FujiFilm X-E2 Pro Reviews

The Fujifilm X-E2 adds Wi-Fi and improves upon the X-E1's video capabilities, but it can't keep up with our Editors' Choice in focus or burst shooting speed.

We’re fans of the X-series, even with the flaws noted here. Colors and white balance are very accurate, with a richness, tone, and depth that are quite impressive. Fujifilm wants a premium price for its better models and we can’t begrudge the company for doing so. We wish it were less expensive, so that we could add it to our list of favorites. Even so, we can recommend the X-E2 for the discriminating photographer. (The budget-conscious might consider the $799 24MP Sony A6000 kit and similar CSCs out there.)

Sumptuous design, gorgeous photos - a true photographer's camera

The X-E2 is a highly capable enthusiast-focused camera capable of producing excellent images. Direct control dials and plenty of customization make for an engaging shooting experience, and its output is impressive. Wi-Fi and in-camera Raw conversion make it easy to share images. It's only really the lacklustre video that disappoints.

The Fujifilm X-E2 gets plenty right. Although, ultimately, it's a subtle upgrade compared to its predecessor. If you’re after a CSC that’s all about image quality then look little further. We also love the hands-on layout of the build, and both retro style and retro approach to taking pictures thanks to physical aperture dials on the XF lenses. That £799 body-only price point might seem like a lot of money, because it is, but there’s a physical quality here that can be seen from a mile away. On the downsides battery life remains the same so-so performer of its predecessor, the so-called improved autofocus might be faster but isn't consistently accurate, while there could be more lenses available in the XF range to further widen appeal. But the available lens options - from primes to more "consumer" zoom lenses - is slowly growing and the quality is great. If you’re an action photographer then don’t kid yourself, this camera won’t be suitable. But if you’re after a camera that successfully marries the old school of thought with the new in a visually striking package then there's a lot to love in the Fujifilm X-E2. For those low-mid ISO sensitivities its image quality that's the real sell.

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.

For its image quality and shooting experience, the Fujifilm X-E2 remains a winner in its price bracket. But it falls short for action shooting and video, for which you can get a better experience by paying a few hundred more for a camera like the Olympus OM-D E-M1 or a dSLR like the Nikon D7100. While it will be a lot more expensive to jump up to full frame -- and even more so if you want OLPF-free full frame -- I think a lot of profressionals who might have jumped at the X-E2 as a supplement (or alternative to) their dSLRs might be lured by one of Sony's options. While the E-P5 can't compete on pixel-peeping photo quality, there's still the attraction of the tilting LCD, access to a wider variety of native system lenses, and faster flash sync, and the the OM-D E-M1 additionally has sturdier construction. You either pick up the X-E2 and fall in love with it, or you pass.

The new Fujifilm X-E2 offers more features, better handling and importantly faster performance than its predecessor, which we already loved, making it our favourite X-series camera and one of the best compact system cameras around. Fujifilm have clearly listened to their users and produced a camera that may look very much like the original X-E1, but which improves on it in virtually all ways. Speed is one of the key improvements. The X-E1 suffered from slightly sluggish auto-focusing and generally slow performance, whereas the X-E2 with its new hybrid AF system offers satisfyingly quick focusing coupled with much improved start-up and shot-to-shot times, as well as slightly faster burst shooting. The X-E2 also benefits from a much improved LCD screen, addition of wi-fi connectivity, improved video recording, and Digital Split Image and Focus Peaking for easier manual focusing - just a few of the many ways that Fujifilm have updated this new model - while retaining the original model's excellent electronic viewfinder and sublimely intuitive control layout.