So all of the primary X series cameras have been updated to the new 24MP sensor but one, the X-E lineup. While we don’t know for sure that this line will be getting upgraded, let’s just run with that assumption at this point. So assuming the X-E3 is in the works, what do we want to see from it?
Now I won’t presume to talk for the lot of you, I can only speak for myself, but there are definitely some things that I would like to see in the presumed X-E3 camera. The X-E line has been to the X-Pro2 what the X-T20 is to the X-T2, more or less, and I would like to see that trend continue for the most part. I will start my list with some of the more realistic things that I would like to see, and end with a few things that I think are more out there in terms of realistically being added by Fujifilm.
OK, so first, I would like to see an upgrade to the EVF. This has always been an area where the X-E series has seemed inferior to the other X-Series cameras, and I would like to see that addressed. Ideally, I would like to just see the EVF they have in the X-T20 crammed into the X-E3 (while maintaining the rangefinder look).
Secondly, I would like to see USB charging and a USB Type-C port used on this camera rather than the older and loathed mini/micro USB connections. One thing that I wish my X-Pro2 had that the X-T2 does have is the ability to charge the battery with the USB port. This means those portable battery packs that you use to charge your phone could also be used to charge your camera in a pinch, and that would be incredibly useful.
I would also like to see 4K video in the X-E3, in the X-Pro2 they used the excuse that they couldn’t do it the heat management in the X-Pro2. But then they turned around and gave the X-T20 4K video and it is smaller than the X-Pro2. So I won’t buy that excuse for the X-E3, it needs to have 4K capabilities at least matching that of the X-T20.
I would also like to see a tilting touch screen on the X-E3, and I am aware that we are now getting into the somewhat unrealistic wishes. I know that this is a hot-button issue for many, and you either like the idea or you hate it, but clearly, I am in the ‘like’ camp. Having used many cameras with this sort of feature, I can say that while I did not use it often, when I did use it the feature was incredibly helpful in helping me get shots I would otherwise not have been able to easily get. So for me, I would love for an X-E3 to have this functionality.
Finally, I would really like for the X-E3 to have the AF joystick that the X-Pro2 and X-T2 have. That said, I am aware that this will likely not happen given that Fujifilm opted to not include it on the X-T20. That said, this seemingly minor feature is honestly one of my favorite things about shooting with the X-Pro2 over other mirrorless cameras that don’t have one.
So there you have it. This isn’t some crazy list with out of this world expectations, I think it is pretty realistic with the last two wishes being realistic technically but unlikely due to Fujifilm’s product positioning. In the end, my wants for the X-E3 can really be summed up as an X-T20 in the rangefinder format with a few tweaks to better fit that form factor and shooting style.
What are your thoughts? What would you like to see in a X-E3? Leave a comment below and let me know!
