X-E3: Wonderful IQ in a good-looking and compact form factor

Since the X-E3 came out almost two years ago, there’s plenty of reviews out there (for instance this pretty pro review in our own DPR). Thus, I won’t describe the camera into too much detail, just wanted to share a few thoughts from the point of view of a beginner who likes to hike/travel.

Bottom (upper?) line

The X-E3 provides access to basically the best image quality that Fuji offers in APS-C in a really small and light package. The performance and feature-set are great, and the size and controls are ideal for hiking and travel photography.

Choosing the X-E3

I started taking pictures in the point-and-shoot era. But after I saw an ad for the Sony NEX-3, their first mirrorless camera, I was intrigued by the possibility of improving the quality of my photos with a pretty small package, so I got one. I used the NEX-3 with the 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 for a few years, but I was never quite satisfied with the image quality (IQ), and once I got an iPhone 6, I started not carrying it with me. Sure, the Sony had somewhat better IQ than the iPhone, higher resolution, and some zoom, but it didn’t comfortably fit in my pocket and the IQ didn’t blow anyone away.

Fast forward to last year, when I started wanting something better than the iPhone, and this time price was not an issue. I was ready to get the best possible IQ in a form factor that I wouldn’t mind carrying while hiking/traveling. Coming from Sony, that meant the A6500, but I didn’t want to rush. So I started learning about photography and reading DPR.

What I found in the Sony DPR forum was that people were generally quite happy with the performance of the Sony bodies, and their IQ was pretty good, but there was an undercurrent of disappointment with the APS-C lenses, especially the zooms (which I planned to use the most). Given this, I started to consider the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II (M4/3) and Sony A7 III (full frame) as well. But also, I noticed that there were increasingly more and more mentions of how Fuji really “hit it out of the ballpark with the X-T3”, so I started reading the Fuji forum as well (you guys!).

After learning more about Sony (APS-C and FF), Oly, and Fuji, I decided that the wonderful Fuji zooms, the Fuji colors, and the Fuji dials were just what I needed. So I was set on buying the X-T3!

Still, I tried not to rush and kept learning about Fuji. After lots of DPR perusing, I finally realized something (obvious to most of you but not to a beginner): the IQ is primarily determined by the lens. The sensor does have some impact (noise, dynamic range), but all the latest Fuji models are pretty much the same in that regard. I also realized that the X-T3 was pretty damn big, and actually, very close to the FF A7 III! For a while, I thought of perhaps getting the more compact X-T100 instead, but I was uneasy at the poor AF performance (I don’t need to shoot super-fast stuff, but I did want a significant improvement over the NEX-3). Then, somebody here suggested the X-E3, and, well, the rest is history.

The comparison below shows the cameras considered in this fun journey.

Cameras considered before arriving at the X-E3 (from camerasize.com)

X-E3 the camera

Let me first start with the limitations of this camera. It does lack two features that I was quite interested in: weather resistance (WR) and in-body image stabilization (IBIS). The A6500 does have both of those and it is similarly small. However, given that I had never had WR and it’s been fine, and Fuji great zoom lenses tend to have OIS, the X-E3 was still superior to me. Other limitations I didn’t care much about: auto-focus (AF) is not as blazingly fast as in the X-T3, and the 4K video is so-so. For me, the AF is plenty fast (orders of magnitude better than in my old NEX-3) and HD video is sufficient for me (already produces files that are too big).

Now onto why this is a fantastic camera:

• First of all, it is the smallest and lightest modern Fuji camera with a viewfinder (only 337 g!). It actually fits in my hiking pants pockets with the 18-55 lens (just), and comfortably so in a coat pocket.
• Controls: the joystick is ah-mazing, I don’t think I can use cameras without one any more. The touch-screen is not like the iPhone’s, but I found it surprisingly good. Still, I don’t use it much. I don’t miss the D-pad at all, and it gives a cleaner look. I have ISO on the front dial, the histogram on fn, and focus check on the back dial, and it’s everything I wished for
• IQ: In terms of resolution, noise, and dynamic range, is excellent. 24 MP is for me the ideal compromise between being able to crop/print large and files not being too bulky/difficult to handle. I’m amazed how much I can pull the shadows, and how it easily beats the HDR in the iPhone without need of multiple exposures.
• Performance: after the excruciatingly slow AF in my old Sony, this one is blazingly fast.
• Finally, it is gorgeous, in my opinion the best looking body from Fuji.

X-E3 vs X-T30

This is obviously a personal preference. The two main questions to ask oneself are how much do you need really fast auto-focus and what form factor you prefer between range-finder and DSLR. For me, the choice would be easy. The AF in the X-E3 is plenty fast for all my uses, and the rangefinder form factor is smaller (fits in my pants pocket), more comfortable to use with my nose not being smushed against the camera, and allows me to feel closer to my subjects as it doesn’t cover my left eye.

Post-processing

It is kinda funny that one of the reasons why I chose Fuji was that the SOOC jpegs were very good given that I thought I’d never bother with RAW. Still, after I set it to take jpg+raw, and thank goodness. After I screwed up a series of indoor pictures by using Velvia, I checked how much of a pain it would be to use RAWs… and it ended up being faster than my old workflow!

I have a free subscription to Lightroom from work, and my understanding is that this is the most widely used program, so I gave it a try. I didn’t like it very much, so I decided to try Capture One Express (which is free), and boy, it blew me away. Now, I just import all my raw files into Capture One, select the Fuji simulation (typically Astia), and tweak WB, saturation, Shadows, Clarity, Structure, crop, and rotation. I decided to buy the Pro version, and it so far it seems worthy.

Lenses

I have the 18-55, 35/f1.4, and 50-230. They are all pretty great. Optically, the weakest is the 18-55, but it still blows away my old 18-55 from Sony. It is so versatile that it is by far my most used lens. The results typically go from good to some times excellent.

The 35 f1.4 is great. Small, sharp when stopped down, and beautiful bokeh. I’m just not much of a prime shooter, and the fact that is not stabilized is a problem.

The XC 50-230 is incredibly good optically, and amazingly light. I know I’m in the minority, but I wish all lenses were made out of plastic. It is hard to believe that I can so casually carry a 345 mm equivalent lens.

I toyed with the idea of getting the Brick (16-55 f2.8), but that’s too large (I’d probably get the Sony A7R III or Nikon Z7 before going with the Brick). So my next lens will probably be the long-awaited 16-80. I’m looking forward to having a bit wider and longer, and the f4 is not a problem at all. The only annoyance is that it will be a bit heavier and bigger, and the IQ does not look like it will be a leap from the 18-55. We’ll see

Accessories

So far, this is what I’ve gotten:

- Spare battery

- 256 GB SD card : never in danger of being remotely full

- Neoprene case : pretty useless

- Lowepro Adventura SH 100 II : it is great

- Manfrotto MP3-BK Large Pocket Support : small tripod. A bit flimsy but easy to carry

- Peak Design Capture Camera Clip V3 : clip to hang camera off backpack strap. I love it so much, easier to get than iPhone from the pocket.

- LG 32UD99-W 32-Inch 4K UHD IPS Monitor : Amazing monitor and perfect size

- Camera Sensor Cleaning Swab : it's saved me once already

A few pics

I have had so much fun with this camera, and I feel I've learned a lot. But I still have much more to learn, so please C&C as you see fit. Thanks!

Great review, and thanks for sharing! I have had a similar experience as yours with the camera, punches above its weight, looks gorgeous and, for me at least, everything is where it should be. Minimalist, but still easy to use. I also bought the auxiliary hand  grip and the LensMate thumb grip, both may be overkill but works for me.

Since we can presume, based on Fuji's prior actions, that we will not get a tilt screen on an X-E4(should there be one) I have two suggestions to improve this camera: 1: A higher resolution EVF with a bit more(.7x) magnification but, most importantly, a good, effective, comfortable eyepiece hood! Is that too much to ask? 2: Also, the rear LCD should be at least double the resolution, Nikon & Canon's mirrorless have it, so should this camera. Makes it so much easier to see if your shot was in focus or to focus manually on the screen.

Bottom line, it is a lovely camera that both performs well and instills pride of ownership. I'm glad that you enjoy yours!

Brilliant review. I agree with almost everything you wrote.

The X-E3 is such an easy and comfortable camera to use and produces wonderful images and is quite capable of earning its own keep. On my first serious photo-journey with it, I was commissioned to provide photos for the owner of the motel I was staying at. Many of the shots chosen were from the X-E3, and the customer is very happy.

I would also like to see a better VF eye cup. The X-E2's eye cup is way better and I can't understand why Fuji changed it.

I'd also like to be able to zoom further into an image captured in RAW. If I want to do a fine detail check of a photo on the review screen, I'm forced to shoot RAW + jpeg. Never seen that on any other camera. AFIK it's the same on all Fujifilm X cameras.

Hi,

What do you manage to fit into the Lowepro Adventura SH 100 II, besides the x-e3?

Thanks

Richard

Agree with you.

I own an XE2 and I am a fan but I had thought my next stop would have to be XT30. The thought of getting a scaled down XT3 in a compact package is exciting, But It seems the competition with XE3 is too close

Happy shooting !

TheWhiteDog wrote:

Great review, and thanks for sharing! I have had a similar experience as yours with the camera, punches above its weight, looks gorgeous and, for me at least, everything is where it should be. Minimalist, but still easy to use. I also bought the auxiliary hand grip and the LensMate thumb grip, both may be overkill but works for me.

Since we can presume, based on Fuji's prior actions, that we will not get a tilt screen on an X-E4(should there be one) I have two suggestions to improve this camera: 1: A higher resolution EVF with a bit more(.7x) magnification but, most importantly, a good, effective, comfortable eyepiece hood! Is that too much to ask? 2: Also, the rear LCD should be at least double the resolution, Nikon & Canon's mirrorless have it, so should this camera. Makes it so much easier to see if your shot was in focus or to focus manually on the screen.

Bottom line, it is a lovely camera that both performs well and instills pride of ownership. I'm glad that you enjoy yours!

Thanks TheWhiteDog!

And I agree, a few things could be improved in the next generation, such as the viewfinder and LCD. Of the unlikely things to be improved, I'd also like WR and IBIS. I wouldn't mind paying extra for that, but it probably would be difficult to keep the same size.

Still, of the cameras on offer, I find it the best combination of IQ, features, and size.

SigmaChrome wrote:

Brilliant review. I agree with almost everything you wrote.

The X-E3 is such an easy and comfortable camera to use and produces wonderful images and is quite capable of earning its own keep. On my first serious photo-journey with it, I was commissioned to provide photos for the owner of the motel I was staying at. Many of the shots chosen were from the X-E3, and the customer is very happy.

I would also like to see a better VF eye cup. The X-E2's eye cup is way better and I can't understand why Fuji changed it.

I'd also like to be able to zoom further into an image captured in RAW. If I want to do a fine detail check of a photo on the review screen, I'm forced to shoot RAW + jpeg. Never seen that on any other camera. AFIK it's the same on all Fujifilm X cameras.

Thanks SigmaChrome!

As for the higher-res in-camera preview, I agree that it should be doable without saving the jpgs. But given how cheap is card storage these days, I actually think saving Jpg+RAW is better. My card is never anywhere close to full, and before doing the post-processing, the jpegs are easier to take a quick look at.

richcbaker899 wrote:

Hi,

What do you manage to fit into the Lowepro Adventura SH 100 II, besides the x-e3?

Thanks

Richard

That bag is basically the smallest bag that'll fit the X-E3, and that is exactly why I got it. You can only fit the camera with a lens no larger than the 16-80 or 10-24 (by my estimation). Here's how it looks with the 18-55 on

Initially I actually got a thin neoprene case, but that was too minimalistic. The Lowepro has enough padding to absorb shocks inside my hiking backpakc, and has full covering. And it is ok for pictures around a city, although I don't like having dangling things, so I actually prefer to clip it to the Peak design.

For larger lenses (the 50-230 in my case, perhaps the 16-55 in the future), I also got the Lowepro Adventura TLZ 30 II . That one doesn't hug the camera as tight as the SH 100 II, so while it allows me to carry the 50-230 plus the x-E3 with the 18-55 on, it is more bulky and the camera moves a bit.

Just finding your review--really enjoyed it, very well done. Thanks for posting it.

It's been almost ten years since I've bought a camera, and I'm choosing to move from Canon to Fuji. The X-E3 is on my short list. Looks like it's been a month or two since your original post. How has your experience with the X-E3 been since then? I've read reviews complaining about its responsiveness--autofocus, powering on, etc.--although most reviewers don't seem bothered by it. Maybe those who are complaining got bad copies, or it's user error. How do you find it?

Like you, I'd like to have WR, but it's not a deal breaker. There isn't one Fuji model that has everything I want, but there are three that all come really close in different ways. I just keep reading and hoping that the smoke will clear. 

I’ve never found my X-E3 slow. Paired with the Lensmate thumb rest it’s one of the most comfortable cameras I’ve owned. My only complaint would be battery life. I use it in high performance mode.

I wish Fuji would give us a fast 35 or 40mm equivalent prime with an aperture ring. I use the 23/2 a lot, and sometimes pine for an X100 ... but the X-E3 is so versatile.

xb70fan wrote:

I’ve never found my X-E3 slow. Paired with the Lensmate thumb rest it’s one of the most comfortable cameras I’ve owned. My only complaint would be battery life. I use it in high performance mode.

I wish Fuji would give us a fast 35 or 40mm equivalent prime with an aperture ring. I use the 23/2 a lot, and sometimes pine for an X100 ... but the X-E3 is so versatile.

Thanks, that's good to know. With a prime, I assume it wouldn't need a grip. What about with the 18-55?

Lenses are another topic I have to tackle. I've been playing with a 27mm pancake on my Canon, and that's been fun, but not so fun that I would go with Fuji X100F, at least not yet. I think I'll want some of versatility. I've looked at the 23/2, also the 35/2. I imagine I'll end up with the 18-55 to start, but am curious about the handling. I don't want to go back to toting a lot of stuff.

cloud woman wrote:

xb70fan wrote:

I’ve never found my X-E3 slow. Paired with the Lensmate thumb rest it’s one of the most comfortable cameras I’ve owned. My only complaint would be battery life. I use it in high performance mode.

I wish Fuji would give us a fast 35 or 40mm equivalent prime with an aperture ring. I use the 23/2 a lot, and sometimes pine for an X100 ... but the X-E3 is so versatile.

Thanks, that's good to know. With a prime, I assume it wouldn't need a grip. What about with the 18-55?

Lenses are another topic I have to tackle. I've been playing with a 27mm pancake on my Canon, and that's been fun, but not so fun that I would go with Fuji X100F, at least not yet. I think I'll want some of versatility. I've looked at the 23/2, also the 35/2. I imagine I'll end up with the 18-55 to start, but am curious about the handling. I don't want to go back to toting a lot of stuff.

I bought my first Fujifilm camera X-E1 several years ago with 18-55 ... it is still the lens I travel with and it is a lens that I have used for 90% my better images. No 2 is 10-24 .

People say they really absolutely  need primes - I'm not sure for what. 56f1,2 is a great lens for example, but it is made for a special shallow DOF purpose. I travel with 18-55 and 10-24 - both OIS lenses !

X-E3 is not especially good for difficult fast moving subjects - keeper rate of images of  a kid having fun in a swing is guide low compared to my 5DMkIV.  Or things like sports or BIF...

For everything else X-E3 is just great. And very portable.

cloud woman wrote:

xb70fan wrote:

I’ve never found my X-E3 slow. Paired with the Lensmate thumb rest it’s one of the most comfortable cameras I’ve owned. My only complaint would be battery life. I use it in high performance mode.

I wish Fuji would give us a fast 35 or 40mm equivalent prime with an aperture ring. I use the 23/2 a lot, and sometimes pine for an X100 ... but the X-E3 is so versatile.

Thanks, that's good to know. With a prime, I assume it wouldn't need a grip. What about with the 18-55?

The 18-55 is well matched with the X-E3, and certainly the 14/2.8, 23/2.0, and 35/1.4 are great complementary primes. If you want, or need to go longer the 55-200 is quite manageable on the X-E3.

Lenses are another topic I have to tackle. I've been playing with a 27mm pancake on my Canon, and that's been fun, but not so fun that I would go with Fuji X100F, at least not yet. I think I'll want some of versatility. I've looked at the 23/2, also the 35/2. I imagine I'll end up with the 18-55 to start, but am curious about the handling. I don't want to go back to toting a lot of stuff.

Here are a few X-E3 + 18-55 shots:

KariP wrote:

cloud woman wrote:

xb70fan wrote:

I’ve never found my X-E3 slow. Paired with the Lensmate thumb rest it’s one of the most comfortable cameras I’ve owned. My only complaint would be battery life. I use it in high performance mode.

I wish Fuji would give us a fast 35 or 40mm equivalent prime with an aperture ring. I use the 23/2 a lot, and sometimes pine for an X100 ... but the X-E3 is so versatile.

Thanks, that's good to know. With a prime, I assume it wouldn't need a grip. What about with the 18-55?

Lenses are another topic I have to tackle. I've been playing with a 27mm pancake on my Canon, and that's been fun, but not so fun that I would go with Fuji X100F, at least not yet. I think I'll want some of versatility. I've looked at the 23/2, also the 35/2. I imagine I'll end up with the 18-55 to start, but am curious about the handling. I don't want to go back to toting a lot of stuff.

I bought my first Fujifilm camera X-E1 several years ago with 18-55 ... it is still the lens I travel with and it is a lens that I have used for 90% my better images. No 2 is 10-24 .

People say they really absolutely need primes - I'm not sure for what. 56f1,2 is a great lens for example, but it is made for a special shallow DOF purpose. I travel with 18-55 and 10-24 - both OIS lenses !

Part of the appeal of primes for me is the idea of paring down to one or two focal lengths and being creative with them. But sometimes you just like having that zoom!

X-E3 is not especially good for difficult fast moving subjects - keeper rate of images of a kid having fun in a swing is guide low compared to my 5DMkIV. Or things like sports or BIF...

Yeah, BIF would be fun; I used to shoot some football, but no more. I might want to shoot some fast-moving things, so maybe that's a concern here.

For everything else X-E3 is just great. And very portable.

Portable is getting to be more of a thing for me, for sure.

Didn't you just love your 40D? Mine's still going strong, but since we can have a few more megapixels now, I'd like to have them. I'll be glad to leave CF cards behind, too.

Len-O wrote:

cloud woman wrote:

xb70fan wrote:

I’ve never found my X-E3 slow. Paired with the Lensmate thumb rest it’s one of the most comfortable cameras I’ve owned. My only complaint would be battery life. I use it in high performance mode.

I wish Fuji would give us a fast 35 or 40mm equivalent prime with an aperture ring. I use the 23/2 a lot, and sometimes pine for an X100 ... but the X-E3 is so versatile.

Thanks, that's good to know. With a prime, I assume it wouldn't need a grip. What about with the 18-55?

The 18-55 is well matched with the X-E3, and certainly the 14/2.8, 23/2.0, and 35/1.4 are great complementary primes. If you want, or need to go longer the 55-200 is quite manageable on the X-E3.

Excellent, thank you. Great shots!

Lenses are another topic I have to tackle. I've been playing with a 27mm pancake on my Canon, and that's been fun, but not so fun that I would go with Fuji X100F, at least not yet. I think I'll want some of versatility. I've looked at the 23/2, also the 35/2. I imagine I'll end up with the 18-55 to start, but am curious about the handling. I don't want to go back to toting a lot of stuff.

Here are a few X-E3 + 18-55 shots:

cloud woman wrote:

KariP wrote:

cloud woman wrote:

xb70fan wrote:

I’ve never found my X-E3 slow. Paired with the Lensmate thumb rest it’s one of the most comfortable cameras I’ve owned. My only complaint would be battery life. I use it in high performance mode.

I wish Fuji would give us a fast 35 or 40mm equivalent prime with an aperture ring. I use the 23/2 a lot, and sometimes pine for an X100 ... but the X-E3 is so versatile.

Thanks, that's good to know. With a prime, I assume it wouldn't need a grip. What about with the 18-55?

Lenses are another topic I have to tackle. I've been playing with a 27mm pancake on my Canon, and that's been fun, but not so fun that I would go with Fuji X100F, at least not yet. I think I'll want some of versatility. I've looked at the 23/2, also the 35/2. I imagine I'll end up with the 18-55 to start, but am curious about the handling. I don't want to go back to toting a lot of stuff.

I bought my first Fujifilm camera X-E1 several years ago with 18-55 ... it is still the lens I travel with and it is a lens that I have used for 90% my better images. No 2 is 10-24 .

People say they really absolutely need primes - I'm not sure for what. 56f1,2 is a great lens for example, but it is made for a special shallow DOF purpose. I travel with 18-55 and 10-24 - both OIS lenses !

Part of the appeal of primes for me is the idea of paring down to one or two focal lengths and being creative with them. But sometimes you just like having that zoom!

X-E3 is not especially good for difficult fast moving subjects - keeper rate of images of a kid having fun in a swing is guide low compared to my 5DMkIV. Or things like sports or BIF...

Yeah, BIF would be fun; I used to shoot some football, but no more. I might want to shoot some fast-moving things, so maybe that's a concern here.

For everything else X-E3 is just great. And very portable.

Portable is getting to be more of a thing for me, for sure.

Didn't you just love your 40D? Mine's still going strong, but since we can have a few more megapixels now, I'd like to have them. I'll be glad to leave CF cards behind, too.

After 40D I bought 7D. and that is sold and then bought a FF and so on... of course 40D was a very good camera to start with some 12 years  ago !

I spend very much of my time by the sea/ at sea  or archipelago  in Hanko and the light is often quite contrasty. Dynamic range of a sensor is important IMO. Fujifilm cameras are especially suitable for some seaside landscapes and  traveling .

Canon cameras have other good sides - like fast AF, ergonomics etc  - and 5DMkIV has also decent DR (like 80D). Very nice to carry the load in a big backpack  

It is just  so easy to walk around and travel with a smaller lightweight system in a smaller shoulder bag . I did some trips with just one lens (18-55 in Rome for example).  Small cameras are also unobtrusive and do not look like "weapons of mass destruction".

Baltic Sea

Lauternbrunnen Switzerland

Jerusalem

Klöntal Sw

Helsinki. Oodi library

cloud woman wrote:

xb70fan wrote:

I’ve never found my X-E3 slow. Paired with the Lensmate thumb rest it’s one of the most comfortable cameras I’ve owned. My only complaint would be battery life. I use it in high performance mode.

I wish Fuji would give us a fast 35 or 40mm equivalent prime with an aperture ring. I use the 23/2 a lot, and sometimes pine for an X100 ... but the X-E3 is so versatile.

Thanks, that's good to know. With a prime, I assume it wouldn't need a grip. What about with the 18-55?

Lenses are another topic I have to tackle. I've been playing with a 27mm pancake on my Canon, and that's been fun, but not so fun that I would go with Fuji X100F, at least not yet. I think I'll want some of versatility. I've looked at the 23/2, also the 35/2. I imagine I'll end up with the 18-55 to start, but am curious about the handling. I don't want to go back to toting a lot of stuff.

The 18-55 pairs very well with the X-E3. Personally, a grip for this type of camera is overkill, and negates it’s small size. If you were using larger zooms more regularly then I suspect you’d have a larger camera body.

the X-E3 shines with the smaller Fujicrons. The 35/1.4 looks a tad large, but still doesn’t need a grip.

I use the 55-230 on occasion, and use it without a grip. That handling combo is “satisfactory”. I’m ok with it, as it’s my least used lens.

For me, it’s mostly the 23/2 and 18-55. I may look at replacing the 18-55 with the 16-80. That depends on the reviews. The 18-55 is small and razor sharp.

KariP wrote:

cloud woman wrote:

KariP wrote:

cloud woman wrote:

xb70fan wrote:

I’ve never found my X-E3 slow. Paired with the Lensmate thumb rest it’s one of the most comfortable cameras I’ve owned. My only complaint would be battery life. I use it in high performance mode.

I wish Fuji would give us a fast 35 or 40mm equivalent prime with an aperture ring. I use the 23/2 a lot, and sometimes pine for an X100 ... but the X-E3 is so versatile.

Thanks, that's good to know. With a prime, I assume it wouldn't need a grip. What about with the 18-55?

Lenses are another topic I have to tackle. I've been playing with a 27mm pancake on my Canon, and that's been fun, but not so fun that I would go with Fuji X100F, at least not yet. I think I'll want some of versatility. I've looked at the 23/2, also the 35/2. I imagine I'll end up with the 18-55 to start, but am curious about the handling. I don't want to go back to toting a lot of stuff.

I bought my first Fujifilm camera X-E1 several years ago with 18-55 ... it is still the lens I travel with and it is a lens that I have used for 90% my better images. No 2 is 10-24 .

People say they really absolutely need primes - I'm not sure for what. 56f1,2 is a great lens for example, but it is made for a special shallow DOF purpose. I travel with 18-55 and 10-24 - both OIS lenses !

Part of the appeal of primes for me is the idea of paring down to one or two focal lengths and being creative with them. But sometimes you just like having that zoom!

X-E3 is not especially good for difficult fast moving subjects - keeper rate of images of a kid having fun in a swing is guide low compared to my 5DMkIV. Or things like sports or BIF...

Yeah, BIF would be fun; I used to shoot some football, but no more. I might want to shoot some fast-moving things, so maybe that's a concern here.

For everything else X-E3 is just great. And very portable.

Portable is getting to be more of a thing for me, for sure.

Didn't you just love your 40D? Mine's still going strong, but since we can have a few more megapixels now, I'd like to have them. I'll be glad to leave CF cards behind, too.

After 40D I bought 7D. and that is sold and then bought a FF and so on... of course 40D was a very good camera to start with some 12 years ago !

I spend very much of my time by the sea/ at sea or archipelago in Hanko and the light is often quite contrasty. Dynamic range of a sensor is important IMO. Fujifilm cameras are especially suitable for some seaside landscapes and traveling .

Canon cameras have other good sides - like fast AF, ergonomics etc - and 5DMkIV has also decent DR (like 80D). Very nice to carry the load in a big backpack

Ha, yes, that's a load for sure. I used to do a backpack, but I just won't anymore. FF has never tempted me, because I don't want to hesitate about what I want or don't want to carry. Well, also the price. Photography isn't my only hobby.

I've always loved Canon and have always had at least a point-and-shoot of theirs alongside my larger cameras.

It is just so easy to walk around and travel with a smaller lightweight system in a smaller shoulder bag . I did some trips with just one lens (18-55 in Rome for example). Small cameras are also unobtrusive and do not look like "weapons of mass destruction".

These are gorgeous images.

Baltic Sea

Lauternbrunnen Switzerland

Jerusalem

Klöntal Sw

Helsinki. Oodi library