Fujifilm X-E1 – High ISO Images

Thursday October 4, 2012 (12:45) | 64 comments

Share

A few days ago, I published my thoughts about a pre-production X-E1 (click here to read it) that Fujifilm was kind enough to lend to me for a couple of weeks.  Overall, it seems that most people who read my article were intrigued by this camera and quite a few people actually pre-ordered it.

<rant>

Of course, there are some (a very small minority) who simply aren’t happy no matter what they see or read.  There is no need to flame people in online forums or (anonymously) send inflammatory messages to me.  That is such a waste of time and energy.  My advice to them – if a camera makes you that unhappy, move on and find another one that you can enjoy.  Life is just too short to get that worked up over a camera.

</rant>

A number of people did ask me if I could provide some high ISO shots from the X-E1.  I plan to do some more shooting with it over the next few days, but I wanted to give you a few images to look at before the weekend.  So as promised, here are a few more images …

This series of eight images are shot from ISO 200 to 25600, in one stop increments.  I chose this scene because of the following:

  • the images were taken at night so there is no daylight coming into the room from the windows
  • the scene is totally lit by overhead halogen/tungsten lights
  • the background has dark areas where noise will show up, if present
  • there is fine detail on the wine bottle
  • the colourful jars will show if colour fidelity holds up at high ISO

I used the X-E1, 60mm f/2.4 lens (set at f/4) with the following in camera settings:

  • JPEG Fine
  • Astia film mode
  • Auto White Balance
  • 100% DR
  • Aperture Priority
  • default JPEG settings for tone, colour, noise reduction, etc.

These images have had no post processing (i.e. straight out of camera) with the exception of re-sizing in Lightroom.  If you click on an image, you can see a larger version of it.

Keep in mind that this is a pre-production camera – and the image quality is nothing short of amazing.

Fujifilm X-E1, ISO 200 (click to enlarge – EXIF data is intact)

Fujifilm X-E1, ISO 400 (click to enlarge – EXIF data is intact)

Fujifilm X-E1, ISO 800 (click to enlarge – EXIF data is intact)

Fujifilm X-E1, ISO 1600 (click to enlarge – EXIF data is intact)

Fujifilm X-E1, ISO 3200 (click to enlarge – EXIF data is intact)

Fujifilm X-E1, ISO 6400 (click to enlarge – EXIF data is intact)

Fujifilm X-E1, ISO 12800 (click to enlarge – EXIF data is intact)

Fujifilm X-E1, ISO 25600 (click to enlarge – EXIF data is intact)

When I first viewed these images on my 27 inch calibrated monitor, I have to admit I was taken aback.  They are better than I thought they would be.  Here is what my eyes are telling me:

  • ISO 200, 400 & 800 are noise free;
  • ISO 1600 & 3200 have a little noise but are very clean; and
  • ISO 6400 has a little more noise but it is extremely good for such a high ISO level.

Sharpness and colour fidelity are also excellent.

What really surprised me were ISO 12800 and ISO 25600.  There is some smearing in the shadow areas due to the noise reduction, however, these images are still good (and quite useable) in terms of noise, detail and colour fidelity.   This is remarkable considering the extremely high ISO values.

I also checked my X-Pro1 (with the latest firmware V2.00)  and its image quality is the same.  It seems that Fujifilm has improved the image processing engine in both the X-Pro1 and X-E1 to produce even better JPEG images.

This was totally unexpected and nothing short of amazing.  If someone told me a few years ago that I could get this kind of image quality from a 300 gram (10.5 ounce) camera that used an APS-C sensor, I would have laughed them out of the room.  To say that I am blown away (and humbled), is an understatement.

I haven’t tried any RAW conversions yet – and hopefully that will come in the next week.

So… if you like what you see and are planning to pre-order an X-E1, I ask you to consider using one of our sponsors:

  1. all black (Amazon – Adorama – B&H Photo);
  2. black with silver trim (Amazon – Adorama – B&H Photo)

Also, you can pre-order the X-E1 as a kit with the 18-55mm f/2.8~4 OIS lens and save yourself $US 300.00 on the combination:

  1. all black (Amazon – Adorama – B&H Photo);
  2. black with silver trim (Amazon – Adorama – B&H Photo)

If you have any further questions regarding the X-E1, feel free to post them below and I will do my best to answer them.

 

Help support us

We receive a small commission when you purchase any item such as cameras, lenses, bags, books, etc. from our sponsors (Adorama, Amazon and B&H Photo) using the links provided on this website. Doing so does not cost you any more than purchasing items directly from them – plus it helps us greatly in paying the costs associated in running this website.

«

  »


64 Comments for Fujifilm X-E1 – High ISO Images


Ross

Very interesting, I am very interested in this camera to supplement my 5D Mk III and looking forward to trying it out, thanks for the preview.

Ross

Hakan

Thanks for your posts about this interesting camera.

Could you comment on shutter lag? I’d like to know if the EVF introduces some shutter lag. I do a lot of people photography, and if your camera has too much shutter lag, all the portraits you make will show people who blink.

    Roel

    When the X-Pro1 was first introduced, there was shutter lag when:

    - you used the EVF
    - the 60mm f/2.4 Macro was attached to the camera
    - you were photographing in bright sunglight

    The image in the EVF would “jump” and your framing would get all messed up. And of course, there was significant shutter lag when this happened (I also missed a few shots because of this). It was frustrating to say the least.

    I noticed with the X-Pro1′s recent firmware update (V2.00), this no longer happens. The same for the X-E1. I personally don’t notice any significant shutter lag at present. If this is a major concern for you, I would first wait to try an X-E1 out in person to make sure it will satisfy your needs. As I have mentioned in several previous posts, I also shoot with pro-Nikon DSLRs and my Fujifilm cameras are also very responsive.

    Hope this helps.

      Hakan

      This sounds good – thanks!

Aaron

Thanks for posting these – I’m still on the fence as to which small camera I’d like to get.

Interesting that the photo lost most of the red color in the wine bottle fine print when you went from 3200 to 6400 – and that small red lettering continued to lose color as the ISO went up. If you had only shown the higher ISO images, that wouldn’t have been noticable

Thanks,

Aaron

PS – not being able to right click while on the site means I can’t use spell check to fix spelling errors in the comment.

    Roel

    I have just fixed that … right click away!

john

Wondering if you could tell me what software you’re using to process the RAW files from these cameras? I’m going to purchase the x-e1 and have heard that there isn’t any software that does the RAW files justice. Thanks!

ELLIOT STERN

Hi Roel,

Don’t let the forum crazies get you down. I really enjoy your writings and appreciate that you share what you learn with everyone. I get pretty frustrated with the forums but have finally learned to just not pay attention unless the tread is constructive.

These images are incredible. I am going to have to play a bit with my Xpro1 at the over 3200 iso to see how far I can go.

I have the full Olympus Micro Four Thirds system and all the lenses. I also have everything Fuji has brought out to date and both systems are excellent. I keep leaning to the Fuji for its handling and image quality. When I need faster speed I go to the Olympus. But the Olympus cannot give the same high iso performance.

Thanks again for all you do.

Elliot

Hank

Thanks, most interesting. Have you noticed a difference in the raw conversion of X-Pro1 with the Lightroom 4.2 upgrade? I just finished a group of foliage exposures using a Leica 135mm lens on the XP1 using Raw and JPEG. Before I saw color smearing with the foliage but did not notice it with the 4.2 nor with the JPEG. I would welcome seeing your better controlled observations.

Daniel

Thanks for the review.
This looks to be an impressive little camera, the addition of these high iso images have got me sold, cant wait for it to hit the shelves so i can try it out for myself.
Geez the high iso performance really looks like it would give my 1d4 a real run for its money, wouldnt be suprised if its actually better.

Warren Jones

Roel,

I read some of the comments on DPR

it is a damn shame that people have to be such morons. I for one think that your publication of your findings is extremely useful and greatly appreciated. (I do not think for a moment that your postings are a hoax, if I did I would not bother with you at all, I would move on) I was going to buy an Xp1 when I had some cash saved up despite it’s misgivings fuji will get it right I am confident, think x100 updates.

When they announced the X-E1 it caught my attention. Big Time. I pre ordered one after I read your first blog post. Now after seeing your high ISO shots I cannot wait to get my hands one one & see if I can do as well as you did.

Please keep up[ the good work & posting your findings. I am going to subscribe to your blog.

    Roel

    Thanks for your kind words. It is one thing to have constructive criticism. It is another thing to demonize someone and as well, constantly belabor the subject. For every three constructive comments I receive on this blog, I receive one which contains really foul language , defamatory comments – or worse. I really cannot understand why someone would get so worked up over a camera – it seems that their hatred of it consumes all of their energy and time and they must destroy the reputation of the camera in question (and anyone associated with it) at any cost.

    This is a great time to be a photographer as we now have many excellent camera choices from several vendors. That is the key word – “choice“. If one does not like what they see, move on, there are other things to look at. Then again, I wonder if any of these individuals are ever happy with anything.

Jens

The high ISO images look unbelievable good. Can’t wait for the raw’s to see how the sensor performs and whats done by the internal processing engine.

Steve

Roel,

Thanks for your continued information on Fuji cameras. I have an X Pro + 3 lenses. I will probably get an X-E next year. I cannot be happier with a camera than I am with the X Pro. It has almost permanently banished my D700 to the closet. I have to agree with you on DPR. That forum is just a snake pit. I actually logged on their for the first time in several months this AM because I had some time to burn. It didn’t take me long to realize why I stopped visting. I do think the members of these two forums would really appreciate your input/observations on Fuji cameras:

http://www.realphotographersforum.com/content/ (this is a great forum)

http://www.seriouscompacts.com/ (this one is a bit MFT and Sony Nex slanted)

Thanks again!

Steve B.

Roman

Dear Roel,

thank you for this forum and your review(s). I’m glad that Fuji brings out the X-E1. Currently I own a X-S1 and I’m very unlucky because of the poor quality of it’s ultra-zoom lens (although I should have known this before I bought it).

Sunny greetings from Austria sends you and all forum users
Roman

Alvin

Roel,

Someone at a photography website said this is a hoax and that you’ve obviously rigged the results. They’ve even gone as far to say that you can’t be trusted. I’ve looked at your images and they (in terms of noise, color acuity/fidelity and over quality) look excellent plus the EXIF data does show ISO 200 through 25600. Is the sensor in the X-E1 really that good?

    Roel

    Hi Alvin,

    No, this is not a hoax.

    The sensor in the X-E1 (and also the, X-Pro1 – they both use the same X-Trans sensor) really is that good. Plus, Fujifilm’s JPEG processing engine seems to have substantially improved. As to those doubters who are posting defamatory remarks on the forum you are referencing, let them doubt all they want. If that makes them happy, so be it. I will be curious to hear what they have to say once the X-E1 is released and people who own the camera start posting images with similar (spectacular) results.

    When the X-E1 starts to ship, check it out for yourself. I have used a lot of cameras in my career, and the IQ out of the X-E1 is simply excellent.

Anonymous

These images are not a good test. You used a prime lense instead of the 18-55mm zoom. Is the zoom lense so bad that you have to use a prime lense? Some people might want to order teh X-E1 with the zoom lense and your just hiding its bad performance.

    Roel

    If you read my initial impressions on the X-E1:

    http://roel.me/fujifilm-x-e1-first-impressions/

    you will see that Fujifilm Canada did not have a pre-production sample of the 18-55mm OIS zoom lens for me to evaluate. They promised me that once it arrives at their office, they will let me spend some time with it. No one is “hiding” anything here – I just don’t have access to this lens nor did Fujifilm Canada have a sample to lend to people.

    There is a gentleman (Brandon Remler) in the USA who I believe works for Fujifilm – he has posted some sample images on his blog from the X-E1 and this zoom lens if you would like to see them:

    http://brandonremler.blogspot.it/2012/10/fujifilm-x-e1-and-xf-18-55mm-lens.html

      Anonymous

      Thats just a lame excuse about waiting for a lense form Fuji Canada. Fuji is in Japan, so why don;t you get one from them? Your hiding the bad performance of the zoom lense.

        Roel

        Hello again (whoever you are) – I live in Canada, so I deal with Fujifilm Canada. What is so hard to understand about that? It seems to me that you have some sort of vendetta against Fujifilm – ever thought of writing a letter to them to state your concerns?

        Richard Carter

        What’s your evidence, Anonymous, for the supposed bad performance of the “lense” [sic]? This is the kind of unsupported criticism that does no one any good, yourself most notably.

          Nico Foto

          Hey Roel, this is the first time i post something in your blog. Thanks for sharing your findings on Fujifilm equipment. I’m the happy owner of an x100 (a truly digital classic – maybe the first of its class), so I truly understand the great IQ Fuji cameras bring out.

          In my opinion, don’t even waste time answering anonymous trolls that take your work down – if anyone is not civilized enough to appreciate your work or to respectfully disagree, maybe they don’t deserve your time and commitment.

          Just my 2 cents. Keep the good work going.

        Daniel G

        Anonymous,
        I thought this was a review of the camera and its performance not the 18-55 lens, am i missing something? This camera does have an interchangeable lens right??? Wether the lens was available or not is irrelevant the camera is part of a system and available for purchase with the zoom or without.
        I would think it makes more sense to review the performance of a camera with a prime than a zoom anyway to keep it 100% constant.

    Juan

    to Anonymous,

    My english is not so good, but there are 2 things I want to say

    1) in the previous article/post, he did say he did not have the 18-55mm

    2) I know my english is not so good but isn’t the item you put in front of a camera called a LENS? :)

    Andrew Welch

    He doesn’t have the lens, and even if he did, it wouldn’t make sense to test the low light capability of the camera with it. Why would he shoot in low light conditions with anything but a prime? I suppose you would also like to see some samples of bird photography with the 18mm, or architectural shots with the 60mm?

raphael ferraris

Roel,

wow. looks great. I like how Fuji included their old X-Pro 1 with the firmware update to get those clean high iso image. Hope oly also supports the OMD when they update their firmware.

any way i can download the image with exif? doesn’t seem to show on lightroom.
a larger size would be nice too. My friend is selling his Nex 7 and lenses for the X-E1.

    Roel

    The EXIF data is in all of the images – not sure why it is not showing up for you.

Billy

Pulleeeze! You picked just about the worst subject matter to test high ISO ability and gauge noise reduction. There is very little high frequency fine detail to begin with! Glass? Beans? How about shoting something with the kind of detail that would be smudge away by noise reduction? How about something with texture. SOme folaige? How about a portrait, hair?

    Roel

    Tell you what, when the camera comes out next month, run some “proper” high ISO tests, publish them and send me the link. I would like to see how it is “supposed” to be done.

    Anonymous

    Mr Billy – Ignore what he said because he doesnt know how to test a camera. Look at his photography – it is no good either.

      Anna

      Where do you get off saying Roël’s work “is not good”? Are you blind? His travel and wedding work are beautiful! I wish I had hired him to photograph my wedding.

      Tell me Anonymous, do you actually own a camera? Or, have you actually used one?

      Jeez.

      Daniel G

      Anonymous, and the link to your work??? Come on give us all a look, show us why your so qualified to make comments like this.
      Come on step up to the plate :-)

J.S.M.

I have typed at least 10 comments but only 1 has been published. Why?

    Roel

    Non published comments fall under 3 categories:

    1) If it is spam, I delete it.

    2) If a (relevant) comment contains inappropriate language, it will not get published.

    3) Threats do not get published – instead, I will refer them to the police and let the criminal justice system deal with it.

    You might want to clean up your language if you want your comments published.

Jake

Hi, Thank you very much for taking the time to do this test and posting the results. I read on another site you’re getting frustrated with some of the comments that question your credibility. While that is understandable, I’m a fraid in the internet world you really just have to let this stuff roll off you, it’s best not to read it and not to comment on it. You have a good reputation so don’t worry about those that are both paranoid and have their own agendas unrelated to the art or craft of photography. I hope you will continue to bring us this advance information as not only this camera, but the entire Fujifilm x-system is very new and we need more credible photographers to give us their observations. I’m thinking about adding this system to my Canon system, and really like to know about the entire system as for me buying into a system is quite different that just buying a new camera. Thanks again for the excellent information on this new camera and system. –Jake

    Roel

    Hi Jake,

    Thank you for your comment and sound advice. I appreciate it.

    You are 100% correct that this is more than buying a camera, it is buying into a “system”. I know that all too well as I have used a lot of camera systems in the past.

    Prior to Fujifilm introducing the X-Pro1, my main system was one from Nikon. As a working photographer, I can buy anything I want (within reason, of course) as long it can produce a real return for my business. That could be in the form of:

    1) being able to get paying jobs I could not get otherwise

    2) making my photography easier (eg. great AF which helps me nail more shots)

    3) making post production better/faster (eg. good, accurate colour, good DR, etc) so I can use the time saved for other activities.

    My Nikon system is fantastic. I have a D800 and D3s (plus some amazing lenses) and I am really spoiled by them. Of course, they are the cream of the crop in terms of cameras – they perform well in all aspects of photography.

    When Fujifilm came out with the X100, I bought one and immediately fell in love with it. It took me back to my old film days. There were a lot of quirks with it and mine eventually developed the SAB problem, but Fujifilm quickly sorted out my hardware issue plus with subsequent firmware releases, they made the X100 a better camera to use. I applaud them for that.

    Then comes the X-Pro1 and the 3 nice prime lenses. I bought the system and have taken it all over the world with me. No, it will never compare to my Nikon system as it is a completely different animal. But as a lightweight travel system (for me), it is fantastic. The image quality rivals (and sometimes exceeds) my DSLRs. I really, really appreciate the fact that I can take two X-Pro1 bodies plus 3 lenses – and in total (with a camera bag, Macbook Air and accessories), I can have a complete travel kit that weighs about 4 kg (about 8.5 lbs). I usually schlep over 12 kg (about 26 lbs) of Nikon gear with me, and it is nice to lighten this load substantially provided the Fujifilm system is up to the task.

    In fact – as long as I don’t need focal lengths wider than 28mm or longer than 90mm, I tend to grab the X-Pro1 before I grab my Nikon system. If I can get the same image quality in a much lighter system, I will always choose the lighter system.

    Fujifilm approached me back in February of this year to provide feedback to them on their “X” cameras. From what I can tell, they want to make a system that appeals to photographers, hence why they were interested in a working photographer’s opinion of their new equipment. And not just mine, accomplished photographers like Zack Arias (a great guy if you ever get the chance to meet him) are also providing Fujifilm with feedback. Yes, the system is not perfect (what is though?), but I do see a commitment on Fujifilm’s part to continually improve it. Hence, we have firmware upgrades that fix (most) deficiencies, new cameras being released (X-E1), new lenses coming out this year (14mm f/2.8 and the 18-55mm OIS zoom) plus 5 new lenses coming out in 2013.

    My X-Pro1 system does not replace my Nikon gear, right now it is complementing it. But once the new lenses are released, I will find it harder and harder to go back and use my Nikons – not because they are incapable of what I want to produce with them – it is because I will always choose the (much) lighter camera system as long as I get the camera features and image quality that I need.

    I realise that many people will use the X-Pro1/X-E1 as their only camera. The only limit I see (right now) is that there are 5 lenses in the system, with the longest focal length being 60mm (90mm equivalent in 135). But that will change over time, specifically, within the next year. As I see it, this could be the only system people will ever need (including yours truly) provided it meets their requirements.

    That is why I am adamant that people get out to a camera store to try a camera/lens out before they buy it. Or make sure your online camera retailer has a return policy you are happy with. I have mentioned a number of times that there is so much fantastic camera gear on the market now – and at decent price points. A camera/system that works for one person may not work for another. I rarely use (or need) 9 FPS and tend to be quite intentional in my photography (i.e. it is fairly slow placed so I don’t shoot many frames during a session), so the Fujifilm X system works well for me. If I had to photograph sports, fast moving subjects, or need super telephoto lenses, then I would choose another system (hence, why I have my Nikon gear).

    Anyway, I digress.

    The bottom line – understand what is really important to you for your photography and check out the gear in person to make sure it will meet the majority of your needs. Internet opinions are also useful, but nothing is as good as checking things out first hand.

    OK, I’ll get off of my soapbox. :o)

James M.S.

Hi there

I really appreciate this information on the X-E1. Especially from someone who obviously knows how to use a camera.

I have a Fuji S5. I love the color and dynamic range from it, but it is getting quite long in the tooth. I am also tired of carrying a big bag of heavy gear (I am 71 years young), so I am looking at selling everything and getting the X-E1 and a couple of lenses. I am sure my back will thank me for doing that.

Tell me, how is the dynamic range on the X-E1? I am just a hobbyist and don’t sell my work, but I can appreciate a nice landscape.

Keep up the good work.

    Roel

    Hi James,

    Good question. I used to own the Fujifilm S5 Pro as well – it is a great camera, especially for its time. I no longer own it, so I cannot do a direct comparison. The X-E1 seems to have decent dynamic range (DR), but not on on the same level as the S5 Pro. Again, please remember I have no definitive proof of this, however, I remember that the DR of the S5 was unbelievable. Because of its dual S-R pixel sensor design, I could over expose an image (in RAW) by up to 4 stops and still recover it. That is unheard of, even today.

    The only camera that will have DR comparable to the S5 Pro will be the Nikon D800. I used one in Iceland this summer for some landscape work and the ability to recover shadow detail (noise free no less) was astounding.

    http://roel.me/nikon-d800-goes-to-iceland/

    As a hobbyist, I believe you will like the X-E1, especially for the cost and its weight (300 grams). You obviously like Fujifilm colour, so I don’t need to tell you about it.

    If you do end up getting the X-E1, I would suggest getting the zoom lens (18-55mm) plus the new 14mm f/2.8 (if your budget permits) to start as you like photographing landscapes – then add other lenses as you see fit. I think the zoom is a good lens to start with (flexibility of zooms are always great) as I suspect you will shoot mostly around f/8, which should be the “sweet spot”.

    Hope this helps.

ELLIOT STERN

Hi Roel,

I have been trying to get iso 25000 to show in the x pro 1 but it stays grayed out. Hopefully you will tell me what I’m missing.

Thanks,

Elliot

    Roel

    Hi Elliot,

    If you are shooting in RAW or RAW+JPEG, then you will not be able access ISO 25600. Set the quality to JPEG only and you should be able to use ISO 25600. Not sure why Fujifilm implemented it this way, but they did.

      ELLIOT STERN

      super. Thanks. I’ll give it run tomorrow. By the way, don’t let the person get you down. They are not worth arguing with. Just another troll trying to ruin the great help you give everyone. Don’t let the “person” bother you. As a matter of fact just knock him or her off the site. The more you pay attention to stuff like that the more it will continue to appear.

    Ellen (USA)

    Elliot,

    Thanks for bringing this up… this happened to me too and it was driving me crazy. Glad there is a somewhat logical explanation for it. Also glad that I can get even better high ISO shots out of my XP1 (I love this camera – I ditched my 5D Mark II and lenses and have never looked back).

      ELLIOT STERN

      Hi Ellen,

      I love the Fuji cameras as well. I worked for Nikon for 33 years and own Olympus micro four thirds gear and have used pretty much everything else. The Fuji fit my style of shooting and the image quality is simply outstanding.

      El

        Andrea

        Elliot,

        How does the Olympus m43 stuff compare to the Fuji? I can’t decide whether or not to get an OMD E-M5 or this X-E1 (it looks tempting). I don’t shoot much action, just looking for a good high quality camera to take on vacation – plus I want to be able to add lenses as needed. Thx.

          Elliot

          The olympus is an excellent system with a good selection of lenses. I Switch between the two depending on needs. It is faster and the image look not as creamy as the Fuji. For travel I like the Fuji. It is a more discreet camera

Armanius

Roel-

Thanks for the testing. It’s very much appreciated. I commend your patience dealing with trolls in your site. The internet unfortunately has fostered a lot of individuals who have no manners and social skills for the real world. So they hide behind a keyboard and write things that they would never have the courage to say to someone else in person. Keep up the good work. I pre-ordered the XE1, and I’m definitely looking forward to it.

-Armanius

Jon B.

Hi Roel,

I am another grateful follower of your blog. It was due to your earlier postings on the X100 that turned me on to that camera and after traveling with it in Italy recently and having it with me nearly always over the last 8 months, I can’t tell you how glad I am that I came across your work and discovered this gem of a camera.

I do want to ask something that I know you have addressed to some degree…

If the cost of the X-E1 and X-Pro1 were the same, which would you choose? I am a big fan of OVF, but I really like having a pop-up flash once in a while to throw a little fill light into a portrait…so I am undecided and probably will be until I get a chance to pick up an X-E1 and compare, but the pop-up flash vs having an OVF is the gating factor for me.

And the ISO results in your post above are stunning! I thought you must have made a mistake and posted the same (lower) ISO images right up to 3200…I see subtle differences, but man…we have come a long way in a few years! I can’t imagine what will be possible in another 3-4 years.

Thanks,
Jon

    Roel

    Hi Jon,

    Thank you for your very kind words. I truly appreciate them.

    If the X-E1 and X-Pro1 were the same price, I would choose the X-Pro1, hands down. Why? The optical hybrid viewfinder. As good as the EVF is on the X-E1 (and it is very good), I still love the OVF on my X-Pro1′s. In fact, that was something I really enjoyed on my X100. Fujifilm was really thinking outside of the box when they came up with it and I applaud them for that. Of course, they have priced the X-E1 $700 lower, so for some people, it will be an easy decision as to which camera to purchase. In any case, they are both great cameras and you are right – we have come a long way when it comes to high ISO and image quality.

    The popup flash on the X-E1 is really handy and it would have been nice if the X-Pro1 had one. But it does not. I use a lot of off camera lighting, so I have a couple compact radio slaves I keep in my bag with the Fujifilm EF-X20 flash (expensive, but a good little flash unit). I also keep a small video light in my bag as well.

    You cannot lose with either camera (especially since you really like your X100). I guess like everything else, it is a matter of priorities.

    Take care – all the best,
    Roël

Jon B.

Wow…that was fast! Thanks Roel. I really appreciate your perspective on this and I would absolutely consider the EF-X20 flash as part of my kit. I will wait until I can handle the X-E1, but the bundle pricing on the X-Pro1 and 35mm lens is very attractive right now…so I may not wait given my preference for having an OVF.

As others have said, don’t let the trolls get to you! You’re work and reviews are immensely valuable to so many of us. It’s unfortunate for them (and those of us, you especially, who read their drivel) that they are so miserable. If only they didn’t feel the need to share their misery and baseless opinions, we would all be better off.

Cheers,
Jon

Dreamy

Amazing the clean images deliver by the camera even in high ISO setting, saving my money to make a switch now …

Evelyn Jeanne Shaw

Thanks for your nice experience to share with us. Really awesome article with plenty of informative things to be known for us.

Glen Thuncher

I appreciate your review on the X-E 1, I ordered one immediately after hearing about it during Photokina week and cannot wait to get my hands on this camera. If the jpeg’s are as good as what you have posted what do the full-res RAW files look like?

And that is my question: Aperture 3 is my photo storage and main post-processing station (CS6, Silver Efex Pro 2.0 for more complex treatments) – and Aperture still isn’t compatible with the X-Pro 1.

Short of turning my workflow upside down, is there software available to convert X-E 1 raw files into something Aperture can work with?

Thanks!

Scott Marsh

Book marking your page, A great find!, I ordered my X-E1 before but will thru one of your links on Lens I will need.
BTW will the 18-55 come with a lens hood?? Some call it a kit lens I think its much better then that? Time will tell. Scott

    Roel

    I believe the 18-55mm does come with a hood. I got a brief chance to play with this lens over the weekend at a trade show. I have not looked at detailed shots, but it is quick to focus and silent in operation. The OIS works well too.

Roger

Roel:
Thank you so much for the great series of test shots.
I’m astounded by the quality of the high iso shots….beats my 5d2!

One question:
1. Did you happen to notice if the DOF display was reasonably accurate? I read somewhere that there were fairly significant errors with the DOF displayed on the X-Pro (perhaps with the early firmware versions) and just wondered if this has been fixed on the X-E1. Looking at the detailed exif information, I see this: “Hyperfocal Distance : 44.93″, which is pretty well bang on. However I don’t see where DOF is written to the exif file.

Keep up the excellent work, I’m anxious to see your test results with the kit zoom!

One last thing: Ignore the trolls! Those guys tend to have “room temperature IQ”.

    Roel

    Hi Roger,

    I did not get a chance to check out the DOF display as I don’t use it – and now I no longer have the camera. I did notice something last week when I saw the new 14mm f/2.8 lens – there are DOF markings on the lens itself! I don’t know if Fujifilm will put these markings on all of their lenses going forward, however, here’s hoping…

Mauro

Do you agree with ken rockwell opinions about x-e1?

“he X-E1 is an excellent camera for people photos and for people who want a lightweight camera that performs as well or better than DSLRs. …..>>>> Its color rendition for people should be superb<<<>> but <<<< probably isn't as good as Nikon or Canon for nature and landscape snaps."

thanks

    Roel

    I would suggest you ask Mr. Rockwell directly why he thinks that the X-E1 “probably isn’t as good as Nikon or Canon for nature and landscape snaps.”

    Personally, I would be happy to use it (or the X-Pro1) for anything as long as it did not involve tracking fast moving subjects.

    elliot

    Ken Rockwell is an idiot. He was an idiot years ago when he used to come to photo shows in Vegas, pick up a camera in the booth I was working in, look through the viewfinder and then write a review. He was an idiot then and guess what, he is an older idiot now.

    His knowledge levels are below curb level and it amazes me how many people swear by him and are mislead by him.

    The more people mention his name the more money he makes.

      Scott Marsh

      Most know his line of fluff, As i haven’t held or seen one yet I still find it worth reading knowing his fluff factor.

Grant

Very Interesting pictures with constant reproduction on all sensitivity.
This is the only model of Fuji which I still have as an option compared to the Canon EOS M.

I’m a Nikon user and obviously like to have a reasonable budget mirror less camera. Lighter and hopefully Silent ! like a Leica M.