Fujifilm X-E2 Review

Features
Handling
Performance
Verdict
Specification



The Fujifilm X-E2 updates the X-E1 and comes with an electronic viewfinder, a larger 3inch screen, built in Wi-Fi, and an 18-55mm f/2.8-f/4 OIS kits lens. There are a number of updates included with the X-E2, and it promises quicker performance.

Fujifilm X-E2 Features

Fujifilm says there are over 60 improvements in the new X-E2 over the original X-E1, but many of these are quite subtle, and to the untrained eye, both cameras look very similar.

The camera features Lens Modulation Optimiser (LMO) technology for improved image quality, and the technology was first introduced in the Fujifilm X20 and Fujifilm X100s, and is designed to give sharper images by reducing the effects of diffraction and aberration when using smaller apertures. Fujifilm explains this in detail on their website.

Another feature of the X-E2 is built in Wi-Fi, letting you wirelessly transfer images to smart phones and tablet PCs via the Fujifilm Camera app available for iOS and Android devices. It can be used to add GPS information to photos, or for PC Autosave connectivity to PCs, for easy image backup.

Key Features

• 16.3 megapixel APS-C X-Trans CMOS II Sensor
• Original colour filter array to control moiré and false colour
• EXR Processor II
• FUJIFILM X Lens mount
• Lens Modulation Optimiser for improved image quality
• 2.36 million dot OLED electronic viewfinder
• ±3 Exposure Compensation dial
• 3-inch (1.04 million dot) premium clear LCD
• Built-in pop-up Flash (hotshoe attachment also available)
• ISO 200 – 6400, extended ISO 100, 12800, 25600
• Q (quick) button to easily access shooting menu settings
• In-camera RAW converter
• Film simulation modes
• Multiple exposure, Panoramic shooting, and 8 Art filter effects
• Selection of  Bracketing functions (AE / ISO / Dynamic Range & Film Simulation)
• Full HD Movie, at 60fps, with AF tracking
• Microphone/shutter release input (Φ 2.5mm)
• Approx. 350 shots per battery charge

Fujifilm X-E2 Handling

Handling - The top shutter speed dial now features a 1/180th of a second flash sync speed setting, which was missing from the previous camera. The menu system has the photo and setup options neatly separated over a number of screens, with each section colour coded. There is an additional control panel accessible using the Q button on the back in combination with the 4-way controller and scroll wheel, and the Q button is now easier to reach with your thumb in its new location. This makes it easy and quick to set options.



Continuous shooting speed has been improved with the camera now able to shoot at 7fps, for up to 28 frames. Focus peaking is included to aid manual focus, as well as digital split image technology, which was first seen on the Fujifilm X100s. Focus check can be used after taking a photo to quickly check whether the focus is correct.

The exposure compensation dial has been moved further in towards the camera body to help make it less likely that you'll accidentally change the exposure compensation without realising it, as we did when we first reviewed the Fujifilm X-E1. 

Both the new screen, and the high resolution electronic viewfinder look very good when you are using the camera, and the built in eye-detection sensor means the camera will automatically switch to the electronic viewfinder when it's held up to your eye.



Battery life - The bottom is where you'll find the battery and memory card compartment and battery life is rated at 350 shots according to Fujifilm / CIPA testing standards.

Speed - We took a number of shots to test the camera's responsiveness, from switch on to first photo, shot to shot, focusing speed etc. We take a number of shots and then use the average to ensure accurate and consistent tests, making it easy to compare with other cameras.

	Fujifilm X-E2	Fujifilm X-E1
Shutter Response	<0.05	<0.05
Wide - Focus / Shutter Response	0.15	0.25
Full zoom - Focus / Shutter Response	0.175	0.3
Switch on Time to Taking a Photo	1.6	1.05 (quick start on)
Shot to Shot without Flash	0.6	0.9
Shot to Shot with Flash	2.0	2.9
Continuous Shooting - JPEG (shots before slow down)	7fps (20 shots)	6fps (17 shots)
Continuous Shooting - Flash	N/A	N/A
Continuous Shooting - RAW	7fps (8 shots)	5fps (11 shots)

Focus speeds are impressively quick, and quicker than the previous version of the camera. Camera settings used: Pre-AF off, tested with 18-55mm lens, central focus point selected, and there doesn't appear to be a quick start option on the X-E2. Continuous shooting is quick at 7fps, and after 20 shots it slows to around 5fps when shooting JPEGs using a Class 10 card. 

Fujifilm X-E2 Performance

Additional sample photos and product shots are available in the Equipment Database, where you can add your own review, photos and product ratings.

Fujifilm X-E2 Sample Photos

Sample Photos - The camera produces images with bright saturated colours, and good levels of detail. Portraits taken have pleasing skin tones, and the photo with flash shows no red-eye. The portrait photos taken outdoors have captured the golden sunlight, producing bright saturated photos.

Fujifilm X-E2 Lens test images

Lens Performance - The lens is quite resistant to flare even when shooting with the sun in the frame. Macro performance isn't a particular strongpoint of the 18-55mm kit lens, however other dedicated macro lenses are available. Exposure is reliable in the majority of situations, and can easily be altered using the exposure compensation dial. Dynamic range is very good with the camera featuring DR Auto which will automatically adjust the ISO setting when additional dynamic range is required. Distortion is very well controlled, and the camera and lens are capable of recording photos with very good levels of detail. For a full report on the 18-55mm OIS lens, have a look at our lens review.

Fujifilm X-E2 ISO test images

ISO Noise Performance - Noise is low and detail high from ISO100 all the way through to ISO800. At ISO1600 there is a slight drop in detail, although noise remains low. At ISO3200 there is another slight drop in detail, and noise increases slightly, although results are still very impressive. At ISO6400 noise becomes much more noticeable although images should still be usable. ISO12800 shows more noise again, however it appears quite "Film-like" in that it is grainy and doesn't appear to detract too much from the image. ISO25600 shows the highest levels of noise, as expected, and this setting is best avoided. 

Fujifilm X-E2 White-balance test images

White Balance Performance - Auto White Balance (AWB) gives a warm result under tungsten lighting, with the tungsten preset giving a slightly better result, although it is still quite warm, and for better results you can adjust the white balance or use manual white balance. AWB performs very well under fluorescent lighting with a better result than any of the fluorescent presets.


Panoramic | 1/250 sec | f/18.0 | 55.0 mm | ISO 800

Panorama mode - Panoramic mode lets you choose from normal or wide. You simply press and hold the button down while panning the camera, and it will automatically stitch the images together. The camera does a very good job of stitching the image together and detail is good.

Fujifilm X-E2 Digital filters

Digital Filters - The camera features a number of film simulations including Standard (Provia), Velvia / Vivid, Astia / Soft, PRO Neg. Std, PRO Neg.Hi, Monochrome, Mono plus Yellow filter, Mono plus Red filter, Mono plus Green filter and Sepia. Dynamic range can be extended using DR100, 200 and 400, although this does increase the ISO setting.

Standard colour is quite natural, and selecting Vivid gives a much punchier image with stronger colour saturation and boosted contrast, there are also individual controls for dynamic range, highlight tone, shadow tone, sharpness, colour saturation and noise reduction.

Video - The camera features FullHD video recording at 60fps, and when used with a lens that features optical image stabilisation gives smooth video recording. The camera features built in stereo recording, as well as a 2.5mm mic jack socket on the side for external video. 

Value For Money

The Fujifilm X-E2 is available for £1199 in solid Black or two-tone Black and silver with 18-55mm OIS kit lens, or £799 body only, which makes it more expensive than many of its competitors, however it does feature a brighter than normal kit lens. Some of the alternatives to look at include the following premium mirrorless cameras with built in EVF: 

Olympus OM-D E-M5 - 16 megapixel, 9fps, £910 with 12-50mm lens
Panasonic Lumix GX7 - 16 megapixel, 9fps, Wi-Fi, Tilting EVF, £849 with 14-42mm lens
Sony NEX-6 - 16 megapixel, 10fps, Wi-Fi, £579 with 16-50mm lens
Sony Alpha 7 - 24 megapixel full-frame sensor, 2.5fps, £1300 body only

You'll also need to buy a memory card and a case or bag to keep your camera safe and protected - have a look at our complete guide to camera bags.

Fujifilm X-E2 Verdict

The Fujifilm X-E2 improves on the X-E1 and addresses a number of the issues we found with the original camera, including accidentally knocking the exposure compensation dial, this hasn't happened on this new model, as well as adding a larger higher resolution screen. Focus speeds and continuous shooting speed has also been improved with the camera feeling extremely responsive in use. There is also the addition of split focus, and enhanced manual focus modes giving additional benefit to anyone who wants to use other lenses with an adapter.

Like the previous model, the X-E2 delivers impressive image quality and has excellent noise performance even at high ISO settings. Build quality is excellent and the camera feels solid and well built in hand, with a premium two tone metal body. Most importantly the Fujifilm X-E2 delivers excellent image quality and there is a slight but subtle improvement over the previous model, with the new LMO delivering sharper images from the kit lens. The Fujifilm X series now has a total of four bodies, and the lens range has been noticeably expanded since our review of the X-E1 from five lenses to ten lenses including new lenses from Carl Zeiss, with more lenses on the roadmap.

The Fujifilm X-E2 is without doubt capable of delivering excellent images and has a growing and appealing range of high quality lenses available. With an emphasis on quality the camera and lenses are quite expensive, however the price is quite easily justified not only by the image quality on offer, but the high build quality of the camera and lenses. Highly Recommended. 

	The Fujifilm X-E2 delivers excellent image quality in a premium quality camera that feels great.

Fujifilm X-E2 Pros

Larger 3inch screen
Impressive noise performance
Great build quality and handling
High resolution electronic viewfinder
Classic camera styling and controls
Excellent image quality
Film simulation modes
Built in Wi-Fi

Fujifilm X-E2 Cons

Indoor white balance could be better
Price of lenses / kit combination
Wi-Fi remote operation not available

FEATURES
HANDLING
PERFORMANCE
VALUE FOR MONEY
VERDICT

Fujifilm X-E2 Specifications

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