X-E4, this might be love

jrmacd wrote:

I've been using the X-E4 for about three weeks now. I got it as a smaller companion to my X-T4. Body only, found at a local shop.

1. The size is great. I look forward to the eventual availability of the 27/2.8, but even with the 23 and 35 f/2s I own, it is still a pretty discrete package for walking around. But I really don't find bigger lenses like the 18/1.4 or even the 16-55 to be awkward. With either of the small primes on, I can leave it comfortably hanging around my neck for hours, readily available for quick, discrete shooting.

2. I don't have the handgrip or thumbrest, but it is good to hear the handgrip doesn't add much bulk. It's hard to tell from the images available. A bit of weight I can live with. The thumbgrip looks like it would block easy access to the shutter and exposure comp dial, which I control with that thumb. But the handgrip certainly seems like it would be a benefit when using something like the 16-55 or 50-140. On the other hand, I'm only using those lenses on the X-E4 now because the X-T4 was damaged in a drop, and I have to wait till after the holidays to send it in for repair.

3. Speaking of the X-T4, I didn't realize how much I'd been spoiled by IBIS until I used the non-OIS lenses on the X-E4. With OIS lenses, no problem, but lack of IBIS has shown how sloppy my handholding technique is when using the primes and 16-55 below 1/60 shutters. Really I need 1/125 to guarantee a good image.

4. I was concerned about the lack of buttons and dials to customize, but as you say, spend some time thinking/refining your strategy for the Q menu, and it is pretty seamless, to the point where I will probably mimic those settings on the X-T4 to aid muscle memory when switching and render a bunch of those extra buttons superflous. Right now, I just have the different custom settings set to different custom film sims, with all the other options mirrored. But I probably need to come up with 'street' vs 'action' vs 'landscape' type custom options. I also find the touch screen swipe options to be of use.

5. One issue I have been having is accidentally changing the ISO by bumping the front dial with my middle finger when I handhold. I've gotten home only to find I've taken a bunch of pictures at 12800 or 51200 vs Auto 1 or 3 (1600 and 6400 max, respectively) Or I hadn't noticed that my shutter speed(when set to Auto) had gone unacceptably slow because I bumped the ISO too low. I suppose that could be solved by refining my Q menu settings and control the Auto ISO there, but I'm not there yet.

6. when switching between the X-T4 and X-E4, the difference in build quality is quite noticeable. The X-E4 is well-made, but the body is plastic, and that plus the small size makes it almost feel like a toy camera sometimes.

All in all, a fun camera, and it will be nice to have the option to switch between two different body styles, or carry the X-E4 with the 35/2 attached and the X-T4 with the 18/ 1.4 when touristing a city and not having to stop and swap lenses.

Hi there, I have been using xe4 with 18/1.4 and 27/2.8 for a few months.

I bought the thumb grip first. It was good but limited in support and also took place where I attach a small flash.

I then bought Fuji's handgrip and the camera feels so much better to hold. I still use a Gordy's wrist strap but having a handgrip makes a great difference and I didn't feel much weight penalty. I highly recommend.

I've mostly using 18mm and only if I need tighter focusing or if I need a very light set to carry then I leave 18mm and use 27.

The 18mm is so so great, it is a match to Leica's Q. I compared photos I had taken with a Q when I rented for a while and this 18mm.

I hope Fuji upgrades their 16-55 soon making a bit smaller than it is. Or I hope sigma starts making Fuji mount lenses, their new apsc zoom lens is tiny!