X-E3 or X-E4 in 2022?

jhorse wrote:

CheckT wrote:

Hello, I'm now considering getting an X-E camera as my daily camera for photos only (not video). I need some suggestions about picking X-E3 or X-E4 in 2022.

First, it has been years after X-E3 has been released. Is it still good to get X-E3 over X-E4 for the price (see the following section) and the similar/close performance? I have read several posts about X-E4 being considered as a downgrade for certain people. And compared to the upgrade by Sony, it seems that the improvement is incremental for me as well.

Second, price. Since I have two Sony cameras as my prime set, I'm not expected to spend too much on this one. Actually, I considered getting X100V before. But it was too expensive (>$1200) right now. For X-E, I can get X-E3 with 23f2 for $760, or X-E3 with 18-55 2.8-4 for $800, or X-E4 for $749, or X-E4 with 27f2.8 for $949. All these three lens have both positive and negative reviews. Compared to Sony EF users, it seems that Fujifilm users have more varied preferences and it is what makes me hesitant to select one. I mainly use 28mm and 35mm lens in Sony. So both 23f2 and 27f2.8 seem to be good for me. The only drawback of 23f2 is that the lens is longer to fit in the bag compared to the lens on X100V. So even after getting 23f2, I may sell/trade it for the smaller lens for the daily carry. (Please correct me if 23f2 is not big as my expectation!)

In the end, what's your opinion/suggestion? Thanks a lot!

Here's my experience having entered the XE line with a XE3 and upgraded to the XE4. Both are great cameras and in side by side image comparison, I doubt many people could tell any image quality difference (lens and technique will have a larger influence of IQ). There is one noticeable difference/improvement from the XE3 to XE4 - AF.

So, here is my take. While the XE4 ostensively has a few less physical controls, it can be set up to taste and shooting style. I do not understand the so-called dumbing down view, but in fairness I changed my mined. See:

XE4 - I was wrong: Fujifilm X System / SLR Talk Forum: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

In fact, if one shoots stills and in aperture priority, the ergonomics, in my opinion, on the XE4 are faster, easier and better.

I opted for the kit: XE4/27WR. I did consider a X100V, but for lens flexibility opted for the XE4/27.

I also have a XT4, but I have to say that the XE4, often with the 18-55, does get more use and is carried more often. Hope that helps.

Thanks for your post! It is very helpful!

Yes, I can't tell the difference between XE3 and XE4 images posted online and that's why I think the improvement from 3 to 4 is incremental.

For 27WR, based on your post and the sample images posted online, somehow I feel that the image quality of 27F2.8 is observable low compared to the F2 lens. Would you think 27F2.8 makes you hard to take some photos at some certain places/time (e.g., indoor/evening before sunset)?

For AF improvement, how do you feel about the AF on X-E3 before? Was it difficult to accurately and fast capture the object? Because I didn't see many complaints about the Fuji AF after Xpro1, if it can work, it won't be a problem IMO.