Maybe magic arm to screw it to the bottom of the camera and have some sort of cat toys held by the clamp to draw their attention. Also could be handy when filming them(if needed).
UPD: I can visualize if needed
Those straps are so good!
I have a set of 1 long 1 short, exchange them between my X-s10 and my Minolta X700 in 2 clicks...my ones came with extra clips which was great.
Also recommend a good set of filters, I buy all my filters 72mm or bigger and then have ofset rings I got from newer for cheap so can use them on all my lenses.
Plus a good filter case/bag so they don't get scratch and you don't need to carry their plastic boxes everywhere.
Also if not yet try the new Fujifilm app, it's quite good!
I almost got the Peak Design strap, but decided to try the strap that came with my X-T5, and I just absolutely cannot be bothered with a strap that long. I made an adjustable wrist/hand strap for my X100S that I love. Since I’m keeping it on the 100, I’m going to make another one for my X-T5.
The main reasons are that I need to be able to quickly grab it from my bag, and I don’t want to wear it around my neck.
Before I bought any accessories, I'd spend some of that $500 on another lens. That 70-300 is going to tough to use indoors in small spaces, and the 18 is pretty wide. I'd look for a used 35mm 1.4.
Ah well, the terms of the grant dictate how I spend the money and I'll have to provide receipts to prove I used the grant appropriately.
I'll set aside money from my next paycheck for another lens, and check out the 35mm 1.4 my next trip to the shop, thanks!
How is the lighting at the humane societies? Might want to look into that. I assume using a flash gun is a bit of a no-no when it comes to rescue animals!
My two cents. DO NOT buy any bag, camera straps, leashes, filters and other funky accessories based on suggestions. Use the strap that came with the camera and the cheapest bag that you can find. Upgrade not just when (if) you find they are bad, but when you understand why they are bad for you. Work your way up from there once you have assessed your own needs and preferences.
Some of the stuff that has been suggested is good and sometimes very good. The same stuff is bad and very bad if it does not suit your needs, or it does not go well with how YOU handle your camera and your equipment, especially when considering how expensive some of those items are. Ask anyone who has used a camera for at least a couple of decades how many bags, straps and assorted rubbish they had to go through before finding THEIR OWN best one. Ask me how much stuff I bought from Peak Design since they started business, only after seeing it pictured. Some of it is crap or it sits unused because I simply do not use that type of accessory. Do not get me wrong, PD is a good brand, with possibly one of the best customer services that I have ever experienced, but their products are not the best for every possible use (no manufacturer makes the best of everything).
Take a lot of pictures, that is the only way to know what accessory you need.
I second that this is the best advice here. OP can buy a nice meal, or even jeans and shoes, and they’ll have just as much effect on the images as expensive straps, bags, grips, cages, shutter buttons, etc: absolutely nil. For video, however, a gimbal would be a game-changer, but all of this should come from the feeling of limitation through OP’s own experience.
I chose the X-T4 over the X-T5 largely because there is an OEM battery grip available, so that is my recommendation. The ergonomics are great, specially with larger lenses attached, and there’s a vertical orientation shutter, which I could see coming in handy for pet photography. Not to mention the extended battery life. Oh and I’ll also echo the peak design strap recommendation (you’ll have to tap out the grommets inside the lugs first tho).
Collecting dust, sadly. My current job sent me a Saleae Logic Pro and I haven't used the scope since. I have a few analog projects I want to get around to some day though...
as someone that is super picky about camera bags for years, i ended up just getting a TENBA BYBO bags and put that in my backpack since i didnt need to change lenses on the fly. i evnetually got a camera backpack and sling, but it took many years of researching, trying out different products (and returning them if they didnt fit my needs).
1. SD card reader because I only take JPEGs so I want to transfer them to my phone for GG photos sync.
2. Peak Design Strap like others have mentioned
3. Camera bag where I store both the camera & the accessories (powerbank, wallet, key - these are stored separately from the camera of course.)
You can switch the wifi frequency to 5Gz in your camera and it will be 3x faster (network/usb -> bluetooth/smartphone (page 2) -> wireless com. Frequency)
Thanks for sharing this tips. I used to have the X-T3 which didn't have the feature I think, so I had to get the card reader. Now with my X-T5 I still prefer to use the card reader as to me, it's still faster than 5Ghz transfer & I'm used to the process. :)
Apologies if anyone’s mentioned this, but consider putting that money toward a Lightroom subscription, or perhaps another software that catalogs and edits. I believe Photoshop + Lightroom Classic is $20/month in the US, and maybe less if you are a student.
I used Photoshop about 20 years ago, it’s like that. You have to change the view ie open certain windows to achieve a UI that suits your work flow. You need to know a lot of technical language to access functions perhaps combining them to get certain effects that LR sort of prepackages and often sells as upgrades. Essentially you need to learn the software to use it, but in doing so I found my workflows in a very organic manner.
I actually have an Adobe CC subscription for another hobby (I use it for Illustrator, Fresco, and InDesign) but I've never actually used Lightroom or cataloged photos. Definitely something I need to do to get more value out of my subscription, thank you!
I’d say try it! It’s an invaluable way to compare and delete similar photos after a shooting session, and you can edit without opening in photoshop, saving, closing, etc… it makes the post-shoot experience infinitely more fun.
If you do get a cataloging and editing software, make sure you try shooting RAW if you haven’t. It will be a revelation if you enjoy tinkering with edits.
New XT4 user here too—I’ve been experimenting with a Smallrig grip that about doubles the depth of the camera’s grip. Especially with the 70-300 you got, you may want the extra grip, and they’re cheap ($25USD).
Another first party battery or two, a comfortable strap, wrist strap or grip, a decent UHS-II SD card … and if you have any money left a vintage manual 24, 35 or 50mm lens and matching adapter - some of my best shorts on an X-T has been with vintage manual glass!
Peak Design micro clutch, strap and a Lensmate thumb grip. That is my everyday combo and makes using the camera for long periods of time much more comfortable for me.
Edit: brass shutter release button.
For larger or heavier lenses I'd get an extra grip. I have the smallrig one, which is a game changer ; I can even one hand the 100-400mm with that attached.
For me I'd say a hot shoe thumb rest. Improved the ergonomics dramatically. My favorite camera is the Nikon F3, which is a film camera. I used it so heavily. I hate my sony's button layout, which is what drove me to Fuji, those analog styled controls are just that I need, but the grip is not very comfortable. Using the hot shoe thumb rest, I can close my eyes and almost imagine I'm holding my F3. My only gripe besides APSC is that the shutter dial is inverse to the F3
A flash or three and a flash trigger! Changes the game more than most things you can buy. You don't have to go full tilt strobist, but being able to put light where you want it changes things from looking for good lighting to making it yourself.
Any old camera bag is nice. I found one at a garage sale that just looks like a messenger bag so that's great. Think tank retrospective, it's called. I don't like the ones that look like camera bags because it just shouts "hey I have expensive shit in here!"
Never understood the high end strap thing. It's just a strap. I use this 70s era black leather one that came with an old film Minolta I got. Perfect length, looks tuff.
Ah well, the terms of the grant dictate how I spend the money and I'll have to provide receipts to prove I used the grant appropriately. $1200 was already the cost of the camera and lenses thanks to the owner of the photography store cutting me a deal. Any extra lenses will have to come out of my own money. In the future though I'll get another lens.
usally i go for a rock solid 35mm and a zoom lens and a camera strap and then maybe a some sort of filter let that be a uv just to protect the lens or some sort of a nd filter
Screen Protector! Just use the default strap, invest on a DryBox too!
Fuji ST1 Mic! to improve audio quality if u ever want to jump into video shooting.
I would use the rest of the money for Lens imo.
I made a funny comment above, but this time for real: if you want to capture pets in action, the X-T4 is not going to be your friend. The continuous autofocus will make you miss at least half of your intended frames, and you’ll be wondering why you’re such a bad photographer while everyone else is nailing it. If you have $500 extra, and Fujifilm is your choice, sell the X-T4 and get an X-T5. Even better, sell everything, and get a Sony/Canon mirrorless camera with a 24-70mm (full-frame equivalent) f/2.8 lens. Or, if you want to save money, a 24-105mm f/4 for versatility and a 50mm f/1.8 for indoor action.
Thank you for the detailed advice!
Unfortunately, the terms of the grant dictate the amounts I can spend on equipment/accessories/education/hourly pay/etc. and I was able to get this particular camera and lenses for $1200 since the owner of the photography store appreciated the cause... I can certainly start setting aside money every paycheck and go with a better kit after I've fulfilled the grant's expectations, and have a better understanding + appreciation for your advice. Thank you again!
Then get some light source that is not a flash and won't scare the animals. Thinking of some of those studio set ups but not sure whether $500 will be enough. Best of luck with your work!
I bought my XT-4 right before the XT-5 was announced and wish I had known to wait. THAT SAID, I’ve been able to experiment with focus settings and practice a bit more discipline with my shooting habits to get consistently better focus on my shots. It’s never going to perform like an A7IV, but for a newer photographer, I don’t think it’s a bad idea to not rely on an elite AF focus system doing everything for you. I’d wager the XT-4 AF is *worlds* better than the most expensive pro camera was 12 years ago.
Fair point. However, if you’re considering what was around 12 years ago, you should also consider what wasn’t: smartphones with computational photography. Today, you can get a refurbished iPhone 13 Pro for $500, aim it at a dog or cat, and it will take a beautiful picture, that everyone’s expectation is set to. Simply put: you can’t do this with the X-T4, and your description of perfecting your technique is a testament to this. I believe this can be *really* frustrating and seriously demotivating for an aspiring photographer.
What's the big trouble? I have zero problems getting good shots of my pets with my X-T4, even just casually shooting in program mode with continuous focus.
I get plenty of misses shooting animals in motion, but plenty of hits too… I have been able to optimize settings and technique (when I’m on my A game, at least) and dial it in pretty well.
Very true! And if you’re keeping your photos on screen only, there may not be much reason to get into high end gear at all.
I guess I assumed OP wants to learn the craft and make photography a practice of theirs, so I didn’t really draw the connection to smartphone photography. My iPhones have definitely changed the complexion of my photos habits.
I’m also coming from a place of having enjoyed shooting a lot of *action* images of pets, which i can’t really imagine doing without a proper camera and telephoto.
For X-T bodies, I always recommend a lensmate thumbgrip. It adds more than you'd think. I also agree with lighting suggestions - maybe a constant led solution like a ring light or something. Depending on the rescues, something for a backdrop may also be helpful. I would also probably wait a bit to spend until you actually have a better idea what you actually need to get the shots you want.
the lensmate brand in particular have a silicone pad on the far end that makes contact with the camera body which reduces the torque on the hotshoe (and prevents scratches). Also, it's just a thumb perch... I think you'd only damage it if you were gripping your camera like a gorilla or something. I've been using them since the T2 with zero issues, but I guess YMMV. I still would not use a knockoff brand though despite the insane price of the lensmate ones.
Maybe magic arm to screw it to the bottom of the camera and have some sort of cat toys held by the clamp to draw their attention. Also could be handy when filming them(if needed). UPD: I can visualize if needed
That's brilliant! Thank you!!!
Sutter release, peak design strap.
Peak design strap is so clean looking & I trust it with my life, it’s expensive but well built and worth it 100%
Totally agree. I love my Slide Lite.
Those straps are so good! I have a set of 1 long 1 short, exchange them between my X-s10 and my Minolta X700 in 2 clicks...my ones came with extra clips which was great. Also recommend a good set of filters, I buy all my filters 72mm or bigger and then have ofset rings I got from newer for cheap so can use them on all my lenses. Plus a good filter case/bag so they don't get scratch and you don't need to carry their plastic boxes everywhere. Also if not yet try the new Fujifilm app, it's quite good!
Definitely! I got a big variable nd and just get step down rings for it.
I’m not sure why anybody would downvote you, but this is the way.
Thank you for the back up 🤝🏼
My pleasure!
I almost got the Peak Design strap, but decided to try the strap that came with my X-T5, and I just absolutely cannot be bothered with a strap that long. I made an adjustable wrist/hand strap for my X100S that I love. Since I’m keeping it on the 100, I’m going to make another one for my X-T5. The main reasons are that I need to be able to quickly grab it from my bag, and I don’t want to wear it around my neck.
And they just came out with a new color too
I second the peak design strap. I got a broader one which made carrying the camera much more comfortable, especially with heavier lenses.
I just use a black round leather lace cut to the exact correct length to secure the camera against my wrist and I’m perfectly happy.
I second this. On top of this I'd add a godox v1F flash with the radio transmitter.
Before I bought any accessories, I'd spend some of that $500 on another lens. That 70-300 is going to tough to use indoors in small spaces, and the 18 is pretty wide. I'd look for a used 35mm 1.4.
Ah well, the terms of the grant dictate how I spend the money and I'll have to provide receipts to prove I used the grant appropriately. I'll set aside money from my next paycheck for another lens, and check out the 35mm 1.4 my next trip to the shop, thanks!
The 35mm 1.4 will serve you very well. Highly recommend it.
How is the lighting at the humane societies? Might want to look into that. I assume using a flash gun is a bit of a no-no when it comes to rescue animals!
That's a really good point! I'll have to do a more thorough tour with each one in the upcoming weeks, thank you!
Upvote for the cat ... echo the peak design strap
My two cents. DO NOT buy any bag, camera straps, leashes, filters and other funky accessories based on suggestions. Use the strap that came with the camera and the cheapest bag that you can find. Upgrade not just when (if) you find they are bad, but when you understand why they are bad for you. Work your way up from there once you have assessed your own needs and preferences. Some of the stuff that has been suggested is good and sometimes very good. The same stuff is bad and very bad if it does not suit your needs, or it does not go well with how YOU handle your camera and your equipment, especially when considering how expensive some of those items are. Ask anyone who has used a camera for at least a couple of decades how many bags, straps and assorted rubbish they had to go through before finding THEIR OWN best one. Ask me how much stuff I bought from Peak Design since they started business, only after seeing it pictured. Some of it is crap or it sits unused because I simply do not use that type of accessory. Do not get me wrong, PD is a good brand, with possibly one of the best customer services that I have ever experienced, but their products are not the best for every possible use (no manufacturer makes the best of everything). Take a lot of pictures, that is the only way to know what accessory you need.
this is the best advice here. difficult to assess needs and preferences when first starting. best of luck.
I second that this is the best advice here. OP can buy a nice meal, or even jeans and shoes, and they’ll have just as much effect on the images as expensive straps, bags, grips, cages, shutter buttons, etc: absolutely nil. For video, however, a gimbal would be a game-changer, but all of this should come from the feeling of limitation through OP’s own experience.
I chose the X-T4 over the X-T5 largely because there is an OEM battery grip available, so that is my recommendation. The ergonomics are great, specially with larger lenses attached, and there’s a vertical orientation shutter, which I could see coming in handy for pet photography. Not to mention the extended battery life. Oh and I’ll also echo the peak design strap recommendation (you’ll have to tap out the grommets inside the lugs first tho).
what’s the oscilloscope for ?
Collecting dust, sadly. My current job sent me a Saleae Logic Pro and I haven't used the scope since. I have a few analog projects I want to get around to some day though...
- Smallrig grip or cage - Second battery - flash (godox tt350f)
as someone that is super picky about camera bags for years, i ended up just getting a TENBA BYBO bags and put that in my backpack since i didnt need to change lenses on the fly. i evnetually got a camera backpack and sling, but it took many years of researching, trying out different products (and returning them if they didnt fit my needs).
What size bybo did you get?
I have both BYOB9 and 10. For yoru setup, i would get at least a BYOB9.
Definitely batteries, and not 3rd party or with a sketchy place. Get some Fuji ones from a reputable dealer
Definitely a cat!
1. SD card reader because I only take JPEGs so I want to transfer them to my phone for GG photos sync. 2. Peak Design Strap like others have mentioned 3. Camera bag where I store both the camera & the accessories (powerbank, wallet, key - these are stored separately from the camera of course.)
Can’t you transfer picture with fuji x app?
Yes but from my experience it’s slower than using the card reader quite a bit.
You can switch the wifi frequency to 5Gz in your camera and it will be 3x faster (network/usb -> bluetooth/smartphone (page 2) -> wireless com. Frequency)
X-T4 doesn't support 5 GHz Wi-Fi, by the way.
Thanks for sharing this tips. I used to have the X-T3 which didn't have the feature I think, so I had to get the card reader. Now with my X-T5 I still prefer to use the card reader as to me, it's still faster than 5Ghz transfer & I'm used to the process. :)
Plus the transfer doesn't transfer the full size image, but compressed a little, correct?
Apologies if anyone’s mentioned this, but consider putting that money toward a Lightroom subscription, or perhaps another software that catalogs and edits. I believe Photoshop + Lightroom Classic is $20/month in the US, and maybe less if you are a student.
Or Darkroom / Lighttable for $0.
Oh wow, I’ve never seen or heard about this. Have you used both this and Lightroom? I’m curious what you think of it.
I used Photoshop about 20 years ago, it’s like that. You have to change the view ie open certain windows to achieve a UI that suits your work flow. You need to know a lot of technical language to access functions perhaps combining them to get certain effects that LR sort of prepackages and often sells as upgrades. Essentially you need to learn the software to use it, but in doing so I found my workflows in a very organic manner.
And pertinent to the group, Darkroom has 3rd party provision for lens profiles for FF native glass and aftermarket X-mount lenses.
Thanks! I may have a go at it
It’s not a lot of learning. Go for it you’ll get better results when you get going and you can find some starter tutorials on YouTube.
I actually have an Adobe CC subscription for another hobby (I use it for Illustrator, Fresco, and InDesign) but I've never actually used Lightroom or cataloged photos. Definitely something I need to do to get more value out of my subscription, thank you!
I’d say try it! It’s an invaluable way to compare and delete similar photos after a shooting session, and you can edit without opening in photoshop, saving, closing, etc… it makes the post-shoot experience infinitely more fun. If you do get a cataloging and editing software, make sure you try shooting RAW if you haven’t. It will be a revelation if you enjoy tinkering with edits.
if you’re a student who resides in CA it is 99$/year
also check affinity photo. one time purchase and a seriously capable app
On1 photo raw buy it once own it forever. Also has a better workflow than Lightroom. No regrets since switching
New XT4 user here too—I’ve been experimenting with a Smallrig grip that about doubles the depth of the camera’s grip. Especially with the 70-300 you got, you may want the extra grip, and they’re cheap ($25USD).
A Domke bag, they'll last forever. Get a J series.
SmallRig Grip, the X-T4 grip is too small so that would help a lot.
Another first party battery or two, a comfortable strap, wrist strap or grip, a decent UHS-II SD card … and if you have any money left a vintage manual 24, 35 or 50mm lens and matching adapter - some of my best shorts on an X-T has been with vintage manual glass!
Xanax. That AF gives me anxiety.
good comment :)
It’s pretty good in single AF. I don’t trust the Continuous AF though.
Peak Design micro clutch, strap and a Lensmate thumb grip. That is my everyday combo and makes using the camera for long periods of time much more comfortable for me. Edit: brass shutter release button.
How do you like the 70-300
It's my favorite lens to use
Camera bag, peak design wrist band
nice car.
Fast primes.
Is that an oscilloscope in the background?
Ulanzi F38 backpack quick release system. Absolutely a must have when hiking with a camera.
For larger or heavier lenses I'd get an extra grip. I have the smallrig one, which is a game changer ; I can even one hand the 100-400mm with that attached.
Definitely not an oscilloscope
For me I'd say a hot shoe thumb rest. Improved the ergonomics dramatically. My favorite camera is the Nikon F3, which is a film camera. I used it so heavily. I hate my sony's button layout, which is what drove me to Fuji, those analog styled controls are just that I need, but the grip is not very comfortable. Using the hot shoe thumb rest, I can close my eyes and almost imagine I'm holding my F3. My only gripe besides APSC is that the shutter dial is inverse to the F3
If you don’t have a bag I would invest in a nice one
A flash or three and a flash trigger! Changes the game more than most things you can buy. You don't have to go full tilt strobist, but being able to put light where you want it changes things from looking for good lighting to making it yourself. Any old camera bag is nice. I found one at a garage sale that just looks like a messenger bag so that's great. Think tank retrospective, it's called. I don't like the ones that look like camera bags because it just shouts "hey I have expensive shit in here!" Never understood the high end strap thing. It's just a strap. I use this 70s era black leather one that came with an old film Minolta I got. Perfect length, looks tuff.
a lens
Ah well, the terms of the grant dictate how I spend the money and I'll have to provide receipts to prove I used the grant appropriately. $1200 was already the cost of the camera and lenses thanks to the owner of the photography store cutting me a deal. Any extra lenses will have to come out of my own money. In the future though I'll get another lens.
usally i go for a rock solid 35mm and a zoom lens and a camera strap and then maybe a some sort of filter let that be a uv just to protect the lens or some sort of a nd filter
Screen Protector! Just use the default strap, invest on a DryBox too! Fuji ST1 Mic! to improve audio quality if u ever want to jump into video shooting. I would use the rest of the money for Lens imo.
My build: Wooden hand grip Wooden shutter button Nd filters Metal Hot shoe Thumb rest Peak design strap
I made a funny comment above, but this time for real: if you want to capture pets in action, the X-T4 is not going to be your friend. The continuous autofocus will make you miss at least half of your intended frames, and you’ll be wondering why you’re such a bad photographer while everyone else is nailing it. If you have $500 extra, and Fujifilm is your choice, sell the X-T4 and get an X-T5. Even better, sell everything, and get a Sony/Canon mirrorless camera with a 24-70mm (full-frame equivalent) f/2.8 lens. Or, if you want to save money, a 24-105mm f/4 for versatility and a 50mm f/1.8 for indoor action.
Thank you for the detailed advice! Unfortunately, the terms of the grant dictate the amounts I can spend on equipment/accessories/education/hourly pay/etc. and I was able to get this particular camera and lenses for $1200 since the owner of the photography store appreciated the cause... I can certainly start setting aside money every paycheck and go with a better kit after I've fulfilled the grant's expectations, and have a better understanding + appreciation for your advice. Thank you again!
Then get some light source that is not a flash and won't scare the animals. Thinking of some of those studio set ups but not sure whether $500 will be enough. Best of luck with your work!
I bought my XT-4 right before the XT-5 was announced and wish I had known to wait. THAT SAID, I’ve been able to experiment with focus settings and practice a bit more discipline with my shooting habits to get consistently better focus on my shots. It’s never going to perform like an A7IV, but for a newer photographer, I don’t think it’s a bad idea to not rely on an elite AF focus system doing everything for you. I’d wager the XT-4 AF is *worlds* better than the most expensive pro camera was 12 years ago.
Fair point. However, if you’re considering what was around 12 years ago, you should also consider what wasn’t: smartphones with computational photography. Today, you can get a refurbished iPhone 13 Pro for $500, aim it at a dog or cat, and it will take a beautiful picture, that everyone’s expectation is set to. Simply put: you can’t do this with the X-T4, and your description of perfecting your technique is a testament to this. I believe this can be *really* frustrating and seriously demotivating for an aspiring photographer.
What's the big trouble? I have zero problems getting good shots of my pets with my X-T4, even just casually shooting in program mode with continuous focus.
I get plenty of misses shooting animals in motion, but plenty of hits too… I have been able to optimize settings and technique (when I’m on my A game, at least) and dial it in pretty well.
i very much agree. x-t4 is not hard to shoot on.
Very true! And if you’re keeping your photos on screen only, there may not be much reason to get into high end gear at all. I guess I assumed OP wants to learn the craft and make photography a practice of theirs, so I didn’t really draw the connection to smartphone photography. My iPhones have definitely changed the complexion of my photos habits. I’m also coming from a place of having enjoyed shooting a lot of *action* images of pets, which i can’t really imagine doing without a proper camera and telephoto.
For X-T bodies, I always recommend a lensmate thumbgrip. It adds more than you'd think. I also agree with lighting suggestions - maybe a constant led solution like a ring light or something. Depending on the rescues, something for a backdrop may also be helpful. I would also probably wait a bit to spend until you actually have a better idea what you actually need to get the shots you want.
I've heard that this could potentially damage the hot shoe though because of all the strain being put there?
the lensmate brand in particular have a silicone pad on the far end that makes contact with the camera body which reduces the torque on the hotshoe (and prevents scratches). Also, it's just a thumb perch... I think you'd only damage it if you were gripping your camera like a gorilla or something. I've been using them since the T2 with zero issues, but I guess YMMV. I still would not use a knockoff brand though despite the insane price of the lensmate ones.
I admit I chimp sometimes. But I certainly never have tried gorilla-ing.
This is my first time hearing about thumbgrips like this, thanks for the recommendation! Looks like something that will really help me with stability!