Photo Explorations with the new Fujifilm X-E2 Camera
For the last several years, I’ve enjoyed photography using a lot of Canon gear – both the point and shoot PowerShot family as well as Canon’s “prosumer” line of digital SLR’s. My Canon 5D Mark II has served me very well – a great camera body and the Canon lenses are top notch in terms of optical quality. I’ve also experimented a bit with Nikon – acquiring a Nikon D600 DSLR for a trip to Havana earlier this year. Once again, a great camera – and lenses to match. I’m now looking to sell my Canon and Nikon gear – I’ve moved on.
To what? I’ve become interested in the next generation of so-called “mirrorless” cameras. Unlike the big “digital single lens reflex” (DSLR) cameras, this next generation is much small in physical size – because they shed the complex optical image path of traditional DSLRs. Instead, the mirrorless cameras use the combination of sensors and electronic viewfinders to deliver a more compact package – and, as it turns out, a more enjoyable shooting experience in the field.
Fujifilm is one of the leaders in this new mirrorless category – making a range of cameras that provide great ergonomics in terms of shooting performance along with beautiful optics and sensors. From the Fujifilm X20 “point and shoot” camera to the new Fujifilm X-E2
I’ve had the Fujifilm X-E2
How about you? Got a new camera? Maybe an Fujifilm X-E2
Follow my photography adventures on my personal blog: http://sjl.us
Charles November 19, 2013 at 5:01 am
Hi, I am really tempted in getting the X-E2. I have been using my Pentax k10d for the past 6 years now and the weight along with the Tamron 18 – 250 lens has made me start to leave it at home. One reason I want to get this camera is not only the weight but the HD video recording function. Could you tell me what the quality is like especially with the Af and sound? Any chance you could post a video indoors as well as outdoors. Struggling to find any footage online. Thanks in advance.
Scott Loftesness November 19, 2013 at 4:32 pm
Charles, thanks for your comment/question. Unfortunately, I’ve not had any experience using the built-in HD video in the X-E2. I expect to play with it a bit over the upcoming holidays (grandkids and all) – but likely won’t do much with it before then.
Scott
Charles November 20, 2013 at 1:22 am
Cheers Scott, hopefully in the new year we may see some footage from the X-E2 on here. Although how the camera has been on my mind for the past week, I may discover it myself. Early I know, Merry Christmas!
Claude November 20, 2013 at 12:02 pm
Well done, Scott. I have been using an X-E1 since May and since then I doubt that I have used my 5D2 and other EOS bodies more than a couple of times. The Fujifilm delivers! Not only that but it opens up other photo opportunities, particularly with street shooting. I’ll still keep my Canon EOS system bit the X-E1 goes with me everywhere.
Scott Loftesness November 26, 2013 at 6:43 pm
Claude, you’re another kindred spirit! I just checked my Canon 5D Mark II (preparing to sell it) and the last image was from January 2013.
I’m just back from New York – used the Fujifilm X-E2 to shoot a fun kids show last Saturday at the Brooklyn Museum – the images are here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottloftesness/sets/72157638066309703/
Scott
Don November 25, 2013 at 1:08 pm
Scott, I too have gone to the Fuji route now. I started with really nice EOS bodies and glass. I sold out all my equipment and invested in the Sony NEX-7 a few years back. I thought that Sony would keep the NEX-7 series going, but alas they moved to FF and only allow crop mode on all my good lenses. Needless to say, I then took a look at Fuji again, and traded in all of my equipment for the X-E2 and XF lenses. What impresses me is that when you look at the Fuji lens line-up it fits really well together and really makes sense without any gaps.
Scott Loftesness November 26, 2013 at 6:49 pm
Don, good to hear you’ve also gone the Fuji route! My good friend Doug Kaye (http://dougkaye.com) is an avid Sony fan who also owns a slug of Nikon gear. He’s getting the Sony A7 tomorrow. That said, he’s also had a chance to spend a week or so reviewing the Fujifilm X-E1 and loved it.
To me, the two leaders in mirrorless right now are Fujifilm and Sony – with Fuji emphasizing the experience of photography and Sony more focused on the technology.
We should try to get together some time and compare notes on the X-E2 – perhaps we do a photowalk together in downtown Menlo Park.
Scott
Tom November 29, 2013 at 3:37 pm
Scott, I enjoyed the X-E2 photos posted here and on your flickr site. Were all these taken with the Fujinon XF18-55mm OIS lens? Did you use any filters (e.g., circular polarizer)?
Scott Loftesness November 29, 2013 at 3:53 pm
Tom, yes all were shot with the 18-55mm lens, I also have the 14mm prime but haven’t posted any images taken with it.
I don’t use any filters in the camera nor a circular polarizer. I sometimes use VSCO Film emulation for a more cinematic look and on a couple I used a bit of Topaz Simplify as well.
Best, Scott
Tom November 29, 2013 at 4:00 pm
OK, good to know. BTW, I know right were you were standing for the Mission Creek photo; I work just down the street.
Roger Morrison December 03, 2013 at 2:54 pm
Scott, when disposing of your Canon gear, do you have a 50mm (F1.2) that you’d consider selling separately? My daughter (D40) is asking for a replacement lens for Christmas and I recall your article In Menlo mentioning your “conversion” to mirrorless. If not, no worries.
-Roger