Fujifilm X-E1 Review

CAMERA BUYING GUIDES

In recent years, Fuji has had great success with its premium X line of camera products, particularly in the critical sphere. The Fuji X-E1 is the second camera in the series and the second in the range to include interchangeable lenses. It is not intended to replace the Fuji X-Pro1 but rather to complement it. However, it is technically inferior to the Fuji X-Pro1 in terms of both its specifications and price, and as a result, there are significant disparities between the two cameras.

In our lab testing, the Fuji X-sensor Pro1 produced photos that were just as good as those produced by specific full-frame sensors, and the camera received a lot of positive feedback from both the audience and the critics.

When it comes to the consumer market, the Fuji X-Pro1 has always had one significant disadvantage that stands out: its steep price. The body by itself may be purchased for around £1,200, AU$1,200, or US$1,700, while each of the three primary optics can be purchased separately for approximately £500, AU$650, or US 600.

Product
Features
Photos

Fujifilm X-E1 16.3 MP Compact System Digital Camera with 2.8-Inch LCD -...

16.3MP APS-C "X-Trans" CMOS sensor
6 frames per second continuous shooting
Contrast detect AF
ISO 200-6400, expandable up to 25,600
1080 HD video

Last update was on: May 29, 2023 4:56 am

$428.00

More Info

16.3MP APS-C "X-Trans" CMOS sensor
6 frames per second continuous shooting
Contrast detect AF
ISO 200-6400, expandable up to 25,600
1080 HD video
2.8 inch LCD with 460,000 dots
Electronic viewfinder with 2,360,000 dots
Raw and Raw + JPEG shooting
Pop-up flash with hotshoe
SD/SDHC/SDXC

See: Best Lenses for Fujifilm X-E1 | Best Memory Cards for Fujifilm X-E1

Fujifilm X-E1 Build Quality

With the X-E1, Fuji’s designers have again done an excellent job, developing a body design that is not only highly appealing but also carries some significant photographic power.

The body is nearly the same size as the Fuji Finepix X100, the top compact camera produced by the firm. However, despite the camera’s reduced size, the lenses that may be added to its front do not give it an unnatural appearance, as is sometimes the case with tiny system cameras (CSCs).

Even though it is smaller than the Fuji X-Pro1, the Fuji X-E1 is still not a camera that can be carried around in a pocket. Additionally, it keeps much of its original weight, giving it the same impression of high quality as its bigger sister.

A textured grip around the front of the camera is convenient while operating the camera with one hand. Fuji has also developed an extra handle that can be fitted to the camera if you desire even more bulk than the camera already possesses.

The body of the Fuji X-E1 bears a striking resemblance to that of the Fuji X-Pro1, and anyone familiar with the latter would recognize these similarities immediately. The camera’s top plate is practically identical; the only differences are that it is a tiny bit smaller and that a flash has been added. On the top of the camera are two dials that govern exposure compensation and shutter speed, as well as an Fn button that can be programmed to do various functions.

Fujifilm X-E1 Performance

When the Fuji X-E1 was first unveiled, we had a lot of hopes and expectations for it. Because it has the same image sensor and processor as the already-high-quality Fuji X-Pro1, we had a good reason to believe that its image quality would be comparable to that of its predecessor.

To our great relief, our preconceived notions turned out to be accurate, and the photographs that the Fuji X-E1 produces continue to leave us quite impressed.

The colors are deep and brilliant without being too saturated, and each picture is packed with great information. The new 18-55mm f/2.8-4 kit lens is not your average kit lens either; its quality build and outstanding performance make it an excellent choice for everyday use.

The default setting is to shoot in Provia, but if you have a scene with vivid colors that you want to highlight, Velvia is an excellent option to go with instead.

Fujifilm X-E1 Sensor

Both cameras use an APS-C X-Trans CMOS sensor with exactly 16.3 million individual pixels. As a result of the fact that they both make use of the same EXR Processor Pro, it is virtually certain that the image quality produced by both cameras will be equal.

Fujifilm X-E1 Image Quality

The Fujifilm X-E1 is capable of producing photographs of exceptional quality. It captured noise-free JPEG photos at ISO 100 up to 6400, with only a little noise at ISO 12800 and more noticeable noise along with a small desaturation of color at the fastest ISO 25600 setting, which is an astounding performance for a camera with an APS-C sensor. The RAW files were also very high quality, providing useable photographs over the whole ISO range (200-6400).

The pictures were soft right out of the Fujifilm X-E1 when the sharpness setting was set to default. For the best results, you should do further sharpening in an application such as Adobe Photoshop; alternatively, you may modify the setting inside the camera.

The night image turned out quite well. The camera’s maximum shutter speed of 30 seconds was sufficient for most after-dark shots, and the Bulb mode enabled considerably longer exposures if necessary.

Fujifilm X-E1 Specs

Sensor
Body type	Rangefinder-style mirrorless
Max resolution	4896 x 3264
Other resolutions	4896 x 2760,3264 x 3264, 3456 x 2304, 3456 x 1944, 2304 × 230, 2496 x 1664, 2496 x 1408 , 1664 × 1664
Image ratio w h	1:1, 3:2, 16:9
Effective pixels	16 megapixels
Sensor size	APS-C (23.6 x 15.6 mm)
Sensor type	CMOS
Processor	EXR Pro
Color filter array	Primary color filter
Image
ISO	Auto (400), Auto (800), Auto (1600), Auto (3200), 200, 250, 320, 400, 500, 640, 800, 1000, 1250, 1600, 2000, 2500, 3200, 4000, 5000, 6400 (100, 12800, 25600 with boost)
Boosted ISO (minimum)	100
Boosted ISO (maximum)	25600
White balance presets	7
Custom white balance	Yes (1)
Image stabilization	No
Uncompressed format	RAW
JPEG quality levels	Fine, Normal
File format	JPEG (Exif 2.3), RAW (RAF format)RAW+JPEG
Optics & Focus
Autofocus	Contrast Detect (sensor)Multi-areaCenterSingleContinuousLive View
Autofocus assist lamp	Yes
Digital zoom	No
Manual focus	Yes
Lens mount	Fujifilm X
Focal length multiplier	1.5×
Screen/viewfinder
Articulated LCD	Fixed
Screen size	2.8″
Screen dots	460,000
Touch screen	No
Screen type	TFT color LCD monitor
Live view	Yes
Viewfinder type	Electronic
Viewfinder coverage	100%
Viewfinder resolution	2,360,000
Photography features
Minimum shutter speed	30 sec
Maximum shutter speed	1/4000 sec
Exposure modes	Program AEShutter priorityAperture priorityManual exposure
Built-in flash	Yes (Pop-up)
External flash	Yes (via hot-shoe EF-X20, EF-20, EF-42)
Flash modes	Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, Rear-curtain
Flash X sync speed	1/180 sec
Drive modes	SingleContinuousSelf-timer
Continuous drive	6.0 fps
Self-timer	Yes (2 or 10 sec)
Metering modes	MultiAverageSpot
Exposure compensation	±2 (at 1/3 EV steps)
AE Bracketing	(at 1/3 EV, 2/3 EV, 1 EV steps)
WB Bracketing	No
Videography features
Resolutions	1920 x 1080 (24 fps), 1280 x 720 (24 fps)
Format	H.264
Microphone	Stereo
Speaker	Mono
Storage
Storage types	SD/SDHC/SDXC
Connectivity
USB	USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
HDMI	Yes (Mini connector)
Remote control	Yes ( Optional RR-80)
Physical
Environmentally sealed	No
Battery	Battery Pack
Battery description	Lithium-Ion NP-W126 rechargeable battery & charger
Battery Life (CIPA)	350
Weight (inc. batteries)	350 g (0.77 lb / 12.35 oz)
Dimensions	129 x 75 x 38 mm (5.08 x 2.95 x 1.5″)
Other features
Orientation sensor	Yes
Timelapse recording	No
GPS	None

Fujifilm X-E1 Verdict

Overall, the Fuji X-E1 is an intriguing prospect that has the potential to achieve a great deal of success in the market.

A large number of people will undoubtedly find the Fuji X-Pro1 appealing since it combines the incredible technology of the X-Pro1 with a price that is more reasonable for consumers and a CSC body that is smaller and more streamlined.

Adding a new 18-55mm kit lens to the lineup of the X range is also a wise decision. This is another move likely to appeal to a new demographic seeking something more adaptable.