Working
with the Fujifilm X-30 compact camera has been so gratifying as a creative
experience that I have impulsively decided to buy the Fujifilm X-E2/XF 18-55mm
Camera & Lens kit.
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| Fujifilm X-E2 / XF 18-55mm F2.8-4.0 OIS |
Yes it is a
bigger camera (especially with the XF 18-55mm lens) and heavier too. But many
aspects justify the difference between the X-E2 and the X-30. The general
performances of the X-E2 are really enhanced by using a bigger APS-C image
captor. Its viewfinder is bigger although the automatic vertical information
rotation of the X-30 is missing (this option has been added to the Fujifilm X-E2 with firmware update no.4). The direct aperture and shutter controls are
reproducing the past experience of the traditional cameras using film.
The
handling is good but could be perfectible for the handgrip and the position of
certain feature controls. The menu
interface is easily comprehensible but it has to be learned with practice. For
myself I have chosen to reprogram one Fn button to regain control of the viewfinder
option, which doesn't offer the same ease of use as the X-30. The playback
option should be configured in a way to allow direct viewing over the LCD
screen in disregard of the picture taking viewing option selected.
The
Fujifilm X-E2 can be a quick camera for spontaneous photography for most of the
situations. The AF functionality is usually reliable except for some specific
situations that are demanding a manual intervention or a pre-focus process. The
AF/Manual focusing option will be welcome in the next firmware upgrade of the
camera (Dec.18th 2014).
At that point the combination of
the X-E2 with the XF 18-55mm lens and the EF-X20 flash really recall the days
of the rangefinder era.
On-camera
flash photography has always been a challenge for a more natural rendering of
the exposure. In using the X-E2 with the inboard flash has given me the
impression that this unit is a bit underpowered even for short portrait
distance. To counteract I choose to add an external flash unit (Fujifilm
EF-X20) that allow more pleasant rendering.
The picture
quality issued from the Fujifilm X-E2 is excellent both in color and black & white. This X-E2 is definitively a creative camera very funny to explore and
bring along you on every circumstances. The low profile of the camera design
(and the black version of the body) help to stay modest during the photo
session.
The last
December 2014 Firmware Upgrade was an excellent improvement of the camera
functionalities especially regarding the final manual focus correction option
and the camera remote control in using a tablet. Another firmware upgrade is now (February 2016) that offers the same internal performance at the level of the new X-E2S version and very similar to the X-T10 model.
Little Add-On: I have tried the Joby wrist strap with both
my Fujifilm X-30 and X-E2 and found them very confortable and non-intrusive materiel
proper to hand carries your camera. Since I am using a small Lowepro Passport
gadget bag already I don’t need a full shoulder strap. The flashy lime color version is helping me
to identify my X-E2 from the X-30.
Here are
some preliminary results of my initial itineration with the Fujifilm X-E2:
