X-E4vs Lumix S5vs Ricoh GR III
Which should you buy?
Compact Street & Travel Photography — X-E4 (2021): The X-E4 is for photographers who want the minimum camera that still delivers maximum image quality. If you love shooting from the rear screen and want the smallest possible X-mount body, this is your camera. If you need a viewfinder or IBIS, look at the X-S20 or X-T30 II.
Professional Video & Hybrid Shooting — Lumix S5 (2020): The S5 is an outstanding video camera that also takes excellent stills. 10-bit 4K/60p, dual native ISO and 6.5-stop IBIS in a weather-sealed body is a compelling package. The contrast-detect AF is its main weakness vs Sony and Canon — but for controlled shooting it doesn't hold it back.
Street Photography & Urban Reportage — Ricoh GR III (2019): The purest street photography compact — APS-C sensor, 28mm perspective, IBIS, and cult-favourite JPEG rendering in a shirt pocket.
Who should buy what
X-E4 (2021)
- Street photographers who prioritise portability and discretion
- Travel photographers packing minimally
- Fujifilm fans who shoot primarily from the rear screen
- Anyone who wants the X-Trans sensor in the smallest possible body
Lumix S5 (2020)
- Videographers who need 10-bit colour science in a full-frame body
- Photographers who shoot video as a second discipline
- Studio photographers who want full-frame IBIS at a lower price
- L-mount system users building a versatile kit
Ricoh GR III (2019)
- You shoot street, travel, or documentary and want APS-C quality in a coat or shirt pocket
- You want a camera you'll genuinely always carry without thinking about it
- You appreciate sharp, characterful images from a fixed 28mm equivalent focal length
Quick take: The x-e4 has the highest resolution at 26mp; the x-e4 is the most affordable; only the lumix s5 is weather sealed. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | X-E4 (2021) | Lumix S5 (2020) | Ricoh GR III (2019) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £699 | £1,699 | £899 |
| Sensor | 26.1MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS IV | 24.2MP Full-Frame CMOS | 24.2MP APS-C CMOS |
| Resolution | 26.1MP | 24.2MP | 24.2MP |
| Video | 4K/30p, 1080p/240p slow-motion, F-Log | 4K/60p 10-bit V-Log/HLG, 5.9K anamorphic, 1080p/180p slow-motion | 1080p/60p |
| Autofocus | Phase-detect, 425 points, face/Eye detection | Contrast AF (DFD Technology), face/eye detection | Hybrid contrast/phase-detect AF with subject detection |
| Stabilisation | None (no IBIS) | 6.5-stop IBIS (dual IBIS with Lumix S lenses) | 4-stop IBIS (Shake Reduction) |
| Burst Rate | 8fps mechanical, 20fps electronic | 7fps mechanical, 9fps electronic (AFS) | 4fps |
| Battery Life | ~460 shots (CIPA) | ~470 shots (CIPA) | 200 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 364g (body only) | 714g (body, battery, card) | 257g |
| Dimensions | 121.3 × 72.9 × 32.7mm | 132.6 × 97.1 × 81.9mm | 109.4 × 61.9 × 33.2mm |
| Weather Sealed | No | Yes | No |
| Viewfinder | None — rear screen only (EVF accessory available) | EVF, 2.36M dots, 0.78× magnification | None |
| Screen | 3.0" fixed touchscreen, 1.62M dots | 3.0" vari-angle touchscreen, 1.84M dots | 3.0" fixed touchscreen |
| Mount | Fujifilm X-mount | Leica L-mount | Fixed 28mm-equiv f/2.8 lens |
| Memory Cards | Single SD UHS-I | Dual SD UHS-II | Single SD UHS-I |
| Connectivity | USB-C, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | USB-C (USB 3.2 Gen 1), full-size HDMI, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
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