Why I chose the X-E2 over the X-T1

Let me begin by saying that both are great cameras and it is a personal choice depending on your shooting preferences. After trying the X-T1 for a few weeks, I decided to keep my X-E2.

I tried to summarize in this post, what were the factors that made me pick the X-E2 over the X-T1.

The good news is, if you can relate to the issues I had with the X-T1, the X-E2 is a great deal right now.

http://mirrorlessminutes.com/fujixe2vsxt1/

Interesting choice. How much more battery life do you get from the XE-2 over the XT-1? I thought they were about equal. Not sure I agree with your observation that the XT-1 viewfinder is less crisp. Did you make sure the diopter adjustment was right for you? You may find the 56mm OK on the XE-2, but if ever want the 10-24mm, you'll either be looking for a beefy grip or an XT-1.

I bought an XE-2 as a nice complement to the XT-1. The XE-2 with 27mm f/2.8 pancake is beautifully small to carry and discrete to shoot with.

Enjoy your gear!

It took me months to really get into using my X-T1, bearing in mind that I kept my X-E1. The RF format is very enjoyable and I'd had 18 months of it when I bought the new body.

I'm comfortable with them both now, though I still wear my old slippers regularly! Pity you couldn't keep both X-E2 and X-T1, it's kind of nice to have the choice.


SOOC

Wow. That's cool that you could borrow an X-T1 for a couple of weeks to try it out before buying.

I tried out an X-E2 and decided not to buy it... The viewfinder on the T1, in my opinion, is much better due to the magnification that you refer to. I also really like being able to set ISO without delving into menus -- nice to know what the ISO is before even turning the camera on. You don't mention the fact that things like exposure mode have their own physical controls on the T1 while you have to go into menus to set them on the E2. You do mention the T1's tilt screen, which I use all the time for low level shots. I sometimes miss a built-in flash on the T1, but when I really want to bounce, I add an external flash. The E2's flash isn't powerful enough to do much in the way of bouncing. Still, it's nice to have.

In many ways, they are very similar cameras -- variations on the same basic design. Your blog posting offered a different take on the two models than one typically hears on this Forum. Thanks for writing it up.

How did you get an XT-1 to try for a few weeks ?

I've got both an XE-1 and an XT-1 - personally I prefer the XT-1 for several reasons, but the XE-1 and 27 is my choice when I want the more portable option

Nick

57LowRider said:

It took me months to really get into using my X-T1, bearing in mind that I kept my X-E1. The RF format is very enjoyable and I'd had 18 months of it when I bought the new body.

I'm comfortable with them both now, though I still wear my old slippers regularly! Pity you couldn't keep both X-E2 and X-T1, it's kind of nice to have the choice.

Click to expand...

I have to agree with you on the idea of not keeping the X-E2 and the X-T1 both. I have the X-T1 in black as well as graphite and I find shooting situations for both the X-T1 and X-E2. I mainly use the X-E2 with my prime lenses along with my 18-55 and I use my X-T1 with my primes and my zooms both. I have a small bag for carrying my X-E2 and a larger bag when I am carrying all of my equipment.

57LowRider said:

SOOC

Click to expand...

Keeping both would have been nice indeed. They complement each other.

I bought the camera and returned it. I did plan to replace my X-E2 with it, I really didn't expect having to return it. The X-E2 was ready for Ebay, but like I said, I ended up going back to the X-E2.

Anzere08 said:

I bought the camera and returned it. I did plan to replace my X-E2 with it, I really didn't expect having to return it. The X-E2 was ready for Ebay, but like I said, I ended up going back to the X-E2.

Click to expand...

Would you have wanted to purchase it as "new" after someone had tried it out for "weeks"?

Just asking...

Aren't returned items sold as "open box"? I would consider an "open box" if it was in good condition and for a lower price than the new one.

Anzere08 said:

Aren't returned items sold as "open box"? I would consider an "open box" if it was in good condition and for a lower price than the new one.

Click to expand...

Not always.

I assume from your post, however, that they charged you a fee for "trying it out," which enabled them to sell the "open box" item for a lower price without losing money. That seems fair. It's reasonable to try something out for several weeks under those circumstances.

Anzere08 said:

Let me begin by saying that both are great cameras and it is a personal choice depending on your shooting preferences. After trying the X-T1 for a few weeks, I decided to keep my X-E2.

I tried to summarize in this post, what were the factors that made me pick the X-E2 over the X-T1.

The good news is, if you can relate to the issues I had with the X-T1, the X-E2 is a great deal right now.

http://mirrorlessminutes.com/fujixe2vsxt1/

Click to expand...

The XE2 was a surprising upgrade over the XE1 in terms of responsiveness and AF reliability, plus there were a lot of cool new features.

As my hand memory was already attuned to the XE1, and I already had the half case and small grip, it was an obvious choice given the identical sensor and cost saving.

Xpro2 will be coming soon, and that will be my 'serious' camera, with the XE2 being the backup. I gather the Xpro2 will be slightly smaller than the Xpro1, but will be an RF design. Guess we will see.