RickCorbishley wrote:
I wanted a camera for travel that is light, small, ...
Ditto. Got a XE4/27 MkII
pocketable but with excellent image quality. I've used a Sony RX100M3...
I too have a Sony RX100 (the VA) but for me its main use is as a pocketable camera, mainly for skiing when it must fit in a ski jacket pocket for when photography is not the main event.
... I have a Peak Design Leash strap which works well and is light to carry on the shoulder. I also have on it an XC 15-45 lens which is lightweight, diminutive and turns out good image quality. I like a zoom for travel.
I too like the PD Leash on my XE4. I had tried the XC15-45 before and although in IQ terms it is excellent, I preferred a manual zoom.
Pros - Smallish, excellent image quality, analogue controls in the main, all the film simulations, minimalist
Agreed.
Cons - not particularly weather resistant, needs a grip, no thumb rest, limited function buttons, no ISO wheel, slotted strap mounts, single card slot, SD card a bit of a nightmare to get out, a bit too minimalist
It sounds like there are more cons than pros, but the numbers don't give weighting to what's important. At the end of the day, this a great camera.
Regarding set up, I shoot mainly aperture priority. On the XE3, I changed aperture with the rear dial (omitted in the XE4). I had two XC lenses, the 27 Mk I and the 16-50 Mk II (replaced my 15-45), but traded in both for the XE4 kit, so now all my lenses are XF with an aperture ring. I suspect that you can change aperture using the front dial.
I have ISO and EC set to the front dial (with the EC wheel set to 'C'), which is two functions and by pressing in the dial one toggles between the two (mostly I leave it on EC so can play with exposure instantly). Even with the case it is very useable. I have the top Fn button to Focus Mode, and the Q Menu with the items I want positioned similarly to those on my XT4. This set up, for me, works well. There are many permutations, so it is worth thinking it all through.
One of the biggest problems for me is the lack of something to hold onto. It does not feel comfortable or secure on its own. I added an L grip and that improved things a lot. However, it also doesn't have a thumb rest which I find strange; I added my own using Sugru, after I tried the optional metal thumb rest and found it got in the way of the buttons a bit.
To resolve the grip issue, I bought a leather half case; I did not want to add more chunks of metal (and the thumb rest is so positioned as to make access to the Q Button all but impossible). The case is good quality, has a vertical front ridge for one's fingers to grip and a small ridge down the back, which helps. It made all the difference. This was the one I got and I am pleased with it (I have the same make on my XT4):
Fujifilm XE4 Half Case Camera Retro Genuine Leather Cover Insert VR Handmade New | eBay
It is a bit minimalist compared to say the X-T4, but I think that is where they are trying to pitch it. I like the idea of minimalist but I think they went a bit too far. I wish the screen fully articulated like the X-T4 so I could hide the screen in general use, but that's just my preference.
I agree, but with use, it gets better. Personally, I am delighted with the XE4's screen design and do not like that of the XT4 - just shows we all have different tastes (what's the expression - you can please most of the people most of the time but never all the people all the time!).
I have several small EF-X8 flashes
Yes, I use one often, underrated.
I have to say I've never really liked the look of the X-E range
I think they look great and I hope I bought it for performance not looks, but I suspect...
I love using Fuji cameras, I love the analogue controls and the way they handle; and obviously the output.
Ditto
..., when I picked up my X-T4 with 16-55 after a couple of weeks away using the X-E4 exclusively, I also realised how light the X-E4 is by comparison.
Yes, but my use case for each is slightly different. I use my XT4 + 16-55 for hiking as it has WR, dual cards and great performance in one package.
The X100V had been my favourite camera from the moment I got it. Before that it was the X100S. But I hate to admit that the X-E4 may be my new favourite (why do I feel like this is an act of betrayal?). It is a cracking camera and I love it. I can't wait to use it again.
Interesting, when I got the XE3/27 (traded for the XE4/27 WR) I wanted, or so I thought, a X100F (at that time). then decided that I would probably only use the EVF and wanted the flexibility of being able to use other lenses. And it was cheaper. Went through the same thoughts about whether to get the XE4/27 or the X100V. Still decided that for me the XE4 was the better option.
Enjoy it, it is a great camera. Thanks for you comprehensive review.
