Fuji X-T1 and Sony A7, both the cameras we are comparing here are SLR-style mirrorless cameras that show a number of differences between them. The Fuji X-T1 was introduced in April 2014 whereas the Sony A7 was introduced in January 2014. The imaging quality of the Sony A7 is better than the Fuji X-T1 with a larger sensor and more resolution. But, the image quality of the Fuji X-T1 is also good. In certain features, Fuji X-T1 is better than Sony A7 but, in some other, it lags behind Sony A7. Let’s first review each camera in detail before moving on to compare and identify the difference between these two cameras.
Fuji X-T1 Review – Fuji X-T1 Features
Image Sensor:
The Fuji X-T1 is powered by a 16 megapixels APC_S X-Trans CMOS II sensor, where the processor that is housed is the EXR Processor II. The size of the sensor is 23.6 x 15.6 mm. The supported photo resolution is 4896 x 3264 pixels with the aspect ratios of 1:1, 3:2, and 16:9.
ISO:
The range of the ISO extends from 200 to 51200. When we are using very fast shutter speeds, higher ISO rating is capable of capturing enough light in a low light situation when objects are on the move. This feature adds more grain and is typically used for black and white photography. The files can be saved in RAW format for later processing.
Mount:
Fuji X-T1 supports Fujifilm X mount. The lenses that can fit this mount are 24. This camera is not able to utilize image stabilization features. Lenses with optical image stabilization have to be chosen due to this fact. There are 7 lenses that are able to support image stabilization.
Continuous Shooting:
The Fuji X-T1 is able to support continuous shooting at 8 frames per second. This feature is useful when taking multiple shots where movement is there. Then we will be able to select a frame from the multiple frames that were caught.
Video Resolution:
The resolution of the captured video can support up to 1920 x 1080 pixels. This will ensure the capture would be crisp, sharp, and detailed. The video can be saved in H.264.
Flash:
This camera does not contain a built in flash but supports an external flash.
Panoramas:
The camera is capable of stitching multiple photos together in the camera in itself.
Screen:
The screen of the camera is 3 inches LCD with tilting facility. This gives the user the capability of shooting from different positions for a creative shot.
Electronic Viewfinder:
The electronic viewfinder of the Fuji X-T1 is 2360k dots. This feature is useful to save battery life of the camera and also when we are not able to view the LCD display due to bright sunlight.
Wireless (Built in):
The built-in wireless capability of the camera includes Geotagging, Wireless image transfer, View images & obtain images, Remote shooting, and PC auto save, which are great features to have in your arsenal. With this feature, we can transfer images without a wireless connection. This camera can connect to other devices via HDMI or USB 2.0 at a bit-rate of 480 megabits per second.
Dimensions and Weight:
The weight of the camera is 440g. The dimensions are 129 x 90 x 47 mm.
Weather Seal:
This camera is weather sealed and capable of operating in any type of weather.
Sony A7 Review – Sony A7 Features
Sensor:
The Sony A7 houses a 24-megapixels full-frame Exmor CMOS sensor, which is featured by a Bionz X processor. The size of the sensor is 35.8 x 23.9 mm. The larger sensor is capable of providing the user with a better depth of field, which refers to the distance range that appears acceptably sharp. This effect also gives a blurry background with gives the image a professional look. The bigger megapixel range gives a more detailed and sharper image, which is convenient for editing, printing large images, and for cropping an image. The supported photo resolution is 6000 x 4000 pixels with the aspect ratio support of 3:2 and 16:9.
ISO:
The ISO range of the camera is 100 to 25600. The files can be saved in RAW format for later processing.
Mount:
The Sony A7 is capable of supporting Sony E-mount. There are 45 lenses that are supported. This camera is not able to utilize image stabilization features. So, lenses that support optical image stabilization feature have to be chosen. There are 20 lenses that are able to support image stabilization. This can become a major factor in choosing the camera as well.
Continuous shooting:
The continuous shooting of this camera is 5 fps. This feature can capture multiple frames of a moving scene. Later, we can choose the image from the captured multiple images.
Video resolution:
The video resolution is 1920 x 1080 pixels. This is a great resolution for videography with this camera. The savable video formats are MP4 & AVCHD formats.
Flash:
This camera is capable of attaching an external flash but does not come with a built in flash.
Panoramas:
The Sony A7 is capable of stitching multiple photos to create panoramas in itself.
Screen:
The screen of this camera is 3 inches LCD, and it is capable of articulating. This is especially useful as it provides the option of shooting from different creative positions.
Electronic Viewfinder:
The resolution of the electronic viewfinder is 2,359k dots. It is useful to save battery life and to view the image to be shot clearly.
Wireless (Built in):
With the use of play memories mobile app, the camera has the features of NFC and wireless control. It can connect to devices via USB 2.0 and HDMI. It can also transfer images wirelessly.
Dimensions and Weight:
The weight of the camera is 474g. The dimensions are 127 x 94 x 48 mm.
Weather Seal:
This camera is capable of operating in any type of weather as it is weather sealed.
What is the difference between Sony A7 and Fuji X-T1?
Maximum Sensor Resolution:
Fuji X-T1: 16 megapixels
Sony A7: 24 megapixels
The higher resolution of the camera means the photos are more detailed and sharp. The photos can be cropped without image quality drop and also it can support larger clear printouts.
Maximum ISO:
Fuji X-T1: 51200
Sony A7: 25600
The higher ISO value gives the Fuji X-T1 better sensitivity and is capable of increasing the depth of field in a photo.
Low light high ISO:
Fuji X-T1: 1350
Sony A7: 2248
This indicates the maximum ISO with which photographs can be taken without the use of the flash with natural lighting. The higher the value of the ISO, the better, which means the sensor will be further sensitive at low light and the quality of the image will increase.
Maximum Shutter Speed:
Fuji X-T1: 1/4000 s
Sony A7: 1/8000 s
The Sony A7 has a faster shutter speed than the Fuji X-T1.
Startup Delay:
Fuji X-T1: 1000 ms
Sony A7: 1700 ms
When both the cameras are turned on, the Fuji X-T1 is faster than the Sony A7.
Continuous Shooting:
Fuji X-T1: 8fps
Sony A7: 5fps
The Fuji X-T1 can shoot 3 frames per second faster than Sony A7. This enables more frames to choose from when continuously shooting, when there is movement involved like in sporting events.
Color Depth:
Fuji X-T1: 24.0
Sony A7: 24.8
The color depth defines how many color variation the camera can capture and from the above comparison the Sony A7 has a higher color depth.
Dynamic Range:
Fuji X-T1: 13.0
Sony A7: 14.2
The dynamic range refers to the cameras ability to catch from the lightest to the darkest. The Sony has an upper hand as its range is larger.
LCD Screen Resolution:
Fuji X-T1: 1.040k dots
Sony A7: 1.230k dots
The Sony A7 has 18% higher screen resolution, which means the images that are to be captured can be viewed more in detail and accurately.
Headphone Port:
Fuji X-T1: No
Sony A7: Yes
This will enable clearer audio that can be captured by the camera.
Battery Life:
Fuji X-T1: 350 shots
Sony A7: 340 shots
The Fuji X-T1 is able to support more shots for a single charge, which gives it a longer lasting battery.
Weight:
Fuji X-T1: 440 g
Sony A7: 474 g
The Fuji X-T1 is 34 g lighter than the Sony A7. This is not a considerable difference. Low weight gives the camera more portability. This means, it can be used in situations where shots are needed for the moment.
Sony A7 vs Fuji X-T1
Pros and Cons:
Compared with other DSLRs, the Sony A7 is comparatively cheaper than other cameras comprising of a full frame sensor and interchangeable lens. The image sensor of Sony A7gives way to the hybrid autofocus system of Sony. The image quality of the camera is pretty good too. Even at high ISO levels it is able to retain natural colors and also detail at the same time. Although the performance is in par with other DSLRs, the startup time and the low battery life are pulling the Sony A7 downwards. The LCD and the viewfinder contribute to the low battery life of the camera.
According to users, the camera is said to be comfortable in hand, it can be gripped easily, has a dust and moisture-resistant body, and hefty enough to counterbalance large lenses.
However, the Sony A7 is not capable of supporting burst performances and does not have an optical viewfinder.
The image quality of the Fuji X-T1 is also excellent. The ISO of this camera can support 51200 sensitivity. It has great continuous shooting capabilities in par with other DSLRs. This camera also takes more time to power on comparing it with other DSLRs. The camera has a sturdy body, a comfortable grip, and a thumb rest. It does not support a built-in flash nor NFC support. With a Q button, we are able to access most used functions frequently, and it also provides the facility of programmable functions. Manual focus is able to show a dual display and also supports split screen.
As a conclusion, the imaging of the Sony A7 is better than the Fuji X-T1 with a larger sensor and more resolution. The Sony A7 provides more features and value for money at the same time. Portability is almost equal for both of the cameras. Although the Sony A7 takes the upper hand overall, some might prefer the Fuji X-T1 for certain of its features in comparison with the Sony A7.
| Fuji X-T1 | Sony A7 | |
| Megapixels | 16 megapixels | 24 megapixels |
| Sensor Type and Size | 23.6 x 15.6 mm APC_S X-Trans CMOS II | 35.8 × 23.9 mm FullFrame Exmor CMOS |
| Image Processor | EXR Processor II | Bionz X |
| Max Resolution | 4896 x 3264 | 6000 x 4000 |
| ISO Range | 200 – 51,200 | 100 – 25,600 |
| Available Lenses | 24 | 45 |
| Shutter Speed | 1/4000 secs | 1/8000s |
| Continuous Shooting | 8 fps | 5 fps |
| Focus System | Phase detection, Face detection autofocus, Manual focus | Contrast detection, Phase detection, Face detection autofocus, Manual focus |
| Focus Points | 77 | 117 |
| Color Depth | 24.8 | 24.0 |
| Dynamic Range | 14.2 | 13.0 |
| Storage | SD, SDHC, SDXC, UHS-II | SD, SDHC, SDXC, UHS-I |
| File Transfer | USB 2.0 HS, HDMI & Wireless: WiFi | USB 2.0, HDMI & Wireless: WiFi, NFC |
| Special Features | Electronic viewfinder, Time-Lapse Recording, Panorama Shot | Electronic viewfinder, NFC |
| Battery | 350 shots | 340 shots |
| Display | 3″ 1,040K-dot, tilt type LCD | 3″ 921.6k dots tilt type LCD |
| Dimensions & Weight | 129 x 90 x 47 mm, 440 g | 127 x 94 x 48 mm, 474 g |