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Fujifilm X-E3 Review

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The Fujifilm X-E3 is the most compact camera from this company if you want to have interchangeable lenses.

The X–E3 is Fujifilm’s latest mid-range, rangefinder-style camera. It sports the company’s latest 24.3MP X-Trans CMOS III sensor, a more touchscreen-driven sister model to the SLR-like X-T20. 

The design of the X-E3 wants to recall the retro aesthetic and tactile controls of the past but at the same time bring you all the functionality that you might ask for from a modern camera.  It looks a lot like a film camera that may have been popular a few decades ago. As our Fujifilm X-E3 review shows, the X-E3 has plenty of updated features that allow it create extremely high-quality images. Its APS-C sized image sensor allows photographers to create some great looking photos with the Fujifilm X-E3.

Its image quality will compare favorably to an mid-level DSLR camera. It has full manual control options, giving intermediate and advanced photographers the ability to create the exact type of images they want.

You can purchase X-E3 body-only for $900, with 18-55mm for $1300, or with 23mm F2 R WR for $1150.

Fujifilm X-E3 Review

Specifications

  • Resolution: 24MP APS-C sensor with X-Trans color filter
  • Image sensor: APS-C CMOS, 23.6 x 15.6 mm
  • LCD: 3.0-inch, 1,040,000 pixels (fixed with touchscreen)
  • Maximum image size: 6000 x 4000 pixels
  • Battery: NP-W126S lithium-ion battery & charger – 350 shots
  • Dimensions: 121 x 74 x 43 mm (4.78 x 2.91 x 1.68″)
  • Weight: 337 g (0.74 lb / 11.89 oz)
  • Video mode: 4K (UHD) video at 30, 25, 24 and 23.97p
  • AF Joystick, Twin clickable command dials, Wi-Fi with Bluetooth, Improved AF Tracking

Pros

  • Excellent image quality especially in JPEGs
  • Plenty of dials, numerous direct controls, simplifies changing the camera’s settings
  • AF joystick
  • One of the lightest cameras with an APS-C sized image sensor
  • Very sharp LCD screen can tilt up to 180 degrees and has touch capabilities
  • Good high ISO performance event at maximum ISO setting of 51,200
  • Very good AF system with up to 325 selectable points

Cons

  • No popup flash unit (must add an external flash to the hot shoe)
  • Fixed screen or a lack of tiltable screent
  • Touchscreen might serve complicated for some users

Image Quality

The X-E3’s image sensor carries 24 megapixels of resolution, which doesn’t lag from the newer DSLR cameras in the same level. The level of resolution is large enough that you can create sharp and vibrant photographs that can be printed and displayed at large sizes.

Image quality is equally strong. Image details are clear, sharp and crisp, and the colours are vivid without appearing unnatural. Users can choose the image style using Fujifilm’s Film Simulation modes. You get the latest Classic Chrome which looks a more muted film-like look, and ACROS producing nicely toned black-and-white results.

Performance

The Fujifilm X-E3 works pretty quickly. There’s no shutter lag and AF performance is notably faster with this camera. This means it would be great for sports photography too.

Battery performance is a little below average for a camera in this price range too, as the Fujifilm X-E3 can shoot between 300 and 350 shots per charge. The X-E3 also has a High Performance power management mode which is said to increase autofocus speed.

The Fuji X-E3’s performance is generally quite good for its class with fast startup, good autofocus speeds, low shutter lag, fast cycle times, and very fast bursts modes.

Design

Fujifilm has had a lot of success with its retro looking cameras that remind photographers of old film cameras, including models such as the Fujifilm X-E2 or the Fujifilm X-PRO2. The X-E3 is a smaller, cheaper and lighter alternative to the X-Pro2. It has a black body design with plenty of dials and buttons. Another design offers a silver trim, which looks great.

With the Fujifilm’s XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 R LM OIS lens, you may feel the camera slightly unbalanced, which is a common problem with mirrorless cameras this compact. The XF 23mm f/2 R WR lens feels like a much better match but at the end the perfect travel companion will be the ‘pancake’ XF 27mm f/2.8.

There’s no external control for the ISO setting. You can customise the Fn button on the top of the camera for ISO adjustment.

Conclusion

Fujifilm X-E3 review. The rangefinder style and traditional external controls are beautifully combined from regular camera design. The Fujifilm X–E3 is overall a very powerful, compact and responsive camera that combines excellent image quality with tons of features.

You can purchase X-E3 body-only for $900, with 18-55mm for $1300, or with 23mm F2 R WR for $1150.

Read more Fujifilm Mirrorless news and Fujifilm Rumors.