XE-2, XE-3, or X-E4... The Dilemma

For the most compact yet full featured mirrorless camera with a viewfinder, I think you're not going to find a better overall option out there than the XE series. The choice then, I think, is deciding which of the series suits you best. Unfortunately that's not an easy question to answer because Fujifilm has made tweaks to the design every time, especially with the 3rd and 4th iterations compared to the first two highly successful models.

When you factor in the variable of personal preference regarding handling and features, it gets more complicated when you're trying to make a recommendation to someone else. Therefore all I can do is  layout some thoughts and let the natural decision process take its course.

Fact is, I like all four versions of the XE series from Fujifilm, but I do think the 2/3/4 versions are the most relevant to choose from these days. Handling wise, I have to give it up mostly to the X-E2, followed closely by the X-E3, then X-E4. Technology wise, I'd have to give it up to the X-E4, followed closely by the X-E3, and ultimately the X-E2.

When you're doing a direct comparison between the 2/4 models, you'll notice the greatest disparity between the designs, and this is where I think it will help you choose the best of the three.

It gets a bit complicated to recommend one or the other, because the X-E4 not only has some brilliant internal and aesthetic design upgrades to previous models (yes even in the handling department), yet equally head scratching almost frustrating physical design downgrades. This leaves me wondering why Fujifilm just can't get it right.  It appears to me that camera companies are often stricken with tunnel vision syndrome and are unable to see the forest through the trees when making final design decisions.

In the end we, the consumer, are often left with feeling left out in the design consideration process.

So with that said, while the XE2/4 models show the greatest extremes of pro's and con's of the series, I feel the XE3 then splits the difference and offers the closest "goldilox" experience of all.

The XE3 handles better than the XE4, but not quite as good as the XE2. It has better technology internally than the XE2, but that's not quite as good as the XE4. So to me, the question then becomes how close to either extreme the XE3 is.

The answer is, it is very close the XE2 in the handling department, but the XE4 certainly is not. And, it's very close to the XE4 in the internal tech department, but the XE2 certainly is not.

When you look at it that way, it then becomes clear that the X-E3 is the better all round design of the three. And unless the 2/4 models offer something very specific that you cannot live without, the choice on which to recommend to most users becomes clear- and that is the X-E3.

Fact is all four versions of the XE series will leave you wanting something the other version has, but as a photographer you must know what is most important to you most of the time and choose accordingly. As they say, the grass isn't always greener on the other side, and that perfectly applies here to the X-E3 here a majority of the time.

Another perspective, is when you compare the XE series to all the other similar cameras of it's genre- small, compact, full featured cameras with an integrated viewfinder. Fact is, Fujifilm has nailed this genre, and I can clearly recommend the XE series over all of its rivals. And that means any of the three XE cameras mentioned above.

In short, I think the XE series offers the best value in performance and handling over all other makers in this genre. And no matter which one you choose, you're likely to be impressed.

I once said I couldn't live without the X-E2, but after owning an using the X-E4, I realized I couldn't compromise the advantages it had over the the X-E2 any longer. But I also couldn't live with some of the faults of the X-E4 (i.e. a lack of a rear scroll wheel and/or thumb rest go too far in the handling dept. for me). And no, I don't like putting Band-Aids (such as a thumbs up rest) on my camera to make up for a lack of an inherently good design from the outset.

That left me with choosing the X-E3 overall. I've owned all of the series, and I like every one of them, but the X-E4 ended up being my least favorite to use. It certainly is the best to look at, and, its slightly thicker body than the other two was welcome to my right hand for one handed shooting. I love the technology it brings too. They almost got it right, but they didn't.

So in the end, I mostly appreciate the X-E3's well rounded advantages. I'll miss the pop-up flash of the X-E2 (that can be pulled back for bounce flash indoors), but I realized that it was time to upgrade despite any small advantages that camera has over the X-E3.

The improvements in technology, the better sensor, and the slightly more compact nature of the X-E3 make it feel modern and highly capable without kicking handling and ergonomics to the curb. Is it perfect? Nope, of course not. But will I appreciate it more than the other two models most of the time?

Yep. And that's the best you can do sometimes.

Hi, I enjoyed your thread. For Fuji I only have the X-E1, X-T20, and X-T3. All are very capable. I hate menu diving and the more controls and dials the better for me. These cameras will do a fine job with a good lens attached to them.

I like your logic on choosing the X-E3. I prefer the small built-in popup flashes that are so good used as a fill but I think the 3 comes with a small flash that can be slipped on. Those are easy to carry.

I think you are showing sound logic.

3Percent wrote:

It gets a bit complicated to recommend one or the other, because the X-E4 not only has some brilliant internal and aesthetic design upgrades to previous models (yes even in the handling department), yet equally head scratching almost frustrating physical design downgrades. This leaves me wondering why Fujifilm just can't get it right. It appears to me that camera companies are often stricken with tunnel vision syndrome and are unable to see the forest through the trees when making final design decisions.

Big X-E fan here. I'm afraid the answer is not what we (X-E users) would like to hear. My guess - absolutely reading tea leaves here - is that as soon as SLR styled bodies (X-T1, X-T10) were released, they quickly outsold the prior rangefinder styled bodies (X-E1, X-Pro1). I wouldn't be surprised if the VF placement helped, at that time, to convert users moving over from DSLRs.

The X-E2 (incl. its minor refresh in the X-E2s) remained a current model for a pretty long time, with some rumours even speculating there might never be a midrange rangefinder styled body to follow it.

If I am not entirely off the mark, as a manufacturer of a model selling below expectations, you hit a fork in the road. Discontinue a line of products, or try and realign a product to make it more commercially successful.

The latter scenario would explain Fuji's change in trajectory regarding the X-E line. Fuji certainly aren't afraid to adjust a formula to (try and) find what the market likes (e.g. X10/X20/X30, XQ1/XQ2, X70/XF10, X-A10, X-A20...) before ending a product line.

In the end we, the consumer, are often left with feeling left out in the design consideration process.

That might be true for those who are happy with the product line to begin with, but if there are too few such consumers, the manufacturer has less incentive to stick to the product line's formula (see above).

So with that said, while the XE2/4 models show the greatest extremes of pro's and con's of the series, I feel the XE3 then splits the difference and offers the closest "goldilox" experience of all.

The XE3 handles better than the XE4, but not quite as good as the XE2. It has better technology internally than the XE2, but that's not quite as good as the XE4. So to me, the question then becomes how close to either extreme the XE3 is.

The answer is, it is very close the XE2 in the handling department, but the XE4 certainly is not. And, it's very close to the XE4 in the internal tech department, but the XE2 certainly is not.

[...]

So in the end, I mostly appreciate the X-E3's well rounded advantages. I'll miss the pop-up flash of the X-E2 (that can be pulled back for bounce flash indoors), but I realized that it was time to upgrade despite any small advantages that camera has over the X-E3.

The improvements in technology, the better sensor, and the slightly more compact nature of the X-E3 make it feel modern and highly capable without kicking handling and ergonomics to the curb. Is it perfect? Nope, of course not. But will I appreciate it more than the other two models most of the time?

Yep. And that's the best you can do sometimes.

I agree to many of your observations. After shooting with the X-E2 for some years, I have ultimately ended up with two X-E3 bodies these days.

Aside from the integrated flash, might I ask what else you are favouring in the X-E3 that its predecessor offered?

I'm asking because in practice (for me) I found the X-E3 to be a much smaller change in handling than maybe the discourse made it out to be at the time. Indeed, I found there be next to no downsides to the X-E3 in actual use, compared to the X-E2:

• General operating speed, AF speed and resolution increase are just that.
• While there was a lot of fuss about the touch screen capabilities, and certainly they aren't the most responsive, I find it's a largely optional addition. Once turned off, the handling doesn't all that differently to the X-E2 (except for fewer quick access functions, see below). I find myself using the touch functionality for image review and it's convenient there.
• Probably the most controversial change was the removal of the D-Pad and addition of the AF joystick. I could see this being an inconvenience for those who frequently used these for quick access. On my X-E2, I only used the D-Pad for AF point adjustment. So - for me anyway - the AF joystick is a superior solution.
• The extended exposure compensation dial range can come in handy, but I'm more likely to use the "C" position for command dial adjustment
• The Auto switch isn't something I find myself using that often, but it can be handy when briefly handing over the camera to a non-camera person
• With all the talk about the touchscreen and the D-Pad/AF joystick changes, a surprisingly large number of reviewers - including DPR, I believe - missed highlighting that the X-E3 added a front command dial (the X-T10 had it then, but not the X-E2).
• The general rearrangement of buttons - which Fuji seems to enjoy on all model lines - was something to get used to. I find it works better for one-handed operation on the X-E3 because no buttons remain on the left side of the LCD. With that said, when using both hands to operate the camera, the left hand is quite under-utilized.
• Much has been written about the shorter eye point. Whether with glasses or contact lenses, I didn't find there to be a major difference, personally.
• Like the D-Pad, I am sure some won't appreciate the removal of the integrated flash. For me, that's a non issue. I literally used my X-E2's integrated flash twice in several years of use. I really am not a flash photographer.

Obviously, other user's experience can and will vary.

All the X-E3 is missing, for me, is a tilt screen. WR sealing would be nice, but it's not something we'll see in Fuji's midrange (so as not to cannibalize pro model sales).

I'm curious what an eventual X-E5 (if ever released) will signify for the X-E range. I'm really not keen on the add'l bulk and weight (nor the hybrid VF) of the X Pro line, so I hope to see a model I'll like being released in the future.

3Percent wrote:

The XE3 handles better than the XE4,

An excellent write up. Initially, after using a XE3 of a few years and upgrading to the XE4 I used to think the XE3 handled better than the XE4, but after setting the XE4 up to suit my style and inserting it into a quality leather half case, I now rather prefer the simplicity of the XE4. Handling is subjective so neither is better nor worse than the other, just personal preference.

I had the original  XE1 and traded it for XE3 (skipping the XE2).  It is a great camera fit for my needs except that when other cameras have flip out screen, I started to yearn for it.  So when XE4 came out, I wanted it and it was a year after that I got it just last November.  I love the XE4.  I get used to do things differently now so I do not miss features in the previous models, but with the added flip out screen for waist level shooting.  In fact I like the minimalistic approach.  Oh I did add a thumb grip which I always use with XE1 and XE3.

The X-E2 has the best EVF with a large eye point.

Furthermore, it also has a built-in flash.

Finally it has a focus mode switch.

So among those three I would pick the X-E2.

I’d love an xe3 to go with my xt3.  If someone wants to send me a free one I’ll be sure to post up frequent reports on how much I enjoy having the 35f2 permanently attached while the xt switches lenses as needed.

For me all cameras in X-E lineup are not up to the standards of current top-of-the-line Fuji cameras (X-H2s, X-T4, X-S10) due to lack of IBIS

I can see why for professional video shooting IBIS is not important

For amateur usage IBIS is an advantage both for stills and video

So all X-E cameras are outdated in this regard

Because of that I choose the X-E1 among them just for sentimental reasons

SoCalDawg wrote:

allineedislight wrote:

The X-E2 has the best EVF with a large eye point.

Furthermore, it also has a built-in flash.

Finally it has a focus mode switch.

So among those three I would pick the X-E2.

X-E2 is my favorite. It’s a backup body to X-H2S and X100V but it’s by far my favorite X-E. I didn’t like the ergo changes with the 3.

the X-E1 is basically an X-Pro1, minus the OVF but with a better EVF, plus flash, plus diopter plus less weight and smaller, and a lot less expensive.

The X-E2 improved over the X-E1 with an even better EVF, faster operation and AF.

Unfortunately, the X-E3 and X-E4, however, are NOT smaller EVF-only version of the X-Pro 2/3.   I think that was a clear choice on the side of Fuji to protect the X-Pro line.  I think there would be quite fewer sales if essential the same type of  camera (sans OVF) could be had for a lot less money.

I personally wouldn't mind a lighter and smaller version of the X-Pro 3 with EVF only and a flash, but it will not materialise.

A satisfying and well rounded conclusion. Indeed Fuji got this type of cameras generally right. Although apart from Fuji, only Sony I believe makes compact rangefinder style cameras with APS-C sensor, and for some reason I stay away from Sony when it comes to photography.

I briefly owned an X-E2s that I generally enjoyed. But shooting in bright light would hit the eye sensor and the evf would shut off. Since I don’t like Band-Aids either, like wearing a cap to shadow the eye sensor, compensating for a bad design, I was quickly put off by that and sold the camera. I also noticed that I often missed a tilting screen, specially for the street shooting style of the camera and its compact form factor that would ease up trying different angles to shoot from.
I believe the evf on the X-E2(s) has a higher magnification than on later X-E models?

X-E models got more and more minimalist looking from one iteration to the other, ending up removing useful features on the way, except for the added tilt screen on the X-E4, but the removing of a wheel and grip.

Nielk Mike wrote:

Atsel wrote:

For me all cameras in X-E lineup are not up to the standards of current top-of-the-line Fuji cameras (X-H2s, X-T4, X-S10) due to lack of IBIS

I can see why for professional video shooting IBIS is not important

For amateur usage IBIS is an advantage both for stills and video

So all X-E cameras are outdated in this regard

Because of that I choose the X-E1 among them just for sentimental reasons

IBIS for stills is not that important. Some of my zoom lenses have OIS. But it is "off" most of the time. So I think the XE line is very current and among the best Fuji has to offer.

I agree. I have the XE4 and XT4 and while IBIS is useful for stills in low light light, for me I do not see that the XE4 is at a disadvantage for moving subjects and/or when using fast lenses. Standing, holding, breathing and shutter rolling technique also influences the outcome too.

For me the main advantage of IBIS is for longer lenses when the subject is stationary, but my long lens has OIS anyway.

Nor do I see XE4 as not up to standard versus the XT4 as the outputs from each for a given situation and lens are identical. It is just a different ergonomic experience.

Swerky wrote:

A satisfying and well rounded conclusion. Indeed Fuji got this type of cameras generally right. Although apart from Fuji, only Sony I believe makes compact rangefinder style cameras with APS-C sensor, and for some reason I stay away from Sony when it comes to photography.

I briefly owned an X-E2s that I generally enjoyed. But shooting in bright light would hit the eye sensor and the evf would shut off.

That's why the X-E1 has a dedicated button to quickly toggle between EVF only, LCD only and auto modes.

The X-E2 has no dedicated button with this functionality but you can assign the EVF toggle to any custom button.

As you say very handy in very bright light.

I believe the evf on the X-E2(s) has a higher magnification than on later X-E models?

The eye point is very large with X-E1, X-E2(s).

All the modern Fuji cameras except for the X-T3 and X-T4 (don't know about the the X-H2s) have EVFs with very short eye points making it very hard for people with glasses to use the EVFs.