Unboxing The Fujifilm X-E3

New toy alert! Join me unboxing the Fujifilm X-E3! Keep reading for the video and all my impressions.

Background

If you follow this blog you know that I switched systems, from Canon to Fujifilm, almost two years ago. It happened after my Canon gear was stolen. I was already considering a switch, so I jumped into the opportunity when I needed to rebuild my camera system.

An Incomplete System

However, my switch was not complete. The day my gear was stolen I had with me my Canon EOS M3, so I kept working with it. I used the M3 to record my YouTube videos and any behind the scenes action. The M3 is a great camera, but has its shortcomings: the video is not great, you can’t really control video parameters other than exposure compensation, and the audio recording is pretty weak.

Having said this, I knew I needed a new, non-work camera. I would use this camera in family gatherings, trips, etc. However, it should also be able to serve as a video- or second still-camera. It should be compatible with my main working camera, the Fujifilm X-T2. So, my choices were the X-T20 or X-E3. I chose the X-E3 because of its compact size and rangefinder style.

The Unboxing

The camera arrived home very quickly. Opening the box felt a bit simple, compared to the X-T2 or my current lenses, which come packed with foam and elaborate boxes. The X-E3 box is simple, but I still found it to be a nice experience. One really nice touch was that one of the box covers has a couple of QR codes. You can use these codes to download the camera manual, as well as Fujfilm’s Camera Remote app.

First Impressions

The camera feels amazing in my hand! It’s lighter that the X-T2 because it’s smaller and made of polymers instead of magnesium alloy. However, it still feels solid and well made. The main controls are right where I expected them. The only exception is the ISO which, by default, is controlled on the touch screen. It may take me awhile to get used to it, but it seems reasonable to control the ISO with a gesture, instead of digging through menus.

One thing that I miss from the X-T2 or my previous DSLRs is the grip. The X-E3’s grip feels very small, but I understand that it’s still pretty secure. Another thing that I noticed is the location of the tripod thread, very close to the battery/card compartment. It may be cumbersome to change batteries with a tripod plate, but I guess I’ll have to use the camera and see for my self.

In general terms, unboxing the Fujifilm X-E3 was a great experience! I can also say that I seriously like this camera! It’s part of a great system and handling it was just second nature. I think it will be one of my favorite cameras of all time.

Do you have experience with the Fujifilm X system? What do you think about it? Leave a comment below.