X-E4vs S1 II
GearScore™ Verdict — 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.
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-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
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-e4 has the highest resolution at 26mp; the x-e4 is the most affordable; only the s1 ii is weather sealed. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | X-E4 (2021) | S1 II (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £699 | £2,200 |
| Sensor | 26.1MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS IV | 24.2MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS |
| Resolution | 26.1MP | 24.2MP |
| Video | 4K/30p, 1080p/240p slow-motion, F-Log | 6K/30p, 4K/120p, 10-bit 4:2:2 internal |
| Autofocus | Phase-detect, 425 points, face/Eye detection | Phase-detect AF with subject recognition (human, animal, vehicle) |
| Stabilisation | None (no IBIS) | 5-axis IBIS, up to 8 stops |
| Burst Rate | 8fps mechanical, 20fps electronic | 30fps (electronic), 9fps (mechanical) |
| Battery Life | ~460 shots (CIPA) | ~400 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 364g (body only) | 680g (body only) |
| Dimensions | 121.3 × 72.9 × 32.7mm | 138.5 × 100.0 × 91.5mm |
| Weather Sealed | No | Yes |
| Viewfinder | None — rear screen only (EVF accessory available) | Electronic, 3.68M dots, 0.78× |
| Screen | 3.0" fixed touchscreen, 1.62M dots | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen, 1.84M dots |
| Mount | Fujifilm X-mount | Leica L-mount |
| Memory Cards | Single SD UHS-I | Dual slot: CFexpress Type B + SD UHS-II |
| Connectivity | USB-C, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HDMI |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | X-E4 | S1 II |
|---|---|---|
| Street | ||
| Travel | ||
| Portrait | ||
| Video | — | |
| Wildlife | ||
| Vlogging & Video | — | |
| Landscape | — | |
| Wedding & Events | — | |
| Sports & Action | — |
GearScore™ suitability scores are based on aggregated purchaser reviews weighted by photography genre. See how scores are calculated →
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Camera family history