We purchased a Fujifilm X-E2 recently, mainly because we liked the Fujifilm X-E1 so much, that we wanted to have two of these badass cameras for when we travel or shoot food.
The two cameras are so very similar, you can’t really tell them apart whether by looks or specs. So I find it a little difficult to say anything more than my previous review of the Fujifilm X-E1.
Originally, I thought of doing a comparison like when I pitted the Fujifilm X-E1 against Canon’s 5DMKII and 7D. I wanted to try to beat that very unscientific post, by doing and even more unscientific post. I wanted to compare the Fujifilm X-E2 with a completely ridiculous contender the Mamiya 645 AFDII with a ZD Digital Back.
Check the Price (Fujifilm X-E2 16 MP Kit 18-55mm Lens | Amazon)
Alas, I’m having some CF card issues with the Mamiya (as it’s 10 years old) so that idea was tossed. So what am I going to talk about now, you ask? Well, since Fujifilm has put out a new camera that is basically the same as it’s predecessor, I’ll have to expound on more of the same, which is surprisingly good.
Shot using the Fujifilm X-E2 with 18-55mm Zoom Lens
The Fujifilm X-E2
First, I want to tell you why to ignore authors comparing the Fujifilm X-E2 with the X-E1. I’ll sum all those tech-filled articles up in one sentence, saving your creative brain cells from dying out of boredom!
If you are entering the market for a Fujifilm X-E camera, either buy the Fujifilm X-E2 Kit or buy the X-E1 Kit (saving some cash to put towards a new lens, of course). Thats IT!
Sorry that was two sentences. Nevertheless, it’s not a complex choice and I’m tired of seeing authors wasting other people’s time with a 1000 words comparing the two, which all end in the same conclusion as the sentence above.
None of what I love about the Fujifilm X-E1 changed with the Fujifilm X-E2. Things that did change were small annoyances and it seems that Fujifilm has been listening to it’s customers on these issues, which is fantastic. So just what do I love / hate about the new Fujifilm X-E2? Here we go…
Just like I’ve said before, the Fujifilm X-E2 has everything that our type of photography needs in a camera and mostly cuts out all the features we could care less about.
Check the Price (Fujifilm X-E2 16 MP Kit 18-55mm Lens | Amazon)
MANUAL, MANUAL, MANUAL!
Instead of Fuji boasting the autofocus speed of the camera, (which it says is #1) I think they should really have a slogan saying something like, “the Fujifilm X-E2 for those who appreciate the finer side of manual controls.”
Maybe not as sexy as the Fujifilm X-E2 technical wizardry; for me I think the reason people buy these cameras is to get back to the basics.
Basics are sexy too!
Who’s really going to buy this camera and not use all those sweet dials and the aperture ring? As a serious manual user, for me everything must be manual. Manual exposure and focus are my go to settings in every situation. The Fujifilm X-E2 and X-E1 have the best manual experience compared to all the other cameras in their class.
They didn’t have to re-invent the wheel, this is how cameras used to be, before they turned into behemoth black monstrosities.
Shot using the Fujifilm X-E2 with 18-55mm Zoom Lens
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LENSES AND FOCUS
Something I was so impressed by with the Fujifilm X-E1 was the live view focus and the ability to zoom in on the subject right from the viewfinder. This is so badass when shooting food or travel and it’s been made even better in the Fujifilm X-E2.
However, it’s really Fuji’s line up of lenses that has everyone hooked, even the kit lens is an unbeatable zoom. I don’t think anyone could disagree that Fuji’s lenses are incredibly sharp. The way the glass captures colors and detail is downright amazing.
I have reviewed two of their lenses right here, if you want to see what they can do.
Shot using the Fujifilm X-E2 with 18-55mm Zoom Lens
BIGGEST FUJIFILM X-E2 IMPROVEMENTS THAT WE LOVE
Wireless Transfer – Although we would have preferred wireless capture, the new wireless transfer capabilities of the Fujifilm X-E2 is a nice improvement that makes our type of workflow faster. When the client comes in we can quickly show them the images without having to move the camera or plug in the SD card.
Moving the Q button – As silly as it sounds, simply moving the Q (quick menu) button over to the other side of the camera was a change I think everyone can agree was nice. That little sucker was annoying on the X-E1.
Extremely fast and responsive AF – the only time I use this is when shooting my little daughter running around, but I’m sure many more people will appreciate this huge improvement.
What more can I say, Fujifilm has brought out another great camera. And with the new Fujifilm X-E2 customers can now enjoy a price drop in the X-E1. Both are amazing cameras, much more than what I would call an expensive necklace. These cameras are tools; tools which are built to be used in a serious way. Any X system owners out there? Let me know what you think about your Fuji system and how you use it.
Like Nature? Fujifilm X-E2 is great for that too, just check out these great snaps I got on my recent 4×4 trip in Oman.
Check the Price (Fujifilm X-E2 16 MP Kit 18-55mm Lens | Amazon)
In the Muscat area? I got my gear over at Photocentre, they are the official dealers of Fujifilm cameras and lenses. They have some great staff and a huge selection of camera equipment plus other geeky photo gadgetry.