XE-2, XE-3, or X-E4... The Dilemma

Enshong wrote:

I had 3-4 X-E1 bodies throughout the years even when I already bought higher-end Fujifilm bodies. Something about the X-E1 just hits home for me. Sure, it was slow and clunky at times but it was very fun to use especially with manual lenses.

While I had an X-T3 and X-H1, I wanted another X-E body but one that can be used also for my wedding and events work. So I got the X-E3 because I absolutely despised how Fujifilm gutted the X-E4's controls. While the X-E3 was good, I never loved it like I did the X-E1. It was just too fiddly. While it had a grip, it was also pretty small so I ended up buying a hand grip anyway. It had better tech in it but it didn't have the "spirit" of the X-E1, IMO. Sold it less than a year of use.

Then I stopped shooting weddings and events in favor of a more chill life. I didn't need or particularly enjoy shooting with bulkier bodies so I ended up getting and X-E4 on a whim last December. I also bought it at a pretty good deal brand new for a price lower than 2nd hand bodies. I was worried about the X-E4's lack of AF switch and some buttons but when I finally got it, there was an instant connection. While it had less buttons, you don't need much once you've configured it to your liking. In my set up, I used Custom Settings (you have 8 including "nothing selected") as a way to switch Focus Modes and film recipes. With Custom Settings set on the Q button, I can change Focus & AF Modes quickly. Basically I have these:

C0 - Manual Focus w/ Single Point AF-ON on the AEL/AFL switch (RAW)
C1 - Continuous Focus w/ Wide Tracking (RAW)
C2-7 - Film Recipes (JPEG)

I also shoot mostly in Aperture Priority and let Auto ISO do its thing. I override the Shutter Speed depending on the situation. I've also set the white balance to auto with the unmarked Fn button set to AWB Lock (which is awesome as it is retained even if you turn the camera off).

Coupled with the fast boot up and first shot times, it is really a great camera to capture candid moments and street photography.

I've already talked too much and there's so much more that I love about the X-E4. To me, it captures the spirit of the X-E1 in a more modern refined and simpler design that makes you want to bring anywhere with the essentials at your fingertips ready take photos at any moment.

I hated it so much, ranted a lot when it was released but it has become my absolute favorite camera so far after having it in my hands.

I wholeheartedly agree. Good write up.  I too was sceptical when the XE4 was released and thought that my then XE3 would continue to be better with better handling and more buttons. But once I had made the decision to buy, take the time to set it up my liking, put it into a leather half case and practice with it, it proved itself to be a great camera.

I shoot mainly aperture priority and I have refined my levels of access and control over the year I have had the camera (bought as a kit with the 27 MkII). My primary level of control uses the on-body buttons and dials: speed at A on the dial, aperture on the XF lens, ISO on the front dial, EC on its dial, focus mode on the Fn button, and drive mode on its normal button. All immediately to hand and fast to change.

If I want to dive deeper in the field, which I seldom do, I use my secondary level of control: My Menu supports an additional seven settings on the first page. My third level of control is the Q Menu, where I have a 12 grid of settings. I prefer My Menu as the second level of control over the Q Menu, but they could be reversed. That is 24 settings available without going into the main menu or using the touch screen, which I have switched off.

I wrote up my first thoughts here:

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