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| The four images posted here are all from JPEG files. One of the reasons to use Fujifilm cameras is for the film simulations and those come with JPEG files or JPEG conversions of RAW files. (click to enlarge) Fujifilm X-T4; 16-55mm f/2.8 lens @ 20mm; 1/550th sec. @ f/9; ISO 320 |
Well, I've rejoined the ranks of Fujifilm camera and lens users. Recently, I bought an X-T4. How many of you thought that I would eventually do so? If you thought I would, then you've probably been reading this blog for some time. I love photography and I like my photography gear about as well. More about that in a future post.
Two things happened that brought on this purchase. First, I came to the realization that, yes, I kind of missed my old Fujifilm camera. Mostly, I missed how it felt in my hand, the controls, buttons, knobs, aperture ring and just the satisfaction of using one. Also, I missed the film simulations. I missed those wonderful Fujifilm color palates.
Second, my wife and I have been slowly going through all of our "stuff" during this pandemic and donating, selling or throwing away things we no longer need or will use. I ended up selling a few pieces of photo gear that I had not been using nor intend to use. Also, I had a credit at B and H Photo just sitting there for months. One day I got the urge and pulled the trigger. Done. No regrets. In fact, smiles.
One aspect of the X-T4 that is of great interest is Fujifilm's implementation of the in-body-image-stabilization (IBIS). I'm anxious see just how well it works compared to my Olympus.
Here are some sample images I've recently made just getting familiar with the T4. All are JPEGs using film simulations. Nothing special. The camera feels very familiar. Most all of the menu items are just where I remembered they were. Controls are mostly the same. The joystick is a great addition. IBIS is welcome.
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| All the detail from the highlights and shadow in this extremely contrasty scene were captured in with a JPEG file. (click to enlarge) Fujifilm X-T4; 16-55mm f/2.8 lens @ 16mm; 1/400th sec. @ f/8; ISO 160 |
Hopefully, while you are reading this, I'm out, wandering, using the X-T4 and looking for more images.
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| Fujifilm X-T4; 16-55mm f/2.8 lens @ 45mm; 1/100th sec. @ f/5.6; ISO 160 (click to enlarge) |
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| Fujifilm X-T4; 16-55mm f/2.8 lens @ 44mm; 1/900th sec. @ f/8; ISO 160 (click to enlarge) |
I plan to write about this new camera in the near future. In the mean time, safe safe and stay sane!
Thanks for looking. Enjoy!
Dennis A. Mook
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I'm not sure surprised or shocked can ever be applied to photographers and their gear. We want what we want, and it is hard to let go of a system completely.
ReplyDeleteWhat surprises me most, and I had to look it up, was that it has already been over a year since you sold your Fuji gear. In my memory bank it seems much more recent than that. Are you back to 3 systems, or did something big get sold off?
Jim, yes, back to three systems, at least temporarily. I still don’t like the idea of having so much gear. I’ve been wanting to sell my Nikon Z7 and the lenses I have with it as I almost never pick them up when I go out to photograph. Excellent camera and the new S lenses are better than Nikon’s F-Mount versions. Really stunning image resolution, fine detail and Nikon still has excellent color. My hang up in selling the Nikon gear is the loss one takes on it. eBay still seems to give the best return but I don’t care for their business model, let alone the increasing fraud. If I could get an offer with a decent price separate from eBay, I would most likely sell the Nikon camera and lenses.
DeleteAs far as the Olympus gear, I have no plan for selling it. However, by what I’ve been reading lately, I’m losing more and more confidence in the future of m4/3 and I think the Fuji gear, in a way, is a hedge against m4/3’s demise.
No surprise here. Welcome back. What lens(es) did you get/are you getting beside the 16-55?
DeleteAbout selling your Nikon stuff: I buy and sell a lot of used camera equipment. In fact, I haven't bought a new camera since an Oly
E-M5 in 2012. If I were you I would list it on nikonians.org, photography-on-the.net (which is mostly a canon forum, but people list all kinds of stuff in the buy and sell section) and fredmiranda.com, which is probably the most active of the buy-and-sell fora.
Do a little research through these classifieds to see what items are selling for. I used to sell on eBay, but haven't for the last 20 years. It may be a good place to check out what kinds of prices people are getting for their equipment. Look at the sold items in each category to see what things actually sold for.
By the way, Dennis, you have a really fine eye.
Thanks Dave. My plan is for a small, simple kit. The X-T4, 10-24mm f/4, 16-55mm f/2.8 (the workhorse lens) and the 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8 lens should pretty much take care of things. At some time I might add a faster prime for low light/indoor situations—maybe the 23mm f/1.4 or such. Macro? I don’t yet know about that. I need to figure out how close the three zooms will focus.
DeleteOn another note, I’ve been reading with great interest your blog of your western trip. I’m loving it as I’ve been most of the places you write about. It is interesting to see your lovely images of your travels. Excellent images and writing. I encourage my readers to visit your blog often. It can be found at http://alifeinphotography.blogspot.com/.
I'm currently going through the same process. About a year and a half ago I was about to leave for Europe and discovered that my X-T2 had died. With only one business day before the flight, I had no time to order a replacement and the local camera shop had a deal going on the Z7 with the 24-70mm f4 so I went for it.
ReplyDeleteWhile it's a fine camera that puts out really amazing image files, I can't say that I really enjoy using it. I miss the ergonomics and functionality of the Fuji, both of which contribute to the "fun" factor.
It seems that all camera manufacturers are going through a tough time but Nikon in particular is really taking a beating. I've had the 24-200mm on order for quite some time and there's no telling when it will be showing up. Not too sure what that's all about.
Thanks for you very interesting and informative blog!