Fujifilm X-E2 review

Fujifilm X-E2 Image Quality – click samples to enlarge

As with its siblings, image quality is a significant step up from any other CSC we’ve seen, bar the full-frame Sony A7. Details are a little sharper, noise levels are lower and Fujifilm’s dynamic range processing excels at rescuing clipped highlights in high-contrast scenes. Factor in the kit zoom lens with its f/2.8-4 aperture that’s roughly twice as bright as other cameras’ f/3.5-5.6 kit lenses, and the X-E2 moves even further ahead of rivals such as the Panasonic GX7 and Sony NEX-6 (although we look forward to putting its successor, the Sony A6000, through its paces).

It’s hard to fault the sensor or lens in their ability to capture fine detail

Dense textures are handled extremely well, but Lightroom does even better with the RAW file

Dynamic range processing has helped to avoid clipped highlights in this shot

These two photos show the extent of the dynamic range processing, and there’s no discernible detriment to noise levels in darker areas of the frame

There’s a light grain to skin tones at ISO 1100, but still plenty of texture and detail

ISO 2500, and still holding up extremely well

Fine details are getting lost at ISO 6400, but there’s still enough clarity in this shot for critical use

Even the top ISO 25600 setting is perfectly usable for casual snaps

Video quality sadly isn’t up to the same standard. There’s nothing wrong with colour rendition but a lack of sufficient anti-aliasing gives details a blocky quality. There’s minimal control over exposure and autofocus settings, and we found that the microphone distorted when shooting in moderately loud conditions.

Fujifilm X-E2 Conclusion

Video is the only weak area, though, and it’s unlikely to dissuade many potential customers. The X-E2’s only real problem is the strength of the competition among its own X Mount ranks. £1,149 for the 18-55mm kit is a serious investment, but we’d be tempted to spend around £250 more on the X-T1 with its weather-sealed body, bigger viewfinder, articulated screen, additional controls, side-mounted card slot, more substantial grip, faster performance and Wi-Fi remote shooting. Meanwhile, the superb X-M1 is now available for just £469 with its 16-50mm kit lens. Buy the X-M1 or the older X-E1 (around £729 with the 18-55mm lens) before 31 March and Fujifilm will throw in a free 50-230mm lens. There are cashback offers on various X Mount lenses, too. For the same price as the X-E2 kit, you could pick up the X-M1 with 16-50mm, 50-230mm, 35mm f/1.4 and 60mm f/2.4 macro lenses, and have change for a camera bag and a spare battery. That’s a seriously tempting proposition.

Prices will vary, though, and for many people the X-E2 will hit exactly the right spot with its superb viewfinder and manual exposure controls but without all the bells and whistles – and high price – of the X-T1. It’s more expensive than similarly specified cameras such as the Panasonic GX7 and Sony A6000, but unless video is a priority, we’d say it’s money well spent.