Fujifilm X-E1
Announced September 6, 2012
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Strong
The Fujifilm X-E1 is a compact, retro-styled camera that delivers outstanding image quality and color reproduction through its unique X-Trans sensor. While it offers a premium, enthusiast-friendly experience with an excellent electronic viewfinder, its autofocus performance and battery life lag behind more modern mirrorless alternatives.
Weighted from 29 reviewer scores
Pros
- High-resolution electronic viewfinder
- Intuitive, hands-on control layout with dedicated dials
- Compact, lightweight, and classically designed body
- Sharp kit lens with bright aperture
- Exceptional image quality, low noise, and accurate color reproduction
Cons
- Sluggish autofocus performance and poor subject tracking
- Rear LCD screen suffers from low resolution and lack of articulation
- Basic, limited video recording capabilities
- Ergonomic issues including easily bumped dials and poor grip design
- Limited battery life requiring frequent swaps
- Launch price $999.95 (USD)
- Sensor 16.3MP APS-C CMOS
- Video 1080p 30p
- Stabilization None
What the Reviewers Say
All 29 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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- PetaPixel 8.5/10
If you're sure you can, then go out and buy this camera -- it's worth every penny.
- DPReview 79/100
The Fujifilm X-E1 is a fine camera, and a pleasure to use. Fujifilm's recent improvements to focusing, both manual and automatic, make a real difference to performance, the built-in EVF is excellent, and the enthusiast-friendly ergonomics are addictive.
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Bottom line though, there's not a lot to complain about with the X-E1, especially considering its more budget-friendly price tag.
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It’s a beautifully designed and engineered camera that’s a pleasure to use, well deserving of Cameralabs’ Highly Recommended Award.
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The Fuji X-Trans sensor is capable of excellent image quality at ISO levels all the way to ISO 12800.
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Otherwise, for its intended audience – stills photographers – the X-E1 is a trendy, high-quality and good-value option.
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The Fujifilm X-E1 produces images with extremely low noise, and excellent colour.
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Smaller, lighter and significantly cheaper than the X-Pro1, whilst offering the same outstanding and image quality and impeccable handling, there's certainly an awful lot to like about the new Fujifilm X-E1.
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The Fujifilm X-E1 is a great camera in its own right, offering a premium build quality and handling that’s a joy to use.
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The Fujifilm X-E1 is a solid mirrorless camera with an innovative image sensor, but it doesn't quite have the chops to unseat the Olympus OM-D E-M5 as our Editors' Choice.
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While it may appear to be simply a stripped down, more affordable X-Pro1 to tempt more people into Fujifilm’s CSC family, that would be doing the X-E1 a great disservice.
- Photo Review 8.8/10
If you’re in the market for a mirrorless camera and not committed to other systems, the X-E1 is well worth a look, particularly if you prefer a traditional control layout.
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With the release of firmware version 2.0, the original conclusion is no longer valid.
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It doesn’t expect you to be a professional and it’s not for complete beginners. It will not swear to delete all noise and be ideal. But it tries to do its best and God knows it is awesome. Don’t expect it to be ideal and it will give you much more than you are waiting for.
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Let's not forget that there's no better APS-C sensor in a compact system camera that we've yet seen, and that's why the X-E1 is, in spite of its listed shortcomings, a loveable winner.
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Whilst not quite as outwardly gorgeous as the X-Pro1, the X-E1 comes close, offering a more accessible option all round if you've the cash to stump up.
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So if you're looking for a compact camera that can give you lots of coverage, this really works.
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The Fuji X-E1 follows the X-Pro1 with the same 16 MP CMOS sensor that delivers class-leading image quality thanks to its unique X-Trans sensor which does not use an anti-alias filter.
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I liked the X-Pro1. I like the X-E1 just a tiny bit more, mostly because of the slightly smaller size and diopter on the EVF.
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Absolutely, for stellar images. But not if you want bells and whistles. This isn’t a camera for video, for in-camera effects, wi-fi, or scene modes. It’s for unadulterated photography, with fantastic image quality and control.
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The Fujifilm X-E1 (called the "Sexy One" in Japan) is an extraordinary camera as I've outlined above.
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To answer the question in the beginning of the review, we feel that the X-E1 is a worthier flag bearer than the X-Pro1 for the reason that it’s more capable and less expensive.
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The X-mount series of cameras goes from strength to strength. This sits easily into the lineup.
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Even so – this is still one mighty fine and capable camera, a true modern classic.
- Gotta Be Mobile 4 stars out of 5
With good looks and great performance to back up its aesthetics, the X-E1 is a joy to use.
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I just think that the X-E1 is the perfect companion for the travel/street photographer and will really make you think twice about taking your DSLR with you, because to be honest with the new zoom lenses I think there is no need to bring the DSLR on a trip.
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It's a photographer's camera and it's a joyful camera to use.
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You can see the depth of field directly just before you take the pictures and the camera is not LCD is not going dark.
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So the challenge here is like, do I recommend the X-E1? I do, I really like it, and I'm actually not getting rid of it because as of yet I have not been able to match the color output with the X-T1 that I get on the X-E1.
