Fujifilm X-E X-E4 Black 2020

A phenomenal sensor and film sim magic in a body that feels like an afterthought. Buy it for the image quality, but be prepared to fight the camera every step of the way.

The autofocus is quick and accurate, and the burst shooting at 30fps with the electronic shutter is a blast for catching fleeting moments. What really surprised us, though, is how much the lack of in-body stabilization hurts. You've got this top-tier sensor that's amazing in low light, but without stabilization, you're constantly fighting to keep things sharp unless you're glued to a tripod or shooting in broad daylight. It's a real mismatch of capabilities.

The X-E4's main rival is really its own sibling, the Fujifilm X-S10. You lose the rangefinder style but gain a proper grip and in-body stabilization for similar money, which makes it a much more practical shooter. If you're looking outside the Fuji ecosystem, a used Sony a7 III will give you full-frame image quality and stabilization in a body that, while bigger, is infinitely more comfortable to hold for a day of shooting.

Pricing is all over the map, from $1090 to $1558, so you absolutely need to shop around. At the lower end, you're getting a sensor that punches way above its weight class. But you're also paying for a body that feels like it should cost half as much. It's a weird value proposition where the internals are a steal and the externals feel like a ripoff.

The Fujifilm X-E4 is a camera that will make you fall in love with photography, right up until your hand cramps. It packs the same gorgeous 26.1MP sensor and processor as Fuji's flagship models into a body so stripped-down and minimalist that it almost forgets to be a camera. The image quality is genuinely stunning, and those film simulations are pure magic, but the handling is a dealbreaker for a lot of people. It's a brilliant sensor trapped in a frustrating box.

If you're looking for a comfortable, all-day camera that just gets out of your way, this isn't it. Go get the Fujifilm X-S10 instead. You'll lose the retro rangefinder looks but gain in-body stabilization and a grip that actually lets you hold the camera securely.

The X-E4 is a camera for a very specific person: someone who prioritizes size and style above all else and is willing to adapt their shooting to the camera's limitations. If you love the rangefinder look and shoot mostly with small primes in good light, you'll adore it. For everyone else, the frustrating ergonomics and missing stabilization make it a tough sell over more well-rounded options.