You may not associate Fujifilm stills cameras with video, but at least they are getting with the program and making attempts to bring high resolution video into their mid and lower tier cameras unlike some major manufacturers, which shall remain nameless. The new Fujifilm X-E3, is the successor to the 2013’s XE-2, and this time gets UltraHD video recording up to 30p, a 24.3 megapixel APS-C X-Trans CMOS III sensor and a new high speed X-Processor Pro engine to deliver higher quality images in both stills and video.
Fujifilm have always had a strong grip on the street photography and travel photography markets, simply because their cameras are compact, stylish and also produce some exquisite images. The X-E3 is the first X Series model to feature Bluetooth low energy wireless communication that all you Instagram crazed photographers can use to pair the camera with your smartphone or tablet device for easy transfer of pictures taken using minimal power.
The LCD monitor, on the back of the camera, uses a static touchscreen panel which supports the conventional “Touch Shot”, “Touch AF”, “Drag”, “Punch IN-OUT” and “Focus Area Selection” capabilities. An all-new “Touch Function” feature will be available on the X-E3, which enables gesture control like flick and pinch zoom, to further enhance touchscreen operation. The AF algorithm has been updated to enhance the camera’s performance for tracking a moving subject.
You can also get creative with the in-built Film Simulation modes and Advanced Filters to capture different moods and styles. Taking its design inspiration from retro models, the X-E3 has a classic look and feel. It’s also the smallest and most lightweight X Series camera that features an integrated viewfinder.
Fujifilm X-E3 Features
- 24.3MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS III Sensor
- X-Processor Pro Image Processor
- 4K (UHD 3840 x 2160) up to 30p
- 100Mbps H.264 in .MOV wrapper
- 10 minutes limitation
- 1080p/60 video
- 2.36m-Dot Electronic Viewfinder
- 3.0″ 1.04m-Dot Touchscreen LCD
- Extended ISO 51200, Shooting to 14 fps
- 91-Point AF with Custom AF-C Settings
- Built-In Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- Film Simulation for Photos and Videos
- Records onto 1 x UHS-I SD card slot
- No LOG profile, even via HDMI
- External mic input
- Price:
- Ships end of September
As you can see from the clip below, the X-E3 is heavily marketed towards sharing photos over social media by effortlessly transferring them to your phone first all thanks to that always-on Bluetooth connectivity.
Compared to its bigger brother the Fuji X-T2, which has a similar limitation in 4K recording (which can be alleviated with the additional battery grip), the X-E3 does not get a flat LOG profile (not even over HDMI) or weather-sealing. It does get a touchscreen, which I am sure plenty of users will appreciate, but this won’t be a camera many will be using primarily for video.
With limited frame rates, no super-slow motion, pixel-binned 4K (although using the full APS-C sensor) as opposed to a slight crop, but oversampled, as in the case of the X-T2, the X-E3 doesn’t seem to offer much to video users.
If you are into the retro, rangefinder thing with your mirrorless cameras, or in case you are a Fuji fan, or maybe you already own a Fuji X-T20 or the higher spec X-T2, the X-E3 will surely make a nice addition as a B or C-camera. This new model can be a potential hit with travel photographers and enthusiasts for sure, with its touchscreen and wireless connectivity, but for more serious video it may come up short against some competitor models in a similar price range.
To learn more about the specs and features head over to Fujifilm.
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