Fujifilm X-T3 vs X-T4: What are the differences?

With the release of Fujifilm’s X-T5, deals for Fuji’s older cameras are everywhere. This begs the question: what are the differences between Fujifilm’s X-T3 and X-T4?

Fujifilm’s X-T4 was released two years after the X-T3. They both feature the 26.1 Megapixel X-Trans CMOS 4 APS-C sensor. The X-T4 has sensor-shift IBIS and features the newer NP-W235 battery adding up to 210 more shots than the X-T3’s NP-W126S.

Keep reading as I cover the differences in specs and real-world performance.

Specifications

Camera	Sensor	Continuous Shooting	IBIS	Battery Life	Recording	Weight
X-T3	X-Trans CMOS 4 26.1 Megapixels	Up to 30fps (1.25 x Crop)	No	390 shots	DCI 4K 59.94p Up to 400Mbps	539g
X-T4	X-Trans CMOS 4 26.1 Megapixels	Up to 30fps (1.25 x Crop)	Yes	600 shots	DCI 4K 59.94p Up to 400Mbps	607g

The Fujifilm X-T4 was released in April 2020, while its predecessor, the X-T3, was released in September 2018. The update in features with the X-T4 also comes with an increased price tag, with Amazon listing it at just over $600 more than the X-T3.

It is likely that if you choose to buy an X-T3, you may have to buy it used as several suppliers have stopped selling them in favour of the newer X-T5. Check out some of my tips for buying used cameras here.

Both cameras share Fujifilm’s 26.1 Megapixel X-Trans CMOS 4 APS-C sensor and Fuji’s X-Processor 4. No matter which camera you choose, you can capture beautiful pictures and professional videos because you can take advantage of Fujifilm’s well-known colour science.

They both can take pictures at 30fps with the electronic shutter, but more on their respective continuous shooting abilities later in the article.

A key difference that you will see come up in various places in this article is that the X-T4 has in-body image stabilization, often called IBIS. IBIS is a significant feature of photography and videography; I outline specifically why throughout the article.

Another key difference is that the X-T4 uses the updated NP-W235 battery with the capacity for up to 600 shots on one charge. The X-T3 uses the older NP-W126S battery with the ability for up to 390 frames on a single charge.

Their video recording capabilities are almost identical, except for the X-T4’s superior high-speed full HD recording abilities, which I will discuss in the videography section of this article.

Camera Body

Both of these cameras come in two classic Fujifilm colours. You can choose from a retro-looking silver or a sleek black at no additional charge.

One key difference between the two cameras is the rear LCD screens. The X-T3 features a 3.0″, 3:2 aspect ratio, 1.04 million dots touch screen tilting LCD screen. The X-T4, on the other hand, features a 3.0″, 3:2 aspect ratio, 1.62 million dots touch screen folding LCD screen, which is more standard across the camera industry.

Which type of LCD screen is better has been a hot debate in the Fujifilm community for years, even before the X-T4 was released, as photographers compared other brands’ folding screens to Fuji’s traditional tilting screen. Though I can’t answer the question “Which one is better” as it boils down to personal preference, I would like to note that the X-T5 has switched back to the same tilting screen as the X-T3.

Many photographers prefer flip-out screens specifically for video, as it’s easier to get your desired angle, and they can be flipped shut to protect your camera’s screen while it is in transport.

The X-T3 and X-T4 have very similar button/dial setups; there is not anything significant enough to make a difference in usability. The grip on the body of the X-T4 protrudes out 5mm more than that of the X-T3, though a small number; it is a noticeable difference when holding the camera.

The X-T4 weighs in at 607g with SD cards and batteries, which is 68g heavier than the X-T3, weighing in at 539g. In all reality, that 68g is hardly noticeable once lenses and other accessories are fitted to your camera.

Both cameras have additional battery grip options, the VG-XT3 for the X-T3 and the VG-XT4 for the X-T4. These grips extend the battery life of each camera, which I’ll discuss in the next section. These grips add depth to each camera, making them easier to hold. The VG-XT4 adds an extra 309g, excluding the two batteries inside. The VG-XT3 adds 282g, excluding its batteries.

Both cameras are dust and weather-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about shooting in rain or dust storms. I have used both cameras in decently heavy rain with no issues. However, be sure to use WR-marked lenses to ensure complete coverage for your gear.

Battery Life

The X-T3 uses Fujifilm’s 1,260mAH NP-W126S battery that can take up to 390 shots on a single charge. The X-T4 uses Fujifilm’s newer 2,200mAh NP-W235 battery that can take up to 600 shots per charge.

Buying Fujifilm’s OEM batteries can be costly, so you may consider purchasing third-party batteries. Be aware that some photographers have experienced batteries expanding in the heat, making them stick in the camera, or have been shipped faulty units.

Many photographers swear by these batteries; I have used Wasabi batteries and have had no problems or changes in performance compared to OEM batteries. Here are links to Wasabi batteries for the X-T3 and the X-T4. One benefit, besides cost, to Wasabi batteries is that they are slightly higher rated than OEM batteries, 1,400mAh for the X-T3 (140mAh increase) and 2250mAh for the X-T4 (50mAh increase).

If you want to extend your cameras’ battery life even more, you can attach a battery grip made for Fujifilm. As stated earlier in the article, the VG-XT3 and VG-XT4. These grips each house two extra batteries and have several function buttons.

The VG-XT3 houses two NP-W126S batteries, extending the X-T3’s capabilities from 390 to 1,100 shots. It also features seamless switching between batteries for bursts and videos. It takes two hours to charge both batteries using the included adapter. As for functions, it features a shutter release button, focus lever, AEL button, AFON button, command dials, Q button, and Fn button.

The VG-XT4 is essentially the same as the VG-XT3 as it contains two extra batteries, though it uses the NP-W235 and extends the X-T4’s battery life from 600 shots to 1,700 shots. One significant change between the two is that the VG-XT4 is dust and moisture-resistant. It features the same shutter release button, focus lever, AEL button, AFON button, command dials, Q button, and FN button that the VG-XT3 has.

Both battery grips are excellent options, especially for photographers, as they allow you to shoot vertically more comfortably with the built-in shutter release button. Once you get used to the additional weight added by the battery grips, they become second nature for shooting. The joystick is a great feature, making zone focusing significantly easier while shooting vertically.

These battery grips are convenient if you do a lot of flash photography because they help balance out the weight of the flash on top of your camera. It can also be awkward to shoot vertically with the weight of a flash on your camera; these battery grips move the shutter to a more comfortable position.

Photography

Though they house the same 26.1 Megapixel X-Trans CMOS 4 APS-C sensor, some notable differences exist between the X-T3 and X-T4 regarding photography.

The first is battery life; I covered this already but to reiterate, the X-T4 can get you up to 210 shots more than the X-T3 with its updated battery. This means you won’t have to carry as many batteries on your shoots, and you can have more time in boost mode instead of economy mode.

The second notable difference is the presence of in-body image stabilization (IBIS) in the X-T4. The X-T4 uses a five-axis sensor-shift IBIS for up to 6.5 stops of stabilization. Its IBIS, combined with optical image stabilization (OIS) from supported lenses, ensures smooth shots even at a slower shutter speed.

Another difference is that The X-T4 can shoot up to 15fps with the mechanical shutter, while the X-T3 can only shoot up to 11fps with the mechanical shutter. Both cameras can shoot up to 30fps with the electronic shutter, though it is important to note that this comes at the cost of a 1.25x crop on your image.

One final key difference is that the X-T4 includes an in-camera HDR, a feature not present in the older X-T3. Though less convenient, both cameras have the option to exposure bracket, which can achieve similar results to an HDR photo. All this means is that you will have to combine your photos using software such as Lightroom instead of in-camera with an HDR image.

Both cameras can shoot tethered from their USB-C ports; this means you can connect your camera to your computer via software such as Lightroom for instant file transfer and remote control of your camera. Tethered shooting is handy when shooting in a studio or doing product photography as it allows you to instantly see your photos with any presets you want.

Finally, these cameras use the same X-Mount, so you can keep any lenses from that series or share lenses between the two cameras if you own both. Fujifilm constantly adds to its collection of lenses, but third-party options, such as Viltrox lenses, work well with both cameras.

Overall, both cameras will give you stunning results; your decision depends on what type of photography you are shooting and if you will use the extra features that the X-T4 has.

Videography

The X-T3 and X-T4 have some notable differences in videography; these differences are likely to be the deciding factor for many when deciding between the two cameras.

As I have covered before, the X-T4 has IBIS, while the X-T3 doesn’t. This is important for videography as it makes handheld shots easier and reduces the need for digital stabilization. The IBIS is especially apparent when using a telephoto lens equipped with OIS. It reduces the micro jitters that affect long focal lengths.

The only difference in recording capabilities between the two is that the X-T4 can shoot full HD up to 240p, while the X-T3 only shoots full HD up to 120p. Both cameras can shoot DCI 4K (4096 x 2160) up to 60p (59.94) up to 400Mbps. They both can shoot 10-bit internally, making colour grading an absolute dream. Both cameras have a recording time limit of 20 minutes for 60fps and 30 minutes for 30fps (29.97) and below.

As for recording formats, both cameras have F-Log and HLG. F-Log is Fujifilm’s log format, a flat, low-contrast profile whose goal is to preserve as much information as possible for later editing. Essentially, F-Log is to video what RAW is to photography.

It is worth noting that F-Log has a base ISO of 640; this means that you cannot shoot any lower than ISO 640 while using F-Log, though I have experienced less noise in my shots while shooting at ISO 800.

Both cameras also record in hybrid log gamma (HLG), whose purpose, like F-Log, is to preserve as much information as possible for later flexibility when editing.

“FUJIFILM’s color science is a result of years of research in both analog and digital photography.”

fujifilm-x.com

These cameras are equipped with a selection of Fujifilm’s renowned film simulations for photos and videos. The X-T4 comes with 18 film simulation modes, while the X-T3 comes with 16. When shooting video, Fujifilm provides a conversion LUT (look-up table) that can be used to convert your F-Log footage to a film simulation Eterna. You can find these conversion LUTs on Fujifilm’s website here.

Out of the two added film simulations, Fujifilm highlights the “ETERNA BLEACH BYPASS” on its website. Bleach bypassing is a technique used in film processing that Fujifilm emulates with its film simulation. It is high in contrast and low in saturation and has lots of potential if used well.