Fujifilm X-E2 vs X-E1
The Fujifilm X-E2 and the Fujifilm X-E1 are two digital cameras that were announced, respectively, in October 2013 and September 2012. Both the X-E2 and the X-E1 are mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras that are equipped with an APS-C sensor. Both cameras offer a resolution of 16 megapixels.
Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.
Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Fujifilm X-E2 and the Fujifilm X-E1? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.
Body comparison
An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Fujifilm X-E2 and the Fujifilm X-E1 is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.
Both cameras are available in two different colors (black, silver).
In this particular case, the Fujifilm X-E2 and the Fujifilm X-E1 have exactly the same width and height, and, thus, have identically-sized bodies. Moreover, the two cameras also share the same weight. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the X-E2 nor the X-E1 are weather-sealed.
The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. In this particular case, both cameras feature the same lens mount, so that they can use the same lenses. You can compare the optics available in the Fujinon X Lens Catalog. Mirrorless cameras, such as the two under consideration, have the additional advantage of having a short flange to focal plane distance, which makes it possible to mount many lenses from other systems onto the camera via adapters.
The adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. In case you want to display and compare another camera duo, you can use the CAM-parator app to select your camera combination among a large number of options.
Camera Model |
Camera Width |
Camera Height |
Camera Depth |
Camera Weight |
Battery Life |
Weather Sealing |
Camera Launch |
Launch Price (USD) |
Street Price |
||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Fujifilm X-E2 | 129 mm | 75 mm | 37 mm | 350 g | 350 | n | Oct 2013 | 999 | ebay.com | |
2. | Fujifilm X-E1 | 129 mm | 75 mm | 38 mm | 350 g | 350 | n | Sep 2012 | 999 | ebay.com | |
3. | Fujifilm X-A1 | 117 mm | 67 mm | 39 mm | 330 g | 350 | n | Sep 2013 | 399 | ebay.com | |
4. | Fujifilm X-A2 | 117 mm | 67 mm | 40 mm | 350 g | 410 | n | Jan 2015 | 399 | ebay.com | |
5. | Fujifilm X-A10 | 117 mm | 67 mm | 40 mm | 331 g | 410 | n | Dec 2016 | 399 | ebay.com | |
6. | Fujifilm X-E2S | 129 mm | 75 mm | 37 mm | 350 g | 350 | n | Jan 2016 | 699 | ebay.com | |
7. | Fujifilm X-E3 | 121 mm | 74 mm | 43 mm | 337 g | 350 | n | Sep 2017 | 899 | ebay.com | |
8. | Fujifilm X-M1 | 117 mm | 67 mm | 39 mm | 330 g | 350 | n | Jun 2013 | 699 | ebay.com | |
9. | Fujifilm X-Pro1 | 140 mm | 82 mm | 43 mm | 450 g | 300 | n | Jan 2012 | 1,699 | ebay.com | |
10. | Fujifilm X-T10 | 118 mm | 83 mm | 41 mm | 381 g | 350 | n | May 2015 | 799 | ebay.com | |
11. | Fujifilm X-T20 | 118 mm | 83 mm | 41 mm | 383 g | 350 | n | Jan 2017 | 899 | ebay.com | |
12. | Sony NEX-6 | 120 mm | 67 mm | 43 mm | 345 g | 360 | n | Sep 2012 | 999 | ebay.com | |
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders. | |||||||||||
Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The two cameras under review were launched at the same price and fall into the same market segment. Normally, street prices remain initially close to the MSRP, but after a couple of months, the first discounts appear. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down.
Sensor comparison
The size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants of image quality. All other things equal, a large sensor will have larger individual pixel-units that offer better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow depth-of-field in order to isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors are more costly to manufacture and tend to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.
Both cameras under consideration feature an APS-C sensor and have a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 1.5. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the review cameras among the medium-sized sensor cameras that aim to strike a balance between image quality and portability. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.
In terms of chip-set technology, the X-E2 uses a more advanced image processing engine (EXR Processor II) than the X-E1 (EXR Processor), with benefits for noise reduction, color accuracy, and processing speed.
The two cameras under review do not only share the same sensor size, but also offer an identical resolution of 16 megapixels. This similarity in sensor specs implies that both the X-E2 and the X-E1 have the same pixel density, as well as the same pixel size. It should, however, be noted that the X-E2 is a somewhat more recent model (by 1 year and 1 month) than the X-E1, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that neither of the two cameras has an anti-alias filter installed, so they are able to capture all the detail the sensor resolves.
The X-E2 has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.
The Fujifilm X-E2 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 200 to ISO 6400, which can be extended to ISO 100-51200. The corresponding ISO settings for the Fujifilm X-E1 are ISO 200 to ISO 6400, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 100-25600.
Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors. Both cameras use the X-Trans layout of photosites, which according to Fujifilm helps to minimize moiré.
Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. This service assesses and scores the color depth ("DXO Portrait"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports") of camera sensors, and also publishes an overall camera score. The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.
Camera Model |
Sensor Class |
Resolution (MP) |
Horiz. Pixels |
Vert. Pixels |
Video Format |
DXO Portrait |
DXO Landscape |
DXO Sports |
DXO Overall |
||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Fujifilm X-E2 | APS-C | 16.0 | 4896 | 3264 | 1080/60p | 23.4 | 12.6 | 1400 | 77 | |
2. | Fujifilm X-E1 | APS-C | 16.0 | 4896 | 3264 | 1080/24p | 23.2 | 12.4 | 1298 | 75 | |
3. | Fujifilm X-A1 | APS-C | 16.0 | 4896 | 3264 | 1080/30p | 23.4 | 12.6 | 1390 | 76 | |
4. | Fujifilm X-A2 | APS-C | 16.0 | 4896 | 3264 | 1080/30p | 23.6 | 12.8 | 1515 | 79 | |
5. | Fujifilm X-A10 | APS-C | 16.0 | 4896 | 3264 | 1080/30p | 23.9 | 13.2 | 1691 | 81 | |
6. | Fujifilm X-E2S | APS-C | 16.0 | 4896 | 3264 | 1080/60p | 23.7 | 13.0 | 1608 | 80 | |
7. | Fujifilm X-E3 | APS-C | 24.0 | 6000 | 4000 | 4K/30p | 23.9 | 13.3 | 1764 | 82 | |
8. | Fujifilm X-M1 | APS-C | 16.0 | 4896 | 3264 | 1080/30p | 23.4 | 12.6 | 1371 | 76 | |
9. | Fujifilm X-Pro1 | APS-C | 16.0 | 4896 | 3264 | 1080/24p | 23.1 | 12.3 | 1238 | 74 | |
10. | Fujifilm X-T10 | APS-C | 16.0 | 4896 | 3264 | 1080/60p | 23.7 | 12.9 | 1546 | 79 | |
11. | Fujifilm X-T20 | APS-C | 24.0 | 6000 | 4000 | 4K/30p | 23.9 | 13.2 | 1704 | 81 | |
12. | Sony NEX-6 | APS-C | 16.0 | 4912 | 3264 | 1080/60i | 23.7 | 13.1 | 1018 | 78 | |
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age. |
Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. The two cameras under consideration both have sensors whose read-out speed is fast enough to capture moving pictures, but the X-E2 provides a higher frame rate than the X-E1. It can shoot video footage at 1080/60p, while the X-E1 is limited to 1080/24p.
Feature comparison
Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The X-E2 and the X-E1 are similar in the sense that both feature an electronic viewfinder, which is helpful when framing images in bright sunlight. Moreover, their viewfinders offer an identical resolution of 2360k dots. The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Fujifilm X-E2 and Fujifilm X-E1 along with similar information for a selection of comparators.
Camera Model |
Viewfinder (Type or 000 dots) |
Control Panel (yes/no) |
LCD Specifications (inch/000 dots) |
LCD Attach- ment |
Touch Screen (yes/no) |
Max Shutter Speed * |
Max Shutter Flaps * |
Built-in Flash (yes/no) |
Built-in Image Stab |
||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Fujifilm X-E2 | 2360 | n | 3.0 / 1040 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 7.0/s | Y | n | |
2. | Fujifilm X-E1 | 2360 | n | 2.8 / 460 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 6.0/s | Y | n | |
3. | Fujifilm X-A1 | none | n | 3.0 / 920 | tilting | n | 1/4000s | 5.6/s | Y | n | |
4. | Fujifilm X-A2 | none | n | 3.0 / 920 | tilting | n | 1/4000s | 5.6/s | Y | n | |
5. | Fujifilm X-A10 | none | n | 3.0 / 1040 | tilting | n | 1/4000s | 6.0/s | Y | n | |
6. | Fujifilm X-E2S | 2360 | n | 3.0 / 1040 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 7.0/s | Y | n | |
7. | Fujifilm X-E3 | 2360 | n | 3.0 / 1040 | fixed | Y | 1/4000s | 8.0/s | n | n | |
8. | Fujifilm X-M1 | none | n | 3.0 / 920 | tilting | n | 1/4000s | 5.6/s | Y | n | |
9. | Fujifilm X-Pro1 | 1440 | n | 3.0 / 1230 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 6.0/s | n | n | |
10. | Fujifilm X-T10 | 2360 | n | 3.0 / 920 | tilting | n | 1/4000s | 8.0/s | Y | n | |
11. | Fujifilm X-T20 | 2360 | n | 3.0 / 1040 | tilting | Y | 1/4000s | 8.0/s | Y | n | |
12. | Sony NEX-6 | 2359 | n | 3.0 / 921 | tilting | n | 1/4000s | 10.0/s | Y | n | |
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one. |
The Fujifilm X-E2 has an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.
Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the X-E2 and the X-E1 write their files to SDXC cards. Both cameras can use UHS-I cards, which provide for Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s.
Connectivity comparison
For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Fujifilm X-E2 and Fujifilm X-E1 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.
Camera Model |
Hotshoe Port |
Internal Mic / Speaker |
Microphone Port |
Headphone Port |
HDMI Port |
USB Port |
WiFi Support |
NFC Support |
Bluetooth Support |
||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Fujifilm X-E2 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | - | - | |
2. | Fujifilm X-E1 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
3. | Fujifilm X-A1 | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | Y | - | - | |
4. | Fujifilm X-A2 | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | Y | - | - | |
5. | Fujifilm X-A10 | - | stereo / mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | - | - | |
6. | Fujifilm X-E2S | Y | stereo / mono | Y | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | - | - | |
7. | Fujifilm X-E3 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | - | Y | |
8. | Fujifilm X-M1 | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | Y | - | - | |
9. | Fujifilm X-Pro1 | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
10. | Fujifilm X-T10 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | - | - | |
11. | Fujifilm X-T20 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | - | - | |
12. | Sony NEX-6 | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | Y | - | - |
It is notable that the X-E2 offers wifi support, while the X-E1 does not. Wifi can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location.
Both the X-E2 and the X-E1 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The X-E1 was replaced by the Fujifilm X-E2, while the X-E2 was followed by the Fujifilm X-E2S. Further information on the features and operation of the X-E2 and X-E1 can be found, respectively, in the Fujifilm X-E2 Manual (free pdf) or the online Fujifilm X-E1 Manual.
Review summary
So how do things add up? Is there a clear favorite between the Fujifilm X-E2 and the Fujifilm X-E1? Which camera is better? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.
Arguments in favor of the Fujifilm X-E2:
- Better jpgs: Has a more modern image processing engine (EXR Processor II vs EXR Processor).
- Better video: Provides higher movie framerates (1080/60p versus 1080/24p).
- Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
- Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.0" vs 2.8") for image review and settings control.
- More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1040k vs 460k dots).
- Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (7 vs 6 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
- Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
- Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
- More modern: Is somewhat more recent (announced 1 year and 1 month after the X-E1).
Advantages of the Fujifilm X-E1:
- More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in September 2012).
If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the X-E2 is the clear winner of the match-up (9 : 1 points). However, the pertinence of the various camera strengths will differ across photographers, so that you might want to weigh individual camera traits according to their importance for your own imaging needs before making a camera decision. A professional wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.
How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Fujifilm X-E2 and the Fujifilm X-E1 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera listing whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.
In any case, while the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the X-E2 or the X-E1 perform in practice. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable.
Expert reviews
This is where reviews by experts come in. The table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.
Camera Model |
AP score |
CL score |
DCW score |
DPR score |
EPZ score |
PB score |
Camera Launch |
Launch Price (USD) |
Street Price |
||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Fujifilm X-E2 | 4/5 | .. | .. | 80/100 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | Oct 2013 | 999 | ebay.com | |
2. | Fujifilm X-E1 | 4/5 | + + | .. | 79/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Sep 2012 | 999 | ebay.com | |
3. | Fujifilm X-A1 | .. | .. | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Sep 2013 | 399 | ebay.com | |
4. | Fujifilm X-A2 | 4/5 | .. | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Jan 2015 | 399 | ebay.com | |
5. | Fujifilm X-A10 | .. | .. | .. | .. | 4/5 | 4/5 | Dec 2016 | 399 | ebay.com | |
6. | Fujifilm X-E2S | 4.5/5 | .. | .. | 77/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Jan 2016 | 699 | ebay.com | |
7. | Fujifilm X-E3 | 4.5/5 | + | 4.5/5 | 84/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Sep 2017 | 899 | ebay.com | |
8. | Fujifilm X-M1 | 3/5 | + | .. | 77/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Jun 2013 | 699 | ebay.com | |
9. | Fujifilm X-Pro1 | 5/5 | + + | .. | 79/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Jan 2012 | 1,699 | ebay.com | |
10. | Fujifilm X-T10 | 4.5/5 | + + | .. | 80/100 | 5/5 | 5/5 | May 2015 | 799 | ebay.com | |
11. | Fujifilm X-T20 | 5/5 | + + | 5/5 | 82/100 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | Jan 2017 | 899 | ebay.com | |
12. | Sony NEX-6 | 5/5 | + + | .. | 78/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Sep 2012 | 999 | ebay.com | |
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available. |
The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.
Other camera comparisons
Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities of other camera models, just use the search menu below. As an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.
- Canon 1Ds vs Fujifilm X-E1
- Canon G3 X vs Fujifilm X-E2
- Fujifilm X-E1 vs Fujifilm X-Pro3
- Fujifilm X-E1 vs Leica Q3
- Fujifilm X-E1 vs Leica V-LUX Typ 114
- Fujifilm X-E1 vs Nikon Zf
- Fujifilm X-E1 vs Olympus Stylus 1s
- Fujifilm X-E2 vs Leica X Typ 113
- Fujifilm X-E2 vs Panasonic LX100
- Fujifilm X-E2 vs Panasonic TZ200
- Fujifilm X-E2 vs Pentax K-1
- Fujifilm X-E2 vs Sony A6000
Specifications: Fujifilm X-E2 vs Fujifilm X-E1
Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.
Camera Model | Fujifilm X-E2 | Fujifilm X-E1 |
---|---|---|
Camera Type | Mirrorless system camera | Mirrorless system camera |
Camera Lens | Fujifilm X mount lenses | Fujifilm X mount lenses |
Launch Date | October 2013 | September 2012 |
Launch Price | USD 999 | USD 999 |
Sensor Specs | Fujifilm X-E2 | Fujifilm X-E1 |
Sensor Technology | CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor Format | APS-C Sensor | APS-C Sensor |
Sensor Size | 23.6 x 15.6 mm | 23.6 x 15.6 mm |
Sensor Area | 368.16 mm2 | 368.16 mm2 |
Sensor Diagonal | 28.3 mm | 28.3 mm |
Crop Factor | 1.5x | 1.5x |
Sensor Resolution | 16 Megapixels | 16 Megapixels |
Image Resolution | 4896 x 3264 pixels | 4896 x 3264 pixels |
Pixel Pitch | 4.80 μm | 4.80 μm |
Pixel Density | 4.34 MP/cm2 | 4.34 MP/cm2 |
Moiré control | no AA filter | no AA filter |
Movie Capability | 1080/60p Video | 1080/24p Video |
ISO Setting | 200 - 6,400 ISO | 200 - 6,400 ISO |
ISO Boost | 100 - 51,200 ISO | 100 - 25,600 ISO |
Image Processor | EXR Processor II | EXR Processor |
Screen Specs | Fujifilm X-E2 | Fujifilm X-E1 |
Viewfinder Type | Electronic viewfinder | Electronic viewfinder |
Viewfinder Field of View | 100% | 100% |
Viewfinder Magnification | 0.41x | |
Viewfinder Resolution | 2360k dots | 2360k dots |
LCD Framing | Live View | Live View |
Rear LCD Size | 3.0inch | 2.8inch |
LCD Resolution | 1040k dots | 460k dots |
LCD Attachment | Fixed screen | Fixed screen |
Shooting Specs | Fujifilm X-E2 | Fujifilm X-E1 |
Focus System | On-Sensor Phase-detect | Contrast-detect AF |
Manual Focusing Aid | Focus Peaking | Focus Peaking |
Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) | 1/4000s | 1/4000s |
Continuous Shooting | 7 shutter flaps/s | 6 shutter flaps/s |
Time-Lapse Photography | Intervalometer built-in | no Intervalometer |
Fill Flash | Built-in Flash | Built-in Flash |
Storage Medium | SDXC cards | SDXC cards |
Single or Dual Card Slots | Single card slot | Single card slot |
UHS card support | UHS-I | UHS-I |
Connectivity Specs | Fujifilm X-E2 | Fujifilm X-E1 |
External Flash | Hotshoe | Hotshoe |
USB Connector | USB 2.0 | USB 2.0 |
HDMI Port | micro HDMI | mini HDMI |
Microphone Port | External MIC port | External MIC port |
Wifi Support | Wifi built-in | no Wifi |
Body Specs | Fujifilm X-E2 | Fujifilm X-E1 |
Battery Type | Fujifilm NP-W126 | Fujifilm NP-W126 |
Battery Life (CIPA) | 350 shots per charge | 350 shots per charge |
Body Dimensions |
129 x 75 x 37 mm (5.1 x 3.0 x 1.5 in) |
129 x 75 x 38 mm (5.1 x 3.0 x 1.5 in) |
Camera Weight | 350 g (12.3 oz) | 350 g (12.3 oz) |
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