Andre Pel

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The Fujifilm X-T5 vs X-T4 in 2025 - Which is a Better Fit For You?



Today, we’re going to compare the Fujifilm X-T5 and X-T4 and see which one is a better fit for you in 2025.

The X-T4, I’ve owned and used for about 3-4 years, while the X-T5 I’ve only gotten to test for about a month.

So I’ll have more experience with one, but I think I’ve gotten enough of a feel for the X-T5 to share my thoughts.

And although both cameras seem very similar, there are a few key differences.

Let’s begin.

Similarities and Differences

The Fujifilm X-T4 and X-T5 share a lot in common - reasonably so, because they’re literally two versions of the same “X-T series”.

And although the X-T5 is the newer version, it doesn’t necessarily outdate the X-T4.

Both cameras share a similar traditional camera body shape, with viewfinder and hot shoe centered and bridged up in the middle.

They also share the same battery which lasts significantly longer than the smaller standard Fuji batteries.

And the size and weight are more or less the same, with small differences that I don’t think you’ll notice.

A lot of the buttons are the same as well, which is fine, because you don’t need to change what isn’t broken.

So, where do these cameras differ?

Let’s just list out some of the things I’ve noticed.

The Fujifilm X-T5 has nicer port doors, while the X-T4 still has the flappy ones.

The grip is also different - it feels a little sharper and deeper, although pictures might say otherwise.

And of course you have the tech upgrades like the newer sensor, processor, video specs, upgraded ibis, etc.

Those you can read on a spec sheet if they matter to you, I’m not gonna waste your time here.

But for functionality purposes, the biggest difference between these two cameras is the screen.

With the X-T4 you have a fully articulating LCD screen.

The X-T5 however, has a slightly better 1.84 million dot screen that tilts three ways: up, down, and out for lower portrait shots.

This difference changes the use case scenario of each camera and will determine which one suits your needs.

Let’s dive into that.

Your Use Case Scenario

When it comes to specs, I’ve long stopped paying close attention to the sheets.

Whether it’s 40mp or 1000mp, they’re all kind of the same to me.

In my opinion, we’ve reached a level in photography where most cameras can get you good pictures.

The upgrades might matter more in terms of video - 6k, 8k, 10 bit 4:2:2, etc.

But for me, I’m more than happy with 4k 10 bit 4:2:0 - if you need more, note that the X-T5 has better specs here.

But my point is that body shape and design play a much bigger role in how I shoot, what photos I get, and my enjoyment of the camera.

We mentioned the difference between these two camera’s screens.

The X-T4 has a fully articulating screen, meaning it’s more intended for video.

While the X-T5 has a 3 way tilting screen, meaning it’s more intended for photo.

This is what I’m talking about.

On the surface, if you just read the specs and what not, the Fujifilm X-T5 is the better video camera.

But if you get to shooting and using both cameras, you’ll realize that it falls short of the X-T4 when it comes to filming yourself.

Despite the big advancements and upgrades in video, ibis, and whatever, if I’m filming myself, I’d pick the X-T4 to use any day.

That’s because the flexible screen just makes it so much easier.

And if I’m thinking about using a camera in the context of creating stuff, functionality is much more important.

Because when I’m recording some b-roll or taking some product photo shots, I’m not thinking about which camera has more megapixels, is newer, has faster processing, whatever.

I’m working on how to get the right angle with the right light for the right shot.

So what am I trying to get you to understand here?

What I’m saying is that although the X-T5 may seem better on paper, it actually depends.

It depends on what you plan to use the camera for and what will make your life easier.

And that it’s okay to buy an older X-T4 if its the right fit for your uses.

A quick run through of what I think about each camera:

The X-T4 is better for filming yourself.

The X-T4 is better for content creators, YouTubers, and hybrid shooters.

The X-T4 is still really good at photography.

The X-T5 is better if you primarily care about just photography (the X-T3 is a great option in this case as well).

The X-T5 is a video beast if you like to be behind the camera.

The X-T5 has all the newer updated specs, megapixels, etc (if you care about that).

And if you’re concerned about waist level portrait photography, both screens work.

The X-T5 has a slightly preferred design, but you’d get on fine with the X-T4.

So now that we understand what makes each camera better suited for different things, let’s do a quick note on if the X-T series is even right for you in the first place.

A Note on the X-T Series

I’ve used and taken the Fujifilm X-T4 all over the place.

It stands as my main workhorse camera as I bought it to allow my x100 cameras to be more casual or street shooters.

Meaning, it takes care of making all the content I make.

It also takes all the main photos when I’m out on a good/important day or visiting somewhere special.

So, it does all the heavy lifting for me.

This is what you should expect when buying any X-T series camera.

If you’re new to Fujifilm’s lineup, this delineation is important.

Because sometimes you’ll buy a camera expecting it to be something it’s not.

These X-T series cameras are meant to be used, abused, and produce stuff with.

This goes for the X-H series as well, although that’s more obvious because of the camera’s shape and design.

If you’re looking for something more casual, check out the x100 line, the smaller X-T50 series, the X-E series, the X-Pro series, and even the new X-M5.

I have videos on some of these - check them out if you wanna learn more.

Chances are these will be more than enough for what you’re looking for and an X-T series could be overkill.

Let’s move on.

“Smoke”, 2023.

Market Value - Which is Worth It?

Obviously when it comes to cameras, prices change all the time.

Newer cameras come out, the buzz and hype of the last camera drops, and interests change.

Remarkably, many Fujifilm cameras have maintained a decently high price range.

Probably due to the popularity of the brand right now, even older cameras like the X-Pro1 can cost a pretty penny.

At the time of writing, used X-T4s average around 1000-1200$ - I’ve seen higher and lower, but the pricing depends on the condition of the camera.

Used X-T5s can be anywhere from 1200-1500$.

Obviously do your research, you can probably snag a deal here and there.

I should note that a used X-T3 will run you only 750-900$.

That’s a camera you should also keep in mind if you’re in the market for an X-T series.

It’s got more or less the same specs as the X-T4 just without the fully articulating screen.

And although it doesn’t have the fancy X-T5 screen, it’s still great for photography.

So as a whole, I think all three cameras are worth it right now.

That’s a decent or fair price for what you’re getting - not super cheap but not super crazy or inflated like the x100 lineup.

This is probably because these are more standard workhorse-esque cameras and they’re not quite as “fashionable”.

So, my recommendations:

If you’re gonna be behind the camera most of the time, grab either a X-T5 or X-T3.

If you’re gonna make a lot of content and film yourself, but also need something to do photography with, grab an X-T4.

If you mainly only care about photography, and don’t need the latest and greatest, grab an X-T3.

If you want the up to date, like the fancy screen, megapixels, processor, etc, and can afford the extra few hundred dollars, the X-T5 is a great option.

All cameras are fantastic, they’ll get the job done, and the fluidity of the process will depend on your needs, as we’ve covered above.

I hope this helped, gave you some insight on the cameras and which is better suited for you.

If you’d like to help support my next photography trip, you can do so here.

You can also support me by checking out my latest photography zine “The Sinking Sun”.

And if you want to build up your foundation with photography, go to Photography Essentials - it’s free.

Thanks as always for reading.


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