Fuji X-E2 with XF 55-200mm vs Nikon D4 with 28-300mm

Fuji X-E2, XF 55-200mm, ISO 6400, ƒ/4.8, 1/90

I didn't set out to compare these two cameras and lens, but just ended up shooting both of them.

There are a couple of variables that doesn't make this a perfect comparison.  I like shooting AUTO ISO on both cameras.  You cannot shoot RAW on the Fuji above ISO 6400 and so the camera is set up with that being the highest ISO, whereas on the Nikon D4 the high ISO default is set to ISO 12800.

Nikon D4, Nikon 28-300mm, ISO 12800, ƒ/5.6, 1/125

Both lenses have a vibration reduction system turned on and both were hand held during these photos. One thing of interest is the Fuji XF 55-200mm when zoomed all the way in gives you the same focal length proportion as the Nikon 28-30mm when it is zoomed in. The difference is the ƒ/4.8 on the Fuji verses the ƒ/5.6 on the Nikon.

Focusing performance was superior with the Nikon as compared to the Fuji. I had them both set to single frame focusing verses continuous. Both were on AUTO focus looking for faces.  Fuji would hunt every single time. The only way to stop that was to go to manual focus.

The one thing I can say about comparing the two cameras is I love the Fuji results better than the Nikon, but the Nikon is far superior for catching moments. The Fuji is trying to decide if the subject is in focus too often.

Here are two photos with the Fuji X-E2 and the Nikon D4

Fuji X-E2, 18-55mm, ISO 3200,  ƒ/4, 1/500

Nikon D4, 28-300mm, ISO 12800, ƒ/8, 1/125

Couple photos just from the Fuji X-E2

Fuji X-E2, 18-55mm, ISO 4000, ƒ/2.8, 1/500

Fuji X-E2, 18-55mm, ISO 6400, ƒ/4, 1/105

I think if you are trying to nail a moment just right the Fuji takes a moment too long to lock in on the focus as compared to the Nikon system.

If you are carrying the Nikons all day long as I was doing you then know why I am so interested in making the Fuji system work--WEIGHT.  I think I could deal with the small delay of the Fuji system for the weight I would save carrying them all day long like I have been doing covering a meeting.

If you are used to being able to shoot sports as I have with a auto focus system as quick as the Nikon D4, then you will be a little disappointed in the Fuji. However if you never shot with the best Nikon systems, then you might be OK and not notice the delay.

Fuji X E2 vs Nikon D4 Low Light Test

This is a comparison of the two cameras with just the light from a Christmas tree in the room.  Custom white balance using the ExpoDisc with both cameras.

Downloadable high resolution files links are below some of the photos so you can compare at 100%.

This is the setup

Comparison of ISO 6400 ƒ/4 and ƒ/5

[Figure 1] Fuji X E2, ISO 6400, ƒ/4, 1/7

Crop of Figure 1

[Figure 2] Nikon D4, ISO 6400, ƒ/4, 1/2.5 28-300mm

Crop of Figure 2

6400 @ ƒ/8

[Figure 3] Fuji X E2, ISO 6400, ƒ/8, 2.3 [high resolution file]

[Figure 4] Nikon D4, ISO 6400, ƒ/8, 1/1.2, 28-300mm [high resolution file]

ISO 12800 @ ƒ/8

[Figure 5] Fuji X E2, ISO 12800, ƒ/8, 1.0 [high resolution file]

[Figure 6] Nikon D4, ISO 12800, ƒ/8, 1/3, 28-300mm [high resolution file]

ISO 25600 @ ƒ/8

[Figure 7] Fuji X E2, ISO 25600, ƒ/8, 1/2 [high resolution file]

[Figure 8] Nikon D4, ISO 25600, ƒ/8, 1/4, 28-300mm [high resolution file]

Conclusion

They are different camera chips.  The one on the left is the traditional and the one on the right is in the Fuji X E2.

You have a different look and not like comparing similar chip designs.

I think the Fuji X E2 rocks and the main reason I wanted it was to be able to take photos in low light when I didn't want to carry the Nikon D4.  I think it works just fine.

I do not think the Fuji will replace the Nikon D4, especially when it comes to shooting sports, but for many of the situations I work in it can replace it.

Fuji X E2 vs Nikon F4 with x-rite Mini ColorChecker

Fuji X E2, 18-55mm, ISO 200, ƒ/11 Custom White Balance with ExpoDisc [Click here for Full Resolution]

For this test I used the Munsell Color x-rite Mini ColorChecker chart as the comparison.  They stoped making it, but I still use it.

Closeup of photo above

The top photo is  the Fuji Camera.

Nikon D4, 29-300mm, ISO 200, ƒ/11 Custom White Balance with ExpoDisc [Click here for Full Resolution]

Closeup of photo above

Nikon D4 vs Fuji X E2 in Studio

Studio Comparison

First of all after importing the RAW images from the Nikon and Fuji into PhotoMechanic I noticed one thing right away—file size. The Fuji RAF file was 32MB as compared to the Nikon NEF 18.2MB.

After import I went into Adobe Lightroom and selected lens profile to change. The Fuji doesn't have that data yet for Lightroom. They have lens modulation optimizer built into the camera.  Here is how it works:



You may want to read about the Quest for Highest Possible Resolution by Fuji HERE.

Second step was getting the comparison closer to each other, so I used the eye dropper and clicked on the white background to get similar white balance.

Then I exported them.

See for yourself

Nikon D4, 28-300mm ISO 100 [Click on here for high res]

Fuji X E2, 18-55mm ISO 200 [Click here photo for high res]

I shot at the lowest recommended ISO for each manufacturer.  Click on the links above to see full resolution JPEG images.

Nikon D4 cropped version of the photo above

Fuji X E2 cropped version of the photo

I suggest downloading the high resolution and do all the pixel peeping you like.