Fujifilm has released details of its latest mirrorless camera, the X-T4, which is scheduled for worldwide release in April 2020.
Front view of the X-T4 with the XF 16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR lens fitted. (Source: Fujifilm.)
The new flagship model in Fujifilm’s X Series features a compact and lightweight body and a back-illuminated 26.1-megapixel X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor, coupled with an X-Processor 4 image processor. It is the first model in the series with a five-axis in-body image stabilisation (IBIS) mechanism that offers up to 6.5 stops of image stabilisation, using gyro sensors that can detect camera shakes at accuracy 8 times greater than before, and a shock-absorbing structure that can effectively controls minor vibrations when the shutter button is pressed.
A newly-developed focal plane shutter enables burst-shooting at 15 fps while also keeping its shutter release time lag to just 0.035 seconds. Rated for 300,000 actuations, the shutter is also twice as durable as the previous model and approximately 30% quieter. With the electronic shutter, the camera can achieve blackout-free burst shooting at 30 fps.
The X-T4 also includes an evolved algorithm for fast and highly-accurate AF performance with a claimed lock-on speed of 0.02 seconds, while the tracking success rate has been doubled compared to the X-T3. Face and eye detection have been dramatically improved.
Raw file shooters can now choose between non-reversible compressed and reversible lossless compressed options. The ability to record TIFF files with 8-bit and 16-bit depth is another new addition and the Film Simulation function, which reproduces colors and tonal expressions of photographic film, has been extended with the new ETERNA Bleach Bypass mode, adding richness with its high-contrast and low-saturation. Highlight and shadow tones from -2 to +4 can now be adjusted by 1/2EV steps, allowing for finer tonality. White- and ambience-priority options have been added to the auto white balance menu.
The X-T4’s extended video functions include the ability to record 4K/60P 4:2:0 10bit on a SD card or output to external storage media via the HDMI port at 4K/60P 4:2:2 10bit, which records more colour information. High-speed Full-HD video can be recorded at up to 240 fps, for 10x slow motion playback. Digital image stabilisation (DIS) is available for stable video footage with minimal camera shake. The F-Log View Assist function has been added to correct low-saturation / low-contrast video while recording F-Log. Video is converted at the equivalent of BT.709 for display to make it easier to attain correct exposure in video recording.
The new vari-angle monitor has a resolution of 1,620,000 dots, while the LCD and EVF can be boosted in three different ways: Low Light Priority favours greater clarity in low light, Resolution Priority emphasises the fine details of the subject and Frame Rate Priority (EVF only) minimises blur in the viewfinder when shooting a moving subject. A new Economy mode saves power to increase the battery life. The viewfinder eyecup now has a locking mechanism to prevent tearing or dislodgement.
A newly-developed high capacity battery will allow users to shoot approx. 500 frames per charge, approximately 1.5 times that of an NP-W126S battery, to cater for the extended shooting requirements of professional photographers. Optional accessories include the VG-XT4 vertical battery grip, which can hold two batteries; the BC-W235 dual battery charger, the CVR-XT4 cover kit for protecting various terminals on the camera and the EF-X8 external flash.
The X-T4 body will be available from April 2020 for $2,999 (RRP) at leading photographic stores and selected retailers. Click here for more information.