Fujifilm X-E1 as a start into mirrorless

[hashcake]

I've been offered one of these at a good price but I'm a Canon user and not looked at Fuji until now.
I've read reviews and I've know it's a discontinued model but I'd like the opinion of someone who has owned one.

 

[Raymond Lin]

X-T1 or X-E2 is a much better choice. X-E1 is like the bottom of the whole range and likely to frustrate rather than entice you more into Fuji.

 

[hashcake]

X-T1 or X-E2 is a much better choice. X-E1 is like the bottom of the whole range and likely to frustrate rather than entice you more into Fuji.

Wow, quick response, thank you very much.

 

[Cagey75]

What kind of price are we talking? You might not have to spend a whole lot more to get an XE2 - if you look around you might find a great deal on one with a lens [I see some locally here in Ireland] for the extra you'll get much better AF - the XE2 has a hybrid AF system over the XE1's contrast only, a faster refresh rate evf, A larger and more vivid LCD, better overall colours and contrast in your images from the newer sensor and faster overall processing. Like Ray said, the X-T1 would also be a better option, it's very similar to the Xe2 in many ways but with some extras - It has weather sealing, a tilting LCD, better build quality, wi-fi [though the Xe2 has this too if important] and the evf improved with better magnification. It was one of the better evf around at the time of it's release.

In saying that, if you're on a tight budget and you're not concerned with fast AF or a better LCD, the Xe1 will still produce decent images. Just expect it to be slow

 

[cambsno]

The danger is that its not representative of the current range. For example, while the X100 has its fans, if I tried it I dont think I would be happy with it and I loved my X100T and my X100F I have now.

 

[hashcake]

What kind of price are we talking? You might not have to spend a whole lot more to get an XE2 - if you look around you might find a great deal on one with a lens [I see some locally here in Ireland] for the extra you'll get much better AF - the XE2 has a hybrid AF system over the XE1's contrast only, a faster refresh rate evf, A larger and more vivid LCD, better overall colours and contrast in your images from the newer sensor and faster overall processing. Like Ray said, the X-T1 would also be a better option, it's very similar to the Xe2 in many ways but with some extras - It has weather sealing, a tilting LCD, better build quality, wi-fi [though the Xe2 has this too if important] and the evf improved with better magnification. It was one of the better evf around at the time of it's release.

In saying that, if you're on a tight budget and you're not concerned with fast AF or a better LCD, the Xe1 will still produce decent images. Just expect it to be slow

I'm not looking into changing systems, just a step into mirrorless technology in a more compact system suitable for travel.
I love my 80D and kit for wildlife but yet again I've brought it on holiday and lugging it around in 34C is not ideal.
Hence the reason I'm happy to try a discontinued body with an EVF.
I've been having a look at the X-E2 since Raymond mentioned it and the reviews seem favourable but the so called Fuji budget lenses seem expensive compared to Canon EF-S and I've not looked at the price of the lenses for the Canon M series bodies.
I don't have a need for anything more than f/4-f5.6 with lenses as I'd be talking photos outside on sunny days.
I did think about going down the bridge camera route but I'd prefer another interchangeable lens system and one day (when Canon stop making DSLR bodies), I'll more than likely end up with a mirrorless system but for now I'd rather not throw loads of money at system that will probably be used a few times each year.
As the X-E1 was offered to me cheaply it gained my interest but I'm not against trying another manufacturers mirrorless system.

 

[Mountkeen]

Actually contrary to what you 've been told earlier, the XE-1 is not "bottom of the range"

The XE range is Fuji's mid-priced range-finder style camera. They sit below the X-Pro and above the XA ranges.

The XE-1 is a fine camera and if while it has been superseded by the XE-2, XE-2s and XE-3 you'll still find it a useful introduction to the Fuji ecosystem - particularly the physical controls which make these little cameras a joy to use. Yes it's not the fastest camera out there and if you're prepared to stretch to an XE-2 you'll get a more mature bit of kit but if you can't and it's a bargain, go for it.

I find the XE cameras are brilliant for street photography because of their range-finder style and because they're very discreet.

 

[Raymond Lin]

The Fuji Kit lens 18-55 is actually pretty decent and yes you are right that Fuji lenses are not cheap, it's not a way to save money. If you want to save money, don't change system. The trick is to buy used, there are a lot of Fuji fans out there and used gear come up often.

 

[Cagey75]

I'm not looking into changing systems, just a step into mirrorless technology in a more compact system suitable for travel.
I love my 80D and kit for wildlife but yet again I've brought it on holiday and lugging it around in 34C is not ideal.
Hence the reason I'm happy to try a discontinued body with an EVF.
I've been having a look at the X-E2 since Raymond mentioned it and the reviews seem favourable but the so called Fuji budget lenses seem expensive compared to Canon EF-S and I've not looked at the price of the lenses for the Canon M series bodies.
I don't have a need for anything more than f/4-f5.6 with lenses as I'd be talking photos outside on sunny days.
I did think about going down the bridge camera route but I'd prefer another interchangeable lens system and one day (when Canon stop making DSLR bodies), I'll more than likely end up with a mirrorless system but for now I'd rather not throw loads of money at system that will probably be used a few times each year.
As the X-E1 was offered to me cheaply it gained my interest but I'm not against trying another manufacturers mirrorless system.

If it's the right price and you're happy to buy used lenses [they are almost always in great nick from my experience] then why not?

Actually contrary to what you 've been told earlier, the XE-1 is not "bottom of the range"

The XE range is Fuji's mid-priced range-finder style camera. They sit below the X-Pro and above the XA ranges.

The XE-1 is a fine camera and if while it has been superseded by the XE-2, XE-2s and XE-3 you'll still find it a useful introduction to the Fuji ecosystem - particularly the physical controls which make these little cameras a joy to use. Yes it's not the fastest camera out there and if you're prepared to stretch to an XE-2 you'll get a more mature bit of kit but if you can't and it's a bargain, go for it.

I find the XE cameras are brilliant for street photography because of their range-finder style and because they're very discreet.

Though it wasn't I said it, I would say it's bottom of the X-Trans sensor range, it is what it is. I don't think that's a knock on the camera, something has to be the entry level

 

[hashcake]

If it's the right price and you're happy to buy used lenses [they are almost always in great nick from my experience] then why not?

I've bought plenty of used lenses over the years so I'm not adverse to buying them.
Looking at the used prices of the bodies the X-E2 isn't too much more that the X-E1.

 

[Harlequin565]

The X-E1 was my introduction to Fuji mirrorless and was a fab little camera. As Raymond mentioned, the kit 18-55 lens is very decent but a quick glance at the Fuji refurb site shows the 16-50 going for £99 which feels like silly money. I picked up my X-E1 with the 35mm f1.4 which is a very special lens and saw far more use than the zoom, but as that angle of view is a bit long for general use, I'd recommend the 23mm f2 as a nice small accompaniment for light travel, that's priced mid way between the el-cheapo zoom and the sturdier kit 18-55.

 

[Cagey75]

I've bought plenty of used lenses over the years so I'm not adverse to buying them.
Looking at the used prices of the bodies the X-E2 isn't too much more that the X-E1.

I mean specifically Fuji lenses, even ones I've bought in 'good' condition were what some might deem to be 'mint' [I do hate that term, but it's used on the gear sites]

I've seen used deals on the XE2 + 23F2 for example for less than £500, putting the body at less than 200, and these would be like I say in excellent condition. Atm locally i see an XE3 +60mm 2.4 macro for €550 [about £500] - you just have to look around.

I've seen the 18-55 go for £250 on here many times too

 

[Mike.P]

Personally I would take a good look at the Canon M series if you are already an 80D user and dont need anything faster for the mirrorless than f/4-5.6 (most of the EF-M lenses are around this). I have a M5 for travel, which is the same sensor as the 80D (as is the M50) and with the EF-M 11-22mm, 18-55mm and 55-200mm you have a kit that weighs next to nothing and fits in a small bag.

Take a look at the Canon M thread.

 

[hashcake]

Personally I would take a good look at the Canon M series if you are already an 80D user and dont need anything faster for the mirrorless than f/4-5.6 (most of the EF-M lenses are around this). I have a M5 for travel, which is the same sensor as the 80D (as is the M50) and with the EF-M 11-22mm, 18-55mm and 55-200mm you have a kit that weighs next to nothing and fits in a small bag.

Take a look at the Canon M thread.

From what I can gather, Canon came into the mirrorless system later than Fuji and the Canon M series with EVF are still more than I'm prepared to pay for a moment.
I can pick up Fuji X-E2 for £200 or less which is ideal.
I'm sure one day when I go with fully with mirrorless I'll probably go down the Canon road but for now, I just want to dip my toes, so to speak.

 

[todders]

Please dont think of the Fuji XE1 as anything other than a superb camera for taking pictures, The sensor has been discussed many times as one of the best they have made. The images and colours it produces cannot be replicated by the later models. There are always compromises and it can be thought of of as a slow functioning camera with focus etc but it is more than capable in 2019. The price they are going for secondhand make them one of the best bang for buck on the market.

 

[Cagey75]

Please dont think of the Fuji XE1 as anything other than a superb camera for taking pictures, The sensor has been discussed many times as one of the best they have made. The images and colours it produces cannot be replicated by the later models. There are always compromises and it can be thought of of as a slow functioning camera with focus etc but it is more than capable in 2019. The price they are going for secondhand make them one of the best bang for buck on the market.

It's the same sensor as the Xpro1 innit. I owned that for a while and I actually did prefer the output over the X-T1 I also had at the time. But the camera itself was sluggish, the X-T1 was just nippier in every way. I'm sure the XE1 is a nice enough camera, but there's no denying it will be slower than the 2 or XT1 - they also have better features which can't be ignored.

 

[todders]

It's the same sensor as the Xpro1 innit. I owned that for a while and I actually did prefer the output over the X-T1 I also had at the time. But the camera itself was sluggish, the X-T1 was just nippier in every way. I'm sure the XE1 is a nice enough camera, but there's no denying it will be slower than the 2 or XT1 - they also have better features which can't be ignored.

Yes the only camera with the same sensor as the xpro1. The slowness sort of suits my way of shooting but it wont feel that way for everyone. I have used a lot of the other fuji cameras including the xt1 and xt2 x100, x100s, and x100f. The output from the xe1 is the most film like of the lot and not so clinical and sharp.

 

[Cagey75]

Yes the only camera with the same sensor as the xpro1. The slowness sort of suits my way of shooting but it wont feel that way for everyone. I have used a lot of the other fuji cameras including the xt1 and xt2 x100, x100s, and x100f. The output from the xe1 is the most film like of the lot and not so clinical and sharp.

I get you on that, same with files from the pro1 I found, it's the only camera in a good few years I would have used the term 'film-like' for - I did sell it on though as I don't get along great with RF style bodies, just prefer a centred evf and better grip. I was using it as a second cam at the time to the XT1, and certainly if you're in no rush and not snapping hyper-active kids or wildlife then the speed of it doesn't matter so much.

 

[todders]

I get you on that, same with files from the pro1 I found, it's the only camera in a good few years I would have used the term 'film-like' for - I did sell it on though as I don't get along great with RF style bodies, just prefer a centred evf and better grip. I was using it as a second cam at the time to the XT1, and certainly if you're in no rush and not snapping hyper-active kids or wildlife then the speed of it doesn't matter so much.

Yes i would agree kevin on the downsides is possibly the size of the camera, i have added an additional grip and soft shutter release button and it is twice the size that is used to be I still have the xt1 with the xf 55-200mm.

 

[justyn_c_uk]

When I was shooting Canon and wanted to try mirrorless I bought an EOS M for about £100 with the EF to EF-M adapter (£50). I took it on a family holiday (least stressful usage) with the EFS 15-85mm, although it’s the barstool child of mirrorless & not very loved, it was enough to convince me to go mirrorless. I ended up at Fuji & Olympus, but an early M series might be a more rational choice if you have lots of Canon kit.

 

[hashcake]

When I was shooting Canon and wanted to try mirrorless I bought an EOS M for about £100 with the EF to EF-M adapter (£50). I took it on a family holiday (least stressful usage) with the EFS 15-85mm, although it’s the barstool child of mirrorless & not very loved, it was enough to convince me to go mirrorless. I ended up at Fuji & Olympus, but an early M series might be a more rational choice if you have lots of Canon kit.

The problem is the lack of an EVF on the Canon M.
I wouldn't want to use my Canon 70-300L or my Tamron 100-400 with a small mirrorless body and either the Fuji 16-50 or 18-55 would probably suit my needs for taking photos on holiday.

 

[justyn_c_uk]

The problem is the lack of an EVF on the Canon M.
I wouldn't want to use my Canon 70-300L or my Tamron 100-400 with a small mirrorless body and either the Fuji 16-50 or 18-55 would probably suit my needs for taking photos on holiday.

The M3 could be supplied with a detachable EVF (EVF DC-01), but I understand.

My X-T1 with the XF18-135mm was perfect for holidays (again an unloved lens in some quarters) at times with an f/2 prime.

 

[macvisual]

I'd a XE1 a few years ago and thought it was great, it's not speedy, but I got good results from it when I owned it..!

Recommended alright.

Peter

 

[Rosedale]

I've just acquired another X-E1 - mint condition and hardly used - for peanuts. In the past, I found the autofocus slow but now with the new Fujicron lenses the response is very much better. As Adrian says, the sensor produces a very pleasing film-like image - unlike the more clinical images produced by the later Fuji sensors. If you can find a good one cheaply, then my advice would be to go for it.

 

[hashcake]

I've just acquired another X-E1 - mint condition and hardly used - for peanuts. In the past, I found the autofocus slow but now with the new Fujicron lenses the response is very much better. As Adrian says, the sensor produces a very pleasing film-like image - unlike the more clinical images produced by the later Fuji sensors. If you can find a good one cheaply, then my advice would be to go for it.

Which particular lenses are you talking about?

 

[Cagey75]

Which particular lenses are you talking about?

The 'Fujicron' lenses are the F2 primes, 23F2, 35F2, 50F2 - all 3 are very similar bar FL, all weather sealed and have fast AF. It'll be one of those, I'd guess the 23mm as that one often gets paired with the smaller bodies, giving a similar feel to the X100 compact line

 

[Mr Perceptive]

Although the output of the X-E1 is great, it is fairly pedestrian in AF speed and general handling, the X-E2 is a much more responsive camera. Unless the OP is desperate for the output of the X-E1 then I would suggest that an X-E2 (rangefinder) or X-T1 (dslr body type) is the budget way to go, a latest firmware X-E2 is a very good camera and probably the best s/h value for money v features/IQ in the Fuji range (until you get to a s/h X-T2)

 

[Cagey75]

If you only shoot RAW then the output doesn't matter near as much, you can make files from an XT1 and XE1 look identical in post. It's only Jpeg SOOC that will have a different look at the same settings. I could never understand the 'clinical look' thing either. By this I know people mean overly sharp or 'too clean' but again, in post you can make it look how you want.

 

[Rosedale]

Which particular lenses are you talking about?[/QUOTE

The Fujicrons - 16/2.8, 23/2, 35/2and 50/2


Currently, it seems the X-T10 is cheaper s/h than the X-E2 - they're more or less the same under the skin

 

[Caerus]

i have XE2 and would get another. Don't bother with older ones or the X100 line at all

 

[hashcake]

i have XE2 and would get another. Don't bother with older ones or the X100 line at all

The used prices for the X-E2 body isn't much more than the X-E1 so I will probably go for one of those instead

 

[Caerus]

The used prices for the X-E2 body isn't much more than the X-E1 so I will probably go for one of those instead

I really rate them, I use a 27mm pancake with it and it is a tiny package that looks like ye old film camera and nobody notices it

 

[hashcake]

Just out of interest is there an adapter so Canon lenses can be used?

 

[Rosedale]

Just out of interest is there an adapter so Canon lenses can be used?

I don't know what type of Canon lens you're considering - have a look at Amazon. I use M42, Nik, PK, Oly adaptors with my Fuji's without any issues

 

[Cagey75]

The used prices for the X-E2 body isn't much more than the X-E1 so I will probably go for one of those instead

Now let's talk XE3 ... and we'll soon push you along to an XT2, then 3 ... Kidding ofc, the X-E2 is a fine camera, you will appreciate the extra AF speed and better LCD

Just out of interest is there an adapter so Canon lenses can be used?

If you're talking AF adapters, there's a few out there, the better ones being the Viltrox EF-FX which is reasonably priced [I had the version for M43 and it worked good enough] - or the fringer pro FX - a much pricier option but I'm using one and it works almost flawlessly. You get the odd bit of hunting, but I've only tested cheaper Canon lenses. I imagine higher end L glass will work even better. This adapter has had numerous updates and each time they have added more and more lenses, including third party [Tamron/Sigma etc] one of the reasons I got it to begin with is the lack of third party support for Fuji - no Sigma or Tamron or Tokina - with this I always have the option to use more budget friendly Canon mount lenses whenever I please.

If you only need MF adapters they are a dime a dozen, well, more like a tenner a pop, they're all much the same - just spacers to fill the flange distance void between Fuji and Canon EF mounts

 

[hashcake]

I don't know what type of Canon lens you're considering - have a look at Amazon. I use M42, Nik, PK, Oly adaptors with my Fuji's without any issues

I use EF and EF-S lenses but I wouldn't use them with a X-E2, it was just out of interest.
The Fujifilm XC 16-50 f/3.5-5.6 IOS Il seems to sell for reasonable prices and it will probably do me for the time being.
I can always invest in their range of prime f/2.8 lenses later if I feel the need for them but my photography tends to be outside with good light.

 

[hashcake]

Now let's talk XE3 ... and we'll soon push you along to an XT2, then 3 ... Kidding ofc, the X-E2 is a fine camera, you will appreciate the extra AF speed and better LCD




If you're talking AF adapters, there's a few out there, the better ones being the Viltrox EF-FX which is reasonably priced [I had the version for M43 and it worked good enough] - or the fringer pro FX - a much pricier option but I'm using one and it works almost flawlessly. You get the odd bit of hunting, but I've only tested cheaper Canon lenses. I imagine higher end L glass will work even better. This adapter has had numerous updates and each time they have added more and more lenses, including third party [Tamron/Sigma etc] one of the reasons I got it to begin with is the lack of third party support for Fuji - no Sigma or Tamron or Tokina - with this I always have the option to use more budget friendly Canon mount lenses whenever I please.

If you only need MF adapters they are a dime a dozen, well, more like a tenner a pop, they're all much the same - just spacers to fill the flange distance void between Fuji and Canon EF mounts

I think you'd be hard pushed to get me away from my Canon setup for nature and wildlife but I may be sold on the mirrorless tech once I've had a play with the X-E2.

Thank you, I'll check out the AF ones.