XT-4 to XT-5 for travel/adventure photography

If you’re in the market for a high-quality mirrorless camera, the Fujifilm X-T4 and X-T5 are two models that you should consider. These cameras are known for their advanced features, compact size, and high-quality image output. In this blog post, we’ll compare the Fujifilm X-T4 and X-T5, focusing on the differences in weight and resolution and how these factors can impact your photography, particularly for hiking and adventures.

Let’s start with the basics. The Fujifilm X-T4 was released in 2020 as the successor to the X-T3, and not surprisingly the X-T5 follows that. The X-T4 boasts a 26.1-megapixel APS-C X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor, while the X-T5 has a 40.2 megapixel X-Trans CMOS sensor. Both the X-T4 and XT-5 feature in-body image stabilization (6.5 Vs 7 stops), similar ISO ranges (160 – 12,800 Vs 125 – 12,800) and 15FPS continuous shooting. in many ways the cameras are equally matched and the minute differences have been covered in depth in many of the usual channels, so I’m going to focus (pun intended) on the key differences for people looking for a camera to accompany them on their travels and adventures.

One of the biggest differences between the two cameras is weight. The X-T4 weighs 607g, while the X-T5 is 557g. This might not seem like a big deal at first, but when you’re hiking or adventuring, every gram counts. A lighter camera means less fatigue on your shoulders and more energy to keep exploring. This is especially important for those who enjoy taking longer hikes or carrying other gear in addition to their camera.

Another factor to consider is resolution. While the X-T4 boasts a high resolution of 26.1 megapixels, the resolution of the X-T5 is even higher at 40.2 megapixels. This may not seem like a big deal at first, but higher resolution means more flexibility in post-processing. For example, you can crop an image down to a smaller size while maintaining a high level of detail. This is especially useful for those who want to carry shorter lenses while hiking or adventuring. With higher resolution, you can crop in on a subject without sacrificing image quality. In addition, the X-T5 has an ace up it’s sleeve in the form of the Pixel Shift Multi-Shot mode. This feature has come over from the bigger GFX series and enables the X-T5 to take 20 frames from a single shutter press (note – this needs to be stable on a tripod or similar). These 20 frames can then be combined in post to produce a single 160 megapixel image. This further adds to the ability to get away with shorter/less lenses, however, having used this feature on my Leica SL-2, you learn that you need extreme stability/no motion, and with the X-T5 to get the best of the high resolution small sensor do need the higher end Fuji lenses.

I hope to take advantage of this, with my previous travel/adventure setup having been the X-T4, paired with the 18-55 and 55-200 lenses. I’m now trying out the X-T5 with just the 16-55, in the hope the sharper lens plus higher resolution pairing will enable the majority of flexibility that the previous setup had. I think, based on some back of an envelope calculations, 55mm on the X-T5 cropped to 26 megapixels is an equivalent of about 85mm on the X-T4.

Old setup total weight 1497g, new setup total weight 1212g.

So, which camera should you choose for hiking and adventures? It really depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a lightweight camera that you can carry around for long periods without feeling fatigued, the X-T4 is still a great option and can likely be had much cheaper on the used market. However, if you prioritize higher resolution for post-processing flexibility, and the option of carrying less lenses the X-T5 might be the better choice.

Fujifilm XT-4 https://amzn.to/41xsaWM
Fujifilm XT-5 https://amzn.to/3H9ucUJ
Fujifilm 55-200 https://amzn.to/3N6PdmH
Fujifilm 16-55 https://amzn.to/3V7i24z

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