My Quick Review of Fuji X-E4 kit

The X-E4 camera is a nice size, only very slightly larger than my X30 (not talking about the X-T30 here). Weight is quite nice and light. Build does not seem flimsy to me.
The power off-on switch design is the best I've seen so far. It's small, not too tight, not easily turned on while putting the camera into your camera bag.
The joystick easily replaces the four "selector" buttons seen on older cameras. It is easy to navigate menus using it, and press it in to make settings. There is also an OK button, so there are two ways to make menu setting. Joystick haptics are very good.
Some have complained about the "mushy" feel of the three rear buttons, and I agree. A more definite haptic click would be nice. The buttons on the top cover are much better in my opinion.
The body is really a bar-of-soap design, maybe a little bit slippery but I'm using a neck strap so it is ok. I think the Fuji thumb rest (when it becomes available) will be very helpful. I've ordered a Peak Design wrist strap. Blank areas on front and rear near the right side give me lots of room to grip. I like this.
The EV compensation knob is smaller, so it is less easily turned by mistake. I like it.
The front command dial is easily turned without using enough pressure to press it in. This is much better than the one on my X-T3.
I like the strap loops. They are slots really, not requiring a split ring to mate to the strap. I'm using Peak Design components and they fit just fine.
The battery/SD card cover is quite like others on X-E1 etc. Nothing to complain about unless you prefer the deluxe battery cover on the X-T3.
The EVF works fine for me. Your results may vary. I had a similar one on my X-T100, and this one might even be a little bit better. I have mine set up to use the EVF on eye-detect, and not to use the LCD at all. This still uses the LCD for reviewing images though. I'm a glasses wearer, and I do find it a little bit hard to see ALL of the viewfinder image, but moving my eye around just a little is enough to see all the corners. I just can't see all the corners at once. This is normal for the 17mm eye relief spec. I have the same thing in my X30, and my X-T100 was also the same.
The rear LCD is quite nice. I haven't used the flip out features.
I turned off all touch functions. I'm a left-eye guy, so my nose is always up against that LCD. The other buttons are plenty enough for me. I assigned the AEL/AFL button to bring up the live color histogram, and I am using the unmarked function button to bring up the 3-D electronic level.
With touch functions turned off, I find it easy to shoot manual lenses. I move the focus point with the joystick, then press it in to fix the focus point where I want it, then press again to bring up the focus magnifier. Very seamless!
I've never moved the shutter speed dial off the "A" (automatic) setting, for the kit lens and for manual lenses.
Setting the focus mode to manual or autofocus is a little bit of a menu dive for me, but I don't often need to change it. Also, setting the focal length of the manual lens I am using is a menu dive, and I'm not willing to commit a function button to this (actually, this is not something I can choose for any function button on any Fuji I have ever owned. It would be nice to have it as a choice though.)
Mostly I shoot stills and no video.
I like to shoot in ISO bracketing. The write time for my SD card is a few seconds per image, but 6 files are written per image! Data rate on my particular SD card is 60mb/s max.
I've done some brick-wall shots to try to find out how well the sensor is aligned to the focal plane. I used two lenses for these tests, the kit lens and my Fuji XF 50mm F2 R WR lens. Generally the camera seems a tiny bit weak on the left, but this seems to be an issue with all my Fujis so it might just be me. The problem is minimal if it exists at all. I've had lenses that seem to show problems, but the problems disappeared when I used the lens correctly. So, I'm not sure I have an issue with sensor alignment quite yet. The jury is still out.
The XF 27mm F2.8 R WR kit lens is tiny and very good optically. It "jumps" a little bit when I power-up and power-down, and when I review images after shooting with it. Just a small quirk. I have put a Fuji PRF-39 clear protector filter on the front, which works fine. The lens came with a pinch cap but no hood, so I am considering what to do about a lens hood, if any. I'll probably just do without a hood.
In manual focus mode, it focuses a little bit "jumpy" in my opinion. Not a serious issue though. My XF 50mm F2 R WR lens is better.
I've been using the electronic shutter exclusively, so far. The mechanical shutter works fine, but I like the short click sound of the electronic shutter. Also, this does not cycle the mechanical shutter at all, so there is no wear and there won't be any tiny oil splatters on the sensor either. These oil splatters have not been a problem on previous Fuji cameras, but they have been a problem with other manufacturer's cameras. I have not seen any insurmountable problems with the electronic shutter, except for a little blurring of fast motion. But I don't do much of that sort of photography either. I like being able to choose the mechanical shutter if necessary.

Also, since this camera is not weather resistant, I bought a 3-year drops and spills warranty (third party) for $109. It's less to worry about, but what they say about insurance is that if you buy it you will never need it.

Here is a check shot using my Fuji 50mm F2 WR lens:

18mb download for full-res (6240x3510). Focus point is at center of lower hand rail.

Hi Tom,

Thanks for your detailed thoughts.  Interesting to see another left-eyed shooter who finds touch screens frustrating.  (I've turned mine completely off in my XT4.)  Did you by any chance try it with an 18-55 at all (obviously if you have one)?

Cheers, Rod

Thanks for your impressions. I managed to get the Fuji kit that comes with the Arca style grip and bottom plate (I use the camera on the tripod a lot), plus the thumbgrip.

Hi, a wonderfully informative review, which for me is helpful. I am on the fence about upgrading my XE3/27 Mk I to the XE4/27 Mk II. I have a kit on order, still no sign of it at my retail outlet (they do have bodies only) here in the UK.

In relation to the cost of change, for which I would gain minimal image quality improvement I am grappling with, in my opinion, the worse ergonomics versus better internals.

The 27 Mk II comes, I believe, with a nice lens hood. However, from all that I have seen, the kit version omits the hood. Is that the case? Can ono get one independently? Fujifilm UK shows that one is available (£9.99), but out of stock.

Currently, I use a wide angle one like this off eBay, which works well on the 27 Mk I:

Ø 39mm Lens Hood for Fuji Fujinon XF 27mm f/2.8 | eBay

Thanks for writing up your views - appreciated.

Ken Prager wrote:

Thanks for your review! 😉

Are you comfortable with the way your 50mm f2 balances on your X-E4 without the accessory grip? The 27mm & 50mm should make an awesome compact combo! Where did you find your warranty?

The 50 F2 is very light, and I think even a little heavier lens would balance well without the accessory grip.  I have not ordered a grip but I have ordered the thumb rest.  I do not intend to order the accessory grip.  I have a thumb rest on my X-E1 and it is fine for all my lenses.

Extended warranty was offered on the B&H website after I put the item in my cart. You have to put it in your cart to see the third party warranty options.

Rod McD wrote:

Hi Tom,

Thanks for your detailed thoughts. Interesting to see another left-eyed shooter who finds touch screens frustrating. (I've turned mine completely off in my XT4.) Did you by any chance try it with an 18-55 at all (obviously if you have one)?

Cheers, Rod

Sorry I have only the two Fuji lenses: 28mm F2.8 WR and 50mm F2 WR.

biza43 wrote:

Thanks for your impressions. I managed to get the Fuji kit that comes with the Arca style grip and bottom plate (I use the camera on the tripod a lot), plus the thumbgrip.

I ordered the thumb grip but not the accessory grip with bottom plate.

I want to avoid bulk, but I did notice last night that the location of the tripod mount screw threads requires me to completely remove the tripod adapter plate before I can get the battery or SD card out.  And, that screw thread is not directly under the center of the lens either.

This is, to me, inconvenient.  However, I can live with it.  I do intend to use a tripod more, and might change my mind later!

jhorse wrote:

Hi, a wonderfully informative review, which for me is helpful. I am on the fence about upgrading my XE3/27 Mk I to the XE4/27 Mk II. I have a kit on order, still no sign of it at my retail outlet (they do have bodies only) here in the UK.

In relation to the cost of change, for which I would gain minimal image quality improvement I am grappling with, in my opinion, the worse ergonomics versus better internals.

The 27 Mk II comes, I believe, with a nice lens hood. However, from all that I have seen, the kit version omits the hood. Is that the case? Can ono get one independently? Fujifilm UK shows that one is available (£9.99), but out of stock.

Currently, I use a wide angle one like this off eBay, which works well on the 27 Mk I:

Ø 39mm Lens Hood for Fuji Fujinon XF 27mm f/2.8 | eBay

Thanks for writing up your views - appreciated.

If I had a Mark I 27mm lens I wouldn't buy the Mark II, because the front command dial on the X-E4 can be used to adjust the aperture. I haven't tried it but I don't often change my lens aperture. Most lenses I shoot are manual anyway, and when I went out shooting with my Fuji lenses they usually stayed at F5.6.  If you change aperture often it could be worthwhile to upgrade, particularly if you have a X-E4.

I didn't get a hood with my kit lens.

I looked at the lens hood you linked, but I found this one on B&H:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/800620-REG/Heliopan_73019H_39_mm_Metal_Lens.html

It looks good, and it's in stock. This has the nice advantage that the 39mm pinch type lens cover fits on the front of the hood. It is $27.80, not too expensive, but for now I am getting along just fine without a hood.

One possible issue here is that the filter mount on the Mark II lens (as well as the front element) moves in and out to focus.  If the hood is too wide it would interfere with the fixed part of the lens and this would be very bad.

I do have a 39mm Fuji clear protector filter on the front, Fuji PRF-39 ($50).  Lens seems to work fine with this filter installed, moving in and out without issue.

B&H also offers the Fuji LH-XF27 hood for $12.99 but they have none in stock. This is the one that comes with the lens if you buy a lens separately, I believe.  If I threaded this on the front of the clear protector filter I might worry a little about vignetting.

A very good review, thanks for sharing your experience.

FYI, Fuji's hood is only included if you buy the lens alone. You can pick it up separately for $13. Regarding a grip, I have a half case for my X100V which has a raised ridge on it and I find that works surprisingly well for a grip without affecting its pocketability.

Ken Prager wrote:

Thanks for your review! 😉

Are you comfortable with the way your 50mm f2 balances on your X-E4 without the accessory grip? The 27mm & 50mm should make an awesome compact combo! Where did you find your warranty?

I've been using the X-E4 without a grip or thumb rest comfortably with both the 35/1.4 and 60/2.4, and that's on 10+ mile hikes so my hands are usually a bit sweaty when I do stop to take pictures.

Both lenses feel very well balanced and I haven't dropped anything yet. I have ordered the 18/1.4 which I suspect won't be too large without a thumb rest but I will absolutely be using the grip with the 70-300 once it comes in.

Gringostarr wrote:

Ken Prager wrote:

Thanks for your review! 😉

Are you comfortable with the way your 50mm f2 balances on your X-E4 without the accessory grip? The 27mm & 50mm should make an awesome compact combo! Where did you find your warranty?

I've been using the X-E4 without a grip or thumb rest comfortably with both the 35/1.4 and 60/2.4, and that's on 10+ mile hikes so my hands are usually a bit sweaty when I do stop to take pictures.

Both lenses feel very well balanced and I haven't dropped anything yet. I have ordered the 18/1.4 which I suspect won't be too large without a thumb rest but I will absolutely be using the grip with the 70-300 once it comes in.

Yes I think the complaints about the ergonomics of the X-E4 have been a little bit over the top on this forum, and it is just fine basically.

I think the Fuji thumb rest I've ordered will do me just fine for almost all of the shooting I plan.  For a long zoom, the accessory grip might be appropriate, I agree.

Adso of Melk wrote:

Good review.

I believe that many who criticize the X-E4 have never had it in hand. My impressions are similar to the X100V, which costs more because it includes the lens and has a better viewfinder (in addition to the optical viewfinder), but in quality of finishes they are very similar, If there are differences they are minimal.

...and a leaf shutter, and a built in flash (that can sync at 1/1000 with the lens wide open without vignetting), and a 4-stop neutral density filter, and greater weather resistance, and an all-metal chassis, a rear dial, more customisable buttons...

You get a lot of desirable features for your extra money!

Lou Capeloto over in your X-E4 vs X100V thread stated that he regarded the X100V as being better built than the X-E4, and he owned both cameras simultaneously.

I had both the X-E3 and X100F together for a couple of years. Flimsy X100F battery compartment door aside, both were very well made. However (that battery door notwithstanding), the X100F was a more "premium" feeling unit. X100 cameras have an all-metal chassis, whereas the X-E range uses a polycarbonate chassis with a metal top and bottom plate, which probably partly accounts for some of the difference in build quality perception. If memory serves, the buttons on the X100F were also a tad larger and thus felt more positive.

Perhaps the X-E4 has closed the gap in "feel", although I'm sceptical. Fuji clearly differentiates between the two lines and markets the X100 line as being a step up. I'm not knocking the X-E line. I really liked my X-E3 and if I didn't have too many cameras already I'd have kept it. If you hid the EXIF data, no one could tell that an X-E3 image wasn't from an X-T2 or X-H1. It punched well above its weight and for the price was a bargain, I thought.

Adso of Melk wrote:

notchy wrote:

Adso of Melk wrote:

Good review.

I believe that many who criticize the X-E4 have never had it in hand. My impressions are similar to the X100V, which costs more because it includes the lens and has a better viewfinder (in addition to the optical viewfinder), but in quality of finishes they are very similar, If there are differences they are minimal.

...and a leaf shutter, and a built in flash (that can sync at 1/1000 with the lens wide open without vignetting), and a 4-stop neutral density filter, and greater weather resistance, and an all-metal chassis, a rear dial, more customisable buttons...

You get a lot of desirable features for your extra money!

Lou Capeloto over in your X-E4 vs X100V thread stated that he regarded the X100V as being better built than the X-E4, and he owned both cameras simultaneously.

I had both the X-E3 and X100F together for a couple of years. Flimsy X100F battery compartment door aside, both were very well made. However (that battery door notwithstanding), the X100F was a more "premium" feeling unit. X100 cameras have an all-metal chassis, whereas the X-E range uses a polycarbonate chassis with a metal top and bottom plate, which probably partly accounts for some of the difference in build quality perception. If memory serves, the buttons on the X100F were also a tad larger and thus felt more positive.

Perhaps the X-E4 has closed the gap in "feel", although I'm sceptical. Fuji clearly differentiates between the two lines and markets the X100 line as being a step up. I'm not knocking the X-E line. I really liked my X-E3 and if I didn't have too many cameras already I'd have kept it. If you hid the EXIF data, no one could tell that an X-E3 image wasn't from an X-T2 or X-H1. It punched well above its weight and for the price was a bargain, I thought.

The X-E4 has a magnesium alloy internal chassis. For me the construction is identical, if there is any difference in quality it cannot be seen with the naked eye.

I'm not talking about what the camera looks like, but what it feels like to hold and use.

I think you'll find it's only the top plate on the X-E4 that's magnesium alloy. The chassis is plastic as it was on the X-E3.

Regardless, with the X100V you get a lot of extra features for your money. It isn't just an X-E4 with a fixed lens.

Thanks for the review, Tom.  Your impressions are consistent with mine.  I’ve shot with a thumb grip and a wrist strap for many years and frankly the XE4 feels pretty much the same as my other camera have.  I’ve moved the thumb grip from the XP-2(which I’ll sell now) and see no need for additional Fuji grips or attachments.