FUJIFILM X100F vs X-E3 — What's the Difference?

What's the difference between Fujifilm X100F and X-E3? A specs comparison of the two Fuji cameras with the most confusion.

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@joeallam

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One of the most frequently asked questions I've had on my channel is "What is the difference between the Fujifilm X100F and X-E3?" — In this video, I compare the specs between these very similar cameras and hopefully shine some insight into which one I would recommend if you were choosing between the two.

It's probably one of the most confusing camera comparisons from the same brand. Filled with caveats and compromises on both sides. I hope you're not even more convinced by the end of it!

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[glacieractivity]

One year with the x e3 - some thoughts and observations. (Written for anyone who is considering this as their camera - as an


The image quality is exceptional (the whole generation share the xt2 processor and processor).


I have the touch screen set to off (99% of the time).


It is the most lovable piece of camera I have owned. I LOVE it. Which means that the little puppy comes with me everywhere. Making me take more and diverse images than I have ever done. This is a BIG thing. It is a camera that "happily wiggle it's tail" for just going for a stroll as it is when spending all day with the intent of photography or travelling.


When people see it - they actually smile. And ask what the little puppy is. This is a big difference from walking around with a DSLR in public and being asked to see some licence to shoot in public.


The little "auto-switch" is handy. If someone wants to try it or one want a "selfie" - or more usual - when one is in full manual mode pondering a composition - suddenly seeing the strangest character ever approaching on the craziest bicycle - one touch and you are in "full auto". This gives the confidence to shoot manual while also being ready for whenever Bigfoot peaks out from behind a tree.


Oh - the fuji-way to control manual/aperture/shutter speed priority is genius.


After a couple of weeks, I realized that there was no option for me - I had to get that 100+ dollar grip. Primarily because I have an Arca-Swiss plate mounted permanently. And without the grip, this covers the battery/memory card door. This is solved with the grip. And when walking and holding it with a hand-strap - everything also feels more secure in my hand. Also when shooting. And the small increase in weight also balances it when carrying a bigger lens
(I am of the opinion that the grip should follow the camera - and it should cost way less). Finally - the thumb is freed to follow muscle-memory while changing settings when watching the world through the viewfinder. This includes using the focus joystick.


The viewfinder is good. But not the best. It could be bigger. But it is responsive enough for moving objects (one learn to account for the tiny delay).


The files, both Raw )developed in Capture One) and the JPGs are spectacular. As are the film simulations (both in camera and when applied in Capture One). The Autofocus is not class-leading - but good enough (nobody chooses the xe3 for shooting primary high action). And the manual focus peaking is working excellently.


Oh - there is a free version of Capture One that also has the original Fujifilm simulations. There is no software that develops the RAF files more lovingly. I would probably suggest to cash out for the pro-version though - simply because it allows one to pull out every drop of the raw-files non-destructively in RAW (and with amazing stuff like working in layers and with luma-masking and all that beautiful stuff)


Yes - I miss weather sealing too (although I treat all camera gear as if it is not.



I bought the camera with the "kit" 18-55. This is not a kit lens. This is an exceptionally good lens if you can live with the "not fastest" apertures/narrowest depth of field. It is an amazingly good deal when bundled. I got myself the 23mm f2 for the happy evening stroll. But I find myself shooting with the zoom most of times when travelling or even hiking. Hair-wide depth of field is not something I fawn over - as I shoot travel and urban/nature environment almost exclusively. And if DOF is a prime need - one would not consider a crop sensor system.


Low light. The AF slows down. But files up to ISO 6400 clean up perfectly well (3200 handles professional pixel-peeping with ease). Only at 12800 do one notice desaturation and things starting to fall apart.


Regarding the latest - Fuji has now 4th generation x-trans sensor with the XT3 and XT30. In terms of pure photographic image quality - the gain is marginal. I would not stress about it unless one is in need for the absolute best continuous focus - or one is planning to do them for video-work.


If you are looking for a camera to take still images - the xe3 (and that generation of xt2, pro2, xt20 etc) are as good by any standard. So there is money to be saved with zero drop in image quality.


Finally - Because I love my little puppy and it comes with me everywhere - you want to consider the dead cheap Godox tt350F flash. The flip-up flash that comes with the camera is not decent even in a pinch. So when you want to snap an image of friends around a table with a drink or some food - you want the 350. It is the only flash that does not look straight out silly on the little camera. And it has TTL and high-speed sync. And it has built-in radio transmitter and receiver.


You can get the flash with the transmitter for 100 bucks - and viola - that happy moment at a party/celebration looks damned good - like for realz (just know that flash photos always looks better after taking the time to watch a few tutorials and practice).


In summary - I have taken 400 images a month as an absolute minimum (yes I am that in love almost a year after). The camera consistently makes me feel like a boss when I look at the files. I have shot full days in minus 20 degrees (oh yeah - do get a secondary battery - the mirrorless cameras are battery hogs). It sits in my message bag getting to work. Taking a stroll. Visiting family and friends and of course travelling. It wiggles its tail so much that we get out just to do our thing - in the city - in the wilderness. I have thrown "impossible" lighting at it - and though it is no D850 - it sure punches way above its weight - while happily being everyday carry (something the D850 certainly is not). The best camera is the one you have with you.


It is hard to explain - this camera is so satisfying to use. The tactile layout. It's happy vibe. The ease of operation and begging for manual control to ease the puppy exactly where one wants it. How it urges me to experiment. How that exposure comp dial is there to make everything right. This sense that the camera wants me to take control. While equally helping out like a champ by the excellent auto-iso setting (with shutter-speed control) and auto white balance etc.


In short - this camera/system will grow with anyone who wants to take images. From giving fantastic JPGs out of the camera in auto-mode to supporting a pro-level photographer to the end and back. Including the great flexibility it gives when placing important settings to the many programmable function buttons. Slowly making it right for me.


PS - if you are left eye dominant - you could of course not even ponder a "range-finder" style camera body of any kind. And for some - a flipping screen is a big asset. Do consider this seriously. There advantages to the rangefinder layout. But do not get taken over by its "Leica vibe".


This is a rangefinder style tiny body. So one must like to have small real-estate for the buttons. It is "peak" travel/street camera that is happy to accept any challenge. You have access to all the fantastic lenses of Fuji. But - and take notice - if you want the fastest glass - you should seriously look at the xt2 (or Pro2). The fast primes will feel awkward and front heavy on the xe3 body.


I would not hesitate to approve of the baby-Fujis for anyone who wants to get into/reboot their interest in photography. Or for any professional of any brand that wants a near perfect little camera as "daily carry". Or as B/C-cam for any professional Fuji Shooter. They do hold their own and more. And Fuji has this unique approach to these "enthusiast" models. They are not handicapped compared to their pro-models (other than weather sealing, dual cards etc). They are fully fledged cameras. Getting the same love as the pro-models with new functions by free firmware updates. By any reasonable measure - these baby-fujies give the same options, possibilities, artistic freedom as the XT3 (except when measured in video-capability - and to a lesser degree (for still photo) on AF capabilities). When it comes to the quality of the images - it is all defined by the photographer - not the models.

[AmitSrivastavaone]

One thing that I love about x100f is the 3 stop ND filter. It opens up so many creative options which a separate ND filter can never match up to. Also the flash sync with ND is a lifesaver in full daylight.

[stephbaxter]

I have the X-E3 and sometimes feel like I’m the only person that uses it in the Fujifilm world because, like you say, it’s a bit of an underdog. Definitely doesn’t get enough attention in YouTube videos or articles, etc. I absolutely love it...it’s a little powerhouse of a camera!

[juniorcampbell]

Great video. I have an X-E3 myself and I absolutely love it. I use it mostly while travelling so the interchangeable lense system makes it a no-brainer.

[trungcao]

I've watched this video at least 5 times trying to decide which camera to buy. Looks like the X-E3 because of the cash back incentive but god damn the X100F is sooo damn sexy!

[paulasimson]

I've been so confused by these 2 cameras. Your explanation cleared things up - thanks!

[richdt]

Have and love the X100F ( in black Joe :) It may not be the best choice for all around use but once you see it and have it your hands you want one... there's just something about it. Of course I have another camera with interchangeable lenses for when needed but will almost always reach for the X100F first because it's a cool camera. :)

[paracuja]

I switched from my X100F to the X-T20 but switched back because in 98% of the time i used the 18mm and 23mm focal lenght so now im back just with the X100F plus the WCL :D

[igorbonifacic]

Proud XE-3 owner here! Absolutely love it. :D

[IqbalKurniawan]

Thanks to your endorsements, Joe, I bought X100F last year. Completely fallen in love with its film simulations, I ditched my Sony mirrorless camera and swapped it with Fujifilm's interchangeable system. Was eyeing for X-E3, but I opted for X-T100 since it is much cheaper (^ ^')

Might change to X-E3 (or newer models) when I can make a living from photography in the future, though (wish me luck!)

[james.shafiei]

One of the most convenient things about the x100 series is the built-in ND filter. Super handy when wanting to shoot wide-open in bright sunlight.

[AndrewPowerTower]

I ended up buying the X100F over the X-E3 at the end of August, based on your recommendation, and I'm very happy with my purchase! The only gripe I have is that it's not weather sealed, and with inclement Canadian weather, that limits how often I can carry it. I think a used X-Pro 2 or X-T2 may be my next purchase.

[WhiteWulfe]

The X100F is something that keeps coming back on my wishlist, especially since it really does fit into that "small but powerful" camera that would be nice to have around for when I don't quite feel like taking my current main camera (Panasonic G85) out and about. It also has that nice feature of preventing the whole "which lenses do I pack today" problem that seems to crop up on occasion for me with an interchangeable lens system... At the same time though, I'm primarily taking pictures of things that are close to me, so the 23mm lens isn't as much of a worrying thing.

[SadSalaryMan]

This is an awesome comparison, great job as always! I'm still in love with my XT-20 but I have to say I can really see where the joystick would be useful.

[stephenconnolly]

Another great video Joe. It was on the strength of your endorsement that I bought an X100F a few months ago and although I love it and use it a lot I think I would have preferred the x-E3 for the changeable lenses. The upside though is that I'm not buying more lenses as I have an excellent set of Canon lenses already for my 5D3.

[nicocastillo]

Another great video! I would just like to add that the leaf shutter will allow you to go over the usual flash sync speed. You can shoot wide open while having fast shutter speed whenever using flash.

[RR-bdbm]

Nice video Joe, thanks! On a slightly sad note: I had both of them, then kept the XE3, in part due to the fact that I had 3 times the sticky shutter problem on the x100f in 18 months. Having used both, I think the XE3 comes out ahead.

[NepuSlice]

Fantastic video Joe! I actually have the F and really love it. But I'm saving up to get the XE3 so I can use my Canon lenses on it aside from its fantastic kit lens, the 18-55 or the 23 f/2. A good day to you mate!

[jorgerosaljr]

I just purposely rewatched this video just to hit the like button. Thanks for the info. Love your content. Cheers!

[WLong-murm]

Joe-thank you for your video.
I have never used the x-e3 but I bought the x100f this summer and it has honestly made me a better photographer. I love the size, the fixed lens, the speed, how I have to think about the end result (and move my feet accordingly), and most of all the quality of the photo. As I transition to the fujifilm ecosphere, and go the the exchangeable lens, heavier camera, I am going to step up to the xt-3, not down to the x-e3.