Fujifilm designed the new X-E3 to be an ultra compact rangefinder-style mirrorless camera you can slip in a pocket and get professional-quality results with. The idea seems to have been to craft a super-portable point-and-shoot that even casual users can carry anywhere, without sacrificing the image quality X-series users are accustomed to. If that was the intent, then Fujifilm has hung the moon.

Fujifilm X-E3: Specifications

• 24.3MP X-Trans CMOS III sensor
• X-Processor Pro engine
• Fujifilm X mount
• ISO 200-12,800 (ISO 100-51,200 extended)
• 4K UHD video recording, 30/25/24p
• 325 AF points, upgraded tracking capabilities
• 0.39in OLED viewfinder, 2,360,000 dots
• 3in fixed touchscreen, 1,040,000 dots
• Focus lever
• Film Simulation modes
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Low Energy
• SDHC/SDXC card slot (inc. UHS-I)
• 350-frame battery life
• 121.3x73.9×42.7mm
• Approx. 337g (without lens, inc. battery and card)

Look and Feel

As a physical object, the Fujifilm X-E3 is a thing of beauty. Measuring just 4.8 x 2.9 x 1.7 inches, it's significantly cut down in size from the other X-E series cameras, and running your hand over it gives you nothing but flat planes and smooth curves. There's almost nothing on the surface of this camera to snag on your pocket if you're grabbing it in a hurry, and at just a whisper less than 12 ounces, it's clear Fujifilm was thinking more about pockets than gear bags when they designed it.

User Interface

One of the ways Fujifilm got this economy of size was by getting rid of the pop-up flash and eliminating the bulky EVR hump over the sensor aperture. The design team also made the radical (for Fujifilm) decision to eliminate the D-pad control switch in favor of a surprisingly intuitive touchscreen swipe control with all the same functions. This works surprisingly well, and after a little practice thumb-swiping while peering through the viewfinder it feels as natural as the D-pad ever did.

Ease of Use

The X-E3 is almost embarrassingly easy to use. Basically, this camera has two modes: automatic and manual. All the custom settings a professional photographer could want are there in manual operation, which lets you control every detail of the shutter speed, depth of field, and other factors that affect an image. Or, you can switch it over to automatic and the X-E3 will handle all of that for you, remembering to restore your settings when you switch back out of automatic mode.

Accessories

The Fujifilm X-E3 retains the X-mount front of the other models in its line, so it works seamlessly with around two-dozen official Fuji lenses that are already on the market. If you happen to have a lens already, you can order the X-E3 as-is, without the two available kit lenses. Lacking a built-in flash, your only option for lighting up a scene is to mount the included EF-X8 flash on the X-E3's flat top, though its hot shoe works just fine with whatever aftermarket lighting rig you feel like putting up there.

Image Quality

Image quality doesn't seem to suffer at all with the X-E3. It uses the same sensor as the other X-E-series Fujifilm cameras, and nothing has changed about its broad dynamic range and super-sharp resolution. Colors are vibrant and rich straight out of the camera, whether you're working with jpegs or RAW files, and relatively little touch-up is needed, even for professional-quality images.

Fujifilm clearly intended the X-E3 to be a lightweight, versatile lifestyle and travel camera that anybody could use to get great results, even if they know next to nothing about digital photography when they pick it up. By cutting away most of the distractions from the already-slim X-line of cameras, and by combining a sleek, intuitive user interface with an automatic mode that does the much of the thinking for you, they have made something close to the ideal casual carry camera for professional and amateur photographers alike.

Fujifilm XE3 final verdict

The Fujifilm XE3 is a very satisfying mid-range mirrorless camera it will suit anyone entering the World of interchangeable lens photography. For the seripus amater or professional I would suggest to stick to the XT-2. For sure the XE3  feels responsive, handles well, and delivers great-looking 24 Megapixel photos and 4k video with minimal effort. It features a built-in viewfinder, touchscreen with clever gesture controls, an AF joystick for those who prefer a more conventional touch, and Bluetooth to aid with Wifi connections to your phone.