The Fujifilm X-E3 is the successor to the company’s older X-E2S mirrorless camera. It has a newer version of the company’s X-Trans CMOS III sensor, which has a resolution of 24.3 megapixels.
Unlike other Fujifilm cameras, such as the X-T2 and X-T20, which have a form similar to that of a DSLR and include a raised viewfinder in the center of the body, the X-E3 is modeled after a traditional rangefinder-style camera, much like the X-Pro2.
The X-E3, on the other hand, has been developed to appeal to a somewhat wider audience by having more compact proportions and by having controls that have been simplified. As a result, the X-Pro2 is geared toward pros and serious enthusiasts.
Fujifilm X-E3 Features
The Fujifilm X-E3 incorporates the same 24.3-megapixel X-Trans CMOS III APS-C sensor that has been used in all of the company’s X Series cameras since the X-Pro2; this represents a significant improvement in resolution when compared to the 16.3-megapixel sensor found in the X-E2S.
A native sensitivity range of ISO200-12,800 (compared to ISO6400 on the X-E2S) and an enlarged range that now ranges from ISO100-51,200 are provided. Additionally, the ISO range has been increased by a considerable amount when compared to its predecessor. In addition, the X-E3 can read raw data, whereas the X-E2S can only read JPEG files when shooting at an extended range.
The Fujifilm X-E3, much like the X-E2S and the X-T20, has an electronic viewfinder (EVF) with a high resolution of 2.36 million dots OLED and a magnification of 0.62x. In addition, on the back of the camera is a touchscreen display measuring 3.0 inches with a resolution of 1,040,000 dots.
Fujifilm X-E3 Build Quality
The Fujifilm X-E3 is somewhat different from its predecessors, the X-E2 and X-E2s, which followed a design quite similar to the X-E1. The X-E3, noticeably smaller than the X-E2s, has been given the title of the most miniature X Series camera presently available with a viewfinder. You’ll have a great compact camera system if combined with a few of Fujifilm’s excellent f/2 prime lenses, such as the 23mm or the 35mm.
There is a solid handgrip much the same size as the one on the X-predecessor, E3’s, and the raised thumb rest on the rear of the camera makes it wonderfully pleasant to handle one-handed. So I don’t believe the reduction in the X-footprint E3 has damaged its handling.
The X Series cameras have a great fit and finish, which has come to be expected from these cameras. The X-E3 may not be weather-sealed, but it has an excellent quality feel thanks to the magnesium alloy top and bottom plates and the machined dials.
Fujifilm X-E3 Autofocus
The Fujifilm X-T20 and the X-E3 use the same 325-point autofocus technology. This is split down into 169 phase-detect points in a grid of 13 x 13 in the center of the frame. Additionally, two grids of contrast-detect points are 6 x 13 on either side of the frame, which brings the total number of focusing issues to 325.
That is the case if the single-point AF setting of the X-E3 is utilized. However, coverage lowers to a respectable 91-point AF setup when you select Zone or Wide/Tracking as your autofocus mode. In this particular situation, a phase-detect point grid is seven by 7 in size.
The X-E3 quickly latched onto several objects in a range of lighting settings and switching to continuous AF revealed a pleasant improvement in focusing accuracy compared to the X-E2. In addition, focusing is quick for subjects that don’t move, and the camera can easily handle moving subjects.
Fujifilm X-E3 Performance
The X-E3 takes 0.4 seconds to power up, compared to 0.5 seconds for the X-E2s, while the shutter lag stays the same at just 0.05 seconds thanks to Fujifilm’s X-Processor Pro image engine. This is a significant improvement over the previous model.
The X-E3 is not marketed as an action camera; however, it can shoot at a high-speed 14 frames per second when using the electronic shutter or at a slightly more restrained eight frames per second when using the camera’s mechanical shutter. If you choose to use the mechanical shutter, you can expect to be able to shoot 23 raw files or 62 JPEGs before the buffer starts to slow down.
The X-E3 uses Fujifilm’s tried-and-true TTL 256-zone metering technology, which achieves highly satisfying results for the most part. However, when the camera is shown a scene with a lot of contrast, it tends to underexpose the image slightly. Fortunately, this is simple to fix thanks to the exposure compensation button on the back of the device. Alternatively, you can adjust the shadows in the post-processing software.
Fujifilm X-E3 Image Quality
Since the Fujifilm X-E3 is equipped with the same X-Trans CMOS III sensor found in the X-Pro2, X-T2, X-T20, and X100F, it is safe to say that the image quality produced by the X-E3 is among the highest that can be achieved with an APS-C-based camera.
The level of detail is high, and those who prefer not to spend much time in front of a computer will like the variety of film simulation settings that the X-E3 offers. There are various possibilities accessible, thanks to the fact that there are 15 different effects to pick from. Some of these effects, like Velvia, are fantastic for boosting the colors in landscapes, while others, like the Arcos mode, are more suited to monochrome photography.
The X-E3 also does quite well in the category of dynamic range. It is possible to recover a significant amount of detail in the shadows and highlights of an image, which is especially true for raw files, which have around four stops of latitude for adjustment when shot at low ISOs.
The Dynamic Range mode of the X-E3 is accessible for both JPEG and raw file formats. The highest DR400 setting can preserve a significant amount of detail in the highlights and the shadows. However, this comes at the expense of the base sensitivity accessible in this mode, as only ISO800 or higher is accessible.
Fujifilm X-E3 Specs
| Body type | Rangefinder-style mirrorless |
|---|---|
| Body material | Magnesium alloy/plastic |
| Sensor | |
| Max resolution | 6000 x 4000 |
| Other resolutions | 4240 x 2832, 6000 x 3376, 4000, x 4000, 4240 x 2832, 4240 x 2384, 2832 x 2832, 3008 x 2000, 3008 x 1688, 2000 x 2000 |
| Image ratio w h | 1:1, 3:2, 16:9 |
| Effective pixels | 24 megapixels |
| Sensor size | APS-C (23.6 x 15.6 mm) |
| Sensor type | CMOS |
| Processor | X-Processor Pro |
| Color space | sRGB, Adobe RGB |
| Color filter array | X-Trans |
| Image | |
| ISO | Auto, 200 – 12800 (expandable to 100-51200) |
| Boosted ISO (minimum) | 100 |
| Boosted ISO (maximum) | 51200 |
| White balance presets | 7 |
| Custom white balance | Yes |
| Image stabilization | No |
| Uncompressed format | RAW |
| JPEG quality levels | Fine, normal |
| File format | JPEG (Exif v2.3)Raw (Fujifilm RAF, 14-bit) |
| Optics & Focus | |
| Autofocus | Contrast Detect (sensor)Phase DetectMulti-areaCenterSelective single-pointTrackingSingleContinuousTouchFace DetectionLive view. |
| Autofocus assist lamp | Yes |
| Manual focus | Yes |
| Number of focus points | 325 |
| Lens mount | Fujifilm X |
| Focal length multiplier | 1.5× |
| Screen/viewfinder | |
| Articulated LCD | Fixed |
| Screen size | 3″ |
| Screen dots | 1,040,000 |
| Touch screen | Yes (Four-way controller functions replaced by ‘swiping’ on display) |
| Screen type | LCD |
| Live view | Yes |
| Viewfinder type | Electronic |
| Viewfinder coverage | 100% |
| Viewfinder magnification | 0.93× (0.62× 35mm equiv.) |
| Viewfinder resolution | 2,360,000 |
| Photography features | |
| Minimum shutter speed | 30 sec |
| Maximum shutter speed | 1/4000 sec |
| Maximum shutter speed (electronic) | 1/32000 sec |
| Exposure modes | ProgramShutter priorityAperture priorityManual |
| Built-in flash | No (Small external flash included) |
| External flash | Yes |
| Flash X sync speed | 1/180 sec |
| Drive modes | SingleContinuousSelf-timer interval |
| Continuous drive | 8.0 fps |
| Self-timer | Yes |
| Metering modes | MultiCenter-weightedAverageSpot |
| Exposure compensation | ±5 (at 1/3 EV steps) |
| AE Bracketing | ±3 (2, 3, 5, 7 frames at 1/3 EV steps) |
| WB Bracketing | Yes |
| Videography features | |
| Format | MPEG-4, H.264 |
| Modes | 3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 100 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 25p / 100 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 24p / 100 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 60p / 36 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 50p / 36 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 30p / 36 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 25p / 36 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 24p / 36 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 23.98p / 36 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1280 x 720 @ 60p / 18 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1280 x 720 @ 50p / 18 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1280 x 720 @ 30p / 18 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1280 x 720 @ 25p / 18 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1280 x 720 @ 24p / 18 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1280 x 720 @ 23.98p / 18 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM |
| Microphone | Stereo |
| Speaker | Mono |
| Storage | |
| Storage types | SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-I compatible) |
| Connectivity | |
| USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
| HDMI | Yes (micro-HDMI) |
| Microphone port | Yes |
| Headphone port | No |
| Wireless | Built-In |
| Wireless notes | 802.11b/g/n + Bluetooth LE |
| Remote control | Yes |
| Physical | |
| Environmentally sealed | No |
| Battery | Battery Pack |
| Battery description | NP-W126S lithium-ion battery & charger |
| Battery Life (CIPA) | 350 |
| Weight (inc. batteries) | 337 g (0.74 lb / 11.89 oz) |
| Dimensions | 121 x 74 x 43 mm (4.78 x 2.91 x 1.68″) |
| Other features | |
| Orientation sensor | Yes |
| GPS | None |
Fujifilm X-E3 Verdict
The Fujifilm X-E3 is an outstanding example of a compact camera. This camera has a luxurious feel, a variety of tactile buttons, and a touchscreen interface, which combine to make it a pleasure to use when taking photos.
There are also no complaints about image quality; photos come out vibrant and detailed, and the film simulation settings may give your photographs a delightful new spin. In addition, because of advancements in connection, it is now feasible to send spectacular pictures directly from the camera to others before you have even arrived at your residence.
It’s best to avoid using the X-E3 with any of Fujifilm’s bigger zoom lenses; this is more of a camera that shines when paired with one of Fujifilm’s interesting prime lenses. Additionally, given the X-battery E3’s life, you may want to consider purchasing an additional battery or two.
