XE-1: three shooting days out, an enthusiast's opinion...

I'm what you might call an enthusiast photographer, with a solid grasp of the basics of manual photography and composition. I shoot people primarily - whether on the street street or at functions with friends/family. For the last two years I've been shooting with the Panasonic GF-1 and the famed pancake lens, a setup which I loved. I put a premium on simplicity and quality in all things artistic - musical, electronic, photographic etc. so I was very excited to move "up" to the X-E1 from my GF-1. It seemed like the right time and the right move.

Here's a brief summary of my primary observations after three days with the XE-1 and the 35mm Fujinon prime:

WEAKNESSES:

- Autofocus. This could be a dealbreaker for me. In ideal conditions the XE-1 is fast and generally dependable, with a relatively intuitive lock on the appropriate subject. Indoors and especially in low light - and double-especially with subjects within 3-4 feet - the camera struggles. Backgrounds are often in focus at the expense of primary subjects. Locking focus on one subject and panning results in pictures which are half-in-focus. The benefit of very pleasing high ISO performance is significantly undercut by lots of missed opportunities. In general, my GF1, although several generations older, enjoys a much stabler and more dependable autofocus system. I do not know the technical reasons for it, but I wonder why the X-E1 only focuses on one "block" whereas most other digital cameras I've handled are able to disperse autofocus in the manner of the GF1? Perhaps someone can explain...

- EVF. This is only a minor weakness. My philosophy of simplicity and quality goes hand in hand with a preference for OVF. I was obviously aware of this preference before vesting in the X-E1 system, but I also realized that technology is often a game of trade-offs. Having said that, the EVF is realistic enough to pass muster, and I am sure there is a great deal of depth to the system that I have not yet discovered or learned to appreciate. Having said that, EVF still seems very artificial, and there is noticeable lag when panning. I use the word noticeable carefully. It is not drastic, but if you prefer an organic feel, you will obviously notice the difference when switching to this system. Focusing manually using an EVF (for example, when you can't afford for the autofocus system to let you down) is doable, but certainly not pleasurable. The zoom-in function for fine-tuned manual focus reveals enough pixellation that the mind does not respond as quickly as it would with a real image.

STRENGTHS:

- Image quality. When the magic elements are all present and in focus. images are superb. Problems with autofocus and the use of EVF are counterbalanced in this regard. Coming from the GF-1, I can say that images are substantially sharper, more crisp, and more pleasing. The JPEG engine is superb (lightyears ahead of the Panasonic) and gives me no reason to shoot in RAW unless it is a special occasion.

- Low-light performance. Again, absolutely superb assuming all elements come together. Finally a portable camera with truly capable indoor, low-light shooting capability with relatively little to no noise in the final product. Recall, however, that autofocus particularly dampened in these conditions based on my observations.

- Styling and build quality. Excellent. My X-E1 is silver and I've added the half-leather brown saddle case. It is not only a fantastic camera but a fashion appendage, which is notable because taking pictures with the camera is often invited by subjects. Many of them mistake it for a manual camera (laypeople) or a Leica (amateurs). Furthermore, build quality seems solid. The 35mm lens is hefty and harkens back to old-school kit; the body feels nice and rugged, and is just the right weight; all buttons and controls work as they should.

- Controls. I love having an aperture ring and manual shutter speed dial. The inclusion of "A" settings for switches between priority modes and automatic is nice, and gives the user a greater feeling of involvement in the process. That's satisfying. I wish there was a second

INITIAL THOUGHTS:

I've really enjoyed the X-E1 so far. I don't regret buying it, and to date I've bandied it out and about with me more than I did with the GF-1; but it reminds me of a close friend that has just as many quirks as deeply redeeming and rewarding qualities. It feels like a "personal" camera - something you get used to and love, but which can't be handed over to a stranger without the discomfort that they won't have a clue...

I sincerely hope that Fuji can sort out the autofocus issues - particularly in low-light. I'm not an expert in technology, but I am hoping this is simply a matter of algorithms and firmware/software as opposed to hardware limitations or a mix of both. If the former is the case, I would be more than happy to get to know my new travel buddy inside and out while I wait. If not, I might toy with the idea of swapping for an X100 (for the more general-use lens and OVF) until the next generation comes out.

I am still on the fence about whether this is $1000 more camera than my GF-1, but if image quality alone were the test I would certainly say yes.

My three cents.