Fujifilm X-E2 review

In comes the X-E2 with its faster autofocus, improved sensor and larger, higher-resolution LCD screen, among other minor tweaks. Even if that’s not necessarily enough to get upgraders on board, it ought to align the latest model with the current standard. Is it enough to beat the competition and has Fujifilm got a CSC winner on its hands in the X-E2?

Hey good lookin’

Blink and you’ll miss it - the X-E2 is built around the same shell as its predecessor. That means an awesome looking, retro-style physique that’s built like a tank. It’s sturdy, reassuringly weighty and we’re big fans of that silver-topped look.There are, of course, subtle differences to spot - most of which are functional. The name badge has changed, while there’s an extra stop available on the stiffer-to-adjust +/-3EV exposure compensation dial and a new 1/180th sec flash sync speed on the shutter dial. We still found it a bit too easy to knock that comp dial by accident though, which is annoying - you'll need to check the dial each time the camera is extracted from a bag.

Furthermore the function (Fn) button on top defaults to activate Wi-Fi for sharing and there's a second function (Fn2) button to the rear. The Fn2 button has, in turn, moved the autofocus (AF) button onto the d-pad's down key by displacement. Small but essential changes, even if we’re nonplussed about Wi-Fi’s presence.

Look closer and you'll also notice that the rear LCD has been upgraded to a 3-inch, 1.04m-dot version. That's a big jump compared to the X-E1's 2.8-inch 640k-dot offering and it can really be seen in the flesh, so to speak. Far, far more detail on offer.

The viewfinder remains unchanged in physical terms, but the 0.5-inch electronic panel, complete with 2.36m-dot resolution, can now deliver a faster refresh rate. It’s just as brilliant as it was in its predecessor for the most part, and we’ve used it indoors and out where even in low-light we’ve found there to be little lag or ghosting. The faster refresh rate isn't always active from what we understand from speaking with Fujifilm, it deploys such action when low light will benefit from it.

Performance pro?

In use it’s that hands-on approach to layout that gives the Fujifilm range a point of difference compared to most CSCs. Take, for example, the lenses which, to date, all come with physical aperture rings. There’s a certain wonderment to clicking between those f/stops, as small a thing as that may sound. We're big fans of the layout, although the position the aperture ring lies on the 18-55mm lens used for this review does feel as though it's tucked in towards the camera's body more than we would like - it's not difficult to use, just not as elegant as it could be compared to what we're used to.

The menu layout may also take a little getting used to, but once you’re on board it feels natural. We like the amount of customisation that’s available, where a single press of the "Q" button on the rear will open up a grid of adjustable options. Simply use the rear thumbwheel to toggle through them. No touchscreen ability for hands-on use might be a moan for some, but we prefer the idea of keeping it grease-free and fingerprint clear.

Image quality

Just like its predecessor, the X-E2’s image quality is its most attractive prospect. The X-E1 was good, the X-E2 is just as good. Arguably it's even better - although the jump between sensors (the same as from the Fujifilm X100 to the X100S model, if you happen to be a big Fujifilm fan) is a subtle push forward that's tricky to see by eye.