X-E3vs S1 II
GearScore™ Verdict — Which should you buy?
Street & Travel — X-E3 (2017): The X-E3 is the lightest Fujifilm interchangeable-lens camera with the 24.3MP X-Trans III sensor. Its slim, compact body appeals to street photographers who find the X-T line too bulky. The touchscreen joystick and Bluetooth connection are welcome additions. 4K is technically available but limited to 15fps — this is a stills-first camera. An excellent compact travel camera at used-market prices.
Hybrid & Video — S1 II (2025): The S1 II is the full-frame L-mount hybrid camera Panasonic's system has been waiting for — phase-detect AF, 4K/120p, class-leading IBIS, and a professional build in one complete package. It addresses every weakness of the original S1 and positions Lumix firmly back in the conversation for serious hybrid shooters.
Who should buy what
X-E3 (2017)
- Street photographers who want Fujifilm colours
- Travel photographers prioritising size
- Minimalist camera users
S1 II (2025)
- Hybrid photographers who need excellent stills and serious video capability
- Video professionals who want full-frame quality with 4K/120p
- Landscape and portrait photographers who want maximum stabilisation
- L-mount system users upgrading from S1 or S5 II
Quick take: The x-e3 has the highest resolution at 24mp; the x-e3 is the most affordable; only the s1 ii is weather sealed. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | X-E3 (2017) | S1 II (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £300 | £2,200 |
| Sensor | 24.3MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS III | 24.2MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS |
| Resolution | 24.3MP | 24.2MP |
| Video | 4K/15p, 1080p/60p | 6K/30p, 4K/120p, 10-bit 4:2:2 internal |
| Autofocus | Phase-detect AF, face detection | Phase-detect AF with subject recognition (human, animal, vehicle) |
| Stabilisation | None | 5-axis IBIS, up to 8 stops |
| Burst Rate | 8fps (electronic shutter up to 14fps) | 30fps (electronic), 9fps (mechanical) |
| Battery Life | ~350 shots (CIPA) | ~400 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 337g (body only) | 680g (body only) |
| Dimensions | 121.3 × 73.9 × 42.7mm | 138.5 × 100.0 × 91.5mm |
| Weather Sealed | No | Yes |
| Viewfinder | Electronic, 2.36M dots, 0.62× magnification | Electronic, 3.68M dots, 0.78× |
| Screen | 3.0" touchscreen (fixed), 1.04M dots | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen, 1.84M dots |
| Mount | Fujifilm X-mount | Leica L-mount |
| Memory Cards | Single SD UHS-II slot | Dual slot: CFexpress Type B + SD UHS-II |
| Connectivity | USB 3.0, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HDMI |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | X-E3 | S1 II |
|---|---|---|
| Street | ||
| Travel | ||
| Portrait | ||
| Casual | — | |
| Landscape | ||
| Vlogging & Video | ||
| Sports & Action | ||
| Wedding & Events | — | |
| Wildlife | — |
GearScore™ suitability scores are based on aggregated purchaser reviews weighted by photography genre. See how scores are calculated →
More comparisons with X-E3
Camera family history