Fujifilm is known for its mirrorless camera. Following the success of the X-T20, the brand has introduced its latest touchscreen-enabled mid-range mirrorless camera – the X-E3.
Fujifilm X-E3 Hands-on; Gain and Loss |
Basically, the two cameras share the same internal hardware and specifications. However, to make it smaller, and probably cheaper than its predecessor, the brand has removed the four-way controller and built-in flash.
The device boasts 24-megapixel APS-C sensor with X-Trans color filter. It also supports 4K UHD video at 30, 25, 24, and 23.97p, too. And although it missed some elements, Fujifilm makes sure that the X-E3 is an enhanced model as it keeps most of the capability, while it improves some of its features.
HANDS-ON:
Fujifilm X-E3 |
Featuring a right handed operation, the device is encased with a compact and lightweight body. The design is also simple, which makes it a good looking camera. It also flaunts a metal top plate and dense plastic body. Compact enough, the camera sits well in the hand. In fact, users can comfortably hold it while taking photos. The controls were also thoughtfully placed to support one hand usage, but of course, holding it with two hands is still better in order to support its base and to avoid shaking.
The X-E3 Features A Fixed Touchscreen |
It is equipped with a front control dial, which we felt like unnecessary if you’re using lenses with a dedicated aperture dial. Meanwhile, the back is now dominated by the 3.0-inch touchscreen after the exclusion of the four way controller. The touchscreen is impressive, too, as it offers numbers of controls. In shooting photos, users can simply tap the screen to set the AF point and attain focus. It even has a small icon that works as a shutter. And if you really need the four-way controller, the touchscreen doubles as one, too. This means swiping left, right, up, or down will give you an access to four different functions.
See Also: Fujifilm X-Pro2 Unveiled in the Philippines, Yours for Php90,990
Fujifilm X-E3 and X-T20 Front Comparison |
Unfortunately, what we missed the most is the previous model’s tilting LCD screen. On the X-T20, users can tilt the screen up or down, while the X-E3 is packed with a fixed touchscreen. Fujifilm also removed its built-in flash, instead, it comes with a clip-on flash.
Fujifilm X-E3 and X-T20 Back Comparison |
One of the obvious differences of the X-E3 and X-T20 is the design and placing of the viewfinder, too. The X-T20 has a bigger one because of the EVF hump, while the X-E3 has a flat top. It has the same specifications, though. Both viewfinders have a 0.39-inch OLED panel, 2360k dots of resolution, 0.005s time-lag, 0.62x of magnification, and a 17.5mm eyepoint.
Fujifilm X-E3 and X-T20 Top Comparison |
Fujifilm also geared the X-E3 with the AF joystick. With this, users can accurately set its focus. It has a better balance of precision and speed than when you use the screen in setting the focus.
Meanwhile, just like other X-E cameras, it is equipped with dedicated shutter speed dial and exposure dial. But to give more convenience to users, the device now comes with an aperture ring.
On top of that, the X-E3 is the first Fujifilm camera to support Bluetooth connectivity, allowing users to transfer JPEG files on their smart devices through the Camera Remote app. It features auto-transfer, as well.
SAMPLE SHOTS:
Studio |
Indoor |
Outdoor |
Close-up |
Candid |
INITIAL IMPRESSION:
The Fujifilm X-E3 proved that gains sometimes disguised as a loss. It missed some of its predecessor’s key features, on the other hand, it also comes with some enhancements and improvements. Also, as a mirrorless camera, it satisfied us with its portability and minimalist design.
Available in black or silver, the X-E3 comes in three variants: body only for Php50,900, 18-55mm kit for Php72,990, and 23mm kit for Php64,990.
Fujifilm X-E3 Specifications:
- Dimensions: 121.3mm x 73.9mm x 42.7mm
- Weight: 337 grams (including battery and memory card); 287 grams (excluding accessories, battery, and memory card)
- Number of effective pixels: 24.3 million pixels
- Image sensor: 23.mm x 15.6mm (APS-C) X-Trans CMOS III with primary color filter
- File format: JPEH, RAW, RAW+JPEG, MOV
- Sensitivity: AUTO1 / AUTO2 / AUTO3(up to ISO12800) / ISO200 to 12800(1/3 EV step); ISO100 / 125 / 160 / 25600 / 51200
- Exposure control: TTL 256-zone metering, Multi / Spot / Average / Center Weighted
- Exposure mode: P(Program AE) / A(Aperture Priority AE) / S(Shutter Speed Priority AE) / M(Manual Exposure)
- Image Stabilizer: Supported with OIS type lenses
- Shutter type: Focal Plane Shutter
- Viewfinder: 0.39-inch OLED panel, 2360k dots of resolution, 0.005s time-lag, 0.62x of magnification, and a 17.5mm eyepoint.
- LCD monitor: 3.0-inch, aspect ratio 3:2,
- approx. 1040K-dot Touch screen color LCD monitor (approx. 100% coverage)
- Bluetooth 4.0
- Battery: NP-W126S Li-ion battery
- Colors: Black, Silver
- Price: Body only for Php50,900, 18-55mm kit for Php72,990, and 23mm kit for Php64,990