It’s been some time since I switched from Sony to Fuji. At this level, I’m prepared to offer you my causes for the swap and the way I evaluate Fujifilm vs Sony crop sensor cameras.
First, I need to admit that Fujifilm was not what I anticipated. It really turned out to be fully the alternative of my expectations. I received concerned about Fujifilm due to the necessity for a greater person expertise, however I stayed with it due to its picture high quality and stellar Fuji lenses.
Let me clarify.
I switched from Canon to Sony 4 years in the past; I had a really totally different motivation. I used to be not solely dissatisfied with Canon however with DSLR expertise normally. I used to be desperate to discover the mirrorless realm and didn’t have a specific digicam model in thoughts. I picked Sony due to the standard of digital recordsdata it produced in comparison with Canon.
Sony vs Fujifilm. Causes for Switching
As I thought-about the swap this time, I had just one model in thoughts: Fujifilm. Listed here are the primary causes:
1. Person Expertise
While you mature as a photographer, you develop a singular pictures routine and habits. You realize precisely what you wish to see in a digicam that’s intently aligned together with your pictures workflow. With Sony, I felt that I couldn’t customise my photograph gear how I wished. I hoped combining the streamlined Fuji menu system with the mechanical dials and customizable buttons would supply extra flexibility.
Once I determined to modify to Fujifilm, I solely thought-about the highest of the road XT2 mannequin, however I had problem discovering dependable evaluations. Why? The rationale was due to Fuji’s distinctive strategy to firmware updates.
Since Fujifilm launched its XT2 mannequin in August 2016, it has launched three main firmware updates that stretch the digicam’s performance by including a whole bunch–that’s proper, a whole bunch–of recent and up to date options.
By the tip of 2017, many of the preliminary XT2 evaluations had been outdated as a result of it was a really totally different digicam.
Associated: Fuji XT2 vs XT3 – Facet by Facet
I discover Fuji’s strategy to be distinctive and refreshing, making them extra like a software program startup than a shopper electronics firm. It looks like a contemporary strategy to pictures when an organization listens to customers and makes enhancements to current cameras by means of software program updates.
I wished to be a part of that have.
2. Curiosity
I do know loads of fellow photographers who shoot with Fujifilm and love the Fujifilm expertise. Generally, they reward Fuji a lot that it looks like they’re a part of a cult-like Scientology or CrossFit. I used to be curious to discover the cult-like expertise from the within.
I used to be additionally intrigued to discover the fully totally different design of Fuji cameras with their numerous mechanical dials and gazillions of customizable buttons.
Additionally, as a photographer and educator, I assumed it might be good to study one other system so I can intelligently focus on it.
3. Want for the Final Journey Digicam
For a very long time, I wished the last word journey digicam setup. I craved for a mixture of a compact climate sealed digicam and lens.
I used to be additionally on the lookout for a contemporary twin reminiscence card performance that may give me a totally redundant backup workflow from begin to end.
And eventually, I wished my journey digicam to have a dependable and easy GPS tagging performance.
Associated: Prime Equipment for
I couldn’t accomplish every part with Sony.
4. Neglect By Sony
I keep in mind a number of years in the past when somebody from a photograph group predicted that Sony wouldn’t have the bandwidth to develop each full body and APS-C techniques concurrently. This turned out to be true. Sony uncared for the APS-C techniques and concentrated all its efforts on full-frame cameras and lenses. In 4 years, Sony has not created even one APS-C lens.
Fujifilm vs Sony. The Change
Once I switched from Canon to Sony, probably the most important change that impacted my pictures was the unbelievable dynamic vary of the Sony sensors. It modified the way in which I shoot and edit photographs.
It made me use HDR even much less. And, even when it was completely essential to make the most of HDR, I solely wanted three brackets. The time of taking 5 to seven bracketed pictures was over.
Since then, I all the time take note of the dynamic vary of any digicam that I consider and make it probably the most vital paraments of my pictures.
The issue with Fuji is that it makes use of an X-Trans sensor, and plainly nobody can precisely measure its dynamic vary. This made it unimaginable for me to match the dynamic vary of the XT2 to my current Sony earlier than I made the swap.
It fearful me a bit as a result of I didn’t wish to sacrifice the dynamic vary in my new digicam.
So, as an alternative of switching straight away, I made a decision to first check the Fuji. When a neighborhood fellow photographer was promoting his virtually new Fuji X-T2 physique, I knew it was the right alternative for me to match it to Sony.
I purchased the digicam and complemented it with the Fujinon 18-135mm lens. Over the following six weeks, I used each the Sony and Fuji techniques facet by facet.
Associated: My Fujifilm Journey Images Gear
Here’s what I found.
The Positives of Switching from Sony to Fujifilm
1. Dynamic Vary
The dynamic vary of the Fuji XT2 sensor is unbelievable. I can’t measure it exactly to provide the precise variety of stops it covers however, primarily based on my purely empirical expertise; it’s higher than the Sony a6000, a6300, and a6500. In six weeks, I’ve not used HDR, even when taking pictures immediately into the solar. The quantity of element I can get better in highlights and shadows is staggering.
That is one thing I didn’t count on.
2. Picture High quality
Presently, I’ve two lenses: Fujinon 10-24 and Fujinon 18-135. The mixture of the Fuji XT2 and the 10-24 or 18-135 produces a lot cleaner and sharper pictures than the Sony a6000 or a65000 with a Sony 16-70 or Sony 10-18. The Fujifilm pictures are completely usable at 100% magnification. Unbelievable.
3. Fujinon Lenses
It’s common data that Fujifilm lenses are good, and I had a basic thought of what to anticipate.
However, I wish to consider Fujinon 18-135 lens. It isn’t the preferred Fuji lens, however I picked it as a part of my final journey pictures setup. It’s climate sealed, and stabilized with a really helpful focal size. I knew upfront that I might go on an prolonged journey with solely that lens.
After utilizing Fujinon completely for two weeks, I spotted that just about all of the Fujinon 18-135 evaluations I learn had been inaccurate and deceptive. Most of them concluded that it’s a first rate lens however you can’t count on a lot from an excellent zoom lens.
I don’t agree with these conclusions. I discover this lens to be excellent. The picture high quality is great and when taking pictures at f/8 – f/11 I hardly can inform the distinction between Fujinon 18-135 and everyone’s favourite extremely huge Fujinon 10-24.
The Fujinon 18-135mm has the perfect Optical Stabilization I’ve ever skilled. I managed to shoot at focal size 135mm utilizing shutter velocity 1/10s and produce a superbly sharp picture. It’s exceptional.
4. Digital Viewfinder
The EVF is to die for. It’s HUGE and vibrant. It comprises an infinite quantity of knowledge, and you’ll customise it in any means you need. It has already modified the way in which I take photographs.
I assigned the entrance operate button to set off the Histogram show in EVF. With the most recent firmware replace, it shows a mixed histogram plus three extra variations for every colour channel. Now when I’m able to shoot, I press the AE-L button to lock the publicity; subsequent, I activate the histogram inside the EVF, and eventually, I tweak the publicity by adjusting the publicity compensation utilizing Entrance Command Dial. And I all the time have 4 histograms in EVF to judge my changes.
Adore it.
5. ISO Efficiency
One of many shortcomings of the Fuji XT2 is taken into account to be not a stellar excessive ISO efficiency. However, as soon as once more, I don’t fully agree with the conclusion. I assume in case you evaluate XT2 ISO efficiency to a full body sensor digicam just like the Sony 7r, it could be the case, however I discover the ISO efficiency is great for the APS-C digicam. I used to be stunned that at ISO 12800, pictures are nonetheless usable with loads of particulars.
The mixture of fantastic ISO efficiency with improved and prolonged Auto ISO performance permits me to shoot in situations I’d by no means contemplate taking pictures earlier than.
The Negatives of Switching from Sony to Fujifilm
1. Ergonomics
The day I obtained the digicam and the lens I went on a day-long journey to shoot winter landscapes. After taking pictures for two hours, I spotted I had cramps in my fingers.
Sony a6000 is a small digicam, nevertheless it has a beefy, not very deep, however fairly huge grip, and I might comfortably carry the digicam utilizing my whole palm. However the Fuji XT2 is a much bigger and heavier digicam with a tiny grip, and I all the time needed to squeeze it with my fingers placing pointless pressure on them.
After 5 minutes of Googling, I spotted the small grip was a standard concern for a lot of Fuji cameras. And naturally, I discovered the answer quick. I ordered the thumb grip, and it virtually fastened the issue.
I additionally purchased a cheap L-Bracket with a steel grip.
Fujifilm XT2 Vertical Shoot Hand Grip
Now after I shoot handheld, I take advantage of a thumb grip solely, and when I’m on a tripod, I additionally connect the L-Bracket Grip.
However, I’m nonetheless not fully comfy. I hope, over time, I’ll get used to it.
I’m a giant Again Button Focus person, and the AE-L and AF-L buttons are tiny, and it’s onerous to make use of them. I needed to assign Rear Command Dial to lock the concentrate on a press down. It isn’t fully comfy.
2. Inconsistency with Customization
I just like the Fuji XT2 design and mechanical dials, however I anticipated to have the power to assign all mechanical dial functionalities to customizable operate buttons. That’s not the case.
For instance, I can use Entrance Command Dial to regulate publicity compensation by setting the mechanical dial to the S possibility, and I prefer it rather a lot.
However, I cannot assign Drive choice to a customized operate button or perhaps a Fast menu. The one means for me to alter from single mode taking pictures to bracketing, which I do rather a lot, is to make use of a mechanical subdial below the ISO dial. I’ve to make use of my second hand to alter it.
The identical goes for the Metering choice; you need to use a mechanical dial and no operate button or Fast Menu choices.
When taking pictures in Aperture Precedence mode, the one strategy to change the aperture worth is to make use of a lens aperture ring. It is vitally comfy when taking pictures handheld, however when on a tripod, as soon as once more, it requires a second hand. There isn’t a strategy to change the aperture utilizing the Rear Command dial.
I hope that in future updates, Fujifilm offers us the power to assign any operate to any operate buttons or at the least to a Fast Menu. I’d love to have the ability to customise the XT2 so I can change any settings with one hand and with out transferring the attention away from EVF
3. Customized Setting
I discover that probably the most helpful customized configurations on any digicam model is the power to avoid wasting a bunch of customized settings and recall them with one click on. I used it on Sony and Canon.
I used to be enthusiastic about Fujifilm customized settings as a result of I knew you could possibly save as much as 7 customized configurations, plus you could possibly give every configuration a singular identify. And it’s simple to recall every saved configuration from Fast Menu.
However after I began to customise it I spotted the one following settings an obtainable for reminiscence recall:
Dynamic Vary, Movie Simulation, Grain Impact, White Steadiness, Coloration Sharpness, Spotlight Tone, and Noise Discount.
That’s is correct, all of them associated to JPEG taking pictures. And since I solely shoot RAW, your complete Customized Setting module is totally ineffective to me.
I discover it to be probably the most stunning shortcomings of Fujifilm Xt2 performance.
Fujifilm vs Sony: Conclusion
As I discussed earlier than, the swap from Sony to Fujifilm turned out to be not what I anticipated in any respect. I received concerned about Fujifilm due to the necessity for a greater person expertise and extra superior customization, however I stayed with it due to its picture high quality, dynamic vary, and stellar lenses.
I don’t complain and haven’t any regrets. I’ve already bought all my Sony gear and will certainly persist with Fujifilm for a yr at the least, however I think it is going to be longer.
And I’m having a blast studying the brand new digicam system. Plus, Fujifilm retains us on the toes with the fixed firmware upgrades.
Additionally, it proved once more there isn’t a such factor as an ideal digicam.
Fujifilm vs Sony (2019 Replace)
It’s been virtually 18 months since I switched from Sony to the Fujifilm digicam system. I made a decision to offer you a fast replace.
To start with, I’ve grown even fonder of Fujifilm gear over time. I like its aesthetics, the standard of substances, and the standard of pictures Fujifilm produces. Plus, I like Fujifilm’s photographer-centric strategy to enterprise.
At this level, I’ve no plans to search for an alternate. I’ll persist with Fujifilm.
I nonetheless shoot with the Fujifilm X-t2. In 2018, I used to be very excited when Fujifilm introduced the X-t3, and I used to be desperate to improve. However after I checked the specs of the X-t3, I spotted there was nothing for me there.
The Fujifilm X-T3 gives drastic enhancements in video specs and autofocus, neither of which I look after a lot. The options I cared about probably the most—picture high quality dynamic vary and low gentle efficiency – didn’t change within the X-T3 mannequin.
I additionally hoped the X-T3 would introduce a much bigger battery to get rid of the necessity to carry a pile of spare batteries together with me. This didn’t occur.
Fujinon 35mm f/1.4
I added a brand new Fujifilm lens to my assortment. I bought the Fujinon 35mm f/1.4, which acts because the “nifty fifty” on APS-C sensor cameras. The lens is likely one of the oldest fashions within the Fujifilm line and has a really outdated autofocus motor. The autofocus is noisy and never very quick, however the lens produces unbelievable pictures with distinctive appears to be like.
In line with Fujifilm’s chief engineer, once they designed the Fujinon 35mm f/1.4 lens, that they had the choice to make it optically good or make it distinctive and distinctive. They selected the latter. It’s now one in every of my favourite lenses I’ve ever owned. Plus, it’s tiny and extremely gentle.
My working horse is the Fujinon 10-24mm f/4 wide-angle lens. I take advantage of it for many of my panorama photographs. Its solely weak spot is its lack of climate sealing. When I’m within the subject within the rain, I’ve to modify to the Fujinon 18-135mm. This lens is weather-sealed and offers me a really helpful attain of 135mm (200m full-frame equal).
The Fujifilm 18-135mm is nearly the right lens for my wants, nevertheless it has one shortcoming. It’s too massive and heavy for lengthy and demanding hikes. Just lately, Fujifilm introduced a brand new lens—the 16-80mm f/4 —that’s smaller than the 18-135mm lens, has the perfect picture stabilization within the business, and is climate sealed. It has the potential to be the last word journey lens. I completely plan to test it out when it turns into obtainable.
That’s it for now. Let me know you probably have any questions within the feedback under. I’m glad to reply any of your inquiries.
Sony vs Fujifilm (Very Final Replace 2023)
Will probably be my final replace to Sony vs Fujifilm article.
It has been precisely 5 years since my unique swap from Sony to Fujifilm. And now, the swap is formally over.
Let me clarify.
During the last 5 years, I took my Fujifilm XT2 on a few dozens of journeys all around the world. I captured with it many thrilling photographs I’m actually pleased with. It’s been a 100% optimistic expertise.
I received used to the digicam, its controls, and the menu system. I personalized XT2 to my liking and actually loved the expertise. And I really like Fuji lenses.
However not every part was good in paradise.
I used to be not loopy about Fujifilm’s route with the XT line of cameras.
As I discussed above, I did non improve to Fuji XT3 as a result of I couldn’t see in it something worthwhile for my pictures. I didn’t wish to pay for a brand new digicam to improve the video specs as a result of I didn’t use XT2 for taking pictures movies. I’ve GoPro for video functions. I made a decision to attend till the XT4 launch.
However when Fuji launched XT4, I spotted that the brand new digicam had grow to be greater and heavier. They needed to improve the dimensions to accommodate a much bigger battery and IBIS. Plus, I despised the flip-out display screen. The Fuji XT line grew to become a hybrid digicam line. And I used to be not loopy about it.
I made a decision to skip XT4 as soon as once more and persist with my outdated and trusted XT2 for 2 extra years.
The plan was to attend for the following iteration of the XT digicam, and if Fuji wouldn’t change its route, to search for an alternate elsewhere.
However Fujifilm received scared to lose me as a buyer and got here up with the right journey digicam the way in which I wished.
The corporate realized the XT line was initially designed as a photography-centric digicam, not a hybrid. They returned to their roots and created a real successor to XT1 and XT2 fashions.
First, they decreased the digicam’s measurement, which was my favourite change. XT5 is similar to the dimensions of XT2, even barely smaller. However, since they nonetheless needed to match a much bigger battery and IBIS, they made it a bit deeper.
Plus, through the years, I modified how I take a look at IBIS. As an alternative of performance with restricted use for panorama pictures, I deal with it as a possible benefit. I made a decision to experiment with my taking pictures routine. I wish to lower my tripod use and shoot extra handheld, counting on IBIS for stabilization. I plan to scale back the load I’ve to hold when touring. That’s the plan. Let’s see the way it goes.
The smaller type issue, return to the lean display screen, greater battery, new sensor and processor had been sufficient causes for the improve.
The one problem was to search out the XT5 within the retailer. Fuji introduced XT5 on November 15, however I solely managed to get it on the final day of the yr, December 31. I couldn’t get it from B&H, Adorama, and even Amazon. As an alternative, I discovered it in a small native retailer in Montreal. It was refreshing to purchase photograph gear in particular person once more and never on-line.
Initially, I used to be undecided what to anticipate from 40MP new sensor; I assumed it was overkill for an APS-C digicam. However it turned out to be a optimistic change. Once I switched from Sony to Fuji XT2, I used to be stunned that RTF recordsdata had been usable even at 100% magnification. With the brand new 40MP sensor, RAW recordsdata are sharp and stuffed with particulars even at 200% magnification. I prefer it rather a lot. Now, I don’t wish to return to 26MP outdated sensor.
Plus, on the final second, I made a decision to get a package as an alternative of a digicam physique solely. Now I’ve a model new lens, Fujinon 16-80mm f4, and I would like to check it to see if I wish to maintain it.
In a few months, I’ll publish a Fujifilm X-T5 evaluate outlining my expertise with Fuji XT5.
It additionally signifies that I’m sticking with Fujifilm for the foreseeable future.