Yes I know I said I was going to stop playing around with other cameras and lenses, but I just couldn’t help myself. I was watching Ted Forbes latest video (Art of photography) on youtube reviewing the X-E3 and I thought I would love to try that so, I sent email to Fujifilm UK and asked if there was any way I could get the X-E3 for a few weeks to try and review.
I got the camera a few days later at 8am and by 9am I knew it was the perfect camera for me, it felt amazing and comfortable to hold. The X-E3 weights nothing, it's really light in fact the 23mm F2 feels like it weighs more than the camera.
But, how would the camera perform on the streets, in a word awesome and in another word amazing. Not really sure where to start here, so let's start with the best thing for a street photographer:
Nobody notices the camera, it's more stealth than a stealth fighter and I was using the silver version. I feel this makes it the perfect camera for the streets. It didn’t matter how close I got, in some cases, I was putting the camera right into peoples faces and they just didn’t notice.
The EVF is smaller than my X-T2, however this didn’t bother me. It was still clear and easy to use and is great for looking at the photos I’ve taken. I even thought the rubber around the viewfinder would be a problem as I wear glasses, but nope it was fine.
The back screen is a good size and I know its the same size as my X-T2, but it just looks bigger. I also love that Fujifilm removed the D-pad from the back. This is one of the reasons (for me) that camera feels so comfortable in my hand. I’m not 100% sure why Fujifilm kept the D-pad on the X100F and X-Pro 2. The X-E3 also has a touchscreen and when I first heard about this all I could think was, “why would someone use that?” Let me answer that here and now, its great fun, that's why. I like the idea that I can be sat in front of someone and have the ability to snap a photo without them noticing, like the photo below:
The touchscreen is also great for changing the ISO, film simulation, white balance etc and it works really well. I hope Fujifilm put this on all future X cameras.
Now my only real complaint about the camera, why isn’t it weather sealed? I never understood why they didn’t weather seal the X100F, both of these cameras are made for street shooters and like most, I like to shoot in all weathers. So for me and I imagine other street shooters this is a mistake, but it's a small one.
Anyway, I loved the camera so much I was going to buy one, that's right, after 2 days using the X-E3 I sent my X-T2 and 56mm lens to MPB to sell, however, I went to London to photograph the Chinese New Year and I found myself missing the tilt screen. I might write a blog about that trip, anyway I came home and cancelled my X-E3 and instead I went for the X-T20 and only time will tell if I've made the right move.
As for the X-E3, Fuji have done amazing job, it's a great camera just a pity it doesn't have a tilt screen.
I’ve added some photos from my first 2 days with it and check back for more updates.
