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FUJIFILM X-E2 / SHOOTING REPORT
The X-E2 is the newest camera body for Fujifilm XF mount lenses whose lineup is expanding steadily. And, this camera is an upgrade to the middle-class X-E1 body released about 1 year ago. The major upgrade is the latest "X-Trans CMOS II" sensor enabling phase detection AF and higher quality image formation. And, including minor ones, there are 60 items of upgrades (ex. faster and easier operation) even though they are not always printed on the spec sheet. So, this is the body that was refined by carefully reflecting users' feedback. This time I tested it with the kit standard zoom lens the XF18-55mmF2.8-4R LM OIS. In short, this is the best X camera using XF lenses so far (as of October 2013).
( Photography : A.Inden / Text : 48 )
Improved sensor enabled higher resolution and faster AF.
Overall response has improved as well.
It has the same "X-Trans CMOS II" sensor of the X100S. While the number of pixels is the same as the existing models, it has higher resolution and faster AF. The buildings with fine lines look pleasingly sharp. Thanks to the large high-definition rear LCD, it's easy to check shots at the location. Whether you like the shots you took or not, it's important to be able to check the image quality while shooting! In addition, the response of playing and frame advancing is faster and this adds to the higher usability, too.
The clear rendition of the blue color is just like a slide film. This demonstrates the pride of a leading film manufacturer who has been responsible for "colors" of photography and I admire this unique achievement of Fujifilm. The rendition of the rippling waves is very dense.
The hybrid (phase detection and contrast) AF focuses faster than the predecessor. With the 7fps burst speed, it's easy to capture a moment like this one. If it takes time to be ready to shoot, you won't even feel like capturing such a brief period of time.
I tested how fast the AF focuses by shooting the moment a dolphin shows its face on the water surface. Even though it was a tough subject for a camera, it successfully captured the moment it blew water. And, this shot demonstrates the improvement of AF accuracy in lowlight/low-contrast conditions. Great job!
An ideal camera as a tool for photography
As I shoot looking into the EVF, I really feel how easy it is to operate this camera. The top cover has dials for shutter speed and exposure compensation. The lens has an aperture ring, too. This means that you can control exposure without looking away from the EVF and just by moving your fingers. If you're used to old manual cameras, you can use it naturally. And, even beginners can take advantage of the refined user interface as they shoot more feeling the camera as a part of themselves. With this user interface, we don't even need to select modes like P, A, or S because you turn the dial if you want to set the shutter speed, or you set it AUTO if you don't care about shutter speed. You can control aperture by rotating the aperture ring with the left hand. And, you can change exposure compensation value by turning the dial with the right thumb. Because the EVF always reflects the exposure you set, you're in full control of your output. And, the XF lenses have the aperture ring in order to realize this high operability.
I got accustomed to the operation very quickly and I was able to concentrate on shooting with the EVF. By looking into the viewfinder just like we do with SLR or rangefinder cameras, we can be immersed in shooting and tighten arms holding the camera securely to reduce camera shake. This is the basic of photography and there's nothing new about it. But, I could remember it because the X-E2 embodies what a camera is supposed to be.
Capturing dramatic light as desired is harder than we imagine. In such a situation, the EVF comes in handy because it lets you check the output reflecting the exposure real-time. This also means the view isn't influenced by brightness of the location.
By looking at the top cover, the X-E1 users should notice the exposure compensation dial with expanded range of +/-3.0EV. Because, at the location, I had to compensate it by -2.7EV, I found it very helpful. The dial feels stiffer and it won't turn unexpectedly. The same goes for the power lever and these minor upgrades make the camera even more reliable.
This is a fun camera for taking snapshots. Wondering around backstreets, we often find something that we had not noticed. A camera changes our perspectives and that's why we love photography, don't we?
I shot this image with ISO1600, but it perfectly reproduced the tone of the paint and the clarity of the tail lamps. This means that you can shoot day and night even with a slower lens.
ISO6400 is "usable," even though it has more color noise. But, it never looks bad at all. It's better to be capable of shooting than to be incapable. Go ahead and shoot even in the darkness.
For those who want to fully enjoy photography
By testing the X-E2, I truly felt its perfection realized by the extensive minor refinements and was really able to concentrate on shooting. This sounds natural for a camera, but in reality, not many cameras let me do it. This smoothness in operation and shooting experience are realized by the upgrades of so many elements even though they are minor. Looking into the EVF, you can control aperture and exposure with tip of the fingers, and press the shutter button. Everything goes naturally by turning dials instead of pushing buttons for many times. You'll love the feel of their clicking and soon learn how to react automatically to the moment you want to capture. And, the quick response of the camera will assist shooting. I wish the shutter button were a bit shallower because I couldn't shoot at the right moment because of the split-second time lag. But, I noticed it because everything else is perfect and it's something I can overcome by getting used to the timing.
The X-E2, made by fully reflecting users' voices, is an ideal tool of photography. You can use it intuitively and it will develop your skills. You like photography more and want to step up to the next stage? Are you a trueborn street photographer who adores the operation of classic cameras? The X-E2 may be the best tool for you.