots per second and boosting the odds of capturing split second moments. Using the mechanical shutter, the X-E4 can capture up to 8 frames per second which should be enough to capture everyday action scenes, but the X-T4 goes further, delivering up to 15 frames per second with the mechanical shutter. Of course, both cameras are also fitted with an electronic shutter which allows for increased burst rates with speeds up to 30 frames per second.
Five – IBIS:
In Body Image Stabilisation (IBIS) systems work to correct movements during an exposure to reduce the risk of camera shake and blur appearing in your frame and this is an area of difference between the X-E4 and X-T4. Unfortunately, only the higher-spec X-T4 includes an IBIS system, with the camera featuring a 5-axis system that offers a whopping 6.5-stops of compensation. This will allow X-T4 users to capture sharp, shake free shots, especially in lower light conditions where non IBIS-equipped cameras may struggle.
Six – Viewfinder:
If you’re the sort of photographer that prefers to line up compositions with a viewfinder rather than the LCD then there’s good news as both the X-E4 and the X-T4 feature EVFs (Electronic Viewfinders). There is a difference between the two EVFs as while the X-E4 features a 0.39 inch, 2.36 million-dot OLED EVF, the X-T4 features a higher spec 0.5 inch, 3.69 million-dot OLED version, making it larger and higher resolution.
Seven – Video specs:
While it may be true that photographers will buy either of these great cameras to shoot stills, both models also have plenty to offer videographers too. The X-E4 and X-T4 can shoot ultra high-quality 4K footage, although while the X-E4 tops out at 30p, the X-T4 goes further, enabling 4K to be captured at 60p, which means this footage can be used at half speed for a slow motion effect at huge resolution.
Full HD video is also available on both the X-E4 and X-T4 at 240p to enable users to capture ultra slow motion and, what’s more, while both cameras feature a port for an external microphone so that enhanced audio can be captured, but unfortunately, a headphone port is missing from both models.
Eight – Storage slots:
Another big difference between the X-E4 and the X-T4 is storage slots. While the X-E4 has the single SD card slot, the X-T4 offers dual SD card slots and this has a number of benefits as it allows the photographers to make an instant back-up of images, just in case anything unfortunate happens to one of the cars. Alternatively, users can choose to record stills to one card and video to the other, keeping the media separated.
Nine – Battery life:
One of the challenges many level at mirrorless cameras is the lack of battery life, but both the X-E4 and X-T4 actually offer a decent return in the area. The X-E4 is capable of capturing 410 shots on a single charge, which could well be enough for a day’s photography. However, the X-T4 can manage 500 frames on a single charge, or 600 shots when the camera is used in its Eco mode. The bigger capacity means X-T4 users need to worry less about running out of power, although as the batteries are compact, carrying round spares won’t add any significant weight to your kit bag.