X-E1 or X100

[ChrisP]

Try an X100 for a few days before you buy it, especially after something that I assume is pretty responsive like the 60d. The x100 is a quirky little things. Pretty much useless when the buffer is full, which happens fairly quickly if you're taking bursts in low light (this annoyed me), the MF is completely useless (this is really annoying, especially after using decent focus by wire lenses) and the AF is not snappy (at least it wasn't when I had it, that supposedly got a little better with a firmware update).

Some love the camera. After coming from a DSLR I couldn't stand it (and I have shot a lot of film, so I know how to slow down). It always felt like it was getting in the way compared to my Oly E-3 (which isn't exactly a speed demon but gets out of the way to let you shoot).

My understanding is that the XE-1 is better in a number of these areas (they didn't throw in a dinky little P&S processor like the x100) so I would say this is definitely a try before you buy situation.

 

[willie_901]

Comparing XF lens sizes to the X100 can be misleading. The X100 lens is recessed into the camera body so it's longer than I looks.

 

[zwarte_kat]

I have both:

X100 is much more pocketable, Jacket pocket or even a jeans back-pocket temporarily when you need both your hands for something (sans the hood of course)

XE1 might come close with the pancake, but it's slower and not out yet

XE1 higher MP is only useful for A3 or bigger size prints. I am running a small exhibition with just X100 prints right now, people (including pro photogs) are impressed by the IQ at A3 size.

XE1 Jpegs are much nicer than the X100, but X100 RAW has less problems. Go for XE-1 if you want to shoot straight to JPEG and do minimal processing, X100 for RAW and processing.

X100 focusses faster and quieter than XE1 plus 35mm, which is a slow dog compared...
I noticed that as the X mount lenses get longer, they focus slower. The 17mm X lens is therefore a little faster than the 23mm X100, the 60mm is a turtle, but great images.
The new linear stepping motor in the zoom changes this, and is faster. I decided not to buy any of the first 3 X-primes, and might sell the 35mm.

X100 feels much nicer in the hand, it became a "companion" when going places, a visual notebook. The XE-1 will never do this, just another camera system. It is more useful though when you need to make reportage series, and you sometimes need a wider focal length (I felt I almost didn't need more tele stuff).

I had considered the 0.8 wide angle adapter for the X100, but it seems to have a lot of distortion, and would have preferred it to go even wider (though that would mean even more distortion), so I got the XE-1 for more complete reportage work.

In the end I regret getting the XE1 a little, but will shoot with it some more to see if it grows on me.

The X100 plus RX100 combo seems to be the ideal travel combo for me now, and run at about the same price as getting into an XE1 system (2nd hand, at least, hardly seen any 2nd hand XE1s yet)

I will add that the grip makes the XE1 really nice to hold, and that the zoom has IS, which really helps for indoor shots where you need more DOF.

 

[siracusa]

If you're coming from a DSLR you may find the XE1 an easier transition because of the added flexibility of being able to use a range of different focal lengths rather than just being stuck with the 35mm equivalent of the X100.

 

[stompyq]

The X100 is still around $1200 at every major Canadian dealer...

Thats why you buy online

 

[rbelyell]

the x100 is most certainly 'jacket' pocketable, even in the pocket of a sports coat. ive done it. alot. its also very easily 'wrist strappable'. ive done it. alot. the jpeg files up to iso3200 are outstanding, even in low light. ive done it. alot. i came to the x100 from the 5d and contax/zeiss lenses and the IQ of the x100 is competitive up to iso 800 and blows the 5d away at 16-3200.

to the extent the xe1 is even 'jacket pocketable', it would only be with a very limited lens set, and none of the present lineup of fuji AF lenses is in that group. i doubt it would be 'wrist strappable'. it would deliver better IQ at the pixel peeping level, but again, not at the normal viewing level.

i very much disagree that 'portability' not be a big factor, because the best camera you have is the one you want to carry. some people just do not want to lug around a big rig. dont know why the leica cogniscenti miss this point. my advice, buy a used x100 for $750. best money youll ever spend.
tony

 

[benlees]

Thats why you buy online

Where? Amazon.com is also $1200. Give me a link.

 

[benlees]

OK then Australia seems to exist in a vortex of cheap X100's. Who would have guessed?

 

[MilM]

Thanks for all the advice.
I also looked at the RX100 (because some mentioned it here), but I decided to order the Fuji X100.

I have my DSLR for the travelling (I don't want to give up my 70-200 2.8 IS II) and I'll use the X100 to take with me on regular occasions.

I went for the black special edition.

The cheapest X100 normal edition I could find is on amazon.de which is 876 euro.
Black edition on amazon.co.uk is 739 pound, which is around 920 euros and you get some good accessories.

 

[stompyq]

Where? Amazon.com is also $1200. Give me a link.

http://www.digitalrev.com/product/fujifilm-finepix-x100/MTAwNTk_A

 

[SaveKodak]

I love my XPro1 (so similar to XE-1). It AFs and MFs better than the X100 will, and the expected lenses should extend it's usability to the point where it replaces my need for a full frame digital camera. I really think Fuji achieved their goal.

That said. I often find myself wanting to get another X100, which I sold to get the Pro1. The 23mm f2 was a great lens. I carried that camera with me more places, and for whatever reason took better photographs with it. I'm hoping the 14, 23, and Zeiss 32mm lenses change this for me. That little camera is something really special in photography. Expect RD-1 like cult following for years to come.

I have the Fuji 35 right now, and everything they say about it is true. It's a gem. I don't know why I can't quite connect with it thus far. I've made a few great portraits with it though.

 

[Jamie Pillers]

Me too.

Me too.

I love my XPro1 (so similar to XE-1). It AFs and MFs better than the X100 will, and the expected lenses should extend it's usability to the point where it replaces my need for a full frame digital camera. I really think Fuji achieved their goal.

That said. I often find myself wanting to get another X100, which I sold to get the Pro1. The 23mm f2 was a great lens. I carried that camera with me more places, and for whatever reason took better photographs with it. I'm hoping the 14, 23, and Zeiss 32mm lenses change this for me. That little camera is something really special in photography. Expect RD-1 like cult following for years to come.

I have the Fuji 35 right now, and everything they say about it is true. It's a gem. I don't know why I can't quite connect with it thus far. I've made a few great portraits with it though.

Like you, I have the X-Pro1 and I'm thinking of re-purchasing an X100. I had the X100, but sold it to get the X-Pro1. Also, like you, I feel that the X-Pro1 can satisfy any urge I might've had to get a full-frame camera. Now I'd like to have a daily-carry small camera and the X100 fills that role well.