The Fujifilm X-T4 is the latest flagship APS-C mirrorless camera by Fujifilm. Fujifilm sent it to me to let me try it out. It offers many cool extra features over its predecessor, the X-T3, and a new reduced price to boot.

Fujifilm X-T3 vs. Fujifilm X-T4: Which one should you buy?

Many people liked my blog posts where I compared the XT3 to the XT2 and the XT3 to the XT30, so in the spirit of tradition, I decided to take the time to give my thoughts on whether existing Fujifilm X-T3 owners should upgrade to the latest and greatest. I also wanted to weigh in on whether people new to the Fujifilm X system should save money and get the X-T3. But the answers to these questions are not as simple as one might think.

Your X-T3 or X-T4 decision will boil down to your workflow

It all depends on the way you work. Certain specifications on the Fujifilm X-T4, like I.B.I.S., will make the X-T4 worth the extra money. So let’s go through the specs and compare the two cameras

Here is what both cameras have in common

• 26.1MP APS-C X-Trans IV Back Illuminated Sensor
• X-Processor 4 image engine
• ISO 160 to 12800 native ISO
• 4K Video recording up to 60p, F-Log, HLG
• Up to 30fps of burst shooting with the electronic shutter
• 1/8000s (mechanical shutter) and 1/32000s (electronic shutter)
• Min. shutter speed 15 minute (T mode)
• EVF with 3.68M dots and 100fps refresh rate
• Weather sealed
• Two SD UHS-II Card Slots 
• WiFi and Bluetooth
• USB Type C port with charging and power delivery

What the X-T4 offers over the X-T3

There are a couple of advantages and differences between these two cameras that are worth noting.

The X-T4’s differences

• Five-axis in-body image stabilization
• Larger battery
• Slightly larger body (to accommodate IBIS and battery)
• The LCD is now a tilt swivel type screen
• Upgraded Shutter mechanism (Mechanical shutter sound is a lot quieter)
• 15 fps mechanical shutter as opposed to 11fps on the XT3
• Autofocus is similar (Now that the X-T3 has firmware 4.0)
• X-T4 offers even higher shutter speeds for slow motion but at a lower bit depth
• The XT4 can overheat in certain video modes

The price of the XT4 is higher but not by a lot ($200US as of this publication)

When is it worth it to buy the Fujifilm X-T4 rather than the Fujifilm X-T3

There are two factors that might affect your purchasing decision in 2020. The X-T4 price has come down since its release, making it a big bang for your buck. Also, the X-T3 firmware has added X-T4 like performance to the X-T3 body.

Recent images taken with the Fujifilm X-T3

My recommendations

So my recommendations are the following:

• If you already own a Fujifilm XT3, keep it and get the 4.0 firmware upgrade. The firmware adds a whole bunch of performance features
• If you buy new, the $200 difference is nothing compared to the added features of the Fuji X-T4. Get the X-T4 right away.  

So here is where the Fujifilm X-T4 comes out a winner in most cases.  

Videographers should buy the Fujifilm X-T4

All those working in video workflows where takes are no longer than 30 minutes to an hour will want to get the X-T4*. Although the I.B.I.S. is not the best in its class, the Fujifilm X-T4 offers dual stabilization when coupled with a stabilized lens. This can give all run and gun videographers a real advantage.

Bloggers and Vloggers should buy the Fujifilm X-T4

With all the great video options and a swivel screen advantage over the Fujifilm X-T3, the X-T4 becomes an amazing high-end vlogger, blogger, lifestyle camera. Coupled with some of the great Fujinon image-stabilized wide-angle lens options, it can even be class-leading.

Photographers: Consider the Fujifilm X-T4 but keep the Fujifilm X-T3

For the photography workflow, both cameras are not far from identical**. With the XT3 4.0 firmware upgrade, both cameras offer excellent image quality, low light performance, focussing performance, and ergonomics.

So, if you already own a functioning Fujifilm X-T3, I would strongly recommend that you stick with that model. The added photography specs do not offset the inconvenience of selling what you have at a discount to buy the Fujifilm XT4.

Conclusion: Price is the biggest factor

All in all, both cameras are exceptional and deliver stunning photos. In my experience, they are the best APS-C sensor size mirrorless cameras out there today. Remember that the price difference at any given point in time will be the main deciding factor. So make sure that you check the fluctuating prices (new and used) on a regular basis. The chances of getting a used Fuji XT3 for another $400 less are high. So make sure you shop around.

Weigh your price to feature ratio keeping the following differences in mind.

• IBIS is on the XT4 and not on the XT3
• The XT4 has a longer battery life
• The XT4 offers a flip-screen

If you could care less for these factors, strongly consider saving some cash on the body and use that saved cash for a fantastic lens for your Fuji X system camera.

Other workflows that will benefit from the Fujifilm X-T4

• Macro photographers where camera stability will be important
• Sports and wildlife photographers

* The XT4 has been known to overheat a bit. Most likely due to IBIS and the larger battery. Takes can cut off if you use the camera for very extended filming periods. 

** Although I know that they are not entirely identical, all features related to photography remain pretty well the same.