Fujifilm Xt5 Vs Xt4: A Comprehensive Comparison Guide

Design and Build: How They Feel in My Hands

I’ve carried both cameras on long shoots, and they’re tough as nails. The X-T5 feels a bit lighter, with a grip that molds to my hand perfectly. Its magnesium alloy body shrugs off bumps, though the dials are slightly less luxurious than the X-T4’s textured ones. The X-T4’s heft gives it a premium, rugged edge.

Weather sealing is a godsend on both. I’ve shot in drizzle without a hitch. The X-T5’s compact size slips into my backpack for travel. The X-T4, a tad bulkier, feels like a tank for harsh conditions.

Button layouts are intuitive. The X-T5’s joystick responds faster, making menu dives smoother. I love the tactile dials for quick tweaks. Neither feels cramped, even after hours of shooting.

Fujifilm Xt5 Vs Xt4 Comparison

Sensor and Image Quality: Capturing Every Detail

The X-T5’s 40MP sensor blows me away. It grabs insane detail, perfect for cropping landscapes or blowing up prints. Fuji’s film-like colors shine, though noise creeps in at high ISOs. Dynamic range is stellar, letting me recover shadows with ease.

The X-T4’s 26MP sensor holds up strong. It’s a touch better in low light, with cleaner high-ISO shots. Dynamic range is nearly identical, but the X-T5 pulls ahead slightly. Both deliver punchy, vibrant images straight out of camera.

For street snaps, the X-T4’s smaller files are a breeze to handle. The X-T5’s hefty files demand bigger cards, but the resolution is worth it for fine art. Both play nice with X-mount lenses, though older ones struggle to keep up with the X-T5’s sensor.

Autofocus and Speed: Locking Onto Subjects

The X-T5’s autofocus feels like a leap forward. Its AI-driven system tracks birds or runners with laser precision, even in dim light. I’ve nailed more action shots than with the X-T4. Recent firmware updates make it even sharper.

The X-T4’s autofocus is reliable, using phase and contrast detection. It locks on well but falters a bit in low light. For casual shoots, it’s plenty quick. It just doesn’t match the newer model’s speed.

The X-T5 hits 20 fps with autofocus, ideal for sports or wildlife. The X-T4 maxes at 15 fps, which is still solid. The X-T5’s buffer fills faster due to larger files, so I keep extra cards handy.

Video Capabilities: Filming with Style

I’ve shot video with both, and they’re beasts. The X-T5’s 6.2K at 30 fps delivers jaw-dropping detail for cinematic projects. Its 4K 60 fps is crop-free, and 1080p 240 fps slow motion is silky. F-Log 2 offers 14+ stops for grading.

The X-T4 caps at 4K 60 fps with a 1.17x crop. Its 1080p 240 fps matches the X-T5 for slow motion. It’s a hybrid champ, but the X-T5’s higher resolution wins for video enthusiasts. Both support RAW output with external recorders.

In-body stabilization (IBIS) is a lifesaver. The X-T5’s 7-stop IBIS lets me shoot handheld in low light. The X-T4’s 6.5-stop IBIS is nearly as good, but the X-T5 feels smoother. The X-T5 can overheat in 6.2K, while the X-T4 handles long 4K sessions better.

Screen and Viewfinder: Framing with Precision

The X-T5’s three-way tilting screen is a photographer’s dream. I can shoot low or high angles without flipping it out, keeping things stealthy. Its 3.69M-dot EVF is crisp, making manual focus a joy. It’s a big upgrade from older Fuji models.

The X-T4’s fully articulated screen suits video better. It flips for vlogging or selfies, which I use when filming solo. Its EVF is solid but less vibrant. Both screens are sharp at 1.62M dots, though I lean toward the X-T5’s tilt for stills.

Battery life tips toward the X-T5. I get around 740 shots per charge, versus 500 on the X-T4. For all-day shoots, I pack fewer spares with the X-T5. Neither has left me stranded mid-session.

Ergonomics and Handling: Shooting Comfortably

Both cameras feel great during marathon shoots. The X-T5’s 557g weight is a blessing on hikes. Its dials are snappy, though the X-T4’s feel a bit more refined. The X-T5’s size makes it my travel buddy.

The X-T4’s grip handles big lenses, like the XF 100-400mm, better. Its shutter button sits close to the exposure dial, which I’ve nudged accidentally. The X-T5 spaces things better. Both are intuitive once you know Fuji’s layout.

Custom buttons save time. I map mine to film simulations or focus modes. The X-T5’s joystick makes menu navigation a breeze. For street shooting, both feel like extensions of my hand.

Connectivity and Workflow: Staying Connected

Both cameras keep me connected. The X-T5’s Wi-Fi and Bluetooth transfer images to my phone instantly via Fuji’s app. USB-C tethering is smooth for studio work. The X-T4’s connectivity is similar but feels a hair slower.

I love remote shooting with both. The X-T5’s app responds faster, which helps for tripod setups. Both support webcam mode, handy for video calls or streaming. File transfers are painless, though the X-T5’s larger files take longer.

Storage is dual SD on both, but the X-T5 supports UHS-II for faster writes. I’ve noticed quicker buffer clearing with the newer model. For video, I use high-speed cards to avoid hiccups.

Special Features: Unique Tricks Up Their Sleeves

The X-T5’s Pixel Shift Multi-Shot mode is a standout. It stitches 20 frames into a 160MP image, perfect for studio or landscape prints. I’ve used it for gallery work, and the detail is unreal. A tripod is a must, though.

The X-T4 offers a vertical battery grip, which the X-T5 skips. It’s great for portraits or long video shoots. I don’t use grips often, but it’s a nice touch. The X-T4 feels more video-centric with its flip-out screen.

Fuji’s film simulations are magic on both. I tweak Velvia for bold landscapes or Acros for gritty monochrome. The X-T5’s higher resolution makes these profiles pop. Both let me shoot JPEGs that need minimal edits.

Real-World Performance: Stories from the Field

I took the X-T5 to a misty forest at dawn. Its 40MP sensor captured every dew drop and leaf vein. Autofocus nailed deer moving through fog, even in low light. The tilting screen was clutch for ground-level shots.

The X-T4 joined me for a chaotic city shoot. Its autofocus tracked cyclists in crowded streets, though it missed a few in dim alleys. The flip-out screen helped me vlog on the go. It’s heavier, but I love its solid feel.

Both handle Fuji lenses like pros. The X-T5 demands sharp glass to shine, while the X-T4 works well with older lenses. For fast-paced shoots, the X-T5’s speed wins, but the X-T4’s reliability is rock-solid.

Lens Compatibility: Making the Most of X-Mount

Fuji’s X-mount lenses are a joy with both cameras. The X-T5’s 40MP sensor begs for newer optics, like the XF 33mm f/1.4, to maximize detail. Older lenses, like the 18-55mm, soften slightly. I’ve paired it with the 56mm f/1.2 for creamy portraits.

The X-T4’s 26MP sensor is less picky. It delivers crisp results with vintage lenses, saving me from upgrading my kit. Both cameras balance well with primes or zooms. For travel, I stick to compact lenses like the 23mm f/2.

Third-party lenses, like Sigma’s 16mm f/1.4, perform great on both. The X-T5’s autofocus makes the most of fast lenses. I’ve had no compatibility issues, but I check firmware updates to keep things smooth.

Post-Processing: Working with Files

The X-T5’s 40MP RAW files are massive but a dream to edit. I pull details from shadows in Lightroom without breaking a sweat. Colors are vibrant, and film simulations carry over as starting points. Storage is my only gripe—cards fill fast.

The X-T4’s 26MP files are easier to manage. They’re still rich in detail, with slightly less noise at high ISOs. Editing is quick, especially for event shooters with tight deadlines. Both cameras’ RAWs play nice with Capture One too.

JPEGs from either are often print-ready. I tweak white balance or contrast minimally. The X-T5’s extra resolution gives me more cropping flexibility. For quick shares, I rely on in-camera processing.

Comparison Table: X-T5 vs X-T4 Breakdown

Feature	X-T5	X-T4
Sensor	40.2MP X-Trans CMOS 5 HR	26.1MP X-Trans CMOS 4
Processor	X-Processor 5	X-Processor 4
Autofocus	AI-based, 3.3M PDAF points, -7EV	Phase/contrast, 2.16M PDAF points, -7EV
Shooting Speed	20 fps (electronic), 15 fps (mechanical)	15 fps (mechanical), 20 fps (electronic)
Video	6.2K 30 fps, 4K 60 fps (no crop), 1080p 240 fps	4K 60 fps (1.17x crop), 1080p 240 fps
IBIS	7 stops	6.5 stops
Screen	3-way tilting, 1.62M dots	Fully articulated, 1.62M dots
EVF	3.69M dots, 0.8x magnification	3.69M dots, 0.75x magnification
Battery Life	740 shots	500 shots
Weight	557g	607g
Unique Feature	Pixel Shift Multi-Shot (160MP)	Vertical battery grip support

Decision-Making: Picking Your Fuji

Choosing between the Fujifilm XT5 vs XT4 hinges on your craft. If stills are your passion, the X-T5 is a no-brainer. Its 40MP sensor, zippy autofocus, and compact build shine for landscapes, portraits, or gallery prints. The tilting screen and Pixel Shift mode are icing on the cake.

Video creators or hybrid shooters might prefer the X-T4. Its flip-out screen and longer 4K recording suit vloggers or filmmakers. The grip option is great for extended shoots, and it’s kinder to older lenses. It’s a versatile all-rounder.

Portability lovers will gravitate to the X-T5. For rugged, all-day adventures, the X-T4’s build feels reassuring. Both deliver Fuji’s iconic colors and handling. Decide based on your focus—stills or video—and your lens collection.

FAQ: Your Questions, My Answers

Q: Do older Fuji lenses work well with the X-T5?
A: They work, but some, like the 10-24mm, don’t fully resolve the 40MP sensor. Newer XF lenses are ideal. The X-T4 handles legacy glass better.

Q: How much better is the X-T5’s autofocus?
A: It’s faster and stickier, especially for moving subjects or low light. The X-T4 is solid but misses more shots in tough conditions.

Q: Which is better for video?
A: The X-T5’s 6.2K and crop-free 4K are stunning, but it overheats quicker. The X-T4’s 4K is reliable for longer shoots, and its screen is vlogger-friendly.

Q: How’s battery life in the real world?
A: The X-T5 pushes 700+ shots, great for long days. The X-T4 hits around 500, so I pack an extra battery.

Q: Should I upgrade from the X-T4 to the X-T5?
A: If you crave resolution and faster autofocus for stills, it’s worth it. For video or if you love the X-T4’s screen, stick with it unless 40MP is critical.