Big test
tried-and-tested Fujifilm array of 117 or 425 zones in single or wide zone settings. Focusing was very responsive, while face detect proved pretty good in the wide/all AF mode. Having the option of a touchscreen or focus selector is good, although the latter was slightly too low on the body for me, requiring a minor hand adjustment to access it comfortably. The X-E3 lever is slightly higher and more convenient for my thumb, plus its handgrip is contoured. There’s also a thumb rest. All this renders gripping the older body easier, without extra
accessories. In addition, the X-E3 has the rear input dial that the X-E4 doesn’t, although that’s not a major issue. The new camera also lacks a dedicated view mode button, as well as a physical focus mode selector on the front. Where the latest model triumphs is its tilting monitor. In terms of handling, there’s nothing that would prevent me upgrading to the X-E4. Its superior sensor also scores highly. Out-of-camera stills are superb, even when higher ISO speeds are used. I shot JPEGs in the Classic Neg. Film Simulation mode and loved the desaturated look. Otherwise, the X-E4 has no in-body image stabilisation. While it would be a nice addition, I experienced no issues handholding for sharp stills at slower shutter speeds. Besides, many XF lenses possess an
optical image stabiliser. IBIS has a greater benefit for handheld shooting video – and the X-E4 sure has a good range of video options. You can shoot 4K/30p 4:2:0 8-bit video to the SD card, while plugging a hard drive into the HDMI port enables 4K/30p 4:2:2 10-bit video. In Full HD, there’s a 240fps option for slow motion. The body features a mic mini jack and headphone socket, accessible via USB-C using the supplied adapter. This is easy to mislay and is best left connected to your headphone cable. An NP-W126S battery supplies power. Most Fujifilm X bodies use this cell, proving beneficial if you are already invested in the system. It is claimed that the X-E4 manages 460 stills with a fully charged cell – that's a good return. I carried a spare in my bag, but I didn’t empty a battery throughout a day’s shooting. WC
PERFORMANCE: EXPOSURE LATITUDE
-3EV
Final word Verdict
-2EV
There’s a great deal to love about the Fujifilm X-E4, particularly its high-quality, top-performing sensor for such a compact body. Coupled with the XF27mm f/2.8 (old and new versions) or the venerable XF18mm f/2, you get a lightweight, compact camera, delivering impressive pictures. It’s lovely to use, too. At £799 body only, or £949 with the new XF27mm f/2.8 R WR, the X-E4 represents very good value for money. It has all the benefits of a top-end compact camera, thanks to its portability, while the large sensor provides excellent image quality. Plus, the X-E4 could easily form the basis for a good photographic outfit, benefitting from all the support of the XF lens system. Without doubt, the X-E4 is a camera that can be recommended to potential suitors with confidence.
-1EV
0
+1EV
I shot bracketed exposures of a variety of scenes, with nine shots of each scene in 1EV steps up to +/-4EV (the two extremes are not shown here). The Raws were corrected in Lightroom. The exposure latitude of the Raws looked good – on a par with leading models. If you overexpose by +3EV, you will struggle to successfully recover highlights in scenes with strong lighting and light-toned subjects, such as the tree in this scene, although you stand a chance with softer lighting and lower contrast. At +2EV, however, there is a high expectation of success. This scene looked fine once exposure
+2EV
+3EV
24 /25
FEATURES Plenty to enjoy, including the excellent sensor, tilting touch monitor and phase/contrast detect AF HANDLING Generally good, with sensible control layout and potential for individual customisation PERFORMANCE Picture quality is very good, even at high ISO settings. AF is reliable and responsive VALUE FOR MONEY Great value, as a compact or at the centre of a larger system OVERALL A very fine and capable update to the X-E family
23 /25
24 /25
at all. With the captured scene, this included -4EV and -3EV shots that appeared identical to the correctly exposed version of the shot. To sum up, X-E4 Raws deliver a good performance, offering decent latitude, especially when underexposed.
corrected, although the highlights still appeared slightly too intense, lacking detail. There are no such concerns with the +1EV shot, which came out excellently. When underexposing X-E4 Raws, a full, high-quality retrieval of tones without artefacts poses no issues
24 /25
95 /100
THERE’S NEVER BEEN A BETTER TIME TO MAKE GOOD USE
PROS Size, tilting monitor, autofocus, ISO performance, image quality CONS No exposure compensation dial lock, focus lever position, no moulded grip
Where will your kit go next? Inspire others, earn some extra cash and make a difference. Sell your used kit and let someone else love it as much as you have. Make good use of your used gear. Sell yours today at mpb.com/sell
36 Photography News | Issue 89
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