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Fujifilm X-E2S vs X-M1

The Fujifilm X-E2S and the Fujifilm X-M1 are two digital cameras that were announced, respectively, in January 2016 and June 2013. Both the X-E2S and the X-M1 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.

Headline Specifications
Fujifilm X-E2S
versus
Fujifilm X-M1
Fujifilm X-E2S   Fujifilm X-M1
Mirrorless system camera Mirrorless system camera
Fujifilm X mount lenses Fujifilm X mount lenses
16 MP – APS-C sensor 16 MP – APS-C sensor
1080/60p Video 1080/30p Video
ISO 200-6,400 (100 - 51,200) ISO 200-6,400 (100 - 25,600)
Electronic viewfinder (2360k dots) No viewfinder, LCD framing
3.0" LCD – 1040k dots 3.0" LCD – 920k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) Tilting screen (no touchscreen)
7 shutter flaps per second 5.6 shutter flaps per second
350 shots per battery charge350 shots per battery charge
129 x 75 x 37 mm, 350 g 117 x 67 x 39 mm, 330 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Fujifilm X-E2S and the Fujifilm X-M1? 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.

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Body comparison

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Fujifilm X-E2S and the Fujifilm X-M1. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The X-E2S can be obtained in two different colors (black, silver), while the X-M1 is available in three color-versions (black, silver, brown).

Size Fujifilm X-E2S vs Fujifilm X-M1
Compare X-E2S versus X-M1 top
Comparison X-E2S or X-M1 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Fujifilm X-M1 is notably smaller (19 percent) than the Fujifilm X-E2S. Moreover, the X-M1 is markedly lighter (6 percent) than the X-E2S. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the X-E2S nor the X-M1 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.

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Body Specifications
# image Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Fujifilm X-E2S 129 mm 75 mm 37 mm 350 g 350 n Jan 2016 699ebay.com
2.
 
Fujifilm X-M1 117 mm 67 mm 39 mm 330 g 350 n Jun 2013 699ebay.com
3.
 
Fujifilm X-E3 121 mm 74 mm 43 mm 337 g 350 n Sep 2017 899ebay.com
4.
 
Fujifilm X-T20 118 mm 83 mm 41 mm 383 g 350 n Jan 2017 899ebay.com
5.
 
Fujifilm X70 113 mm 64 mm 44 mm 340 g 330 n Jan 2016 799ebay.com
6.
 
Fujifilm X-A10 117 mm 67 mm 40 mm 331 g 410 n Dec 2016 399ebay.com
7.
 
Fujifilm X-A2 117 mm 67 mm 40 mm 350 g 410 n Jan 2015 399ebay.com
8.
 
Fujifilm X-T10 118 mm 83 mm 41 mm 381 g 350 n May 2015 799ebay.com
9.
 
Fujifilm X-A1 117 mm 67 mm 39 mm 330 g 350 n Sep 2013 399ebay.com
10.
 
Fujifilm X-E2 129 mm 75 mm 37 mm 350 g 350 n Oct 2013 999ebay.com
11.
 
Fujifilm X-E1 129 mm 75 mm 38 mm 350 g 350 n Sep 2012 999ebay.com
12.
 
Fujifilm X-Pro1 140 mm 82 mm 43 mm 450 g 300 n Jan 2012 1,699ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
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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. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. 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. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison

The imaging sensor is at the core of digital cameras and its size is one of the main determining factors of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have 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.

Fujifilm X-E2S and Fujifilm X-M1 sensor measures

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-E2S and the X-M1 have the same pixel density, as well as the same pixel size. It should, however, be noted that the X-E2S is much more recent (by 2 years and 6 months) than the X-M1, and its sensor will 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-E2S has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

The Fujifilm X-E2S 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-M1 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.

X-E2S versus X-M1 MP

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. 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.

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Sensor Characteristics
# image Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Fujifilm X-E2S APS-C 16.0 4896 32641080/60p23.713.0160880
2.
 
Fujifilm X-M1 APS-C 16.0 4896 32641080/30p23.412.6137176
3.
 
Fujifilm X-E3 APS-C 24.0 6000 40004K/30p23.913.3176482
4.
 
Fujifilm X-T20 APS-C 24.0 6000 40004K/30p23.913.2170481
5.
 
Fujifilm X70 APS-C 16.0 4896 32641080/60p23.713.0160880
6.
 
Fujifilm X-A10 APS-C 16.0 4896 32641080/30p23.913.2169181
7.
 
Fujifilm X-A2 APS-C 16.0 4896 32641080/30p23.612.8151579
8.
 
Fujifilm X-T10 APS-C 16.0 4896 32641080/60p23.712.9154679
9.
 
Fujifilm X-A1 APS-C 16.0 4896 32641080/30p23.412.6139076
10.
 
Fujifilm X-E2 APS-C 16.0 4896 32641080/60p23.412.6140077
11.
 
Fujifilm X-E1 APS-C 16.0 4896 32641080/24p23.212.4129875
12.
 
Fujifilm X-Pro1 APS-C 16.0 4896 32641080/24p23.112.3123874
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
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Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. Both cameras under consideration have a sensor with sufficiently fast read-out times for moving pictures, but the X-E2S provides a higher frame rate than the X-M1. It can shoot video footage at 1080/60p, while the X-M1 is limited to 1080/30p.

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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the X-E2S has an electronic viewfinder (2360k dots), which can be very helpful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the X-M1 relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Fujifilm X-E2S, the Fujifilm X-M1, and comparable cameras.

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Core Features
# image 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-E2S2360 n3.0 / 1040 fixed n 1/4000s 7.0/s Y n
2.
 
Fujifilm X-M1none n3.0 / 920 tilting n 1/4000s 5.6/s Y n
3.
 
Fujifilm X-E32360 n3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/4000s 8.0/s n n
4.
 
Fujifilm X-T202360 n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 8.0/s Y n
5.
 
Fujifilm X70optional n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 8.0/s Y n
6.
 
Fujifilm X-A10none n3.0 / 1040 tilting n 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
7.
 
Fujifilm X-A2none n3.0 / 920 tilting n 1/4000s 5.6/s Y n
8.
 
Fujifilm X-T102360 n3.0 / 920 tilting n 1/4000s 8.0/s Y n
9.
 
Fujifilm X-A1none n3.0 / 920 tilting n 1/4000s 5.6/s Y n
10.
 
Fujifilm X-E22360 n3.0 / 1040 fixed n 1/4000s 7.0/s Y n
11.
 
Fujifilm X-E12360 n2.8 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
12.
 
Fujifilm X-Pro11440 n3.0 / 1230 fixed n 1/4000s 6.0/s n n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
padding

The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, the X-E2S is one of those camera that have an additional electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

The Fujifilm X-E2S 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-E2S and the X-M1 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.

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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-E2S and Fujifilm X-M1 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
# image Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Fujifilm X-E2SYstereo / monoY-micro2.0Y--
2.
 
Fujifilm X-M1Ystereo / mono--mini2.0Y--
3.
 
Fujifilm X-E3Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y-Y
4.
 
Fujifilm X-T20Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y--
5.
 
Fujifilm X70Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y--
6.
 
Fujifilm X-A10-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
7.
 
Fujifilm X-A2Ystereo / mono--mini2.0Y--
8.
 
Fujifilm X-T10Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y--
9.
 
Fujifilm X-A1Ystereo / mono--mini2.0Y--
10.
 
Fujifilm X-E2Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y--
11.
 
Fujifilm X-E1Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0---
12.
 
Fujifilm X-Pro1Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
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It is notable that the X-E2S has a microphone port, which is missing on the X-M1. Such an external microphone input can help to substantially improve the quality of audio recordings when a good external microphone is used.

Both the X-E2S and the X-M1 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The X-E2S was replaced by the Fujifilm X-E3, while the X-M1 does not have a direct successor. Further information on the features and operation of the X-E2S and X-M1 can be found, respectively, in the Fujifilm X-E2S Manual (free pdf) or the online Fujifilm X-M1 Manual.

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Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Is there a clear favorite between the Fujifilm X-E2S and the Fujifilm X-M1? Which camera is better? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.


Arguments in favor of the Fujifilm X-E2S:

  • Better video: Provides higher movie framerates (1080/60p versus 1080/30p).
  • Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
  • Better sound: Can connect to an external microphone for higher quality sound recording.
  • Easier framing: Has an electronic viewfinder for image composition and settings control.
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1040k vs 920k dots).
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (7 vs 5.6 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
  • Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
  • More modern: Reflects 2 years and 6 months of technical progress since the X-M1 launch.


Reasons to prefer the Fujifilm X-M1:

  • More flexible LCD: Has a tilting screen for odd-angle shots in landscape orientation.
  • More compact: Is smaller (117x67mm vs 129x75mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in June 2013).

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the X-E2S is the clear winner of the match-up (9 : 3 points). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera. A professional wildlife photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a family photog, and a person interested in architecture has distinct needs from a sports shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

X-E2S 09:03 X-M1

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Fujifilm X-E2S and the Fujifilm X-M1 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 technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance when actually working with the X-E2S or the X-M1. 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.

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Expert Camera Reviews
# image  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Fujifilm X-E2S4.5/5....77/1004.5/54.5/5 Jan 2016 699ebay.com
2.
 
Fujifilm X-M13/5+..77/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2013 699ebay.com
3.
 
Fujifilm X-E34.5/5+4.5/584/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2017 899ebay.com
4.
 
Fujifilm X-T205/5+ +5/582/1005/54.5/5 Jan 2017 899ebay.com
5.
 
Fujifilm X704.5/5....76/1004.5/54.5/5 Jan 2016 799ebay.com
6.
 
Fujifilm X-A10........4/54/5 Dec 2016 399ebay.com
7.
 
Fujifilm X-A24/5......4.5/54.5/5 Jan 2015 399ebay.com
8.
 
Fujifilm X-T104.5/5+ +..80/1005/55/5 May 2015 799ebay.com
9.
 
Fujifilm X-A1........4.5/54.5/5 Sep 2013 399ebay.com
10.
 
Fujifilm X-E24/5....80/1004.5/55/5 Oct 2013 999ebay.com
11.
 
Fujifilm X-E14/5+ +..79/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2012 999ebay.com
12.
 
Fujifilm X-Pro15/5+ +..79/1004.5/54.5/5 Jan 2012 1,699ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
padding

The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you are interested in seeing how other cameras pair up, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.

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    Specifications: Fujifilm X-E2S vs Fujifilm X-M1

    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 Specifications
    Camera Model Fujifilm X-E2S Fujifilm X-M1
    Camera Type Mirrorless system camera Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens Fujifilm X mount lenses Fujifilm X mount lenses
    Launch Date January 2016 June 2013
    Launch Price USD 699 USD 699
    Sensor Specs Fujifilm X-E2S Fujifilm X-M1
    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 1080/30p 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 II
    Screen Specs Fujifilm X-E2S Fujifilm X-M1
    Viewfinder Type Electronic viewfinder no viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.41x
    Viewfinder Resolution 2360k dots
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 1040k dots 920k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Tilting screen
    Shooting Specs Fujifilm X-E2S Fujifilm X-M1
    Focus System On-Sensor Phase-detect Contrast-detect AF
    Manual Focusing AidFocus PeakingFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/4000s 1/4000s
    Continuous Shooting 7 shutter flaps/s 5.6 shutter flaps/s
    Electronic Shutterup to 1/32000sno E-Shutter
    Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inno 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-E2S Fujifilm X-M1
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port micro HDMI mini HDMI
    Microphone Port External MIC port no MIC socket
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in Wifi built-in
    Body Specs Fujifilm X-E2S Fujifilm X-M1
    Battery Type NP-W126 NP-W126
    Battery Life (CIPA)350 shots per charge350 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 129 x 75 x 37 mm
    (5.1 x 3.0 x 1.5 in)
    117 x 67 x 39 mm
    (4.6 x 2.6 x 1.5 in)
    Camera Weight 350 g (12.3 oz) 330 g (11.6 oz)
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    Check X-M1 offers at
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