FUJIFILM X-E4

A new rangefinder-style mirrorless that offers superb image quality

- Rod Lawton

The X-E4 is Fujifilm’s most compact interchangeable-lens camera. As the latest in the brand’s X-E series of mirrorless cameras, it has a rectangular rangefinder-like design rather than the mini-DSLR styling of the X-T series. It’s a camera designed for enthusiasts who value a classic, compact design over all the bells and whistles of the X-S10 and X-T4.

The X-E4 is the fourth camera in Fujifilm’s X-E series, and it follows the design of previous versions closely, but with Fujifilm’s latest 26.1MP X-Trans sensor. This gives it a modest increase in resolution over the previous X-E3, but the real gain is a newer generation of back-illuminated sensor design, which brings a step up in all-round image quality. It’s the same sensor that’s used in Fujifilm’s flagship X-T4, and this means the X-E4 also gets a powerful on-sensor phase-detect autofocus system, with 425 focus points covering the whole image area.

The X-E4 is not really designed for the same kind of user as the X-T4, however. It can shoot at a frame rate of 8fps with its mechanical shutter, or 10fps with its electronic shutter, but it’s not really a sports/action camera, not least because its size and shape make the handling a little awkward with longer lenses.

1 There’s not even a bump on the front for your fingers to grip, but that’s all part of the X-E4’s minimalist design aesthetic.

2 The new XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR kit lens is a super-slim pancake prime, and a key part of the X-E4’s appeal.