Time to upgrade X-E2

I want to replace my xe2 but my head is spinning.

Do I keep my budget low and get a used xe3 or do I splash our and get the xe4?

I sometimes find that just writing on a forum helps my dessision process but I would still like your opinion.

I did think about going xt20 as it offers a lot over the xe2 however, as I also have a xt3, I like the rangefinder style of the xe models

Being simplistic the main advantage of the xe4 over the xe3 is the tilting screen, but for a 2nd camera do I realy need this?

This camera is for simple walk around photography, nothing specific ie holiday snaps, street work etc etc

So folks, wa are you experiences and thought please

I bought an X-E2 a while back and in comparing it to my X-T20, I just couldn't justify keeping the X-E2.

I love the little X-T20 with added Meike grip. Still my favorite walk around camera 🤓

cms239 wrote:

I want to replace my xe2 but my head is spinning.

Do I keep my budget low and get a used xe3 or do I splash our and get the xe4?

I sometimes find that just writing on a forum helps my dessision process but I would still like your opinion.

I did think about going xt20 as it offers a lot over the xe2 however, as I also have a xt3, I like the rangefinder style of the xe models

Being simplistic the main advantage of the xe4 over the xe3 is the tilting screen, but for a 2nd camera do I realy need this?

This camera is for simple walk around photography, nothing specific ie holiday snaps, street work etc etc

So folks, wa are you experiences and thought please

For me, I far prefer the functionality of the X-T20 over the other two. I’d really miss the tilt screen and d-pad with the otherwise nice X-E3, but the missing mechanical MCS AF mode switch and rear command dial on the X-E4 are total dealbreakers for me, I have no interest whatsoever in that one.

Tried to replace my X-E2 few times with X-E3 and X-E4, but that didn't work, so purchased X-E2 again.

X-E2 takes excellent pictures, is durable like a tank, and is joy to shoot with. I own X-T3 and X100V too, but X-E2 remains my absolute favorite camera of all times and is most used as well. If I had to sell all Fuji but keep just one - it would be definitely X-E2.

And if I had to choose just 1 camera but not X-E2, well, it would be X70 then : )) A mini-X-E2 with glued 18.5mm, which I like a lot too!

I started my fujifilm journey with the  X-T3, I then added a used X-E2s. Got spoilt with the X-T3 AF-C/ISO performance, and really struggled to like the X-E2, I then got the X-E3 (used) and found it a better all round camera (for my needs), and sold off the X-E2s.

I know there is alot of chatter about the major design changes for X-E4 (like/dislike), but i think it’s a gem of a camera if the performance is identical / “like” the X-T3, I would probably need to buy accessories like a grip etc (additional costs).

I toyed with the idea of getting the X-Pro range, but i couldn’t justify the cost.. esp if i would be using the EVF most of the time.

Maybe getting a decent used deal for a X-E3 might be good way to go.

But really suggest you get your hands on the X-E4 at a camera store, before you make a decision (if you haven’t done so).  Might make your decision process alot easier (great) or harder (lol).

cms239 wrote:

Raymond L wrote:

But really suggest you get your hands on the X-E4 at a camera store, before you make a decision (if you haven’t done so). Might make your decision process alot easier (great) or harder (lol).

The problem with that is no stores in my area have stock

How urgent do you need to upgrade/how patient are you ? (i.e are you willing to wait 2-3 months for stock, so you can check it out ?)

If you don’t want to wait - that’s makes your decision alot easier.

I tried upgrading and it was a failure. The XE3 and X Pro 2 don't have a good enough EVF, although this tends to just be an issue for some glasses wearers (17mm eye point instead of 23mm). The XT3 was awesome but I like a left EVF.

If you wear glasses tread lightly and compare in person first. I am switching to a Sony A6300 from my X Pro 2, but will never sell the XE2. The Sony has a simple 90 degree flip screen, decent EVF, 24MP and fast autofocus. Both cameras will have their uses.

You haven't really mentioned what it is you hope to gain from upgrading. This would help us understand how options fit that objective.

Personally, I've upgraded from one X-E2 to an X-E3 and then another X-E3 in 2021. I've come to like the X-E3 a lot, and it feels like an X-E2 with improvements in key areas (e.g. AF joystick, add'l front command dial, general operation speed, AF).

Now, having two X-E3s, it's unlikely for both of them to die on me simultaneously. But if they did, I wouldn't hesitate buying another X-E3 in 2022.

cms239 wrote:

I want to replace my xe2 but my head is spinning.

Do I keep my budget low and get a used xe3 or do I splash our and get the xe4?

The key question is: what’s the root of your urge to upgrade? (And then: what would you miss most about the X-E2?)

As with a previous poster, I personally find the ergonomics of the X-E2 practically faultless, so almost any other camera is a step down from that (the exceptions being the X-Pros, and the X100T/F/V come close). So I’ve still yet to try an X-E3, despite the fact that I love the X-Trans III sensor and engine, having had it in the X-T20 and X-T2. (Like you, I find I much prefer the rangefinder format.) I find I can produce much more dramatic treatments out of the X-Trans III than the earlier sensors.

The X-E4 is by all accounts quite a different way of working and the loss of the focus switch is a bigger deal for me than gaining a tilting screen.

For me, an upgrade from an X-E2 might be an X-E3, X-Pro2/3 or X100F/V depending on priorities. If I were in your shoes and uncertain, I’d be looking at either an X-E3 or an X-Pro2. I’m not really tempted by the X-E4, which isn’t to say it’s a bad camera, just that the E series has taken some usability turns that lave me cold. For less than a used E4 you can get a used Pro2, and although I didn’t like its EVF enough to keep it, that one is a step up from the E2 in every other way, whilst still maintaining the superb ergonomics.

cms239 wrote:

I want to replace my xe2 but my head is spinning.

Do I keep my budget low and get a used xe3 or do I splash our and get the xe4?

I sometimes find that just writing on a forum helps my dessision process but I would still like your opinion.

I did think about going xt20 as it offers a lot over the xe2 however, as I also have a xt3, I like the rangefinder style of the xe models

Being simplistic the main advantage of the xe4 over the xe3 is the tilting screen, but for a 2nd camera do I realy need this?

This camera is for simple walk around photography, nothing specific ie holiday snaps, street work etc etc

So folks, wa are you experiences and thought please

It's really a personal preference thing and only you can decide. Handle each camera you are considering. I have an XE-3 and bought a LN XE-4 and prefer the XE-4. I don't miss the 'missing' dials. 

As others said, its important to understand the reason for the update. Is it pure pixel count? Then the XE3 is approbiate, the two additional MP on the XE4 doesn't matter. Is it IQ in general? Well, that comes to the difference between the X-Trans sensors. But from my research on Xpro2 vs XE4, it doesn't matter as well.

I do see a difference in performance between XE3 and XE4, and the XE4 has some nice additional features, e.g. battery charging within the camera. But again, these things can be negligible for you.

Now, regarding the XE4 ergonomics. I read a lot about it, and yes, for some it might be an issue. However, I have enough buttons for customization. And, even with my eye glasses, the EVF works for me.

At the end, you may go for the XE3 which is quite familar to your equipment of today (safe route). Or, if you really want to get the latest features and performance, manage to get your hands on the XE4 - maybe through a fair return policy from an online dealer.

Yours
Markus

Guess you already have read this, but it is a great review on the XE4:

https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/65269473

X-E3 handling vs X-E4 made the decision for me.  I still have the X-E3.

I like light fuji body and xt2 is as far as I am willing to go weight wise. Recently get xt30 and immediately notice it is faster to operate. So I sold my x-e2. Likely I will even get rid of xt2 and stay with xt30.

xt20, xe3 is faster than x-e2 but not that big of difference. You might want to consider either xe4 or xt30, or even x-s10. 
I recommend based on speed is because I tried to ignore it in the beginning, but my hand reach for xt30 more than the xt2 and xe2 in regular bases. Finally I understood what is going on and that is not something I should keep ignoring.

Maybe you could rent a X-E4 for a weekend.

This.  Two people have wondered about what you are looking for in any upgrade and unless you can truly say there is something tangible to get out of a swap then stay as you are.  I got rid of my E2 in a big clear out of gear, mainly because I wanted a 23/2 and the kit with the E3 was really well priced.  It has made no real difference to the photos.