In this comprehensive review, I’ll be unpacking the the features and capabilities of the Fuji X-T4 for video, exploring its performance in various shooting scenarios and discussing its suitability for different videography styles.
When I started to get serious about videography I was clueless as to which camera to buy.
I was in need of a versatile mirrorless camera that excels in both video and still photography, serving as a jack of all trades and master of some.
A friend of mine asked if I had considered using Fuji.
Fuji? I remember my Mom’s Fuji camera as a kid but never considered them to be anything beyond photography.
How wrong I was.
The Fuji XT4, launched by Fujifilm in February 2020, was the fourth iteration of the X-T series that began with the X-T1 in 2014. (Wayne’s World “So its not some catchy name)
The X-T4 introduced several enhancements
While it retained the well-loved 26.1MP APS-C sensor from its predecessor, the X-T3 it also included several significant improvements in image stabilization, battery life, and video capabilities.
In terms of video, the X-T4 can record UHD 4K videos up to 60fps, Full HD up to 240p, and F-Log gamma setting which we’ll talk more about later.
It boasts an X-Processor 4 with Quad CPU, providing lightning-fast processing speeds and it also offers a 10 bit 4:2:2 option via HDMI and 10 bit 4:2:0 internally to an SD card.
An important addition to the X-T4 is the 5-Axis In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS), which can compensate for up to 6.5 stops of camera shake. While not ideal for video it’s a must when photographing in many run and gun situations.
Another notable feature is its improved battery life, thanks to the new NP-W235 battery which offers approximately 500 shots per charge in Normal mode.
The X-T4 also retains the dual SD card slots of its predecessor, both of which support the UHS-II standard for faster write speeds.
The first thing that caught my attention about the XT4 was its retro-style body. I was instantly captivated by the classic look and feel of the camera.
The metal controls, physical dials, and overall layout of the camera are simply fantastic.
It strikes the perfect balance: substantial enough to ensure a secure grip, yet compact and inconspicuous when necessary.
It’s incredibly user-friendly and intuitive.
One feature that stands out is the dedicated dials for ISO and shutter speed on the top of the camera.
Not only are they conveniently placed, but they also lock into place, eliminating any worries about accidentally changing settings while shooting.
The Fuji X-T4 keeps the same rugged magnesium alloy weather-sealed body as the X-T3, but now includes a fully articulating 3″ touchscreen – a first for the X-T series.
The multi-angle solution proves invaluable for vlogging and general video purposes.
However, when it comes to still photography, many still prefer the 3-way tilting mechanism on the X-T3 . Which is why Fuji brought it back for the XT5
Input/output jacks.
Though it does have your standard mic jack input, headphone out, HDMI, and USB-C my only (one of the few I have with it) is the fact that you need an adapter to monitor audio.
It does come with a 1/8 to USB-C dongle but it’s a pain to keep track of which is why I tend to use a battery grip with a separate mic input and headphone jack.
Also the HDMI output is mini HDMI so you need an adapter for that as well.
Not a deal breaker but something you should know about.
When it comes to video settings on the Fuji X-T4, here’s a walkthrough for you.
With 10-bit color, even the most delicate variations in skin tone and sky detail come to life, appearing vivid and true-to-life.
Additionally, the generous bandwidth of 400Mbps allows you to capture the astonishing level of detail and dynamic range that your camera is capable of producing.
The camera boasts excellent built-in image stabilization. However, in most professional settings, I strongly discourage the use of IS, unless you are aiming for a very specific type of shot.
The Manual Focus mode, with focus peaking allows for precision focus control.
The Fuji X-T4 doesn’t skimp on autofocus capabilities either.
Equipped with Intelligent Hybrid AF, the camera smoothly switches between phase detection and contrast detection depending on the shooting environment. T
his hybrid system ensures fast and accurate focus in a wide variety of lighting conditions. The Single Point AF mode offers precise focus control, allowing you to select one of 425 focus points covering nearly the entire sensor.
For moving subjects, the Tracking AF mode continuously adjusts focus to keep the subject sharp as it moves across the frame.
The Face/Eye Detection AF mode is handy especially when record video of yourself.
Now that you have a good idea of what the camera is capable let’s talk about the video settings.
For narrative and commercial productions, I highly recommend the following settings:
For optimal quality, configure your camera to a resolution of 4K and set the frame rate to 60fps for capturing action shots, and 24fps for other scenarios like interviews.
When selecting the compression method for your Fuji X-T4, you have the choice of Long GOP or All-Intra.
Choosing between these two depends on your specific circumstances and requirements.
Long GOP (Group of Pictures) is known for its space efficiency.
It compresses multiple frames together by storing only the differences between frames rather than the entirety of each frame.
Although this results in smaller file sizes, keep in mind that it could be more taxing on your computer during post-production due to decoding complexity.
On the other hand, All-Intra stores each frame as a separate entity, making it easier and faster to edit by alleviating computational stress in post-production.
However, the downside is larger file sizes as it offers less compression.
I prefer the option of setting mine to “LOng Gop” since recording in 60fps in “All-Intra” is not possible anyway, and I have never noticed a significant difference.
When it comes to choosing between 265 HEVC and 264 MP4 formats on your Fuji X-T4 when using an Apple computer, there are several factors to consider.
HEVC, or High Efficiency Video Coding (also known as H.265), provides better data compression without a detrimental effect on video quality. This means smaller file sizes and less storage space used, which can be crucial when shooting in 4K.
However, the H.265 codec can be more demanding on your computer’s processing power during editing. If you have a newer Apple computer with a high-performance processor, this may not be an issue. But for older systems, this could slow down your workflow.
On the other hand, H.264 (MP4) is less taxing on your processor and is widely compatible with many video editing software programs. Its drawback, however, is that it produces larger file sizes than H.265 for the same video quality.
I configure my codec to H.265 and subsequently transcode the file to ProRes 422 upon import.
Unless I’m in a controlled environment with little changes in the lighting, I prefer to record in F-Log.
F-Log, specific to Fujifilm digital cameras, is a type of log gamma curve that’s a form of video shooting. It’s designed to capture the maximum dynamic range from the sensor, resulting in a flat, desaturated image straight out of the camera.
The purpose of F-Log is to allow for greater flexibility in post-production color grading.
By capturing the full range of tonal detail, it provides videographers the opportunity to manipulate colors, shadows, and highlights to their preference, without losing image quality.
This makes F-Log a popular choice among professionals looking to achieve a specific look or mood in their videos.
F-Log’s primary advantage is that it preserves more details in the highlights and shadows, giving you greater flexibility during editing.
However, F-Log footage requires considerably more work in post-processing compared to other color profiles.
The Fuji X-T4 offers a comprehensive range of film simulations that allow filmmakers to achieve different color grades and moods directly in-camera.
These simulations are based on Fujifilm’s iconic film stocks, providing users with a unique way to inject the character and style of classic film into their digital images and footage.
Classic Chrome imparts a muted, understated aesthetic with softer color saturation and increased contrast, perfect for documentary-style images.
Velvia is a vibrant, high-saturation simulation ideal for landscapes and nature, while Astia offers a softer tone suitable for portraits.
For a nostalgic, vintage look, Classic Neg is an excellent choice, offering rich color and high contrast reminiscent of classic negative film.
Acros delivers stunning monochrome imagery with deep blacks and fine detail.
Lastly, the ETERNA simulation is a popular choice for filmmakers, providing a cinematic look straight out of the camera with beautiful skin tones and pleasing color reproduction.
Let’s take a look at the dial settings
To ensure that no top dial settings interfere, simply set the left dial (ISO) to C, the middle dial (shutter speed) to T, and the right dial (exposure compensation) to C.
These settings guarantee that nothing is set statically, even if you quickly switch to photo mode for a still shot.
Therefore, you won’t have to switch between two different ways of controlling the camera when shooting photos or videos.
Conclusion
It’s easy to see why the Fuji X-T4 for video is highly recommended.
The camera is truly exceptional, and one of my all-time favorites. Moreover, it comes at a reasonable price of $1699 for the body.
However, for those who are new to Fuji or looking to upgrade from an older model, the X-T4 stands out as an exceptional all-rounder that is difficult to surpass.
From its advanced imaging capabilities to its robust design, the X-T4 offers everything a budding videographer might need.