Fujifilm X-E2 Reviews 2014

Fujifilm X-E2 Reviews

With more than 60 improvements and refinements over the Fujifilm X-E1, does the X-E2 offer the ultimate X-series experience?

Fujifilm X-E2

You could be fooled into thinking the Fujifilm X-E2 is identical to its predecessor the X-E1 until you dig deeper and find that most of the refinements are made within. The X-E2 borrows a 16.3MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS II sensor from the X100S, with the X-Trans structure that reduces more and false colour, eliminating the need for an AA filter. It also incorporates more than 100.000 phase detect pixels to create an intelligent Hybrid AF system that utilises both phase detect and contrast detect AF that Fujifilm claims can be as quick as 0.08secs. Fujifilm has also upgraded to the EXR Processor II, claiming to have doubled the speed of the X-E1.

As before, the X-E2 has moderate native ISO range of 200-6400 that can be expanded to an ISO equivalent of 100-25.600. What's interesting is that you;re only given the option of shooting JPEGs in the expanded settings, limiting the sensitivity to ISO 6400 if you prefer Raw.

As kit lenses go the 18-55mm f/2.8-4 lens that's bundled with the X-E2 is excellent. complementing the high quality body. The fast f/2.8 aperture between 19-20mm (closes to f/4 at 40mm) enables shallow depth of field and the built in optical image stabilisation system combats hand shake. THe kit lens also boasts bear silent AF performance .

Back to the design, the magnesium die cast top and front covers contribute to the robust feel, and although he rubber grip at the front looks bit like an afterthought, it considerably improves handling. THe X-E2 is somewhat nose heavy with the kit lens - not really a camera you'll want to use single handedly.

Elsewhere, out goes the X-E1's 460k-dots 2.8in display and in comes a 3in 1.040k-dot screen. Above that, the OLED electronic viewfinder (EVF) retains the same 2.36-dot resolution, but with a refresh rate increased to 50fps. The X-E2 manages to record 8 frames at 7fps in Raw format before the buffer interrupts, and inherits the dependable 256 zone metering system from the X-E1.

The X-2's newly developed AF algorithm has made significant improvements on the X-E1, which struggled in low light scenes. In single AF the X-2 locks onto targets more accurately than the X-E1, and it enjoys sprightly continuous AF performance that can be used in Multi AF and Area AF odes. ALthough the lack of a touch-screen prevents intuitively tapping to select an AF point.

The X-2 delivers an exceptional noise performance, with no sign of colour or luminance noise between ISO 100 and 800. At ISO 1600 a very faint trace of noise creeps in, however it has such a fine structure it's barely noticeable when viewed at 100%. Detail is well preserved right up to ISO 12.800 and this is the limit to which you'll want to push the sensitivity to unless you're willing to accept more noise.

Verdict

The Fujifilm X-E2 is in many ways to camera we wish the X-E1 were all along, improving on the ageing LCD screen and slow low light AF. There's room for improvement AF lock on speed is still sluggish and the app isn't too intuitive, however the solid build quality and superb handling add up to a superb handling add up to a superb user experience. It's pleasure to use.

The Fujifilm X-E2 Best for?

- Comprehensive feature set and controls
- Portability with no sacrifice in image quality
- Highly desirable retro design

Pros
- Premium finish
- Design
- Excellent Image quality
- Solid build
- High screen resolution
- Quality kit lens

Cons
- No touchscreen
- Limited Wi-fi functionality
- Basic Fujifilm camera app
- AF- assist beam easily obstructed

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4.5 / 5