Fujifilm X-E3

QUICKFACT SHEET

The FUJIFILM X-E3 is basically the rangefinder-style model of the X-T20. Since the X-E3 has the same 24.3MP X-Trans CMOS III sensor and X-Processor Pro image processor of the X-T20 (and the X100F, the X-Pro2 and the flagship XT2), you can expect the same high image quality and low-light capability. As in the X-T20, there is no optical low-pass (Anti-Alias) filter in front of the sensor, allowing for more detailed images. The AF Tracking is improved to allow it to track subjects that are smaller or moving faster.

X-E3 vs. X-E2/S

Above, we have placed a silver X-E3 in front of a black X-E2 (image courtesy of camerasize.com) and you can see that the X-E3 has shaved a couple of mm (just short of 8 mm) off the width and has almost the same height (1 mm less in height). It also weighs about 13 g less than the X-E2 (or X-E2S). It may not seem like much but, in the hands, it all adds up to the feeling of a really compact and light camera (more so than the product images may show).

Besides being smaller and lighter than the X-E2S, the X-E3 is also more powerful, incorporating the latest 325 points hybrid AF sensor and imaging processor that are in the flagship X-T2. It uses the new 24.3-MP image sensor and shoots 4K video. The LCD is now touch screen and it gains a Focus Lever (aka AF joystick) for fast selection of AF point, as well as a touch pad functionality. It has an electronic shutter, allowing it to shoot bursts at 14fps. There is a second (front) Command Dial.

The physical 4-Way Selector is replaced with virtual N-S-E-W (or Up-Down-Right-Left) finger swipes on the touch screen. You can customize which function is associated with each of the directional swipe.

The addition of Bluetooth LE should simplify Wi-Fi connections to a smart phone or tablet. There is no built-in pop-up flash; instead, a small external shoe-mounted flash is included in the box. Unlike on the X-E2, the X-E3 sports an AUTO mode to smoothen the transition for those upgrading from a smart phone camera.

The X-E3 is sold body only, or with either the XF23mm F2.0 prime or the XF18-55mm F2.8 zoom kit lenses.

Not sure whether you should upgrade from the X-E2/S, or whether to choose between the X-T20 or the X-E3? Here are the major differences:

SPECS	X-E2S	X-E3	X-T20
EFFECTIVE PIXELS	16.3MP	24.3MP	24.3MP
AF POINTS	49	325	325
ISO	200-6400 (+ EXTENDED ISO 100, 12800, 25600 AND 51200)	200-12800 (+ EXTENDED ISO100 / 125 / 160 / 25600 / 51200)	200-12800 (+ EXTENDED ISO100 / 25600 / 51200)
LCD DISPLAY	3.0″, 1.04M-DOT	3.0″, 1.04M-DOT, TOUCH SCREEN	3.0″, 1.04M-DOT, TOUCH SCREEN, TILT
FOCUS LEVER (AF JOYSTICK)	NO	YES	NO
CONTINUOUS SHOOTING	7 FPS	8 FPS; 14 FPS WITH ELECTRONIC SHUTTER	8 FPS; 14 FPS WITH ELECTRONIC SHUTTER
MOVIE	FULL HD 1920 x 1080 60p / 50p / 30p / 25p / 24p	4K 30p / 25p / 24p; FULL HD 60p / 50p / 30p / 25p / 24p	4K 30p / 25p / 24p; FULL HD 60p / 50p / 30p / 25p / 24p
BUILT-IN FLASH	YES	NO, EXTERNAL INCLUDED	YES
BLUETOOTH	NO	YES	NO
DIMENSIONS (W X H X D)	129 x 74.9 x 37.2 MM / 5.08 x 2.95 x 1.47 IN	121.3 x 73.9 x 42.7MM / 4.78 x 2.91 x 1.68 IN	118.4 x 82.8 x 41.4MM / 4.66 x 3.26 x 1.63 IN
WEIGHT (INCLUDING BATTERY AND MEMORY CARD)	350g / 12.3 oz.	337g / 11.9 oz.	383g / 13.5 oz.

Compare the Fujifilm X-E2S, X-E3 and X-T20

X-E3 vs. X-T20

The X-E3 is generally considered to be equivalent to the X-T20 in features and specs. Like the X-T20, the X-E3 is a mid-level mirrorless for the serious photographer–though the addition of the AUTO mode allows a painless transition from point-and-shoot photography for beginners who want to take their photography more seriously.

As the above size comparison shows (image courtesy of camerasize.com), while the X-T20 is about 3 mm less wide than the X-E3, it adds about 9 mm to the height due to its viewfinder hump.

Whether you prefer the DSLR-look of the X-T20 or the rangefinder-look of the X-E3 is going to come down to a personal choice. Do note that the X-T20 has a built-in pop-up flash and a tiltable LCD, both unfortunately missing on the X-E3 (though a small external flash is included with the X-E3). The X-E3 adds touch screen functionality to the display.

There is not much of a price difference between the X-E3 and the X-T20. [In Canada, at time of writing, the price difference between the two cameras is only about $50 more for the X-T20, whether body only or with the 18-55 kit lens.]

The Fujifilm X-E3 follows a beautiful retro design with clean lines and sensible controls placement. The top and body plates are made from lightweight and durable magnesium alloy. The body is not weather-resistant.

I like the fact that the handgrip has been smoothened so it feels less like an add-on to the body. The front and rear grips on the X-E3 are also slightly more pronounced (than on the X-E2) for a more secure grip.

If you find the hand grip still too small for your taste, there’s an optional Fujifilm MHG-XE3 Metal Hand Grip that provides a more secure hold, important when attaching longer and/or heavier lenses. You’ll still be able to access the battery compartment and memory card at the bottom without removing the grip.

The top plate features two precision-milled aluminum dials, giving the camera a premium feel: a dedicated Shutter Speed dial and an Exposure Compensation dial.

There are also a Front dial and a Rear dial. Most of its prime XF lenses sport an Aperture Ring. So, if you like the way film cameras used to function, this design harks back to the 35mm film SLR of years past giving you dial and ring control to the two settings that directly determine exposure: shutter speed and aperture. Many of the photographers who have adopted the Fujifilm X-Series cameras mention the tactile pleasure and fun they get using these dedicated controls.

The Fujifilm X-E3 has a high-definition 2.36M-dot organic EL electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 100% field coverage so you get a satisfyingly clear high resolution image. At 0.62x magnification, the view is big enough and larger than on entry-level mirrorless and DSLRs. The EVF refresh rate is 54.54 fps and has a time-lag of 0.005 sec. to avoid annoying display lag. The EVF shows the effects of exposure settings and Film Simulation (the popular ACROS is available) in real time, so you can take photos knowing exactly how your picture will turn out. You can now use the touch panel while looking into the viewfinder and use your finger to set AF.

The placement of the EVF at the top left (viewed from the back) allows right-eye shooters to avoid touching the LCD with their nose and risk triggering an unintended function. It also allows you to keep both eyes open to follow a moving subject and see what might just be moving into your frame.

The LCD display at the back is 3.0-inch with 1.04M-dot resolution. It does not tilt. It is a touch screen so that, in Playback mode, you can swipe, tap and pinch with your fingers just like on a smart phone. In shooting mode, you can touch the screen to set focus and trigger the shutter.

As mentioned earlier, gone is the physical 4-Way Controller; instead, it is replaced by a more useful Focus Lever as well as a “Swipe Up-Right-Down-Left” virtual customizable 4-Way Controller on the touch screen LCD.

Autofocus uses both Contrast-detect sensors as well as Phase detection sensors for faster and more accurate focus lock. Continuous Shooting is 8fps at full resolution and using the mechanical shutter (or 5fps with Live View). If you use the electronic shutter, that increases to 14fps. Like on the X-T20, the X-E3 also offers AF-C presets for a variety of different subjects to make it easier to accurately track a moving subject. [The X-E3 has the latest AF firmware update which will be rolled out to the other X series models in November and December.]

The Fujifilm X-E3 records about 10 min. of 4K video, about 15 min. of Full HD video or about 30 min. of HD video. Its touchscreen display makes rack-focusing as easy as tapping on the subject you want to switch focus to. The camera accepts both an HDMI monitor and an external microphone for full-scale video productions. You’d need a large capacity memory card with UHS Speed Class 3 or higher for 4K recording. Though file size is limited to 4GB, it will allow you to continue recording uninterrupted onto a second file. Film Simulation modes are available when shooting 4K video.

The X-E3 gains Bluetooth LE for easy and full-time pairing with your smartphone or tablet for instant transfer of files from camera to smart phone. Install the free FUJIFILM Camera Remote app on your smartphone or tablet to remotely control the camera.

A number of convenience features is available, substantially extending the creative capability of the camera:

• Multiple exposures are possible, with first shot displayed on the LCD monitor so it can be seamlessly blended with the second frame.
• Pan the camera using an on-screen guide to shoot several frames and the X-E3 will automatically and seamlessly merge them into either a 120-degree (M: 6400 x 1440) or a 180-degree (L: 9600 x 1440) panoramic image.

Want to be more creative in-camera? 8 filter effects are available: Toy Camera for a retro look, Miniature for a diorama effect, Pop Color for high contrast and saturation, as well as High Key, Low Key, Dynamic Tone, Soft Focus and Partial Color (Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue and Purple). All effects can be previewed as you shoot on the LCD screen.

Of course, being a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, the Fujifilm X-E3 accepts the increasing number of high quality FUJINON lenses, as well as lenses from other brands and vintage lenses using an appropriate adapter. Since the X-E3 does not have in-camera sensor-shift image stabilization, it depends on the optical stabilization built into some of its prime XF lenses (look for the “OIS” label).

One of the new lens announced together with the X-E3 is the XF80mmF2.8 R LM OIS WR Macro Lens, providing 1:1 magnification. It is weather-sealed with a Fluorine coating applied to front lens elements for improved durability and smudge resistance. Built-in Optical Image Stabilization in the lens achieves 5-stop image stabilization, allowing you to handhold the lens instead of using a tripod.

View the Fujifilm X Mount Lens Roadmap

There are also a number of accessories available, such as a Stereo Microphone MIC-ST1(Black), Remote release RR-90, Macro Extension Tube MCEX-11, Macro Extension Tube MCEX-16, M Mount adapter to accept Leica lenses, and a number of external flashes.

Is the Fujifilm X-E3 the right camera for you? If it is going to be your first serious interchangeable lens camera, know that the X-E3 delivers the same high image quality as the flagship X-T2, provides practical features that will help you learn about photography, has access to a wide number of high quality lenses to explore any type of photography and, as a system camera, will grow with you as you become a better photographer. It is compact, light, intuitive to use, powerful and full-featured. The Fujifilm X-E3 is an ideal choice for anyone wanting to take their photography from point-and-shoot to the next level.

FUJIFILM X-E3 AT A GLANCE
SENSOR	24.3-MP APS-C X-TRANS CMOS III
LENS MOUNT	FUJIFILM X
VIEWFINDER	2.36MILLION-DOT OLED EVF MAGNIFICATION: 0.62X (35MM EQUIVALENT) REFRESH RATE 54.54 FPS
DISPLAY	3.0” 1.04-MILLION-DOT TOUCH LCD
VIDEO	MOV 4K (3840×2160) @ 24, 25 OR 30 FPS 100MBPS 10 MIN. 2.5MM STEREO MINI CONNECTOR (MICROPHONE)
FOCUS	HYBRID CONTRAST/PHASE-DETECT AF WITH 325 POINTS
SHUTTER SPEED	P: 4S to 1/4000S, A: 30S to 1/4000S S/M: 15 MIN. to 1/4000S, BULB: UP TO 60 MIN. ELECTRONIC SHUTTER UP TO 1/32000 s
CONTINUOUS SHOOTING	8FPS (MECHANICAL SHUTTER) 5FPS (LIVE VIEW) 14FPS (ELECTRONIC SHUTTER)
ISO	ISO 200-12800 + EXTENDED ISO 100, 125, 160, 25600, 51200
FLASH	EXTERNAL FLASH INCLUDED HOT-SHOE FLASH SYNC AT 1/180 S.
WI-FI	YES
BLUETOOTH	YES
POWER	LI-ION BATTERY NP-W126S BATTERY CHARGER BC-W126 350 FRAMES
OTHER	INTERVAL SHOOTING FILM SIMULATION MODES FILTERS PANORAMA
DIMENSIONS (W X H X D)	121.3 X 73.9 X 42.7 MM 4.78 (W) x 2.91 (H) x 1.68 IN.
WEIGHT	337 G (INCLUDING BATTERY AND MEMORY CARD) 287 G (EXCLUDING BATTERY AND MEMORY CARD)
PRICE	BODY ONLY: US $899.95 / CAD $1,149.99 WITH XF23MMF2 KIT LENS: US $1,149.95 / CAD $1,449.99 WITH XF18-55MM KIT LENS: US $1,299.95 / CAD $1,649.99 FUJINON XF80mmF2.8 R LM OIS WR: US $1,199.95 / CAD $1,599.99

Related Links:

• Fujifilm X-E3 Press Release
• Fujifilm X-E3 Technical Specs
• Fujifilm X-E3 Owner’s Manual
• Fujifilm Firmware Download
• MyFinePix Studio for Windows
• RAW FILE CONVERTER
• Fujifilm X-E3 Special Site

---

 

---