We are going to be comparing the Sony a6400 with the Fuji X-T30 in this video. They are both pretty new starting level mirrorless cameras with pretty good specs for how small the body is. So let’s put these two cameras to the test!
Picture Quality Test
These two shots look very similar next to each other. We did expose the Fuji by half a stop because it was underexposed, but besides that, we didn’t do any color correction.
Dynamic Range Test
For this test, we are going to shoot some over and underexposed images, and correct them in post-production to see what they look like. This is a great test to see how the sensors hold up with the highlights and shadows. Sony usually does a pretty good job with their dynamic range, so I’m interested to see how the Fuji stacks up.
0 EV
At normal, they look pretty similar. In this image, the Fuji looks a bit heavier in the shadows, but that could be because of our post editing. The Sony color looks a bit warmer.
-1 EV
Honestly, it looks like most cameras look better when they are under by 1 stop. The Sony picks up a little bit less in the sky whereas the Fuji picks up on blue tones a bit better.
-2 EV
This might be where you begin to see a bit of noise. Another thing to note about the color is that the Fuji is a bit redder on Kenneth’s shirt. On the other hand, Sony has a bit more magenta.
-3 EV
You definitely begin to see the noise. There is more noise building in the Sony a6400.
-4 EV
The noise has definitely built up in both, but it seems like Kenneth is a bit flatter on the Fuji. The grain is stronger on Kenneth’s shirt in the Sony.
+1 EV
The background is starting to blow out for both of images, but I look great in both of the shots.
+2 EV
The Fuji is holding a bit better at 2 stops because the brick wall in the background is still there, whereas Sony has completely lost the image of the building.
+3 EV
At plus 3 they both look pretty similar in terms of the highlights. The color has also turned a yellow tint on both of them.
+4 EV
Just fading into white oblivion.
Autofocus Test
Sony a6400
Sony definitely has one of the fastest autofocus detection for its price point. Not just autofocus, but the buffering time is super short as well. We were able to shoot a bunch of images with the Sony from far away as well, and a lot of them were pretty sharp.
Fujifilm X-T30
With the Fuji, we were really struggling to get even 20 images out of it. It really limped along in terms of the buffer. The Fuji was a bit frustrating to shoot with mostly because it was having troubles focusing as well when we started the subject too far back. Looking at the shots they are relatively sharp, but tracking is pretty poor.
Video Test
Both of these cameras have a log profile so we are going to test them both out.
The Sony has S-LOG and the Fuji has F-LOG. We are interested in seeing how this pans out especially since these are smaller bodies and sensors.
Right out of the box, Sony is flatter and less saturated. I used the F-LOG LUT that Fuji provides for both of these cameras and they look pretty good without having to make any major adjustments. I made a couple of tint and contrast adjustments, but they both look very nice.
The Fuji looks a bit more neutral and warm, whereas the Sony picks up a yellow tint.
Sony does have a bit more color noise in the shadow areas. Both of these look really good. The Fuji does have a 10-bit output for video, but it definitely doesn’t need an output.
ISO Test – Does it Exist? We think it does!
ISO1600
The Fuji is underrated by half a stop and you can see that here when we didn’t correct it. Already starting out at ISO1600 you can see a bit of grain because it is a lower level camera.
ISO3200
They are both breaking up pretty badly. For the price point though you don’t expect to shoot it past 1600 to get a clean shot.
ISO 6400
ISO 12800
Just for kicks, we thought we’d show it.
Ergonomics Test
Fujifilm X-T30
First off, I think that Fuji has a really retro feel that I like. It’s pretty small though, so when I was using it I just kept on accidentally bumping into other buttons. It’s really nice and compact, but it’s hard to pack so many features onto a camera of this size.
It doesn’t help that the grip doesn’t protrude off the camera, so it makes it really hard to hold. On the flip side, if you have smaller hands it would be great!
Sony a6400
The a6400, on the other hand, feels really great in your hands to hold. For a camera this small, the grip protrudes just enough to give you a handle on it. I feel like it contours really nicely to your hand.
The screen is a nice addition to Sony. It is a bit of a stretch to make it work, but it’s better than the Fuji that doesn’t allow you to flip up 180.
Price Point Comparison:
Fujifilm X-T30 $899.00
Sony a6400 – $899.99
It’s a tough pick between these two cameras. They are going for the same price. Color-wise, image-wise, and video wise they are basically neck and neck. It really comes down to how it feels in your hands, and possibly the autofocus. These cameras fall into the category of a somewhat advanced amateur that is looking for great quality while traveling.
Gear Used:
Sony a6400
B&H: https://bhpho.to/2Fw6ios
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2T0H1ot
Fujfilm X-T30
B&H: https://bhpho.to/2Ja3v72
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2T68fKh
Sony Sonnar T* FE 35mm f/2.8 ZA Lens
B&H: https://bhpho.to/2JcPdCt
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2ChoFu0
FUJIFILM XF 35mm f/2 R WR Lens (Black)
B&H: https://bhpho.to/2JbD7td
Vanguard Alta Pro 2+ Tripod
B&H: https://bhpho.to/2N4XjLz
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2TMWaLc
Datacolor SpyderCHECKR Color Chart
B&H: https://bhpho.to/2JgfPCz
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2FdDYFT
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