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Technical Details
- Brand Name: Fujifilm
- Model: X-E1 Body Only (Black)
- Optical Sensor Resolution: 16.3 MP
- Optical Sensor Technology: CMOS
- Optical zoom: 1 x
Product DetailsColor: Black | Style: Body Only
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Product Description
From the Manufacturer
Introducing the X-E1 from Fujifilm
X-Trans CMOS Sensor - Enabling high quality imaging
Equipped with a large APS-C size sensor the resolving and descriptive power of the Fujinon lens can be
maximized thereby enabling high resolution over the entire screen.
Achievement of Superb High Resolution, High Sensitivity & Impressive “Bokeh” Effect
The X-E1's sensor adopts the same high-performance 16M X-Trans CMOS found in the X Series flagship X-Pro1 model. Featuring an originally developed color filter array with a
highly random pixel arrangement, its X-Trans CMOS sensor eliminates the need for an optical low-pass filter, which is used in conventional systems to inhibit moiré at the expense of resolution. The innovative array lets the X-Trans CMOS sensor capture unfiltered light from the lens and produce unprecedented resolution. The unique random arrangement of the color filter array is also highly effective in enhancing noise
separation in high-sensitivity photography. Another advantage of the large APS-C sensor is the ability to create a beautiful “bokeh” effect - the aesthetic out-of-focus effect created when shooting with a shallow depth of field.
Standard Range to ISO6400 and Extended Range to ISO25600
Featuring a large APS-C sensor and with the elimination of an optical low-pass filter, Fujifilm's X-Trans CMOS takes advantage of its high-sensitivity performance to deliver a standard range up to ISO6400. No matter when or where the shutter opportunity arises, you can depend on its high-sensitivity image quality to defeat blur caused by camera shake or subject motion. The X-E1's low-light capabilities are guaranteed to capture the moment beautifully.
- High Resolution
In bright scenes, every detail from the leaves of the trees to a wisp of hair in a portrait is captured with exceptionally high resolution.
- Wide Dynamic Range
In high contrast scenes, for example when shooting landscapes with a strong contrast between bright and dark areas, this technology reproduces the natural tonality in both highlights and shadow.
FILM SIMULATION - Explore the Nuances of Color.
Just like choosing the perfect film to match your creative direction, the X-E1 can simulate the color and tonal qualities of acclaimed film brands including the true-to-scene natural look of PROVIA, the vibrant tonality and saturated colors of Velvia and the silky soft look and beautiful skin tones of ASTIA. Film Simulation mode makes it simple to capture the expressive color quality of the rich legacy of Fujifilm photo film technology.
High-definition and high-luminance 2.36 M-dot “OLED electronic viewfinder”
By combining the best “OLED electronic viewfinder” in its class with FUJIFILM's original optical technology the X-E1 offers a bright, wide field of vision of which its entirety can be seen at a glance.
“Natural Look” Electronic Viewfinder Debuts 
- The Fusion of FUJIFILM Optical Technology and a new 2.36M-dot Organic EL
Adopting an optical structure of two glass lenses and a double aspherical lens, the viewfinder provides a comfortable and natural view of the entire scene with an horizontal apparent field of view of 25°. FUJIFILM's optical engineers have achieved a distortion-free view with astounding edge-to-edge clarity and maintained an excellent field of vision even if the photographer's eye position shifts.
- Diopter Adjustment Dial
The X-E1 offers a diopter correction dial that enables users to adjust the strength of the viewfinder in accordance with their eyesight. The dial is located on the side of the viewfinder and can be adjusted from -4m-1 - +2m-1 (dtp).
- 2.36 M-dot Organic EL Panel
With approx. 2.36M dots of resolution and 100% coverage, the X-E1 display panel provides incredible detail to perfectly frame and focus your shots. The rich color expression of OLED technology and high contrast ratio of 1:5000* reflect exposure, white balance and film simulation settings with high fidelity, letting you confirm changes in real time.
* Depending on the shooting conditions.
An analog interface allowing you to check settings at a glance.
- Settings can be checked even when the camera is off.
- High precision parts provide just the right amount of torque and resistance when clicking the dials thereby allowing you to get suitable response when photographing.
- Interface enabling settings to be changed while looking through the viewfinder.
- With the exposure dial and shutter speed controlled with the right hand and the aperture ring controlled with the left, the X-E1 enables you to change settings instinctively by feel without looking up from the viewfinder.
- Being able to change settings in an instant means you won't miss that “perfect shot”.
- High-rank, high quality design.
- Beautiful Magnesium Die-Cast Top and Front Cover - Stylish Yet Stron
- “Made in Japan” Premium Quality
The built-in flash corresponds to GN7*.
You can make your subject stand out using the flash, such as the daytime synchro when the sun is in front of you or the capture light when photographing people.
By combining the superior highly sensitive performance of the X-E1 with highly sensitive settings you can achieve high resolution with little noise by compensating for the amount of light present.
From assist lamps to full flash the X-E1 will broaden the horizon of your photography.
* ISO200 · m
Quick Response
The X-E1 achieves quick response compatible with DSLR cameras thereby enabling you to never miss a shot.
Other Features of X-E1
Use the “Drive” button to switch to photography modes you use often.You can smoothly change to the following settings using the DRIVE button.
- Recording High-Definition (HD) Movies
- Bracketing
- AE Bracketing
- ISO Bracketing
- Film Simulations Bracketing
- Dynamic Range Bracketing
- Continuous Shooting (Burst Mode)
- Panoramas
Full HD Movies with Cinema-like Image Quality
Shoot Full HD movies (1920 x 1080) at 24fps, the same frame rate used for cinema films. In addition to using Monochrome or other Film Simulation modes to enhance your artistic expression, you can take full advantage of the combination of X-E1's large sensor and bright XF lenses to capture movies with a large and beautiful defocused “bokeh” background. Connect stereo microphones (commercially sold) to the microphone connector to record audio with enhanced clarity and presence.
Film Simulation modes for Movie shooting
PROVIA - True-to-life natural tonality and color reproduction.
Velvia - Shoot HD Movies in the vibrant colors of Velvia.
MONOCHROME - Capture the action in richly expressive monochrome tones.
Customization Function
Assign Frequently Used Functions to the Fn Button
Assign any one of the following frequently used functions to the Fn (Function) button and enjoy smooth one-touch controls during shooting.
MULTIPLE EXPOSURE / PREVIEW DEPTH OF FIELD / ISO / SELF-TIMER / IMAGE SIZE / IMAGE QUALITY / DYNAMIC RANGE / FILM SIMULATION / WHITE BALANCE / AF MODE / SELECT CUSTOM SETTING / MOVIE / RAW
Save Custom Settings
Create, save and instantly recall up to 7 sets of user-defined settings covering all parameters from ISO sensitivity to white balance.
Focusing
Selectable AF with a 49-point Metering Matrix
Within the screen, the auto focus area is divided into a 49-point matrix. AF accurately and swiftly recognizes the primary subject and brings it into crystal clear focus, and also lets you freely select the position of the AF frame. You can also change the AF frame size and pinpoint the focusing.
0.05-sec Shutter Time Lag
The shutter time lag is only 0.05 sec, so you can capture the precise instant you wish to and enjoy a comfortable shooting experience.
High-speed Auto Focus with Lens-Sensor Contrast Detection
The highly agile linear motor in the XF18-55mm lens combined with the high-speed signal readout of the CMOS sensor and the EXR Processor Pro, achieves a huge leap in AF speed and precision performance. Contrast detection AF in the X-E1 brings your subject into sharp focus in as little as 0.1 sec* so you'll never miss a shot.
* Fujifilm research
Manual Focusing Methods
In the viewfinder, the distance index bar is displayed together with the depth of field scale and aperture value, providing helpful guides for focusing. For pinpoint precision in manual focus mode, just press the Command Dial and confirm sharpness with a zoom view of the focus point. This helpful function also features selectable zoom display ratios. And at a touch of the AE/AF Lock button, you activate the built-in Focus Aid function for automatic focusing of the subject in the focus frame.*
* Available only when using XF lenses.
AF Assist Lamp for Low-Light Scenes
In low-light settings where even the subject is hard to see through the viewfinder, the AF Assist Lamp illuminates the subject and assists Auto Focus.
Multiple Exposure
Add Artistry to Your Photographic Expression
In film cameras, multiple exposure is the photographic technique of superimposing one image on another by double exposing a single frame of film. Through advanced digital processing, X-E1 can simulate this technique, expanding your creative expression. Just select Multiple Exposure mode and take your first shot using either the EVF or LCD monitor. Next, while viewing the first image, you can frame and shoot the second exposure. This ability to precisely position and focus the second shot lets you not only “see” how the finished Multiple Exposure image will look, but also explore other creative photographic possibilities.
4:3 Aspect RatioThe LCD's 4:3 aspect ratio provides a large screen to view the complete 3:2 image with ample room for display of shooting information outside the image frame.
Q (Quick Menu) Button
Fast Shortcut to Shooting Menu Settings
Skip directly to frequently used shooting menus with the Q (Quick Menu) button. ISO sensitivity setting, White Balance, Film Simulation and other frequently used shooting settings are displayed in a list. Just use the 4-way controller to select the item and the command dial to change settings for speedy operation while shooting.
In-camera RAW Converter
The built-in RAW data converter lets you view results in the field without first transferring the data to a PC. This easy-to-use feature not only takes into account exposure compensation, white balance and other in-camera image quality settings, but also lets you apply Film Simulation modes in the converter mode.
ISO100-25600 Sensitivity Setting Range
Expand the normal sensitivity range from ISO200-6400 to ISO100, 12800 or even ISO25600. In dynamic lighting conditions, you can now set a sensitivity ceiling within the range of ISO400-6400 and keep the camera on ISO Auto.
Exceptionally low noise even at high sensitivity.
From SLEEP to ON in 0.5 sec.
After turning OFF the power, the X-E1 enters a “sleep” mode (for a maximum of 24 minutes). If the power is turned ON during this time, the X-E1 “wakes up” instantly, reducing the normal startup time from 1.0 sec. to approx. 0.5 sec. ready for you to frame and capture the moment.
Exposure Control
Easy-to-use AE/AF Lock Button
Lock both exposure and focus for the subject by touching the special AE/AF Lock button conveniently placed in the upper area of the rear control panel. Using the setup menu, you can also set the button to lock only AE or AF.
Selectable Metering Modes
Swiftly select the best metering for your shot: “MULTI” for accurate response to a variety of lighting conditions, “SPOT” for precise reading of approximately 2% of the viewfinder area in the center of the screen, and “AVERAGE” for an average exposure setting for the entire scene.
FUJIFILM is pleased to announce the launch of two new models to the FUJINON XF Lens range bringing the total number of lenses available to five, offering much broader photographic appeal.
Another unique five lenses will be added in the line-up in early 2013, making the total to 10 lenses.
Product Description
Available Warranties for This Item
Customer Reviews
Enter Fuji X-e1. After taking some photos, I blew them on my 60-inch PDP. Perfect. Perfect at ISO 4000. And what a contrast. Wow. As far as I know, this is as close to a film photo feel as a digital photo could get: white balance is impeccable, skin tones perfect, strong contrast, colors that sing, and no grains at ISO 4000! Hallelujah.
Another thing about this camera: JPG files are excellent. I hate keeping RAW files. They are big files taking up so much space and post processing is such a pain to me. With this camera, you can simply forget about shooting in RAW. JPGs are just as nice. Even after reducing the file size to a mere 40 KB for emailing purposes, your photo retains the color and beauty.
The EVF is awesome. OLED screen is so bright and beautiful that you may never want to go back to the LCD on the back to focus, although there is some lag in dark because of low refresh rate. The lag would matter more in manual focus but also in auto focus, because you cannot capture the moment properly. Auto sensor option will turn off the LCD if the EVF senses your eye is nearby, and vice versa saving the battery. This camera is also packed with nice features that you actually use such as horizontal line indicator on the EVF -- it tells you whether your composition is perfectly horizontal. Another useful feature is something called "color-mode bracketing" along with the usual other bracketing options. First, you can use a few very nice color modes with this camera, and, second, with a single click, you can produce multiple photos captured in different color modes. My favorite is the Velvia mode -- for those who remember the ISO 50 film with thick colors to be used with a projector, yes, this resembles its colors quite a bit. Mind you, they are not for some special effects -- they are still passable as "regular" photos because the difference is well within the boundaries of mainstream photos and the skin tones do not appear weird even in this mode; they are just a bit more vibrant and strong, that's all.
There is much to like about digital photography in general but also much to dislike. I like its compact size, convenience, ability to transfer files and view across different media, immediacy in viewing the result and ease of use. But I dislike the lens barrel that comes out with noise each time you turn it on. I dislike the menu buttons with labyrinthine structures. I dislike the touch buttons. Most of all, I don't like the color renditions and tricky white balance. This Fuji X-e1 has cured all or at least most such woes, while retaining the traditional forte of digital cameras and keeping its size well below that of a DSLR. Bravo. Now I am afraid my M7 may end up being a thing of the past, finally, although I will never part with it. A Leica is a Leica after all, but perhaps I will never buy a M9 as I feel I have found a worthy substitute at a fraction of the price.
As for me, I considered this one among the following contenders: Sony RX1 and RX100. I crossed out Lumix lines because somehow I could never be satisfied with its white balance. RX100 is very nice for its price and I consider it an ultimate P&S, but I do not like the lens barrel that comes out each time I turn it on. Also its sensor size is a bit too small for my liking. However, it is a great little camera to get and I may well get it someday for its extreme portability and HD video capability alone. As for RX1, although I love its full-frame sensor, having a fixed, not-that-fast (2.0), non-changeable 35 mm lens is the deal killer for me, along with having no internal EVF or OVF. For that kind of price, Sony should really have done better. If you are considering RX100, RX1 or even NEX 7, do yourself a favor and make sure you test X-e1 before making up your mind. Just demoing it through the LCD at the back of the camera is not enough. If your dealer allows it, bring your own SD card, take shots on it with all the aforementioned cameras, blow the pictures on your own computer at home while paying particular attention to the color qualities.
[UPDATE] As for the lens, so far I have only used the kit lens (18-55mm). I have not used manual focusing yet, so I cannot comment on it. This lens is quite light-weight and simply superb. Auto-focus is not the fastest but fast enough and accurate. You can make a shallow depth of field at 2.8 and the resulting bokeh is quite nice. This may not be the fastest lens (ie lowest F stop is 2.8) but certainly fast enough and since you can make perfect photos at ISO 4000, I think this lens is a lot more useful than the well-rated 35 mm 1.4, which I have never used but may buy some day.
[UPDATE 2] The flash did not work. Since it was the first time I tried, I guess it did not work from the beginning. I was thinking of returning the unit, but when I called Fuji service center, the person suggested me to "RESET" the unit from the menu button. I did, and it worked. I asked him if this was a well-known issue, and the person told that it was and Fuji was working on it. I asked again if this was something I have to do from time to time (ie resetting), and the person told me that so far it seemed to work fine with the first reset but they were not sure. So if you buy a unit, make sure you test the flash. If it does not work, reset the unit. Fuji is working on the fix. I was thinking of reducing a star from my rating, but since it is working fine for now after reset, I am leaving as is. But if Fuji does not come with a permanent fix or if this happens again, I will reduce a star.
[UPDATE 3] I found out why the flash did not work. It had nothing to do with bugs or defects. Manner mode was on and that was why. When the manner mode is on, not only all sounds are muted but also flash and focus light are all disabled. Perfect for taking photos at classical concerts. (If you just want the sound off without disabling the flash or light, there is a sound option menu as well including complete off.) That explains why it worked when I reset the camera -- the manner mode is turned off at reset. Funny, even the experienced Fuji service man did not know this -- he told me they were "working on it." It shows this is such a new model -- so new that even the front field folks have not figured out all about it, I guess.
[UPDATE 4] Manual focusing a moving object through EVF in low light even when magnified is tricky. It does not give you a focus confirmation. I comparison-tested manual and auto, and there was always a discrepancy which makes me not to trust my eyes. Also the kit-lens' manual focusing feel is not superb, although certainly much better than that of X100. So I think this should be mostly used as an auto-focus camera when you use the kit lens. Make sure you push the "enlarge" button to help focus manually -- a big difference. By the way, you can always push AE-L/AF-L button to bring the object into immediate auto focus even when the camera is in manual focus mode, which I find very useful. You can also set this button's function AE fix only or AF fix only or both AE fix and AF fix in the menu settings.
[UPDATE 5] I think one firmware upgrade feature this camera desperately needs is Minimum Shutter Speed setting. Without this, Auto ISO is only half effective, along with aperture priority mode. Currently when set at auto-ISO and in the aperture priority mode, this camera is giving me a shutter speed close to the focal length, which, in the case of the kit lens, is 30 mm and hence 1/30th. This is obviously no good when shooting a moving object, which makes me adjust the ISO value up manually, rendering the auto-ISO not that useful. Fuji, please update and implement this firmware feature in a near future. Otherwise, people would simply have to shoot in speed priority mode mostly.
[UPDATE 6] I ordered Fuji M-mount adapter to use the body with my 50 mm Summilux. Now there are a few cheaper choices you have such as Kipon but the reason I ordered an official Fuji was because I read that it is the only one that shows all the information as Fuji lenses do. There are three things you need to be aware of. First, certain Leica lenses do not work with this adapter so you need to read about which ones work and which ones do not. Second, it does not show the F-stop information anywhere on the viewfinder (even though it takes photos with the F-stop you set on the lens) -- it shows "F0 (zero)" all the time. Less of a problem in the aperture priority mode since you know it anyway (since you are setting the aperture), but in the speed priority mode, there is no way of knowing the aperture. Third, the results are OK but certainly not any better than the kit lens. There is no Leica magic -- well-focused pictures look almost identical to those produced by the kit lens. Read more ›
So why 3 stars? because I cannot recommend it to most people. I HIGHLY recommend this to experienced photographers.
However the look, the feel, the incredible high ISO performance, all top notch. The focus is just sad compared to other cameras. If you want to buy this for sports, weddings, wildlife or chasing kids around(which is a bad decision due to the lack of telephoto lenses) you will be very disappointed. If you take a slow and deliberate approach to your photography you will be greatly rewarded. This is a camera you work with, not a camera you use, and I really like that aspect personally. But the slow AF, weak AF in low light, and lack of features other cameras have in spades keep it from being a 5 or even a 4. If I were to rate it off the sensor and feel only it would be a 10 out of 5. Optically it is as close to perfect as you will get for less than $3000, and the kit lens is no slouch.
If anyone is looking at this they are also probably looking at the Olympus OMD. I own both of these cameras and want to put up a side by side comparison from my own experience.
Why compare this against the OMD? Because it has set a new benchmark of performance in the world of mirrorless cameras, and even with a smaller sensor it competes well against larger mid range DSLR's. Other options include the NEX 7 and maybe the NEX-6. I have owned and used both the NEX c3 and NEX 5N quite a bit and they are awesome fast high performance compact point and shoot cameras, you sort of have to just trust them, and they do an excellent job but i am a bit of a control freak with my cameras. I found the manual controls lacking, especially compared to the Olympus OMD and Fuji XE-1. That is not meant to be a knock against the NEX line, i would have included the NEX-7 in this had i any experience with it, nor do i have any experience with the GH3.
my experience with DSLR's includes the Nikon D40, D70, D90, D7000, and the Canon 60D and 7D all of which I have used extensively with pro grade lenses such as the Nikon 24-70f/2.8, 70-200f/2.8, and equivalents on the Canons. I am not a pro, just a hard core enthusiast/amateur and timelapse photographer with horrible spelling, and a decent job to fund the hobby.
I hope this helps.
1) Autofocus
OMD's AF blazingly fast for single AF. It focuses in low light areas without the need of the focus lamp, very little hunting. The Continuous AF is not on par with the D7000. It is loaded with various features such as facial tracking, left and right eye priority, touch to focus and shoot, etc. I use the facial tracking when doing things like instructional videos on timelapse.
XE-1's AF system is best not tested after using the OMD, because compared to the OMD it is laughable. It hunts in low light even with the AF lamp. It seems to work well enough with some decent light around. The options on Fuji's AF system is Single, Continuous, and Manual. There is no tracking, no facial recognition, you can set the size of the AF point, that is about it. For photographers with a bit of experience this AF system is not going to be much of a hindrance. There is also the Manual focus bar on the display which is AWESOME. See more on that later.
2) Customization
The OMD is highly customizable, everything from the viewfinder, display, lens function, f1, f2, the list goes on. It is the most customizable camera I have ever had. Almost to the point of making things a bit confusing. It took a while but I now have it set to how I like it, and it is pretty easy to use. You can have the OLED and EFV display different things as well, in fact, borrowing somebody elses OMD for a shoot will probably leave you annoyed and frustrated because they probably set it up a lot differently and it wont even feel like the same camera.
The Fuji XE1 is nowhere near as customizable. It has ONE function button, but you cannot even use the scroll wheel on the back to control it, you still have to use the thumb pad which means you have to pull it from your eye, seems kind of pointless. I would say this camera is not very customizable, if it were not for the Q button where you can scroll through pre-sets, but I would argue this is not customization, this just enables fast configuration changes. The screen and EFV will show the same info
3) EFV
The OMD has a decent viewfinder. It is not very sharp even when adjusted with the diopter, I know it is not my eyes because I read at 20/15 since my Lasik. Very little lag, even in low light. The eye sensor works ok but could stand to be a bit faster. It throws up a nice large image about the same size as the OFV on the D7000. Not sure why but you cannot have the EFV on non-stop, even when shutting off the rear display the EFV is off until the eye sensor is triggered.
The XE1 has the same size viewfinder, but higher resolution and you can see the difference. Things look sharper and crisper, no doubt about it. However it is much laggier. The eye sensor is better though, and flips from screen to EFV faster. You can leave the EFV on non-stop with the back off if you like.
Build quality
The OMD nice solid construction. Not a fan of the dials, the dials do feel a bit cheap. Weather sealed which is awesome! Some users of the OMD have had the dial pop off.
The XE-1 also has a nice feel to it, but not as nice as the OMD. However the dials feel much better and more secure. It is NOT weather sealed at all. The compartment door on the side feels extremely cheap compared to the refined feel of the rest of the body.
Ergonomics
OMD is not bad, it is a small camera, with small buttons a bit mushy because of the weather sealing but that does not bother me much. Without the grip it is ok for lighter lenses. I have the Panasonic 12-35 on mine and it really needs the grip. Let's talk about the grip too, it really helps, but the bottom corner of it sort of digs into my palm on the large area at the base of the thumb. The battery grip helps, but I have been considering machining out a plate to attach to the bottom with a curved surface to help remove the bottom corner. The memory card is on the side which I prefer so you don't have to detach it from a tripod plate to swap out the memory card. Dials and buttons are well laid out in a nice intuitive manor
XE-1 Better IMO ergonomically. It just feels awesome. However they focus light is on the grip? WTF? The 18-55 kit lens has some heft to it, but it still seems to balance without the need of a grip. The buttons are larger, fairly flush but stick out just enough. It is pretty darn comfortable to hold. I like how the viewfinder is not in the middle like the OMD, this means I don't have to bump my nose in the screen. The dials and buttons are very well laid out. The memory card sits in the battery compartment like the NEX, I don't like this, I prefer to see it on the side..
Image quality
This horse has been beaten to death. You can find TONS of sample images and pixel peeping online. Basically 95% of the time the OMD will be more than good enough for what you need. The XE-1 in my opinion IS better, but not by a substantial amount in most scenarios. However one area the XE-1 shines is HIGH ISO. 6400 is perfectly usable on the XE1, but not the OMD. In fact, ISO 12,800 looks pretty darn good on the XE-1. Keep in mind there is not a lot of RAW support, Adobe LR, Photoshop, etc,. due to the non traditional bayer filter. However that may change. In the meantime if you do not mind shooting Jpeg the XE-1 has a killer jpeg engine in it and they look fantastic!
Video
The OMD is pretty decent for video, it is not up to par with many other cameras but the 5 way IBIS makes it seem like the camera is floating on a steady cam unit. No complaints on the video, not a lot of options, but it gets the job done.
The XE-1 video is very very basic. This seems like it was added in because they felt it needed to be there for advertizing. It works, i would not expect this to become a new DSLR Video cult classic in any way.
Image Stabilization.
The OMD's 5 way IBIS is just awesome. This is by far the best image stabilization system available period. It really makes shooting in low light very, you can shoot 300mm at 1/15th of a second and keep it sharp. AWESOME!
The Fuji XE-1 has stabilization in the lenses, so this may or may not get better and depends on the lens being used. My experience with the kit lens is that it does a good job, on par with Canon and Nikons IS/VR systems in thier lenses.
Cool stuff specific to each camera.
OMD - Highlights and Shadows. How cool is this? it shows you live where you are clipping. I always have it ON with the OMD. I really like that feature
OMD- Articulating screen. I was not a fan of the idea when this became popular, gotta admit, I have started to like it.
XE-1 - DOF and manual focus bar. This is AWESOME. There Is a bar at the bottom of the screen/efv that indicates distance, there is a red line surrounded by a white bar that indicates the focus point. The red line is the exact center of the focus, the white bar shows you the depth of field. So when adjusting the aperture up the white bar expands and contracts to show the area that will be in focus. Using this you can manually focus in very low light with only knowing the approximate distance to the subject.
XE-1 film simulation modes. I know I know, the OMD has Art modes. However to be honest, my personal opinion is most of the art modes are just stupid and I will never use them, they are too over the top, the only one I kind of like is the Dramatic Tone. Read more ›
A word about JPEGs vs. RAW: It is important to understand that modern lenses including these three are no longer just hunks of glass; they are designed to be used with the in-camera JPEG processing firmware, which undoes the inherent distortions on the wide angle side. Vignetting is also corrected, and chromatic aberration. It is no longer necessary to design lenses depending so much on the difficult correction of glass elements with additional glass elements, aspherics, etc. Lenses are now part software, which results in better optics at lower cost. In principle a poor single element lens could give near perfect results, limited only by the processing power of the little computer in your camera. You can see this for yourself; watch the LCD image and then fire the shot - you'll see the replay image come up with the whole field visibly altered by software distortion correction. For this reason it would require a lot of skill and Photoshop time to do the same thing manually starting from the RAW images. JPEG's are the way these lenses are designed to be used, so that's how they should be evaluated, as part of the whole camera.
Results at ISO 3200:
- Nikon D600 (full frame) gave the nicest image, as we should certainly expect for the sensor size, camera size and weight, and cost. Image was creamy, clean and contrasty.
- Fuji XE1 was second. Image was just a bit noisier and rougher than Nikon full frame.
- Sony NEX6 was third. Although it had more contrast than the Fuji, this varied by colors; in some areas, such as red type on a blue book cover, the image actually washed out completely. Noisier than Fuji and evident compression artifacts.
- Canon S95 quality is not in the same ballpark at high ISO and magnification; very rough.
- iPhone5; like a juvenile delinquent in a class full of straight A students!
Results at ISO 800:
ISO 800 is my basic setting in daily photography. All three images were beautiful.
- XE1 was the cleanest, but the Sony NEX had more punch and contrast.
- Nikon D600 was a bit rougher and noisier than the other two, but of course had the highest pixel density when blown way up.
Results at ISO 200:
- Nikon D600, Fuji XE1 and Sony NEX 6 are quite comparable, with the choice being almost a matter of taste. Here the D600 is a bit noisier than XE1 in some areas and many people would say the Fuji XE1 half frame actually looks better overall than the Nikon full frame, which is remarkable. Sony NEX is right up there with them; the three images have different qualities, but there is no obvious winner. Canon S95, although still raggedy compared to this company, is not bad at all at low magnification and low ISO.
What is amazing about comparing XE1 and D600 is not that the Nikon DSLR is superior but that it is only SLIGHTLY superior and then only under extremely low light and high magnification. Fuji really seems to have some special sauce on their half-frame sensor which allows it to capture photos almost as good as a full-frame DSLR. At ISO800, they are all very good but XE1 is best. If your goal is best image with least bulk to lug around, XE1 is the winner. The XE1 is an improvement over XPro-1, simpler, smaller, but still a bit quirky and the interface odd. Sony NEX was just a bit muddy at high ISO, but superb at ISO800 and below. Also, there are so many other good things about Sony NEX (focus peaking, in-camera HDR, articulated LCD, wireless, ability to use legacy lenses easily in MF mode, picture effects) that I use mine all the time.
I still have a soft spot for my Nikon, and greatly prefer the optical through-the-lens viewfinder to EVF or LCD, but objectively speaking, purely in terms of image quality per unit weight/size, there is no longer any real justification for DSLR. Fuji is a unique instrument for the photographic artist. Sony NEX is also so good as to make the need for full frame DSLR questionable, and is the most flexible, ergonomic and cleverly fabricated of the three. You may have various reasons to choose one of these three, but image quality is no longer the deciding factor. Finally, all three of these are cameras for photographic fanatics; for ordinary folks looking to capture uncropped snapshots in good light at a viewed size about 4x5, the tiny Canon S95 and iPhone5 results don't look that much worse to the naked eye.
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