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

KariP wrote:

3Percent wrote:

For the most compact yet full featured mirrorless camera with a viewfinder, I think you're not going to find a better overall option out there than the XE series. The choice then, I think, is deciding which of the series suits you best. Unfortunately that's not an easy question to answer because Fujifilm has made tweaks to the design every time, especially with the 3rd and 4th iterations compared to the first two highly successful models.

When you factor in the variable of personal preference regarding handling and features, it gets more complicated when you're trying to make a recommendation to someone else. Therefore all I can do is layout some thoughts and let the natural decision process take its course.

Fact is, I like all four versions of the XE series from Fujifilm, but I do think the 2/3/4 versions are the most relevant to choose from these days. Handling wise, I have to give it up mostly to the X-E2, followed closely by the X-E3, then X-E4. Technology wise, I'd have to give it up to the X-E4, followed closely by the X-E3, and ultimately the X-E2.

When you're doing a direct comparison between the 2/4 models, you'll notice the greatest disparity between the designs, and this is where I think it will help you choose the best of the three.

It gets a bit complicated to recommend one or the other, because the X-E4 not only has some brilliant internal and aesthetic design upgrades to previous models (yes even in the handling department), yet equally head scratching almost frustrating physical design downgrades. This leaves me wondering why Fujifilm just can't get it right. It appears to me that camera companies are often stricken with tunnel vision syndrome and are unable to see the forest through the trees when making final design decisions.

In the end we, the consumer, are often left with feeling left out in the design consideration process.

So with that said, while the XE2/4 models show the greatest extremes of pro's and con's of the series, I feel the XE3 then splits the difference and offers the closest "goldilox" experience of all.

The XE3 handles better than the XE4, but not quite as good as the XE2. It has better technology internally than the XE2, but that's not quite as good as the XE4. So to me, the question then becomes how close to either extreme the XE3 is.

The answer is, it is very close the XE2 in the handling department, but the XE4 certainly is not. And, it's very close to the XE4 in the internal tech department, but the XE2 certainly is not.

When you look at it that way, it then becomes clear that the X-E3 is the better all round design of the three. And unless the 2/4 models offer something very specific that you cannot live without, the choice on which to recommend to most users becomes clear- and that is the X-E3.

Fact is all four versions of the XE series will leave you wanting something the other version has, but as a photographer you must know what is most important to you most of the time and choose accordingly. As they say, the grass isn't always greener on the other side, and that perfectly applies here to the X-E3 here a majority of the time.

Another perspective, is when you compare the XE series to all the other similar cameras of it's genre- small, compact, full featured cameras with an integrated viewfinder. Fact is, Fujifilm has nailed this genre, and I can clearly recommend the XE series over all of its rivals. And that means any of the three XE cameras mentioned above.

In short, I think the XE series offers the best value in performance and handling over all other makers in this genre. And no matter which one you choose, you're likely to be impressed.

I once said I couldn't live without the X-E2, but after owning an using the X-E4, I realized I couldn't compromise the advantages it had over the the X-E2 any longer. But I also couldn't live with some of the faults of the X-E4 (i.e. a lack of a rear scroll wheel and/or thumb rest go too far in the handling dept. for me). And no, I don't like putting Band-Aids (such as a thumbs up rest) on my camera to make up for a lack of an inherently good design from the outset.

That left me with choosing the X-E3 overall. I've owned all of the series, and I like every one of them, but the X-E4 ended up being my least favorite to use. It certainly is the best to look at, and, its slightly thicker body than the other two was welcome to my right hand for one handed shooting. I love the technology it brings too. They almost got it right, but they didn't.

So in the end, I mostly appreciate the X-E3's well rounded advantages. I'll miss the pop-up flash of the X-E2 (that can be pulled back for bounce flash indoors), but I realized that it was time to upgrade despite any small advantages that camera has over the X-E3.

The improvements in technology, the better sensor, and the slightly more compact nature of the X-E3 make it feel modern and highly capable without kicking handling and ergonomics to the curb. Is it perfect? Nope, of course not. But will I appreciate it more than the other two models most of the time?

Yep. And that's the best you can do sometimes.

I started my Fujifilm career with X-E1.

i have now X-E3 and used quite much a couple of years ago. And never saw any reason to upgrade to E4.

I think that the image quality of E3 and H1 is in some cases better than IQ of E1.

Of course ergonomics and user interface is important - but can you say something about IQ differences . ( stills , not video)

As far as IQ is concerned, I think all three sensors that were used in the XE series have been excellent. The resolution increase from the 1/2 up to the 3 is noticeable, but not so much going to the 4. They all have awesome dynamic range and noise control.

There has been much discussion on the topic out there, but to me, I'm practical. I don't like to split hairs too much when it comes to IQ. Fujifilm have always been very consistent in the IQ department. Can't say I recall having ever been left wanting better IQ with any of their cameras I've owned.