Introduction

Ease of Use

The new X-E3 camera takes the rangefinder-esque design of its predecessor, the X-E2S, and crosses it with the main strengths of the similarly-priced, DSLR-like X-T20, whilst introducing a few new features of its own that are designed to appeal more to smartphone users looking for a better, dedicated camera.

The XE3 looks at first glance like a mini X-Pro2, with a classical retro look and feel. From the front, the main difference to the previous X-E2S is the very welcome addition of a front control dial, which in conjunction with the retained rear dial makes it a cinch to quickly set the main exposure parameters. The only fly in the ointment from this point of view is the lack of a dedicated ISO speed dial - instead, you have to dip into the Quick menu, which despite its name isn't quite as quick as a dedicated dial.

This camera has exactly the same 24.3 megapixel APS-C sized “X-Trans III” CMOS sensor as the X-T20 and the same X-Processor Pro engine, so on paper there should be little or no difference in image quality when using the same lenses. Instead, choosing between the two comes down to which control layout and style of camera you prefer.

Front of the Fujifilm X-E3

This camera has the same high-resolution OLED electronic viewfinder as the X-T20, with a resolution of 2.36m dots, magnification of 0.62x and short lag-time of just 0.005 sec. Although this viewfinder isn't as complex as the X-Pro2's hybrid viewfinder or as magnified as the X-T2's, it's still very nice to use. Positioned over to the far-left of the camera, this is a major difference to the X-T20's centrally located viewfinder, so that may be an important reason to choose one model over the other.

The Fujifilm X-E3 is very well-built, with little movement in its chassis, and it weighs in at 337g body only with the battery and memory card fitted, some 50g less than the X-T20, whilst measuring 121.3mm (W) x 73.9mm (H) x 42.7mm (D). Most of the external controls are obviously made from plastic, though, which you may not like given the more mid-range price tag that the X-E3 now has.

The camera has a small-ish hand-grip at the front and a more prominent rest at the rear for your thumb, with your grip helped in no small part by the textured faux-leather surface that runs around the full width of the camera. Two small metal eyelets on either side of the body are used for connecting the supplied shoulder strap. A metal tripod mount is positioned slightly off-centre from the lens and next to the battery/memory card compartment, so you'll have to remove the camera from the tripod to change the battery or the memory card.

Rear of the Fujifilm X-E3

The X-E3 offers a pleasingly fast continuous shooting rate of 8fps for up to 62 JPEG or 25 Raw files. This shooting rate cab be further increased to 14fps by using the electronic shutter, a speed which is very competitive with the fastest compact system cameras in its class, although the focus and exposure are locked at the first frame of the sequence. The X-E3 only offers compatibility with Ultra High Speed UHS-I SDXC memory cards, whereas the more expensive X-T2 and X-Pro2 cameras are also compatible with faster UHS-II cards.

The XE3 can auto-focus in as little as 0.06 seconds and offers an increased number of AF points - 91 versus the X-T2S' 49 - laid out in a 7 x7 grid, with a lot more of the imaging area covered by faster and more precise phase detection AF pixels. If you want even more control, you can select the 325 points option which splits the same area of the frame into a 13x25 grid of smaller AF points, of which the central 77 are phase-detection points.

The 3-inch 1040K-dot LCD screen is touch-sensitive, which means you can use it to set the AF point too, or even fire the shutter release. On the right-hand side of the screen you’ll see a small icon which if you press allows you to choose between using the screen to set AF point, or to have it focus and then take a picture. If you prefer, you can turn off this functionality altogether, but it’s much quicker than using the buttons to set the point.

Top of the Fujifilm X-E3

New to the X-E3 is the Touch Function feature, which effectively replaces the physical D-Pad that has been completely removed from the camera. Instead, you can flick left, right, up or down to activate various pre-assigned functions. In practice, it's a little trickier to use than a physical control, but maybe that's simply because we're more used to the latter than the former.

Furthermore, you can actually change the focus point whilst holding the camera up to your eye by dragging across the touchscreen with your right thumb. Again, it's a little tricky to get it right at first, but persevere and it soon becomes more natural, if not quite second nature.

Note that unlike on the X-T20, the X-E3's screen is fixed into place, rather than being able to tilt it up or down for easier composition in certain situations.

The Fujifilm X-E3 In-hand

One other major difference between the two is the new Focus Lever, or joystick, a feature first introduced on the X-Pro2 and then the X-T2 cameras. As with the touchscreen drag feature, the rear joystick lets you change the focus point whilst holding the camera up to your eye - in practice, we preferred using the joystick to do this rather than the touchscreen.

The Fujifilm X-E3 can record 4K video, with 24/25/30p frame rates on offer, for up to 10 minutes of recording time, which is a little on the short side. If you don't need 4K, the X-E3 can also record Full HD 1080p movies at 60p / 50p / 30p / 25p / 24p for up to 15 minutes with stereo sound. There is a HDMI port for connecting the X-T20 to a high-definition TV, and you can adjust the level of the internal microphone and attach an external mic for better sound quality via the Mic and Remote ports. Strangely, despite the increased emphasis on video recording, the X-T10's doesn't have a one-touch Movie Record button, instead it's been assigned to the drive mode button, where it's marooned right at the bottom of the menu.

The final new feature, and one that only the X-E3 offers out of all the various Fujifilm X-series cameras, is Bluetooth connectivity. As with Canon's implementation on some of their recent models, you can use this feature to connect the X-e3 to a smartphone, even when the camera is turned off, and automatically transfer images from for backup or more probably sharing via your social network of choice.

Image Quality

All of the sample images in this Fujifilm X-E3 review were taken using the 24 megapixel Fine JPEG setting, which gives an average image size of around 10Mb.

The Fujifilm X-E3 produced images of outstanding quality during the review period. It records noise-free JPEG images at ISO 100 all the way up to 6400, with a little noise at ISO 12800 and more visible noise and slight colour desaturation at the faster settings of ISO 25600 and 51200, an amazing performance for a camera with an APS-C sensor. The RAW files were also excellent, exhibiting more noise but still producing very usable images from ISO 100-12800.

The night photograph was excellent, with the maximum shutter speed of 30 seconds being long enough for most after-dark shots, and the Bulb mode allowing much longer exposures if required. The Dynamic Range settings subtly improve detail in the shadows and highlights, while the Film Simulation modes hark back to a bygone era.

Noise

There are 10 ISO settings available on the Fujifilm X-E3 for JPEGs and RAW files. Here are some 100% crops which show the noise levels for each ISO setting for both JPEG and RAW files.

JPEG	RAW
ISO 100 (100% Crop)
ISO 200 (100% Crop)	ISO 200 (100% Crop)
ISO 400 (100% Crop)	ISO 400 (100% Crop)
ISO 800 (100% Crop)	ISO 800 (100% Crop)
ISO 1600 (100% Crop)	ISO 1600 (100% Crop)
ISO 3200 (100% Crop)	ISO 3200 (100% Crop)
ISO 6400 (100% Crop)	ISO 6400 (100% Crop)
ISO 12800 (100% Crop)	ISO 12800 (100% Crop)
ISO 25600 (100% Crop)	ISO 25600 (100% Crop)
ISO 51200 (100% Crop)	ISO 51200 (100% Crop)

File Quality

The Fujifilm X-E3 has 2 different image quality settings available, with Fine being the highest quality option. Here are some 100% crops which show the quality of the various options, with the file size shown in brackets.

Fine (5.05Mb) (100% Crop)	Normal (3.02Mb) (100% Crop)
RAW (32.2Mb) (100% Crop)

Night

The Fujifilm X-E3's maximum shutter speed is 30 seconds in the Time shutter speed mode, and there's a Bulb mode which allows exposures up to 60 minutes long, which is excellent news if you're seriously interested in night photography. The shot below was taken using a shutter speed of 30 seconds at ISO 200.

Night

Dynamic Range

The Fujifilm X-E3 has three dynamic range settings - 100% (on by default), 200%, and 400% - and an Auto setting if you want to let the camera take control. These settings gradually increase the amount of detail visible in the shadow and highlight areas, with the side-effect of more noise appearing in the image. Note that you can't actually turn this feature off.

100%	200%
400%

Film Simulation

The Fujifilm X-E3 offers 9 different film simulation modes to help repliatce the look of your favourite film stock from the past.

Provia / Standard	Velvia / Vivid
Astia / Soft	Classic Chrome
Pro Neg. Hi	Pro Neg. Standard
Acros	Monochrome
Sepia

Advanced Filter

The Fujifilm X-E3 offers 13 different filter effects which can be previewed on the LCD screen.

Toy Camera	Miniature
Pop Color	High-Key
Low-Key	Dynamic Tone
Soft Focus	Partial Color (Red)
Partial Color (Orange)	Partial Color (Yellow)
Partial Color (Green)	Partial Color (Blue)
Partial Color (Purple)

Sample Images

This is a selection of sample images from the Fujifilm X-E3 camera, which were all taken using the 24 megapixel Fine JPEG setting. The thumbnails below link to the full-sized versions, which have not been altered in any way.

Sample RAW Images

The Fujifilm X-E3 enables users to capture RAW and JPEG format files. We've provided some Fujifilm RAW (RAF) samples for you to download (thumbnail images shown below are not 100% representative).

Sample Movie & Video

Product Images

Front of the Fujifilm X-E3

Side of the Fujifilm X-E3

Side of the Fujifilm X-E3

Side of the Fujifilm X-E3

Side of the Fujifilm X-E3

Rear of the Fujifilm X-E3

Rear of the Fujifilm X-E3 / Image Displayed

Rear of the Fujifilm X-E3 / Turned On

Rear of the Fujifilm X-E3 / Main Menu

Rear of the Fujifilm X-E3 / Quick Menu

Top of the Fujifilm X-E3

Bottom of the Fujifilm X-E3

Side of the Fujifilm X-E3

Side of the Fujifilm X-E3

Front of the Fujifilm X-E3

Front of the Fujifilm X-E3

Memory Card Slot

Battery Compartment

Conclusion

It's very commendable that you can now obtain essentially the same image quality from all of Fujifilm's current mirrorless cameras, with the exception of the cheapest X-A3 model. Every camera from the X-E3 and X-T20 up to the X-Pro2 and X-T2 share the same sensor and processor, so the buying decision comes down to which kind of camera shape you prefer - rangefinder or DSLR - and if you need the extra bells and whistles offered by the range-topping X-Pro2 / X-T2.

In the case of the new X-E3 that we're reviewing today, it's almost exactly the rangefinder alternative to the more DSLR-like and similarly priced X-T20 - the looks and control layout are what will probably make most people decide between them, rather than if one takes better images than the other. If you like a centrally located viewfinder and tilting screen, the X-T20 is the one to go for. If you prefer a left-sided viewfinder and a more classic look, pick the X-E3, which also benefits from having the same very useful AF joystick as the X-Pro2 / X-T2. The X-E3 can also be picked up in a kit with the XF 23mm f/2, whereas the X-T20 is only available with the usual standard 18-55m zoom, which again is a valid reason for choosing between them.

There are a few things that we dislike about the X-E3, namely the lack of a dedicated ISO speed dial, which feels like a strange omission given all the other dials and switches that are on offer, and similarly the location of the video setting, which despite the X-E3 offering class-leading 4K recording is buried deep inside the drive mode menu and has no dedicated button. We're a bit more ambivalent about the removal of the pop-up flash and traditional D-Pad, with the included EF-X8 actually providing a little more power, even if you do have to remember to take it with you, while the expansion of the various smartphone gestures will undoubtedly annoy some would-be users but please others. 

Whilst the previous X-E2S felt like an exercise in adding a few extra features to an existing design to keep the Fujifilm accountants happy, this revised model does at least feel like a brand new camera, one that gives you even more choice from the excellent Fujifilm range.

Ratings (out of 5)
Design	4
Features	4.5
Ease-of-use	4
Image quality	5
Value for money	4

Main Rivals

Listed below are some of the rivals of the Fujifilm X-E3.

Review Roundup

Reviews of the Fujifilm X-E3 from around the web.

Specifications

News

The Fujifilm X-E3 is a rangefinder style, ultra-compact mirrorless camera which boasts outstanding image quality and enhanced handling. The X-E3 utlises a 24.3MP X-Trans CMOS III APS-C sensor and the X-Processor Pro high-speed image processing engine. The Fujifilm X-E3 will be available from September 2017 in Black and Silver, with an RRP as follows:

X-E3 body £849

X-E3 + 23mmF2 kit £1149

X-E3 + 18-55 kit £1249

X-E3 Case £74.99

X-E3 Metal Hand Grip £119.00

Fujifilm Press Release

Share your story with the FUJIFILM X-E3, the powerful new addition to the X Series range of mirrorless cameras.

Fujifilm is delighted to announce the new FUJIFILM X-E3, a rangefinder style, ultra-compact mirrorless camera which boasts outstanding image quality and enhanced handling. 

Utilising the X-Processor Pro for best in class colour reproduction in both stills and 4K movies, it’s made for photographers who want to seamlessly upload photos directly to their smartphone or tablet.

FUJIFILM Corporation (President: Kenji Sukeno) is delighted to announce that it will release the FUJIFILM X-E3, the latest addition to the X Series of premium mirrorless digital cameras on 28th September 2017.

Stylish, compact and portable, the X-E3 packs a powerful punch, with the inclusion of Fujifilm's iconic 24.3MP X-Trans™※1 CMOS III APS-C sensor and the X-Processor Pro high-speed image processing engine.

The X-E3 is the first X Series model to feature Bluetooth®※2 low energy wireless communication. Users can pair the camera with their smartphone or tablet device for easy transfer of pictures taken using minimal power – perfect for sharing images with friends and online.

The LCD monitor, on the back of the camera, uses a static touchscreen panel which supports the conventional “Touch Shot”, “Touch AF” and “Focus Area Selection” capabilities.  An all-new “Touch Function” feature will be available on the X-E3, which enables gesture controls reminiscent of smartphones, like flick and pinch zoom, to further enhance touchscreen operation.  In addition, the AF algorithm has been updated to enhance the camera’s performance for tracking a moving subject.

The X-E3’s premium exterior design, agility and functional beauty make it a mirrorless camera that’s a pleasure to own and fun to shoot with at the same time. Small, stylish yet deceptively powerful, it’s ideal for capturing images and sharing stories.

Main features

Compact and lightweight body for portability and practicality

Fujifilm redesigned the camera body of FUJIFILM X-E2 (released in November 2013) to create the X-E3, arguably the most compact and lightweight model within the X Series interchangeable lens camera range, with a viewfinder.

The form factor makes it a perfect companion for everyday use and travel photography. In addition, the well-balanced proportions and the grip-shaped design make the camera incredibly comfortable to hold. The new model also supports the Focus Lever, a popular feature first introduced in the FUJIFILM X-Pro2, allowing you to instantaneously change the focus area whilst keeping an eye on the viewfinder.

The top plate of the camera body features two dials, one for shutter speed and the other for exposure compensation. The dials, milled from aluminium, have a high quality appearance and deliver a reassuring click at every notched setting. The exposure compensation dial now has the C position to enable exposure compensation of up to ±5 stops in 1/3 steps, which enhances the basic operability of photography. The X-E3 is also equipped with an Auto mode selector lever for selecting the fully-automatic Advanced SR Auto mode where the camera chooses the optimum settings for a given scene.

Outstanding image quality, high-speed response and upgraded AF tracking performance

The X-E3 features a 24.3 megapixel APS-C sized X-TransTM CMOS III sensor and X-Processor Pro image processing engine for outstanding image quality and high-speed response. The X-E3 features a large phase detection AF area and an updated algorithm to deliver a fastest AF speed of 0.06sec.※3. The X-E3 also offers 5.0fps live-view shooting, a quick start-up time of 0.4sec., a shutter time lag of 0.050sec. and a shooting interval of 0.25sec.※4

Thanks to the newly developed image recognition algorithm, the X-E3 is able to track moving subjects twice as fast as previous models※5.

In addition, the X-E3 is also able to track moving subjects of half the size as before.

Enhanced connectivity with Bluetooth® wireless communication

This is the first X Series camera to offer Bluetooth® capability. Pair it with your smartphone or tablet device, in advance of shooting, to easily transfer pictures you have taken to the smartphone or tablet device via the smart-device app, “FUJIFILM Camera Remote.”

Upgraded intuitive touchscreen operation

The LCD monitor uses a high-resolution 1.04M dot, 3.0-inch static touchscreen panel display. Turning the “Touch Panel Settings” on allows the following operations during shooting and playback modes:

Shooting Modes

・Focus Area Selection: Move the focus point to the chosen position by tapping the LCD monitor.

・Touch Shot: Touch to focus on a specific point, then take the picture.

Playback Modes

・Swipe Movement : Swiping a finger across the screen scrolls through the images, one after the other.

・Double-Tap Enlargement: Tapping the screen twice will enlarge the image, centering on the active focus point when the image was taken.

・Drag: Moving a finger across the screen when an image is enlarged will move it around the frame.

・Pinch out: Placing two fingers on the screen and widening the distance between them enlarges the image.

・Pinch in: While the image being displayed is enlarged, placing two fingers on the screen and narrowing the distance between them reduces the image size and displays the last 9 images.

・All the touchscreen functions are disabled when the “Touch Panel Settings” are turned off.

The camera also features the “Touch Function”, in which you can use flick motions in up – down and right – left directions to call pre-assigned functions. Use the drag motion on the touchscreen panel, even while keeping your eye on the EVF, to change the focus area location. In the EVF TOUCH SCREEN AREA SETTINGS, you can activate touchscreen operation for “ALL”, “RIGHT”, “LEFT” or turn the functionality “OFF”.

High resolution and high definition 4K video recording

The X-E3 is capable of recording both Full HD and 4K video using the X Series’ reputable Film Simulation modes. You can output recorded video to an external monitor, via the HDMI port, and input audio from an external microphone.

25 high-performance FUJINON X-mount lenses for ultimate versatility

Our XF lens line-up now features 25 lenses, after today’s announcement of the FUJINON XF80mmF2.8 R LM OIS WR Macro. The current line-up of lenses range from ultra-wide-angle to super-telephoto and includes five fast aperture prime lenses. These lenses bring out the very best image quality from the X-E3. Optional accessories such as mount adapters and macro extension tubes further broaden photographic potential.

1  X-Trans is FUJIFILM’s trademark and registered trademark.

2  The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by FUJIFILM Corporation is under license.

3   FUJIFILM research based on CIPA guidelines using the X-E3 and FUJINON XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR lens.

4   MF mode

5   FUJIFILM X Series digital camera models with X-TransTM CMOS III sensor and X-Processor Pro as of September, 2017.

Premium Accessory Line-up

Leather Case「BLC-XE3」

A stylish genuine leather case with a wonderfully tactile feel; perfectly suited to the X-E3's classic design. With the X-E3 snugly protected, you can even change batteries without removing the camera. A matching leather shoulder strap and protective cloth are included.

Hand Grip「MHG-XE3」

To increase the camera's grip. Both the battery and the memory card can be swapped with the grip in place. Additionally, a tripod screw hole can be placed in center of the optical axis. The base parts are  equipped with a 38mm width dovetail protrusion plate, allowing use

as a quick shoe mount when using a dovetail groove tripod pedestal

X-E3 Specification

Model name

FUJIFILM X-E3

Number of effective pixels

24.3 million pixels

Image sensor

23.5mm×15.6mm（APS-C）　X-Trans CMOS Ⅲ with primary color filter

Sensor cleaning system

Ultra sonic vibration

Storage media

SD Card (～2GB) / SDHC Card (～32GB) / SDXC Card(～256GB) UHS-I※1

Lens mount

FUJIFILM X Mount

Sensitivity

Standard output

AUTO1、AUTO2、AUTO3(up to ISO12800)

ISO200～12800(1/3EVstep)

Extended output

ISO100/125/160/25600/51200

Viewfinder

0.39-in., Approx. 2,360K-dot OLED color viewfinder, Coverage of viewing area vs. capturing area : Approx. 100%

Eye point : Approx. 17.5mm [ from the rear end of the camera's eyepiece], Diopter adjustment : -4m  -  +2m-1[dpt]

Magnification : 0.62x with 50mm lens[35mm format equivalent] at infinity and diopter set to -1m-1.

Diagonal angle of view : Approx. 30°[ Horizontal angle of view : Approx. 25°] Built-in eye sensor

LCD monitor

3.0-inch, aspect ratio 3:2,

Approx. 1040K-dot touch screen color LCD monitor [Approx. 100% coverage]

Movie recording

4K [3840 x 2160] 29.97p / 25p / 24p/23.98P, 100Mbps Continuous recording : up to Approx. 10 min.

Full HD [1920 x 1080] 59.94p / 50p / 29.97p / 25p / 24p/23.98P, 36Mbps Continuous recording : up to Approx. 15 min.

HD [1280 x 720] 59.94p / 50p / 29.97p / 25p / 24p/23.98P, 18Mbps Continuous recording : up to Approx. 30 min.

*For 4K movie recording, use a card with UHS Speed Class 3 or higher.

*Although movie recording will continue without interruption when the file size reaches 4 GB, subsequent footage will be recorded to a separate file which must be viewed separately.

Wireless transmitter

Standards: IEEE 802.11b / g / n [standard wireless protocol]

Access mode: Infrastructure

Encryption: WEP / WPA / WPA2 mixed mode

Bluetooth®

Standards: Bluetooth Ver 4.0(Bluetooth low energy)

Operating frequency: 2402～2480MHz (Center frequency)

Power supply

NP-W126S Li-ion battery (included)

Dimensions / Weight

121.3mm(W)×73.9mm(H) ×42.7mm(D) / 4.78in.(W) x 2.91in.(H) x 1.68in.(D)（Minimum Depth: 32.4mm）

Approx. 337g / oz.(including battery and memory card)

Approx. 287g / oz.(excluding accessories, battery and memory card)

Battery life for still images＊2

Approx. 350 frames(When XF35mmF1.4R is set, LCD monitor ON, Standard mode)

Accessories included

Li-ion battery NP-W126S, Battery charger BC-W126, Body cap, , Shoe-mount flash unit EF-X8, Shoulder strap, Metal strap clip, Protective cover, Clip attaching tool, Owner's manual

１: A list of cards confirmed to be compatible will be uploaded to FUJIFILM website

(http://fujifilm.jp/support/digitalcamera/compatibility/index.html)

２: Measured according to the CIPA standards, using the included battery and an SD card. The number of frames that can be taken per charge varies depending on a battery's charge capacity. This figure is not a guarantee of battery's working capacity. At low temperatures, the number of frames per charge decreases.

PRICING AND AVAILABILITY

The X-E3 will be available from September 2017 in Black and Silver, with an RRP as follows:

X-E3 body £849

X-E3 + 23mm F2 kit £1149

X-E3 + 18-55 kit £1249

X-E3 Case £74.99

X-E3 Metal Hand Grip £119.00

Image Gallery

Click on a thumbnail to see the full version.

Hands On

Want to see exactly what the new Fujifilm X-E3 camera looks like in the flesh?

Check out our hands-on gallery of photos of both the black and silver versions of the Fujifilm X-E3 camera.

A gallery of hands-on photos of the new Fujifilm X-E3 camera.

Image Gallery

Click on a thumbnail to see the full version.

Preview Images

Ahead of our full review, here are some sample images (JPG and Raw) taken with the brand new Fujifilm X-E3 compact system camera. The Fujifilm X-E3 is a a rangefinder style, ultra-compact mirrorless camera with Bluetooth connectivity and a touchscreen interface.

A gallery of sample images taken with the Fujifilm X-E3 compact system camera.

Fujifilm X-E3 Sample Images

Sample RAW Images

The Fujifilm X-E3 enables users to capture RAW and JPEG format files. We've provided some Fujifilm RAW (RAF) samples for you to download (thumbnail images shown below are not 100% representative).

Your Comments