The Fujifilm X-E4 is one of my absolute favorite Fujifilm cameras. There was a lot of demand for it, then, inexplicably, Fujifilm discontinued the X-E4 while there was still a fairly lengthy backorder list. According to Fujirumors, Fujifilm is working on the X-E5 right now, possibly to be released sometime in 2025. There’s a reasonable chance that Fujifilm will read this, so I thought I’d take the opportunity to express my wish-list for the camera.
The Fujifilm X-E1 was my gateway into the Fujifilm system. The camera, which was released in 2012 and was Fujifilm’s second interchangeable-lens X-series camera (only preceded by the X-Pro1), was praised for its beautiful retro rangefinder design (nicknamed “Sexy One”), but also criticized for its sluggish performance (some of which was rectified in firmware updates). The X-E1 was fairly quickly replaced by the X-E2, and a minor updated version called the X-E2s was released at the end of the X-Trans II lifecycle (beginning the pattern of X-E cameras released near the end of a sensor generation). While the X-E series has a history of somewhat slow sales, the cameras tend to be much beloved by those who own them. The X-E4 did not experience sluggish sales (in fact, Fujifilm was unable to meet the strong demand); however, it was discontinued anyway, presumably because Fujifilm did not secure enough parts to produce more.
I love the Fujifilm X-E4 because it is small and lightweight, which makes it more pleasant to carry around as an everyday camera. When traveling, there’s limited space for gear in the bag, and tough choices must be made; the X-E4 takes up less room than other bodies, so it’s more likely to be chosen over larger and heavier cameras. In fact, the X-E4 and X100V (and now X100VI) have been my go-to travel cameras since 2021. I also appreciate its clean minimalistic design of the camera.
Fujifilm could simply engrave “X-E5” on the new camera and include the X-Processor 5, but keep everything else completely identical to the X-E4, and it would sell. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. People wanted the X-E4 but simply couldn’t get it. An X-E5 that is just an X-E4 with the new processor and the new film simulations would do quite well, I’m certain of it. The less Fujifilm changes, the better.
With that said, there are some things that would make the X-E5 even better than the X-E4. I do feel the minimalistic approach was perhaps a bit too minimalistic. The five key changes that I would make if I were one of the designers are: 1) bring back the M/C/S switch, 2) add an ISO Ring around the Shutter Knob like the X100 and X-Pro series have, 3) add back the rear command dial, 4) improve the EVF resolution, and 5) add a small grip to the front like the X-E3 has.
These might be unpopular opinions, but I would use the “old” 26mp X-Trans IV sensor in combination with the X-Trans V processor (like the X-S20); IBIS is unnecessary, and should be avoided for weight and cost reasons; the camera doesn’t need to be weather-sealed. Keep the X-E5 as similar to the X-E4 as possible, just refine it a little with a handful of small improvements.
There’s a massive opportunity that I believe Fujifilm has largely ignored. One of the biggest advantages of APS-C over full-frame is size/weight. There are tradeoffs with anything, and APS-C seems to strike a near perfect balance of size/weight, performance, image quality, and value. While full-frame cameras have been shrinking lately, APS-C has not; instead, the APS-C advantage has been shrinking. This is easily rectified, though, and the X-E5 is one step towards that, but it needs to be kept small, light, and affordable. The other key piece that’s missing are pancake lenses.
Yes, there’s the exceptional Fujinon XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR; however, it’s not often readily available for purchase. Likely, you have to add yourself to a backorder list and wait awhile. There’s also the sort-of pancake (Japanese pancake?) Fujinon XF 18mm f/2 R, but it is old, overpriced, and in desperate need of an update. Otherwise, there aren’t many options—at least not natively; however, there are some 3rd-party pancake lenses that have recently appeared, which is good. Fujifilm needs to add a few more pancakes to the Fujinon lineup, and not be satisfied with just two.
I think a total of five pancake lenses would do the trick. The 27mm f/2.8 already exists, but simply needs to be made available. The 18mm f/2 also already exists, although I would strongly encourage Fujifilm to update it. The three lenses that, in my opinion, Fujifilm should add to the pancake lens lineup are 15mm f/3.5, 23mm f/2.8, and 40mm f/2.8. That gives a good variety, and all five would together make for a fantastic kit.
Since Fujifilm already has two 23mm lenses—the 23mm f/2 and 23mm f/1.4—they might consider something else that they don’t have, perhaps 20mm or 25mm, but definitely something in-between 18mm and 27mm. Instead of 40mm, a longer focal-length could alternatively be chosen, such as 45mm f/3.5 or 55mm f/4. The point is to have something wider than 18mm, something more telephoto than 27mm, and an option in-between the 18mm and 27mm.
A small and lightweight camera—such as the X-E5—combined with a handful of small lenses would make an ideal kit for travel and walk-around photography. It would clearly illustrate a significant advantage of APS-C over full-frame—imagine a camera and five-lens kit that could all fit into a small camera bag! I have no doubt that it would be successful, but it would require that Fujifilm clearly articulate why a small camera with small lenses should be desirable.
I don’t know if the “right” people at Fujifilm will read this, or, if they do, if they’ll listen. But, just in case, I wanted to make sure to get my opinions out there. Now it’s your turn! What would you like to see in a Fujifilm X-E5? What pancake lenses do you think that Fujifilm should make? Let me know in the comments!
Oh, I’d love that.
😀
Ritchie, I’m so glad to read your homage to the X-E4 and in keeping the spirit alive in this platform. I too have had great experiences with my X-E4. Bought within weeks of its release and in the kit the XF27mm aperture ring version. I have had wonderful memories and results from this camera. I learned in spite of other nay sayer comments as to what the X-E4 is not, I stayed with it and learned to make it happen. “Seat time,” is one way of describing it, but in our case it would be, “Shoulder time,” I guess. I’ve taken great care of this camera being fastidious about keeping it clean and so forth as it is a camera that is now my backup camera to the XT-5. I think I’ve learned, or somehow found a place in my photography where I don’t sweat of what is, or isn’t the right lens for this camera. When that has happened I think Fujifilm made the internal argument easy thereby including the 27mm. By the way, in my experience of SOOC and I do enjoy that flexibility, I’ve been looking at RAW images lately in Capture One through the XF27mm and the results are stunning! I’ll close by simply saying Thank You! And what a drum roll it is in anticipation of the X-E5! As you pointed out, a very successful platform by Fujifilm. Cheers!
The X-E4 definitely has some limitations/shortcomings (as do all cameras), but it’s not difficult to figure out how to make it work, and then appreciate it for what it is. The 27mm f/2.8 is a perfect pairing. Thanks for the input!
Make it like the X-E3 as far as controls and body (a bigger grip wouldn’t hurt).
Leave out the touch screen, give it the new 40mp sensor and processor. Ie ended up using the X-E3 (with the MHG-XE3 grip) as my main camera since 2018, I’d buy an X-E5 to replace it if they don’t mess up the design and functionality. It a great size and weight, we’re still missing the 70mm f2.8 or f2 Fujicron to round out the lens set though.
The X-E3 didn’t sell well, unfortunately. Nearly killed the whole series. I remember seeing brand-new X-E3’s in 2022 for a hefty discount (I think it was around $650!). On the other hand, the X-E4 couldn’t be manufactured fast enough to meet demand. So I think keeping the X-E5 more like the X-E4 and not so much like the X-E3 is what’s going to happen.
Regarding the 40mp sensor, that will add a couple hundred to the price. Fujifilm should consider keeping it under $1,000, and preferably under $900 if possible. That won’t happen with the 40mp sensor.
No 40mp, no ibis. Would be nice. Maybe a sturdier built than the xe4, instead. I have an xe1 and xt5. Xe1 I use 90% of the time as it’s small, has low mp, so I can shoot away, and the photos have a nice character. It’s less complicated, than xt5, too, so I don have to think so much what simulation to choose, it’s just like with lenses you take. The more, the more difficult to choose one.
The X-E4 has a bit more plastic than I remember from the X-E1’s I owned. Less plastic in the X-E5 could be good.
I agree on XE 3. It is an almost perfect camera. It has the perfect size , XE4 is too small and less sturdy. Controls and layout of XE 3 is perfect and size well balanced. I had an XE 4 and sold it to buy the XE 3 again. How to upgrade XE3: 1. No 40 mp sensor, I do not understand the hype and need on a 40mp at all . File sizes of 40mp are big , image quality with most lenses not visibly better ( I have made very large prints with my XE 3 ( 80x120cm) for exhibitions , no complains from anybody ; 2. IBIS not absolutely necessary ; 3. flip out screen like XE 4 ; 4. upgrade viewfinder and processor , if possible AF accuracy
As to pancake lenses, I’ll go a bit outside the box:
I want an ultra wide pancake. Think something along the lines of 10mm.
Yeah, I would say 15mm or wider. If they can somehow make a pancake that’s not a fisheye that’s 10mm and with a maximum aperture of f/5.6, that would be good. Or 12mm with a maximum aperture of f/4. Those might be tall orders, but if they can, they should. Thanks for the input!
I agree with all your ideas! Thanks for this “Letter to Fujifilm”. All this would sell like hell.
Thanks! 😀
I agree all you write here.
I want built-in ND filter as in the Ricoh GRs.
I’m not sure how practical it is to include without it being a fixed-lens camera, but if it is possible, that would be cool. The Fujifilm X100-series also have a built-in ND filter.
I would love to see built-in Neutral Density filter and be 40mp.
Those would definitely add to the price. I think the built-in ND filter is on the X100 series because it’s a fixed-lens camera, and is probably more difficult to implement on an interchangeable-lens model. The 40mp sensor is likely to increase the cost by a hundred or two. My opinion is that Fujifilm needs to keep the camera sub-$1,000, and preferably sub-$900 if possible. But you never know what they will do.
I still prefer the XE3.
The X-E3 was definitely a good camera. Unfortunately, it had really sluggish sales. I remember seeing them brand-new two years ago with a steep discount (I think it was $650). Wish I had picked one up at that time.
I’m glad you like it, Ritchie.
(Put all new tech in the E3 body and add a tilt screen.
The E4 rightly deserved all the hate.
I can’t go back to a worthless viewfinder so no E5 for me. Pining for the P4, which had better be cutting edge!)
I think it is a very small group that has a lot of vocal hate for the X-E4. But, I don’t believe that is any sort of representation of most people. The X-E3 had sluggish sales that nearly killed the whole series; the X-E4 couldn’t be manufactured fast enough to meet the demand. I guess months-long backorder lists is the “hate” that the X-E4 rightfully deserved. 🤷♂️
The xe3 didn’t sell well simply because tiktok hadn’t discovered it yet. Personally I didn’t buy it because they took away my built-in flash. Most humans seem to hate having the power of the sun in the palm of their hand for some reason so I don’t expect it to come back but I really want my built-in flash back Fuji.
I’m looking for the same things you’re looking for for the most part, small awesome lenses like the m43 system has and better ergonomics. I also want all of the creature comforts that the new xm5 has. I can live without weather sealing and Ibis but for Pete’s sake please give me digital image stabilization already.
I eventually did buy a brown xe3 in 2022 after it had been discounted to hell and later sold it for a tidy profit. I’m using the xe4 now and love the images this sensor produces. Would it be so hard to release a firmware update for digital image stabilization for videos like the xm5 has? I also get so much use out of the tilty flippy screen ♥️
I think the X-E3 could have been a viral camera like the X100V, X100VI, and X-E4. It just wasn’t the right timing. Unfortunately for Fujifilm, they misjudged the demand and produced too many copies of the X-E3 (which is why it could be had for such a discount). For the X-E4, they also misjudged the demand, and produced too few copies. Hopefully they will be able to forecast the demand of the X-E5 a little better, whenever it eventually comes out.
Ok forget copying the xe4 remake the xe2 is what you wanted to say that built in bounce able flash is so useful if you have no ibis the rest of your ideas are good small lenses modern innards 26 mp more than enough still use my xe2 a lot though I have alternatives form facture is key I ignored the xe 4 because it went too minimalist I would buy the xe5 if they followed the above advice good luck
Yeah, I’m definitely not against adding a built-in flash. I use the built-in flash on the X100-series all of the time (but it also has the leaf shutter).
Why was xe4 hated?
Why does leaf shutter make it better for flash?
And i think all cameras should have ibis, especially with a tele lens. As we dont have any ois prime lenses like lumix
The X-E3 was basically an X-T20 just in a rangefinder shape, so with the X-E4 Fujifilm took steps to further differentiate it from the X-T30/X-T30 II. In doing so, they made the camera smaller and more minimalistic (less buttons) and perhaps more plastic. Some people did not like that change, hence the “hate” for it.
Leaf shutters can be used in conjunction with flash and fast shutter speeds. It’s essentially like having a global shutter, except that it’s mechanical and not electronic. Leaf shutters are in the lens and not the camera, which is why it’s more practical on a fixed lens model like the X100VI.
I don’t personally want the X-E5 to have IBIS because it will add weight and cost to the camera. I use the Fujinon 90mm f/2 on my X-E4 with no issues; wouldn’t choose the X-E4 for lenses that are longer than that because it is simply the wrong body for (say) the 100-400mm.
I reckon if they do make this it’ll have the 40mp sensor. I assume after R&D and getting the production rolling it’s not much more expensive than the 26mp, if at all.
There’s room in their lens range for a very small and compact standard zoom, say about 16-60mm. I had an Olympus Pen for a while and it came with a kit 12-42 which was almost a pancake – maybe two pancakes stacked one on top of the other!
I never used it but apparently it was very good optically. Unfortunately it had power zoom which I found very difficult to use accurately as well as being a drain on the battery so I just put it back in the box and used the primes I already had. However, it’s an example of what I think Fujifilm should consider and suggests they could make something significantly smaller than their 15-45 without compromising image quality. Please no power zoom though!
I think the 40mp sensor adds one to two hundred to the cost.
Making compact zooms that have decent quality are more difficult the larger the sensor, and easier the smaller the sensor. Maybe Fujifilm should attempt it nonetheless. It’s not a bad idea. Thanks for the input!
I fully agree. A X-E5 doesn’t need to go the megapixel race.
Instead Fuji should update the Fujicron line up (18/2) or add some nice new pancake lenses.
I feel a bit lost in the pegapixel-superfast-lens-race
Yeah, I agree. 26mp is more than enough for the vast majority. Thanks for the comment!
X-t5 is pretty small now and has a grip and a d-pad and a great EVF and the switch you covet, yes more money but almost a flagship in a small package. Good post though
I have an X-T5. Prefer my X-E4 for travel, or carrying around for long stretches. But the X-T5 is great, too, and pretty compact for what it is.
I don’t think xt5 is small enough after using a A7 C II which was slimmer than my xt5.
The Sony offers a pretty divergent experience from the X-T5.
I disagree on almost every point on your wish list!
1. MSC button I agree
2. IBIS a must, just think of the new kit lens
3. WR a must
4. Whoever needs it can get grips, the thumb rest does the job
5. One extra function button would be wonderful, but not crucial.
6. 40mpx sensor and the newest processor a must.
A higher price, then be it so!
I think, if you’re adding IBIS and WR, you’re adding quite a bit of size and heft to the camera, in which a grip would definitely be necessary. Those two plus the 40mp sensor would add a lot to the price. I think what you are asking for is in the works, and will be called X-Pro4.
For me ibis and the ability to do 10bit log recording would make it my near perfect camera, which the XE4 is also pretty close to being. I brought that camera to so many places and shot so many different kinds of things. Really made me fall in love with photography again and got me into collecting vintage lenses to adapt. A built in flash would also be pretty cool.
I personally don’t want IBIS because of the cost and weight. Probably the biggest complaint people have had with the X-T50 is the price… I don’t know what kind of market there will be for a $1,300 X-E5. But maybe I’m wrong, who knows?
I agree with your choices, and would add…
– Small popup flash
– Return the D-Pad, and keep the
joystick as well
I thought Fujifilm had moved on from the D-Pad entirely… until they didn’t. I’m not sure if they are reserving it for just the higher-end models, or if they will be slowly bringing it back to others, too, but my suspicion is that it is just for the higher end models (for example, the X100VI and X-T50 do not have a D-Pad).
I’m pretty much in agreement. Save the 40mp and IBIS and such for the X-Pro4. Let the X-E5 be small, light, simple, cheap. I’d leave it without a grip, but put a grip in the box. The old rear screen can probably be fine, but a better EVF would be a great improvement. This seems like a camera that folks will mostly interact with through the EVF, so make it a good one. The big (that is, small) FF competition in the Panasonic S9 and Sony a7C either have no EVF or tiny EVF.
Getting better video recording modes (even if the physical body remains stills-oriented) kinda makes sense, but then again with the body this small there might not be enough head dissipation to really take advantage.
I’m torn on pancakes, tho. Stuff like the 35/2, 16/2.8 are already pretty small. Even the 23/2 and 50/2 aren’t that big. The spot I’d love to see Fuji put their lens-making effort is into revised versions of a lot of the older designs, perhaps even keeping the optics, but getting AF up to speed. The original trio of 35/1.4, 18/2, and 60/2.4, plus the 14/2.8, with updated focus motors and WR would be a nice improvement, even keeping the same optics and size. The problems with those lenses have more to do with the fact that they’re mechanically old than the optics being weak (although some would say that about the 18/2).
Those lenses—14mm f/2.8, 18mm f/2, 35mm f/1.4, and 60mm f2.4 Macro—do not fully resolve the 40mp sensor, so perhaps they should be optically improved in addition to updating the AF. I think the 18mm f/2 and 60mm f/2.4 are in most need, from my experience. Would love to see Fujifilm revisit those lenses.
A common complaint about the X-E4 is that it doesn’t have enough buttons and control dials. The Leica Q2 has fewer and it is extolled as a paragon of minimal design, partially for that reason. Fans like its simplicity while critics of the X-E4 think it is dumbed down. I think the Red Dot will do that to you. Full disclosure: I have one of each and I like the X-E4 better.
Yeah, I think those who believe the X-E4 to be “dumbed down” would not like the Q2, either (or, if they do, they’re not being consistent).
I love my X-E2s but would love the X-E5 as you envision it even more!
Awesome! Appreciate the feedback!
The X-E3 is my favorite digital camera of all time. Love it. For me it’s the perfect shape and size and weight with exactly the physical controls I want. I hate the X-E4. I don’t personally care how well it sold, I care what I want to carry and use — and that’s an updated X-E3. If they do that I’ll buy it on day one. If it’s more like the X-E4 then I won’t touch it. The last couple of years I’ve kind of accepted that Fuji is going to keep making the “wrong” decisions in their products for me and my next camera will likely not be a Fuji which is unfortunate.
Yeah, it’s definitely going to be a lot closer to the X-E4 than the X-E3, I have zero doubts about it. Not sure what camera maker is going to offer a camera that’s comparable in size or experience to either the X-E3 or X-E4; as far as I know, Fujifilm is the only one.
Submit the idea of a pancake lens to third-party manufacturers.
Besides, Viltrox – I’m sure they’ll bake it perfectly and on time!
It might just be 3rd party lens makers that end up doing it.
I think X-E4 sold massively only when it was clear that X100V will not be bought less than double the price when available. Then, someone on youtube said that the best X100 is an…. X-E4 with 27mm lens! Then everything exploded. So, it was because of the shortage of X100 model.
I have nothing against X-E series, but no matter what, it will not be cheap enough to repeat the success. And that will clarify it once and for all. People will chose to wait for the discount. Mark my words.
People who ordered the X100VI within 24 hours of it being available are being told that they might get their camera in December. If an X-E5 (or even the X-E4) were available right now, it would be selling like hotcakes. In the absence of an X100-series shortage, it might not sell as well; however, I don’t see the X100VI shortage letting up anytime soon, so Fujifilm has some time, but they shouldn’t wait too long.
100%. X-E4 blew up by riding the coattails of X100 hype. I think its success has more to do with lack of X100 availability rather than improvements over X-E3.
I’m a long time owner of an XE2S, which I like quite a bit. I was disappointed that I could not get my hands on an Xe4 as it looked perfect for me. I do not want a grip put on the 5 – you can always add one if you really want one. I much prefer the clean style without a grip. I think the main thing is to bring it back and keep it small. Also if I could choose any one thing, I would improve the resolution of the viewfinder so that it’s able to effectively focus m mount lenses with an adapter.
Yeah, they definitely don’t need to change much. An improved EVF would be well received, I think.
My #1 request for X-E5 is built-in flash. They could keep everything else the same.
Yeah, maybe that’s something they can bring back. Appreciate the input!
IBIS in the 100VI added, I believe, 2mm thickness compared to it’s predecessor and only a couple of grams weight. IBIS has become the standard against which the X-E5 must compete. I believe it is necessary.
I had an X-E3 which I liked very much, but sold when I got an X-E4 specifically because of the flippy screen. I can’t imagine life without it.
EVF upgrade would be nice, but not essential because it does not affect image capture.
The existing “Fujicron” lenses, while not pancakes, are quite compact, inconspicuous and light. I can carry several of them without feeling like a pack mule. I think more pancakes should be a very low priority if at all a priority. There are other, more popular, lenses in need of an update. e.g. 16mm f1.4 Fuji also needs a 50mm lens that is much more compact than the 50mm f1.0. It’s a nice lens, but is unduly large, heavy and expensive IMO. It is a niche lens. A nice f1.4 or even f1.2 would sell like hotcakes.
Lastly, weather resistance. It just not that hard to add some degree of weather resistance. It would make the X-E5 much more attractive as a “take everywhere camera.
I can’t say that I agree with every point (especially about the pancake lenses), but I appreciate the input. Thank you!