The Fuji X-E1:
I finally received my Fuji X-E1 kit today! I had to wait a bit longer because I really wanted the silver one, and my dealer only had the black kit. Yes, I could’ve had my X-E1 a week earlier but hey, I’m a firm believer that a person should always be completely happy with their purchase. I don’t want to be opening my bag up everyday, and saying to myself, “I wish I bought the silver one” lol. So, am I happy with it?
I must say, I am completely content with the Fuji X-E1. What am I saying, I love this thing! The silver one is absolutely beautiful in person, and I’m so glad that I waited for it. The build on the camera is excellent, and in some ways, the moving parts feel a bit tighter than my X-Pro1. The X-E1 feels great in the hands as well, definitely better than the X-Pro1 does. It’s kind of like the old M cameras, such as, the M3 versus something like the M9 or new Leica M. The M3 feels perfect in the hands while the M9 feels a little bit bigger.
I must admit that I was definitely a little impatient waiting for the Fuji X-E1 kit, and almost considered just buying the body instead but I am extremely glad that I waited for the kit. The zoom from this kit is a wonderful addition to my lens collection, and who knows, it might actually replace some of my fixed focal lengths that I currently own. I wholeheartedly believe that the zoom is the best built lens so far from Fuji, and if this is an indication of what’s to come in the future, let’s just say that I will be the first on line to purchase more awesome stuff from Fuji.
So let’s talk about my first impressions of this awesome zoom. First off, the XF 18-55mm R lens has that denseness that was missing from previous lenses. It feels heavy (in a nice way), and real solid, especially with so many moving parts. There is no looseness or cheap feeling to it. The zoom moves very smoothly, and everything in general just feels really sturdy. Seriously, there is a big difference in build quality when compared to the other lenses. In terms of build, it definitely is worth the asking price. Also, the autofocus is fast! In person it really feels faster than what you might see on something like Youtube. I never had an issue with the focusing speed of the previous lenses but wow, what a difference! Unfortunately, my Fuji X-Pro1 battery that I was using died on me, and I’m still waiting for the one that came with my X-E1 to charge. Bottom line, Fuji will definitely be selling a lot of these zooms. Fast autofocus, image stabilization, killer optics, great price…the XF 18-55mm R lens is going to be one killer lens!
I will definitely go more in depth when I write my review for the Fuji X-E1. I also plan on doing several comparison tests. As for the awesome zoom, I will definitely be writing a separate review for that. From what I’ve heard, the optics are killer, so I am definitely psyched to try it out! Right now, all I’m thinking about is shooting with my X-E1 tonight but the weather is terrible. But if I do, I will definitely post some shots with it right away, especially with the new XF 18-55mm R lens. Please stay tuned! Thanks for stopping by!
Got mine also on Wednesday!!!
I totally agree with you. I traded in my X Pro-1 for this new version and it is definitely better in many aspects. Ergonomics are better, just like the X-100 which feels great in your hand. I think that’s one of the reasons Fuji went for the smaller body. I would never trade or sell my X-100, it is a different and totally awesome camera by itself. Even the thumb rest I used on the X-100 fits perfectly on the x-e1. The lens is absolutely excellent and approaches very close to the 35mm in terms of sharpness and optics, which is a lot to say for a zoom vs a prime lens. One thing, the AF illuminator lamp I think is misplaced a bit since it is a smaller body and your finger will get in the way if you’re not careful. Also the new viewfinder is very good, but was expecting much more, kind of like the Sony nex 7. But that is just a note.
Bottom line: super camera, super lens with excellent optics, a winner.
Hi Rene,
Thanks for the comment! Yes, I must admit, I am completely excited about the X-E1 even more so now that I have it in my hands! I love the new zoom, and it’s making me think that maybe the 10-24mm zoom that’s expected to come out in the future will be one killer lens (I was thinking about a wide angle prime before). I haven’t had much of a chance to shoot seriously with the X-E1 yet but I think that I might end up liking it bit more than the X-Pro1 as well…I hate to say it! But I do miss one thing…I’m a big fan of OVF’s but hey, whatever. The EVF on the X-E1 is great, and it does everything that the X-Pro1 can do but in a smaller body! You can’t go wrong with this camera!
I hope you have fun with your X-E1! Thanks again for commenting, and thanks for stopping by!
Congrats! I’ll probably skip this one and build up my legacy lens instead. That might change once I see your zoom kit lens review….
Thanks Dane! Nice having you back here! Hey , I can’t blame you lol. You get an M lens, it’ll most likely last you forever. Plus, if you buy an M in the future, you’ll already have a nice collection of lenses for it.
But this zoom is pretty cool, Dane lol. It definitely exceeded my expections. You won’t get super shallow depth of field but it’s so useful, good optically, and just plain quick.
I’ll be posting both a X-E1 and lens review as soon as possible. I’ve just been crazy busy. I got to play with my X-E1 a little this weekend but it pretty much spent most of the weekend in my bag lol.