Fuji XE1 vs XE2

[JohnL]

I am finding it difficult to figure out the significant differences between the XE1 and XE2 bodies, assuming that both have fully updated firmware. My major concerns are ...
1. IQ,
2. AF (speed, accuracy),
3. Control and menu layout (the XE1 is very similar to the XP1 that I already have - are there any big changes in the XE2?),
4. Any other issues?
I am thinking of getting one of these for use with longer lenses, with which the OVF of the XP1 would not be used, to save me changing lenses too often.
Many thanks, John

 

[YYV_146]

No difference in IQ - same sensor.

AF vastly improved. Better LCD & better EVF

Controls IMO just different. The X-E2's buttons shifted place to accomodate the larger screen.

 

[f16sunshine]

Not reallly.... AF is not "vastly improved".
It's improved with the newer lenses. With the original 3 prime lenses there is virtually no AF improvement (18,35,60).
We discussed it in a thread last week and I went over the weekend to Kenmore Cam and tried it out.
With the primes there is almost nothing to gain if one plans to use AF.
For Manual focussing, AF with the latest primes and zooms... there are modest gains for sure.
Not enough to justify the much higher price imo.

John if you're happy with the Xpro1 and need a second body the XE1 is great.
If you're looking for improvements I'm not sure the Xtrans II cameras really offer anything absolutely irresistible.
I'm using Fuji for work projects and at this point waiting for the 3rd wave of cameras.
the Xpro1 and XE1 serve just fine and at a killer value.

Cheers!

 

[jsrockit]

Not reallly.... AF is not "vastly improved". It's improved with the newer lenses. With the original 3 prime lenses there is virtually no AF improvement (18,35,60).

Agreed. 🙁

 

[GaryLH]

Not reallly.... AF is not "vastly improved".
It's improved with the newer lenses. With the original 3 prime lenses there is virtually no AF improvement (18,35,60).
We discussed it in a thread last week and I went over the weekend to Kenmore Cam and tried it out.
With the primes there is almost nothing to gain if one plans to use AF.
For Manual focussing, AF with the latest primes and zooms... there are modest gains for sure.
Not enough to justify the much higher price imo.

John if you're happy with the Xpro1 and need a second body the XE1 is great.
If you're looking for improvements I'm not sure the Xtrans II cameras really offer anything absolutely irresistible.
I'm using Fuji for work projects and at this point waiting for the 3rd wave of cameras.
the Xpro1 and XE1 serve just fine and at a killer value.

Cheers!

There is a feature improvement for those that may use it w/ manual focus lenses. Since it has xtran II w/ the phase detect cells, it has the split image capability as well.. Whether u like it or not is a different story.

Gary

 

[KismetSky]

Alternate color focus peaking. Really wish this came to the X-E1.

 

[coelacanth]

I really didn't like how X-E2 Jpeg engine rendered compared to X-E1 (IMHO, I'm sure others would disagree). I'm sure you can get the look you want from Raw files, but I just couldn't get used to how E2 rendered skins, and for my use for that camera, using raw wasn't really ideal.

Other than that, I felt X-E2 was a great improvement with refinements over X-E1. I ran two X-E1s for a few work projects with native mount lenses (speed was fine for my needs), and currently using one of them (I got it for $175 in the spring) coupled with M lenses.

 

[JohnL]

Many thanks to you all. This was very useful.
One detail: on the XP1, I use the AE-L/AF-L button in MF mode to focus and stay focused (until I move or the subject does). Sometimes I have to tweak it with the ring on the lens, but usually not. From looking at the manuals on-line, I can also do this with the XE-2 but not with the XE-1. Is this so or has the XE-1 had a firmware update that fixes this issue?
John

 

[GaryLH]

Just tried it on my xe1. Works fine for me.

Gary

 

[JohnL]

Good news! Many thanks, Gary
John

 

[Trooper]

I recently decided on the X-E1 over the X-E2. I saved a lot of money with the older camera, which produces phenomenal images. With the money I saved, I was able to buy the 35mm. This kit has rejuvenated my fervor for photography and my wife is now volunteering me for photography jobs, which I'm getting. The extra income will finance a 56mm!

Get the X-E1 and love the cash you saved.

 

[MonkeyShaman]

The X-E1 is basically free online nowadays just compared to this spring (2014).