Hands-On with the 4K DCI Capable Fujifilm X-T4

Fujifilm has announced its latest X-series mirrorless, the X-T4. The biggest additions to the APS-C camera being in-body image stabilization, improved eye detection and subject tracking, an Eterna Bleach Bypass Film Simulation mode, a F-Log View Assist function, and improved audio.

While the X-T4 bares similarities to the X-T3, there are many new features that make it worth considering an upgrade. Let's take a dive under the hood.  

Key Features

• 26MP BSI CMOS Sensor
• In-body Image Stabilization
• 20fps Shooting with AF
• 15fps Mechanical Shutter 
• 4K DCI or UHD up to 60p
• Full HD up to 240 fps
• 12 Film Simulation Modes
• 3.68M-dot OLED Electronic Viewfinder 
• Fully Articulated Touchscreen
• Dual Memory Card Slots

The form factor of the X-T4 is different than the X-T3. The grip is slightly larger than the older model which will bode well for handheld video shooting. There's now a fully articulating touchscreen LCD that works ok under the bright sun. A dedicated still/movie switch changes operation modes. The settings for stills and movies are now separate and each have their own Q menu. Like the X-T3, there is a joystick, but now there's now a dedicated AF-On button on the rear of the camera. 

To one side, there's a compartment for dual SD cards that offers backup recording options (not proxy). Opposite, sits ports for a 3.5mm microphone input and the headphone jack has been replaced by USB-C. Don't worry, Fujifilm includes a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter. If you're in love with a 3.5mm headphone jack, the optional battery grip has a dedicated 3.5mm input. Fujifilm says they removed it in order to make way for IBIS. The X-T4 also uses a larger capacity NP-W235 battery. A dual battery charger is in development. 

Sensor/Mechanical Shutter

The X-T4 has the same 26.1MP X-Trans APS-C sensor and X-Processor 4 found on the X-T3. However, there is a bump in autofocus performance. There's also a new mechanical shutter that lets you shoot 15fps and the electronic shutter provides 20fps. 

The in-body image stabilization is built around 5-axis compensation. It provides up to 6.5 stops of pitch/yaw stabilization when using 18 of its 29 X-series lenses. You get 5 stops for the rest. There are two IBIS modes:

• IBIS/OIS: sensor stabilization and lenses equipped with OIS
• IBIS/OIS + DIS: combines an additional four-axis digital image stabilizer 

Each mode has a crop depending on the resolution and frame rate: 

• IBIS/OIS Crop: 
  • 4K up to 30p full width
  • 4K up to 60p 1.18x 
  • 1080 up to 60p full width
  • 1080 high-speed mode 1.29x
• IBIS/OIS + DIS Crop: 
  • 4K up to 30p 1.1x
  • 4K up to 60p 1.29x 
  • 1080 up to 60p 1.1x
  • 1080 high-speed mode (not available)

Additionally, there's a Boost IS feature that can be applied to either IBIS mode which provides the most correction for any type of movement. It's basically IBIS on steroids where the camera acts as if its on a tripod. Also, if you don't want to worry about different crop factors, there's a Fix Movie Crop Magnification mode, where no matter the video resolution or frame rate, a fixed 1.29x crop is applied. 

During the hands-on, I paired the X-T4 with a Fujinon MKX 18-55mm T2.9 zoom to run through the gamut of IBIS options. Looking at the footage, I'm impressed with what Fujifilm has done here. The IBIS/OIS is rock solid even when not using a "ninja walk" in handheld mode. While there is a crop factor in the IBIS/OIS+DIS mode, it makes shaky footage usable. I can see this mode being great for car work over bumpy roads or walking through rough terrain. I didn't have time to test the Boost IS feature but will in a full review. 

Watch: X-T4, 4K 60p

Video 

With an interface dedicated to video, time code and audio settings see their own tabs in the video menu. The X-T4 has the nearly identical recording specs as the X-T3 with the addition of full HD at 240 fps. You can also choose MP4 in addition to the MOV file format. Both All-I and GOP are supported, and depending on the resolution and frame rate, bit rates will vary and max out at 400Mbps internally. 

Recording Formats

• MOV/H.265 LPCM at 4:2:0 10-bit
• MOV/H.264 LPCM at 4:2:0 8-bit
• MP4/H.264 LPCM at 4:2:0 8-bit
• HDMI output 4K DCI or 4K UHD uncompressed at 4:2:2 10-bit

The dual memory card slot supports SD / SDHC / SDXC. The camera allows you to configure how to use each slot. Meaning, you can separate each one for stills or video. In movie mode, it can record to both simultaneously as a backup or sequentially. If either card becomes full, it will automatically start recording to empty space on the other card. 

Autofocus

Fujifilm says there's a "new advanced AF algorithm" under the hood for a fast "AF speed up to 0.02 seconds." The advancements allows for better low light autofocus performance as well as the ability to lock onto human face/eyes and track moving subjects.

The joystick on the rear of the camera allows you to override the face detection or select a face in Face Selection mode when multiple people are present. Fujifilm also says the autofocus is able to track subjects across the entire frame and uses color, shape, and distance to improve results. 

F-Log View Assist

Like the X-T3, the X-T4 can record F-Log footage in 10-bit 4:2:0 color internally, but it can now convert the file to a video equivalent BT.709 for display during shooting or playback. The gamma correction is applied to the EVF and LCD. Toggling can be done only between takes. 

Eterna Bleach Bypass with the Fujifilm rep

Simulation Modes 

The X-T4 has 12 color simulation modes, including Acros, Classic Chrome, Classic Neg, Provia, and Velvia. The newcomer is Eterna Bleach Bypass which is different than Eterna, and as the name suggests, adds bleach bypass to the image.

Additionally, highlight and shadow tones adjustments can be adjusted by 1/2 stops in combination with the film simulation modes. While auto white balance offers AUTO, White Priority, or Ambience Priority modes. With incandescent bulbs, the camera chooses whiter whites in White Priority and warmer whites in Ambience Priority.

The X-T4 sees a 1.62 million pixel vari-angle touchscreen LCD. It works decently under the bright sun, but like other low nit count LCDs, a hood will be needed for extreme circumstances. Fujifilm also added an option to set the live view to be permanently on the LCD or EVF, which is an updated 3.69 million pixel/100fps electronic viewfinder. 

HDR Photos 

With the limited time, the still side of the camera fell to the wayside, but I did manage to shoot an HDR image which is new on the X-T4. I used some unorthodox settings to see how well the HDR performed. Below are two unedited photos that have been only reduced in size.  

X-T4 HDR Settings

• X-T4 
• 1/2000 sec
• F/5.0
• ISO 400
• Focal Length: 12.0mm

HDR Test: 1/2000 sec, F/5.0, ISO 400, Focal Length: 12.0mm

HDR mode

Audio

The X-T4 has two input levels that can be switched between mic or line level. This is a nice feature if you happen to be working with any line level signals. 

Pricing & Availability 

The X-T4 will be available in both black and silver with a retail price of around $1,700 USD and $2,200 CAD. Kit lenses are also available. The release date is sometime in 2020. 

Final Thoughts

This is one of the best APS-C cameras on the market. I like the larger footprint for handheld work, IBIS...for handheld work, the backup recording option, the F-Log View Assist will come in handy lighting on location, the weight of the camera is nice. It's not heavy at all when paired with the MKX 18-55mm. The color science is rock solid and F-Log allows you to push things further. The still/movie modes make navigation much easier. The mic/line level inputs are a great touch. All these little things add up to an impressive camera that can be used for many different applications, especially the documentary world. 

Specs 

• Effective Pixels: 26.1 million pixels
• Sensor: 23.5mm x 15.6mm (APS-C) X-Trans CMOS 4 
• Media: SD/SDHC/SDXC; UHS-I/UHS-II / Video Speed Class V90
• Lens Mount:  FUJIFILM X Mount
• ISO: ISO 160-12800 (extendable 80-51200
• Image Stabilization: 5-Axis IBIS 
• Video Formats: 
  • MOV (MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, HEVC/H.265
  • MP4 (MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, Audio: AAC)
  • All Intra/Long-GOP
• Video Resolutions:  
  • 4K DCI (4096 x 2160)
  • 4K UHD (3840×2160)
  • Full HD (2048×1080)
  • Full HD (1920 x1080)
• LCD Monitor: 3.0" 3:2 aspect ratio 
• Viewfinder: OLED 100% viewing/capturing area 
• HDMI Output: HDMI micro connector (Type D)
• Headphone: USB-C (USB-C to 3.5mm adapter included)
• Microphone Input: 3.5mm stereo connector 
• Dimensions: (W) 134.6mm × (H) 92.8mm × (D) 63.8mm (minimum depth 37.9mm)
• Weight: Approx. 1.3 lbs (607 g) (includes battery and SD memory card)