Fujifilm X-E4 // A Cheaper Leica Q2 And An Under Rated X100V

www.CurranBlevins.com
Email Inquiries: [e-mail]
Time Codes:
00:00 - Photos Made With The X-E4
0:23 - Intro and B-Roll
0:43 - Reasons Why The X-E4
2:50 - Form Factor & Size Comparison To Sony A7IV And Point And Shoot Film Cameras
3:31 - Lenses
3:50 - 27mm F2.8WR
4:00 - 18mm F2
4:52 - X-Trans IV Sensor
5:15 - Key Features
5:25 - 3 Everyday Accessories
6:40 - Clever Supply Strap
7:06 - Durability
7:25 - AlphaGvrd Skin
8:00 - X-E4 OR X100V
9:15 - Additional Photos Made With X-E4
The gear I use and my storefront on Amazon: www.amazon.com/shop/markcurra...
AlphaGvrd Skin alphagvrd.com/
IG: / curranblevins
Twitter: / curranblevins
Facebook: / curranblevins
Big thanks to Garden of Life for continuing to support my home health journey.
www.gardenoflife.com/content/

[@liv0003]

I have an fuji xe3 brought almost 3years and an half ago and is just amazing! Totally in love with it also today

[@atrane3530]

Thank you for this video!! I've been debating between the X-T4, X100V, and the X-E4. I had a Sony a7iii for years but Ive been wanting something more compact and just like you said, I want to feel like I'm back in highschool shooting on my AE1. Definetley going for the X-E4 over the X100V considering you can swap out lenses. Thanks again!

[@TheMirrorlessCamera]

Nice to hear your sharing, your info give most us to consider choose right camera for daily photographer, thanks man

[@CurranBlevins]

Thanks for watching!

[@lukaslukacio]

This is the first video of yours I have seen and I came to write you: you have an amazing voice and great on-point delivery. Keep up the work. Gotta try Fuji

[@CurranBlevins]

Thank you! I am switching over from the fitness space and taking a couple years off due to a divorce / lots of personal life changes and this is me getting back to it. Thank you for the kind words and positivity.

[@davidengelen7300]

I wanted to say exactly that, nice clear reasoning, a very pleasant delivery and your enthusiasm comes across.

[@davidengelen7300]

Yes you should ;‐) Many good cameras, quality lenses and the amazing film simulations. Just nicer to use and they 'make creative '

[@SlavaVeres]

After being a Sony shooter for the past 10 years I decided to switch to Fuji. My first Fujifilm camera was X-E1 which I purchased in 2021. And it became my carry everyday camera. And I loved it! The idea behind X-E series is just brilliant - it’s compact, lightweight, interchangeable lens option, built-in flash. Not to forget EVF! And the colours!!! ❤

[@CurranBlevins]

Sadly no built in flash on the X-E4! I wish.

[@MTB_Antony]

Same thing! My first ever camera is X-E1 that i bought a few months ago and i just loved it so much!

[@TheMirrorlessCamera]

same with me, before switch to Fujifilm x-t4, just using sony zve10 for daily use, right now more affordable with fuji for daily photographer

[@konnen4518]

Everyday carry*

[@bonedyone]

XE4 ftw, I also got it skinned with an alphagvrd black camo. i run it with the 18 1.4 and a 10% cinebloom filter.

[@ccrowe714]

Great straight forward info! Really want in on the fuji world !

[@ClearComplexity]

People talk about physical dials constantly, but most people also leave their camera in A, S, P, or even in M they have auto ISO set to basically make even manual automated after you pick your desired shutter speed/aperture for the situation/subject. Personally, I'm not the biggest fan of auto ISO; on digital I usually set mine to 400, aperture to f/4, find solid shutter speed for the situation ranging from 1 over 1.25-1.5 times the focal length to faster values for moving subjects, then use aperture to quickly adjust for exposure up or down a few clicks. Even my routine that's essentially all manual can be handled with a single dial and aperture ring, two dials, or even just a single dial with dual functionality. I always got a kick out of the people at events I went to preaching the manual dials only for me to look over and see pretty much all but one set to A, the last set to a static value like aperture, and a dial as/for exposure comp being the only one really used that much. Not that I dislike the aesthetic, I wish so much that Panasonic would release a budget S5 with an updated GX8 body using a modified top plate from an LX100 that has physical dials for settings. Hell, I'd be happy if they managed to cram the G9's image processor/sensor into a GX85 body with the LX100 top plate and a fixed 20mm (40mm equiv) 1.7 lens with aperture ring/focusing guide and zoom lever/shutter button converted to a dial shutter. That setup would provide serious competition against the X100 series and Leica's offerings.

[@leod.1415]

I’ve been watching your videos for a couple of years now and since I’m into photography myself - I enjoyed this one a lot! How about a POV Photography video in the near future?

[@CurranBlevins]

Love the idea. Been thinking how I would execute it as my go pro is mega old and haven’t really had the need for one for any projects. Maybe I’ll find a way for the iPhone to attach and film somehow. I have a hot show Mount but not sure if that will work but I’ll check it out’ thanks for following along and for the love.

[@charlesrichjr5087]

Great video, I'm definitely going to check out the X-E4. I'm in the market to make the film/digital jump. Oh, and you sound like Owen Wilson at times in the video. thats a good thing. Funny.

[@mattycsloan]

Great vid! Curious - which skin did you go with, and how did you get the complete blackout over the branding top front & top right?

[@keremk]

Totally agree. I had xe4 and lovin it. ✌️

[@joyjeetpaul2218]

Many thanks sir. For sharing your knowledge. I'm enriched.

[@jessbreheret]

Gosh feels so familiar ... I've gone pro recently and use mainly my A7IV... The only issue i lost my passion of taking everyday pictures with it ( even tho I dreamt of having a FF cam for so long 😅) definitely want a simple , efficient camera for EDC . Looks really great too . Shortages are crazy tho

[@MichaelGu]

great video comparing the two cameras! and beautiful pics too

[@CurranBlevins]

Thanks for watching! Really appreciate you taking the time to pass along positivity. Hope you have an awesome weekend!

[@hatpeach1]

Love this video. I use mine as a cheap Q2 Mono. The Sony is for the big shoots; the Fuji is for me. Thanks for the skin recommendation.

[@dummatube]

I bought a silver one but it ended up in full studio production so I might buy a black one and do a 'steath conversion' like yours! We also need a new 'pancake' 18mm f2 from Fuji ready for the new X-E5 with the 40MP sensor and IBIS.

[@21monking]

Best looking xe4 I've seen! Great video!

[@CurranBlevins]

Thank you!!

[@7saigon5]

Thanks for sharing your experience!❤ Peace out!

[@upload2see]

Thank you for this fantastic video. My camera is a Fuji XE-3 with 35mm. The photo on 9:25 with the F-150 looks so good like portra. This is classic chrome. What other settings did you use? 🙏 Thank you

[@jehandelange6266]

Loved the video Curran! Can't wait to buy mine :)

[@Danipallone]

Hi! I love the look of your camera after installing the skin, I wonder which model of skin did you get, I love that you cannot see the model and brand and it’s kind of like and incognito look! Great Video!

[@jeroenmeert3445]

Hi! Great video! Is the skin covering the xe4 logo as well?

[@Monad.x]

Do you think the weather seal is an issue when working in environments where there’s dust like shooting woodworkers? Thanks

[@gzramiro]

Have to ask, why your skin covers the XE4 logo? It looks awesome. The official page show all skins with cutouts for all the letters and logos.

[@johnbullock8885]

I always recommend the voigtlander 21mm f/4 Leica m mount with an adapter of course. Tiny lens, great focal length for zone focusing.

[@user-my4dm4ij3t]

I love this lens too ! It has some issues, but it's so small and has character

[@johnbullock8885]

@@user-my4dm4ij3t I have heard from 2 other street photographers that the f/3.5 version is even better, but it’s like $700 and I’m not spending that much extra for a little more sharpness and half a stop of light lol

[@parzival69allday]

What are the camera and lens filming for this video? Very much appreciate your feedback.

[@ScrappyPoontachat]

At the moment I carry a Sony A7iii with a 35mm lens. I'm not a fan of switching lens outside, but with the crop sensor mode I can get 52mm also.

[@tenettttt]

Nice vid. Considering swapping to this from my big, bulky Panasonic Lumix S1. The full frame, internal stabilizer etc is nice but it's a pain to carry around and it has affected my photography negatively. I just don't bring my camera.. I want to return to a smaller form factor. X-E4 seems like a great candidate.

[@edash360]

New Olympus EM-5 replacement will be announced soon, and might be cool! I wouldn't personally want to lose IBIS, but I understand the Fuji cams probably offer somewhat better image quality than M43.

[@bear16041]

I went with canon m50 for the small everyday camera. It’s great to.

[@CurranBlevins]

Great option as well! Really been loving the film simulations that Fuji offers. It expedites the workflow allowing me to rarely ever import these onto my computer, or even into Lightroom. It’s really nice to just think hey the lens is a prime, the simulation is set, and what you see is what you get.

[@maesc2001]

I picked the 7AC for my always with me camera, but might be eyeing a Fuji soon, just to compare and alternate.

[@CurranBlevins]

I love me a solid Sony but I wanted to get away from what I knew. I would be too tempted with the lenses I have / button layout I know to even use that as a b/c on other things. Get your hands on a fuji to try out. It’s nice having something totally separate from what you know!

[@juliettemansour]

My x-t30 II is the exact same camera and a tiny beast with the addition of a pop-up flash. I rented the x-e4 and although subjective, I found much more satisfaction from the x-t30 II. If you have smaller hands and a love for street, consider this as an option.

[@michaelmcnally1242]

The X-E3 has almost as nice a sensor as the X-E4, and it's more "Fuji" than its successor. Also you can get them pretty cheap on the used market, they're great little cameras.

[@andrecsaddict]

I cannot find xt30ii in Greece 😢😢

[@danielkiss8939]

One of the if not the best video about this camera 🤝 Which Alphagvard protector do you use btw? It looks super clean, all the ones on their site seems to have cutout for the Fujifilm and X-E4 logo on the top and the front, but yours doesn't has it. That's why I'm curious.

[@CurranBlevins]

This is the Matte Black one, but when you order in the special instructions just request for it to have NO LOGOS. so that they do not cut out the logo portions and leave it as a black out single piece of 3M. Hope this helps and thanks for the kind words and for watching.

[@johnnydee7480]

With the x100v, you are stuck with a quiet leaf shutter and built-in ND filter. A Beautiful 23mm lens and a small body.

[@Kingink7]

It’s pretty good, but I got sick of it and sold it for the xe4 kit and the 18 mm f1.4 lm wr and I never looked back to x100v

[@Kingink7]

Especially since they don’t exist in the world anymore bc how rare they are

[@chris_jorge]

Great camera indeed. The only thing about xe4 that irks me is the tiny evf. I wear glasses and it’s painfully small. However, it’s incredibly versatile.

[@CurranBlevins]

I have been struggling with that as well. I WISH that was larger like the X100V, you are 100% right. The quality is also lacking a bit, BUT honestly for the $ cannot complain.

[@chris_jorge]

@@CurranBlevins same here. I still recommend it.

[@Dave_Andre]

Love your video man! I'm deciding to get the xe4 as my first camera. Can you do a review about that 27 f2.8? Been thinking whether to get it or the 35 f2 and pair with the 18 f2. New subscriber here

[@CurranBlevins]

Thanks for that! I think that the 27 f2.8 when paired as the kit lens makes it a great deal. I have never used a 27 before and with that in mind I realized that for what I like shooting everyday I needed a wider focal length which led me to the 18 f2. Love the lens but damn both of these focus hunt a ton if ever using video and honestly they are both loud compared to what I am used to in the Sony space. For slower photography / street and portraits they do just fine. But I would never trust these for sports or pro work at all. If you’re only buying the camera body maybe start with the 18 and then if you need something tighter snag the 35 because remember with these being crop sensor lenses they aren’t true 18’s or 35’s! If you’re getting the 27 as a bundle see how you like it and since it’s more like a 40 I don’t think you’d miss a 35 focal length unless you were hoping the 35 would be more like a 50 which it is. Hope that helps!

[@Dave_Andre]

@@CurranBlevinsthank you

[@smalltalk.productions9977]

i am a XT1 and XT2 user energized in the same manner you have expressed. thanks for the effort and the sharing. my question: Lightroom or Capture One? maybe a YT vid about your post=process workflow. thumbs up.

[@CurranBlevins]

It will be a thing in the future for sure. Thanks for watching

[@streetsbydenis]

Great video, thank you! I also have an XE4, what a powerful good looking camera that is! 🔥😍 Which skin version did you choose? Because you have a version where the logo is hidden on the front. How did you manage that? 😅😮

[@CurranBlevins]

It is such a good looking camera! I chose the matte black skin, but specified that logos should also be blacked out in the special request box!

[@loubenii]

@@CurranBlevins thank you for replying because this is exactly what I want to do. Camera looks so clean, it's incredible.

[@jbf5030]

Hi, great video 😊. What lens hood is that for the 27??

[@CurranBlevins]

Thanks! It’s from square hood

[@kanjinha]

Hi Mark, good video. 00:28 could you tell what's the brand and model of your sling bag? Really cool. Thank you

[@CurranBlevins]

Thanks for the comment! The sling bag is the moment Fanny sling and can be found here. a.co/8XLUQEp hope you have a great weekend

[@kanjinha]

@@CurranBlevins many thanks! Have a great weekend

[@jeez0r]

also in the last 30 seconds of the video , an overlay with links blocking photoparts off lol

[@yahdyras]

does the AlphaGvrd Skin come with the xe4 and fujifilm logo cut out? Is yours a custom order?

[@CurranBlevins]

It is the matte black from their site with special requests!

[@skipper4114]

What length of strap do you recommend for a XE4? I was looking at the website and they have 3 different lengths

[@CurranBlevins]

Or you could get the adjustable! I would go the middle route. Long enough but not too long.

[@thepinkz9143]

Does the alphagvrd cover the logo xe-4 logo as well? It looks so sleek and discreet 👌🏻

[@Danipallone]

I also want to know this! Lol

[@ketsang]

What color option did you choose for the AlphaGvrd? I went to their website and I can't see one that looks like yours.

[@CurranBlevins]

Just the matte black.

[@mathieuarnaudet7432]

Could you please write the name of the filter you use ? Thanks !

[@CurranBlevins]

No problem it is right here! amzn.to/3SlCHQ0 this is the one I use for the 18MM F2 which has a 52mm filter thread.

[@jerrmy]

What’s your bag of choice when bringing this camera around and with what lens?

[@CurranBlevins]

Thanks for the comment and thanks for taking the time to check out the video. Here is the bag I choose Moment Fanny Sling kzbin.info/www/bejne/m3TWgnZ7ppyLjpo

[@MrMilio]

I love the 35mm 1.4 (with the awesome hood) on my E4. But also have the 27. How is the skin on the E4 exactly called? Nice video btw.

[@CurranBlevins]

Just the normal skin from Alphagvrd!

[@MrMilio]

@@CurranBlevins Really can't find it. Also the "X-E4" is visible on every skin you can buy there. On yours it is not visible, which is nice. I always only have electrical tape on it...

[@thanyawong]

Nice video. Do you have a chance to use XE-4 with manual lens? How is Fuji peaking clear, fast and reliable for manual focus? I use manual lens with Sony and its peaking system is terrible. I would appreciate for your advice. Thanks.

[@CurranBlevins]

I don’t use it with a manual lens I’m sorry!

[@asjoe444]

never use manual lens, but done some manual focusing shot on it with XF 35mm F2. I think its fair, usually in my previous fuji camera (xt200) when I do manual focusing i have to look through the EVF, but in the X-E4 I'm able to do that easily with just LCD screen.

[@gastonfg]

XE4 is my daily one too (XT4 is my main camera), I can’t explain the mojo this stuff has. It is amazing. I use it with the XF 35 1.4 and with a Mitakon 35 0,95. Sometimes the XF 10-24 which is a beast. It will be my daily camera until it breaks down.

[@Elizabeth_Postol]

Does it ever overheats compared to xt4?

[@gastonfg]

@@Elizabeth_Postol I take 90% stills with it. 3400 cliks in 2 days this WE, it was totally fine. Never overheated. My XT4 doesn't overheat when capturing videos because I make series of quite short video captures.

[@kianmingpang3605]

How did u remove the logo so seamlessly ?

[@CurranBlevins]

Alphagvrd Skin mentioned in the video

[@Burritosarebetterthantacos]

Ive had several newer Fujis and all the prines and dropped all when I got the Leica Q. Its better for me for so many reasons. Still trying to sell rest of my Fuji kit as it hasnt been touched in a year. Graphite xpro2.

[@dylandigby1776]

Have been thinking about this exact setup (or X-T4) versus the GR III/IIIx

[@dylandigby1776]

Might have a GR IIIx for sale

[@professionalpotato4764]

I brought my X-T4 with 18mm f1.4, Tamron 17-70 on a recent trip but the majority of my shots were still taken with a rental GR3. Nothing beats the pocket camera. It's also great when I'm at some fancy restaurant with my girlfriend and a mirrorless would ruin the vibes a little. Thinking of really getting one now.

[@CurranBlevins]

This is XE-4 cannot fit in my jeans pocket, BUT I never notice it on my leather strap, or even sometimes I will just carry it in a fanny pack which I wear almost daily as a cross body bag. The one I use is ALL Black from Moment, and with the camera being all black people most times never notice it when I put it out. Obviously have all the sounds off, and pre focusing lights.

[@CurranBlevins]

XT4 is a little larger, BUT that could be a good thing if you want the hand grip aspect to it. Either way you cannot go wrong. I have never personally owned or shot a GR III I have only heard great things. I just feel like this for me was the perfect choice to make it FEEL like a camera. The GRIII from what I have seen reminds me a bit of the Sony Alpha 5100 which was my first sony mirrorless camera I purchased in 2014. Then the Alpha 6000, and then Alpha 6400. This is just nothing like any of those which I love. I often carry this as a B camera with a film simulation on when shooting on a double camera set up Sony A7IV on one side of my camera harness and this on the other. Its perfect.

[@dylandigby1776]

My big gripe is not being able to take pictures with my gf/friends since there’s no flip screen on the GRs. Waiting to see what the GRIV brings, what Sigma/LUMIX do, and what the X-T5 is like in the coming months.

[@dawoodsiddique8867]

V good video, plz advice me any best second hand photo camera for video under 300 US$. Plz reply.

[@CurranBlevins]

I would say a used Sony a6000

[@dawoodsiddique8867]

@@CurranBlevins thanks for reply.

[@Shmyrk]

Ok how’d you do it??? I’ve never seen the Fuji logos blacked out so well!

[@CurranBlevins]

It’s in the video and linked in the description :)

[@Shmyrk]

@@CurranBlevins oh that’s how you covered up the xe4 logo? With a skin?

[@CurranBlevins]

Yup!

[@khairilizwn]

Hey man what new balance shoe is that?

[@CurranBlevins]

www.newbalance.com/pd/made-in-usa-990v3/MR990V3-38856.html thanks for watching!

[@cleden506]

what skin r u using

[@CurranBlevins]

Square hood and the skin is linked in the video and description!

[@fufu1405]

Man, I just wish it was weather sealed. All I want is a 50mm x100v. What’s the point of that lens being weather sealed, when the body isn’t.

[@bunmeng007]

Since u like 28mm, Fuji does offer conversion lens for X100 series to change 35mm to 28mm or 50mm. Both cameras are great! Cheers

[@CurranBlevins]

100% Thanks!

[@bartoszpajak2285]

The XE4 is the XE4, not a cheap Leica. In connection with the 27mm pancake it’s perfect every day camera while still giving the option to throw another lens on if required. Leicas are no more than lifestyle objects, not being worth more than 25% of their price (I know, it might hurt some individuals).

[@bobdrawbaugh4207]

Looks like you’re a left eye shooter. How’s the range finder style working for you?

[@CurranBlevins]

So far so good. It took a bit of getting used to and honestly it has had me try to start using my opposite eye to shoot. I never realized I even did it prior to getting the rangefinder style.

[@monkeysausageclub]

You know a camera is good when the used price stays strong. XE-4 with 27mm or 33mm is a great combo.

[@mydearriley]

Or 35!

[@user-my4dm4ij3t]

How is the AF compared to Sony ?

[@CurranBlevins]

I wouldn't put them in the same ball park.... This is 100% a stills camera and if you want EYE AF they need to be looking at you intentionally and smiling. using Eye AF for kids rarely works as they are too fast and all over the place.

[@pilarpsp127]

How is the AF compared to sony ?

[@professionalpotato4764]

Not so good. AF-C is not reliable especially with Eye-AF. Only the XH2S is comparable to Sony (very close but from reviews, not quite there yet). Single Point AF is very fast as expected so as long you're not shooting sports it should be fine. It has better DR and colour than existing Sony offerings, along with sharper lenses.

[@CurranBlevins]

Agreed I would not put them in the same ballpark by any means the A7IV is sticky as hell. I know it will nail focus no matter if I am shooting moving subjects, portraits or events. The Fuji is a bit slower to respond and I have tried numerous settings to try and find one that operates the same as Sony but now I have just started using a bit larger of a spot (it can be adjusted) or a wide tracking since the eye focus is not critcal for me with the camera. To conclude it works well, but if you are looking for something that relies 100% on the best AF I would look Sony or like the comment below mentions maybe the XH2S! Hope this helps!

[@CurranBlevins]

I agree with your thoughts on the AF. Thanks for the comment and for watching.

[@OutRAjious]

better than X100V judging by jpgs …. doesn’t seem it could be possible… but it is

[@SergioMusel]

Loved it when they didn't cripple it spec wise, but it feels a bit cheap in hands, I use it only for videos personally😥

[@CurranBlevins]

Big fan of your channel my man thanks for watching! I tried using it for the video for the first time the other day as an overhead camera and the 27mm lens was LOUD and hunting and like crazy. Not a fun experience coming from the Sony world. I agree it does feel cheap in hand, BUT it allows me to "care" a little less and not be as worried when carrying it everywhere everyday. What are you carrying daily? Thanks

[@SergioMusel]

@@CurranBlevins Having fun right now with X100V, so far so good👍

[@nomadicvisuals1504]

yeah itsa great camera....sad thing is none of them are in stock anywhere

[@CurranBlevins]

It is a bummer! Gotta keep your eyes on Amazon. I see them pop up now and again.

[@CurranBlevins]

Thanks for watching and for the comment and thoughts.

[@collinsal1433]

@@CurranBlevins last week I got “one left” from Amazon! Came in yesterday. It was the body only, but for $888 I can’t complain. My first ever Fuji! Very excited

[@nocommentnoname1111]

XE4 may be good but cant compare to Q2 - apples and oranges.

[@SneakyCaleb]

The fugi app is terrible. I’m a Sony shooter primarily. Just sold the a7iii because the a7iv is such a major upgrade going back to the iii feels like a dinosaur.

[@CurranBlevins]

Sony app leaves a lot to wish for as well! I haven’t tried it much with my A7IV what changes were made!?

[@takuan650]

X Trans sensor is not for me because I don't like the results in Lightroom. It looks better on different software although I was never a fan of Fuji colours. Comparing Fuji with Leica is a bit of a stretch I guess!

[@dummatube]

PS. Your JPG sky colours look very cyan. Are you shooting in the horrible limited colour gamut default sRGB web colour space instead of full range Adobe RGB? That is the first thing to change in the menus when you buy ANY new camera!

[@random6809]

It's nothing to do with sRGB.

[@dummatube]

@@random6809 then keep on making crappy ‘random’ snapshots!🤣🤣🤣

[@random6809]

@@dummatube You are demonstrating your ignorance.

[@Zetaphotography]

What a joke. Side by side comparison of a Q shows the Quality is not there for this camera. Using the Leica to boost your likes and channels is clickbait and you got me

[@natekong3596]

You get what you pay for with the XE4. It is a fun camera to use and can produce amazing images. However, it feels very much like a toy. It is very light and plasticky. The buttons are stiff and have no travel and the EVF is just terrible. If it's priced the same as X100V and have the same build quality, this camera would be a homerun.

[@CurranBlevins]

I agree the buttons and evf leave a lot to wish for but with the x100v now selling for $2,000+ new this is a no brainer! I do wish it had an optical viewfinder but then it literally is an x100v minus leaf shutter and ND.

[@shadowblack1987]

LOL just no... Leica have a sublime color rendition and built quality that Fuji can't even get close too. Having owned all the latest Fuji, while they are excellent, they are nowhere near what Leica offers.

[@circlebamboo10000]

Comparing to xt3, which one is better?

[@CurranBlevins]

Total preference of body style!