The new Fujifilm mirrorless is the camera the X-Pro1 should have been? Faster, smaller, lighter and with improved battery performance, launched only eight months after the debut of the classy X-Pro1, Fujifilm announced its second retro-styled mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. The Fujifilm X-E1 (specs) uses the same 16.3MP APS-C sensor as the more expensive X-Pro1 model, but a slightly smaller LCD and electronic viewfinder only. Instead of the flagship’s hybrid viewfinder it gains a pup-up flash. But the real evolution is taking place inside. Alongside the new X series mirrorless (official site) comes a 18-55mm F2.8-4 stabilized kit zoom that promises AF times as fast as 0.1 seconds when the two are used together. The E-X1’s direct contenders, the Olympus OM-D E-M5 and Sony NEX-7, finally get some worthwhile opposition? Looks like the AF speed might be on par with the Olympus whereas the X-E1’s relatively large X-Trans CMOS sensor with the beautiful Fujifilm IQ easily challenges the Sony. Body only for $999,95, the new Fujifilm certainly looks like a winner.
Get to know the camera. Read our definitive, continuously updated Fujifilm X-E1 Reference File bringing you all the relevant hands-on reviews and field reports that matter (latest update on top).
+++ Order the Fujifilm X-E1 from Amazon (black/silver), B&H (black/silver) or Adorama (black/silver).
Luminous Landscape‘s thoughts on the X-E1 are in — “good times,” they say:
I like the Fujifilm X series and, now that its entry point has come down to the approximately $1,000 threshold, so will many more. Anyone in the market for a serious mirrorless system owes it to themselves to give the Fujifilms a good hard look.
The competition for this camera is the Olympus OM-D and the Panasonic GH-3. These are both also very well put together machines. Their lenses are also a step smaller. That is, however, a product of the smaller Micro Four Thirds sensor. While the 3rd generation Pany/Olympus sensor is really good, it isn’t the equal of the Fujifilm.
(Note: I originally said that the Oly and Pany EVF was “superior”. I still think the OM-D one is, but having played with the GH-3 yesterday, it appears they are not the same finder. In particular, I found the GH-3’s EVF very directional. Unless my glasses and eyeball were dead-centre to the eye-piece, one side of the image looked curved and blurred. I’ve not experienced that with an EVF before. Since I just had a few minutes with a pre-production model, I would not draw any firm conclusions about this other than to say that potentil users simply have to try EVF cameras for themselves to know if they like the look and feel of any given model, irrespective of their specs on paper.)
So there you have it. A really serious mirrorless system camera from Fujifilm. While many will paint it as an “X-Pro1-lite,” it’s actually its whole own creature. Rather than being a step-down second camera for X-Pro1 owners, I think far more people will find their way into the Fujifilm system with the X-E1 as their primary tool. They will then perhaps add an X-Pro1 if they find they want to start move out of the mirrorless ethos and experiment with truly rangefinder-style work.
It’s very nice to see choices and diversity of equipment grow in the still-photography market, rather than just contract. Fujifilm is, undoubtedly, one of the most creative players in this field, and their offerings are getting ever richer. Good times.
CameraStuffReview‘s verdict:
The Fujifilm X-E1 is a beautiful, solid and easy to use camera with high image quality. In terms of resolution, dynamic range and signal to noise ratio, this camera equals a professional SLR camera with a full frame sensor. It is an ideal camera for travel photography or street photography. Your presence will be much less obtrusive than with a professional SLR camera. But the image quality will be of the same high level. The image quality of the jpg files is so good, that for almost every photographer there’s no real need to shoot in RAW. The Fujifilm X-E1 is a camera that gives you the fun in photography and lets you forget all the technology that comes with it.
Excerpt from Imaging Resource‘s verdict:
The Fuji X-E1 may be the baby brother to Fuji’s flagship X-Pro1, but in many ways is its equal. Most importantly, the two cameras share the same impressive 16.3MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS sensor, which produces image quality superior to most APS-C-sensor-based digital SLRs, but in arguably more attractive camera body designs. The X-E1 is also significantly less expensive than its older sibling, while boasting many of the same features. We loved the X-E1’s look, which marries the design of a classic rangefinder camera with a smart and sophisticated CSC. We wished the camera grip was larger and more comfortable; it’s not a great camera to handhold over long periods of time, but if you’re just going out for a day of street shooting, it should be fine. The Fuji X-E1’s polycarbonate-and-magnesium build make it quite light and highly portable, especially when compared to the X-Pro1. The X-E1’s shutter button, which has a nice old-school look to it (minus the film winder), unfortunately is mushy to press and doesn’t feel very responsive.
Our photos, however, looked wonderful — with lots of resolution and detail (partly due to the absence of a low-pass filter). And thanks to the X-Trans sensor technology, there was also a low incidence of moiré despite the lack of the LP filter. While we didn’t expect much from the XF 18-55mm F2.8-4 kit lens — which is the first zoom for Fuji’s X series interchangeable lens cameras — it produced images with impressive sharpness and professional looking background blur (bokeh), which is great for portraits. The X-E1 also really stood out against the competition in low-light situations and higher ISOs (especially in the 1,600 to 3,200 range).
The camera’s operational performance was a mixed bag, however, with some full AF shutter lag and shot-to-shot speed issues. The X-E1 was also painfully slow to wake up from sleep mode, which resulted in some missed candid shots.
Bottom line though, there’s not a lot to complain about with the X-E1, especially considering its more budget-friendly price tag. The X-E1 is a great addition to Fuji’s impressive line-up of retro-style cameras and one of the finest digital cameras Fuji has ever produced. The Fuji X-E1 is a strong pick as one of the best compact system cameras on the market today.
DP Review‘s review is up. Bottom line:
Overall, we really enjoyed shooting with the Fujifilm X-E1, and I’m very pleased with the images I got out of it. The camera crashed on occasion (it wouldn’t be a new X-series camera if it didn’t have some bugs…), leaving buttons unresponsive, and focus and exposure sometimes delivered odd results, but powering off usually cleared the error.
Ultimately, the Fujifilm X-E1 is a great little camera with a unique, retro design aesthetic, which works with a slowly growing selection of impressive lenses, and brings home images from both bright and dark places that rival some pretty heavy hitters. From the simple slab-sided design to Fujifilm’s enthusiast-friendly control logic, the X-E1 is tuned for the enthusiast photographer who likes straightforward controls and a no-nonsense emphasis on still photography. As such, despite it’s sub-par movie mode and less than stellar autofocus performance, it earns our coveted gold award, by a whisker.
From The The Phoblographer‘s full review:
This camera is yet another worthy installment in the X series of cameras that Fujifilm is producing. While my personal favorite remains the X-Pro1 for its innovative hybrid viewfinder combined with the interchangeable lens mount, this camera I hold in high regards and appreciate the cost savings of $700 (before they started discounting the X-Pro1). However, if you are pairing this camera with a legacy lens that would be focused manually and using the EVF, I would much prefer the X-E1 over the X-Pro1 for its much improved EVF. The pop-up flash is a nice touch, especially since the articulating arm allows you to bounce the flash vertically (I mentioned this in the First Impressions article on this camera). I do think this camera has a place in every Fuji enthusiast’s bag, as well as anyone interested in using beautiful old legacy lenses like Leica M-Mounts and Zeiss lenses with mirrorless cameras that are significantly less expensive than the M9 and its brethren. If I had the spare change I would have one of these in my personal collection right now. Since I don’t have the moolah for that, I ended up having to send it back to Fuji with a heavy heart. Do yourself a favor and go pick one of these up for yourself right now!
The Phoblographer has first impressions:
I like this camera, more than I thought I would. After a bit of time with the Olympus E-M5 and Sony NEX-7, I really see the Fujifilm X-E1 as a clear winner in the IQ and usability areas. It would outright lose in an AF battle, so keep that in mind if that is truly a deciding factor for you. It does seem to be a slightly sexier (physically and IQ wise) option than any of its current competitors. Being the optical viewfinder kind of guy that I am, I would still go for an Fujifilm X-Pro1 over this (especially with the recent price drop!). But, if squeezing out an extra $400 really isn’t an option or you don’t care for the hybrid viewfinder on the X-Pro1, this camera is the most viable option on the market for serious shooters looking into the mirrorless market and craving a true manual control experience with a good EVF built right in. Also, if you are one of the millions who are adapting older lenses for use with the X series, this camera really is a better choice over the X-Pro1 because of its improved EVF would be much more usable in manually focusing those gorgeous Summicrons. All in all, I would totally see this camera in my bag in the near future, but only after there’s an X-Pro1 in there first.
Concludes Martin Castein — nah, the X-E1 doesn’t replace a DSLR, but the camera can give you so much more:
I can work faster than with a DSLR. This didn’t actually occur to me at first. Im working faster, because im doing less. Pulling the camera to my eye, a couple of clicks to correct the exposure and I have the shot. One shot, done. Im working more easily because im getting DSLR performance in a tiny camera. Spend a 10 hour day with this lightweight camera and it feels like the X-E1 leans back and says “told you so.” With its awesome ISO, colour rendition, white balance, skin tone and exposure metering. This camera just handles it. This feels like a more pure way of doing photography, even though its reliant on new technology, its more about the moment. Now I have a camera I can really take everywhere and Im shooting more than before but Im shooting far fewer shots to get any job done. For all the speed of a DSLR they need constant review and checking. This camera is more than that though. Its size and look make people not pay attention and you get those shots you wouldnt otherwise. Its just so much fun to use you want to take it everywhere and shoot it all the time, which can only be a good thing.
This is why I love this camera. Each image feels special and thought out. I had got used to just running and gunning too much with a DSLR.
This camera is a dream for natural light shooters. A lot of its benefits are lost on people that use flash extensively I expect.
I started writing this review after 3 days of ownership and now it has nearly been a week. Going back to my D700, the D700 feels faster in terms of autofocus, really much faster, but it feels remote. I dont feel as connected to the camera. I have started to feel like the X-E1 really sucks you in and makes you shoot its way. Like it has a style and a way where a DSLR has none. It commands your attention and says “you better think about this” but in the way a good teacher might rather than being difficult. My D700 in comparison feels like it is saying “yeah ok do what you like”.
To conlcude I would say this camera is not a DSLR replacement, I would not be without my D700. That was never my intention. I wanted a 2 camera setup for professional work. But it will become my primary camera. I still love my D700. I like each for different reasons and they fill different roles.
TrustedReview‘s final verdict is in:
While it might be tempting to think of the X-E1 as a stripped back X-Pro1, that does it something of a disservice in that the X-E1 is a great camera in its own right. Gifted with the same premium grade construction and finish, the X-E1 feels more refined and balanced than it’s more expensive sibling. While some may lament the removal of the hybrid viewfinder found in the X-Pro1, the truth is that the X-E1’s sharper, crisper EVF more than makes up for this, though the rear screen remains, at 2.8″ and 460k-dots, somewhat underpowered for a camera of this price. Our only other issue is the autofocus performance and while this has certainly been improved from the X-Pro1, it’s still not as fast or as responsive as what’s offered by other CSCs. These issues aside, and the X-E1 is a joy to shoot with. By far the biggest selling point of the X-E1, however, is its sensor. The quality of the results and the detail rendered is excellent, delivering images that are some of, if not the best we’ve seen from an APS-C sized sensor.
PetaPixel‘s conclusion? The camera’s both a beauty and a beast:
In our opinion, the Fujifilm X-E1 is one of the most — if not the most — beautiful digital cameras on the market today, on par with the X-Pro1 and the X100. Someone clearly forgot to tell Fujifilm that digital cameras aren’t supposed to look this good.
The X-E1 is also a true joy to use, especially for photographers who love shooting with older manual film cameras that feature similar designs and controls. If that describes you, you finally have an even more affordable option than the X-Pro1 to cross the analog-to-digital bridge to.
At $1000, the camera is $400 cheaper than its higher-tier sibling. However, what you lose in a major feature — the hybrid viewfinder — you gain in portability due to its smaller size and lighter weight.
With a DSLR-sized sensor at its core and the same manual features at your fingertips, the X-E1 makes for a fine DSLR replacement for everyday photography. Just make sure you can live with the slightly slower AF and the lack of an OVF. If you’re sure you can, then go out and buy this camera — it’s worth every penny.
Gizmodo says the X-E1 is wonderful for stills, but it’s still no jack of all trades. Should you buy it?
Absolutely, for stellar images. But not if you want bells and whistles. This isn’t a camera for video, for in-camera effects, Wi-Fi or scene modes. It’s for unadulterated photography, with fantastic image quality and control.
The caveats include mediocre autofocus, crappy video mode and weird RAW noise patterns. But this is a good low cost alternative to the X-Pro1. Aside from that model’s better build quality, are nearly zero qualities that we miss on this lower priced camera.
Mike Kobal shows what the E-X1 is capable of:
I love shooting with the X-E1. It is just the right size, smaller then the X-Pro1 and slightly larger then the X100. I am a big fan of manual aperture and shutter speed dials, being able to see those settings instantly, even when the camera is turned off, is a huge plus. The discreet shutter sound makes candid shooting easy. Autofocus is extremely accurate, especially when shooting wide open with the 35mm F1.4, but the real quantum leap occurs when in manual focus, with native Fujifilm and third party lenses. Fujifilm gets it right this time and kudos for listening and updating the firmware.
Pocket-lint‘s review is up:
The Fujifilm X-E1 is a modern day classic, but not in the mainstream sense. It’s like a cult movie – it’ll perfectly fit the niche for some, why others’ll think it’s mad.
On the one hand this retro-styled, medium-sized compact system camera is expensive (£1149 expensive) and lacks the kind of pepped-up performance of something like the Sony NEX-6 or Panasonic’s range of G-series CSCs.
But on the other hand here’s a beautifully crafted, fundamentally different, and incredible imaging machine. It’s the final quality of the X-E1’s shots that elevate it to such high standards — assuming the so-so autofocus and battery life, small screen size and electronic-only viewfinder are manageable considerations.
Let’s not forget that there’s no better APS-C sensor in a compact system camera that we’ve yet seen, and that’s why the X-E1 is, in spite of its listed shortcomings, a loveable winner.
Says the PhotographyBLOG about the X-E1:
Smaller, lighter and significantly cheaper than the X-Pro1, whilst offering the same outstanding and image quality and impeccable handling, there’s certainly an awful lot to like about the new Fujifilm X-E1. The main sacrifice is the removal of the innovative Hybrid optical/electronic viewfinder, replaced instead by one of the highest resolution and best electronic viewfinders currently available — indeed the X-E1’s viewfinder is so good that we hardly missed using the X-Pro1’s optical finder. Although not as fast as some compact system cameras (most notably the Olympus OM-D E-M5), the X-E1 is certainly responsive enough to capture most candid moments, although we’d probably stop short at out-and-out sports photography.
The X-E1 delivers exactly the same excellent image quality as its big brother. Noise is noticeable only by its almost complete absence throughout the ISO range of 100-25,600, while the Dynamic Range function helps to boost contrast and detail. The new 18-55mm lens is also worthy of mention, with the fast maximum apertures making it easy to creatively throw the background out of focus, and delivering sharp results throughout the focal range. The X-E1 is certainly right up there with the best APS-C sensor cameras on the market, and some full-frame models too.
The Fujifilm X-E1 feels even more like the natural interchangeable lens evolution of the incredibly popular X-100 camera than the X-Pro1 did, offering refined, intuitive handling, fantastic image quality, premium build quality and five high-quality lenses on launch. It addresses most of the key faults that afflicted the X-Pro1 when it was initially launched — slightly sluggish auto-focusing, slow write speeds, and the hybrid viewfinder which didn’t lend itself so well to interchangeable lenses — at a much more attractive price point.
Digital Living‘s bottom line, translated and published by THEME:
The Fujifilm X-E1 provides not only excellent image quality but transforms photography into pure enjoyment. The excellent ergonomics, mechanical controls and discreet, but high quality appearance speak a clear language. Weight and dimensions have been reduced so that it can compete easily with the mirrorless competition. If you can live with minor drawbacks, you will own a camera that leaves nothing to be desired.
First X-E1 impressions by Bert Stephani. Pretty impressive! Check out his portrait shoot. Conclusion in a nutshell:
The X-E1 performed flawlessly.
Over at Steve Huff‘s site Amy Medina posts a decent X-E1 review. Excerpt:
The new Fujifilm X-E1 is the closest thing to perfection to come along since the dawn of the eletronic viewfinder, large sensor camera, at least when it comes to my needs. The image quality of the files is nothing short of amazing. They are sharp but natural — “film like” I’ve heard said by others. High ISO performance is clearly one of the best in the APS-C market, and it leaves me amazed at just how good it performs in low light. I’m not primarily a low light shooter, but it’s certainly nice to be able to set the camera to auto 3,200 — and even auto 6,400 — and not in the slightest way be worried about too much noise. The color rendition of the files is beautiful, and the auto white balance seem to be bang-on. The hype you’ve heard about the JPEG files? It’s true… with both the X100 and now the X-E1, I don’t bother shooting RAW because the JEPGs are just that good. And did I mention sharp? Wow, is the X-E1 ever capable of producing some really sharp results, due in part to its lack of AA filter (…)
I’ve already gone on way longer than I expected, but I’ll end by saying that I’m happy Fujifilm dared to put these cameras out. They have given us something interesting: cameras aimed at photographers who want a great mix of modern technology and tactile, ergonomically well-designed, but small bodies; and these are cameras capable of stunning image quality. I also appreciate that Fujifilm seems to be a company trying to listen to what it’s customers want, and they will be a fun company to follow over the next few years; they already have been this last year. With the X100 and X-E1, they definitely have me on their side.
Luminous Landscape’s unique Fujifilm X-E1 take. So it’s just an upgraded X-Pro1?
Anyone who tried the X-Pro1 and found it a bit too big will be very happy now. So that’s it, right? Same functions, same controls, same sensor, just smaller and cheaper. Yes… but… While that might capture the physical differences, conceptually, the X-E1 seems like something much different than its close relatives. Despite its undeniably range-finder style form-factor, this is in truth a mirrorless system camera. And that’s not a bad thing (…)
I like the Fujifilm X series and, now that its entry point has come down to the approximately $1,000 threshold, so will many more. Anyone in the market for a serious mirrorless system owes it to themselves to give the Fujis a good hard look.
The competition for this camera is the Olympus OM-D and the Panasonic GH-3. These are both also very well put together machines.Their lenses are also a step smaller. That is, however, a product of the smaller Micro Four Thirds sensor. While the 3rd generation Pany/Olympus sensor is really good, it isn’t the equal of the Fuji.
Note: I originally said that the Oly and Pany EVF was “superior.” I still think the OM-D one is, but having played with the GH-3 yesterday, it appears they are not the same finder. In particular, I found the GH-3’s EVF very directional. Unless my glasses and eyeball were dead-centre to the eye-piece, one side of the image looked curved and blurred. I’ve not experienced that with an EVF before. Since I just had a few minutes with a pre-production model, I would not draw any firm conclusions about this other than to say that potentil users simply have to try EVF cameras for themselves to know if they like the look and feel of any given model, irrespective of their specs on paper.
So there you have it. A really serious mirrorless system camera from Fujifilm. While many will paint it as an “X-Pro1-lite,” it’s actually its whole own creature. Rather than being a step-down second camera for X-Pro1 owners, I think far more people will find their way into the Fujifilm system with the X-E1 as their primary tool. They will then perhaps add an X-Pro1 if they find they want to start move out of the mirrorless ethos and experiment with truly rangefinder-style work.
It’s very nice to see choices and diversity of equipment grow in the still-photography market, rather than just contract. Fujifilm is, undoubtedly, one of the most creative players in this field, and their offerings are getting ever richer. Good times.
DigitalRev‘s Kai reviews the X-E1 with the usual fanfare:
Thoughts from Brandon Remmler‘s Fujifilm X-E1 and the 18-55mm lens (with lots of images):
One major improvement which will be talked about once the reviews on the camera begin will be the amazing improvement in manual focus with the XF 18-55mm lens. The new linear focus motor makes the manual focus smooth and accurate It raises the performance the firmware 2.0 made to an even higher level. So not to sound confusing — yes this LENS makes a difference on either body since it has a new focus motor system. You’ll see — you have to feel it to know.
Peta Pixel likes the “stylish, small and very powerful” Fujifilm:
Fujifilm is the only company right now toying with the idea of Leica-esque cameras for mirrorless-esque prices. While the Olympus OM-D EM-5 is another retro-styled camera in this price range, it’s designed more like an old SLR rather than an old rangefinder. Beauty is obviously a subjective matter, but we think the X-E1 is drop-dead gorgeous.
The X-E1 is a very solid camera, both specs-wise and in its design. For $1,000, you get a DSLR-sized sensor, a sleek design, and a camera that you can comfortably use both as an everyday camera and as a camera for more serious photography work.
From DigitalCameraInfo’s hands-on:
In the time that we spent with the X-E1, it stood out to us as a potentially better camera than the X-Pro1, regardless of price. It’s a newer model so it’s a touch quicker, and we have no reason to believe that performance is otherwise different from the X-Pro1—pictures should still be razor sharp, and it comes with access to a great and ever-growing family of glass. The 18-55mm F2.8-4 bundled lens is brighter than the usual F3.5-5.6 you get from most kits, too, and cuts down on the buy-in price for the XF system.
And mainly, the OLED EVF is excellent. It’s on par with the best on the market—the Sony A77 springs to mind as a comparison point. Optical finders are fetishized, but in retrospect, the OVF on the X-Pro1 can be seen as more of a distraction than a helpful feature in many cases. The X-E1 is arguably better off for going electronic-only—if Fujifilm can implement focus peaking through a firmware update, it’ll be a slam dunk.
Says DigitalRev‘s Kai Wong:
This could quite possible change the world of digital cameras. This is huuuuge. It only takes one company to push the ball over the hill for it to become a huge hit. This could potentially lure some of the bigger companies into doing something similar. This could be mirrorless/compact camera 2.0. This could be the first Sony digital camera I ever buy.
David Kilpatrick of PhotoClubAlpha:
I believe the Cyber-shot team got hold of this sensor to compete head-on with the NEX team. This is part of Sony’s internal camera design Olympics and only Gold counts. The RX100 has been a sell-out success and given the division the authority to take Cyber-shot models to places where the DSC-R1 was once heading before Alpha and NEX arrived on the scene and shut that line of development down. They kept the RX100 under wraps to spring it on the world – including other Sony camera teams – as a blockbuster surprise. Now they have done the same with the RX1. Where next? (…)
I think, perhaps, that after a long time of ignoring photographers Sony finally listened. They may have listened to the wrong ones. The lens enthusiasts of DP Review represent a tiny minority. Those who will spend nearly $3k on a fixed lens compact — even with full-frame — are even fewer.
Especially interesting is David’s take on the “35mm logic.” Read the whole thing.
The Camera Store’s Chris Niccolls calls the E-X1 an “aggressive attack” on the Sony NEX-7 and Olympus OM-D E-M5:
Ken Rockwell posts his thoughts on the X-E1. He sees no more reason for the X-Pro1 while Leica not only survives, but is immortal:
I see no more reason for the old Fujifilm X-Pro1, unless you’re really addicted to the optical finder. Everything else about the X-E1 appears to be superior, with a built-in flash and less size and weight, for less money. I returned my X-Pro1 because its finder had a defective design that rendered it out of focus unless you bought an external diopter for it. I’m hoping this is fixed in the X-E1.
The X-E1 is a fraction the price of a Canon 5D Mark III or Nikon D800, so if you already have a 5D Mark II or D700, you might want to step all the way up to the X-E1 for half the price of the 5D Mark III or D800, each of which are mostly the same as the older models, while these new Fujifilms are in a class by themselves. Even the Leica M9 handles like a pig with it’s all-manual focusing and no way to see what you’ve really got in your image until after you look at the rear LCD, compared to the X-E1.
The X-E1 is an excellent camera for people photos and for people who want a lightweight camera that performs as well or better than DSLRs. Its color rendition for people should be superb, but probably isn’t as good as Nikon or Canon for nature and landscape snaps. The X-E1 should have far better color than the Leica M9.
Even though the X-E1 is a much better camera with better optics and better images and ergonomics than my Leica M9, Leica, like film, is not going away. Leica is immortal. Other, better cameras come and go, while Leica survives. Contax made a better 35mm camera, as preferred by Ansel Adams, but Contax went out of business in the 1950s while Leica survives. Contax was resurrected in the 1990s, making the far superior Contax G series, and again went out of business in 2006, while Leica survives.
I guess he means the Fujifilm X series will as well…
Amateur Photographer has a backgrounder video interview with Katsuya Makioka, operations manager at Fujifilm Japan, saying the X-E1 is set to expand the compact system camera market. Makioka:
Fujifilm wants the new X-E1 to expand the market. We think this camera is for some medium-level photo enthusiasts and some professional users.
See the whole thing.
TechRadar‘s early verdict:
Overall, the Fujifilm X-E1 is an extremely interesting proposition that we can see being incredibly successful. Combining the fantastic technology of the Fujifilm X-Pro1 with a more consumer-friendly price and a smaller, more streamlined body will surely appeal to a wide range of people.
Adding a new 18-55mm kit lens to the lineup of the X range is also a smart move, which will again appeal to a new crowd. The fact that the lens has a metal build and a wide F2.8 aperture should also mean that it wins favour with existing X series users, and should allay fears of a drop in performance that is usually associated with kit optics.
The premium end of the compact system camera market is now looking extremely interesting. This new camera competes much more closely with the Olympus OM-D and Sony NEX-7 than the Fujifilm X-Pro1 was able to. As such, other manufacturers are likely to carefully watch Fuji’s proposition.
Currently, Nikon and Canon don’t have anything in this niche segment of the market, while Panasonic’s cameras sit just underneath it. It’ll be interesting to see if any responses (particularly at the upcoming Photokina 2012 show) are forthcoming.
We’re very much looking forward to putting the camera through its paces properly when a review sample becomes available for testing, but for now we’re once again very impressed by what Fujifilm has delivered.
PetaPixel on Fujifilm’s “retrotastic fun”:
Finally, affordability is one of the main things that gives the X-E1 a spot in the Fujifilm X-series lineup. The body costs just $1,000 — not exactly cheap when it comes to mirrorless cameras, but significantly cheaper than the $1,700 X-Pro1.
When the retro-styled X100 came out, people grumbled about the fact that it wasn’t an interchangeable lens camera. When the interchangeable lens X-Pro1 camera out, people grumbled about the fact that it wasn’t cheaper. Now that the cheaper X-E1 is out, those grumblers really shouldn’t have much more to grumble about, unless they were absolutely smitten with the X-Pro1′s hybrid viewfinder.
Fujifilm is covering all the bases now, inviting photographers to join in on the retrotastic fun.
Excerpts from DP Review‘s hands-on preview with a pre-production X-E1:
We’ve had our hands on a fully-functional pre-production X-E1 for a couple of days, and our first impressions are that Fujifilm’s promises aren’t idle. Autofocus seems quicker and more-responsive, and the “feel” of manual focus has certainly been improved. We’re not convinced it can yet match the very best of its mirrorless peers, but Fujifilm has made a step in the right direction, and that has to be applauded. Even more laudable is that fact that existing X-Pro1 owners will get all the same benefits when firmware version 2.0 becomes available.
Of course, plenty of X-Pro1 (and X100) owners will argue that the optical viewfinder is critical to their user experience, and removing it loses Fujifilm’s single biggest selling point, turning the X-E1 into a different kind of camera altogether. This is true, but not the whole story. The experience of shooting it will certainly be different, but only insofar as it becomes more like the Sony Alpha NEX-7 and Olympus OM-D E-M5 — both cameras that we’ve enjoyed using tremendously and rated very highly. Let’s not forget that the EVF allows the camera to be smaller and more portable (not to mention cheaper), and is arguably better-suited to a wider range of lenses, particularly Fujifilm’s upcoming wideangle and telephoto zooms.
And let’s not beat about the bush here — if the X-E1 delivers on the promise of offering the X-Pro1’s image quality in a smaller, more responsive package, then with its intuitive dial-led interface we think it could turn out to be a rather desirable little camera. We’re certainly looking forward to getting a production model for our full testing.
From the official Fujifilm X-E1 site, here’s Magnum Photo’s Gueorgui Pinkhassov:
More promotional videos:
+++ Order the Fujifilm X-E1 from Amazon (black/silver), B&H (black/silver) or Adorama (black/silver).