Contents
Conclusion
Pros:
- Truly outstanding dynamic range
- Beautiful color and tonal response
- Excellent noise control, yielding noise free images through ISO 800 and low noise images through ISO 3200. Even higher ISOs yield quite usable shots.
- Fantastic control scheme and intuitive interface. It makes it truly fun to shoot with.
- Very high-resolution EVF
- Sleek design with corner integrated viewfinder that is light and comfortable to hold
- Autofocus is very accurate, even in low light (v.2.0)
- Outstanding out of camera JPEGs
- Focus peaking works well (v.2.0) and can be easily changed simply by pressing and holding the command wheel.
Cons:
Autofocus is slower than competitors and can sometimes fail to find focus at all in lower lightWith firmware 2.0, these issues have been remedied. Focus is still slower than competitors, but not too far behind, and low light focusing has been dramatically improved.
- Continuous Autofocus is unusable for tracking action
- Some shutter lag
- Can’t zoom the viewfinder for manual focus when the camera is writing to a card
- Camera’s build quality, while generally good, has some minor issues with fit and finish
- Viewfinder can get laggy in low light
- Rear LCD is too dim in bright sunlight
- Some minor funkiness still possible with very high detail repeating patterns in some RAW conversion software, though much improved over even a month ago.
- Tripod socket and battery door can get in the way.
With the release of firmware version 2.0, the original conclusion is no longer valid. I have rewritten portions of the conclusion to coincide with version 2.0.
Overall, the Fujifilm X-E1 is not a perfect camera. The EVF can get laggy at times in dim light and there are some other minor annoyances. Originally, the X-E1 had some serious issues in the autofocus department, though these appear to have been predominantly remedied by firmware version 2.0, which has increased autofocus speed and dramatically improved the ability for the camera to find focus in dim lighting conditions.
On the positive side, the outstanding dynamic range, great noise control and beautiful tonal depth create images that look like they came from a full frame sensor. And, despite the fact that the camera doesn’t focus quite as quickly as some other mirrorless systems, the camera is an absolute joy to shoot with. Controls are simple and quick to change and everything you need as a photographer is just right there. I love shooting with the X-E1, and the output seriously impresses. The original X-E1 as released had some serious shortcomings, but Fujifilm has been diligent in providing continual updates to the camera, and in the course of the past few firmware updates, has created a camera that is a joy to shoot with and with the exception of poor continuous autofocus, can meet the needs of most every type of shooting. An excellent mirrorless camera.
Image Samples
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This is a very thorough review! Thanks.
I find the Fuji X cameras very photography focused. When I pick my Canon dslr, or a P&S, even a m4/3 I feel I need to look at menus, options, change settings. With my X-E1 I can just pick it up and shoot.
I never really thought I would like manual controls, but they just “feel” right.
Love my X-E1 and both the 18-55 and the 35. I find myself using this camera and lens combo much more often now than my D700, or D800. Who wants to carry a dSLR if they don’t have to? Not me.
I still use the D700 and D800 for tripod work, and weddings but I would not hesitate to take the X-E1 to an event.
Thanks for the review. It is not all rosy — especially the focus issue. I also did not see the “seam” issue on my X-E1 body that you show in your images. That’s weird. Maybe they fixed this QC issue?
Later,
J
For Jorg!
Love my X-E1 and as 18-55 and 35.
See the difference in picture detail if you shoot at 35 mm focal length lens (XF18-55mm F2 ,8-4 R LM) against XF35mmF1.4 R.
Sincerely,
Victor
I think it is a major quirk that you need to press the AF-Button in order to be able to move the focus area.
While looking through the EVF this is just awkward.
The AE-Button is somewhere between my nose and my cheek and I have a hard time to find it without taking the camera down.
Don’t you have the same problem?
I do say ” The only odd ergonomic item is the positioning of the AF button, which is a little awkwardly placed at the left edge. I’d have prefered a top plate or thumb accessible button for this, so that it was easier to change the focus point while the viewfinder is up to your eye.”
You are right, sorry, I missed that one.
However why do I need an extra button?
On my 7D I can move the focus points without pressing any extra buttons.
Even if I have to press an extra button: The buttons up, left and right of the selector all already taken, but the button down is available: Pressing the down button once enters the focus selection mode.
I just hope somebody at Fuji reads your blog and changes that in the next firmware update.
BTW: You have created some truly beautiful pictures for this review!
What I’d really like is for them to put a touch screen on the back in addition to direct focus point adjustment. I originally thought it was a gimmick, but having owned several touch screen cameras now, it’s truly great to just be able to touch where you want the focus point to be. Even bringing the camera down from your face it’s fast to switch. (Note I’m not wanting a touch screen instead of direct button controls (never), but in addition to…
My biggest hope for the next firmware update (aside from continuing to improve AF) is the fixing of the magnification problem, where you can’t magnify an image in manual focus if the camera is writing to the card. It kills me when I use an adapted lens.
Hi Jordan, great review! I just bought Sonar 90 and have not yet bought the adapter, could you tell me what are you using? Thanks
I’m using a cheap e-bay adapter that looks like a knockoff of the Kipon adapter. It works fine. It turns easily, but can stick a little bit throughout the range. The longer you leave it on, though, the smoother it gets. If you want really smooth focusing, I hear the metabones is the way to go, but it’s heavy and expensive.
Great review, thank you. I am strongly leaning towards a purchase of the X-E1. Fuji has very recently released a software update to address focus issues with both the ProX1 and the X-E1. Was your review with the new update? If not will you be updating and letting us know if it makes as significance a difference as Fuji indicates on their website. Thanks
I’ve been shooting with the latest firmware since I got the camera (1.04). All lenses are up to date as well. The next update that was recently announced won’t be available until the May-July timeframe. If there is a significant change, I’ll update the review at that time.
I’ve been excruciatingly patient in holding off on purchasing one of the new Fuji X-Series cameras. However, this one is starting to talk to me in a big way. Your honest review with not only the good points, but the dirt too, is really an informational dream. I’m still limited on my budget, but I think I can swing into a body-only XE-1 for $600-$700 if I’m just a little patient about it. I find that there is an M42 adapter available, and my old but amazing Zeiss Ultron 50/1.7 screw mount ought to do well in carrying the image to the sensor. Thank you for one of the better reviews I’ve read anywhere.
Hi Jordan. I’m very glad to read this detailed review. If you don’t mind, i’m wonder that what did you apply on first photo above in ps? Thank you.
The latest firmware solves the problem of the awkward placement of the AF button on the lower left of the Fujifilm X-E1. You now have two other choices; the FN button can be programmed to serve that function, as can the lower arrow in the 4-way controller. The latter seems the better choice. Just one click on the lower arrow to open up the focus point screen, then your finger is already in position to make adjustments. It works smoothly.
Yes indeed. That is why, when Firmware 1.06 was released, I added the following text to the review: “Update: With firmware v.1.06, Fuji has added the ability for the down arrow on the four-way controller to act as a programmable function button. By default, this is set to control focus area selection. The Fn button can also now be programmed to allow for focus area selection. Having AF point selection on the down arrow makes selecting the focus point tremendously easier when shooting. Thanks, Fuji!”
Thanks for the nice reviews. They are always well written and supported by some fine images.
I am considering the XE-1 + 27mm f2.8 both of which you have reviewed. One of the reasons is the cropped 1:1 aspect ratio it offers, as an easy alternative to shooting 6×6 film . One question though, how does the cropped 1:1 aspect ratio affect the focal length of the lenses?