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Fujifilm X-E4 Camera And new Lenses

2021 sees a highly welcome flurry of new cameras, lenses and accessories from Fujifilm across their model lines. These arrive in a spritely fashion in the form of the brand new ultra-compact X-E4 Camera in their mirrorless X camera range, as well as two new lenses joining a prolific number of existing X-mount lenses. Read on for specs and details of these fantastic new releases. We have just reviewed this camera in film too, so you can watch the video right here!

Sony X-E4 Video Review

Gareth explores the size of the X-E4, video and stills quality along with providing samples and a walk around the camera itself.

With lockdowns and other news dominating January, these new releases definitely add a much needed silver lining. Fujifilm has been busy by including two new X-E4 models in both black and silver, as well as two 27mm lens kits and several accessories, which are also available as kits.

What does the new Fujifilm X-E4 camera feature?

The main headline for the new APS-C sized mirrorless body is the ultra-compact size. Fujifilm engineers looked at the best features from pro-cameras such as the X-T4 and X-Pro 3 and decided to squeeze them into a new precision moulded magnesium casing measuring around 12cm x 7cm x 3.2cm. The weight of the camera is equally impressive at a mere 364g. This is reminiscent of the promises of lightweight equipment when mirrorless first arrived and proves that manufacturers can indeed grace us with extremely compact, lightweight cameras which also perform technically.

Technical capabilities

Having designed a new compact body, Fujifilm has gone on to fill it with cutting edge technology moved across from their pro models. Here’s a list of highlights which will appeal to photographers, videographers and dual purpose hybrid photographers who know and love the X System.

Sample image above - no image data available

• 26.1 megapixel X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor (the best sensor currently available)
• The latest phase-detect Face and Eye AF systems for smooth tracking and focus with 100% coverage achieving focus in as little as 0.02 seconds
• In-camera 4K/30p video and super slow motion Full HD 240p footage and 4K/30P 4:2:2 10-bit video via the HDMI port
• 180° tilting LCD touchscreen which can be flipped upward and forward facing
• Up to 30fps continuous shooting in electronic shutter mode
• WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity

Who is the X-E4 For?

It is clear with all of these features packed into one compact camera, that the appeal will be broad. There are so many talented photographers of different skill levels, working across literally any subject who could enjoy this model. Numerous social media channels exist to share their work and the rise of Youtube’s popularity can all be harnessed by the X-E4. Storytelling is a huge part of any content creator’s lives and the new X-E4 enables users to create, edit and share high quality images and videos in a breeze. The compact size and lightweight nature means that users can sling their gear in a camera bag or around their neck, barely noticing it until needed.

Easy to use auto and advanced settings

Fujifilm has perfected the notion that their camera range can and should be used by various levels of skilled photographers. Camera settings can be automatic or manual, with appeal to photographers whether they are newcomers to interchangeable lens bodies or more advanced enthusiasts who know their stuff. This goes for every subject from fast moving street, action, sports and wildlife to slower-paced landscape photography, city scenes and portraits.

Sample image 2: Camera: Fujifilm X-E4. Lens: XF 18mm f2 R WR. Focal length: 18mm. Exposure: 1/90. f/2 ISO 6400

Evocative colours and film simulation modes

Fujifilm always includes an ever growing number of Film Simulation modes in their cameras, which are wildly popular for good reason. They have over 80 years of experience in the photography world and still produce film, photo papers and professional printers to this day. Their colour science is highly respected allowing photographers to capture images with pre determined colours (and change them subsequently). The results can be beautiful and varied, with creative styles suiting different subjects straight out of camera. Users can choose from 18 film simulations on the X-E4 to impress their followers with. The state of the art X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor is hugely capable of drawing out detail and dynamic range, ensuring photographs (and movies) fully realise the potential of Fujifilm colours.

Movie quality

Whilst hybrid X Series shooters have a few models to choose from, the X-E4 provides another choice depending on video requirements. The camera is highly capable despite its size, capturing beautiful over-sampled 6K footage at 4K/30P 4:2:0 8-bit and Full HD/240p to an internal SD card. Whilst this is more than high enough quality for most purposes including Youtube, advanced videographers can also plug in an external recorder boosting recording to an outstanding 4K/30P 4:2:2 10-bit video. This delivers richer colours after processing, with wider tonal graduation and more editing options. Whatever level users enjoy making videos at, the X-E4 is certain to impress. Having a 180° tilting LCD touchscreen also makes this camera a joy to use for anyone creating to-camera selfie-style vlogs, selfie photos or simply more dynamic compositions.

AF performance

Photographers are pretty lucky these days with camera manufacturers creating incredibly advanced autofocus systems. Fujifilm develops one of the industry’s leading versions, which includes Eye and Face detection through leading phase-detect technology. Phase-detection is proven to be more accurate in certain situations as it does’t rely on contrast to find the subject. This allows photographers to pinpoint and track their subject even when moving quickly. The results can be spectacular with pin sharp details across all 26.1 megapixels even in extremely low lighting conditions down to -7.0EV when fast lenses are mounted.

Sample Image: No data available

Summary

The new X-E4 camera really does provide virtually everything photographers and content creators could wish for in a highly compact body. There are a few omissions which have allowed Fujifilm to make the pricing so attractive. Stabilisation and weather sealing are amongst these, however at this price point the camera delivers an incredible combination of Fujifilm’s most advanced features in a compact body for a winning combination.

Did I mention the styling? Fujifilm makes some of the most desirable looking cameras on the market in my opinion and the X-E4 follows this trend. That goes for either colour regardless of whether choosing the silver or black model. The deliberate nod towards old film cameras makes for classic lines, with instantly recognisable dials across the top machined plate. These not only deliver on technical ability, but have their own unique chic design.

Here are helpful links to all of the X-E4 cameras, kits and accessory options currently available at Park Cameras:

1. Fujifilm X-E4 Mirrorless Digital Camera Body Black
2. Fujifilm X-E4 Mirrorless Camera With XF 27mm WR f/2.8 Lens Kit Black
3. Fujifilm X-E4 Mirrorless Camera With Hand Grip Accessory Kit Black
4. Fujifilm X-E4 Mirrorless Digital Camera Body Silver
5. Fujifilm X-E4 Mirrorless Camera With XF 27mm WR f/2.8 Lens Kit Silver
6. Fujifilm X-E4 Mirrorless Camera With Hand Grip Accessory Kit Silver

Watch the FUJIFILM X-E4 Promotional Video

Two new lens releases

Fujifilm decided to launch two new lenses at the same time as the new camera body. These are the XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR and XF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 R LM OIS WR. These two couldn’t be more different with the 27mm being one of the smallest and lightest in the entire X mount series, whilst the telephoto zoom is far larger but still compact for the telephoto range it provides.

Both feature fast focus motors to make the most of aforementioned AF systems. Both are near silent and both look and feel fantastic mounted on any Fujifilm camera, including the new X-E4.

The intended purposes for the two lens models are pretty different of course. The 27mm will suit subjects including street photography, environmental portraits and general all day shooting with a focal width of 41mm (full frame camera equivalent). The lens is absolutely tiny, perfect for discretion, for example during weddings or other events.

The telephoto however has a full-frame equivalent of 107mm - 457mm making it more suited to sports, action and wildlife as well as compressed landscapes. Both are versatile in what they do and can definitely complement each other in any photographers camera bag. Together they are incredibly lightweight weighing just 84g and 580g each.

New camera accessories

Fujifilm make desirable looking cameras which are always accompanied by equally well designed accessories. In the case of the X-E4, accessories arrive as a leather case, metal hand grip and a thumb rest. These can be purchased as a kit (see above) or individually. A case or grip are generally a great idea as they add very little weight or bulk, but serve to protect the camera body as well as provide more grip. Why not take a look at the options listed below and choose your favourites.

1. Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR Lens
2. Fujifilm XF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 R LM OIS WR Lens
3. Fujifilm BLC-XE4 Leather Case
4. Fujifilm MHG-XE4 Metal Hand Grip
5. Fujifilm TR-XE4 Thumb Rest Black
6. Fujifilm TR-XE4 Thumb Rest Silver

We hope this post has been useful, thanks for reading and thank you to Fujifilm for brightening up our January. For readers in the market for 102 megapixel camera, why not head over to read the new Fujifilm GFX 100S review. It is incredible how much Fujifilm has already developed in 2021!

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By Nick Dautlich on 27/01/2021