We have been hearing rumors now about the Fujifilm X-E3 for some time and now the wait is officially over, with the company making the announcement just a short while ago. This update brings the X-E line of cameras into the latest generation of Fujifilm technology and also comes with some exciting new additions!
Starting from the top, the Fujifilm X-E3 features the same 24.3MP X-Trans III sensor and X-Processor Pro combination that the rest of the latest generation Fujifilm cameras have, so image quality is likely to be nearly identical to the X-Pro2, X-T2, and X-T20. In addition to that though, the X-E3 also features a touchscreen as well as the much loved AF Joystick that was featured on the X-Pro2 and X-T2 (making the X-T20 the only odd man out).
Additionally, the X-E3 will also be capable of shooting 4K video, joining the X-T2 and X-T20 (making the X-Pro2 the odd man out… for now). But one of the significant upgrades to the X-E3 over the previous X-E2s is the major improvement in the AF technology – which Fujifilm says is capable of tracking subjects half the size and moving twice as fast as previous models, impressive to say the least. If you’ll notice on the top, the shutter speed dial doesn’t double as an ISO dial. For some that may be good. For the rest of us (both me and Chris included) we’ll miss this feature.
The X-E3 also introduces Bluetooth technology into the Fujifilm ecosystem, a nice upgrade over the wifi only technology employed by the other current generation Fujifilm cameras.
X-E3 Features
- 24.3MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS III sensor
- X-Processor Pro
- Start-up time of 0.4sec
- Ultra-fast AF speed of 0.06sec
- Offers 5.0fps live-view shooting
- Shutter time lag of 0.050sec
- Shooting interval of 0.25sec
- 3.0 inch 1.04M-dot static TFT color LCD touchscreen monitor
- Upgraded AF tracking performance
- Newly developed image recognition algorithm to track moving subjects up to half the size, or moving twice as fast as previous models.
- 4K video can be recorded at [3840 x 2160] 29.97p, 25p, 24p, 23.98P, 100Mbps
- Continuous recording: up to approximately 10min
- Full HD video can be recorded at 59.94 fps, 50 fps, 29.97 fps, 25 fps, 24 fps and 23.98 fps, and with Film Simulation effects
- Video can be outputted to external monitor via the HDMI port and input audio from an external microphone
- Easily connect to external HDMI monitor and turn on HDMI Rec Control to automatically enable a clean HDMI output when the camera’s shutter release button is pressed
- Touch AF to change the focus area and refocusing according to subject movement functions in video recording
- 25 high-performance FUJINON X Mount lenses for ultimate versatility
- Bluetooth® low energy wireless communication to pair the camera with a smartphone or tablet device for easy transfer of pictures
- Free FUJIFILM Camera Remote app for Remote Control function
Finally, since we know you are all wondering how much this camera will cost. Fujifilm says that you will be able to pick up an X-E3 in one of three variations (black, silver, or in a kit) at the end of September – later this month. The body only will run you $899.95, which is incredible given the features packed into this camera and the pre-launch rumors of it moving up market into the $1100 range. If you want to buy the X-E3 in a kit you will be able to get it in the kit with an 18-55mm for $1299 or with a 23mm F2 for $1149.
Stay tuned and we will get you those pre-order links as soon as they are available.