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CAMERA

Fujifilm X-E1 - A Retro Camera That Inspires (Part 1)

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6/27/2013 3:38:21 PM

Introduction

When Fujifilm released the X system in January 2012, it did so with an irregular high-end body: X-Pro1. With its unique hybrid optical/ electronic viewfinder, sturdy metal body and analogue dial-led control principle, it was clearly targeted at professionals and enthusiasts who have been looking for an update on the concept of classic rangefinder. The X-Pro1 has been generally well received, but its high prices always seem to limit its appeal. Fujifilm X-E1 aims to broaden the scope of attracting larger enthusiasts, and will confront directly with the reputable names such as: the Sony Alpha NEX-7 and Olympus OM-D E-M5.

Rating based on a Fujifilm X-E1 product running software runs 1.04

Rating based on a Fujifilm X-E1 product running software runs 1.04

The main features

·         16MP X-Trans CMOS sensor

·         ISO 200-6400, 100 - 25600 expanded (JPEG only)

·         2.36M dot OLED electronic viewfinder

·         New kit zoom: 18-55mm F2.8-4R

·         Same control layout as X-Pro1, including top-plate shutter speed and exposure compensation dials

·         2.8" 460k-dot LCD

·         Integrated pop-up flash

·         Full HD movie recording with integrated stereo microphone

·         2.5mm stereo microphone socket

·         Compatibility with wired remote control units (via either the USB port or mic socket)

·         Available in silver or black

The X-E1 is an essential thinner version of the X-Pro1, with the large, expensive and complicated hybrid viewfinder that was replaced by a totally-electronic viewfinder. However, not any old EVF - it uses a part of 2.36M dot OLED that exceeds the specs of the X-Pro1's 1.44M dot LCD finder. In response, the rear of its screen is slightly downgraded in terms of size and resolution; it is still a respectable 2.8" 460k dot LCD – as for Fujifilm, this is necessary to keep the camera’s size down. The result is a compact body that is equivalent to the size of the favorite FinePix X100 and its obvious rivals such as E-M5 and NEX-7.

X-E1 - X-Pro1 more reasonable price

The X-E1 joins a family of the unique cameras which is actually growing apart from the crowd. The deficiency of the X-E1 is the mixed optical viewfinder found in the X100 and X-Pro1. From the left to right are the Fujifilm X100, X-E1 and the X-Pro1.

The X-E1 joins a family of the unique cameras which is actually growing apart from the crowd. The deficiency of the X-E1 is the mixed optical viewfinder found in the X100 and X-Pro1. From the left to right are the Fujifilm X100, X-E1 and the X-Pro1.

The X-E1 has a few new functions corresponding to the X-Pro1, commensurate with its class. There is a small pop-up flash built in, a 2.5mm stereo microphone jack to record movies, and the ability to use an electronic shutter release cable besides the signature threaded shutter release button. But on the other hand it is almost identical to the X-Pro1, using the same 16MP X-Trans CMOS APS-C sensor and EXR Pro image processor, and almost the same control layout and interface.

Fujifilm X-E1

Fujifilm X-E1

Tweaking firmware – including improved focusing

Fujifilm does not only work with the new hardware, it is created a few important tweaks under the hood, which promise better performance. The good news for those who own the X-Pro1s is that they will benefit equivalently to this, with the same software version 2 co-published and offered the same updates. The number of recorded files has been halved, and the camera can log in the playback to check focus and composition within about two seconds when capturing a single frame. Automatic ISO allows the use of ISO 6400, but it is sad that there is still no way to impact the minimum shutter speed. The most significant change, however, is focusing, both automatic and manual.

The Fujifilm X-E1 uses a new auto focus algorithm and different sensor driver mode, promising significant speed improvements, especially with the XF 60mm F2.4 R Macro XF lens or shooting in low light. In fact, Fujifilm announced the X-E1 and X-Pro1 provide AF speeds that are competitive with benchmark cameras like the Olympus OM-D E-M5. The “feel” of the manual focus with electronic driver has been improved, and significantly the camera sets the wide aperture in manual focus mode, finally allowing really accurate focusing by EVF. It also has a new 3x zoom level to support manual focus, which should be less likely to have problems with vibration when using long lenses.

In general, this makes the X-E1 in terms of theory a very strong competitor for the mirrorless modes equipped other high-end EVF. Its traditional control layout means that it should attract the still-life photographers; although its shooting ability is still lagging behind its rivals’ (you are able to set the aperture by hand, but unable to control the shutter speed that the camera uses)

Comparing design and size

Sony Alpha NEX-7, X-E1, Olympus OM-D E-M5

Sony Alpha NEX-7, X-E1, Olympus OM-D E-M5

This is a size compared between the X-E1 and its most obvious opponents, the Sony Alpha NEX-7 on the left and the Olympus OM-D E-M5 on the right, all of them are equipped with the corresponding kit zooms. All functions integrated EVFs and multiple control dials, the NEX-7 and E-M5 both have the rear screens that are able to tilt. The E-M5 also has image stabilization in the camera body which works with every lens, but on the other hand lacks an integrated flash.

The kit zoom of the X-E1 offers the same range of 19-55mm (28-80mm equivalent) as the NEX 7’s, but a faster aperture, which is good for both low-light shooting and providing a degree of background blur for portraits. The zoom 12-50mm F3.5-6.3 offers a wider range, a choice of manual or power zooms for videos, and a useful close-up setting, but at the cost of aperture maximum.

This is the X-E1 with its 18-55mm kit zoom, along with its big brother the X-Pro1 equipped with the nice F1.4 R XF 35mm lens. The X-E1 is much smaller because of removing the optical viewfinder, but the similarity of the two camera series is generally outstanding.

This is the X-E1 with its 18-55mm kit zoom, along with its big brother the X-Pro1 equipped with the nice F1.4 R XF 35mm lens. The X-E1 is much smaller because of removing the optical viewfinder, but the similarity of the two camera series is generally outstanding.

If you're new to approach digital photography, you may want to read the Digital Photography Glossary before submerging in this article (it may help you understand some of the terms used)

Conclusion / Recommendation / Ratings are based on the reviewer’s thinking; you should read the whole review before coming to your own conclusions.

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