MIRRORLESS TEST
FUJIFILM X-E4
EXPERT OPINION ON THE LATEST KIT
A new rangefinder-style mirrorless that offers superb image quality
www.fujifilm.co.uk
£799/$849
The X-E4 is Fujifilm’s most compact interchangeable-lens camera. As the latest in the brand’s X-E series of mirrorless cameras, it has a rectangular rangefinder-like design rather than the mini-DSLR styling of the X-T series. It’s a camera designed for enthusiasts who value a classic, compact design over all the bells and whistles of the X-S10 and X-T4.
The X-E4 is the fourth camera in Fujifilm’s X-E series, and it follows the design of previous versions closely, but with Fujifilm’s latest 26.1MP X-Trans sensor. This gives it a modest increase in resolution over the previous X-E3, but the real gain is a newer generation of back-illuminated sensor design, which brings a step up in all-round image quality. It’s the same sensor that’s used in Fujifilm’s flagship X-T4, and this means the X-E4 also gets a powerful on-sensor phase-detect autofocus system, with 425 focus points covering the whole image area.
The X-E4 is not really designed for the same kind of user as the X-T4, however. It can shoot at a frame rate of 8fps with its mechanical shutter, or 10fps with its electronic shutter, but it’s not really a sports/action camera, not least because its size and shape make the handling a little awkward with longer lenses.
1 There’s not even a bump on the front for your fingers to grip, but that’s all part of the X-E4’s minimalist design aesthetic.
2 The new XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR kit lens is a super-slim pancake prime, and a key part of the X-E4’s appeal.
3 The X-E4 is the fourth iteration of Fujifilm’s range of rectangular rangefinder-style mirrorless cameras.
4 The viewfinder is mounted in the top-left corner of the rear, not on top like on other Fujifilm cameras.
5 The touch-sensitive rear screen has a tilting mechanism, but no sideways movement for taking vertical shots.
6 There’s no four-way controller on the back, but this small joystick does the job.
7 The X-E4 offers Fujifilm’s trademark classic external exposure controls, including a lens aperture ring and a shutter-speed dial.
8 There’s an exposure compensation dial – although it’s quite easy to forget that you’ve applied it.
9 Naturally, the X-E4 takes all Fujifilm X-mount lenses.