X-E3 or X-E4 in 2022?

Hello, I'm now considering getting an X-E camera as my daily camera for photos only (not video). I need some suggestions about picking X-E3 or X-E4 in 2022.

First, it has been years after X-E3 has been released. Is it still good to get X-E3 over X-E4 for the price (see the following section) and the similar/close performance? I have read several posts about X-E4 being considered as a downgrade for certain people. And compared to the upgrade by Sony, it seems that the improvement is incremental for me as well.

Second, price. Since I have two Sony cameras as my prime set, I'm not expected to spend too much on this one. Actually, I considered getting X100V before. But it was too expensive (>$1200) right now. For X-E, I can get X-E3 with 23f2 for $760, or X-E3 with 18-55 2.8-4 for $800, or X-E4 for $749, or X-E4 with 27f2.8 for $949. All these three lens have both positive and negative reviews. Compared to Sony EF users, it seems that Fujifilm users have more varied preferences and it is what makes me hesitant to select one. I mainly use 28mm and 35mm lens in Sony. So both 23f2 and 27f2.8 seem to be good for me. The only drawback of 23f2 is that the lens is longer to fit in the bag compared to the lens on X100V. So even after getting 23f2, I may sell/trade it for the smaller lens for the daily carry. (Please correct me if 23f2 is not big as my expectation!)

In the end, what's your opinion/suggestion? Thanks a lot!

Personally, I'd pick the more feature rich X-T20 over either of them.

As the X-E4 is far too dumbed down for my liking - No external MCS AF switch, no rear command dial etc., I'd pick almost any relatively modern Fuji over it. I wish the X-E3 had a tilt screen and more customizable buttons, but I'd still much prefer it over the X-E4, that missing MCS switch is an absolute deal breaker for me.

CheckT wrote:

Hello, I'm now considering getting an X-E camera as my daily camera for photos only (not video). I need some suggestions about picking X-E3 or X-E4 in 2022.

First, it has been years after X-E3 has been released. Is it still good to get X-E3 over X-E4 for the price (see the following section) and the similar/close performance? I have read several posts about X-E4 being considered as a downgrade for certain people. And compared to the upgrade by Sony, it seems that the improvement is incremental for me as well.

Second, price. Since I have two Sony cameras as my prime set, I'm not expected to spend too much on this one. Actually, I considered getting X100V before. But it was too expensive (>$1200) right now. For X-E, I can get X-E3 with 23f2 for $760, or X-E3 with 18-55 2.8-4 for $800, or X-E4 for $749, or X-E4 with 27f2.8 for $949. All these three lens have both positive and negative reviews. Compared to Sony EF users, it seems that Fujifilm users have more varied preferences and it is what makes me hesitant to select one. I mainly use 28mm and 35mm lens in Sony. So both 23f2 and 27f2.8 seem to be good for me. The only drawback of 23f2 is that the lens is longer to fit in the bag compared to the lens on X100V. So even after getting 23f2, I may sell/trade it for the smaller lens for the daily carry. (Please correct me if 23f2 is not big as my expectation!)

In the end, what's your opinion/suggestion? Thanks a lot!

What Sonys? What are your Sonys not doing for you ? Why not an a6xxx series and use your existing stuff.

You really can’t go wrong with any of the 4 options you listed… really.

Check camerasize.com to see how large the lenses are.

maltmoose wrote:

If you want compact and good value, Xe3 and 27 f2.8 imo, if you need longer get the 35 1.4.

Id skip the 23 f2 and go straight to 23 f1.4 wr if size money no issue.

Xe4 has poor ergo and dumbed down, marketing calls it simplied aka give you less and charge you more. It has better af.

Dont be that guy that buys a whacking great addon grip for fuji smallest mirroless camera, just get an xt2 instead or xs10.

Hey. Wait a minute. I am “that guy!” 😉

The XE4 has quite possibly become my favorite camera.

nurseMarty wrote:

Or XT30. Small.Light. Interchange lens. Lot of buttons to customize.

The X-T30 has a dumb Q button you most likely have to disable or reassign, and it's also missing the X-T20's d-pad (4 more custom buttons gone), I wouldn't really say a "lot of buttons" applies here. Better than the X-E4, though.

I know video isn’t your thing. The video is ~70% of the XT3. No IBIS. Man I really like IBIS. Match it with a Fujicron. Done.

I bought a 3rd party grip because the body is a little too small for me. PERFECT.

I would strongly suggest looking at the XT30 vs. the EX3 or 4.

Mask On Nurse Marty

CheckT wrote:

Hello, I'm now considering getting an X-E camera as my daily camera for photos only (not video). I need some suggestions about picking X-E3 or X-E4 in 2022.

First, it has been years after X-E3 has been released. Is it still good to get X-E3 over X-E4 for the price (see the following section) and the similar/close performance? I have read several posts about X-E4 being considered as a downgrade for certain people. And compared to the upgrade by Sony, it seems that the improvement is incremental for me as well.

Second, price. Since I have two Sony cameras as my prime set, I'm not expected to spend too much on this one. Actually, I considered getting X100V before. But it was too expensive (>$1200) right now. For X-E, I can get X-E3 with 23f2 for $760, or X-E3 with 18-55 2.8-4 for $800, or X-E4 for $749, or X-E4 with 27f2.8 for $949. All these three lens have both positive and negative reviews. Compared to Sony EF users, it seems that Fujifilm users have more varied preferences and it is what makes me hesitant to select one. I mainly use 28mm and 35mm lens in Sony. So both 23f2 and 27f2.8 seem to be good for me. The only drawback of 23f2 is that the lens is longer to fit in the bag compared to the lens on X100V. So even after getting 23f2, I may sell/trade it for the smaller lens for the daily carry. (Please correct me if 23f2 is not big as my expectation!)

In the end, what's your opinion/suggestion? Thanks a lot!

Here's my experience having entered the XE line with a XE3 and upgraded to the XE4. Both are great cameras and in side by side image comparison, I doubt many people could tell any image quality difference (lens and technique will have a larger influence of IQ). There is one noticeable difference/improvement from the XE3 to XE4 - AF.

So, here is my take. While the XE4 ostensively has a few less physical controls, it can be set up to taste and shooting style. I do not understand the so-called dumbing down view, but in fairness I changed my mined. See:

XE4 - I was wrong: Fujifilm X System / SLR Talk Forum: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

In fact, if one shoots stills and in aperture priority, the ergonomics, in my opinion, on the XE4 are faster, easier and better.

I opted for the kit: XE4/27WR. I did consider a X100V, but for lens flexibility opted for the XE4/27.

I also have a XT4, but I have to say that the XE4, often with the 18-55, does get more use and is carried more often. Hope that helps.

Either camera is very capable, so it comes down to preferences. The stream lined interface and tilt screen of the X-E4, or the additional physical controls but fixed screen of the X-E3. If your shooting subjects tend to need the best possible AF, the X-E4 will offer generational improvements in that regard which the X-E3 does not.

As far as the lens goes, again, your subject matter and shooting preference should dictate that, rather than a democratic recommendation of users with potentially wildly varying subject matter and shooting preference.

I concur with those above who say that you can't go wrong with either camera, nor any of the lens options you listed. By and large, there are few - if any - duds in the Fuji lens selection.

rla1022 wrote:

CheckT wrote:

Hello, I'm now considering getting an X-E camera as my daily camera for photos only (not video). I need some suggestions about picking X-E3 or X-E4 in 2022.

First, it has been years after X-E3 has been released. Is it still good to get X-E3 over X-E4 for the price (see the following section) and the similar/close performance? I have read several posts about X-E4 being considered as a downgrade for certain people. And compared to the upgrade by Sony, it seems that the improvement is incremental for me as well.

Second, price. Since I have two Sony cameras as my prime set, I'm not expected to spend too much on this one. Actually, I considered getting X100V before. But it was too expensive (>$1200) right now. For X-E, I can get X-E3 with 23f2 for $760, or X-E3 with 18-55 2.8-4 for $800, or X-E4 for $749, or X-E4 with 27f2.8 for $949. All these three lens have both positive and negative reviews. Compared to Sony EF users, it seems that Fujifilm users have more varied preferences and it is what makes me hesitant to select one. I mainly use 28mm and 35mm lens in Sony. So both 23f2 and 27f2.8 seem to be good for me. The only drawback of 23f2 is that the lens is longer to fit in the bag compared to the lens on X100V. So even after getting 23f2, I may sell/trade it for the smaller lens for the daily carry. (Please correct me if 23f2 is not big as my expectation!)

In the end, what's your opinion/suggestion? Thanks a lot!

What Sonys? What are your Sonys not doing for you ? Why not an a6xxx series and use your existing stuff.

I have A7II set for photos and ZV1 for video now. But I sometimes feel that A7 with lens is a little bit heavy/big for me to carray every day. Even my shortest/lightest Zessis 25F2 lens is still heavier/longer than the heaviest XF18-55 of those three listed lenses.

DarnGoodPhotos wrote:

Check camerasize.com to see how large the lenses are.

Yes! That's the website I used to see the size.

maltmoose wrote:

If you want compact and good value, Xe3 and 27 f2.8 imo, if you need longer get the 35 1.4.

Id skip the 23 f2 and go straight to 23 f1.4 wr if size money no issue.

Xe4 has poor ergo and dumbed down, marketing calls it simplied aka give you less and charge you more. It has better af.

Dont be that guy that buys a whacking great addon grip for fuji smallest mirroless camera, just get an xt2 instead or xs10.

That's what I think if I'll get X-E3 kit (unfortunately, Fuji corp website doesn't carry the body only for sale now), if 23 f2 is too big to fit in my backpack, I'll trade the lens for the pancake 27 f2.8 if it can work in some indoor places with good light.

For grip, I will use the cuff anyway. So I don't think I will buy the grip to add more weight XD

This - Sony APS-C.  Nice and small, backup to a big camera, interchangeable.  I think Fuji is a really good brand but if you are already a Sony or Nikon user their APS ranges make more sense.

CheckT wrote:

rla1022 wrote:

CheckT wrote:

Hello, I'm now considering getting an X-E camera as my daily camera for photos only (not video). I need some suggestions about picking X-E3 or X-E4 in 2022.

First, it has been years after X-E3 has been released. Is it still good to get X-E3 over X-E4 for the price (see the following section) and the similar/close performance? I have read several posts about X-E4 being considered as a downgrade for certain people. And compared to the upgrade by Sony, it seems that the improvement is incremental for me as well.

Second, price. Since I have two Sony cameras as my prime set, I'm not expected to spend too much on this one. Actually, I considered getting X100V before. But it was too expensive (>$1200) right now. For X-E, I can get X-E3 with 23f2 for $760, or X-E3 with 18-55 2.8-4 for $800, or X-E4 for $749, or X-E4 with 27f2.8 for $949. All these three lens have both positive and negative reviews. Compared to Sony EF users, it seems that Fujifilm users have more varied preferences and it is what makes me hesitant to select one. I mainly use 28mm and 35mm lens in Sony. So both 23f2 and 27f2.8 seem to be good for me. The only drawback of 23f2 is that the lens is longer to fit in the bag compared to the lens on X100V. So even after getting 23f2, I may sell/trade it for the smaller lens for the daily carry. (Please correct me if 23f2 is not big as my expectation!)

In the end, what's your opinion/suggestion? Thanks a lot!

What Sonys? What are your Sonys not doing for you ? Why not an a6xxx series and use your existing stuff.

I have A7II set for photos and ZV1 for video now. But I sometimes feel that A7 with lens is a little bit heavy/big for me to carray every day. Even my shortest/lightest Zessis 25F2 lens is still heavier/longer than the heaviest XF18-55 of those three listed lenses.

The Fujis you are considering (as well as current Sony APS-C options) will all at least match or, in most areas, exceed the capabilities of the old A7II, including high ISO performance. It’s full frame, but its sensor was old-tech even when it was new.

I was fully vested in Fuji for quite a while. Last year I sold the last remnants of my kit and went all in on Nikon mirrorless mostly for the fantastic Z lenses for birding (500PF, 100-400mm, 800mm PF). I felt at that time is was right to make the move but after a while I craved for a smaller camera (cough..fuji) and decided to buy back into Fuji with an XE4. I wanted the newest BSI 26 MP sensor and didn't want big so it was clear what I should get. The tilt screen is a big bonus as well. IBIS wasn't a need for me. Neither was lens OIS. I had a X-T1, X-T20, and XT2 so didn't want an XT-4 or XH2. I also had a Sony A7II and a couple of their primes...notsogood.

I now have the 27mm 2.8 WR and 35mm f/2. I took it to Chicago a couple of weeks ago and got some terrific images. I am now contemplating a wide prime for interiors and landscapes. But I am also going to continue investing in Nikon as well.

GreatOceanSoftware wrote:

maltmoose wrote:

If you want compact and good value, Xe3 and 27 f2.8 imo, if you need longer get the 35 1.4.

Id skip the 23 f2 and go straight to 23 f1.4 wr if size money no issue.

Xe4 has poor ergo and dumbed down, marketing calls it simplied aka give you less and charge you more. It has better af.

Dont be that guy that buys a whacking great addon grip for fuji smallest mirroless camera, just get an xt2 instead or xs10.

Hey. Wait a minute. I am “that guy!” 😉

The XE4 has quite possibly become my favorite camera.

I’m also.  I bought the grip to go on my new xe 4 to Male it look like my xpro3

jhorse wrote:

CheckT wrote:

Hello, I'm now considering getting an X-E camera as my daily camera for photos only (not video). I need some suggestions about picking X-E3 or X-E4 in 2022.

First, it has been years after X-E3 has been released. Is it still good to get X-E3 over X-E4 for the price (see the following section) and the similar/close performance? I have read several posts about X-E4 being considered as a downgrade for certain people. And compared to the upgrade by Sony, it seems that the improvement is incremental for me as well.

Second, price. Since I have two Sony cameras as my prime set, I'm not expected to spend too much on this one. Actually, I considered getting X100V before. But it was too expensive (>$1200) right now. For X-E, I can get X-E3 with 23f2 for $760, or X-E3 with 18-55 2.8-4 for $800, or X-E4 for $749, or X-E4 with 27f2.8 for $949. All these three lens have both positive and negative reviews. Compared to Sony EF users, it seems that Fujifilm users have more varied preferences and it is what makes me hesitant to select one. I mainly use 28mm and 35mm lens in Sony. So both 23f2 and 27f2.8 seem to be good for me. The only drawback of 23f2 is that the lens is longer to fit in the bag compared to the lens on X100V. So even after getting 23f2, I may sell/trade it for the smaller lens for the daily carry. (Please correct me if 23f2 is not big as my expectation!)

In the end, what's your opinion/suggestion? Thanks a lot!

Here's my experience having entered the XE line with a XE3 and upgraded to the XE4. Both are great cameras and in side by side image comparison, I doubt many people could tell any image quality difference (lens and technique will have a larger influence of IQ). There is one noticeable difference/improvement from the XE3 to XE4 - AF.

So, here is my take. While the XE4 ostensively has a few less physical controls, it can be set up to taste and shooting style. I do not understand the so-called dumbing down view, but in fairness I changed my mined. See:

XE4 - I was wrong: Fujifilm X System / SLR Talk Forum: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

In fact, if one shoots stills and in aperture priority, the ergonomics, in my opinion, on the XE4 are faster, easier and better.

I opted for the kit: XE4/27WR. I did consider a X100V, but for lens flexibility opted for the XE4/27.

I also have a XT4, but I have to say that the XE4, often with the 18-55, does get more use and is carried more often. Hope that helps.

Thanks for your post! It is very helpful!

Yes, I can't tell the difference between XE3 and XE4 images posted online and that's why I think the improvement from 3 to 4 is incremental.

For 27WR, based on your post and the sample images posted online, somehow I feel that the image quality of 27F2.8 is observable low compared to the F2 lens. Would you think 27F2.8 makes you hard to take some photos at some certain places/time (e.g., indoor/evening before sunset)?

For AF improvement, how do you feel about the AF on X-E3 before? Was it difficult to accurately and fast capture the object? Because I didn't see many complaints about the Fuji AF after Xpro1, if it can work, it won't be a problem IMO.