Mirrorless cameras, particularly lightweight and highly portable models, have enjoyed a huge increase in popularity over the last two years, with brand’s finding more and more ways to stuff the small bodies full of cutting-edge technology.
Two great examples of this relentless surge in the mirrorless game are Fuji and Sony and this comparison review will look at two cameras photographers may well weigh up against each other before making a buying decision.
The first is the Fuji X-T3, which was launched in autumn 2018 and has already won huge acclaim for its form and function. The second camera is the Sony a6400 - the first all-new APS-C sensor camera from Sony in quite a while, which was launched in January 2019. Both cameras offer a huge range of features and modes, but we’ll dive deeper into the specifications to work out which is right for you…
Design and build:
The Fuji X-T3 is a APS-C mirrorless camera, which offers 26-megapixels of resolution from its BSI CMOS sensor that features no AA (Anti Aliasing) filter, the absence of which should result in sharper image at the increased risk of moire. Built around the Fuji X-mount system, the X-T3 carries on from previous Fuji cameras, sporting a retro-chic design that resembles a shrunken down DSLR. Despite the small dimensions – the X-T3 weighs just 539g and measures 133x93x59mm – there are plenty of dials and command wheels, enabling users to make changes to settings and modes quickly and efficiently.
At the back of the camera, images can be lined up using the 3-inch tilting LCD, or via the 3690k-dot Electronic Viewfinder (EVF). Professionals seeking a lightweight mirrorless will be pleased to hear that the X-T3 is weather sealed, making it useful in poor weather conditions. Pro photographers will also appreciate the dual SD card slots, which enable users to create an instant back-up or use one card for stills and the other for video.
Sony’s new a6400 also offers an APS-C sensor, though the Sony tops out at 24-megapixels and has a more compact, square body design, replicating the form factor seen in cameras like the a6500 and a6300. The a6400 offers a 3-inch tilting LCD and photographers can also line up compositions via the 2359k-dot Electronic Viewfinder (EVF), plus the camera uses the Sony E-mount so there is a huge amount of lenses available.
Sony A6400
Fuji X-T3
Sensor
APS-C
APS-C
Resolution
24-MP
26-MP
AF points
425
425
Burst rate
11FPS
20FPS
Video
4K at 30p
4K at 60p
Weight
403g
539g
Although both cameras use APS-C sensors, there’s a lot that separates each model. The X-T3 has a much faster burst rate, firing up to 20 Frames Per Second (FPS), compared to 11 from the a6400. However, the a6400 has a built-in flash for illuminating subjects in low light conditions, which is missing from the X-T3. The a6400 is also a fair but lighter at 403g, although the X-T3 strikes back by offering a faster maximum shutter speed (1/8000secs compared to the a6400’s 1/4000secs).
Both the a6400 and X-T3 feature APS-C sensors.
Image quality:
Though both cameras offer APS-C sensors, which are smaller than full-frame versions, each model still has plenty of resolution in the tank to please both enthusiast and professional photographers alike. With the Sony offering a max image size of 6000x4000 and the Fuji offering 6240x4160, both cameras are capable of delivering excellent JPEG and RAW files that can easily be printed to A3 in size. Plus, you'll be able to crop into an image without overly compromising image quality.
Both cameras also feature high ISO ceilings, allowing handheld image taking in low light conditions, although the a6400 comes out on top, offering a native ISO of 32000 and an expanded rating of ISO 102400, while the X-T3 shells out a native ISO of 12800, expanding to 51200. Both Sony and Fuji cameras offer excellent colour science with impressive colours, saturation and sharpness - plus, the RAW files contain a huge amount of data that enables user to push the editing in software such as Adobe Lightroom.
Both cameras feature tilting touch-sensitive LCDs.
Video:
Along with the vast amount of stills-related features both cameras will appeal for videographers, too. The a6400 can record ultra high-quality 4K footage at 30p, but the X-T3 gives more, shooting 4K up to 60p, which will enable videographers to use this high-quality footage at half speed to create some epic slow-motion sequences. 120FPS slow motion can also be captured by both cameras in Full HD quality.
Both cameras offer an external microphone port, so enhanced audio can be recorded, but only the X-T3 features an external headphone port, so the audio can be monitored. This will be a disappointment to those looking to use the a6400 for Vlogging, but there are ways around this issue, such as using a mic system like the RodeMic Filmmakers kit which has an additional headphone port on the receiver unit. Both cameras also include their brand-specific Log profiles so videographers will have more latency when editing the footage in software such as Adobe Premiere.
Videographers will be pleased to hear both cameras record 4K video.
Extras and verdict:
Both cameras are packed with technology and features, though there are some key differences between each model. The a6400 features a built-in flash and NFC technology, which are both missing from the X-T3 - plus the a6400 also has a slightly better battery life, offering 410 shots on a single charge, compared to 390 from the X-T3.
Meanwhile the XT-3 has dual SD cards, a flash sync port, slightly higher resolution and a faster burst rate.
Both cameras are weather-sealed, feature Wi-Fi and Bluetooth so they can connect to smartphones, have touch-sensitive LCDs and timelapse recording. Because it has the edge when it comes to burst rates, the X-T3 is better suited to action photography, whereas the a6400 is lighter and could find more favour among photographers traveling and finding space for their camera at a premium.
. digitalrev.com2019-2-8 03:00
