Fuji X-T2 vs Nikon D5; Real world portrait comparisons with Raw sample downloads

Ok, it might be a little unfair to put a $2,400 camera and lens against a $8,100 camera and lens. One would expect a camera rig costing more than three times as much to produce better results. But are those results at least three times better? And if the Fuji can keep up, doesn’t that just make it even more impressive given the cost gap?

This video from photographer Taylor Jackson hopes to answer those questions. Yes, there’s a little pixel peeping involved, but Taylor has also made the raw files available for us to check out for ourselves. If nothing else, for those considering purchasing a Nikon D5 or Fuji X-T2, this lets us see some samples straight from the camera.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XlgVtnjyxk

Taylor tests several different scenarios throughout the video. So, here’s a handy list for those who want to skip ahead.

• 2:15 Portraits & Bokeh
• 4:52 Witches
• 5:43 Landscapes at f/2.8
• 6:31 Night Bokeh
• 7:40 Backlit Portraits
• 9:28 Random Image Samples
• 12:03 More Backlit Portraits

Obviously the D5 will have features that the X-T2 doesn’t, and give you more shooting options. Quality wise, though, both cameras seem to perform excellently.

To get the same field of view on each camera requires a different focal length lens. For the X-T2, Taylor chose the Fuji 56mm f/1.2. On the D5 he used the Nikon 85mm f/1.4G.

This difference, means that the smaller sensor of the X-T2 offers a little more depth of field at a given aperture than the Nikon. Whether one produces results “better” than the other in this respect is purely subjective.

An interesting observation Taylor made was how much more cinematic and vibrant everything looked through the X-T2’s EVF. The optical viewfinder of the D5 made real life look quite dull by comparison. He did say that once the raw files came onto the computer, though, the opposite seemed to happen.

But, as mentioned, Taylor has made the raw files available to download for us to check out and make up our own minds.

Taylor’s conclusion was that “the the Fuji is great, the Nikon’s just a little bit better”. Ultimately, it’s all going to boil down to personal preference and needs vs cost. Every camera and lens has limitations. As long as you’re happy to live within those limitations, go for it.

Have you got your hands on the X-T2 yet? Or are you sat playing the waiting game with delayed deliveries? What do you think of the results you’re getting from it? Are they similar to Taylors? What are your thoughts on the sample raw files? Let us know in the comments.

[via ISO1200]