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

Jeff Biscuits wrote:

3Percent wrote:

As far as IQ is concerned, I think all three sensors that were used in the XE series have been excellent.

All four sensors have been used in the X-E series 🙂 The sensor model numbers even match up with the camera model numbers, unlike every other series.

I stand corrected, all four. In my mind I lump the XE1/2 sensor in the same category, from a practical standpoint.

I’ve owned the X-E1, 2 and 3 and have briefly handled the 4.

For some time the X-E2 was pretty much my perfect camera, but over time I came to prefer the ergonomics of the 3. I started to prefer the joystick to the D-pad (even though I never move the focus point), I preferred the reduced clutter, and I found that features like My Menu were better than having lots of buttons, partly because of reduced clutter and partly because they eliminated accidental presses that modified settings when I wasn’t looking. The removal of the flash worked in my favour as well: I never use flash, but I would often find that the X-E2 would get knocked and I’d find the fragile little flash sticking out when I would have preferred it to stay permanently retracted. The only button on the X-E3 that’s prone to accidental presses is the AF-L button, but I’ve reassigned that to Instant AF, which is ok for my use.

On top of that, I find the X-Trans III (and IV) sensor and/or processor far better than the I and II. They can push the image harder in terms of colour and contrast, it seems, and I like the slight extra bite of Acros.

The EVF on the III and IV is sadly a step down from the E2, but I’ve learned to be less sensitive to EVF differences. So the only real issue is that when using manual lenses I have to use the focus magnification a little more often with the X-E3, but the difference isn’t massive really. With AF lenses, I have no issues. I wear glasses but I’ve realised that there isn’t a single Fujifilm model where I can see 100% of the image in the EVF, so I’ve learned to deal with that and it’s freed me up a bit. As some have noted, although the E2’s EVF is more comfortable in terms of its geometry, the E3’s actual panel is of better quality.

As for the E4, I’m fine with it… I don’t like the dead feel of the buttons, and I don’t like Fuji increasing the number of pre-shutter settings (such as focus mode) into the custom settings, but other than that it’s fine. It just doesn’t offer me enough to upgrade the E3.

All that said, I’ve recently started using the Pro2 which is a bit like having all the best bits of the E2 and the E3, plus some features from the T2, and the E3 has been slightly demoted as a result.