The Fujifilm X-T5 is better—at least slightly—than the X-T4 in a many ways, but not every way. Perhaps you have an X-T4 and are considering upgrading to the latest iteration, or maybe you cannot decide between the X-T4 or X-T5—this article will point out some reasons why you might consider the X-T4 over the new model. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that the X-T4 is better, only that in some ways it is indeed better; however, overall, the X-T5 is, in my opinion, the superior camera, but only by a small margin (I’ll have a full review of the new camera soon, so keep an eye out for that). Below are five ways the Fujifilm X-T4 is actually better than the X-T5.
1. Heat Dispersion
There are a few true workhorses in the Fujifilm lineup. These cameras just go and go and go. They’re eager to work and don’t need a break. The X-H1 is probably the best. The X-T4 is not far behind.
I don’t usually have heat issues with Fujifilm cameras in my day-to-day photography, but when I do the monthly SOOC broadcast, I need a camera that will run 4K video for several hours. My X-H1 will do it. The X-T4 will do it, too. But, I found out that the X-T5 will only last for about 45 minutes before overheating. Interestingly enough, I accidentally forgot to turn off the X-T4, and it kept running for 24 hours straight, no overheating! Before you scoff, the camera was plugged into the wall with a faux battery power cord and it was tethered to my computer, so it is, in fact, possible for the camera to run 4K for hours and hours and hours, just so long as it doesn’t power down due to overheating.
After I discovered the X-T4 had been inadvertently running for a whole day, I powered it off and let it rest for 15 minutes, then I used it for a three-and-a-half hour broadcast. It worked like a champ! The X-T5 overheats much too quickly to even be considered for this use. If you will be video broadcasting or recording long clips, the X-T4 is the clear winner. The almost-five-year-old X-H1 is better than the X-T5 in this regard, too. I’m not surprised, because Fujifilm stuffed a high-resolution sensor and quick processor into a small body, and the consequence of that is heat, and there’s just not enough heat dispersion. For most people, this is no big deal at all, but for those videographers who need to record extended-length clips, the X-T5 should be avoided, and the X-T4 is a much better option.
2. Rear Screen
I like the X-T5’s three-way tilt screen better than the flippy screen on the X-T4, but not everyone agrees with me on that. For some, the X-T4’s screen is superior. You can do a lot more with it, and being able to see yourself while recording video of yourself is big plus for some. Personally, what I like best about the X-T4’s screen is that you can close it backwards, and it is sort of like shooting with an X-Pro3 (kinda, but not really)—no other X-T series camera can do that, only the X-T4. You might actually prefer the X-T4’s rear screen over the X-T5. Different strokes for different folks, right?
3. Vertical Battery Grip
I’ve never used a vertical battery grip on any camera ever, but some do use it, either for the extra battery power, the extra grip, or both. Every single camera in this series—including the X-T1—has had an optional vertical battery grip accessory for those who want one, except for the X-T5. In this way, the X-T5 is more like the X-T00 series, and it cheapens the line (not in cost, but in perceived quality). Most people don’t use the vertical battery grip, so for the majority this is no big deal whatsoever, but for some this is a dealbreaker.
4. Body Size
A lot of people (myself included) have applauded the smaller size of the X-T5, but some prefer the bigger X-T4 body. Those with big hands might prefer the grip on the X-T4, and those who frequently shoot with large, heavy lenses might prefer using them attached to the bulkier frame. For me, just doing some testing in preparation for the upcoming X-T5 review, the larger X-T4 body felt better when using the Fujinon 100-400mm lens than the smaller X-T5, but that was simply my experience and my preference. I would suggest that the shooting experience of the X-T4 might be slightly superior if you do use large lenses a lot, but it is a personal preference.
5. Resolution
More is more, right? 40 is better than 26, right? If you crop deeply, print poster, or enjoy pixel-peeping, the higher resolution sensor of the X-T5 is probably for you. Otherwise, the X-T4 has more resolution than most people typically use or need. The disadvantage of more resolution is that it takes up more digital storage space (on your SD cards, phone, computer, external hard drive, and cloud storage), and it can take longer to process or upload files—an extra second here and there doesn’t seem like much, but if you add it up over ten thousand pictures (the course of a year for me), you’re talking about hours that the higher resolution sensor cost you. Sometimes less is more. Personally, I prefer the 26-megapixel resolution of the X-T4 over the X-T5’s 40-megapixels; some of you might even prefer the X-T1’s 16-megapixels.
But, but, but… the X-T5 has the new super-quick autofocus, that finally brings it up to par with Canikony! That alone makes it worthwhile, right? Outside of dim-light situations, I found the X-T1’s eight-year-old autofocus to be plenty quick for me, including for sports and wildlife photography. The X-T4’s autofocus, which is even better, is more than good enough for almost everyone.
It’s not the gear that’s incapable. People have been capturing amazing photographs for 150+ years, and whether for stills or motion pictures, the focus capability of the gear has never stood in the way. People have done so much more with so much less for so many decades. If you looked at photography forums and such lately, you’d wonder how anyone ever managed to capture an in-focus picture prior to the Sony A7 III. We must have imagined it all, because it’s just not possible without the quickest autofocus—and if you don’t have the quickest, you got nothing. That’s how it seems. The focus inability of camera gear is a very recent phenomena. With that said, if a camera offers a tool that makes photography a little easier for you, that’s a good thing. Certainly autofocus in general, and the gradual improvements in autofocus capabilities over the years, have opened up photography for people who don’t have the skill or experience or desire to get the shot otherwise—that’s not a dig, by the way, as I believe opening up photography to those who the door would otherwise be closed to is important. Film Simulation Recipes do that for those who don’t have the skill, time, desire, or access to computer/software to edit RAW files—for me, that’s time and desire; for you, it might be something else—and it has become an important tool for the visually impaired. So, yeah—bravo to better autofocus! But, if you do find the focus capabilities lacking on whatever gear you are using, know that you do have it within you to overcome that issue, and it doesn’t involve buying new gear.
Back to the cameras in question…. In AF-S, I didn’t hardly notice any difference between the X-T4 and the X-T5 (or even the X-T1 and X-T5 in normal light). I think the visual confirmation of focus is a hair quicker, but the actual focus isn’t (I hope that makes sense). The X-T5 recognizes faces a little further away, if that matters. In AF-C, I do think the X-T5 is just a tad better at finding and correctly focusing on the intended subject, but it’s not a night-and-day difference, only a small improvement (but an improvement nonetheless). Where I believe the X-T5 is indeed superior to the X-T4 with regard to autofocus is continuous subject-tracking. The X-T5 can recognize more various subjects to track (not just human face/eye), and does a better job of tracking. So if you do use continuous subject-tracking autofocus, you’ll find the X-T5 to be better than the X-T4; if you don’t, you’ll find the X-T5’s autofocus to be only marginally improved.
This post contains affiliate links, and if you make a purchase using my links I’ll be compensated a small amount for it.
Fujifilm X-T4 in black: Amazon B&H
Fujifilm X-T4 in silver: Amazon B&H
Fujifilm X-T5 in black: Amazon B&H
Fujifilm X-T5 in silver: Amazon B&H
No.6 Also 17% cheaper than the X-T5 (new prices in the UK)
And, you can probably find a used one for even cheaper than that. Great point!
There are two heat shutoff settings in the XT5 — is yours, by chance, set to the most sensitive of these? Pal to Tech, if I recall the source correctly, recommends using the more robust option.
It’s set to Standard. There’s also High. What I can say is that the X-T5 after 45 minutes was noticeably emitting more heat than the X-T4 after 24 hours. I should have taken a surface temperature measurement, but I’d guess that the X-T5 was at least five degrees Fahrenheit warmer, maybe more. It’s my understanding, after researching, that when set to High, it can go to 90 minutes or so before overheating, which is still not long enough.
Interesting! Needs vary of course, but personally I’ve never needed to shoot for anywhere near that length of time, continuously, for TV and documentary work I’ve done over the years. But I also cut my teeth on Beta SP and DV-CAM and am accustomed to running times between, say 20 and 60 minutes for interviews, and stopped/started rolling for b-roll shots.
The SOOC broadcasts are almost always 2+ hours. I understand that’s definitely not a typical situation, but if (say) a church was going to broadcast their weekly service using this camera, then they might need to consider how long that service is and if the camera will run sufficiently long enough for them. Most people, this will never be an issue.
Is your X-T5 set to the more sensitive of the heat shutoff settings? If so, I believe it’s Pal-to-Tech that recommends using the more robust setting.
Spot on analysis Ritchie. I’ve been thinking of buying a used XT3 but may well stretch to a used XT4 instead. The XT5 is well out of my reach, and I don’t think my slow old mac would cope very well if I was downloading my pics from it. Maybe if ever I buy a new mac in the future…
Thanks! I would buy an X-T4 over an X-T3 if 1) it’s in your budget and 2) you don’t mind the flippy screen.
Hello Ritchie, Interesting details. I have the XT4 and was considering the XT% for the 40 MP Because I am a portrait photographer and the added mp worked well in photoshop retouching. There is one major drawback to all the fuji cameras in that fuji does not have an efficient remote shutter release for portraits. Vello makes one but it only worked once and needed a double pump to fire the shutter with the subject still in one pose. The remote through the phone also has a delay that causes problems in capturing expressions. My old Nikon D800 with a Vello remote (That was instant and very small) worked very well. I will Fuji could improve on this. If you have any suggestions I would appreciate any info.
Thanks
Have you considered an old fashioned cable release or the RR-100 shutter remote?
https://amzn.to/3USX0VC
https://amzn.to/3uS4myg
The RR 100 may be what I am left with but it limits one ability to capture a child’s expression. It ties you to the camera rather than the subject. That’s the most important part of portraits, I have used the air bulb and the corded ones way too many times to count Long cords, etc and frankly they are a pain. But thanks for the fast reply and the info.
Hi,
Thank you for this new article, it helps. I think to switch from mft to Fuji and I hesitate between this two cameras. With your precious returns the balance go to Xt4 with 2 good lenses than the xt5 with a kit lense.
I’m waiting for your xt5 review to make my final choice 😉
See u
Honestly, you cannot go wrong with either camera, but I would recommend the X-T4 + 2 lenses over the X-T5 + 1 lens. Hopefully I can get the review out in the coming weeks.
All good points, Richie, but I don’t shoot video, and for ME the X-T5 is far superior to the other X models. I crop heavily, don’t create blog videos, have normal size hands, love the smaller size, and FOR ME it is as though Fuji designed the perfect custom built camera just for me! A while ago I wrote to Fuji asking for a camera EXACTLY like the X-T5 and they built it. So I sold my X-Pro2 and X-E3 and bought the X-T5. I am in love with it. If is the “Photographer’s camera!”
Awesome! When you find the “right” camera for you, that’s a good feeling. 😀
the xt 5 has never been promoted as a video camera . but the heat settings can be changed in the menu
You can get about 90 minutes (still not long enough for my needs) by setting it to High instead of Standard. When set to Standard and after just 45 minutes, the X-T5 was I’m certain hotter than the X-T4 after 24 hours. I don’t think setting it to High would be good for the longevity of the camera, as that kind of heat emission is ridiculous, and surely causes some sort of degradation.
While Fujifilm might not be promoting the X-T5 as a video camera, there are many who are looking for a hybrid photo/video model, and aren’t interested in the X-H2 because of PASM and/or bulk, and they’re deciding between the X-T5 or X-T4. My opinion is that, if they will be recording extended-length clips, the X-T4 is the better option, no question about it. I know that doesn’t apply to most people, but it does to some, and I hope this is helpful to them.
Are the new/more numerous film simulations worth the upgrade or just advisable to shoot raw and edit in post to get whatever look one’s after?
Over the X-T4? The only new film simulation is Nostalgic Neg., and it’s very similar to Eterna, and a little similar to Classic Chrome. Over the X-T3? That’s another story, as there’s Classic Negative, Eterna Bleach Bypass, and Nostalgic Neg., plus Color Chrome FX Blue, Clarity, and Grain size. That’s a little more of a difference. I never advise anyone to shoot RAW and edit… ever. 🤣 😀
Hi Chris, I upgraded from the XT3 so for me the new film simulations in the T5 were a significant draw, i.e. classic/nostalgic negative and bleach bypass.. I save in raw+jpeg, but use raw mainly as a backup to pull up crushed shadows on occasion.
“I never advise anyone to shoot RAW and edit… ever. ” How come? Can you save WB inputs on simulations in the X-T4? I’m shooting the X-T3. This inability frustrates me a bit… How much more robust is the X-T4’s simulation options vs the X-T3? I saw above you recommend the X-T4 over the X-T3 — may I ask the biggest influence on you to that conclusion?
I used to shoot RAW and edit. Using film simulations and relying on the SOOC JPEGs literally changed my life, and that’s not hyperbole. I understand that it’s not for everyone, but it made such a big difference for me, that I believe it must be similarly helpful to many others. So I always will recommend it over editing RAW files.
You can save WB Shift within the custom presets on the X-T4. Yea! Fujifilm introduced that ability on the X-Pro3, and every camera since has the capability to do so, including the X-T4.
The X-T4 has Classic Negative and Eterna Bleach Bypass, plus Color Chrome FX Blue, Grain size, and Clarity. I think it’s a fairly significant difference, but a lot might depend on how much you like Classic Negative. If you love it, the difference is big… if you don’t, the difference might not be so big.
The X-T4 is, in my opinion, a slightly more premium model than the X-T3 (mainly IBIS and video capabilities), but… how much you like or dislike it might come down to your feelings on the rear screen. Some people hate it, some people like it. If you don’t mind it, the X-T4 is a tremendous camera. If you hate it, you’re not likely going to like the X-T4 as much as the X-T3.
I mainly shoot raw and edit the best shots in software. From this standpoint, the simulations are a bit less appealing but still kind of appealing… IBIS though is big, Aside from that, I think I’ll keep using the X-T3 indefinitely, as I am a stills shooter and think the 26 MP sensor really is the sweet spot.
I agree: 26mp is indeed a sweet spot.
For me, changing from the XH1 to the XT4 had two main advantages: 1) the ability to save WB shift within the presets, finally, whoohoo! and 2) the dedicated exposure compensation dial, that I use all time and missed constantly when I changed from XT2 to XH1. Also, I use classic neg a lot; love that sim! I
had great qualms about the flippy screen, but I’m starting to like it more and more (this is coming from a stills shooter). You can turn it around to protect the screen (as you already pointed out Ritchie), which is great. Also, you can keep the camera to your tummy and the rear screen folded out on the left side, slightly tilted upwards and towards you, so that you can shoot street, fairs, parades, etc without anyone noticing that you shoot photo’s and also not having to keep the screen between you camera and your tum. This may seem an obscure detail, but for me, this works very well, especially since I’m always hesitant to point a camera at total strangers. In addition, you can always find a way to turn the screen in such a way that the sun is not bothering you. So the flippy screen may be an acquired taste.
Finally, I love the Fuji sims (and your recipes!), but I always shoot in RAW + JPEG. Typically, I use the JPEG unedited (or with only very small improvements) if I’m happy with the result, but if I’m not totally happy and still want to use the image, I almost always use the RAW file as the editing starting point; this works so much better for me.
I think the flippy screen is under-appreciated and over-demonized. Yes, it takes some getting used to, but once you acquire the taste for it (as you put it), it’s actually very useful. The X-T4 is the only X-T series camera with it, which makes it unique, and a reason why one might prefer the X-T4 over the X-T5. Thanks for the comment!
Hello,
I own XT-1 and XE2 and used to shoot in raw and, then, transform to tiff for processing. But this step seems like one more and, by now, I process raw and save to jpeg. What worries me about working directly in jpeg is the degradation that occurs each time you open the file.
Certe is that working with presets is very convenient, so much so that I use them for all my travel and other photos.
I am more reluctant for b&w which is what I love.
I look forward to a Fuji b&w.
There’s no degradation each time the file is opened, only each time that it is edited. The point of SOOC and recipes is that you don’t need to edit, or if you do it is very minor. In that case, it’s no different than editing RAW and exporting as a JPEG (which is what most do anyway), except that you saved yourself a whole lot of time and frustration. I hope this makes sense. Thanks for the comment!
Ritchie, have you noticed the X-T5 handles Custom Settings differently than the X-T4?
I just got my X-T5, and it appears to function more like the PASM bodies (GFX50/100S, X-H2*). For example:
Create C1 with Provia, AF Small Zone, and ISO AUTO1. Then create C2 with Velvia, AF Single Point, and ISO AUTO2.
When you change to C1, all three settings are set. When you change to C2, all three settings change.
Furthermore, if you are working in C2 and you change (for example) AF area to ALL, then go back to C1, when you return to C2 later, the AF area will be set to ALL… not the Single Point AF area you originally created. This is with Auto Update Custom Settings set to Disable.
All of this is different than my X-T4 (and X-T30, X-Pro2, and X100V) operate… with those cameras the film sim (and other “recipe-centric” settings such as shadows and WB) were stored in the Custom Setting, but more “operational” settings like AF modes were NOT changed with the custom setting. Even esoteric settings like Pre-AF are now part of the Custom Settings.
There’s three problems here for me:
1) I can’t just rotate among Custom Settings as I did with my older cameras, to change my recipe looks. If I’m shooting in your “Agfa Vista” and want to shoot in your “Tri-X” instead, ALL of my settings change… I might have to turn on face detection or change my AF area.
2) If I change a setting in a Custom Setting, I’ve now “polluted it” and have to change it back. Gone are the days of selecting C1 to get back to a baseline… now if I shoot a cat in Tri-X, I’ll be shooting “cat mode” again a week later when I next select Tri-X.
3) If I change a “base” setting, such as my preferred use MF peaking setting, I have to go update that in EVERY Custom Setting. Or–more likely–forget, and have my camera seem like it’s haunted as I change modes and have random settings popping up.
Have you noticed this? Have you found a workaround? The X-T5 feels much more like my GFX camera right now due to this behavior, and I’m not thrilled with that!
Fujifilm rolled out this new menu with the X-E4. My best advice is to create one custom preset, then copy-and-paste it to the other 6 slots so they’re all the same, then just adjust the recipe parameters and keep everything else the same. It would be nice if Fujifilm were to separate the shooting and IQ settings into two different presets—maybe C1-C7 for recipes, and a different C1 through perhaps C4 for shooting settings. Anyway, as it is now, if you adjust some focus or meter setting for the situation, then switch recipes, you have to adjust it again, which (as you note) is inconvenient. Definitely set buttons as shortcuts to commonly adjusted features. I would also disable Auto Update Custom Settings, I haven’t found that to be useful, personally.
On the positive side, the confusing Base configuration is gone, and the IQ settings in the menu are separate from C1-C7, and you can sneak an extra preset there, and have eight.
I’m not sure if this is helpful or not, but I hope it is.
I think your approach would be a good one, as Custom Shooting Settings would let us set up, say, macro shooting without bringing a recipe along for the ride. And vice versa.
I have to admit, this dampens my enthusiasm for the XT5, as Custom Settings were my means to eliminate 90% of my post-processing work, and this new setup significantly slows me down. I’m spending a lot of time in the Q menu, and I’ve mapped the d-pad buttons for the first time because I find myself fiddling much more than in the past.
I think I’ll submit a feature request to Fuji for this. I doubt they’d add such an esoteric option, but it sure would make the camera more useful to me!
Thanks for the suggestions on how to cope with the New Normal, Ritchie!
Someday I hope that Fujifilm listens to me and my advice. I have a lot of ideas for them, but I don’t think they’re particularly interested. If I ever do have the opportunity, I’ll definitely bring this up.
I just submitted feedback to them via email. I doubt it’ll make a huge impact, but between this and the lack of 65:24 ratio on the new 40mpixel sensors, I have a couple things I’d like, and it can’t hurt to try!
I will say I seemed to get a very technical person right away when I CALLED Fuji to ask for some specifics about infrared-suitable lenses. The tech literally said “I have an infrared body to test, but let me see if we have one of those lenses in the back”. He came back empty, but it’s clear there’s real-live people at Fujifilm US attempting to help. With any luck one of those people is friends with one of the firmware folks back at corporate! 🙂
So there are five Fujifilm employees for the camera division for Fujifilm North America. It’s a very small team. There are also (I believe) six contractor technicians that are the tech help people. They don’t work for Fujifilm but they work extremely closely with Fujifilm North America. This is probably who you talked to. They are very nice and helpful—I’ve spoken with them before, too. It’s my understanding, though, that their influence with Fujifilm Japan isn’t any more than yours and mine, which is to say not much. I also understand that Fujifilm Japan doesn’t listen a whole lot to the regional offices, either, including the five people in North America, and their influence is less than what you would think. The opinions and ideas of those at the Japan headquarters are the ones that matter most.
So how do you contact fuji in Japan? to let them know what we think? and who would be the best person to let them know what we think?
I have no idea. I would think a Fuji X-Photographer in Japan would be most connected. Perhaps that’s where to start.
https://fujifilm-x.com/global/photographers/photographer/
I went to your link and checked out the x series of Japan’s galleries, not a single one did portraits I really think Fuji is missing the boat ?
Strange, I’m seeing lots of portraits looking around hose Fuji galleries.. some so mind-blowingly good that the chasm between their skills and mine is almost depressing (in a good, kick-in-the-pants kind of way).
Hope they listen, Ritchie! Coming from the X-T3, I also had a few Custom setting hiccups with the T5, but have since dialed everything in – except – I find it annoying to constantly update the adapted lens setting, which isn’t saved globally. Please, Fuji, if you’re listening.. many of us use vintage lenses constantly and I’m sure most of us would love the lenses we select to *stick* when changing custom settings.
One tip I was just reminded of and looking forward to trying, is to use X-Raw Studio as the main storage medium to load Custom Settings back into the camera. I need to start doing this — seems like a game changer to be able to quickly load up the X-T5 for specific scenarios.
I don’t use X RAW Studio and haven’t in a couple of years (and when I did it wasn’t much)—I’ve completely eliminated a computer from my photographic workflow, which has been so nice for me—but it is my understanding that there is a way to program your C1-C7 via X RAW Studio somehow. I have no idea how, but it is my understanding that it is possible.
Hi Ritchie!
I’ve been sniffing around your website for info about the X-T4. I’m looking for a substantial upgrade to my X-T10 (which I already sold to MPB). The Xpro 3 was the one I was really aiming for but the LCD-ribbon problem I keep uncovering on forums is really alarming. Hence I’ve switched my target to the X-T4 which has now fallen in price like a rock.
This upgrade I’m going to do is really more of a long-term one. I’m looking for something I’ll shoot until the gear croaks on me. My only concern is…the weight. I do a bit of street and nature here and there. I don’t like lugging around heavy gear. I’ve dabbled with the X-T10 and XF27mm and the XC15-45 for some time, but my standard is the XF18-55. The recent snow and rain made me really reconsider weather sealing.
With that, I’m still not excluding the X-E4 and the X-T30ii as contenders, they’re cheaper too. But again these are not weather-sealed. When it rains, the shooting stops. What’s your take on the X-T4’s weight being carried around on hand with a strap for traveling to other towns, doing street and travel stills?
Thanks!
The X-T4 is substantially heavier than then X-T10. I think the only lightweight weather-sealed option is the X100V, but you cannot change the lens (although there are the conversion lenses…). I think in time you’ll grow accustomed to the X-T4’s size and weight, but at first you might not appreciate it, because it is a significant difference. Also, I’ve used my X-E4 and X-T30 in snow and rain. As long as you’re careful to keep the gear mostly dry (for example, keeping it hidden in the jacket until you shoot), it does fine. I hope this helps!
Hi Nikolai, for what it’s worth, but I bought the XT4 couple of months ago and I have been carrying it around with a hand strap for extended periods. I had no issues with hand fatigue; the grip on the XT4 is pretty nice (though not as good as on DSLR’s or the XH series). Especially if you work with smaller lenses (18-55 etc), it’s very comfortable. With longer/heavier lenses (16-55, 55-200), I would switch to a neck strap (but I try to avoid that, usually). Good luck.
Thanks for the input! I’ve not tried the X-T4 with a wrist strap, but I’ve been considering it for my X-T5.
Lack of vertical grip a dealbreaker here. I shoot a lot of vertical portraits. Boo Fuji. Borrow from a6600 screen to please vloggers.
I don’t think the vertical grip is a big deal to most people, but for those who it is a big deal for, it means the X-T5 is a “lesser” camera than the others in the series. Fujifilm should have offered it, in my opinion.