Close to two years ago, I wrote a post about the Fujifilm X-E4 and why that camera was great for travel. At that time, I had been using the X-E4 for over a year and had used it on many travel destinations. Since I had moved from a two-camera setup while travelling down to using only the X-E4, I felt I had enough experience with the camera to say it was one of the best I had owned and used for my travels. There were numerous reasons why.

My travel season is heating up, and I will be in Barcelona until early next week. I did have plans in January to escape the cold weather of Atlantic Canada, but unfortunately, things were not meant to be, and that trip never happened. I like to travel light, as minimizing what’s available benefits my photography. The restrictions allow me to concentrate on getting the photo instead of considering what camera or lens to use.

Travelling is a beautiful thing. It is a remarkable opportunity to explore new places, relax and recharge. When travelling, packing light is often a priority, but it can be a stressful experience right up to the day you leave for your travels. This is especially true when it comes to your camera gear.

It was weeks before I had to depart for Madikwe in South Africa. I had Evernote open, and I was reviewing my packing list. I had a “Camera Stuff to Bring” portion on that list that appeared rather lengthy. Is this too much for one backpack? There is no way this is all going to fit. I also had another physical list beside my packing. I thought this was the best way to remember everything, and with two weeks to go, I had plenty of time to revise as needed.

With the Fujifilm X-E4 being discontinued on numerous sites like B&H, we will soon be introduced to the inevitable replacement, whether an X-E5 or something else. Whatever it is, I’m sure it will be great. With the discontinuation, I feel it is a good time to reflect on my experience with the X-E4 and explain how using this camera has changed my photography.

After using a combination of the Canon 5D Mark II and Fujifilm X-E2 along with two or three lenses for travel, I decided I needed to cut down on gear as it was becoming a challenge. Carrying around a bunch of gear is tiresome, and having the choice of what camera or lens to use made me sometimes think too long before taking the shot.