Fujifilm X-T4: The Hybrid That Still Outshines Its Successors

We review a specific Fujifilm X-T4 unit in Excellent condition that has passed through our workshop. A hybrid camera that still performs at a high level and can now be had for €864.

When a camera has been on the market for more than five years and still tops recommendation lists, it must have done something right. The Fujifilm X-T4 arrived in 2020 as the definitive evolution of the X-T series: it introduced sensor stabilisation for the first time in an X-T, improved battery life with the NP-W235, and refined a video system that was already serious on the X-T3. It wasn’t a revolution; it was a consolidation. And today, with the X-T5 already on the market, the question isn’t whether the X-T4 is still good — it is — but whether it’s worth buying second-hand over its successors.

Today in the workshop we have a specific unit that answers that question with nuance. We’re talking about an X-T4 in B-grade condition, with a physical state that our lab has rated as Excellent, arriving in our inventory at €864. The market average for this model over the last 30 days sits at €968, so this unit is clearly below what people are paying for it. But before we talk numbers, let’s get to what matters: how is this camera, and what can we expect from it?

This Unit’s Details

The unit we reviewed shows no significant scratches on the chassis, the dials respond with Fujifilm’s characteristic crisp click, and the side-hinged vari-angle screen folds without any play. In the lab, we detected no sensor issues — no dead pixels or spots — and the autofocus system behaves normally. In short, this is a unit that appears to have had a quiet life. We don’t have shutter count data or original battery health information, but the overall condition suggests moderate use.

The Model in General

The X-T4 houses a 26.1-megapixel X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor, the same one we saw in the X-T3 and X-Pro3. It’s a sensor that has aged well: it offers notable dynamic range, gorgeous colours with Fujifilm’s film simulation profiles, and controlled noise up to ISO 6400 with careful processing. It’s not the most high-resolution sensor on the market — the X-T5 surpasses it with 40MP — but for most uses, including professional photography, it remains more than adequate.

The autofocus system, with phase detection across the entire sensor, has received several firmware updates since launch and now delivers solid performance. It’s not the stickiest AF in its category — the Sony A6xxx series and Canon R7 outperform it in tracking erratic subjects — but for portraits, landscapes and street photography, it will rarely let you down. Eye and face detection works well, and animal tracking is decent without being outstanding.

Ergonomics are another strong point. The magnesium body, dedicated dials for ISO, shutter speed and exposure compensation, and the rear joystick make operating the camera a tactile pleasure that few rivals match. That said, Fujifilm’s menu remains a labyrinth of options that takes time to master. That hasn’t changed over the years, and anyone coming from other brands will need patience.

What Works

The 6.5-stop sensor stabilisation is arguably the feature that has aged best. In the workshop, we tested this unit with unstabilised lenses and the results are impressive: you can get sharp images at shutter speeds that would be impossible on any other camera without IBIS. For low-light street photography or handheld video, it’s a huge advantage.

Video is another pillar supporting this camera’s price. 4K recording up to 60p with 10-bit internal capture, F-Log and F-Log2, and image quality that still competes with much more expensive cameras. The X-T4 was one of the first APS-C mirrorless cameras to offer this without needing an external recorder, and today it remains a very serious option for content creators and videographers who don’t need full frame.

The NP-W235 battery, which debuted with this model, was a substantial improvement over the NP-W126S in the X-T3. With mixed use, getting 400-500 shots per charge is realistic. That’s not a record figure, but it’s enough for a day’s work without anxiety. However, if you keep IBIS active continuously and shoot lots of bursts, you’ll notice the battery life suffers.

What Weighs Heavily Over Time

Not everything is praise. The X-T4 has weaknesses worth knowing before you buy. First is size and weight: at 607 grams (body only), it’s noticeably larger and heavier than the X-T3 and the X-T5 itself. If you want a small camera to carry everywhere, there are better options in Fujifilm’s lineup.

Second is the menu system. We’ve mentioned it already, but it deserves emphasis: Fujifilm’s menu structure is confusing, with duplicated options in different places and unintuitive names. Even after years of using the brand’s cameras, it’s easy to get lost looking for a specific function. It’s not a flaw exclusive to the X-T4, but it’s something to keep in mind.

Third is the side-hinged vari-angle screen. Unlike the X-T3’s tilting screen, which allowed the panel to rotate on the vertical axis without off-centring the lens, the X-T4’s side screen is a video-oriented design that annoys many stills photographers. If you’re coming from an X-T3 or a camera with a tilting screen, you’ll notice the difference.

And fourth, more specific to this unit, is that it doesn’t include any additional accessories. There’s no grip, no external charger, nothing beyond the body and battery. It’s not a serious problem, but you’ll need to budget if you require an extra charger or a second battery.

Who Is This Unit For?

This particular X-T4 is a smart purchase for three profiles. First: photographers coming from an X-T2 or X-T3 who want to make the leap to sensor stabilisation without paying the price of a new X-T5. Second: videographers looking for a B-camera with professional image quality without breaking the bank. Third: anyone who wants a robust, reliable camera with a physical control logic that’s increasingly rare on the market.

It’s not for those chasing the latest in resolution or AF. Nor is it for those wanting a tiny camera. But for the photographer who values the shooting experience, image quality and versatility, this unit at €864 is a clear opportunity. The €968 market average already positions it as a reasonable option; this unit, below that average and in excellent physical condition, is even more so.

Verdict

The Fujifilm X-T4 hasn’t lost an ounce of its relevance. It remains one of the best APS-C hybrid cameras you can buy, and this specific unit, with its excellent condition and €864 price tag, represents one of the best value-for-money deals we’ve seen in our workshop in recent weeks. It’s not perfect — the menu, the side screen and battery life with active IBIS are tolls you have to pay — but for what it costs today, it’s hard to find an alternative that offers as much. If you’re looking for a camera to grow into, to work with, or simply to enjoy shooting, this unit deserves a spot on your list.