Initial Impressions on the Fujifilm X-E4 Camera

Basic Information about the Fujifilm X-E4 Camera

The XT series of Fujifilm's mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras tends to garner the most attention, especially the premium X-T4 and X-T3 models, but the XE line of cameras, akin to rangefinder-style cameras, is also quite intriguing.

Despite differing naming conventions, the X-Pro cameras are often considered the flagship of the XE series, as they share a similar design. However, unlike its predecessors in the lineup, the Fuji X-Pro3 features a hybrid viewfinder combining an optical viewfinder with an electronic viewfinder. The Fuji X-E4 is slightly more conventional as it only features an electronic viewfinder.

The Fujifilm X-E4 serves as a replacement for the Fuji X-E3 and features the latest 26.1MP X-Trans CMOS 4 APS-C format sensor and X-Processor 4. Fujifilm has given it a design akin to its predecessor and the Fuji X100V (albeit with a removable lens).

Distinctive Features of the Camera

As the X-E3 boasted a 24.3Mp X-Trans CMOS III APS-C sensor and X-Processor Pro engine, upgrading to Fujifilm's 26.1MP X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor and X-Processor 4 is foreseeable for the X-E4. While the 1.8Mp resolution increase may not sound like much, noteworthy is the backlit nature of the X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor. This means that the light-receiving elements are closer to the surface, resulting in improved light reception, promising better image quality and noise control.

This combination allows for an ISO sensitivity range of 160-12,800, expandable to ISO 80-51,200. The X-E4 also captures at speeds up to 8 frames per second (fps) using a mechanical shutter and 30 fps with an electronic shutter in a 1.25x crop mode. Should you wish to avoid cropping, the electronic shutter enables shooting at speeds of up to 10 fps.

Fuji's X-Processor 4 also enables DCI 4K (4096 x 2160) video recording at 29.97/25/24/23.98 fps. When recording 4K/30p internally, it offers 4:2:0 8-bit color, but can also be connected to an external device via HDMI for 4K/30p 4:2:2 10-bit recording.

This video capability is supported by a 3.5mm microphone port and a USB-C port, which can be used for direct headphone connection or through the included adapter in the box.

Due to the phase-detection pixels on the X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor, the X-E4 features Fujifilm's Intelligent Hybrid AF with up to 425 selectable AF points. These points cover the entire sensor and can utilize Face & Eye AF.

Another piece of good news is that when the Fujinon XF50mm f1.0 R WR lens is attached, the X-E4's AF system becomes sensitive down to -7EV. That's great news for anyone shooting in low-light conditions.

Thanks to Fujifilm's understanding of color science garnered from its film manufacturing history, the Film Simulation modes on the company's digital cameras have proven a popular way to impart a specific style to JPEGs in-camera. The Fujifilm X-E4 features 18 film simulation modes including the new Eterna Bleached Bypass mode.

Design, Build Quality of Fujifilm X-E4

Similar to its predecessors in the XE series, the Fujifilm X-E4 features a rangefinder-style rectangular design akin to the compact APS-C format camera, the Fuji X100V. It's crafted from magnesium alloy, providing a sturdy, high-quality feel.

An interesting addition is Fujifilm's introduction of an optional thumb rest for the X-E4. This metal accessory slides into the camera's hot shoe and runs along the back of the camera to provide a prominent resting spot for your thumb.

Unlike the XT series, the Fujifilm X-E4's 0.39-inch 2.36 million-dot OLED viewfinder is located at the top left corner of the camera body. The viewfinder doesn't protrude from the top of the body, giving the X-E4 a sleeker and more compact look.

Although its position differs, we've seen this viewfinder before, akin to the Fuji X-S10, and found it to deliver good service, displaying fine details and an accurate preview of captured images.

Control Layout

Like the X-E3, the X-E4 features a shutter speed dial at the top plate above the thumb. This has markings running the gamut from 1 second to 1/4000 plus T and B for setting the camera to Time or Bulb mode.

As usual, there's also an 'A' setting for automatic on the shutter speed dial for the camera to set shutter speed automatically. However, there's also a new 'P' setting that can be used to set the camera to Program mode. On the X-E3 and other Fuji X-series cameras, Program mode is set by turning the shutter speed dial and aperture ring to their 'A' settings. This can still be done with the X-E4, but the 'P' setting overrides the aperture ring and allows for quicker Program mode setting.

There's a button to access the Quick menu on the top plate of the camera, between the shutter speed and exposure compensation dials. While this is conveniently placed in the camera's default settings, I'm concerned that the optional thumb rest will make it hard to reach.

Like the X-E3, the X-E4 lacks a directional pad but features a mini control stick that Fuji likes to call an 'AF Lever', aiding in moving the AF point around the screen or performing quick menu selections.

This control stick sits just above the Display and Menu buttons on the camera's rear, keeping plenty of empty space for your thumb.

Above the screen of the X-E4, there's a row of three buttons to access Drive/Delete, Playback, and AELAFL options, putting everything you need within easy reach.

Fujifilm X-E4 Screen

The Fuji X-E4 features a 3-inch 1,620,000-dot screen mounted on a tilt mechanism that allows it to tilt up 180° for front-facing observation.

It's a fantastic addition for anyone taking selfies or vlogging, and when the screen is tilted upwards on the camera, you can see it when the camera is mounted on a tripod.

The tilting screen is also an improvement over the fixed screen of the X-E3, plus with 1.62 million dots, its resolution is a significant step up from the predecessor's 1.04 million dots and the X-S10.

Performance

I've just received the Fuji X-E4 for review and if you scroll down, you'll see some sample images. I'll conduct more tests and image analysis, but my experience with the 26.1MP X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor and X-Processor 4 indicates that the X-E4 will be capable of producing high-quality images. I predict it will handle noise well up to around ISO 6,400, at which point JPEGs may lack some finer details.

Fujifilm's Hybrid autofocus system nowadays is quite versatile, and while I'll thoroughly test it when I have a full production sample, I hope it can keep fast-moving subjects consistently sharp.

The sensor's dynamic range also should ensure that X-E4 images have a good attitude, enabling feasible low-light scenes up to 4EV while still retaining recoverable shadow details.

Conclusion

Fujifilm is introducing the X-E4 as a small, lightweight, and affordable interchangeable-lens mirrorless camera, and while some may argue about the definition of affordability, I think it ticks all those boxes.

What's crucial is its highly regarded 26.1MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor and X-Processor 4, known for producing stunning images across Fuji's lineup, including the impressive X-T4.

Additionally, it boasts a great viewfinder and screen, with the tiltable rear viewfinder able to tilt up to 180°.