Upgrade from X-E1 to....X-E2 or X-E2s ?

[babart]

I really enjoy using my X-E1 and have put together a nice travel kit: 18-55, 55-200, and 27/2.8 urban walk around lens. I also have adapters for Zeiss C/Y and Pentax lenses.

Fine. But I'd really like better moving subject performance, especially with flying birds. And grandchildren . I suspect there will soon be a plethora of X-T1 bodies available after the updated T2 hits the market, which seems to be the Fuji model with the best follow movement focusing. And as much as I like the EVF on the X-T1, I don't like the locked ISO dial nor the viewfinder in a projecting tower in the middle of the body.

So. How has the 4.0 firmware update gone with the X-E2? And what does the E2s add to this latest firmware update?

Thanks,

 

[bs1946]

I used to have an X-E1 but, I sold it and went to Olympus and Panasonic for a few years. However, I missed the fantastic sooc jpegs and came back. Now I have an X-E2 and an X100T.

If you are going to buy a new body than it makes sense to get the X-E2S. If you shop around for a used X-E2 in like-new condition you can save quite a bit and with the version 4.00 update, there is very little difference between the two.

On the outside, the X-E2S has a new grip, the Fn2 button is now the Auto button, and the labels on the top and bottom pad buttons have been removed. Macro is now automatic, so the top pad button has been assigned a different default setting and all four pad buttons are assignable Fn buttons along with the Fn1, Auto, and Wifi buttons. The X-E2 is now the same but you still have the the labels on the top and bottom pad buttons.

The biggest difference with the firmware is that Fuji has added a number of scene modes like the ones typically found in most point and shoots. Plus the Auto button activates the scene mode so the X-E2S picks all the settings based on what it thinks you are trying to shoot. The auto scene modes were not included in the version 4.00 upgrade for the X-E2 or the X-T1; they are only on the X-E2S or X-T10 if you want them. The movie option has been removed from the drive menu and is the default setting for the Fn1 button. There may be some other minor differences but nothing to get excited about.

 

[a_c_skinner]

I've wondered the same but as I've got an X-E2 it is academic. There are lots of comparisons out there and the simple answer seems that the 2s adds hardly anything you don't get with the new firmware.

The upgrade was very simple and quick. I've not heard of it going wrong.

--
Andrew Skinner

 

[Xe11ent]

I really enjoy using my X-E1 and have put together a nice travel kit: 18-55, 55-200, and 27/2.8 urban walk around lens. I also have adapters for Zeiss C/Y and Pentax lenses.

Fine. But I'd really like better moving subject performance, especially with flying birds. And grandchildren . I suspect there will soon be a plethora of X-T1 bodies available after the updated T2 hits the market, which seems to be the Fuji model with the best follow movement focusing. And as much as I like the EVF on the X-T1, I don't like the locked ISO dial nor the viewfinder in a projecting tower in the middle of the body.

So. How has the 4.0 firmware update gone with the X-E2? And what does the E2s add to this latest firmware update?

Thanks,

 

[Threaded]

If you shoot jpegs, and especially if you allow your ISO to go higher than 1600, then you're right to be wary of the X-E2 and other X-trans II cameras like the X-T1 and XT10. The newer jpeg engine is simply not as good. Unfortunately the waxy skin issue is very real and for me, coming from an X-E1, it ruined my experience of the X-E2 - so much so that I "downgraded" back to a first generation X-Pro1. Same slower performance of the X-E1, but also the same stellar IQ.

In all other respects the X-E2 is a better and more capable camera than the X-E1, so it's a shame they messed up in that one area. If I exclusively shot raw I'd definitely go with the 2, but I don't so it was never the right camera for me, and now I wouldn't consider upgrading to anything less than an X-Trans III camera (not that I can begin to afford the X-Pro2 right now).

Re the 2 vs 2S - as I understand it, the only meaningful internal hardware change between the two is the addition of some sensors to allow a full "intelligent" auto mode in the latter - so you can hand the camera to a stranger/family member and the camera will underrstand the scene and any movement etc and choose its own settings appropriately. If you intend to shoot these cameras as they're really meant to be shot - ie with you making the decisions - then there's really no advantage to the 2S and you're better off finding a good deal on the older camera, imho.

 

[Xe11ent]

If you shoot jpegs, and especially if you allow your ISO to go higher than 1600, then you're right to be wary of the X-E2 and other X-trans II cameras like the X-T1 and XT10. The newer jpeg engine is simply not as good. Unfortunately the waxy skin issue is very real and for me, coming from an X-E1, it ruined my experience of the X-E2 - so much so that I "downgraded" back to a first generation X-Pro1. Same slower performance of the X-E1, but also the same stellar IQ.

In all other respects the X-E2 is a better and more capable camera than the X-E1, so it's a shame they messed up in that one area. If I exclusively shot raw I'd definitely go with the 2, but I don't so it was never the right camera for me, and now I wouldn't consider upgrading to anything less than an X-Trans III camera (not that I can begin to afford the X-Pro2 right now).

Re the 2 vs 2S - as I understand it, the only meaningful internal hardware change between the two is the addition of some sensors to allow a full "intelligent" auto mode in the latter - so you can hand the camera to a stranger/family member and the camera will underrstand the scene and any movement etc and choose its own settings appropriately. If you intend to shoot these cameras as they're really meant to be shot - ie with you making the decisions - then there's really no advantage to the 2S and you're better off finding a good deal on the older camera, imho.

Thanks threaded. Much appreciated. I always shoot raw+jpg but always find myself working with the raws so then the xe2 can be a good deal for me. The xpro1 is also still a possibility. Performance wise it will not be better than the xe1, but the ovf kind of fascinates me. But I do wonder if that beats the better performance of the xe2. And i like the evf of the xe1, allthough I know it lags. Thanks for replying.

 

[retroactivity]

I'm a long time XE1 user who was not going to upgrade until the XE3 cane out. Two things happened a few months back. There was a rumor ob fujirumors that there may never be an xe3, and sone retailers were having insanely goos sales on XE2 by slplitting up the kit and sellibg the canera and lens separately. I got my XE2 for $426.00. since then, I use it exclusively. I thought I would keep the XE1 as a backup, but I get so frustrated with the AF compared to the XE2 4.0 that I think I will sell it. Frustrated not so much with the speed, but the inabilty to lock focus at all in many situations that involve mediocre light and miving subjects. I shoot raw over 1600 iso anyway because there is more room to adjust exposure and better noise and sharpening control than in camera.

 

[Xe11ent]

Ok thanks. Its good to hear opinions from people who have used both.

 

[DarnGoodPhotos]

One feature of the X-E2S that seldom gets mentioned is Motion Detect.

Since AUTO mode adds bits of new hardware, the X-E2S also gains another feature: motion detection. This function adds two options to the OIS menu (SHOOTING MENU > IS MODE). What is it about? As you know, the OIS (Optical Image Stabilizer) is part of several Fujinon XF and XC lenses. It reduces camera shake and allows you to shoot handheld with slower shutter speeds than usual. However, slow shutter speeds are only useful when your subject isn’t moving, because moving subjects in concert with slow shutter speeds can lead to unwanted motion blur. This is where motion detection comes into play: With the X-E2S, you can still set Auto-ISO to slow shutter speeds to make full use of your camera’s OIS system. However, when the camera detects subject movement as you press the shutter button, it will temporarily increase the minimum shutter speed by one or two stops (and increase the ISO setting along the way). Of course, if you don’t want motion detection, you can simply turn it off in the X-E2S and use one of the two regular OIS modes...

Loading…

www.fujirumors.com

 

[babart]

I used to have an X-E1 but, I sold it and went to Olympus and Panasonic for a few years. However, I missed the fantastic sooc jpegs and came back. Now I have an X-E2 and an X100T.

If you are going to buy a new body than it makes sense to get the X-E2S. If you shop around for a used X-E2 in like-new condition you can save quite a bit and with the version 4.00 update, there is very little difference between the two.

On the outside, the X-E2S has a new grip, the Fn2 button is now the Auto button, and the labels on the top and bottom pad buttons have been removed. Macro is now automatic, so the top pad button has been assigned a different default setting and all four pad buttons are assignable Fn buttons along with the Fn1, Auto, and Wifi buttons. The X-E2 is now the same but you still have the the labels on the top and bottom pad buttons.

The biggest difference with the firmware is that Fuji has added a number of scene modes like the ones typically found in most point and shoots. Plus the Auto button activates the scene mode so the X-E2S picks all the settings based on what it thinks you are trying to shoot. The auto scene modes were not included in the version 4.00 upgrade for the X-E2 or the X-T1; they are only on the X-E2S or X-T10 if you want them. The movie option has been removed from the drive menu and is the default setting for the Fn1 button. There may be some other minor differences but nothing to get excited about.

 

[babart]

I've wondered the same but as I've got an X-E2 it is academic. There are lots of comparisons out there and the simple answer seems that the 2s adds hardly anything you don't get with the new firmware.

The upgrade was very simple and quick. I've not heard of it going wrong.

 

[babart]

I really enjoy using my X-E1 and have put together a nice travel kit: 18-55, 55-200, and 27/2.8 urban walk around lens. I also have adapters for Zeiss C/Y and Pentax lenses.

Fine. But I'd really like better moving subject performance, especially with flying birds. And grandchildren . I suspect there will soon be a plethora of X-T1 bodies available after the updated T2 hits the market, which seems to be the Fuji model with the best follow movement focusing. And as much as I like the EVF on the X-T1, I don't like the locked ISO dial nor the viewfinder in a projecting tower in the middle of the body.

So. How has the 4.0 firmware update gone with the X-E2? And what does the E2s add to this latest firmware update?

Thanks,

 

[babart]

If you shoot jpegs, and especially if you allow your ISO to go higher than 1600, then you're right to be wary of the X-E2 and other X-trans II cameras like the X-T1 and XT10. The newer jpeg engine is simply not as good. Unfortunately the waxy skin issue is very real and for me, coming from an X-E1, it ruined my experience of the X-E2 - so much so that I "downgraded" back to a first generation X-Pro1. Same slower performance of the X-E1, but also the same stellar IQ.

In all other respects the X-E2 is a better and more capable camera than the X-E1, so it's a shame they messed up in that one area. If I exclusively shot raw I'd definitely go with the 2, but I don't so it was never the right camera for me, and now I wouldn't consider upgrading to anything less than an X-Trans III camera (not that I can begin to afford the X-Pro2 right now).

Re the 2 vs 2S - as I understand it, the only meaningful internal hardware change between the two is the addition of some sensors to allow a full "intelligent" auto mode in the latter - so you can hand the camera to a stranger/family member and the camera will underrstand the scene and any movement etc and choose its own settings appropriately. If you intend to shoot these cameras as they're really meant to be shot - ie with you making the decisions - then there's really no advantage to the 2S and you're better off finding a good deal on the older camera, imho.

Thanks much. I always shoot raw, so the E2 seems the best option.

 

[babart]

If you shoot jpegs, and especially if you allow your ISO to go higher than 1600, then you're right to be wary of the X-E2 and other X-trans II cameras like the X-T1 and XT10. The newer jpeg engine is simply not as good. Unfortunately the waxy skin issue is very real and for me, coming from an X-E1, it ruined my experience of the X-E2 - so much so that I "downgraded" back to a first generation X-Pro1. Same slower performance of the X-E1, but also the same stellar IQ.

In all other respects the X-E2 is a better and more capable camera than the X-E1, so it's a shame they messed up in that one area. If I exclusively shot raw I'd definitely go with the 2, but I don't so it was never the right camera for me, and now I wouldn't consider upgrading to anything less than an X-Trans III camera (not that I can begin to afford the X-Pro2 right now).

Re the 2 vs 2S - as I understand it, the only meaningful internal hardware change between the two is the addition of some sensors to allow a full "intelligent" auto mode in the latter - so you can hand the camera to a stranger/family member and the camera will underrstand the scene and any movement etc and choose its own settings appropriately. If you intend to shoot these cameras as they're really meant to be shot - ie with you making the decisions - then there's really no advantage to the 2S and you're better off finding a good deal on the older camera, imho.

Thanks threaded. Much appreciated. I always shoot raw+jpg but always find myself working with the raws so then the xe2 can be a good deal for me. The xpro1 is also still a possibility. Performance wise it will not be better than the xe1, but the ovf kind of fascinates me. But I do wonder if that beats the better performance of the xe2. And i like the evf of the xe1, allthough I know it lags. Thanks for replying.

You should look over the DPR review of the X-Pro1, and then discuss the less optimal points with Threaded before purchasing that model. There are advantages and disadvantages to both models. Cheers,

 

[babart]

I'm a long time XE1 user who was not going to upgrade until the XE3 cane out. Two things happened a few months back. There was a rumor ob fujirumors that there may never be an xe3, and sone retailers were having insanely goos sales on XE2 by slplitting up the kit and sellibg the canera and lens separately. I got my XE2 for $426.00. since then, I use it exclusively. I thought I would keep the XE1 as a backup, but I get so frustrated with the AF compared to the XE2 4.0 that I think I will sell it. Frustrated not so much with the speed, but the inabilty to lock focus at all in many situations that involve mediocre light and miving subjects. I shoot raw over 1600 iso anyway because there is more room to adjust exposure and better noise and sharpening control than in camera.

Thanks, I'm going with the E2 upgraded to 4.0. The way I take my photos overrides the problems with the E2 jpegs.

 

[babart]

One feature of the X-E2S that seldom gets mentioned is Motion Detect.

Since AUTO mode adds bits of new hardware, the X-E2S also gains another feature: motion detection. This function adds two options to the OIS menu (SHOOTING MENU > IS MODE). What is it about? As you know, the OIS (Optical Image Stabilizer) is part of several Fujinon XF and XC lenses. It reduces camera shake and allows you to shoot handheld with slower shutter speeds than usual. However, slow shutter speeds are only useful when your subject isn’t moving, because moving subjects in concert with slow shutter speeds can lead to unwanted motion blur. This is where motion detection comes into play: With the X-E2S, you can still set Auto-ISO to slow shutter speeds to make full use of your camera’s OIS system. However, when the camera detects subject movement as you press the shutter button, it will temporarily increase the minimum shutter speed by one or two stops (and increase the ISO setting along the way). Of course, if you don’t want motion detection, you can simply turn it off in the X-E2S and use one of the two regular OIS modes...

http://www.fujirumors.com/x-e2-vs-x-e2s-ending-the-confusion/

 

[babart]

I really enjoy using my X-E1 and have put together a nice travel kit: 18-55, 55-200, and 27/2.8 urban walk around lens. I also have adapters for Zeiss C/Y and Pentax lenses.

Fine. But I'd really like better moving subject performance, especially with flying birds. And grandchildren . I suspect there will soon be a plethora of X-T1 bodies available after the updated T2 hits the market, which seems to be the Fuji model with the best follow movement focusing. And as much as I like the EVF on the X-T1, I don't like the locked ISO dial nor the viewfinder in a projecting tower in the middle of the body.

So. How has the 4.0 firmware update gone with the X-E2? And what does the E2s add to this latest firmware update?

Thanks,

 

[Threaded]

If you shoot jpegs, and especially if you allow your ISO to go higher than 1600, then you're right to be wary of the X-E2 and other X-trans II cameras like the X-T1 and XT10. The newer jpeg engine is simply not as good. Unfortunately the waxy skin issue is very real and for me, coming from an X-E1, it ruined my experience of the X-E2 - so much so that I "downgraded" back to a first generation X-Pro1. Same slower performance of the X-E1, but also the same stellar IQ.

In all other respects the X-E2 is a better and more capable camera than the X-E1, so it's a shame they messed up in that one area. If I exclusively shot raw I'd definitely go with the 2, but I don't so it was never the right camera for me, and now I wouldn't consider upgrading to anything less than an X-Trans III camera (not that I can begin to afford the X-Pro2 right now).

Re the 2 vs 2S - as I understand it, the only meaningful internal hardware change between the two is the addition of some sensors to allow a full "intelligent" auto mode in the latter - so you can hand the camera to a stranger/family member and the camera will underrstand the scene and any movement etc and choose its own settings appropriately. If you intend to shoot these cameras as they're really meant to be shot - ie with you making the decisions - then there's really no advantage to the 2S and you're better off finding a good deal on the older camera, imho.

Thanks threaded. Much appreciated. I always shoot raw+jpg but always find myself working with the raws so then the xe2 can be a good deal for me. The xpro1 is also still a possibility. Performance wise it will not be better than the xe1, but the ovf kind of fascinates me. But I do wonder if that beats the better performance of the xe2. And i like the evf of the xe1, allthough I know it lags. Thanks for replying.

To quote some good advice someone gave me while in your position, you'll know if the X-Pro1 chooses you

For me it's a very enjoyable camera. Obviously, being largely identical to the X-E1 internally, it performs the same overall and is not without its quirks. The OVF does change things though. It has many obvious advantages over any EVF, including the X-E2's - namely no lag or noise whatsoever, the highest possible resolution, and (with the image preview switched off) no blackout at all between shots, all of which combines to make it *feel* like a faster and more responsive camera IMO. Plus you can see what's going on around the frame and be much more connected to the scene in front of you, and you never have to worry about it washing out in bright light - in fact the sunnier it is the better.

When you need the EVF, it's still there. On paper it's a touch less resolution than the X-E (1.44m dots vs 2.36) but in all honesty I don't notice any difference. The rear screen meanwhile is very noticeably much higher resolution than the X-E1's, and even a touch better than the X-E2's.

It's built better, and a little bigger than the X-E. There's something magic about it. Having joined the club I don't think I could ever swap it back for an X-E2 now, even if they fixed those X-Trans II jpegs.

 

[Threaded]

If you shoot jpegs, and especially if you allow your ISO to go higher than 1600, then you're right to be wary of the X-E2 and other X-trans II cameras like the X-T1 and XT10. The newer jpeg engine is simply not as good. Unfortunately the waxy skin issue is very real and for me, coming from an X-E1, it ruined my experience of the X-E2 - so much so that I "downgraded" back to a first generation X-Pro1. Same slower performance of the X-E1, but also the same stellar IQ.

In all other respects the X-E2 is a better and more capable camera than the X-E1, so it's a shame they messed up in that one area. If I exclusively shot raw I'd definitely go with the 2, but I don't so it was never the right camera for me, and now I wouldn't consider upgrading to anything less than an X-Trans III camera (not that I can begin to afford the X-Pro2 right now).

Re the 2 vs 2S - as I understand it, the only meaningful internal hardware change between the two is the addition of some sensors to allow a full "intelligent" auto mode in the latter - so you can hand the camera to a stranger/family member and the camera will underrstand the scene and any movement etc and choose its own settings appropriately. If you intend to shoot these cameras as they're really meant to be shot - ie with you making the decisions - then there's really no advantage to the 2S and you're better off finding a good deal on the older camera, imho.

Thanks threaded. Much appreciated. I always shoot raw+jpg but always find myself working with the raws so then the xe2 can be a good deal for me. The xpro1 is also still a possibility. Performance wise it will not be better than the xe1, but the ovf kind of fascinates me. But I do wonder if that beats the better performance of the xe2. And i like the evf of the xe1, allthough I know it lags. Thanks for replying.

You should look over the DPR review of the X-Pro1, and then discuss the less optimal points with Threaded before purchasing that model. There are advantages and disadvantages to both models. Cheers,

--
BAB

Just a note of caution - DPR's review of the X-Pro1 was written back when the camera was new and the firmware was a mess - there have been a succession of major updates since that time. Basically, if you know the X-E1 on current firmware you already know the performance and feature set of the X-Pro1, hybrid finder aside.

 

[babart]

If you shoot jpegs, and especially if you allow your ISO to go higher than 1600, then you're right to be wary of the X-E2 and other X-trans II cameras like the X-T1 and XT10. The newer jpeg engine is simply not as good. Unfortunately the waxy skin issue is very real and for me, coming from an X-E1, it ruined my experience of the X-E2 - so much so that I "downgraded" back to a first generation X-Pro1. Same slower performance of the X-E1, but also the same stellar IQ.

In all other respects the X-E2 is a better and more capable camera than the X-E1, so it's a shame they messed up in that one area. If I exclusively shot raw I'd definitely go with the 2, but I don't so it was never the right camera for me, and now I wouldn't consider upgrading to anything less than an X-Trans III camera (not that I can begin to afford the X-Pro2 right now).

Re the 2 vs 2S - as I understand it, the only meaningful internal hardware change between the two is the addition of some sensors to allow a full "intelligent" auto mode in the latter - so you can hand the camera to a stranger/family member and the camera will underrstand the scene and any movement etc and choose its own settings appropriately. If you intend to shoot these cameras as they're really meant to be shot - ie with you making the decisions - then there's really no advantage to the 2S and you're better off finding a good deal on the older camera, imho.

Thanks threaded. Much appreciated. I always shoot raw+jpg but always find myself working with the raws so then the xe2 can be a good deal for me. The xpro1 is also still a possibility. Performance wise it will not be better than the xe1, but the ovf kind of fascinates me. But I do wonder if that beats the better performance of the xe2. And i like the evf of the xe1, allthough I know it lags. Thanks for replying.

You should look over the DPR review of the X-Pro1, and then discuss the less optimal points with Threaded before purchasing that model. There are advantages and disadvantages to both models. Cheers,