I’m a beginner and need help choosing a fuji camera (X-e1,2or3??)

Hi! I’v recently fallen in love with the look of Fujifilm (and the colours omg) and I want to try it out for myself and get a fuji for my birthday, but I’m honestly kind of scared.

I want a compact camera that I can take out with my friends and on trips that is easy to use, especially because I’m not that experienced (and this is mainly a hobby thing not a future job thing). I’ve been researching and looking at the Xe1,2 and 3 but I have no idea which one would be best for me. I’ve read up about how the Xe1 doesn’t have the best AF and how the Xe3 doesn’t have a build in flash (and it has touch screen and I’ve seen so many people complain about it and i kinda agree). All these negatives are giving me the wobbles and I can’t seem to get a firm grasp on with one would be the best for me. But I’ve also read a lot of good things about these cameras, which throws me off even more.

The photos I want to take are film inspired (because getting a real film camera and buying film may hurt my bank in the long run, since I am a student) as i love the look that film gives, the warmth and the texture. I’m also thinking of getting the 27mm f2.8. pancake  lenses with it because i’ve read a lot of good things about it and it is compact as well.

(BTW the camera and the lens are most likely going to be bought second hand)

I honestly just need some help from fuji camera users because I don’t have many photography friends.

Thanks in advance to anyone who has given the time to respond to my question! It means a lot :D.

The XE1 has more than adequate auto-focus and the colors are fantastic. You might also look into an X100S, X100T, XE2, XE2S, XT1, XT20...quite a few very nice Fuji cameras that you can get for cheap these days.  There is a small Fuji shoe mount flash you can get, model EF-X8, which should cost no more than say $10-20 on ebay.

Ari00 wrote:

Hi! I’v recently fallen in love with the look of Fujifilm (and the colours omg) and I want to try it out for myself and get a fuji for my birthday, but I’m honestly kind of scared.

Hi Ari, and welcome to the forum and to the Fujfilm world!

I want a compact camera that I can take out with my friends and on trips that is easy to use, especially because I’m not that experienced (and this is mainly a hobby thing not a future job thing).

If you want a "click and shoot" camera, you should not go for an X-E.., X-H..., X-T.., X-Pro... camera. This is my opinion: if you go for a Fujifilm camera, you really should be ready to understand the basics of photography, to really take time for this, to watch tutorials, etc. You should know what you're doing if you set the parameters on the camera. Some Fujifilm cameras have an "auto" button but honestly, the investment is a waste if you use such a capable instrument only in auto mode. It's like buying an electric piano and only using the auto play function.

I’ve been researching and looking at the Xe1,2 and 3 but I have no idea which one would be best for me. I’ve read up about how the Xe1 doesn’t have the best AF and how the Xe3 doesn’t have a build in flash (and it has touch screen and I’ve seen so many people complain about it and i kinda agree). All these negatives are giving me the wobbles and I can’t seem to get a firm grasp on with one would be the best for me. But I’ve also read a lot of good things about these cameras, which throws me off even more.

So why only the X-E... series?

My recommendation is a used X-T20 or X-T30. They have a built-in flash, modern sensors, good AF capabilities, and many film simulations. My one and only camera is still an X-T20, it is incredible what you can do with it, and this is my story: X-T20 - My cute little camera. Start with the XF 18-55 mm or with the pancake and as you are getting better, you may want to go for more lenses.

The photos I want to take are film inspired (because getting a real film camera and buying film may hurt my bank in the long run, since I am a student) as i love the look that film gives, the warmth and the texture.

In this case, I am sure a Fujifilm camera with its film simulations is a good decision.

I’m also thinking of getting the 27mm f2.8. pancake lenses with it because i’ve read a lot of good things about it and it is compact as well.

You know there is a Mk II of the pancake with an aperture ring. Optically, to the best of my knowledge, idential to the original version.

(BTW the camera and the lens are most likely going to be bought second hand)

No prob. That's why I recommended the X-T20 or X-T30 (depends on your budget).

I honestly just need some help from fuji camera users because I don’t have many photography friends.

You're welcome here.

Thanks in advance to anyone who has given the time to respond to my question! It means a lot :D.

Kind regards,

Martin

Welcome!  Are you in the US? Budget and availability may play a part in your decision.

I have the X-E2s and X-E3.  I gave my X-E2 to my grandson.   I'd go with the X-E2s or X-E3 if you can find them.

You can turn the touch screen off on the X-E3 if you don't want to use it, but I find it easy and convenient. The X-E3 is more responsive than the others, though the X-E2 is not far behind.  It also has more film simulations, including the B&W Acros film simulation that is quite nice.  If you are shooting quickly you can take more frames with the X-E3 until it has to pause to write the images to the card.  You can choose settings  that will make it easy to use while you learn how and when to make adjustments. The X-E3 also  has an "Auto" switch that turns control over to the camera.  Personally, I don't like on camera flash and never use the pop up flash on my X-E2s. The X-E3 does come with a small flash.  If you find one used, check to see if the flash is included.  If not, you can buy a little Godox flash for not much money.

Once you find one, come back here and we'll help you check the firmware.  The X-E2 I bought had never been upgraded, it was on firmware version 1.0.  I updated it to the latest firmware and it was a completely different camera, much more responsive.

Any Fuji X-E would be a great camera for a beginner.  You can grow into it and it will still be a great camera when you become more advanced.  I have a BFA in photography and worked as a full time pro for many years back in the film days. The X-E cameras are some of my favorite cameras that I've owned.

Doug MacMillan wrote:

Welcome! Are you in the US? Budget and availability may play a part in your decision.

I have the X-E2s and X-E3. I gave my X-E2 to my grandson. I'd go with the X-E2s or X-E3 if you can find them.

You can turn the touch screen off on the X-E3 if you don't want to use it, but I find it easy and convenient. The X-E3 is more responsive than the others, though the X-E2 is not far behind. It also has more film simulations, including the B&W Acros film simulation that is quite nice. If you are shooting quickly you can take more frames with the X-E3 until it has to pause to write the images to the card. You can choose settings that will make it easy to use while you learn how and when to make adjustments. The X-E3 also has an "Auto" switch that turns control over to the camera. Personally, I don't like on camera flash and never use the pop up flash on my X-E2s. The X-E3 does come with a small flash. If you find one used, check to see if the flash is included. If not, you can buy a little Godox flash for not much money.

Once you find one, come back here and we'll help you check the firmware. The X-E2 I bought had never been upgraded, it was on firmware version 1.0. I updated it to the latest firmware and it was a completely different camera, much more responsive.

Any Fuji X-E would be a great camera for a beginner. You can grow into it and it will still be a great camera when you become more advanced. I have a BFA in photography and worked as a full time pro for many years back in the film days. The X-E cameras are some of my favorite cameras that I've owned.

In agreement with these observations, owning both the X-E2 and X-E3. (Note that on its final firmware the X-E2 is functionally identical with the minor rebranding that is the X-E2s)

The X-E1 was a first generation product in many ways. It still takes good photos still, but each generation after it was a noticeable step forward, in terms of speed and responsiveness.

A used X-E2 might cost you half of a used X-E3, so it's a great budget entry. That being said, I think the X-E3 (and its generational siblings: X-T2, X-T20, X-Pro2) is the sweat spot when it comes to the used market right now.

Whichever model you end up getting, spending time to educate yourself and learn will pay dividends in the mid/long range, more than any gear purchase could.

FTOG wrote:

A used X-E2 might cost you half of a used X-E3, so it's a great budget entry. That being said, I think the X-E3 (and its generational siblings: X-T2, X-T20, X-Pro2) is the sweat [sic] spot when it comes to the used market right now.

I agree, except for maybe the X-Pro2, which seems to be in high demand and expensive on the used market.

I wished I'd pulled the trigger back when they were selling the X-E3 new for $500.00, but since I already have two cameras in that generation I really didn't need another.

Doug MacMillan wrote:

I agree, except for maybe the X-Pro2, which seems to be in high demand and expensive on the used market.

Fair enough. I'll admit, haven't followed X-Pro prices as much.

Doug MacMillan wrote:

I wished I'd pulled the trigger back when they were selling the X-E3 new for $500.00, but since I already have two cameras in that generation I really didn't need another.

It's a short window normally, while the new old stock gets sold off at such ridiculous prices. I missed the window myself, when I bought a second X-E3 (was still waiting for the X-E4 announcement at the time), but still see X-E3s under 400 EURs, lightly used from non-commercial sellers.

I would say get the X-E3 because it is the most capable of the three. Its AF and tracking are fast enough to handle the majority of situations you might want to photograph.

The touchscreen is fine and you can turn it off if you don't want to use it.

It has a point and shoot auto lever for when you want it.

It really has very nice image quality and skips the X-E2's low light skin tone noise reduction issue.

It doesn't have a built in flash, but you can get the EF-X8 for like $20 or $30 on Ebay.

If you get one of the inexpensive XC zooms which are great btw, you would use a control wheel not he body to adjust aperture and I find the X-E3's front wheel much nicer to use than the rear wheels which the X-E1 and X-E2 have. The same is true for the XC35 f2 or XC 27 f2.8 lenses.

Now all that being said, you cant argue with how cheap the X-E1 and X-E2 are, but you have to understand that they are slower cameras.

Another small camera to consider is the X-T20 which is parallel to the X-E3. It has a built in flash and tilting screen, but it does not have a corner viewfinder. The main benefit of a corner viewfinder is that your nose doesnt press against the camera. You can simulate this if you hold your phone up to your right eye both at its top left corner and top center. Its a personal preference, neither is inherently better than the other.

This site is good for comparing the sizes of cameras. You can add lenses if you switch to the top view.

https://j.mp/3uoEsj8

PS. To help with the names.

X-E1

X-E2 and X-T10 are parallel

X-E3 and X-T20 are parallel

DarnGoodPhotos wrote:

I would say get the X-E3 because it is the most capable of the three

Yep

Another small camera to consider is the X-T20 which is parallel to the X-E3.

My recommendation

It has a built in flash and tilting screen, but it does not have a corner viewfinder. The main benefit of a corner viewfinder is that your nose doesnt press against the camera. You can simulate this if you hold your phone up to your right eye both at its top left corner and top center. Its a personal preference, neither is inherently better than the other.

This works only for those shooting with the right eye. I use my left eye. Don't know whether that's uncommon - I am also left handed.

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www.darngoodphotos.com

Regards,

Martin

DarnGoodPhotos wrote:

I would say get the X-E3 because it is the most capable of the three. [...]

It doesn't have a built in flash, but you can get the EF-X8 for like $20 or $30 on Ebay.

If bought NOS or a 'complete' used package, it should include the EF-X8. But yes, if it is missing, it is not an expensive addition.

YMMV, but in the two years I've owned an X-E3, I have always kept the small EF-X8 in my camera bag/backpack. But I've only ever taken it out when my bags needed rearranging. My X-E2's built-in flash has been used no more than 5 times since 2016.

If I were to do more flash photography, I'd look for a more powerful flash with more flash head rotation, like the EF-42/60.

FTOG wrote:My X-E2's built-in flash has been used no more than 5 times since 2016.

Same with the built in flash of my X-T20. Never use it.

Why?

Number one, it inherently has a bad positioning, no option to bounce. Don't like the results.

Number two, it's not powerful.

I would not need it.

If I were to do more flash photography, I'd look for a more powerful flash with more flash head rotation, like the EF-42/60.

Or a Godox. I have the TT 685 F. Very happy with it.

BR,

Martin

Rightsaidfred wrote:

FTOG wrote:My X-E2's built-in flash has been used no more than 5 times since 2016.

Same with the built in flash of my X-T20. Never use it.

Why?

Number one, it inherently has a bad positioning, no option to bounce. Don't like the results.

The X-E1 and X-E2's flash can be angled up for bounce.

Rightsaidfred wrote:

This works only for those shooting with the right eye. I use my left eye. Don't know whether that's uncommon - I am also left handed.

Regards,

Martin

Martin,  I am also "afflicted" with being left handed and left eye dominant.  That has presented a problem. First, I started shooting with Leica M cameras in1968. They are wonderful for the right eyed. Secondly, I worked at a TV station when I was a teenager. Sometimes I shot news film with the Auricon 16mm sound on film camera. The viewfinder is snugged up on the left, there's just no way to look through it with your right eye.  I had to train myself to be able to shoot right eyed.  I still use my right eye when shooting with my X-E cameras.

DarnGoodPhotos wrote:

Rightsaidfred wrote:

FTOG wrote:My X-E2's built-in flash has been used no more than 5 times since 2016.

Same with the built in flash of my X-T20. Never use it.

Why?

Number one, it inherently has a bad positioning, no option to bounce. Don't like the results.

The X-E1 and X-E2's flash can be angled up for bounce.

Ah that's cool, didn't know that. Thank you.

Martin

Doug MacMillan wrote:

Rightsaidfred wrote:

This works only for those shooting with the right eye. I use my left eye. Don't know whether that's uncommon - I am also left handed.

Regards,

Martin

Martin, I am also "afflicted" with being left handed and left eye dominant. That has presented a problem. First, I started shooting with Leica M cameras in1968. They are wonderful for the right eyed. Secondly, I worked at a TV station when I was a teenager. Sometimes I shot news film with the Auricon 16mm sound on film camera. The viewfinder is snugged up on the left, there's just no way to look through it with your right eye. I had to train myself to be able to shoot right eyed. I still use my right eye when shooting with my X-E cameras.

In first grade, the teacher tried to convert me to use my right hand for writing. Yeah well, I probably aren't a young man any more From the second grade, they let me do my thing.

Funny enough, what remained is that I cannot use scissors for left handed people. I can only hold scissors with my right hand. Guess there weren't any special scissors for left handed people at that time.

Don't have any problems in daily life. You can get used to basically everything

Hm, never thought about the prevalence of left eye photographers

Cheers,

Martin

They are all good, and you'll be happy with any, esp. with the 27mm lens or one of the normal zooms.  I'd choose any of them I could find find in good condition.

Ari00 wrote:

Hi! I’v recently fallen in love with the look of Fujifilm (and the colours omg) and I want to try it out for myself and get a fuji for my birthday, but I’m honestly kind of scared.

I want a compact camera that I can take out with my friends and on trips that is easy to use, especially because I’m not that experienced (and this is mainly a hobby thing not a future job thing). I’ve been researching and looking at the Xe1,2 and 3 but I have no idea which one would be best for me. I’ve read up about how the Xe1 doesn’t have the best AF and how the Xe3 doesn’t have a build in flash (and it has touch screen and I’ve seen so many people complain about it and i kinda agree). All these negatives are giving me the wobbles and I can’t seem to get a firm grasp on with one would be the best for me. But I’ve also read a lot of good things about these cameras, which throws me off even more.

The photos I want to take are film inspired (because getting a real film camera and buying film may hurt my bank in the long run, since I am a student) as i love the look that film gives, the warmth and the texture. I’m also thinking of getting the 27mm f2.8. pancake lenses with it because i’ve read a lot of good things about it and it is compact as well.

(BTW the camera and the lens are most likely going to be bought second hand)

I honestly just need some help from fuji camera users because I don’t have many photography friends.

Thanks in advance to anyone who has given the time to respond to my question! It means a lot :D.

Want a cheap film look? XE2 and 35mm 1.2 7 artisans...

The lower res of the 16mp sensor combined with the sonnar design/soft glow/flaring of the 35mm 1.2 looks pretty filmic.