What do you think of used XE-3 as gateway to Fuji ILC system?

Hi there.  I shoot Nikon Z and have a Fuji X100s.  I've always been Fuji curious, but don't want to spend XT4 money to test the waters of Fuji ILC.

I'm seeing some very good deals on used XE-3s out there, for $500-$600 for the body.  What do you think of the XE-3 as a gateway drug to the rest of the Fuji ILC system?

I don't really care all that much about having the latest and greatest AF.

An excellent choice  !

Virtually indistinguishable IQ to latest gen sensor; much improved operating speed compared to the generation before it. The X-E3, X-T20, and X-T2 are the best bang for your buck in the used Fuji market, in my opinion. Which model you'd want to choose depends primarily on your handling preferences and how relevant size and weight are to your use case. The X-T2 offers a superior EVF, weather resistant sealing and more physical dials in a larger, heavier case. The X-E3 and X-T20 make for very portable and light cameras, with largely identical performance. I don't think you can go wrong with any of the three.

While the generation before it (X-E2[s], X-T10, X-T1) still takes great images and is even cheaper, they might not be the most compelling representation of Fuji's capabilities today, due to the slower operating speed, AF and overall improvements in the successor models.

Phil Flash wrote:

Hi there. I shoot Nikon Z and have a Fuji X100s. I've always been Fuji curious, but don't want to spend XT4 money to test the waters of Fuji ILC.

I'm seeing some very good deals on used XE-3s out there, for $500-$600 for the body. What do you think of the XE-3 as a gateway drug to the rest of the Fuji ILC system?

I don't really care all that much about having the latest and greatest AF.

I love the X-E3. I have one that comes with me in my shoulder bag wherever I go, with a 35/1.4 attached.

Phil Flash wrote:

Hi there. I shoot Nikon Z and have a Fuji X100s. I've always been Fuji curious, but don't want to spend XT4 money to test the waters of Fuji ILC.

I'm seeing some very good deals on used XE-3s out there, for $500-$600 for the body. What do you think of the XE-3 as a gateway drug to the rest of the Fuji ILC system?

I don't really care all that much about having the latest and greatest AF.

While I like my xe3 a lot, I use it in a similar fashion as you probably use the x100s, usually with the 27, or if I’m shooting 2 bodies at once with an alternate lens. Since you already have a small portable, I’d get the x-t2 instead to try Fuji’s version of the z6.

uniball wrote:

I don’t feel $500-$600 for an XE3 is particularly compelling. XE2’s probably offer a far more attractive price with an arguably more attractive camera.

Should be able to get them cheaper. I got a minty one in box for $410 before taxes/shipping within the last 6 months. At least, on eBay you can get them for this...retailers probably 500-600.

As someone who owns both X-E2 and X-E3, I am not quite sure where the nostalgia/following of the older sensor generation comes from.

I find that the additional cost of the X-E3 is well worth it over a used X-E2. Faster AF, front command dial, AF joystick, much improved video. Unless you can't live without a D-Pad, the X-E3 is a superior camera in most ways.

Having recently bought a second X-E3 for the equivalent of 400 USD, I see few reasons to instead buy a camera with internals from 2013 (the X-E2s was no more than a refresh of the X-E2), even if it costs half as much.

It's a nice camera but for that price you can get a nice x-t2. Unless you prefer the smaller body or RF style I'd get the x-t2. I've even seen some x-t3s going for 700.

But to answer your question, you'll enjoy it and it's been many people's gateway drug into Fuji 

uniball wrote:

I do prefer the 25/26 mp sensors. But I get quality files from both. The rest I accept whatever they decide to incorporate on whatever camera I buy. It’s the results that count and the camera has little to do with that. Spend less, get comparable, sounds pretty good to me.

I agree that the output/IQ of the 16Mpix sensors is pretty close to the 25/26MPix sensors. High ISO performance is also more than useable. The X-E2's noise reduction tends to sometimes wipe out detail, even when turned all the way down.

But there are plenty of QOL and performance improvements in the X-E3 to appreciate:  Front command dial, AF joystick, C-mode of exp. comp dial (for extended range & command dial assignment), addition of MyMenu, touchscreen for image review (swipe, pinch zoom), general AF improvement and AF-C custom settings, extended Auto-ISO range, Acros, much better video functions and output...

I acknowledge that if you want the lowest barrier of entry, a used X-E2(s) will be cheaper. But in my opinion, if you're planning to stay on a body longer term, the above points are easily worth the additional 200 USD give or take.

Phil Flash wrote:

Hi there. I shoot Nikon Z and have a Fuji X100s. I've always been Fuji curious, but don't want to spend XT4 money to test the waters of Fuji ILC.

I'm seeing some very good deals on used XE-3s out there, for $500-$600 for the body. What do you think of the XE-3 as a gateway drug to the rest of the Fuji ILC system?

I don't really care all that much about having the latest and greatest AF.

It's a great entry point. I use an XT3 and XE3. I still love the XE3. IQ is just as good as current models. AF not quite as fast..but still very good. I shoot action with it. Just pair it with a fujicron F2 lens for fast AF.