The Fujifilm X-E1

Fujifilm unveils the X-Pro1's little brother, the X-E1

by Peter Yeo

Updated 11:36 AM Sep 07, 2012

 

SINGAPORE - Fujifilm yesterday launched its second X series interchangeable-lens camera, the Fujifilm X-E1 this year.

The Fujifilm X-E1 with 18-55 kit lens. Photo FUJIFILM

Announced ahead of the biennial imaging fair Photokina, to be held between Sept 18 and 23 in Cologne, Germany, the X-E1 borrows from the company's successful X-Pro1, which was launched earlier this year.

Fujifilm X-E1 with built-in flash. Photo FUJIFILM

The X-E1 boasts the same 16-megapixel APS-C X-Trans CMOS Sensor, EXR Processor Pro and hotshoe, with the same X mount for the Fujinon XF lens range.

Fujifilm also announced they will expand the lens line-up from three to five by third quarter this year, and up to 10 by early 2013.

The large APS-C CMOS sensor is as large as a DSLR's, said Fujifilm executives. And it is able to detect true colour at high resolution - minimising moire - and sensitivity, which reduces noise.

The difference between the X-E1 and the X-Pro1 is in the slightly smaller casing as well as its new OLED electronic viewfinder (EVF).

The camera, targeted at prosumers, offers a high definition and high luminence 2.36-million-dot OLED EVF.

The previous X-Pro1 offered a hybrid electronic and optical viewfinder. Fujifilm executives said the advantage of the EVF is that you shoot what you see. Coupled with the advantages of OLED, Fujifilm was able to realise a high quality EVF.

The X-E1 has a new time lapse mode and film simulation mode to replicate the "raw" quality of photo film. The mulitple exposure mode lets you shoot one frame then displays it on the EVF or LCD monitor, while you compose your second shot to overlay on the first.

The X-E1 is also HD movie-ready so you can shoot video without swapping cameras. And an external microphone input for video means audio for your movies can now be enhanced.

The X-E1 certainly packs a lot of features of the acclaimed X-Pro1 in a smaller body, but it is the ability to adjust aperture settings from shooting position that made me sit up and take notice. That the camera is of a decent weight - it did not feel too heavy but not flimsy either - and its retro finish only added to its allure.

The Fujifilm X-E1 is slated for release by end Sept or early October. And will retail below S$2,000 with the 18-55 kit lens.

 Source: www.todayonline.com