Initially, these two compact rangefinder-style cameras from Fujifilm may look quite similar. Fujifilm X E4 was released in January 2021 as an updated, upgraded version of Fujifilm X E3, which has been in the market since September 2017. Below, we will compare Fujifilm X E4 vs X E3 to determine whether the new model is actually better than the old one.
Continue reading below to understand better about:
- How Fujifilm X E4 greatly differs from the previous models in terms of interface and control
- The newer, more powerful AF system and image sensor in Fujifilm X E4
- The films simulation modes in Fujifilm X E4 vs X E3
- The comparison of their video quality and features
- Whether you should go for Fujifilm X E4 or Fujifilm X E3
Fujifilm X E4 vs X E3: Design and Interface
We immediately noticed that Fujifilm X E4 is a tad smaller than Fujifilm X E3. A direct measurement confirmed our suspicion. The X E4 measures 33 mm x 73 mm x 121 mm, whereas the X E3 measures 43 mm x 74 mm x 121 mm. However, each of them still has a metallic chassis with a nicely textured grip surface to ensure solid handling. Read also : Canon Powershot G5 X vs G7X Mark II.
The reduced dimensions can be beneficial for portability. You can slip the X E4 more easily into your bag. However, this may become a minor issue for people with larger hands, as the smaller body may make it more difficult to hold properly. The X E3, on the other hand, has about 25% more thickness due to the protruding thumb grip.
A careful observation also revealed some more differences. First of all, despite the slimmer body, Fujifilm X E4 has managed to fit a tilting LCD touchscreen to the rear, as opposed to Fujifilm X E3’s fixed display. This can be very handy in many situations, such as shooting from below your waist or from above your head, or when you want to take a recording of yourself. Both models still use the same 2.36M-dot EVF that offers 100-fps refresh rate, 0.62x magnification, and a built-in eye sensor.
Secondly, while Fujifilm X E3 is more-or-less very similar to the previous models in terms of control, Fujifilm X E4 comes with a more streamlined interface. It is missing the Focus Mode switch, View Mode button, Auto Mode lever, and rear command dial. Also, it only has a single button for switching between AE-L and AF-L, and it now has a “P” option on the shutter speed dial for the Program AE Mode. One potential problem from this change is that you will need to go back and forth through the menu screens more often to access some settings.
| Fujifilm X E4 | Fujifilm X E3 | |
|---|---|---|
  |   |
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| Product Dimensions | 1.29 x 2 x 4 inches | 8.6 x 5.7 x 5.5 inches |
| Shipping Weight | 11 ounces | 2.2 pounds |
| Best offer | Check price | Check price |
Fujifilm X E4 vs X E3: Autofocus
One major improvement offered by Fujifilm X E4 is the hybrid autofocus system. It now has the same technology found in the more expensive X Pro 3 and X T4. The autofocus is extremely fast. It only needs 0.002 seconds to get an AF lock. It also better face and eye detection, and the continuous AF tracking is also faster and more accurate.
You can use the autofocus in lower light conditions, down to -7 in the exposure value (EV) unit. And, of course, it has more focus points, with a total of 425 AF points. The phase-detection points now cover the entire surface of the image sensor for greatly improved tracking.
In contrast, Fujifilm X E3’s autofocus feels considerably slower, and it only has a total of 325 AF points. The phase-detection points only cover the center area, about 50% of the width and 70% of the height. Hence, it often struggles when tracking a fast-moving subject that is running to the edge of the frame.
Fujifilm X E4 vs X E3: Image Sensor
Fujifilm X E3 still uses an older X-Processor Pro image engine. It is armed with a 24.3 MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS III image sensor. It has very good image quality, with a native ISO range of 200 – 12,800 that is expandable to 100 – 51,200. The continuous shooting performance is nice. The X E3 can shoot at a rate of 8 fps, which can be further increased to 14 fps by using the electronic shutter. However, while the overall performance of the X E3 is satisfying, the X E4 simply offers an entirely better thing.
Fujifilm X E4 is armed with a 26 MP APS-C BSI X-Trans CMOS IV image sensor and the new X-Processor 4 engine. It has a wider ISO range of 160 – 12,800, expandable to 80 – 51,200. While the continuous shooting speed with the mechanical shutter remains at 8 fps, it can reach up to 20 fps when you switch to the electronic shutter with fixed focus and exposure.
The X E3 does not have a lock on the automatic white balance. This can be annoying when taking a burst of photos and the results come out with different tones. Fortunately, the X E4 now has a lock function on the automatic white balance, which will ensure a burst of photos to come out with consistent colors.
Furthermore, being a newer model, the X E4 comes with all the latest film simulations for JPEG styling. There are 18 types of film simulations in total, including the famous ones like Provia, Astia, Velvia, and Acros. People who love Fujifilm cameras for their amazing JPEG processing may want to choose Fujifilm X E4 over Fujifilm X E3 for this reason alone.
Fujifilm X E4 vs X E3: Video
Although both cameras are technically able to record 4K videos at 30 fps, they actually record in different bitrates. And, of course, Fujifilm X E4 comes with some new features for video recording.
Fujifilm X E3 can only do 4K video recording for a maximum duration of 10 minutes. It can record videos in 100 Mbps, but it does not support F-Log. The X E3 can’t use the Face Detection AF Mode when doing 4K video recording, is without a headphone output, and uses a non-standard 2.5mm mic input.
The X E4 can record videos in 200 Mbps and supports F-Log. Interestingly, the maximum video recording duration goes up to 30 minutes here, and it supports the Long GOP compression format for more efficient video storage. In addition, it now has a digital image stabilizer, which can be very useful when shooting without a tripod.
Fujifilm X E4 vs X E3
Conclusion
Between the two, Fujifilm X E4 is definitely the more superior product. It is more compact, yet it has a tilting LCD, and it comes with a more powerful hybrid AF and better image sensor. You will also appreciate the film simulations and the 4K video recording capabilities. Indeed, it has a more streamlined interface, which can be a bad thing for some people, but at least it has an auto white balance lock.