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

by Stanley LearyNikon D4
 
Fuji X-E2, XF 55-200mm, ISO 6400, ƒ/4.8, 1/90

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

A couple of variables don’t make this a perfect comparison. I like shooting AUTO ISO on both cameras. You cannot shoot RAW on the Fuji above ISO 6400, so the camera is set up with the highest ISO, whereas on the Nikon D4, the high ISO default is 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 handheld during these photos. One thing of interest is the Fuji XF 55-200mm; zooming in gives you the same focal length proportion as the Nikon 28-300mm at the most extended focal length. The difference is the ƒ/4.8 on the Fuji versus 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 versus 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 the manual guide.

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

A couple of 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 carry the Nikons all day long as I was doing, you then know why I am so interested in making the Fuji system work–WEIGHT. So I could deal with the slight delay of the Fuji system for the weight I would save carrying them all day long like I have been covering a meeting.

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