Fujifilm just announced the brand-new X-E4. This will be the smallest interchangeable-lens camera in the X series, and comes in at a modest $849 (body only) price tag. Plenty has been said about it, and I wanted to add my own quick opinions.
The X-E4 is a camera that I am excited for. Why? Because my Fujifilm journey began with the X-E1, and I love the X-E line. I appreciate the size and design. The X-E4 is the X-Pro3’s and X100V’s little brother; sometimes little brothers get overlooked. I could be wrong, but I bet this will be last camera with the X-Trans IV sensor, and the next Fujifilm X camera will feature a new X-Trans V sensor.
This latest version of the X-E camera, which will be released on March 11, is the smallest. It’s also the first with a tilting screen. There are some curious design choices. I’m not surprised that the D-Pad was removed, but I am surprised that the back wheel and some other buttons have been taken away. Fujifilm really embraced a minimalist camera back, which I suppose fits a philosophy that helps to separate this camera from the X-T30 and X-S10, but I wonder if that was actually a good idea. I’m personally disappointed the shutter speed knob doesn’t have an ISO dial like the X100V. It’s still such a beautiful camera body!
The GFX100S, which was announced the same day and really has received most of the attention online, and perhaps deservedly so, was given a new film simulation, called Nostalgic Negative. Strangely, the X-E4 won’t have this new film simulation (but it will have Classic Negative and Eterna Bleach Bypass). This puzzles me because 1) my assumption is that the majority of GFX users shoot RAW and not JPEG (although there are certainly many who do) and 2) this could have been a selling point for the X-E4 and would have generated more excitement for the camera. It would have made more sense to me to have included this film simulation on both cameras, or if it was going to be on only one it should have been the X-E4. My guess is that we’ll start seeing Nostalgic Negative on whatever X series camera comes after the X-E4.
I haven’t preordered the X-E4, but I’m considering selling my X-T30 and replacing it with the X-E4. I don’t think that’s necessarily an upgrade (maybe arguably in some sense, and maybe arguably a downgrade in some other sense, but mostly roughly a lateral move overall), but I just love the X-E line. I haven’t decided yet what I’ll do.
The X-E4 is a compact, lightweight Fujifilm X camera that embraces minimalism, simplicity and retro goodness. It seems like such a fun camera that’s especially great for travel or street photography. Introduced at the same time is the new 27mm f/2.8 pancake. This one is weather sealed (the X-E4 isn’t) and has an aperture ring (both are great upgrades!) yet with the same great image quality, so it’s a lens that I hope to add to my collection someday. You can buy the X-E4 bundled with the Fujinon 27mm pancake lens for $1,050.
If you’d like to preorder the camera, you can use the links below:
Fujifilm X-E4 (Body Only) Amazon B&H
Fujifilm X-E4 (w/27mm f/2.8) Amazon B&H
This post contains affiliate links, and if you make a purchase using my links I’ll be compensated a small amount for it.
I wonder if they ever survey Fuji owners as to what functions they actually use on their X series cameras.
Still beyond my pocket money so I guess I’ll muddle along with the ancient EXR machine.
I have no idea if they do. I know they’ve never asked me.
The only way I could afford it would be to sell some things to raise the money. It’s probably better to stick with what you already have, know, and love—that is solid advice I think.
Hi Ritchie,
Honestly, I don’t have the authority to say anything negative about the X-E4 because I’ve never held nor used any of the X-E line. In fact, I just bought my very first Fuji camera last Dec. 2020 (The XT3).
Although they removed many of the buttons and dials that’s proven to be beneficial to any digicam user, more so with experienced X-E line owners, and likened it to a minimalist form design, I was seriously considering purchasing the X-E4 with the 27/2.8ii. I was willing to overlook the downsides of the unit (IBIS would’ve been helpful but it’s inessential for me). But because they didn’t make it weather resistant (not that I like to shoot in the rain but one has to consider other factors such as dust, beach sand, pollutant particles, risks of water splash while documenting your kid taking a bath in a bathtub, etc.), I have to re-assess if I should own one. Otherwise, the X100v maybe the better option while turning a blind eye on its overheating issues and occasional missed focus at lower apertures during mid-day shooting (I already saw two youtubers complain about it. Here’s one: https://youtu.be/4_16__mcHIE at 14:42 (A deal breaker perhaps to opt for the X-E4 instead?).
Thank you, Ritchie for your thoughts on the X-E4. 🙂
I kind of liken the X-E4 to an interchangeable-lens X70, or really the X80 that never happened. In that sense, the design decisions are logical to a degree. And, honestly, in that mentality, it makes me want it even more, coupled with the new 27mm and the 18mm f/2.
The X100V overheating issue only rears its ugly head when recording video. It’s not the best option for video, but can do well in a pinch if you keep the clips short. I’ve not noticed any heating issues outside of video. I haven’t experienced any focus issues at any aperture on my X100V, so I’m not sure what I’m doing different, but whatever it is it’s working for me.
my big concern is about the custom presets. Does x-e4 still have seven custom present banks as its predecessor/x-e3 or did they slim it down to only 4 like fuji did with the x-s10? Also does the x-e4 allow you to save white balance shifts to your individual custom presets banks (which as you know is critical to film simulation recipes)? It appears that the x-s10 does not… at present only the xt4/x100v allow that. Looking forward to finding out this info.
According to Rico Pfirstinger, with the actual firmware you can no longer save the JPEG recipes, only complete conf-settings with ca. 50 different settings, like the S10. Maybe that will change with an update…
I hope that’s not true! I really hope it’s like the X-T4 and not the X-S10, that would be disappointing (and such an odd decision) if true.
http://fujifilm-dsc.com/en/manual/x-e4/x-e4_manual_en_s_f.pdf
The Manual ist online…
Yea! Thanks for sharing!
You can set up to 7 Recipes in the “IQ” menu’s Custom Settings. (I just saved ‘Nostalgic Negative’.)
I haven’t seen the manual or used the camera, but I’m confident that the X-E4 will have C1-C7. I also believe that it will allow the saving of WB Shifts in the Custom Presets. But I do look forward to verifying this.
No new simulation for this X-E4, sadly I think the savings of WB shits will not be for him, now and never.
I’d be really surprised if the X-E4 can’t save WB Shifts. I don’t know for sure, but I believe that it will be possible, it just doesn’t make sense if it can’t.
Wait and see — Sorry my previous answer is not with the good question Best
“One thing that the X-E4 has that the X100V doesn’t is the added ETERNA bleach bypass film simulation.”
Jonas Rask has used all the new cameras and lenses. I recommend reading his posts. He’s got information Ritchie won’t have.
https://jonasraskphotography.com/
“The X-E4 is a camera that I am excited for.”
me too! My X-E2 is almost unusable due to a hw problem forcing me to take off the battery when not is use because it turning off and on… not to mention the EVF that does not work anymore
I preordered the X-E4….
that’s great! I’m on the fence about buying the X-T30 or this camera, not before reading your review, of course 😉
Yeah, my initial thoughts, without actually having seen an X-E4 in person, is that there are some small pluses and minuses to each, but overall it’s likely “six one half dozen the other” if that makes sense. I’ll definitely know more in March….
What and see. Really impatient to read your feedback but I’ve read or watch a lot of review and nothing about that. Is it possible to verify if the “snap mode” like X-Pro3 is possible? Thanks and Best
Unfortunately, it’s unlikely that I’ll get my hands on one anytime soon. I’ll have to wait for the user’s manual to leak on Fujirumors….
I mean *it keeps turning …
sorry
It’s a pity that the on-board flash didn’t return, and that the rear thumb wheel is gone. Equally bad (in my opinion) is the loss of the A/M switch; that missing switch is one of the few nuisances I have with the X-T100 (which is a nice camera for manual lenses otherwise). As much as I loved the X-E2, the X-E4 is probably not for me.
So many strange decisions, for sure! I think the X-E4 isn’t really an X-E4 (except for by name), it’s something else (X80, but interchangeable-lens?).
The best review I have read since 2 days, honest andbthotally agree with it.
I’m a X-E lover, I have a X-E3 and this X-E4 is a huge disappointment.
All in the article, SCM, dial, simulation, etc, … and the price with grip and thumb rest too expensive and a shame.
Best
Thanks for the input! Definitely some odd decision by Fujifilm on this one. Doesn’t mean it will be a bad camera, but it’s not exactly an X-E4 (aside from the name) but something else I think.
https://jonasraskphotography.com/
Am I glad to have jumped onto the X-T3 as an interchangeable lens camera. It has all the buttons and dials. Yes it is big but if I really want something small to carry around I’ll grab Ricoh GRIII. I just hate touchscreens and the implementation from Fuji is terrible. In the Q-menu you have to press tiny buttons to scroll through the settings instead of swiping for example. If you take away buttons at least make the touchscreen useful for setting up and using a camera. I feel they are just cutting costs and hyping it up as “streamlined” or “clean design”. I also saw Chris Niccols complain about the cramped viewfinder.
Using all the dials on the X-T3 combined with vintage lenses and your film recipes is just perfect for me. Same worked with the X100F.
I agree. I dislike Fujifilm touch screens, and have it turned off on my X100V. There’s enough buttons that I don’t need it. On the X-E4, it seems as though there might not be enough buttons. Thanks for the input!
Over the years FujiFilm have launched various models using similar technology but differentiating each model based on the specific need of specific types of photographers. FujiFilm have deliberately avoided the one-camera-model-suits-all approach. If the X-E4 is not for you, then try one of the other FujiFilm cameras.
I watched the Japanese language and promotional videos Fuji released and from my perspective, it’s quite clear for whom Fuji designed the X-E4. It’s for street-photography and daily life leisure photography. It’s an “attach a pancake lens and toss it in a small day bag” camera. It’s a day at the beach with family camera. It’s an evening in New York City or Philadelpha camera. It’s an X100V with an interchangeable lens mount. FujiFilm obviously believe there’s a market for this camera. And I think FujiFilm have more makers insight than we do.
https://youtu.be/SzGCXWylZTg
I have the XF27mmF2.8 lens and it’s become my favourite FujiFilm lens on my X-T2. The ~40mm FF FOV is closer to the actual FOV of the human eye than 35mm and 50mm focal lengths.
https://youtu.be/RL0UQD7VaCo
The X-T looks a bit like a 35mm film SLR cameras like my Minolta XD-11. The X-Pro and X-E line may emulate 35mm film range finders like Leica’s M6. The X100 line seems to emulate compact fixed lens 35mm film cameras like the Fujica Compact Deluxe. And after taking a look at the Fujica GM670 you can see what could have inspired the GFX line. The way I see it, FujiFilm have set out to produce a line of cameras that borrow design cues from the film era. If a camera like that isn’t for you, Nikon , Sony and Canon all make excellent cameras.
The X-E1 was the camera that made me consider FujiFilm seriously and eventually switch from Nikon. I’m excited by the X-E4 (that flip screen is fantastic). If I had budget for something new, I’d have one. Instead I’ll settle for the updated XF27mmF2.8 R WR.
I haven’t seen those videos (I’ll have to, thanks for the tip!), but my opinion from the camera design is just what you said. Buy one or both pancake lenses and you have a carry-everywhere just-have-fun camera that easily fits into a large pocket or small bag. It makes a lot of sense in that regard.
I also agree, if someone doesn’t think this camera is for them, it’s easy to say “no thanks” and buy something else instead.
The new 27mm lens, with the aperture ring, is a great update, and something I’m looking forward to trying someday.
Great comment! It’s much appreciated!
I have an x M1 and an x s10. Love my x M1 that I’ve has since release. The X s10 is ok. I’m currently looking at getting an x e4 or an xt30 but am worried (after the x s10) about saving custom film profiles in the X e4. The manual isn’t helping, it does say there are 7 banks available but doesn’t say which things can be saved. Camera previews I’ve seen haven’t mentioned this, does anyone have any more knowledge than I do?
I’m a very happy user of the xe4 and one of the reason I purchased it because of those 7 banks that you can save settings to..and yes you can save a full gambit of camera setting to make your Jpgs just how you like… would recommend the kit withh by the excellent 27mm mark ii …however do keep in mine you will need either a thumb grip or body grip or both for good hand holding of the camera for any length of time
Great news thanks 😃
And the lens also has a lot of appeal.
I have a xm1 that I’ve had from new and love, I have a x s10 that I don’t love.
So i am looking at picking up either a xe4 or xt30.
My worry with the xe4 (after the x s10) is saving custom film simulations. All the reviews I’ve watched and read doesn’t mention this, the manual says that we get 7 banks to save in but not what we can save. Does anyone know more on this than I do?
I’m very happy to report that you can save 8 (yes, eight!) recipes on the X-E4. I think you’ll appreciate the X-E4 over the X-T30, unless you need a bunch of buttons on the body.
Brilliant, I’m quiet excited by the camera in terms of a pick up and take anywhere shooter. Awaiting your review 🙂
It’s great for travel, no doubt!