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Fujifilm X-E3 vs X-T20

The Fujifilm X-E3 and the Fujifilm X-T20 are two digital cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in September 2017 and January 2017. Both the X-E3 and the X-T20 are mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras that are equipped with an APS-C sensor. Both cameras offer a resolution of 24 megapixels.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications
Fujifilm X-E3
versus
Fujifilm X-T20
Fujifilm X-E3   Fujifilm X-T20
Mirrorless system camera Mirrorless system camera
Fujifilm X mount lenses Fujifilm X mount lenses
24 MP – APS-C sensor 24 MP – APS-C sensor
4K/30p Video 4K/30p Video
ISO 200-12,800 (100 - 51,200) ISO 200-12,800 (100 - 51,200)
Electronic viewfinder (2360k dots) Electronic viewfinder (2360k dots)
3.0" LCD – 1040k dots 3.0" LCD – 1040k dots
Fixed touchscreen Tilting touchscreen
8 shutter flaps per second 8 shutter flaps per second
350 shots per battery charge350 shots per battery charge
121 x 74 x 43 mm, 337 g 118 x 83 x 41 mm, 383 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Fujifilm X-E3 and the Fujifilm X-T20? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

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Body comparison

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Fujifilm X-E3 and the Fujifilm X-T20. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Both cameras are available in two different colors (black, silver).

Size Fujifilm X-E3 vs Fujifilm X-T20
Compare X-E3 versus X-T20 top
Comparison X-E3 or X-T20 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Fujifilm X-T20 is notably larger (9 percent) than the Fujifilm X-E3. Moreover, the X-T20 is markedly heavier (14 percent) than the X-E3. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the X-E3 nor the X-T20 are weather-sealed.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. In this particular case, both cameras feature the same lens mount, so that they can use the same lenses. You can compare the optics available in the Fujinon X Lens Catalog. Mirrorless cameras, such as the two under consideration, have the additional advantage of having a short flange to focal plane distance, which makes it possible to mount many lenses from other systems onto the camera via adapters.

The battery packs of both cameras can be charged via USB, which can be very convenient when travelling.

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. If you want to switch the focus of the display and review another camera pair, you can move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons there.

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Body Specifications
# image Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Fujifilm X-E3 121 mm 74 mm 43 mm 337 g 350 n Sep 2017 899ebay.com
2.
 
Fujifilm X-T20 118 mm 83 mm 41 mm 383 g 350 n Jan 2017 899ebay.com
3.
 
Fujifilm X-E4 121 mm 73 mm 33 mm 364 g 380 n Jan 2021 849 amazon.com
4.
 
Fujifilm X-T30 II 118 mm 83 mm 47 mm 383 g 380 n Sep 2021 899 amazon.com
5.
 
Fujifilm X-T30 118 mm 83 mm 47 mm 383 g 380 n Feb 2019 899ebay.com
6.
 
Fujifilm X-A5 117 mm 68 mm 40 mm 361 g 450 n Jan 2018 399ebay.com
7.
 
Fujifilm X-T100 121 mm 83 mm 47 mm 448 g 430 n May 2018 599ebay.com
8.
 
Fujifilm X-A3 117 mm 67 mm 40 mm 339 g 410 n Aug 2016 399ebay.com
9.
 
Fujifilm X-A10 117 mm 67 mm 40 mm 331 g 410 n Dec 2016 399ebay.com
10.
 
Fujifilm X-E2S 129 mm 75 mm 37 mm 350 g 350 n Jan 2016 699ebay.com
11.
 
Fujifilm X-T10 118 mm 83 mm 41 mm 381 g 350 n May 2015 799ebay.com
12.
 
Fujifilm X-E2 129 mm 75 mm 37 mm 350 g 350 n Oct 2013 999ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
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Any camera decision will obviously take relative prices into account. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The two cameras under review were launched at the same price and fall into the same market segment. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down.

Sensor comparison

The size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units in a sensor of the same technological generation. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Both cameras under consideration feature an APS-C sensor and have a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 1.5. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the review cameras among the medium-sized sensor cameras that aim to strike a balance between image quality and portability. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Technology-wise, the X-T20 uses a more advanced image processing engine (X-Processor Pro2) than the X-E3 (X-Processor Pro), with benefits for noise reduction, color accuracy, and processing speed.

Fujifilm X-E3 and Fujifilm X-T20 sensor measures

The two cameras under review do not only share the same sensor size, but also offer an identical resolution of 24 megapixels. This similarity in sensor specs implies that both the X-E3 and the X-T20 have the same pixel density, as well as the same pixel size. It should, however, be noted that the X-E3 is a somewhat more recent model (by 7 months) than the X-T20, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that neither of the two cameras has an anti-alias filter installed, so they are able to capture all the detail the sensor resolves.

The Fujifilm X-E3 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 200 to ISO 12800, which can be extended to ISO 100-51200. The Fujifilm X-T20 offers exactly the same ISO settings.

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors. Both cameras use the X-Trans layout of photosites, which according to Fujifilm helps to minimize moiré.

X-E3 versus X-T20 MP

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service assesses and scores the color depth ("DXO Portrait"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports") of camera sensors, and also publishes an overall camera score. The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

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Sensor Characteristics
# image Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Fujifilm X-E3 APS-C 24.0 6000 40004K/30p23.913.3176482
2.
 
Fujifilm X-T20 APS-C 24.0 6000 40004K/30p23.913.2170481
3.
 
Fujifilm X-E4 APS-C 26.0 6240 41604K/30p24.213.7208585
4.
 
Fujifilm X-T30 II APS-C 26.0 6240 41604K/30p24.213.8214485
5.
 
Fujifilm X-T30 APS-C 26.0 6240 41604K/30p24.113.5189583
6.
 
Fujifilm X-A5 APS-C 24.0 6000 40004K/15p24.013.3180082
7.
 
Fujifilm X-T100 APS-C 24.0 6000 40004K/15p24.013.4182983
8.
 
Fujifilm X-A3 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p23.813.1166481
9.
 
Fujifilm X-A10 APS-C 16.0 4896 32641080/30p23.913.2169181
10.
 
Fujifilm X-E2S APS-C 16.0 4896 32641080/60p23.713.0160880
11.
 
Fujifilm X-T10 APS-C 16.0 4896 32641080/60p23.712.9154679
12.
 
Fujifilm X-E2 APS-C 16.0 4896 32641080/60p23.412.6140077
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
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Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. The two cameras under consideration both have sensors whose read-out speed is fast enough to capture moving pictures, and both provide the same movie specifications (4K/30p).

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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. The X-E3 and the X-T20 are similar in the sense that both feature an electronic viewfinder, which is helpful when framing images in bright sunlight. Moreover, their viewfinders offer an identical resolution of 2360k dots. The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Fujifilm X-E3 and Fujifilm X-T20 along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

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Core Features
# image Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Fujifilm X-E32360 n3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/4000s 8.0/s n n
2.
 
Fujifilm X-T202360 n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 8.0/s Y n
3.
 
Fujifilm X-E42360 n3.0 / 1620 tilting Y 1/4000s 8.0/s n n
4.
 
Fujifilm X-T30 II2360 n3.0 / 1620 tilting Y 1/4000s 8.0/s Y n
5.
 
Fujifilm X-T302360 n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 8.0/s Y n
6.
 
Fujifilm X-A5none n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
7.
 
Fujifilm X-T1002360 n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
8.
 
Fujifilm X-A3none n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
9.
 
Fujifilm X-A10none n3.0 / 1040 tilting n 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
10.
 
Fujifilm X-E2S2360 n3.0 / 1040 fixed n 1/4000s 7.0/s Y n
11.
 
Fujifilm X-T102360 n3.0 / 920 tilting n 1/4000s 8.0/s Y n
12.
 
Fujifilm X-E22360 n3.0 / 1040 fixed n 1/4000s 7.0/s Y n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
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One difference between the cameras concerns the presence of an on-board flash. The X-T20 has one, while the X-E3 does not. While the built-in flash of the X-T20 is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light.

The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, both cameras under consideration feature an electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

The Fujifilm X-E3 and the Fujifilm X-T20 both have an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the X-E3 and the X-T20 write their files to SDXC cards. Both cameras can use UHS-I cards, which provide for Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s.

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Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Fujifilm X-E3 and Fujifilm X-T20 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
# image Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Fujifilm X-E3Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y-Y
2.
 
Fujifilm X-T20Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y--
3.
 
Fujifilm X-E4Ystereo / monoY-micro3.2Y-Y
4.
 
Fujifilm X-T30 IIYstereo / monoY-micro3.2Y-Y
5.
 
Fujifilm X-T30Ystereo / monoY-micro3.1Y-Y
6.
 
Fujifilm X-A5Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y-Y
7.
 
Fujifilm X-T100Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y-Y
8.
 
Fujifilm X-A3Ystereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
9.
 
Fujifilm X-A10-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
10.
 
Fujifilm X-E2SYstereo / monoY-micro2.0Y--
11.
 
Fujifilm X-T10Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y--
12.
 
Fujifilm X-E2Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y--
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Both the X-E3 and the X-T20 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The X-T20 was replaced by the Fujifilm X-T100, while the X-E3 was followed by the Fujifilm X-E4. Further information on the features and operation of the X-E3 and X-T20 can be found, respectively, in the Fujifilm X-E3 Manual (free pdf) or the online Fujifilm X-T20 Manual.

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Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Is there a clear favorite between the Fujifilm X-E3 and the Fujifilm X-T20? Which camera is better? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.


Advantages of the Fujifilm X-E3:

  • Less heavy: Is lighter (by 46g or 12 percent) and hence easier to carry around.
  • Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
  • More modern: Is somewhat more recent (announced 7 months after the X-T20).


Arguments in favor of the Fujifilm X-T20:

  • Better jpgs: Has a more modern image processing engine (X-Processor Pro2 vs X-Processor Pro).
  • Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.62x vs 0.41x).
  • More flexible LCD: Has a tilting screen for odd-angle shots in landscape orientation.
  • Easier fill-in: Has a small integrated flash to brighten shadows of backlit subjects.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in January 2017).

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the X-T20 emerges as the winner of the match-up (5 : 3 points). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera. A professional wildlife photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a family photog, and a person interested in architecture has distinct needs from a sports shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

X-E3 03:05 X-T20

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Fujifilm X-E3 and the Fujifilm X-T20 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera listing whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the specs-based evaluation of cameras can be instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance when actually working with the X-E3 or the X-T20. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate.

Expert reviews

This is where reviews by experts come in. The adjacent summary-table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

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Expert Camera Reviews
# image  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Fujifilm X-E34.5/5+4.5/584/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2017 899ebay.com
2.
 
Fujifilm X-T205/5+ +5/582/1005/54.5/5 Jan 2017 899ebay.com
3.
 
Fujifilm X-E44/5..4/5..4.5/54/5 Jan 2021 849 amazon.com
4.
 
Fujifilm X-T30 II5/5..4/5..4.5/54.5/5 Sep 2021 899 amazon.com
5.
 
Fujifilm X-T305/5+ +5/584/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2019 899ebay.com
6.
 
Fujifilm X-A5..+4.1/5..4/53.5/5 Jan 2018 399ebay.com
7.
 
Fujifilm X-T1004/5+4.5/579/1004/54.5/5 May 2018 599ebay.com
8.
 
Fujifilm X-A3......74/1004.5/54/5 Aug 2016 399ebay.com
9.
 
Fujifilm X-A10........4/54/5 Dec 2016 399ebay.com
10.
 
Fujifilm X-E2S4.5/5....77/1004.5/54.5/5 Jan 2016 699ebay.com
11.
 
Fujifilm X-T104.5/5+ +..80/1005/55/5 May 2015 799ebay.com
12.
 
Fujifilm X-E24/5....80/1004.5/55/5 Oct 2013 999ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you are interested in seeing how other cameras pair up, just make your choice using the following search menu. As an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.

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    Specifications: Fujifilm X-E3 vs Fujifilm X-T20

    Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Fujifilm X-E3 Fujifilm X-T20
    Camera Type Mirrorless system camera Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens Fujifilm X mount lenses Fujifilm X mount lenses
    Launch Date September 2017 January 2017
    Launch Price USD 899 USD 899
    Sensor Specs Fujifilm X-E3 Fujifilm X-T20
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format APS-C Sensor APS-C Sensor
    Sensor Size 23.6 x 15.6 mm 23.6 x 15.6 mm
    Sensor Area 368.16 mm2 368.16 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 28.3 mm 28.3 mm
    Crop Factor 1.5x 1.5x
    Sensor Resolution 24 Megapixels 24 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 6000 x 4000 pixels 6000 x 4000 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 3.92 μm 3.92 μm
    Pixel Density 6.52 MP/cm2 6.52 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter no AA filter
    Movie Capability 4K/30p Video 4K/30p Video
    ISO Setting 200 - 12,800 ISO 200 - 12,800 ISO
    ISO Boost 100 - 51,200 ISO 100 - 51,200 ISO
    Image Processor X-Processor Pro X-Processor Pro2
    Screen Specs Fujifilm X-E3 Fujifilm X-T20
    Viewfinder Type Electronic viewfinder Electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100% 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.41x 0.62x
    Viewfinder Resolution 2360k dots 2360k dots
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 1040k dots 1040k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Tilting screen
    Touch Input Touchscreen Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Fujifilm X-E3 Fujifilm X-T20
    Focus System On-Sensor Phase-detect On-Sensor Phase-detect
    Manual Focusing AidFocus PeakingFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/4000s 1/4000s
    Continuous Shooting 8 shutter flaps/s 8 shutter flaps/s
    Electronic Shutterup to 1/32000sup to 1/32000s
    Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inIntervalometer built-in
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Single card slot
    UHS card support UHS-I UHS-I
    Connectivity Specs Fujifilm X-E3 Fujifilm X-T20
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port micro HDMI micro HDMI
    Microphone Port External MIC port External MIC port
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in Wifi built-in
    Bluetooth Support Bluetooth built-in no Bluetooth
    Body Specs Fujifilm X-E3 Fujifilm X-T20
    Battery Type Fujifilm NP-W126S Fujifilm NP-W126S
    Battery Life (CIPA)350 shots per charge350 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging USB charging USB charging
    Body Dimensions 121 x 74 x 43 mm
    (4.8 x 2.9 x 1.7 in)
    118 x 83 x 41 mm
    (4.6 x 3.3 x 1.6 in)
    Camera Weight 337 g (11.9 oz) 383 g (13.5 oz)
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