Fujifilm X-E Series: Is This the End?

Fujifilm X-E4 with 35mm f/2

Fujifilm is renowned for its diverse range of cameras; since 2012, the X-E series has been part of it. With a subtle design, the X-E cameras have offered photographers an affordable way to get into the Fujifilm world while demonstrating excellent build, fantastic image quality, and solid performance overall.

It’s been nearly seven months since the Fujifilm X-E4 was unofficially discontinued in March after just two years on the market. The X-E4 ceased to be available to order from many major retailers, leaving the inevitable question: When can we expect to see the Fujifilm X-E5?

Since the discontinuation, many rumours have surfaced discussing when the replacement for the X-E4 could be announced and what features the camera would include to better the offering of the freshly discontinued X-E4. As of early November of 2023, we have no definitive answer to say that the X-E5 is on the horizon.

The most recent discussion about the future of the X-E series comes from an interview with Yuji Igarashi, the Divisional Manager of Fujifilm’s Professional Imaging Group at Fotografiska, conducted by Richard Butler, Technical Editor of DP Review. During the interview, Igarashi stated that over the past ten years, listening to customer feedback has become an essential lesson for the future development of Fuji models, noting that feedback was instrumental in developing the X series and GFX system. Later in the interview, the conversation turned to the future of Fujifilm. Igarashi indicated that they are adding a focus on the sports and wildlife categories. That prompted Butler’s question of whether that focus would come at the expense of the lower-end Fujifilm models.

“We haven’t lost focus on any of our existing range, so we’re always thinking about what will be next for us.”

Does that mean the X-E series has a future? It’s probably intentionally vague, as I would assume any decision on the X-E series’s continuation or demise cannot yet be directly discussed.

Does Fujifilm Need the X-E Series?

If we focus solely on the X-series of cameras, their current website lists 12 models. This includes the X100V (the X-T200 seems to be discontinued). Will losing just one of those make a difference to Fujifilm with this breadth of options? The X100V has become the unicorn compact camera that has skyrocketed in price and become extremely limited in availability. The X-T camera series is probably their most diverse and one of the most popular in the X-series. That includes the X-T30 II, X-T3, X-T4, and X-T5. All appear to be current and available. With the inclusion of the premium X-H series, is the X-E series now an unnecessary addition to Fujifilm offerings?

Why the X-E Series is an Excellent Alternative to the X100V

An interesting perspective is that the X-E4 is not that different from the X100V but has never reached the fandom that the X100V has become. It was a perfectly good alternative to the now almost unattainable X100V. The X-E4 does not have a fixed lens, which could be advantageous depending on how you look at it. You can attach a small or pancake lens for a compact package or switch it out with a bigger lens to take advantage of additional focal range; this is not an option with the X100V. If the X-E4 is the last in the series, will we see a growing interest in the model? Prices are already rising for a pre-owned X-E4.

What Can We Expect Next?

Fujifilm has an array of models to choose from. If there is something that you can expect from their lineup, it is variety. If there is no replacement for the Fujifilm X-E4, they will fill that gap with something else, perhaps a new series altogether. An important thing to keep in mind is that Fujifilm is a multinational company and a very profitable one at that. With each new camera release, Fujifilm needs to understand that there is a market for that camera, and the truth is that if they can get consumers to spend their money without losing that market, they will. You can’t fault a company for looking at ways to increase profit and market share.

Removing one of Fujifilm’s entries, such as the X-E series, could be no more than a strategic move to get people into a Fujifilm camera at a premium price. Changing the series name to something all-new is not off the cards. New models draw attention, reviews, rumours, and more. That can all lead to more demand and better sales if the camera is favourably reviewed, as it probably would be.

But there is no argument that Fujifilm makes spectacular cameras. Their model lineup is based on what people want in their cameras. If the X-E series is discontinued, it may be a positive move for Fujifilm and its consumers. Camera technology evolves, and so do consumer preferences. The next camera that fills the void of the X-E4 will probably be excellent. It could make the X-E line’s existence, or lack thereof, inconsequential.

Conclusion

Understanding these points, I hope that if there is no replacement for the X-E series and we never see an X-E5, an option exists that fits where the X-E currently does. It’s a great way to experiment with the excellent offering of Fujifilm cameras without a significant investment. That’s the most critical aspect of the X-E series - a low entry point. My experience with the X-E series started with the X-E2 and is currently the X-E4; they have both been excellent. There have been some features I would have liked to be included and a few ergonomic issues with both, but I don’t believe any camera is perfect. As an entry-level Fujifilm camera, I never expected either of them to be.

We’ll have to wait to see what plans Fujifilm has going forward to see if they still see room for the X-E series in their future lineup of digital cameras.