I’ve been a Fujifilm user for the past ten years, starting with the X-T1 in 2015. I ran this in parallel to a Canon 5D MkIII for a few years, before deciding to go all in and replacing the DSLR with another mirrorless body – the Fuji X-T4. I wasn’t a working photographer anymore, and it felt like it made sense to switch to a more ‘recreational’ setup.
Given the fanatical support that Fuji users seem to have for the brand, it feels like sacrilege to say this, but I never really loved my Fuji gear. The specific feel in my hands and the overall ergonomics never quite gelled with me. Much of what the Fuji fandom rave about — the classic layout, the dials, the retro design — always felt like a compromise for me.
Late last year, when I signed up for Bear Camp, I realised I was going to need a camera with better wildlife credentials than the X-T4, and indeed, the X-T1 which was sitting in the back of a cupboard somewhere. That was the point that I started thinking about a switch. In the end, I decided to stick with Fuji, and added an X-H2S to my quiver. The X-H2S promised better ergonomics with its beefier grip and PSAM dial, and faster and more accurate auto-focus and subject tracking.
But still, I found that there were compromises wth the X-H2S, and too many workarounds needing to be incorporated into its use. The clunky ISO selection — press the dedicated ISO button, then use the rear pad to select from the list on the screen. The lack of exposure compensation in Auto ISO, which forces workarounds, or simply accepting the exposure that the camera delivers. The autofocus was definitely an improvement, but lacked somewhat in subject detection and initial lock-on. And still, the ergonomics. The larger body still doesn’t provide quite enough comfort in my hands, and the button and dial layout never really made for intuitive, on-the-fly control.
So, I’ve decided. It’s time to switch. Anyone who’s considered jumping ship between major camera brands knows the challenge isn’t finding a good camera — it’s that all the options are exceptional. I currently have three front-runners:
In reality, each of these cameras easily meet my requirements. They’re better cameras than I am a photographer. They produce great image quality, have fast and competent autofocus, pro-grade build, and flexibility across the genres I generally shoot — landscapes, wildlife, travel. So I’m deep in analysis paralysis.
The Sony offers a cheaper (although by no means cheap) entry point, both in the camera and lenses. And the technical details — 60-something megapixels, brilliant AutoFocus performance — are impressive. But the AR7V is getting a little long in the tooth, and it’s the least ergonomically pleasing of the three for me. And there’s a niggling thought in the back of my mind that, although Sony is popular at the moment, will it remain as one of the pack leaders? The Canon feels great in my hand — almost like coming home — but is a lot more expensive. The Nikon also feels good, but costs are on par with the Canon, and I’m not entirely sold on their stable of lenses.
Notice the common themes there? Ergonomics and cost. Because there’s a harsh reality to switching camera brands: it’s bloody expensive. I had initially thought this change would be cost-neutral, financed by selling off all my Fuji gear, downsizing from two camera bodies to one, and saying goodbye to a too-little-used gravel bike. I’m still hoping that will be the case, but the more I dig into market prices for used Fuji gear, and the going rates for the Nikon, Sony and Canon bodies and lenses (even second hand), the less likely it seems that I’ll break even. The cost gap between what I’ll get for the Fuji kit and what I’ll spend on a new system is real, and probably unavoidable.
The reality is that, at this level, there’s no “wrong” choice. Practical factors — ergonomics, lens options, ecosystem longevity, and, yes, total cost — should take priority when specs don’t reveal a clear winner. Above all, it’s about honest assessment: which system will help me enjoy shooting and create without distraction or frustration?
Switching brands is always daunting, but ultimately, cameras are tools. For the first time in a long time, I’m choosing to prioritise how a camera feels in use and how it fits with my workflow. I’ll let you know who wins.
In the meantime, wanna buy some lightly used Fuji gear? Other people seem to love it.