Fujifilm X-E3
Fujifilm’s smallest X Series camera packs a punch
From $900 (body only) From Fujifilm, fujifilmusa.com Features 24.3MP APS-C CMOS III sensor, 3-inch color touchscreen, Bluetooth
Fujifilm’s latest X Series mirrorless camera replaces the aging X-E2S. Instead of a DSLR-style design, with a raised, central viewfinder, the X-E3 has a classic rangefinder style, like the X-Pro2, but with diminutive proportions and streamlined controls.
The spec is not compromised, though. The X-E3 features Fujifilm’s 24.3MP X-Trans CMOS III APS-C sensor, bettering the 16.3MP sensor in the X-E2S. The ISO range increases, with a native sensitivity range of ISO200–12,800; the expanded range is ISO100–51,200, with support for Raw files as well as JPEG, too.
There’s a 2.36-million-dot OLED electronic viewfinder with 0.62x magnification, while the rear boasts a three-inch touchscreen display with a resolution of over one million dots. You can tap the display to focus and trigger the shutter, and also swipe through and pinch-to-zoom to review images.
There’s Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity, and also Bluetooth — pair the camera with your device and install the free Camera Remote app to transfer images to share easily.
The X-E3 also offers 4K video capture at 30p as well as Full HD at 60p, with both formats supporting film simulations. There’s a 2.5mm jack input for a mic, but not for audio monitoring. There’s just one SD card slot, and no support for faster UHS-II cards.
The X-E3 has a decent handgrip as big as the X-E2S’s, and is comfortable to hold one-handed. While not weather-sealed, it has a premium feel thanks to magnesium-alloy top and bottom plates and machined dials.
With the smaller body, there’s no built-in flash; instead, there’s a pocket-sized hotshoemounted flash. The shutter speed dial offers settings from 1 to 1/4000 sec plus Bulb, Time, and Automatic; the exposure compensation dial runs from –3 to +3EV. A new, small rocker switch round the shutter speed dial gives the option of full Auto mode — ideal for novices.
The big change, though, is the streamlined rear layout. The display extends all the way to the left edge, and you can flick right, left, up, or down on the touchscreen to access four different functions or settings, which can be tailored to your preference in the menu.
The X-E3 uses the same 325-point AF system as the X-T20. With five AF-C presets to pick from, AF tracking is much improved. Focusing could be a bit faster, but it’s a solid performer. While the X-E3 isn’t marketed as an action camera, it can shoot at a very fast 14fps using the electronic shutter, or a more restrained 8fps with the mechanical shutter.
Fujifilm’s TTL 256-zone metering system performs very well, although when presented with a high-contrast scene it can sometimes underexpose the shot. Image quality is some of the best available from an APS-C-based camera, detail is excellent, and the film simulation modes are very effective.
At 350 shots per charge, battery life is not bad for a mirrorless camera, though a DSLR rival like the Nikon D5600 offers 820 shots.
The bottom line. The X-E3 is a joy to shoot with, and is everything you’d want in a compact mirrorless camera. Phil Hall