Wonderful review and beautiful images. Q: Do you think face detection AF on E2 is worth say the extra $100 -120 – in context of shooting family pictures which may or may not include toddler !
Marina
March 29, 2015 9:08 am
Dear Nasim, I am so happy to find such an amazing site I’m gonna follow! amazing articles! I am designer and need a camera for traveling, shooting my designs, insporations…for blogging and portfolio. I am not planning to become a great photographer ( coz great photographers are you and your staff), but I want to have clear, sharpen, clean and beautiful photos. My friends advised me Fuji X-e2, saying it has everythin I need!)) So I m currently reading about this camera, so it would be great to have your advice! Is it the suitable camera for my purposes? what lenses do you recommend me? – travel pictures (places, food, details, buildings) -designs (clothing, people, clothing details)
Thank you a lot!
Vipul Kapadia
March 23, 2014 9:26 am
Hi Nasim, Thank you for providing such a wonderful in-depth review on X-E2. I am considering to buy it as body only and with 23mm f/1.4. I read on a few sites, including at Ken Rockwell’s, that Fuji colors are tame for shooting landscapes and things but good for shooting people. Is it true? Like many photographers, I shoot both. I do use Lightroom BTW. Looking at pictures you took, it seems like color should not be a problem but I thought I check with you on this anyway. Lastly, I have Sony NEX-3N and that’s the one I am replacing with this one. Hope AF is faster on X-E2 than Sony NEX-3N. Thanks a lot for the review.
David Ahn
March 9, 2014 11:24 am
Nasim, I just decided to get the X-E2 “for my wife” (OK, I’ll probably be using it way more), but I saw the X-E1/18-55 kit for $799! That’s a $700 lens, so they’re basically giving the body away. While I can comfortably afford the X-E2 kit, I’m a sucker for a bargain, so this is really hard for me to pass up. I’m also a sucker for getting the latest and greatest, so these two sides of me are really battling right now.
In reality, the $1299 for the X-E2/18-55 combo is a killer deal in itself. It can be argued that it is on par with the 5DIII/24-70: similar in resolution (no OLPF), superior low light and dynamic range, has OIS, and maybe only inferior in subject isolation (not FF)? At a savings of $4200 and over 2 lbs of carry weight.
David, personally, I would go with the X-E1 for $800 – the price difference with the X-E2 is too big in my opinion. For $500, you can get another Fuji lens!
Thanks for the reply, Nasim! I ended up ordering the X-E2 before I read it. I saw a guy on Flickr who had an X-Pro1, X-E2, and X100s who picked up an X-E1 kit because it was a great deal. Can’t really blame him; it really made sense for him he didn’t have the 18-55 yet, and the X-E1 is a great spare body. I’m still tempted to get the X-E1 kit, but it makes no sense for me to have two 18-55s.
Srini
March 8, 2014 6:47 am
Nazim,
It’s always a great pleasure reading your reviews, which are always excellent. Thanks for another great review. I am in the market for a camera. I initially considered Nikon D610 but, I am leaning towards a mirrorless. I am torn between Fuji X-E2 and Sony A7. I do not think I need Sony A7R, which sports a higher resolution, magensium alloy, and so on. I am looking to start with one prime lens for general purpose photography while travelling and buy more in the future. Which one would you recommend please? Would polycorbonate on A7 apply pressure/stress on the lens mount, if one were to use tele/zoom lenses?
I would also very much appreciate if you could please review Sony A7/A7R vs Fuji X-E2.
Srini, there aren’t very many lenses for the Sony, so I would personally go for the Fuji for now. Also, Sony has a nasty blackout and takes a while to power-up. It is a great full-frame camera, but I would give it another iteration before thinking about buying one. Perhaps Sony A8 will address most of the issues the A7 has…
Nazim, Many thanks for the great advice! It is going to be a first DSLR after going down from Canon EOS Film SLR 1000 in 1990s to a simple Canon powershot A620 ! The choice is like comparing apples and oranges!
The start up kit costs:
Nikon D610 + Nikon AF-S 50mm f1.8 = ~ £1550 weighing a little more than a KG Fuji XE-2 + Fuji XF 35mm f/1.4 = ~ £1170 weighing half of the Nikon’s
I like the full frame especially considering the still evolving mirrorless. Would the weight of a Nikon gear be too much of a burden to lug around when we travel as a family? Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated and valued.
It is two vs one in my family ;)
Many thanks – Srini
Mark
February 10, 2014 8:24 am
Nasim,
Thank you very much for the excellent reviews you do. I have been a Nikon user for many years and appreciate the information you provide on both new Nikon products as well as being able to go back and read about older/exisiting products as well.
I am writing today regarding the Fuji X-E2 which looks to be the best option for me for a small yet capable camera to compliment my D700. I was wondering if you might provide some advice regarding what RAW processor to use. It appears the newest updates to Adobe Camera Raw now support Fuji, although your findings (as well as others I have read) show some issues remain with Adobe. You had mentioned Photo Ninja and I have been reading up on this option as well. The option is always there to shoot jpeg, but I’ve generally always shot RAW with Nikon and would like to maintain a fairly consistent workflow. I have also read that the Adboe DNG converter can be used (which I have used with Nikon Coolpix RAW files).
Also what speed memory card have you found to work best with the XE-1/X-E2. I have read the Fuji manual online and understand which cards are compatible, but wondered if there was any benefit to getting the faster write speed cards (above 45 mbps).
Mark, Fuji has some amazing savings right now – I would seriously consider those before you make your purchase :)
As for the RAW processor, I wouldn’t worry too much about it right now – just use Adobe. If pixel-level sharpening yields artifacts and you are not happy, you can always explore other options. Fuji’s Silkypix software can be used to convert RAW files too and it does a better job than Adobe, plus it is free.
Lastly, Fuji cameras are not meant to be used as “spray and pray” cameras. So average speed memory cards should work pretty well – I would go with at least 45 MB/s cards. I believe SanDisks’ 80-85 MB/s “Extreme” SD cards are fairly inexpensive nowadays. Just go with those.
Alex Vaughn
February 1, 2014 8:09 am
Thanks for this great review. I love the X-E2. It might not be the best for action but the low light capabilities are amazing. I was shooting at night and it amazed me. The image quality is brilliant and would say it was a good upgrade on the X-E1 in terms of speed and image quality.
Hello Nasim and thank you very much for your fine review!
Could you please comment on focus and exposure measurement reliability as well as on dynamic range on X-E2? I’ve just sold my X100s completely frustrated after an over one year use due to AF-issuses and unpredictable exposure measurement failures. I feel, the dynamic range on my X100s was also more limited compared to the X100 i had owned (1. gen. X-TRANS sensor). X-E2 has the same sensor as X100s, so should i better skip it? TIA Dimitri
Dimitri, if you weren’t happy with the X100S, then I would skip the X-E2.
Mack Rockwell
January 17, 2014 8:40 am
Hello Nasim,
Thank you for great review. I follow this website and its GOTO website for me before buying any Camera equipment’s. I am not a Pro but enthusiastic photographer. I am in dilemma whether I should stick with Nikon gear or replace them with Fuji where I see lot of great things are coming up from them. I do have Nikon d600 but because of oil issues and other stupid products launched by Nikon, I am afraid whether its worth continue investing in it (buying different lenses etc) or replace with great products like Fuji. I am really impressed with whatever they are launching and that clearly reflects in your reviews as well.
No doubt Nikon is great company and they have good products but somehow they are very bulky and very much persistent quality issues in recent products.
Please suggest. I want to get ready of bulky stuff.
Mack, my suggestion to you is to try the Fuji gear out first – get a solid camera like the X-E1 or X-E2 with a lens or two, shoot for a couple of weeks and see if you are ready :) Some of our readers have already switched while others feel very strongly attached to their Nikon gear…
John Nicholson
December 30, 2013 4:45 am
Nasim, I have only just discovered Photography Life, and this is one of the very best sort of reviews I have read on any site. I felt I really knew where i stood at the end of reading. I had been considering many things, including the beautiful X100S, but I think the X E2 will give me more flexibility for a relatively small amount extra, so I think that’s where the cash is going to go now. Thanks.
Hi Nasim
Wonderful review and beautiful images. Q: Do you think face detection AF on E2 is worth say the extra $100 -120 – in context of shooting family pictures which may or may not include toddler !
Dear Nasim,
I am so happy to find such an amazing site I’m gonna follow! amazing articles!
I am designer and need a camera for traveling, shooting my designs, insporations…for blogging and portfolio.
I am not planning to become a great photographer ( coz great photographers are you and your staff), but I want to have clear, sharpen, clean and beautiful photos. My friends advised me Fuji X-e2, saying it has everythin I need!)) So I m currently reading about this camera, so it would be great to have your advice!
Is it the suitable camera for my purposes? what lenses do you recommend me?
– travel pictures (places, food, details, buildings)
-designs (clothing, people, clothing details)
Thank you a lot!
Hi Nasim,
Thank you for providing such a wonderful in-depth review on X-E2. I am considering to buy it as body only and with 23mm f/1.4. I read on a few sites, including at Ken Rockwell’s, that Fuji colors are tame for shooting landscapes and things but good for shooting people. Is it true? Like many photographers, I shoot both. I do use Lightroom BTW. Looking at pictures you took, it seems like color should not be a problem but I thought I check with you on this anyway. Lastly, I have Sony NEX-3N and that’s the one I am replacing with this one. Hope AF is faster on X-E2 than Sony NEX-3N. Thanks a lot for the review.
Nasim, I just decided to get the X-E2 “for my wife” (OK, I’ll probably be using it way more), but I saw the X-E1/18-55 kit for $799! That’s a $700 lens, so they’re basically giving the body away. While I can comfortably afford the X-E2 kit, I’m a sucker for a bargain, so this is really hard for me to pass up. I’m also a sucker for getting the latest and greatest, so these two sides of me are really battling right now.
In reality, the $1299 for the X-E2/18-55 combo is a killer deal in itself. It can be argued that it is on par with the 5DIII/24-70: similar in resolution (no OLPF), superior low light and dynamic range, has OIS, and maybe only inferior in subject isolation (not FF)? At a savings of $4200 and over 2 lbs of carry weight.
David, personally, I would go with the X-E1 for $800 – the price difference with the X-E2 is too big in my opinion. For $500, you can get another Fuji lens!
Thanks for the reply, Nasim! I ended up ordering the X-E2 before I read it. I saw a guy on Flickr who had an X-Pro1, X-E2, and X100s who picked up an X-E1 kit because it was a great deal. Can’t really blame him; it really made sense for him he didn’t have the 18-55 yet, and the X-E1 is a great spare body. I’m still tempted to get the X-E1 kit, but it makes no sense for me to have two 18-55s.
Nazim,
It’s always a great pleasure reading your reviews, which are always excellent. Thanks for another great review. I am in the market for a camera. I initially considered Nikon D610 but, I am leaning towards a mirrorless. I am torn between Fuji X-E2 and Sony A7. I do not think I need Sony A7R, which sports a higher resolution, magensium alloy, and so on. I am looking to start with one prime lens for general purpose photography while travelling and buy more in the future. Which one would you recommend please? Would polycorbonate on A7 apply pressure/stress on the lens mount, if one were to use tele/zoom lenses?
I would also very much appreciate if you could please review Sony A7/A7R vs Fuji X-E2.
Many thanks,
Srini
Srini, there aren’t very many lenses for the Sony, so I would personally go for the Fuji for now. Also, Sony has a nasty blackout and takes a while to power-up. It is a great full-frame camera, but I would give it another iteration before thinking about buying one. Perhaps Sony A8 will address most of the issues the A7 has…
Nazim, Many thanks for the great advice! It is going to be a first DSLR after going down from Canon EOS Film SLR 1000 in 1990s to a simple Canon powershot A620 ! The choice is like comparing apples and oranges!
The start up kit costs:
Nikon D610 + Nikon AF-S 50mm f1.8 = ~ £1550 weighing a little more than a KG
Fuji XE-2 + Fuji XF 35mm f/1.4 = ~ £1170 weighing half of the Nikon’s
I like the full frame especially considering the still evolving mirrorless. Would the weight of a Nikon gear be too much of a burden to lug around when we travel as a family? Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated and valued.
It is two vs one in my family ;)
Many thanks – Srini
Nasim,
Thank you very much for the excellent reviews you do. I have been a Nikon user for many years and appreciate the information you provide on both new Nikon products as well as being able to go back and read about older/exisiting products as well.
I am writing today regarding the Fuji X-E2 which looks to be the best option for me for a small yet capable camera to compliment my D700. I was wondering if you might provide some advice regarding what RAW processor to use. It appears the newest updates to Adobe Camera Raw now support Fuji, although your findings (as well as others I have read) show some issues remain with Adobe. You had mentioned Photo Ninja and I have been reading up on this option as well. The option is always there to shoot jpeg, but I’ve generally always shot RAW with Nikon and would like to maintain a fairly consistent workflow. I have also read that the Adboe DNG converter can be used (which I have used with Nikon Coolpix RAW files).
Also what speed memory card have you found to work best with the XE-1/X-E2. I have read the Fuji manual online and understand which cards are compatible, but wondered if there was any benefit to getting the faster write speed cards (above 45 mbps).
Thanks again.
Mark
Mark, Fuji has some amazing savings right now – I would seriously consider those before you make your purchase :)
As for the RAW processor, I wouldn’t worry too much about it right now – just use Adobe. If pixel-level sharpening yields artifacts and you are not happy, you can always explore other options. Fuji’s Silkypix software can be used to convert RAW files too and it does a better job than Adobe, plus it is free.
Lastly, Fuji cameras are not meant to be used as “spray and pray” cameras. So average speed memory cards should work pretty well – I would go with at least 45 MB/s cards. I believe SanDisks’ 80-85 MB/s “Extreme” SD cards are fairly inexpensive nowadays. Just go with those.
Thanks for this great review. I love the X-E2. It might not be the best for action but the low light capabilities are amazing. I was shooting at night and it amazed me. The image quality is brilliant and would say it was a good upgrade on the X-E1 in terms of speed and image quality.
Another X-E2 I liked : maxcnash.com/maxs-…film-x-e2/
Hello Nasim and thank you very much for your fine review!
Could you please comment on focus and exposure measurement reliability as well as on dynamic range on X-E2?
I’ve just sold my X100s completely frustrated after an over one year use due to AF-issuses and unpredictable exposure measurement failures. I feel, the dynamic range on my X100s was also more limited compared to the X100 i had owned (1. gen. X-TRANS sensor). X-E2 has the same sensor as X100s, so should i better skip it?
TIA
Dimitri
Dimitri, if you weren’t happy with the X100S, then I would skip the X-E2.
Hello Nasim,
Thank you for great review. I follow this website and its GOTO website for me before buying any Camera equipment’s. I am not a Pro but enthusiastic photographer. I am in dilemma whether I should stick with Nikon gear or replace them with Fuji where I see lot of great things are coming up from them.
I do have Nikon d600 but because of oil issues and other stupid products launched by Nikon, I am afraid whether its worth continue investing in it (buying different lenses etc) or replace with great products like Fuji. I am really impressed with whatever they are launching and that clearly reflects in your reviews as well.
No doubt Nikon is great company and they have good products but somehow they are very bulky and very much persistent quality issues in recent products.
Please suggest. I want to get ready of bulky stuff.
Mack, my suggestion to you is to try the Fuji gear out first – get a solid camera like the X-E1 or X-E2 with a lens or two, shoot for a couple of weeks and see if you are ready :) Some of our readers have already switched while others feel very strongly attached to their Nikon gear…
Nasim, I have only just discovered Photography Life, and this is one of the very best sort of reviews I have read on any site. I felt I really knew where i stood at the end of reading. I had been considering many things, including the beautiful X100S, but I think the X E2 will give me more flexibility for a relatively small amount extra, so I think that’s where the cash is going to go now. Thanks.
John, thank you for your feedback!