Should You Upgrade Your Camera To A Newer Model?

Fujifilm X-T4 with the 16-80mm f/4 lens attached.

Recently, one of the readers of my blog emailed me and asked for my input as he was in the process of deciding whether or not he should upgrade his camera from a Fujifilm X-H1 to an X-T4.  If you have an X-T3 and are thinking about moving to an X-T4, I'll add some comments that pertain to that move as well.

I thought some of you might get some benefit from my response so I am posting it, with just a little editing and some additional thoughts (in red).  This response certainly isn't comprehensive but just my thoughts about some of the differences, benefits, drawbacks of upgrading to a newer model camera.  I'm always happy to help others so if you have an issue in which you think I can help, you can find my email on my website (shown below).

Dear XXXX,

I'll be happy to help, if I can.  I'm happy to learn you take your photography seriously.

First, I really can't give you a definitive answer as to whether or not it is a wise move to upgrade to the X-T4 as I don't know what types of photography you practice.  For some types of photography, the upgrade would be worthwhile and for others, not so much.   The two biggest differences I think you would find using an X-T4 are a) an improvement in focus speed, eye and face focus lock-on ability and much better focus tracking  The second big difference is the actual shape of the body, in other words, how it feels in your hand when you pick it up and use it.  To me, a much better feel than the X-T cameras.  But that is just me.

I should add that knowing what kind of photography one practices is the first and fundamental question that needs answered.  I would upgrade only if new or improved features in the prospective camera bring value, improvement or allow me to photograph in a way I now cannot with my current gear.  Faster focusing for a landscape photographer will make no difference, but it will if you photograph weddings, family or other events, sports, etc.

If you are looking for a visible improvement in image quality, you probably won't see much if any at all.  Fujifilm's 24mp sensor in the X-H1 is very similar to the current 26mp sensor and that small number of extra pixels won't make a visible difference.  The newer image processor in the X-T4 may make a little difference, probably generating a bit less digital noise, but only at high ISOs.  I'm not sure how much of a difference in digital noise there may be, maybe one stop better, but I haven't tested and compared the two cameras for noise profiles.  I wouldn't upgrade just for a perceived better image quality as I don't think, under most circumstances, you will see much if any.

With the X-H1 you already have in-body-image-stabilization (IBIS), so you won't gain much there either.  (If you have an X-T3, you don't have IBIS so your gain is quite substantial.)  I say not much but you will gain some as the newer IBIS mechanism in the X-T4 is better than the original one in the X-H1.  When I photographed with my X-T1, 2 and 3 cameras, I had to remind myself that the camera and my most used lens, the 16-55mm f/2.8, did not have any image stabilization.  My Olympus cameras had and have industry leading IBIS, so I had to make the mental transition in my handholding technique when using the Fujifilm cameras.  Once I regularly remembered that the Fujifilm cameras and lens had no IBIS, I was able to shoot at slower speeds with greater success as I did in the old film days.  Having it in the X-T4 is nice but don't let your technique get sloppy thinking IBIS is the be all to end all.  So there is some gain there, but just a little.  If you do a lot of handheld photography in marginal light, you will find the improved IBIS a bit of benefit.

That said, IBIS (or lens IS) isn't absolutely necessary and many of us photographed without it in cameras of lenses for years and years.  One just needs to remember that hand holding a camera at slower shutter speeds takes practice.  If you perfect the technique, you can use shutter speeds slower than the old advice of 1/focal length shutter speed and still be successful.  Most of the time!

One feature that I appreciate in the X-T4 is the semi-automated focus bracketing.  I photograph landscapes and sometimes closeup and macro subjects so the ability to focus on and have the closest point I want in sharp focus, focus on and have the farthest point I want in sharp focus, then have the camera calculate the appropriate number of exposures and the focus differential between each exposure, is a very nice feature.  Manually, it takes a bit of trial and error and practice to get it right.  So, if you practice this kind of photography, this feature may be worthwhile addition.

You will see a worthwhile improvement in focus speed, focus acquisition, eye and face tracking as well as general continuous autofocus.  I think there is a noticeable difference.  (No so in the X-T3 as Fujifilm has improved this to X-T4 levels in a recent firmware update.)  So, if you regularly photograph people, pets, events, wildlife, birds, etc., I think the upgrade would be worthwhile.  If you mainly photograph inanimate subjects, the better focusing ability won't do anything for you.  Also, the X-T4 focuses much faster and better in lower light than its predecessors.  That is good.  One other comment about focus.  The 'joystick' makes a huge difference to me.  In fact, I won't buy another camera that does not have one.  Also, a joystick must be positioned in the correct location so your thumb finds it and rests easily on it.  The X-T4's joystick is a good one.  Two thumbs up, so to speak!

Another benefit for both X-H1 and X-T3 owners is the new, larger battery in the X-T4.  That larger battery helps offset the extra power required to operate the IBIS mechanism.  The downside is that Fujifilm doesn’t give you a battery charger when buying a $1700 dollar US camera?  Are you kidding me?  That’s just being cheap, IMHO.  That said, the bigger battery makes a nice difference.  When I bought my X-T4 I also bought an extra battery (always do).  I did purchase Fujifilm’s dual battery charger as well.  The larger capacity battery is a nice improvement.

As far as the X-T4's shape versus the X-H1's shape, I much prefer the X-H1's shape.  (This will not apply to upgrading from an X-T3 to an X-T4 as they both have the same basic shape.)  The grip and forward position of the shutter button is much more comfortable and more intuitive to me.  To hold the X-T line of cameras, you have to rotate your wrist backwards to grip the camera and for your index finger to find the shutter button.  I think all other digital interchangeable lens cameras made today have the grip and forward shutter position.  Fujifilm made the T-series cameras with analog style dials and controls as well as an old film camera analog shape.  They need to abandon the shape, in my opinion.  I've read quite a few comments from photographers who just don't like the shape of the X-T cameras so they won't buy one, but some love it as well.  The X-H1 is still my favorite Fujifilm camera to hold because of its shape.  That said, I didn't really like the X-H1's controls.  I much prefer the T-series cameras' controls.  The brand new and highly regarded X-S1 has the grip and forward shutter button placement.  So, maybe the next T-line camera will have it also.  

One downside to the X-T4 for me is the swiveling LCD screen.  I don't care anything about video and that swiveling screen is made for video people who want to see themselves.  The LCD 3-way tilting screen on the X-T3 is about perfect.  You may not care, but many of us do.  When trying to use a tripod with an L-bracket, the fully swiveling LCD is a disaster.  I wish Fujifilm would return to that for their next iteration of T-line of cameras.

I would recommend that if you either know someone that has an X-T camera or if there is one at a Best Buy store or other store nearby, you pick it up and hold it up to your eye to see how different it is.  All that said, I've adapted to it pretty quickly and I'm just used to it now.  So, in the end, not a deal breaker for me otherwise I wouldn't have bought any of the T-line of Fujifilm cameras in the first place.  

There may be some other things that are different enough to make an upgrade worthwhile.  I didn't try to touch everything and every difference between the cameras.

I hope this helps.  As for me, I'm anxiously awaiting a potential X-H2 as I think that camera will hit all the sweet spots for me.  Since I currently don't have a Fujifilm backup camera for my X-T4, I will most likely buy an X-H2 if and when one is released.  Of course, I'm in the process of building a new house.  All my time, energy and money seems to be going toward that but time will tell.

If you have other questions or if I wasn't clear about anything, don't hesitate to ask.  I'm always willing to help others and share my experience and knowledge.

Stay safe.  Stay sane.  Stay positive but test negative!

Dennis

Join me over at my website, https://www.dennismook.com.  

Thanks for looking. Enjoy!  

Dennis A. Mook  

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