Fujifilm X100T vs Panasonic GH4: A Thorough Camera Comparison for Enthusiasts and Professionals

Choosing your next camera can feel overwhelming given the range of models and features available. Today, we’ll put two well-respected cameras head-to-head - the Fujifilm X100T and the Panasonic Lumix GH4 - to help you navigate their key differences and decide which one suits your artistic and technical needs best. Both launched in 2014 but target quite different photography styles and workflow preferences. Drawing on years of hands-on testing and technical evaluation, we'll break down how each performs across multiple photography disciplines and real-world shooting scenarios.

Understanding the Cameras at a Glance

Before diving deeper, it’s helpful to understand the core identities of these cameras:

The X100T is a compact, high-quality camera with a fixed prime lens and an elegant hybrid viewfinder designed for street and lifestyle photographers who prefer simplicity and image quality in a pocketable form. The GH4 is a more versatile, professional mirrorless system offering outstanding video capabilities and interchangeable lenses suited for hybrid shooters who want both advanced stills and video performance.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: APS-C vs Micro Four Thirds

One of the most significant differences is the sensor architecture.

Fujifilm X100T's APS-C X-Trans II Sensor

• Size: 23.6 x 15.8 mm
• Resolution: 16MP
• Unique X-Trans color filter array reduces moiré without an optical low-pass filter, improving sharpness.
• Max ISO native: 6400 (expandable to 51200)
• No AA filter preserves micro-detail

The larger APS-C sensor provides superior noise control and dynamic range compared to smaller sensor cameras, with excellent color depth - a hallmark of Fujifilm’s X-Trans sensor technology. This sensor excels at rendering natural skin tones and rich colors, crucial for portrait and landscape work.

Panasonic GH4’s Four Thirds Sensor

• Size: 17.3 x 13 mm
• Resolution: 16MP
• Traditional Bayer filter with AA filter
• Max ISO native: 25600
• Slightly smaller sensor means less shallow depth of field potential; however, excellent video-oriented dynamic range

While smaller than APS-C, the GH4’s sensor manages respectable low-light performance, especially given the dual-purpose video optimization. The 4:3 aspect ratio native to Four Thirds complements video and photography alike.

Real-World Impact:

• In low-light and high-contrast environments, the X100T generally maintains cleaner shadows and richer midtones.
• GH4 has improved dynamic range for video grading but can show more noise in still images at very high ISOs.
• For print sizes and heavy cropping, the APS-C advantage in resolution detail becomes more apparent.

Ergonomics, Build Quality, and Control Layout

Your experience handling the camera impacts creativity and efficiency. Both Fujifilm and Panasonic offer distinct design philosophies.

Fujifilm X100T

• Compact, light 440g body ideal for street photography and travel.
• Fixed lens reduces lens changing hassle.
• Hybrid viewfinder: switch between optical and electronic modes - a unique feature offering optical viewfinder clarity with EVF-like exposure preview.
• Dial-based controls on shutter speed, exposure compensation, and aperture ring on the lens encourage manual shooting.
• No weather sealing.
• Basic 3” fixed LCD screen without touchscreen functionality.

Panasonic GH4

• Larger, heavier 560g body, but still portable for a system camera.
• Weather-sealed magnesium alloy chassis improves reliability in harsh conditions.
• Fully articulating, OLED touchscreen at 3” size allows flexible compositions and video monitoring.
• Joystick and multiple customizable buttons for rapid access to AF points and settings.
• Exclusively electronic viewfinder with 0.67x magnification and 100% coverage.
• Interchangeable lens mount supports one of the most comprehensive lens ecosystems.

Handling Insights:

• If you value a compact carry, discretion, and tactile traditional controls, the X100T wins in portability and ease of use.
• For advanced shooting flexibility, especially video or varied lens usage, the GH4's more robust body and articulating screen are superior.

Autofocus Performance and Accuracy

Autofocus speed and accuracy are critical across genres, especially sports and wildlife.

Experience and Testing Notes:

• The X100T's hybrid AF provides quick and decisive focusing in good light, suitable for portraits and street shooting.
• Limited tracking AF and no animal eye detection restrict its efficacy for fast-moving subjects (wildlife/sports).
• GH4’s contrast-detection autofocus system is slower to lock in low light but includes comprehensive tracking modes, which perform well in sports and wildlife scenarios.
• The touchscreen AF on the GH4 greatly enhances targeting for macro and video work.

Portrait Photography: Skin Tones and Bokeh

Portrait shooters want true color rendition and appealing background blur.

• Fujifilm’s X-Trans sensor produces exceptional skin tone reproduction, with warm and natural hues.
• The fixed 35mm f/2 lens (equivalent to 50mm in 35mm terms) offers a classic portrait focal length with sharp center detail and a pleasing bokeh rendering.
• Depth of field control is comfortable but not as shallow as larger aperture lenses on interchangeable systems.
• GH4’s kit depends on lenses chosen. Paired with fast portrait primes (e.g., 42.5mm f/1.2), it can achieve beautiful creamy bokeh.
• GH4’s autofocus is steady and face detection aids portrait sessions.

If you want instant simplicity and beautiful skin tones without lens swapping, the X100T is a compelling choice.

Landscape Photography: Resolution, Dynamic Range, Weather Protection

Landscape enthusiasts need high resolution, broad dynamic range, and weather resistance for outdoor shoots.

• Both have 16MP sensors, but the X100T’s larger sensor physically collects more light, offering slightly better dynamic range in RAW files.
• Weather sealing is essential for harsh environments - GH4 is fully sealed; X100T is not.
• Fixed lens on X100T limits wide-angle capture. The 35mm equivalent focal length means you may need accessories like a wide-angle converter.
• GH4’s interchangeable lens mount allows access to ultra-wide and tilt-shift lenses, expanding creative options.

Recommend GH4 for adventurous landscape shooters requiring ruggedness and flexibility; X100T suits casual landscapes or urban exploration.

Wildlife and Sports: Autofocus Tracking and Burst Rates

These genres demand responsive focusing and fast continuous shooting.

• GH4’s faster burst rate and improved autofocus tracking make it well suited for capturing action sequences and wildlife behavior.
• The fixed 35mm lens of the X100T is limiting for wildlife (you’ll want a telephoto); GH4’s lenses include many telephoto options.
• Battery life favors GH4 allowing long shooting sessions.

Sports and wildlife photographers will lean toward GH4 for its speed, tracking, and versatile lens system.

Street and Travel Photography: Size, Discreteness, and Battery Life

Street photographers prize smallness and speed; travelers want a versatile, reliable companion.

• X100T’s compact body and quiet leaf shutter promote discrete shooting. The hybrid OVF aids quick framing even in bright light.
• GH4 is larger and louder but offers more capability - articulated screen for video blogs, higher battery capacity (500 shots vs 330 shots).
• Wireless connectivity is built into both, easing image sharing on the go.
• Both cameras support SD cards, but none have dual slots which may concern professionals needing backup.

For portability and low-profile operation, the X100T is a winner. For extended travel with multimedia needs, GH4 fits better.

Macro Photography: Magnification and Stability

Neither camera features built-in stabilization, but focusing precision differs.

• The X100T’s fixed lens macro closest focusing distance is 10 cm, decent for casual macro but limited compared to dedicated lenses.
• GH4 can use specialized macro lenses and benefits from touchscreen focus peaking and magnification for precise manual focus.
• GH4’s articulating screen eases operating at tricky angles in macro work.

For serious macro enthusiasts, GH4 offers far more potential, while X100T is adequate for occasional close-ups.

Night and Astro Shooting: ISO Performance and Exposure Controls

Astro and night photography require excellent high ISO noise management and bulb exposure modes.

• Fujifilm X100T features a max ISO expandable to 51200 with usable results up to 6400 native. The leaf shutter also allows very fast shutter speeds up to 1/32000 second, excellent for daylight long exposures.
• GH4 maxes at ISO 25600 native with moderate noise and lower dynamic range.
• Both offer manual exposure controls; GH4 supports bulb and time-lapse recording.
• The lack of in-body stabilization on both requires a sturdy tripod for long exposures.

X100T edges out slightly for still night shots; GH4 shines with video and 4K time-lapse astrophotography.

Video Capabilities: Specs and User Experience

Video shooters will find two very different cameras here.

The GH4 is a legendary hybrid camera in video circles. Its 4K UHD recording with multiple frame rate options, headphone monitoring, and robust codec support make it a professional video platform. The articulating touchscreen and weather sealing boost usability for videographers.

X100T is a great secondary video camera with excellent color science but lacks 4K capture and advanced controls.

Professional Workflow and Reliability

• Both cameras support raw files for flexible post-processing.
• GH4’s rugged magnesium body and weather sealing give confidence for professional demands.
• Fujifilm’s classic dials support fast manual control but lack customization for complex workflows.
• Panasonic’s customizable buttons and touch interface excel in professional environments needing efficiency.

Battery and Storage: Practical Considerations

• GH4 battery life is stronger (approx. 500 shots vs 330 shots).
• Both use SD/SDHC/SDXC cards with single card slots only.
• USB 2.0 interfaces limit tethered workflows but suffice for casual transfers.
• No GPS in either, which might matter for travel shooters wanting geotagging.

Sample Gallery and Image Quality Comparison

Let’s see how these cameras perform in actual images captured under our controlled testing environment.

Fujifilm X100T front Fujifilm X100T screen back Panasonic GH4 front Panasonic GH4 screen back

• Portrait images from X100T exhibit natural skin tones and smooth bokeh.
• GH4 images paired with a fast prime show tight detail and accurate colors.
• Landscape shots showcase the X100T’s dynamic range advantage; GH4 benefits from lens flexibility.
• Low-light scenes have more noise on the GH4 but maintain usable detail.

Overall Scores and Ratings

Based on our thorough testing considering image quality, autofocus, handling, and features:

• Fujifilm X100T scores highly in image quality, portability, and user experience.
• Panasonic GH4 excels in video, sports and wildlife shooting, and versatility.

Photography Discipline-Specific Recommendations

How does each camera score across genres?

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Choose the Fujifilm X100T If You…

• Value a compact, stylish, and discreet camera ideal for street and travel photography.
• Want superb out-of-camera color rendition and natural skin tones.
• Prefer intuitive, tactile manual controls with a unique hybrid optical/electronic viewfinder.
• Are willing to trade lens flexibility for simplicity and portability.
• Seek a great secondary camera with good video for casual use.

Choose the Panasonic GH4 If You…

• Need a versatile hybrid mirrorless system with strong video capabilities including 4K recording.
• Want an interchangeable lens platform with a broad ecosystem for wildlife, sports, macro, and landscape photography.
• Require robust weather sealing and more advanced autofocus for action shooting.
• Value a fully articulating touchscreen and headphone jack for professional video monitoring.
• Prefer longer battery life and customizable controls for demanding workflows.

Getting Started with These Cameras

Both the Fujifilm X100T and Panasonic GH4 have aged gracefully, but still offer strong performance for enthusiasts and emerging professionals. If possible, try holding both to evaluate the ergonomics and control layout that fits your style.

• Check out accessory options: the GH4 especially benefits from quality lenses and audio gear.
• Explore Fujifilm film simulation modes and GH4 video profiles.
• Consider your primary usage scenarios: stills vs video, lens flexibility, portability.

Your next camera is not just about specs but how it integrates into your creative journey.

We hope this detailed comparison helps you make an informed choice tailored to your photography ambitions. Happy shooting!