The Fujifilm X-E3, released in 2017, is a mirrorless camera that has won the hearts of many photography enthusiasts with its compact size and excellent image quality. In this review, we’ll examine the X-E3’s key features, pros and cons, and compare it with its successor, the X-E4, to determine its value in today’s market.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Sensor | 24.3MP X-Trans CMOS III (APS-C) |
| Processor | X-Processor Pro |
| ISO Range | 200-12800 (expandable to 100-51200) |
| Continuous Shooting | Up to 8fps |
| Autofocus | 325-point Hybrid AF |
| Screen | 3-inch 1,040K dots fixed LCD |
| Viewfinder | 0.39-inch 2,360K dots OLED EVF |
| Video | 4K/30p, 1080/60p |
| Weight | Approx. 337g (including battery and memory card) |
| Dimensions | 121.3 x 73.9 x 42.7 mm |
| Battery Life | Approx. 350 shots (CIPA rating) |
| Storage Media | SD/SDHC/SDXC cards (UHS-I supported) |
| Wi-Fi/Bluetooth | Built-in |
๐จ Design & Build Quality
Compact and Lightweight Body
One of the Fujifilm X-E3’s greatest attractions is its compact size and lightweight design. With dimensions of 121.3 x 73.9 x 42.7 mm and weighing approximately 337g, it offers excellent portability. Surprisingly, it’s about 30g lighter than its successor, the X-E4.
Comfortable Grip
Despite its small size, the X-E3 provides a comfortable grip. Unlike the X-E4’s completely flat design, the X-E3 features a small but effective grip that enables stable handling.
Classic Rangefinder Style
The design, inspired by traditional rangefinder cameras, is another appealing aspect of the X-E3. This classic appearance isn’t just aesthetically pleasing; it also enables intuitive operation in real-world use.
๐ธ Image Quality & Performance
24.3MP X-Trans CMOS III Sensor
The X-E3 features a 24.3MP X-Trans CMOS III sensor. This sensor is known for reducing moirรฉ effects and delivering sharper images. While its resolution might be lower than the latest models, it still provides excellent image quality.
Fujifilm’s Color Science
One of the greatest strengths of Fujifilm cameras is their outstanding color reproduction. The X-E3 continues this tradition, delivering beautiful colors in JPEG output. The film simulation modes particularly excel at digitally recreating the characteristics of Fujifilm’s famous film stocks.
Continuous Shooting Performance
The camera supports continuous shooting at up to 8fps. This provides sufficient performance for most everyday shooting situations and can even handle sports or wildlife photography to some extent.
๐ Viewfinder & LCD
High-Resolution OLED Electronic Viewfinder
The 0.39-inch 2,360K dot OLED EVF provides sharp image quality and quick response times. Despite its small size, it offers sufficient resolution for comfortable composition.
3-inch Fixed LCD
The 3-inch 1,040K dot LCD enables clear image review. However, the lack of tilt or touch functionality in this fixed screen is a limitation. This can be particularly inconvenient when shooting from low angles or taking selfies.
๐๏ธ Controls & User Experience
Intuitive Dial Operation
The shutter speed and exposure compensation dials on top maintain the traditional camera operation style. This allows for quick and intuitive setting changes.
Focus Lever
The X-E3 features a joystick-style focus lever on the back, enabling quick and accurate focus point selection. This feature was removed in the X-E4, which many users miss.
Customizable Buttons
The various function buttons on the camera body can be customized to user preferences, providing a personalized shooting experience.
๐ง Autofocus
325-point Hybrid AF System
The X-E3 employs a 325-point hybrid AF system. While this represents a significant improvement over the X-E2, it lags behind the latest models. It performs adequately in typical shooting situations but may struggle with tracking fast-moving subjects.
Electronic Shutter Support
The camera supports electronic shutter speeds up to 1/32000 second. This enables the use of wide apertures even in bright conditions, allowing for more creative expression.
๐ฝ๏ธ Video Capabilities
4K Video Recording
The X-E3 supports 4K/30p video recording. This represents a significant upgrade from the X-E2, enabling high-quality video capture. However, the frame rate options are limited compared to newer models.
External Microphone Support
The camera provides a 2.5mm microphone input jack for connecting external microphones. This is useful for users who want better audio quality in their video recordings.
๐ Battery Life & Connectivity
Decent Battery Life
The camera offers approximately 350 shots per charge according to CIPA standards. While this is sufficient for casual shooting days, having spare batteries is recommended for extended outings.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Connectivity
Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities enable image transfer to smartphones and remote shooting. This can be particularly useful for social media sharing or self-portraits.
๐ Comparison with X-E4
Size and Weight
The Fujifilm X-E3 is about 30g lighter than the X-E4. Many users also find the X-E3’s grip more comfortable. This might make the X-E3 more attractive to users prioritizing portability and ergonomics.
Screen
While the X-E4 offers a tilt screen, the X-E3 uses a fixed screen. Users who prefer shooting from various angles might find the X-E4 more advantageous.
Autofocus Performance
The X-E4 features a more advanced AF system, showing particularly better performance in video recording. However, the X-E3’s AF performance remains satisfactory for general still photography.
Image Quality
Both cameras deliver excellent image quality, though the X-E4 shows slightly better performance with its newer sensor and processor. However, the difference might not be noticeable in typical usage scenarios.
๐ Lens Compatibility & Selection
Advantages of Fujifilm X Mount
The X-E3 uses Fujifilm’s X mount, providing access to a wide range of high-quality lenses. Options range from premium XF series lenses to more economical XC series lenses.
Recommended Lenses
- XF 35mm f/2 R WR: A compact and lightweight standard prime lens that pairs well with the X-E3’s size.
- XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 R LM OIS: A versatile kit lens offering excellent image quality.
- XF 23mm f/2 R WR: A wide-angle lens ideal for street photography.
๐ฐ Price & Value
Position in the Used Market
As of 2025, the X-E3 offers excellent value in the used market. Typically available for around $300-400, it represents outstanding value for money.
Choice for Beginners and Intermediate Users
The intuitive controls, excellent image quality, and reasonable price make the X-E3 suitable for a wide range of users, from beginners to intermediate photographers.
๐ธ Real World Experience & User Reviews
Many users express satisfaction with the X-E3’s compact size and excellent image quality. Fujifilm’s signature color rendition and film simulation modes receive particularly high praise. However, some users point out the fixed LCD and slower AF speed compared to newer models as drawbacks.
One user commented, “The X-E3 is perfect as a travel camera with its excellent size-to-performance ratio. The combination with the 23mm f/2 lens is particularly outstanding.”
๐ Pros and Cons Summary
Pros
- Compact and lightweight body
- Excellent image quality and color reproduction
- Intuitive controls
- Comfortable grip
- 4K video support
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
Cons
- Fixed LCD screen
- Slower AF speed compared to newer models
- Limited battery life
- Difficult low-angle shooting due to fixed screen
๐ Conclusion
The Fujifilm X-E3 remains an attractive choice even in 2025. It’s particularly ideal for photography enthusiasts who prioritize compact size and excellent image quality. Being lighter and offering better ergonomics than the X-E4, it excels in portability while maintaining intuitive controls.
While it has limitations such as the fixed LCD and slower AF speed compared to newer models, these might not be significant issues depending on your shooting style and requirements. It’s particularly well-suited for street photography, travel, and everyday snapshots.
Considering its affordable price in the used market, the X-E3 can be an excellent choice for beginners to intermediate users. However, if you need the latest technology, higher resolution images, or advanced video features, you might want to consider more recent models.
In conclusion, the Fujifilm X-E3 offers compact size, excellent image quality, and the pure joy of photography. It provides outstanding value for money, especially for those considering a used purchase.
