Two of the largest camera manufacturers are Nikon and Fujifilm, and both of them have cameras that cater to several skill levels. But since investing in such equipment is an expensive commitment, it’s worth doing your prior research to determine which is best for you.
So, how do Nikon and Fujifilm cameras compare to one another? Keep reading and find out.
Camera Build
These days, cameras come in all shapes and sizes. Depending on how you plan to use it, this will be important; if you want a camera for travel photography, for example, you’ll want something that fits in your bag without taking up too much space.
Generally speaking, Fujifilm mirrorless cameras are compact. Depending on the lens you use, you might be able to fit it in your coat pocket without needing to worry about anything. However, DSLR models are a little bulkier, such as the FinePix S3200.
Nikon follows a similar theme. Its DSLR cameras are pretty large, making them a little less portable. On the flip side, its mirrorless models—like the Nikon Z fc—take up nowhere near as much space.
When looking at how Fujifilm and Nikon cameras are built, it’s also good to consider the screens. For example, if we take the Nikon Z fc, one notable difference is that the screen folds inwards when you’re not using it. Comparatively, Fujifilm’s are visible—making them potentially vulnerable to scratching.
The Nikon Z fc’s also has a flip-out screen, making it easy to frame yourself when you’re taking a selfie or vlogging. With the XT-30, you can only move it up; the XT-4, however, lets you flip outwards.
Lens Availability
As you become more advanced in your photography, you’ll want to upgrade your lens. But before we expand on the add-ons you can get, let’s look at each brand’s kit lenses.
If you buy a DSLR Nikon camera, you’ll typically receive an 18-55mm kit lens between f/3.5 and f/5.6. Mirrorless lenses have the same F-stop range but are 16-50mm instead.
With Fujifilm, the kit lens will also depend on your camera. For example, if you buy an XT-30, you’ll get a 15-45mm that ranges between f/3 and f/5.6. Meanwhile, the XT-4 has an 18-55mm kit lens between f/2 and f/8.4.
In terms of add-ons, both Nikon and Fujifilm have a wide range of lenses. You can get 50mm, 35mm, 105mm, and more with Nikon. However, we’d argue that Fujifilm’s lenses are of higher quality and will appeal to more photographers.
Pricing
When picking a camera, pricing is one of the most important factors to consider. Much of this will depend on the model you choose; mirrorless cameras are often more expensive than their DSLR counterparts.
Fujifilm’s mirrorless cameras tend to cost a lot, but the price differences aren’t necessarily huge. The XT-30, for example, costs around $900—whereas the XT-4 will set you back around $1,700. Meanwhile, you can get DSLR Fujifilm cameras for less than $300 in many instances.
Nikon has an extensive range of cameras at different price points. If you want to get a basic DSLR, you can expect to pay anywhere from just below $300 to a little over $400. But for high-end DSLRs, such as the D6, the price goes way above $5,000.
If you want to get a mirrorless Nikon camera, the Z fc will typically set you back just below $1,200. You can also get pricier versions—for example, the Z6 costs roughly $1,000 more.
Of course, you don’t always need to pay the retail price for cameras. Before buying one, check to see if you can get it for less on a second-hand marketplace. Alternatively, put together a savings plan so you can afford the model you’d like to get.
Functions
Nikon and Fujifilm cameras differ a little in terms of their functions, and this will have a significant impact when deciding which version you’d like to purchase. Below, we’ve broken down the two brands in terms of ISO range, shutter speeds, dynamic range, and in-body camera stabilization.
ISO Range
ISO is a crucial factor in controlling the light in your images. If we look at the Fujifilm XT-30 as an example, the lowest ISO you can drop it to is 80—with the highest being 51,200. The Nikon Z fc also goes up to 51,200, but the lower end of the scale is a little shorter and starts from 100.
If you were to buy a Nikon D3400, on the other hand, the ISO would range from 100-25,600. Meanwhile, a Fujifilm Finepix S3200 would go from 100 to 6,400. If you plan on often shooting in low-light conditions, pick a camera with a wide ISO range.
Shutter Speed
The shutter speed range can impact how much you can do with your camera. The Fujifilm XT-4 has a shutter speed range of 30 seconds to 1/8000th of a second, while the XT-30’s in manual mode goes from 15 minutes up to 1/4000.
As for Nikon, the Z fc has the same shutter speed range as the XT-30. Meanwhile, the D6 goes from 15 minutes to 1/8000, and the D3400 goes from 30 seconds to 1/4000.
Dynamic Range
Dynamic range is a complex topic that justifies an entire article to cover in-depth. But in simple terms, it refers to the difference between the darkest and brightest parts of an image.
Dynamic range is important because it will impact the overall look of your pictures. Fujifilm cameras have a dynamic range setting that lets you choose whether you want them to stand at 100%, 200%, or 400%. Alternatively, you can set this to auto and let the camera do the work.
Some Nikon cameras have a high dynamic range (HDR) setting that you can tweak to alter how your images look. However, it’s worth noting that some models—such as the D3400—don’t utilize this.
Camera Stabilization
Having in-camera stabilization can help avoid blurry images and give you a little more headroom before you need to stick your device on a tripod. It’s not a necessity, but having this feature can be particularly useful in several situations.
Fujifilm cameras come with built-in stabilization, but it’s not such a common thing for Nikon cameras to have. Its DSLR cameras don’t use this, nor does the Z fc. However, some Nikon models—like the Z9—use this feature.
Many Nikon lenses use vibration reduction (VR), and so do some of Fujifilm’s.
Nikon vs. Fujifilm: Which Camera Brand Is Your Favorite?
Nikon and Fujifilm are two of the most popular camera brands, and both of them offer cameras at several price points. Both have their pros and cons, so you’ll need to weigh up which features are a must—and what you can potentially live without.
Regardless of your choice, you’ll almost certainly learn a lot about both photography and how camera gear works. And if you feel you’ve made the wrong decision, you can always change at a later date.
