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 😅
Oh man I jumbled that :P I pinned it here but I mixed up both the sensor and the electronic shutter, which is on the X-T1 but not the X-E1. Thank you for the great write up! Lots of great insights here!
Well put! I have an X-T2 which was my foray into Fuji 5 years ago and an X100V (msrp in 2021 before the hype 😅) and I agree. I seem to gravitate towards the Xtrans III files over the IV files but I can’t put my finger on why. Any ideas?
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.
Couldn't agree more. Takes me back to my first camera 40 Years ago. To much teck confuses the pure fun of taking photos..the Ttartisan manual lenses are great with it... The Xe2 Excellent... camera!
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! 😉
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.
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.
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.
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 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 😁
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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'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!
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.
2:27 something is wrong then that might be placebo or something... how can you not like the X100v?? But even stranger, then like a camera that should shoot the exact same photos as they have the same sensor. You're doing some mind games on yourself or something.
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!
I was hoping to get an X-Pro1 one day,,,, but they're still expensive in Australia. Oh well, the XE1 is still great and perfect for walking around city/keep it in my car.
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 😂.
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
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.
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.
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.
Watched this review again. I do that a lot. As I suggested, l like Fuji, a lot. I damaged my XT30 and sent it in to repair. So sad. Yesterday I bought a XE2 for $360. Not a great price but it is only $360. This body has the same Xtrans 2 sensor and processor the XT1 has so the images should be the same. The EX line is like a mini XPRO without the optical viewfinder that I don’t use and has interchangeable lens capabilities. Like the XE1, the two is small and lightweight. These features make the EX bodies ideal for street and EDC use. The difference between the XE1 and XT2 is the sensor. I didn’t realize the Xtrans 2 has PDAF. Fuji aficionados praise the Xtrans 1 & 2 sensors as being the most film like. Whatever that means. Sounds like you picked up on the sensor difference and that is why you didn’t warm up to the X100V and XS20. YMMV. There is a lot to like with Fuji bodies. The film sims are great. The tactile ability to change settings quickly works for me. I just bought a LUMIX S5ii and fight with the body to focus. It isn’t fun to use and am going to sell it. I wanted to love it so much. I’ve never had that experience with Fuji. As you know there is no perfect camera. We pick the cameras we like and can live with. They may not be the best but who cares? Please put the LUMIX GX85/9 on your list of cameras to live with for a month. Or more. I just found some extra money and have bought a backup GX85 & 9 because lumix isn’t going to continue this line of bodies. I’m going to put them away so I have a replacement when these bodies need repair. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)
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 👍
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
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)
People said Olympus has the best JPG. The Olympus EM1 is like $200ish, and maybe better than the X-E1 in many ways. Would be interesting to see a comparison review.
@@jebeq2007 I heard the EM10 build better than the Nikon zfc. The second gen EM5 and EM1 are the cheapest fully metal and weather sealed and log enabled cameras I have found. I guess I just need to use them forever.
im late to this video dropping but i think you like the xtrans 1 sensor that the xe1 has, its the same story with the xpro1. the colors are just different and a lot of people just deal with the slow so that they can keep those colors going!
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.
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. 😁
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 👌
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.
I totally disagree with you on the XE1. I had bought the XA1 and 2 kit zooms to just try it out and feel the waters and shoot it along side my Pentax K-5 and K-3 - and what a piece of garbage the XA1 truly is. The most abysmal image quality. Okay maybe I'm being unfair and comparing a Fuji bottom of the line with consumer lenses versus a K-3 with DA* lenses. So I found an XE1 going cheaply back when the XE1 was an orphan, and no one wanted it because of all the complaints about how the EVF was slow refresh rates and panning made people nauseous. I was keen to try the EVF and see if it was true that it can make you throw up, and it didn't and I never came close to being nauseous. I also earlier acquired a brand new Fuji 56mm f/1.2 and paired it up with the XE1 and went out with it and my weakest Pentax kit which was a Pentax K-R and 18-135mm, and the Pentax images were glorious and the XE1 and 56mm were sharp and boring and no character and sterile looking - much like your first try with the X100s as you said early on in the video. The XE1's ergonomics are atrocious, with a line of buttons down the left side which is totally Nikon patents - Nikon and Fuji are partners under parent company Mitsubishi heavy industries - and seeing the rear of the XE1 @ 16 minutes in the video made me feel nauseous. Funny how the EVF never made me feel nauseous but seeing that horrible little cameras rear again made me feel sick to my stomach. It is just such a completely retarded layout. You hit the preview to chimp your shot and hit + to magnify and it takes you into 200%, and then you have to hit - to unzoom in a 5 or 10 presses to re-see what you want to see - what a sh*t! What a sh*t way to chimp and check your images. There's basically no grip on the camera and its got a "nubbin". At least you got a plate and a grip and now its bigger than a Pentax KS1, so whats the point to mirrorless again!? The reason I bought my XE1 was a RUclipsr "Photouniverse/Ed Martins" said that the 1st generation of the X-trans was better and looked more organic than XTrans 2 in the XT1 and Xtrans 3 in the XT3 or whatever it is. After I got out of Fuji I've seen comparison videos of the various Xtrans iterations and they all look the same organic/inorganic whatever, they're all the same image quality - neither looked organic nor inorganic. But when I can buy a used K-R for $50 at a pawn shop and $120 for a Pentax 18-135mm and get way better images than an XE1 and 56mm 1.2 that look more organic and have punchier colors, then I felt I was fooled by the Fujifilm hype......... I was fooled by the Fujifilm hype. Xtrans is actually inferior as can be found in Peta Pixel articles in that they can introduce false colors in certain situations. You don't get anything like that with a Bayer sensor. Same reason why Fuji medium format uses Bayer, because medium format shooters shoot in studios, and they don't want fabrics causing false colors - because Xtrans is sh*t. Fujifilm lenses are too boring and clinical. They're very sharp yes thats true, but there's no character or 3D pop. I can see how you're trying the Zeiss lenses with the character and 3D pop, and thats the solution to a bad Fuji lens lineup. Plus that Voightlander 35mm 1.4, but its a Full Frame lens on a crop body, you're wasting that M-mount lens full image circle. Finding film simulations is the only interesting thing about this video........ So what have I learned? I can't stand the XE1 even more. Sometimes I look on Marketplace dreaming of that Fuji-Hype, but I've been there before and my Pentax lenses have way more 3D pop and character than Fuji - what am I looking at Fuji for. I sold the last of my Fuji gear last year and waited for a Pentax K-1 and bought it off a guy who was .......wait for it.......switching to Fujifilm. After handling my K-1 for a few weeks trying my K-1, I definitely got the better deal. That vintage lens look on Pentax full frame is it, and thats where its at for me. I would like to take my 1 kilogram Pentax K-1 and smash an XE1 into pieces, because its not a camera, its a toy. To make that toy better you have to put on a real lens like a Zeiss or Voightlander, and find a recipe to fix the Fuji image quality. I have acquired a Zeiss 50mm 1.4 lens and compared it to my weakest Pentax 50mm 1.4 and it does not knock my socks off, nor blow up my skirt or tickle my pickle. The XE1 is a fixer-upper, much like the rest of the inane camera brand called Fujifilm. Don't do it lady, don't hype up the Fujifilm brand because it can lead to SERIOUS disappointments when that person takes both a Fujifilm and Pentax camera together on photography trips. Plus Fujifilm is all locked into APSC, and there's no Full Frame upgrade path to vintage lenses with their full image circle look. You just might as well shoot Micro-For-Loser-Fourths system and enjoy lots and lots and lots and lots and lots of depth of field! Corner to corner. Don't you see where its all going? Mirrorless APSC is edge to edge and corner to corner sharp. Full frame mirrorless is all edge to edge sharp and corner to corner sharp, and even mirrorless medium format is edge to edge sharp and corner to corner sharp - they all look exactly the same. There's no longer an APSC look, or a Full Frame look or even a Medium Format look - because the lenses are mostly clinically sharp edge to edge and corner to corner with the exact same bokeh, and everything has become the same. Everything looks the same, so now you need to find some crack rock, or some meth, or some weed in the form of a "Film Simulation" to fix what they've done - you gotta get that "film simulation fix". Whats that Grind Iron term when they don't catch the ball: "The Pass is Incomplete". That sums up Fujifilm XE1 as its an incomplete camera....... a pretender if you will.
The X-E1 fat is a strange thing. Why not the X-E2? The latter has everything the former has, plus a few extras. But it has the same image quality with better auto focus, electric shutter and other "bits and pieces".
This might sound counterintuitive due to it being quite a recent release, but I really like the Nikon Z30 with the 24f1.7 for nice colours in a pocketable format. ✌️
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.
Hey, I can tell you why you don't like the modern Fujis: it's the weak CFA! The many megapixels force the manufacturers to do this. It's a shame. That's why I only shoot with my D700 because the CFA is so great and the sensor gives me so good micro-contras. Best regards
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.
the xe1 camera viewfinder sucks , but the pop up flash and the colors of the x trans 1 are freeking amazing , I love the x pro 1 bigger than xe-1 and same sensor with optical viewfinder , but the xt-1 is probaly my fav fujifilm camera , the colors are diffrent but nice in their own way , and the screen and viewfinder is amazing , i carry the x pro 1 and xt-1 everyday , great video
It seems as if the fujifilm old camera’s photos are better than the new high tech cameras I have the xt4 and compared to the x-m1 is like night and day . The fujifilm xt-6 should have high auto focus with Fuji xtrans 1 sensor… I will be waiting on that one
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.
I really liked your video and I share your opinion. I too went from an X-E1 to an X-T1 and have not been able to find an equivalent of the Pro Neg High that gives me the same likeable output as the X-E1. So I still keep using the X-T1 for the convenience of the more snappier response, but I still miss the output of the older camera. If you happen to find a good recipe that comes closer to the older X-E1 please let us know :)
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.
Good video! Don't like it? disappointing. I have also been using this model for a long time. The EVF feels a little old, but the images are attractive enough. Sweet photo and a little blue color😍I totally understand how you felt! I went through the same process as you...
XPro1, for some reason people still don't get that it's a great camera and the prices are low. It's slow, AF is slow, camera is slow to use BUT the images are fantastic and it inspires me to shoot still.
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
I’ve got one of these. It makes beautiful photos but I find it tedious to use. The refresh rate on the EVF is distracting to me. But still, yeah, gorgeous photos.
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 ;).
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.
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.
Early Fujifilm have something. Recent ones? Not so much. X-Pro 2 was the start of disappointment image wise for me. Last one I had was the X100V. Sterile is the right word. Still love the images from the X-Pro 1.
For anyone using the linked Portra recipe, are you keeping the white balance between 6300-6700 as suggested? Looks pretty yellow to me. Much more yellow than actual Portra.
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.
Does XT1 has already another sensor then? I thought their whole first generation X-Pro1, XT-1 and XE-1 shared the same sensor, I guess I was wrong ) Used to have XE-2 with 18mm and XT-2 with 18-55 both good but loved XE-2 more somehow! And always used hand grip as well since I got big hands and grip is just perfect for me.
Ive shot alot of fuji RECENTLY and i totally get what you mean by the modern cameras having this really weird hard to explain extremely clinical aspect that I just dont love. It wasnt a matter of lens choice, shooting style, lighting conditions, I just did not like the output (im also in the same boat that I am extremely averse to post processing). Ive so far tried the xe4, xs20, xt4, xt5 and finally the gfx 50r. The XT5 came honestly very close to what i expected as far as jpeg output; and there was so much to love about that camera but there was alot about it that i didnt like too. Theres something about having such a capable camera in your hand that just sucks all the joy of photography out of me. It was just small enough that it was relatively easy to take it anywhere but just cumbersome enough (i owned 2 zoom lenses at the time and another that went up to 300mm) that i just didnt want to take it anywhere at all. It was kind of a sad moment when i packed it up ready to ship back because the jpegs with the film sim I was using was so good; sharp but not clinically sharp, some artificial grain, beautiful non stop pastels. But the shooting experience for me was just not fun. I actually ended up settling on the GFX 50r (WHICH I AM FULLY AWARE IS A NOT GOOD IDEA) because I just enjoy using it more. The (huge) rangefinder style body, the slow and BEEFY shutter slap, the manual controls, weather sealed body, etc etc. But this camera has such large and well defined weaknesses that it allows me to solve problems that i wouldnt normally have; and thats what makes photography fun for me. When I see something I want to photograph, I want to play the little minigame of "how can I capture this moment". And I do miss shots because of this, of course I do. But when i win the minigame it feels way more rewarding to come away from that moment with an image. This camera has a shutter slower than sin, a sensor with such a slow readout that I dont even use the electronic shutter. The autofocus is slow, face/subject tracking is basically unusable, video maxes out at 1080p, no sensor stabilization, GF lenses and even adapters are liable to burn a great big hole in your pocket, etc. But I cant put this camera down. Ive adapted some vintage full frame glass (which actually works better than you'd think) to this camera and I've just gotten to a point where this camera is producing jpegs i cant get from any other camera, and thats ultimately what i have been looking for. The way this sensor rendors color and shallow DOF when you get your film sim dialed in is a hard combo to beat.
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.
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.
My experience with Fuji is similiar. I had the xe1 and loved the output. I was not crazy about the af. I bought an xe2 and felt that I had a camera with similar output to the xe1 but better featured. I bought an xt1 and felt like I was in photo heaven. I now have 2 xt1s (xt1 in chrome is gorgeous). I have tried all the 24 and 26 megapixel sensors. In my subjective opinion, none of the newer sensors can compare with type 1 and 2. Anyone want to buy an xt20?
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.
right, I remember so. But the E2 has got the electronic shutter, and also Wifi. Aside from that, there's no big difference; button layout maybe.
@@rainerbuesching1 The E-X1 has the Pro 1 sensor. The better one. The X-E2 has the X-T2 sensor!!
@@kosmidtsnot that I know of. x-e2/x-e2s used the same sensor as x-pro 1 or x-t1 (x-trans 2)
That is wat the X-E1 made so special...they used the X-Pro 1 sensor for this body. That is the X-trans sensor 1@@calderagautama7492
ISO goes to 6400, not 1600
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 😅
Oh man I jumbled that :P I pinned it here but I mixed up both the sensor and the electronic shutter, which is on the X-T1 but not the X-E1. Thank you for the great write up! Lots of great insights here!
thumbs up who read from start to finish :)
X100S has an xtrans ii sensor
@@eli9252 welp, seems you're right. I don't know why in my mind the X100S had the first X-Trans
Well put!
I have an X-T2 which was my foray into Fuji 5 years ago and an X100V (msrp in 2021 before the hype 😅) and I agree. I seem to gravitate towards the Xtrans III files over the IV files but I can’t put my finger on why. Any ideas?
You owe it to yourself to redo your X100V test with a proper Portra recipe… you missed that. It’s essentially an M6 with unlimited Portra 400. 😊
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.
Couldn't agree more. Takes me back to my first camera 40 Years ago. To much teck confuses the pure fun of taking photos..the Ttartisan manual lenses are great with it... The Xe2 Excellent... camera!
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! 😉
Thank you!! And yeah, the XE1 really is a delight.
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!
I feel SEEN! TYSM ✨
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.
Oh this is awesome! I do want to take another run at modern Fuji in the future.
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.
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.
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.
It’s such a lovely camera ✨
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 😁
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.
Same!!
6.3 is satanic
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.
That is lovely! Also very brand agnostic and it's nice to be able to enjoy whatever is in and at hand.
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...
It’s so great! I seem to pick it up more than any other at the moment.
Do you prefer the SOOC jpegs of the 5D or the XE-1?
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.
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.
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.
Same story but with the 50mm F2. It's a great package. Maybe even one of the best for its size class.
I definitely would like to take another run at the modern Fujis someday
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!
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.
2:27 something is wrong then that might be placebo or something... how can you not like the X100v?? But even stranger, then like a camera that should shoot the exact same photos as they have the same sensor. You're doing some mind games on yourself or something.
If you don't have the fujifilm xf 35mm f1.4 lens with the funky lens hood, get out of here. It's the only lens you need for the XE-1.
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!
I was hoping to get an X-Pro1 one day,,,, but they're still expensive in Australia. Oh well, the XE1 is still great and perfect for walking around city/keep it in my car.
You'd probably like the EOS M6 or EOS M200 with the 22f2 pancake.
I have been really intrigued by the M line up. Feels like it would be up my alley
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.
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 😂.
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
It really is
I love the "sentimentality" in these photos as if they're my own memories. Please keep them coming.
I so appreciate that!!
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.
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.
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.
Watched this review again. I do that a lot. As I suggested, l like Fuji, a lot.
I damaged my XT30 and sent it in to repair. So sad. Yesterday I bought a XE2 for $360. Not a great price but it is only $360.
This body has the same Xtrans 2 sensor and processor the XT1 has so the images should be the same. The EX line is like a mini XPRO without the optical viewfinder that I don’t use and has interchangeable lens capabilities. Like the XE1, the two is small and lightweight. These features make the EX bodies ideal for street and EDC use.
The difference between the XE1 and XT2 is the sensor. I didn’t realize the Xtrans 2 has PDAF. Fuji aficionados praise the Xtrans 1 & 2 sensors as being the most film like. Whatever that means. Sounds like you picked up on the sensor difference and that is why you didn’t warm up to the X100V and XS20. YMMV.
There is a lot to like with Fuji bodies. The film sims are great. The tactile ability to change settings quickly works for me. I just bought a LUMIX S5ii and fight with the body to focus. It isn’t fun to use and am going to sell it. I wanted to love it so much. I’ve never had that experience with Fuji. As you know there is no perfect camera. We pick the cameras we like and can live with. They may not be the best but who cares?
Please put the LUMIX GX85/9 on your list of cameras to live with for a month. Or more.
I just found some extra money and have bought a backup GX85 & 9 because lumix isn’t going to continue this line of bodies. I’m going to put them away so I have a replacement when these bodies need repair.
Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)
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 👍
Thank you!!
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
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)
People said Olympus has the best JPG. The Olympus EM1 is like $200ish, and maybe better than the X-E1 in many ways. Would be interesting to see a comparison review.
I have the E-M10 and think the JPG's out of it are better than any of my Fuji cameras and I have quite several Fuji's.
@@jebeq2007 I heard the EM10 build better than the Nikon zfc. The second gen EM5 and EM1 are the cheapest fully metal and weather sealed and log enabled cameras I have found. I guess I just need to use them forever.
I always loved my Olympus M43 cameras and thought the jpegs were excellent.
Olympus has a perfect tri x simulation. Perfect.
@@jebeq2007you sound rich.
im late to this video dropping but i think you like the xtrans 1 sensor that the xe1 has, its the same story with the xpro1. the colors are just different and a lot of people just deal with the slow so that they can keep those colors going!
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.
First version sensors are awesome . Shoot my XE1 a lot with 27mm pancake for great results
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. 😁
Love using the Portra 400 recipe on my fujifilm camera. Really great in bright sunlight.
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 👌
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.
I totally disagree with you on the XE1. I had bought the XA1 and 2 kit zooms to just try it out and feel the waters and shoot it along side my Pentax K-5 and K-3 - and what a piece of garbage the XA1 truly is. The most abysmal image quality. Okay maybe I'm being unfair and comparing a Fuji bottom of the line with consumer lenses versus a K-3 with DA* lenses. So I found an XE1 going cheaply back when the XE1 was an orphan, and no one wanted it because of all the complaints about how the EVF was slow refresh rates and panning made people nauseous. I was keen to try the EVF and see if it was true that it can make you throw up, and it didn't and I never came close to being nauseous. I also earlier acquired a brand new Fuji 56mm f/1.2 and paired it up with the XE1 and went out with it and my weakest Pentax kit which was a Pentax K-R and 18-135mm, and the Pentax images were glorious and the XE1 and 56mm were sharp and boring and no character and sterile looking - much like your first try with the X100s as you said early on in the video.
The XE1's ergonomics are atrocious, with a line of buttons down the left side which is totally Nikon patents - Nikon and Fuji are partners under parent company Mitsubishi heavy industries - and seeing the rear of the XE1 @ 16 minutes in the video made me feel nauseous. Funny how the EVF never made me feel nauseous but seeing that horrible little cameras rear again made me feel sick to my stomach. It is just such a completely retarded layout. You hit the preview to chimp your shot and hit + to magnify and it takes you into 200%, and then you have to hit - to unzoom in a 5 or 10 presses to re-see what you want to see - what a sh*t! What a sh*t way to chimp and check your images.
There's basically no grip on the camera and its got a "nubbin". At least you got a plate and a grip and now its bigger than a Pentax KS1, so whats the point to mirrorless again!?
The reason I bought my XE1 was a RUclipsr "Photouniverse/Ed Martins" said that the 1st generation of the X-trans was better and looked more organic than XTrans 2 in the XT1 and Xtrans 3 in the XT3 or whatever it is. After I got out of Fuji I've seen comparison videos of the various Xtrans iterations and they all look the same organic/inorganic whatever, they're all the same image quality - neither looked organic nor inorganic. But when I can buy a used K-R for $50 at a pawn shop and $120 for a Pentax 18-135mm and get way better images than an XE1 and 56mm 1.2 that look more organic and have punchier colors, then I felt I was fooled by the Fujifilm hype.........
I was fooled by the Fujifilm hype. Xtrans is actually inferior as can be found in Peta Pixel articles in that they can introduce false colors in certain situations. You don't get anything like that with a Bayer sensor. Same reason why Fuji medium format uses Bayer, because medium format shooters shoot in studios, and they don't want fabrics causing false colors - because Xtrans is sh*t.
Fujifilm lenses are too boring and clinical. They're very sharp yes thats true, but there's no character or 3D pop. I can see how you're trying the Zeiss lenses with the character and 3D pop, and thats the solution to a bad Fuji lens lineup. Plus that Voightlander 35mm 1.4, but its a Full Frame lens on a crop body, you're wasting that M-mount lens full image circle. Finding film simulations is the only interesting thing about this video........
So what have I learned? I can't stand the XE1 even more. Sometimes I look on Marketplace dreaming of that Fuji-Hype, but I've been there before and my Pentax lenses have way more 3D pop and character than Fuji - what am I looking at Fuji for. I sold the last of my Fuji gear last year and waited for a Pentax K-1 and bought it off a guy who was .......wait for it.......switching to Fujifilm. After handling my K-1 for a few weeks trying my K-1, I definitely got the better deal. That vintage lens look on Pentax full frame is it, and thats where its at for me. I would like to take my 1 kilogram Pentax K-1 and smash an XE1 into pieces, because its not a camera, its a toy. To make that toy better you have to put on a real lens like a Zeiss or Voightlander, and find a recipe to fix the Fuji image quality.
I have acquired a Zeiss 50mm 1.4 lens and compared it to my weakest Pentax 50mm 1.4 and it does not knock my socks off, nor blow up my skirt or tickle my pickle.
The XE1 is a fixer-upper, much like the rest of the inane camera brand called Fujifilm. Don't do it lady, don't hype up the Fujifilm brand because it can lead to SERIOUS disappointments when that person takes both a Fujifilm and Pentax camera together on photography trips. Plus Fujifilm is all locked into APSC, and there's no Full Frame upgrade path to vintage lenses with their full image circle look. You just might as well shoot Micro-For-Loser-Fourths system and enjoy lots and lots and lots and lots and lots of depth of field! Corner to corner.
Don't you see where its all going? Mirrorless APSC is edge to edge and corner to corner sharp. Full frame mirrorless is all edge to edge sharp and corner to corner sharp, and even mirrorless medium format is edge to edge sharp and corner to corner sharp - they all look exactly the same. There's no longer an APSC look, or a Full Frame look or even a Medium Format look - because the lenses are mostly clinically sharp edge to edge and corner to corner with the exact same bokeh, and everything has become the same. Everything looks the same, so now you need to find some crack rock, or some meth, or some weed in the form of a "Film Simulation" to fix what they've done - you gotta get that "film simulation fix".
Whats that Grind Iron term when they don't catch the ball: "The Pass is Incomplete". That sums up Fujifilm XE1 as its an incomplete camera....... a pretender if you will.
The X-E1 fat is a strange thing. Why not the X-E2? The latter has everything the former has, plus a few extras. But it has the same image quality with better auto focus, electric shutter and other "bits and pieces".
This might sound counterintuitive due to it being quite a recent release, but I really like the Nikon Z30 with the 24f1.7 for nice colours in a pocketable format.
✌️
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.
Hey, I can tell you why you don't like the modern Fujis: it's the weak CFA! The many megapixels force the manufacturers to do this. It's a shame. That's why I only shoot with my D700 because the CFA is so great and the sensor gives me so good micro-contras.
Best regards
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.
the xe1 camera viewfinder sucks , but the pop up flash and the colors of the x trans 1 are freeking amazing , I love the x pro 1 bigger than xe-1 and same sensor with optical viewfinder , but the xt-1 is probaly my fav fujifilm camera , the colors are diffrent but nice in their own way , and the screen and viewfinder is amazing , i carry the x pro 1 and xt-1 everyday , great video
It seems as if the fujifilm old camera’s photos are better than the new high tech cameras I have the xt4 and compared to the x-m1 is like night and day . The fujifilm xt-6 should have high auto focus with Fuji xtrans 1 sensor… I will be waiting on that one
How did you find out about the Delorians? I'm guessing they're from abroad? That song Daisy is fantastic. Thank you very much for that treat.
The best Fuji sensors are the non-xtran sensors. The X100 and the GFX. X100 files color look like the Fuji NPS film colors.
I still have mine, use it with the 18 f2. Skin looks nicer than on my xt3.
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.
You mean the edit raw in camera feature is great? You need to modify the parameters without watching the result... that is hilarious...
I really liked your video and I share your opinion. I too went from an X-E1 to an X-T1 and have not been able to find an equivalent of the Pro Neg High that gives me the same likeable output as the X-E1. So I still keep using the X-T1 for the convenience of the more snappier response, but I still miss the output of the older camera. If you happen to find a good recipe that comes closer to the older X-E1 please let us know :)
I just bought the Fuji 50-230 for a travel to Bolivia for 200 euro. What a big surprise that lens.
Great review! I love X-T1/X-E2 colors, never had a chance to try the X-E1, now I'm intrigued.
With this recipe it’s a keeper.
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
This processor (shared with xpro1 and xm1) is the best.
Edit: why are you doing specs review lol stop
The shutter sound on the X-e1 is to die for.. compare to the newest cameras
It's quite delicious.
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.
Love the shots you captured! Really interesting insights and great tips at the end too 👏
Good video! Don't like it? disappointing.
I have also been using this model for a long time. The EVF feels a little old, but the images are attractive enough. Sweet photo and a little blue color😍I totally understand how you felt! I went through the same process as you...
I regret selling my X-E2s. The "rangefinder" form factor is perfect for cameras that small.
I like more saturated colors so I like the X-T1 images you showed better than the X-E1.
Idk, I bought a basically brand new XE2s and photos look so bad it's not even funny as a toy
XPro1, for some reason people still don't get that it's a great camera and the prices are low. It's slow, AF is slow, camera is slow to use BUT the images are fantastic and it inspires me to shoot still.
So true
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
😍 thanks Malcolm! I also love XT1. I might be an all time fav for size and handling as well.
I’ve got one of these. It makes beautiful photos but I find it tedious to use. The refresh rate on the EVF is distracting to me. But still, yeah, gorgeous photos.
Yeah totally agree about the EVF.
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 ;).
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.
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.
have you tried the Hasselblad x1dii? !!!! it's everything
Early Fujifilm have something. Recent ones? Not so much. X-Pro 2 was the start of disappointment image wise for me. Last one I had was the X100V. Sterile is the right word. Still love the images from the X-Pro 1.
Jump up 1 more to the X-T2 i love it its a beast and I'm sure you would too.
Pro 1. E1 самый классный цвет. Потом фуджи всё сломали.
The company known for color outside Canon? Leica!!!!
M mount lenses to Fuji?. A new door was opened for me. Thanks!
I only want to listen to your commentary, not the rubbish muzak.
Also, I got mine new (but superseded) back in 2013/14 for $400AUD. Been a good camera over the 9-10y :D
Buy the konica 40mm f1.8 for this pupper.
Love your style girl. Do recommend the X-M1.
For anyone using the linked Portra recipe, are you keeping the white balance between 6300-6700 as suggested? Looks pretty yellow to me. Much more yellow than actual Portra.
I definitely adjust my white balance to taste (I mention my range in the notes as well) as 6300 only works for me in true full sun midday light
Can I ask where did you get the camera strap from?
I have the X-E4, and the only film sim I use is Jo Dagostino's Nostalgic Negative. Love it with the Voeglander 27mm.
NICE!
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 still shoot with XE-1 as my main social/going out city camera... works great :)
A great review, but what is the great tune at the beginning, please?
Does XT1 has already another sensor then? I thought their whole first generation X-Pro1, XT-1 and XE-1 shared the same sensor, I guess I was wrong ) Used to have XE-2 with 18mm and XT-2 with 18-55 both good but loved XE-2 more somehow! And always used hand grip as well since I got big hands and grip is just perfect for me.
sepia for joke ;-) great video and I have a fuji x10 but this X-E1 for family with JPG in camera is great idea
Lol
This was my entry to the Fujifilm X series. Never looked back
Ive shot alot of fuji RECENTLY and i totally get what you mean by the modern cameras having this really weird hard to explain extremely clinical aspect that I just dont love. It wasnt a matter of lens choice, shooting style, lighting conditions, I just did not like the output (im also in the same boat that I am extremely averse to post processing).
Ive so far tried the xe4, xs20, xt4, xt5 and finally the gfx 50r. The XT5 came honestly very close to what i expected as far as jpeg output; and there was so much to love about that camera but there was alot about it that i didnt like too.
Theres something about having such a capable camera in your hand that just sucks all the joy of photography out of me. It was just small enough that it was relatively easy to take it anywhere but just cumbersome enough (i owned 2 zoom lenses at the time and another that went up to 300mm) that i just didnt want to take it anywhere at all.
It was kind of a sad moment when i packed it up ready to ship back because the jpegs with the film sim I was using was so good; sharp but not clinically sharp, some artificial grain, beautiful non stop pastels. But the shooting experience for me was just not fun.
I actually ended up settling on the GFX 50r (WHICH I AM FULLY AWARE IS A NOT GOOD IDEA) because I just enjoy using it more. The (huge) rangefinder style body, the slow and BEEFY shutter slap, the manual controls, weather sealed body, etc etc. But this camera has such large and well defined weaknesses that it allows me to solve problems that i wouldnt normally have; and thats what makes photography fun for me. When I see something I want to photograph, I want to play the little minigame of "how can I capture this moment". And I do miss shots because of this, of course I do. But when i win the minigame it feels way more rewarding to come away from that moment with an image.
This camera has a shutter slower than sin, a sensor with such a slow readout that I dont even use the electronic shutter. The autofocus is slow, face/subject tracking is basically unusable, video maxes out at 1080p, no sensor stabilization, GF lenses and even adapters are liable to burn a great big hole in your pocket, etc.
But I cant put this camera down. Ive adapted some vintage full frame glass (which actually works better than you'd think) to this camera and I've just gotten to a point where this camera is producing jpegs i cant get from any other camera, and thats ultimately what i have been looking for. The way this sensor rendors color and shallow DOF when you get your film sim dialed in is a hard combo to beat.
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.
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.
Why don't you use an easyshare wifi adapter card?
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.
My experience with Fuji is similiar. I had the xe1 and loved the output. I was not crazy about the af. I bought an xe2 and felt that I had a camera with similar output to the xe1 but better featured. I bought an xt1 and felt like I was in photo heaven. I now have 2 xt1s (xt1 in chrome is gorgeous). I have tried all the 24 and 26 megapixel sensors. In my subjective opinion, none of the newer sensors can compare with type 1 and 2. Anyone want to buy an xt20?
X-E1 and X-T1 both have the same dynamic range, and actually X-T1 has technically "better" dynamic range of 13.1 stops vs 13 stops on X-E1