Fujifilm X-E1 Review 

Correction: There is no electronic shutter in the X-E1. I was mixing it up with my X-T1, which does have both the mechanical and electronic shutters.

I love the "sentimentality" in these photos as if they're my own memories. Please keep them coming.

The X-T2 has the X-Trans 3 sensor, the X-T1 has the X-Trans 2 (you probably were tired lol). If you didn't know by the way, the X-Trans 2 is EXTREMELY similar to the X-Trans 1, but with a few (major!) improvements that I think makes it all the more worth it (to me). Some people actually like the X-Trans II better because the tones are a little warmer in the RAW files compared to the X-Trans 1. If I remember correctly, the X-Pro 1 doesn't have an electronic shutter, apparently the X-E1 does I was not aware of that at all ! In my opinon, if you're looking at an older Fujifilm body, the X-Trans II is the way to go. There is only 4 cameras that Fuji ever released using the X-Trans 1 : the X-Pro 1 (which is overpriced to oblivion, I'm not paying 600€ for that, especially since it's lacking any kind of a good EVF, and doesn't even have a dioptre correction on the viewfinder, you need correction lenses that are IMPOSSIBLE to find), the X-E1 (which is ALSO over priced, before the Fuji X100V craze, we were able the find it around 150€ in France which was an AWESOME price, but now if there's one under 300€, it's gone in minutes), the X-M1 which is basically an X-Trans version of the very cheap X-A1 (and is also kinda overpriced? More manageable than the X-E1 though, but no viewfinder is a dealbreaker for me) and the X100S, which I don't think I need to explain why it is overpriced to oblivion currently (never saw one below 600€). And all of that money goes into a sensor that does have very good colors, yes, but also is lacking quite a few things that I would cosnider very nice to have at this pricepoint. In particular, precise and quick autofocus (that contrast detect definitely isn't), and if not using autofocus at least a decent focus peaking, which since it's limited to white is pretty useless in broad daylight with harsh sun. Besides the optical viewfinders which are nice, all the EVFs are also 1.44M dots, and very low res which doesn't make the experience much enjoyable imho. On the other hand, the X-Trans II line is a little bit more fleshed out thanks to the X-T line of cameras : We have the X-T1, X-T10, the X-E2 (which is identical to the X-E1 except it has the newer sensor, and a much nicer 2.36M dot EVF), the X100T (which is a huge step above the X100S in body design and ergonomics, besides the sensor upgrade imho, and strangely in the same ballpark price-wise as the X100S. No brainer.), and the super small X70 (which got a lot of crap on release, but is actually super nice). The faster AF, faster processor, very nice to use EVFs across the board, addition of colored focus peaking, electronic shutter up to 1/32000s, those little comforts really are making the camera enjoyable to use beyond the actual output of the camera. The X-Trans II render colors a little warmer than the X-Trans 1, if you want to match the X-Trans 1 with the X-T2 maybe use a slightly cooler white balance or a blue WB shift, some people have been able to match those two there is definitely some trial and error to do there. I personally have an X-T1, and it's clearly one of those cameras I'll never sell (alongside my D700 and D2H). The output is incredible, the ergos and operation of the camera is intuitive and the huge EVF makes things better. I did end up getting a newer Fuji though, in the form of the X-T2 and now the X-H1 which I both still own and use side by side. To me, the X-Trans III really hit the nail on the head between the warm (sometimes too warm) tones of the X-Trans II and the sterile look of the X-Trans IV and V. It's the perfect middle to me. And performance wise, it's a camera I can rely on when I need it. You said the jump from the X-E1 to the X-T1 was a huge jump, let me tell you the X-T1 staight up feels like a grand-ma compared to the X-T2, it's not even close. The sensor is really good for colors, the autofocus is rock solid (actually better than my D700 is set up properly) and it has become my go-to video camera as it is super nice to use, and also very forgiving for color grading and exposure, with autofocus keeping up fairly well too. As far as Fujifilm camera go, X-Trans III cameras (X-T2, X-H1, X-Pro 2, X-E3, X-T20 and X100F) are the furthest I would go. They have the performance, but they also have the nice color rendition in JPEGs, I've enjoyed the Portra 400 recipe quite a lot. I wouldn't step in X-Trans IV territory as not only are those cameras much more expensive (X-T3 still much more expensive than my X-H1 which I find is absurd) but also loose most of the "Fuji look" that I got to love using the X-T1 and X-T2. Anyway, nice to see you're getting your toes dipped in Fuji world, this is definitely a wild ride 😅

This review is the reason why I decided to go on a search for a X-E1. Ever since I got it I have been impressed and extremely happy with getting one for myself and was lucky enough to get it a decent price w/ lens.

I have an X-E2. I got it for a great deal about a year ago. It remains one of my favorite cameras of all time. I just LOVE almost ever image that comes out of it. It lacks a ton of features that newer cameras have...but its the lack of stuff that I personally think makes it a more fun camera to use and challenges me as a photographer.

Love your videos! I love how they are gear focused - but also make the point that if you are great photographer you can make any camera rip. Awesome!

So glad you ended up checking out Piotrs recipes and that you finally are enjoying Fuji! I had the X-Pro 1 for years and finally upgraded to the X-S10 a year ago after my evf died in a downpour. I struggled with the transition to modern Fuji hard but after a year I’ve finally dialed in the JPEGs and have come to love the raws. The issue is how dynamic range, white balance, exposure and film sims change the underlying RAW file. I’ve pretty much given up on shooting raw and jpeg at the same time and truly found my groove when I dialed in my jpeg c modes and left one c mode to shoot uncompressed raw using provia, 0ev, wb of auto or 5500k with no shift, DR 100 and the base iso range. The RAWs with those settings feel flexible and easy to work with.

When you dive, you dive deep - from not getting on with Fuji cameras, to buying 3 of them - I love it! Never change.

I've been a Fuji shooter since 2013. The X-E1 with 18-55mm lens was my first Fuji and I love it! I use it alot still today. I also own two X-T2s, the GFX100, and now two X-T5s. I'm a very happy camper with Fuji. I was a Canon 5D, 5DII, and currently 5DsR (yes, I still own it). The 5DsR comes out once in a while as a back up to the GFX. But, I shoot Fuji most all the time. I keep the Fuji 27mm pancake on the X-E1 and take it on motorcycle trips...light, compact and great images. I find it difficult to find any real issues with Fuji products and I love their customer attention and updates. Cheers!

I bought the X-E1 when it when out and it is still my go to/main camera. Almost at the same time I bought the 35mm 1.4 ... I'm hooked since then. It serves me in many way: streetphoto, portraits, family, nature, etc...

X-E1's X-Trans I Provia has a unique look with lifted shadows, and BW is especially good. I use it with Voigtlander Nokton 35mm f/1.2 and it’s an awesome manual experience. The only thing I'm missing is a faster shutter speed and electronic shutter to shoot wide open during the day. Another great kit I have is the X-M1 and XF35mm f/1.4 - same sensor, feels less solid and without EVF, but more compact and lightweight, and with a rotating screen.

Blown away by the XT1. Great quality build from Japan. Super EVF, focus peaking and ergonomics are great with the ability to see all the settings before turning the camera on. Eyesight not so good now so all the above makes life much easier. Have also had the XE2 and XE3 but this is much more usable. Love the colour rendering and the shutter release is a real class act. For £275 in excellent condition this is a bargain. Thanks so much for your great videos. Love your no nonsense comments and presentation.Every time you post makes my day.............Bravo

Glad you found a Fuji that suits you! Had the XE2 for a while and it definitely sparked a creative side in me more so than any other camera I’ve owned.

I'm with you. I go the opposite direction to "Hype". I really enjoy your videos; keep up the great work!

I'm primarily a film shooter, I don't have much allegiance to a digital brand. However I used to use the XT-1 with a Canon FD 28mm 2.8 lens with just standard profiles and it was really really nice.

Speaking of ttartisans, I have been using their pancake 18mm/f6.3 panfocal lens (which available forFuji for around $60) and I can’t even describe how much fun not having to focus has been . Just raise to eye, adjust exposure and shoot. Totally worth checking out.

Hold my.. I didn't know about the raw conversion thing in camera. That is just awesome! Thank you!

What a channel! Favourite by a country mile.

Totally agree with your comment on the different Fuji camera image rendering. I few years back I got a Fuji X-T20 paired with a 23mm f1.4, moving away from the Sony SLT a-55 thinking that I’d be getting the hyped Fuji ‘colors’ and film simulations. I hated how the image comes out of the camera (jpeg and raw) but had to stay with it as I couldn’t sell without losing too much money. What I found was that I really had to play around with the shadows, highlight, and the dynamic range options (DR-values (DR100-DR400) and the DR-priority), which really brings out the capability of the raw files in camera. Shadows and highlights that previously look very crude now suddenly have details in them in a very pleasing way, unlike the HDR modes. Skip ahead to today, I’ve sold my X-T20 for an X-T4, sold for a GR III, and again sold for an X-T3 over the past 5 years. Turns out Fuji sensors are very different over the generations, like many have reported! But I found that I can quite easily recreate the look I want using these settings (+ the white balance shift) regardless of the sensor generation. My only issue now is that I feel like the Fuji raw files are ‘forcing’ me to edit in a very specific way for a very specific look. Or maybe that’s just me, a rookie hobbyist photographer that have only learned to edit for a single look 😂.

Hi there, I recently started playing with Olympus M4/3 cameras and I'm really enjoying the tiny size and the excellent colours they produce. I have a few fuji's and have decided that with those 16mp is the sweet spot, after selling a load of stuff I bought the xt4 and was a little disappointed with its results. But I really like my xt1, xe2s and x100s and think the older sensors are more pleasing to my eye. My Olympus em5 ii is tiny, weather sealed and has amazing ibis all for £167. Lenses are pretty cheap too. Wifi to upload pics to your phone is a doddle and reliable (unlike the panasonic m4/3) its a no brainer for me, I can march around all day with a camera and lens that weighs less than a bottle of water. I enjoy you vids, keep up the good work.

I love my X E1 and XT1 with adapted vintage lenses. I will try this recipe. Thankyou. I also have the x30 an awesome little camera with zoom.

Love using the Portra 400 recipe on my fujifilm camera. Really great in bright sunlight.

Fully agree with all you said. Owning the newish X T30, but always find me grapping the X-E2e or X-E1. Decided to leave the system to Lumix, but will keep the old veterans for the joy they bring me. Besides the lovely image rendering of the first x trans sensors, it's the simplicity of the cameras which is revealing. I will try out the recipe. Thanks for your sharing your thoughts.

What I did is I got the X-E1 with the 35mm 1.4 (legendary character lens). But also get some of those cheap Chinese lenses, or a voightlander, or some vintage glass with adapters (but more bulky though), and just always manual focus. With the analog lenses its really a joy for street and travel. The zoom-in function and the focus peaking are accurate enough to nail focus quickly, especially if you know how to zone-focus when just walking or doing street style shooting.

I loved how the results from this camera turned out. I have always had a crush on Fujifilm cameras.

I really love my X-T1! I have bought and sold X-T5 twice now as I don’t get the same feeling and the output of the X-T1 has more magic for me. I have my Nikon Zf for my modern features with vintage feel, but still pickup the X-T1 quite often.

Greetings from old England. Great vid. Love my X-E1, very special sensor to me. It sits in my bag with my XT-2 and my beautiful little X10. I use mostly Fuji lenses but recently have acquired some old vintage manual lenses which are a lot of fun too. Love your channel, keep 'em coming.

aww the little heart highlight on that last image in the beginning 🥺🤍

Love the flow of your review! Mahalo for the knowledge.

Love the shots you captured! Really interesting insights and great tips at the end too 👏

Great review! I love X-T1/X-E2 colors, never had a chance to try the X-E1, now I'm intrigued.

It is the sensor on the XT1/10 and XE1 that makes the images stand out. I love my XT2, sadly broke down, but use to have the XE1 which was an awesome camera

Nice to see a fresh take on an old camera. Currently have 3 xtrans1 cameras because I don’t really want to shoot with anything else. The 27XF pancake is an absurdly good lens to combo, think x100 but better because it’s an xe1!

After reading some of the comments by Fuji fanbois I just gotta say, that photography is not about crusty old film simulations - thats graphic design. Altering images to improve them in photoshop is graphic design, and thats what film simulations effectively do, and now we have film simulations as a thing. Plus theres very little difference between Xtrans 1, 2 or 3 or 4 or whatever they're up to now. All thats changed is resolution and saturation. If you think one is much different than another then I think its wrong, because its visible in the comparison videos that there's not a lot in it. Photography is about having lenses that produce a cinematic and epic look already before the image hits the sensor.

Old and slow is fine. Glad you’re willing to give these older boxes a chance. If we had to work like Edward Curtis, many of us would quit 😊.

This was my entry to the Fujifilm X series. Never looked back

Great review. Glad you like the Touit. On an X-T3, I love its monochrome jpegs, and its so tactile in full manual mode.

For some weird reason it seems like everytime I go digging for a new interesting camera, I just about notice new video of yours, from 2 weeks earlier, with exactly the camera I was looking into. Anyways, just wanted to say, love your work, and you look absolutely fabulous in this one! : ))

Glad your enjoying the X-E1, I too have a X-E1 which I love and X Pro-1 & X100F. When I want to go out & shoot I take either the X-E1 or X Pro-1 pending on how light I want to travel, for holidays it's the X100F

I'm so happy that I bought the X-E1 in 2018, way before the Fujifilm craze. I paid 150€ for mine, and it looked brand new. I loved it so much better than my X-T20, which I found to be a bit soulless (I've yet to try that one with some film simulation "recipes" though). Initially I paired it with some vintage lenses but these days I switch between my XF 56mm F1.2 and the Samyang 12mm F2.0. These days, an X-E1 in excellent shape goes for around 500€ here in my neck of the woods but I'll never sell this little gem.

I've had a lot of Fujifilms now and still.inly really love the first and second generation xtrans cameras

Thanks for sharing your super interesting story. I bought the XE1 when it was brand new. (I was leaving Olympus’s orphaned 4/3 SLR system.) Loved the XE1 sooooo much. Then, when the XT1 was introduced, I got that as well. Did all the great firmware updates. It was a better camera, and I loved it too. But never quite as much as my XE1. I gave my daughter the XE1 with the 18-55mm lens. So I shot the XT1 all these years until very recently, when the buttons/dials began to fail. I still have it, but now am shooting the XT4. I use my own recipe, BTW. I love that the images are filmic. I have lots of lenses. My favorite is the TTArtisan 50mm f/1.2, but at f/1.4 and f/1.8 mostly. It’s cheap - just buy it. Soon I will buy their new 100mm f/2.8 soap bubble lens and an M42 to Fuji adapter. That’s gonna be so fun!!!

Glad to see you cover this little gem. Tis but my favourite cam :3

Great video as always! I have an X-M1 and an X-T1, and agree that the colours are different between Xtrans 1 vs 2, with latter sacrificing a bit of the Fuji special sauce rendering for more accuracy. It’s why I prefer shooting family with the X-M1 just because I don’t feel like I need to do more than adjust exposure on the in camera raw converter to get photos to look great. Excited for what you review next! Love the new hair btw 👍

Cool video. I learned a few new things! I use the XE-2S and I love it as well. Makes me slow down and appreciate the experience.

First version sensors are awesome . Shoot my XE1 a lot with 27mm pancake for great results

Welcome to the Fuji world :). I have an X-S10 and I also bought an X-E1 to go with it and I love the camera. Playing with recipes, JPG output. I use RAW minimally because JPG is really great for most situations. And I agree - XC lenses are - especially with the lightweight E1 - great ;).

Amazing Video. Thank you . The old gems are sometimes the best . We often get caught in the hype of the latest thing that hits the market and as wonderful as they are at times , I have preferred the old cameras and lenses on more occasions than I care to admit . It isn’t that the newest and latest is awful , but it doesn’t move me emotionally . I have used the pro Canon and Nikons and they are fabulous I agree . But their size and bulk work against them on occasions. Following a European cruise with our family from abroad when our eldest daughter got married , I found my regular camera causing me neck ache and migraines from wearing it daily . When we returned home I went in search of something more suitable for my needs and was fortunate to one that I bought brand new from Olympus in Germany . I have two portrait primes , a kit zoom which is pretty decent if used wisely and for shots I revert to my 27mm lens on my phone. I keep processing to the minimum through use of SnapSeed on my phone and Affinity Photo on my computer . Photography is about taking images that tell a story and remind us things . Keep shooting and I enjoyed viewing your images very much. Thank you once again .

The 35 f1.4 is magical, if I could only have one Fuji lens it'd be that one. It's slow, a bit noisy, the hood/cap is annoying, but it makes fantastic pictures. I'll add - ditch that grip extension and get a 3rd party one, plus a thumbs up and a soft release button all from Amazon for peanuts. It will transform the handling (and you can get grips that allow access to the battery/card)

An older brilliant camera is still a brilliant camera! I like the XE-1 a lot, and if you get one of the $20 Chinese grips you won't have to remove it to access the battery or card as there are clearance holes. And although it may not be relevant - I LOVE your new hair! 😉

great comparison, thank you! .... and looking forward to try this recipe. I also love the first generations fuji...have the XE1, XT1, X100 original and the X70 and they all compliment each other in different ways and are great fun to shoot :)

Great review, the color output looks really good at 18:00. Love this new look!

My daily shooter the last year is the XE-4 paired with the 27mm f2.8 pancake (~40mm FF equivalent) and while I wasn’t totally sold at first; it’s an incredible combo that strikes a near perfect balance between quality/unique output and size & weight. Tbh I never understood the X100V hype because it’s simply a larger, more expensive, and worse version that locks you into a 35mm equivalent lens vs the XE lineup that allows you access to the entire Fuji lens lineup and the opportunity to adapt lenses from other manufacturers.

I applied the recipe to my X-M1 (similar to X-E1) and it was OK, Then I applied it to my X20 and amazing, I had to dial WB down to 6900 to cope with the Zulu skin tones on the south-east coast of Africa and it is a winner!

btw, the 16-50 OIS II is also a very sharp lens, silent autofocus. I use this lens usually at f5.6 or f6.4 where it is sharpest, sharper even than the 18-55/2.8-4

There is another grip made by Fuji that lets you pull the battery out and change SD cards. That one cost a little more and you need to use a allen wrench.

Thanks for the recipe! Contrast detect is my preference just like the DP2M. I have the Fuji 18/2 on mine. f16 is the SWEET SPOT! Torn between the XE1 EVF and threaded shutter button vs the XM1 tilt screen for street. MFP lacking red. XE2, XT2, and XS10 have better MFP. XT1 too bulky for me. Love the 35/1.4 for double bokeh. My 2nd fav camera behind the DP2M. If only the XE1 had a leaf shutter. You are spot on about the X100 series. The sensor is very 2 dimensional. 😁

The X-E1 was my entry to the Fuji system. I bought it second-hand in 2017 at a price that's half of what you see this camera go for in the used market today. But Fuji lenses have always been in another price league, so while I waited to afford them, I played around with adapters and vintage MF lenses. The combination of adapted vintage lenses and certain film simulations, plus the X-Trans I sensor really gave me film-like results. I then was able to get - guess what - the same lenses you mention, the XC 35mm and the 15-45mm zoom. I must be a slow photographer because I've never had problems with autofocus speeds in the X-E1. :-) Then I had a great opportunity to get an X-Pro 1 at a ridiculously low price, and lately I'm using it a bit more frequently than the X-E1, even if it's bigger and heavier. I know Fujifilm have produced better cameras after these two models, but for my needs and photography style, the X-E1 and X-Pro 1 are more than enough. It was great watching another of your video reviews. I'd been missing you! Cheers! //Rick

I watched your Fujifilm X10 video and agree it’s a wonderful little camera! Have you tried any other Fujis with the old sensor? One you might be interested in playing around with is the Fujifilm Finepix 3D camera! Two lenses and CCD sensors with 10mp each. It’s a funky little unit! With a lenticular screen on the back to view the 3D images in 😁

This video was the final push to go ahead and pickup an XE-1 and couldn't be happier I did. If you've kept the XE-1 & XT-1 combo, would love to hear like a 6 month followup or something down the line.

I have and have had most of the Fuji lenses since switching in 2014...I got the XC15-45 because at 15mm it is ALMOST EXACTLY the same angle of view that my XC14/2.8 has and it is so tiny as an EDC 'fun' lens and you are correct, it punches well above it's weight class (like all of the XC lenses do.) I pair it with the XC50-230 that I always have in my bag and often either a 'fast' prime (usually the XF35/1.4 or the XF18/2) or the Loawa 9/2.8 for REALLY wide. ONE thing about the XC15-45 that I wish I'd learned sooner than I did...even though it's a 'power zoom' instead of a manually zoomed zoom...you can change focal lengths much more quickly and precisely if you use the FOCUS dial rather than the ZOOM dial to zoom in or out. I had had it for almost a year before I discovered that.and was quite frustrated by the slow operation even though I liked the range, compactness and image quality. I had never even touched the focus ring when the camera was on because I always shoot my AF lenses in AF but I bumped it accidentally and it changed the focal length! I read up on this since and found that the Fuji geniuses made the ZOOM ring slow and smooth for folks who shoot video and want to be able to zoom in or out without jerky video but for those of us who don't shoot video we can move the lens much more quickly from focal length to focal length with the focus ring (when you are Auto Focusing it.) :) It feels weird using this lens as much as I do given the much nicer glass in my stable, but if it works, it works. I did like my X-E1, (and my several X-E2 bodies and even the X-E3) but hands down the X-E4 is the best camera I've ever owned. (Even more than my much battered and leopard spot duct tape covered but still beloved X-T1.) ALL of the controls you need on the outside, all of the best optical goodness on the inside and a great flip LCD just like my X-T bodies have always had! The ONLY thing that would improve the X-E4 is the addition of that cool little pop-up fill flash that the X-E1 and X-E2 bodies have. I'd want that in the X-E5 even more than IBIS or WR. This is the first of your videos I've seen...I've subscribed. :)

The battery lasts fine if you use EVF for focus, don't use the rear screen except for checking the image. Lasts plenty for me

Thanks for the recommendation, been searching for the perfect film sim for my X-Pro 1. This Portra 400 might be it!

Love the video! Your series led me to running with a Powershot G11 for a while now. Thanks!

So funny how things work. Konica c35, Fuji x10, and now this xe1. Picked up a c35 on your recommendation, started looking at the x10 and then started leaning towards this xe1 for the past few weeks because the x10 was a little vintage for my style- then you post this video. Lol cheers! I’ll subscribe again in my heart.

Underrated feature is that the viewfinder is on the left side of the camera. I owned both the t series and e series, i have cross eye dominance, strong left eye but right handed. That placement alone is worth in in my personal opinion. I tried forcing only to use my right eye, but i cant 😂

I had them all. Still have many fujifilm cameras. Sad that you did not have the chance to check, for me, the best Fuji camera to date; the X-pro1. Add a half case and you don't need anything else. Best colors ever. Great handling, sensible file sizes. Amazing styling. I love the hybrid viewfinder. Such a treat! Congratulations on the channel, I'm really happy to see it growing. You do a wonderful job! Cheers

I have the XE-1 since 10 years now (bought it new in 2014) and over the time, the camera got more and more problems: The autofocus got slower and slower and sometimes did not work at all, and a few buttons do not work any more. I have the 18 - 55 mm kit-lens and the slowness and defectiveness of the autofocus system annoyed me more and more. So I bought me a 35 mm f1.4 manual lens from tt-artisan and with this lens, the System works much quicker, the shutter gets triggered immediately after I push the button. Nice! The film-simulations are not bad, but not good neither. I have created my own recipes for different light situations and the camera produces rather pleasant pictures now right out of the camera. I use the camera for camping and hiking trips, it does not annoy me if the camera gets wet or dirty.

I got an X E-3 on Mattias Burling's recommendation!, I was lucky enough to find it on special with the kit lens. At first I couldnt get all the great images I'd seen online, I thought Id made a mistake, but kept it anyways. Then about two years later I picked it up again and wow now I loved it!!!. I even picked up a used X M1 later and love Fuji cameras now.

I have the X-E4, and the only film sim I use is Jo Dagostino's Nostalgic Negative. Love it with the Voeglander 27mm.

Stoked for this review

The X-E1 is a decent camera to pick up if you can find one at the right price. A few years ago I got one for £139 but prices seem to have skyrocketed these days and your looking at easily double the price these days, so for me it really isn't worth it. At it's current price I would personally opt for something like the 5d classic/ mark II or the Nikon D700. Nice review.

The shutter sound on the X-e1 is to die for.. compare to the newest cameras

That's a nice look at the X-E1. I have the E1 and the X-S20, along with the E2s, E3 and H1. It took a little time to dial in the S20, but I think it was worth it. I love the ability to save custom settings. I love them all. I mostly use vintage film lenses on the E1. With 50+ years of shooting manual focus, I have some tricks that make focusing fast and accurate. I feel at home with MF. Of the E series, I think the E2s is the sweet spot. It has improved AF, but retains much of the special look of the E1. Have fun in Atlanta! I won't go into the long story, but I taught photography to at risk teenage boys and KEH worked with me to allow us to use some grant money to buy 12 Canon Rebels for their use. KEH was super nice and helpful. I've purchased gear from them personally and they have always exceeded my expectations. I'm just down the road from them. I might have to come to the Beers and Cameras Meetup in October!

The xe1 was the first mirrorless camera I have ever used and owned. It was an impulse buy back when Fuji was rolling out the second generation of their mirrorless cameras and people were dumping the first gen for next to nothing. I liked the aesthetics of the thing and once I held it in my hands there was no going back. You're absolutely right in saying it's a painfully slow camera and yet I did have a few paid gigs where I used it alongside an xm1 both with manual glass. The xt1 arrived in my hands a few years later and it's a much improved camera in all but ergonomics. The build quality of the xt1 leaves a lot to be desired (don't believe the weatherproof hype). That being said, I own and cycle through a lot of cameras, some you have reviewed on your channel and inspired me to buy, some I owned or used a long time ago. My first working gigs featured the original 5d, which I hated for the shutter slap and lack of built in flash and I favoured the 30d and even the 20d (I was really stupid back then), I used the 60d for a lot of time, the 6d is still in my arsenal as is the original 1d and the 1dx. I cycle through a lot of Sony cameras, including the r1, f828 and f707, the a100 with its ccd sensor. Pentax ccd DSLRs are a breed apart and the k200 is a joy to use. The Fuji s5200 and it's bigger brother the s9500 get to play out in the sun once in a while, too. The Sigma sd9 and sd10 come out to play sometimes. Lots and lots of Olympus cameras of all types have a place in my camera bag, from the tiny stylus mini, to several weatherproofed stylus cameras, the 8080, the c760 in several variants (3 and 4 mpx, powered by either AA or li-ion bats), the e400, e410, e420, e500 with their excellent respective lenses, the em5, em1, a self modified full spectrum epl3, the ep3 and many more, not to mention the film cameras which are a different story entirely. And the only reason for my long rant is that there is a camera in my collection that I constantly reach for over all others. A camera that always hangs around my neck when I leave the house grocery shopping or on vacation or when traveling for work. It is the only camera that I genuinely worry about what I'll do when it breaks because I wasn't able to find another one since I got mine and I only got mine by accident (it was like 35$ in horrible condition). The point I'm trying to make is you really need to get your hands on the Olympus stylus 1. I know you reviewed the zx1, but the zoom range on the stylus 1 is addictive and it's hands down the most fun camera I have ever used.

Great video. You may be right in saying that Fujis are generally over-hyped and over-priced but, my personal opinion is that, in terms of value, the early Fuji X-mount cameras are really hard to beat! I didn't love the X-Pro1 as I didn't get along with the optical viewfinder, so the X-E1 was an obvious choice for me. I can't see me parting with the X-E1 as there's so much to experiment with! I've added an X-E2 and an X-T2 over the years to get more up to date functionality e.g. fast AF, as I've needed it. As well as Fuji, I have some really cheap lenses and the Fuji flatters them all in some way.

The X-E1 was the third Fuji camera I bought after the X100 and X-T1. It was my go to travel rig with the 27mm pancake and an Olympus PEN-F 40mm f1.4 I still own them all. I updated to an X-E2 for the better EVF as my travel rig. Then I bought an IR converted X-E2. And wow, these current used prices are something else. As always, thanks for the thoughtful review.

I have the Fuji X-E1 and I'm not a huge fan of it because it does not have half press lock with the shutter button but there are a few work arounds you can setup the AEL button and if you are using a auto focus lens focus and switch to manual focus. As for the raw files I do like. They edit well and black and white images are really nice. The Fuji X-T1 also does not have half press shutter lock. Fuji did add half press shutter lock with X-Trans 3 cameras.

After shooting with more modern Fujifilm cameras for a couple of years, I, like you, picked up the X-E1 initially due to all the hype about the first trans sensor. Like you also, I found the output EyE liked, but was put off by the lagging shutter and poor autofocus performance. Wound up moving up to thr X-E2, which has all of the improvements you found in the X-T1 (which I also now own) except the weather proofing and EVF size. Unlike you, tho, I’m just as happy with the Trans2 as I was with the Trans1, so I sold the X-E1. For me, the X-E2 is the sweet spot in the line and my all around favorite Fujifilm 👌

Aaaaaaaaaahhhh!!!!! Sew good!! I bought my XT1 in 2016 and I refuse to part ways with him. Although I've gotten into larger sensors, I will always maintain my Fuji kit, especially love the long lenses: 80mm, 90mm, 50-140mm. Do need the new 56mm. Great vid!! You look and sound fantastic

My current favourite EDC. I started into Fuji street with an X-E4 and then started reading about the early X-Trans sensor which lead to get an X-E1 for AU$250 on eBay a couple of years ago. I like the buttons (bigger) and layout (those down the left of the screen) a lot lot lot more on this first X-E camera. It’s of course slow and missing a lot of the advancements of the later Fuji models but it’s simplicity is endearing and I have no fear of throwing it in my backpack for the daily cycle commute to the city to be there when I get 30 minutes or so to go wandering at lunch or stop off on the way home in summer. I’d like to retro lens from my collection on it more but the focus help is poor

Great video, I have just purchased a white X-E1 which are rare, I haven't used one before but i have 3 of its cheaper relative the X-M1.I also have 2 x X-t1 a X-t2 and a X-t4. I have lost count of the lenses i have. I have purchased these camera as they offer a unique film like look but also the earlier cameras are going up in value and are a good investment piece I love using them when I get the time.

I dove into the Fuji realm before the price increases several years back and it all started with the X-T1 with the XF 18-55mm kit lens. What a fantastic combo! I had wanted the Lumix G85 for a while and was looking at one last review where the reviewer was comparing it to the X-T20 and flat out stated that if you were wanting great pictures, go for the Fuji; if you wanted great video go for the Lumix. That lead me to the rabbit hole of which Fuji could I afford for around the same price as the Lumix. I'm glad I went with the Fuji. I have since purchased an X-70, which would be my "if I could only keep one camera" camera and I also have an X-A2 which has a 16MP Bayer sensor. I also bought the XC 50-230mm lens for shooting my kids sporting events and it does pretty well for its capabilities and price point. It's nice and light, too! One of the main things that I like about the Fuji's are the straight out of camera jpgs. Majority of the time they are good enough for me as I do not like spending time doing significant edits. I was glad to see you not give up on what Fuji has to offer and hope you enjoy the X-E1 and X-T1! Now I did eventually get the Lumix G85 at a fantastic price and also a G7 for next to nothing, so I am not strictly a Fujifilm user. I can blame the Panasonic LX3 for getting me into Panasonic years ago!.

Stumbled on your video,interesting outcome and views . I was given XE1 to get me into digital and love it.also have XT200. Love that with larger screen . Look forward to more of your videos. Kaipara, New Zealand.

I used to own one and I pair it up with the ttartisan 25mm f2 pancake kind of lens since it gives a bit of vintage look on the images.

I've been buying and selling cameras a bunch lately (Olympus, Sigma, Fujifilm mainly)... but I can't seem to get rid of my X-E1 or X-T2. I often pair these with Canon FD or Konica AR lenses. I even have an X-Pro 3, which I've been saving up for a long time to get and I'm actually not sure if it's a keeper. Anyway, thanks for your fun and inspiring content. I'm glad you gave Fujifilm another try :)

I still have mine, use it with the 18 f2. Skin looks nicer than on my xt3.

You'd probably like the EOS M6 or EOS M200 with the 22f2 pancake.

My first dip into fuji back in late 2012 was with the X-E1 and I got hooked. Six bodies later and nine lenses, I always went back to either the X-E1, or for more precise work the X-Pro 2 although for crisp b&w I feel the X-E2S was the best. Either way the X-E1 with the XF35mm f1.4 is magical with the right recipe. Raw is not a problem to work with either and quite manageable.

Funny that I just got the X-S20 as my main camera, for hybrid use, and got the Portra 400 recipe from Reggie Ballesteros and, WOW, it is really wonderful. Maybe in the future will get a X-Pro 2 or a X-E3, like the output that i saw from them. And yeah, I know the felling of not "getting" the Fuji way when the output don't hit you - I had a X100s some years ago, and hated it; when everything aligns, the output was wonderful (one of my favorite photos was from that camera), but around 80% was pure frustration. And...I got a very battered S5Pro (with 165000 photos taken, rubber falling, etc) for around $60 some time ago, but owrking perfectly until now, that thing is a tank. And the colors are amazing.

Had the X-E1 for two years. After just 2 months I realized the sensor is capable, so I bought the X-T2 as a second camera. But I used the X-E1 a lot more, carrying it every day in my backpack. - It's just so lightweight with the 16-50 (or 15-45)! Unluckily, due to some mechanical abuse, the AF switch broke, then the EVF was no longer in function, so I made the switch to X-E2 as a second camera. The refreshing thing is the 16 Megapixels, which are not so bulky as the files coming off my 24/26/40 Mpix monsters. Sold the X-E2 finally, but now I regret it :( :(

I downloaded from the newest Fujifilm cameras to the X-Pro 2. It is by far my favourite camera I have owned.

Best Fujifilm review I watched, thank you

Best sensor in the Fujifilm line. The jpeg processing is great . It's a shame the X-T1 didn't have the same Sensor as the X-E1 because the X-T1 is such a great design.

This is an awesome video presentation. I really love Fuji cameras. I have an XE2 and an XE3. They are quite addictive. I hope to purchase an X pro to in the near future. I. 😊

In my recent big move across the country, I packed all my cameras except for one. I kept the X-T1 and my recently acquired Olympus 40mm f/1.4 Pen F lens (the half-frame 35mm camera). It's a great little combo - those Olympus lenses are sharp and have a nice look and feel to match the X-T1. I'm looking forward to unpacking all my other gear this week, but it's been nice to return to the simplicity of a single camera and lens.

I’ve been using the xe1 with the 18mm f2, so light and nice to carry around. I just do the old fashioned single point focus and recompose like I did with film. I’m probably faster that way since I’m used to aiming at high contrast points instead of letting a computer do it’s thing. I’ll try this recipe. I normally just switched a few saved simulations I liked based on subject and light.

Welcome back to the darkside 😉. I ❤️ my xtrans I and II cameras (currently shooting the xpro1, xt1, xe2s and x100t). The older sensors are gold. We are now on holiday and shooting this whole trip with the xt1 and 18-55 lens. That says enough 😉.

Stayed at XT-2 🤓📷👍 A powerhouse of a camera coming from XT-1. A big upgrade and enough for me until it breaks down.

The X trans 1 sensor looks so interesting on some shots ! Very film and movie like. Got myself a XM1 with the same one, hope I will love it compared to my XT30ii with the voigtlander 27mm f2 which is meant to come quite close to leica quality. I need to try the tt artisan lenses, meant to be so good. Would love to hear your take on high iso and night photography as well as cropping into the 16MP, that’s my only concern with the older cameras but the size and sensor could be a big plus. Need to remember to just leave my camera home sometimes, it does help the soul 🥲 It’s hard but needed.