The X-E1 was my introduction to the world of Fujifilm cameras. I love the X-E line—the nearly perfect combination of form, function, size and price—it’s easy to understand why people are passionate about it. Fujifilm just released the latest model in this series: the X-E4. This new iteration has received plenty of praise and criticism. Fujifilm made some significant changes to this model, but do they equate to a better camera?
The Fujifilm X-E4, which retails for $850 for the body or $1,050 when combined with the new 27mm f/2.8 lens, is the fifth X-E camera. Fifth? Isn’t the X-E4 the fourth? In 2012 Fujifilm released the X-E1 (X-Trans I), a year later the X-E2 (X-Trans II), in 2016 the X-E2s (also X-Trans II), in 2017 the X-E3 (X-Trans III), and now in 2021 we have the X-E4 (X-Trans IV). Beginning with the X-E2s, this series marks the end of a sensor generation, and most likely the X-E4 will be the last camera with the X-Trans IV sensor.
Fujifilm knows how to make a beautiful camera, and the X-E line is one of their best looking. The X100, X-Pro and X-E series are the epitome of modern-retro fusion camera styling. People will mistake it for a vintage film camera. The X-E4 is indeed one of the loveliest cameras made today! The X100 and X-Pro lines are more premium, while X-E is more mid-level. This camera is not weather-sealed, and there’s no IBIS, which will certainly cause complaints, yet the X-E4 is a wonderful camera that is well-built and well-designed—a solid offering by Fujifilm, no doubt—but it’s not a premium model, so expectations should be kept reasonable.
The X-E4 is Fujifilm’s smallest interchangeable-lens camera with a viewfinder. It’s tiny! Really, though, it’s not all that much more compact than the X-T30 or especially the X-E3, but it is slightly smaller nonetheless. It’s pretty darn lightweight, too. This is why I bought the camera: I wanted a smaller and lighter option for travel, and the X-E4 fulfills that nicely.
Fujifilm’s promotional slogan for this camera is “Make more with less.” It’s clear that the design philosophy for the X-E4 was minimalism, something that I appreciate. They attempted to “achieve simplicity” with it, and indeed they did! But did they go too far? There are a number of buttons, switches, and wheels that have been removed from the camera body. Aside from the Shutter Speed and Exposure Compensation knobs and the On-Off/Shutter-Release switch/button, there are now just seven buttons, a joystick, and the front wheel—and that’s it! I wish that the M/C/S focus selector switch had not been axed (probably the most controversial decision), but I’m alright with all of the other design choices. It would have been a nice touch if Fujifilm had included an ISO ring around the shutter knob, but it’s not a big deal that they didn’t.
The X-E4 has an X-Trans IV sensor, which has been around for about two-and-a-half years now; however, Fujifilm has refreshed the firmware in new models, so this camera feels like a different generation than the X-T3 and X-T30. It’s more similar to the X-Pro3, X100V, and especially the X-T4, yet Fujifilm tweaked it a little, so it’s not exactly the same as those cameras, either. One difference is that literally everything in the menu can be (or, really, must be) set in the custom presets. There are some advantages and disadvantages to this, and it definitely takes longer to set up (there are a couple of new tools to potentially help with this); overall I feel like this was a good change that I hope Fujifilm carries forward into future models.
One positive side effect of this firmware change is that it’s now possible to program eight film simulation recipes into the camera. Yes, eight! There’s still the C1-C7 custom presets that can be accessed through the Q Menu, but whatever is programmed into the IQ Menu is remembered separately from the custom presets. As you scroll through the C1-C7 presets in the Q Menu, you additionally have the IQ Menu settings, which are designated by a P, A, S or M, (depending on the shooting mode you are in) in the Q Menu. This eighth “custom preset” cannot be named, but it’s nice to be able to store another recipe in-camera. Also, the very confusing “Base” designation is now gone.
One negative side effect of the firmware change is that the focus mode, whether Manual, Continuous or Single, must be set from within the menu, and must be programmed with each custom preset. I shoot in Single-AF 80% of the time, so that’s what I have it set to, and most of the time this works well. But, when I need to change it (I have a button programmed to quickly access this), it’s not remembered by the camera, so when I adjust to a different custom preset it’s back to Single-AF, when maybe I want Continuous or Manual instead. When I’m shooting in something other than Single-AF, I find myself having to sometimes reset it to the focus mode that I want to use, which can be a little inconvenient and a bit frustrating. The X-E4 does have the ability to automatically save changes to presets, which is a potential solution, but I can foresee some possible problems with that, so I haven’t tried it. I’m hoping that I’m just overlooking some simple solution to the problem, and this will be a complete nonissue once I figure it out. This curious design choice might be the biggest reason why people don’t buy the X-E4, and the inclusion of a M/C/S focus selector switch would have avoided it altogether. It’s just unfortunate, but it’s not a deal-breaker for me because most of the time the camera operates just as I want it to. It’s only a problem every once in awhile.
The X-E4 has a flat design with no bulges for grips. You can buy an aftermarket grip and thumb rest, which is supposed to help with holding the camera, yet adds a little girth and weight. I have had no issues holding the camera, so I have no plans to use those. I might be in the minority with this opinion, but I actually prefer the flat design; however, some people won’t like it, and this might be a reason to avoid the X-E4, depending on your preferences.
The electronic viewfinder is plenty good enough for me—I believe it’s the same one found in the X-T30. The rear screen is a touch-flip. I actually have the touch capability disabled because accidentally touching it, which happens often, does annoying things. The flip ability is nice, but I have never moved it to the “selfie” position—only 90° for waist-level shooting. Maybe someday the full flip will come in handy.
Image quality on the X-E4, like all X-Trans IV cameras, is outstanding. I said about the X100V, and it’s just as true (if not more true) with the X-E4, is that it’s like shooting with an endless roll of film. Actually, it’s like shooting with up to eight endless rolls of film. You can capture as many frames as you wish on each roll, and change the film anytime you want. Amazing!
The video specs are pretty darn good on the X-E4. I’ve not used the camera much for video yet, but I have no doubts that it would be plenty good enough for most people and most purposes. Most likely it has a similar overheating issue as the X100V, but I’ve not heard any reports or experienced overheating myself. Plan to keep clips under five minutes in length, and give the camera a break every now and then, and it should not be a problem at all. If you are serious about video, I don’t think you’d want the X-E4 as your primary cinema camera, but I believe that it would make a solid second body.
With product reviews, people often look for recommendations. Should I upgrade from the X-E3? Should I choose the X-T30 or X-S10 instead of the X-E4? What should I buy? I can’t tell you what decisions you should make, but, for me, I really like the X-E4 as an interchangeable-lens companion to the X100V for travel. That’s where this camera makes the most sense to me, but you’ll have to decide for yourself if it makes sense for you and how you might want to use it.
For travel photography, I’m trying to go smaller, lighter, and simpler, and a key component to that is the Fujifilm X-E4. I really appreciate the redesign. It’s not perfect—no camera is—but it’s pretty darn close to perfect for what I want it use it for. The X-E4, along with a handful of compact lenses, such as the new 27mm f/2.8 that came with it, fits nicely into a small camera bag, right next to the X100V. The X-E4 really is the little camera that can, and I couldn’t be happier with my purchase.
This post contains affiliate links, and if you make a purchase using my links I’ll be compensated a small amount for it.
Fujifilm X-E4 Black Amazon B&H
Fujifilm X-E4 Silver Amazon B&H
Fujifilm X-E4 Black + 27mm f/2.8 Amazon B&H
Fujifilm X-E4 Silver + 27mm f/2.8 Amazon B&H
I captured the photographs below using my Fujifilm X-E4 on a recent trip to Arizona:
See also: My Fujifilm Gear Page
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“One difference is that literally everything in the menu can be (or, really, must be) set in the custom presets.”
So this means that an entire film preset can be programmed without having to remember anything?
Many of them call for custom (sometimes auto with a limit) iso, color shift and exposure compensation.
I used the XE3 for quite a while but from what I remember some of these couldn’t be stored, so always had to remember something. If I put the expo comp to the C settings, with the new firmware, can I just flip the preset and everything will be adjusted according to the preset?
Sounds like a lot less pain if that’s true.
You cannot save exposure compensation (use the knob on top if you shoot anything other than manual), but, yes, everything else can be programmed with the recipe in Custom Presets.
Nice review, how are you finding the new 27mm? I don’t plan to buy a second body at the moment but I have been considering getting the new pancake.
I love the new 27mm. Review coming soon!
I do not expect any differences from the old one in terms of lens. ok it’s weather sealing and it has the aperture ring. that being said I look forward to reading your thoughts!
Thanks! Optically it’s identical. The biggest change is the aperture ring.
Thanks for the article! I agree in most regards!
The AF S-C-M issue could be easily solved if the front wheel was more customisable: instead of setting f-stop (I have an aperture ring on my lenses) and shutter speed (there’s a wheel on the top of the camera!!!) and ISO, one could use it to toggle between the settings for AF modes
1. First press: use the wheel to select AF mode
2. Second press: use the wheel to select f-ss-?
3. Third press: change ISO
just an idea, and easy to program.
Right now I change the AF-S-M in the Q menu and on the fn button the AF-C mode (single point, zone, follow and all)
Not the best solution, but I think it works for me (for now)
Honestly, I’m only halfway convinced of the X-E4
:-/
Cheers Nicolas
I agree about the front wheel. I use it for ISO, but it would be a great place for focus mode. It would be nice if Fujifilm added that capability via a firmware update.
Very good and detailed review! I would like to add that saving the focus mode in the custom preset also has a positive effect. You can now create a preset specifically for e.g. sport/action and then quickly call it up via the q menu. For me, this setting replaces the missing focus switch quite well.
For different people, depending on how you use the camera, this might be very positive. For me, I would need three presets for every one recipe, so it’s not a good solution, but that’s just me. Everyone is different. Thanks for the input!
Agreed! I have literally 8 film simulations saved and all are set on AF-S (since I use this the most). If needed I have to change the AF mode in the Q menu not to forget to switch it back afterwards… awkward 🤷🏻♂️
Lol! I appreciate the input!
I received mine last week and have been programming it all week with film recipes. Every time I pick the camera up I love it more! The new firmware is a learning curve. If Fujistas are expecting all Fuji’s to be mirrors of each other, that of course would be unrealistic. For now I have focus mode in the Q menu, or quick preset menu and I’m fine with it. Who switches between modes regularly? Anyway, I’m blown away with how light the camera is and yet still maintaining a solid feel. With the additional and expansive new recipe options, color chrome effect, color chrome FX blue, clarity, this really creates impact to jpegs like I’ve never seen. I come from a XT-1 and XT-2.
I just love the camera. It’s been great for me! Where I have an issue is with focus modes. When I use a manual lens (for example), all of my Custom Presets are set to Single-AF, so I have to set it to Manual (no big deal), but when I switch to a different Custom Preset I have to set it (again) to Manual. Every time that I switch recipes I have to reset the focus mode, if I’m not using Single-AF, which is a little bit of a seemingly unnecessary hassle. But it’s not a huge deal.
Otherwise, I couldn’t be happier with the camera, it’s great!
I was wanting to replace my X100F with an upcoming X-E4 but became impatient and bought a solid X-T3 instead. Now seeing this camera I cam so glad I did this. For it seems like an ergonomic nightmare., especially if one is like me and really dislikes touchscreens.
But that’s not your fault and you wrote a good concise review. The pictures are great but then the sensor and film recipes are doing the work, not the buttons and dials 😉
I see the X-T3 as a much different camera than the X-E4. The X-T0 line is great, as one would expect from a premium model. The advantage of the X-E4 is size and weight, which might be important to one and might not to another, but otherwise the higher-end model is going to be superior for most things. I appreciate your kind words and input!
To be honest. In the end I wanted something bigger and more substantial anyway. But then I think…mmhh something really small like a Ricoh GR would be good addition. Someone take my credit card away….
Lol! If only money was no object….
Did you find out if it’s possible to use your film simulations for video as well?
I have still no clue after digging through the manual…
To me it seems only the standard film simulations are available without modifying grain, highlights, shadows and so on… right?
You can, sort of. Not everything is available for video, like Grain, Color Chrome Effect, Clarity, etc. But Color, Highlight, Shadow, WB, etc., are. Yet Eterna looks slightly different for video than stills, so even if something is compatible, results might vary. The answer is “yes” and “no”, or more accurately “not completely”.
So, if I understand you correctly: I can’t use the film settings C1-C7 for video directly? Nonetheless I can adjust for video a certain look close to the film simulations?
Thanks 🙏🏻
PS: how nice it would be to use the settings of C1-C7 directly for video…
Video has it’s own C1-C7, I do believe, on the X-E4. You can get close to different recipes, but not 100%, but find something you like and no more color grading.
Sounds like a future article idea….
Wow… That sounds amazing!
I have to look into this!
Thanks so much 😀
You are welcome!
I looked through the manual again this morning. There’s no separate C1-C7 for video (thought I read this previously but I was mistaken), but you essentially have one “preset” which is whatever you set in the IQ Menu when in video mode.
Thanks Ritchie for updating me on this 😀
You are welcome!
no sooner said than done. I was eagerly waiting this camera before deciding what to do but in the end I went for a X-T30 and saved some bucks 😉
The X-T30 is a solid camera, no doubt.
The camera is beautiful, the sensor does very nice things but I still feel that the camera its a downgrade from the X-E3, leaving the same EVF from 2013, removing the AF lever and removing the front grip makes this camera not useful for me.
I used to shoot gigs before the end of the world came to us, and having a fast way to swap from AF to MF its essential (I shoot fuji and vintage lenses). Same for the grip, my Olympus OM-10 has the exact same grip than the xe4 (flat body), and after a few hours holding the camera your fingers start to feel pain as you need to hold the camera with a little more grip.
Very nice review by the way, I know that the camera will suit a lot of people, but the way i do pictures I think this camera its a stick on the wheel at least for me.
It’s definitely not for everyone. There’s not a huge size difference between the X-E3 and X-E4. If you’re happy with what you have you should stick with it, for sure.
Hi Richie, thanks for replying.
I know you and more people will LOVE this camera. I’m thinking to leave my xe3 behind and swap for a x100v (the e3 its my second body, xt2 main one). Normally in the shows I use the xe3 with the 27mm as second body, and saves me to swap lenses on the xt2.
As I’m getting older small evf are starting to be a problem 😛 , probably the x100v its the size i need.
For day carry i have the tiny and lovely xf10 🙂
The XF10 is a really underrated camera.
Hi Ritchie, I’m happy to hear you’re enjoying this camera. If I had the budget for two Fuji X cameras, I’d get the X-E4 for travel and day trips into the city (New York City or Philadelphia). But I love the convenience of the knobs and dials on the X-T series.
The X-T series is great! My wife has an X-T4 (yes, I’m jealous). I have an X-T1, and it’s a very nice camera even though it’s older.
I just read your blog entry on the ideal travel kit. Fun ideas! One thing I would do is to drop the 50mm lenses, and get the excellent Fujinon XF 50/2. And if you desperately want a vintage lens in addition to that, I can recommend the Pentax SMC Takumar 55/1.8 lens. Or if you can find it for a reasonable price, the 50/1.4. But seriously, I am thoroughly impressed with the XF 50/2!
Oh, I love Takumar lenses! I have the 50mm f/1.4, but it, with the adapter, is too big, sadly. I think, as far as vintage lenses are concerned, maybe a M39 mount, which has a small adapter, could work. But, the 50mm f/2 is high on my list. Maybe drop the two 50mm lenses currently in the kit, plus the 35mm f/2, and replace them with the 50mm f/2 and 14mm f/2.8? I’m not 100% sure, but that might work.
Personally I am a fan of the XF 16/2.8, not in the least because of the size (it does not block the X-Pro2 OVF). My most frequently used Fujinon primes are the XF 16/2.8, XF 18/2, XF 35/1.4 and XF 50/2. I also have the 27mm, but that’s a bit of a hate/love affair 😉 My favourite non-Fuji lenses are the Pentax SMC Takumar 35/3.5 and 55/1.8. Both recommended lenses, in my opinion.
Thanks so much, I appreciate the input! There’s a lot of options to consider, for sure. That’s a good problem, right?
I think if your considering coming to Fujifilm just spend the extra $150 to get the XS-10. It has a much better build quality and image stabilization.
I wouldn’t personally be happy with the X-S10 because of the PASM dial, but I know that is not an issue for a lot of people. If Fujifilm put the traditional dials on an X-S10 and called it the X-T40, people would really enjoy it.
Hi Ritchey! A simple question. What film simulation has on the That Way – Phoenix, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4 & Fujinon 27mm photo? Portra 400v2? Thanks!
https://fujixweekly.com/2020/12/30/fujifilm-x100v-film-simulation-recipe-kodak-portra-400-v2/
I’m curious as to how you change the custom preset on the X-E4. On my X-T30, I have mine — actually your film simulation 😉 — set on the back command dial but fear I would be missing the quick access on the X-E4.
I push the Q-button, then scroll through C1-C7. Your way is probably quicker, though.