Fujifilm has added two new lenses to its premium X series interchangeable lens camera ranges, to work with the Fuji X-Pro1 and the new Fuji X-E1.
First up, the XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 R LM OIS lens is the first zoom lens made for the X series of compact system cameras (CSCs). With a wide aperture of f/2.8 and an all-metal construction, the company is keen to point out that the lens is not an average kit optic.
Constructed of 14 elements in 10 groups, including three aspheric and one extra low dispersion element and seven-blade rounded diaphragm, the lens is designed to work well in low light conditions.
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A linear motor-driven system delivers high-speed autofocus performance of 0.1 seconds, while silent operation is also particularly useful for video recording.
An Optical Image Stabiliser, equivalent to 4 stops, is on hand to help control the effects of camera shake and to prevent blurry shots. The lens is also equipped with an aperture ring so you can easily adjust aperture while holding the camera up to your eye.
Ultra wide
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The second lens announced is the XF 14mm f/2.8, an ultra wide angle lens featuring an advanced optical design for overcoming the distortion tendencies of lenses of this kind.
Constructed of 10 elements in seven groups, including two aspheric and three extra low dispersion elements, the lens also has a seven-blade rounded diaphragm for fantastic shallow depth of field shots.
Both the Fujinon XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 R LM OIS and Fujinon XF 14mm f/2.8 lens prices have yet to be announced, as has availability.
With the introduction of the Fuji X-E1, many people will be asking why they would still want to purchase the more expensive, and larger, Fuji X-Pro1. Here we take a closer look at the key differences between the two compact system cameras (CSCs), to help you make that decision.
Fuji X-Pro1 vs Fujifilm X-E1: sensor
Both the cameras use exactly the same 16.3 million pixel APS-C X-Trans CMOS sensor. Because they also both use the same EXR Processor Pro, it's pretty much a given that image quality will be identical from both cameras.
Fuji X-Pro1 vs Fujifilm X-E1: viewfinder
One of the key differences between the two cameras is the viewfinder used. Whereas the Fuji X-Pro1 uses a hybrid optical and electronic device, the X-E1 is electronic-only.
Although optical viewfinders are preferred by many, the electronic device found in the X-E1 is larger and has a higher resolution (2.3k dot) than the 1.4k dot LCD viewfinder found on the X-Pro1. The X-E1's EVF is one of the highest resolution devices on the market.
Fuji X-Pro1 vs Fujifilm X-E1: LCD screen
Fuji X-Pro1
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Another important difference to bear in mind is the rear LCD screen. On the X-Pro1 you'll find a larger, 3-inch, 1.23k dot resolution device, whereas on the cheaper X-E1, it's a smaller 2.8-inch, much lower resolution 460k dot screen.
If you use the screen a lot, whether for composing or playing back images, the X-Pro1's will appeal more.
Fuji X-Pro1 vs Fuji X-E1: design
Fuji is very proud of the design work that has gone into its X range of premium cameras, and rightly so. The X-E1 features many of the same design points as the X-Pro1, but one noticeable absence is the shutter speed dial lock.
This was something that was incorporated into the X-Pro1 based on feedback from users of the Fuji FinePix X100, the company's premium APS-C format compact camera. This stops the shutter dial from being accidentally knocked from Automatic, and is a handy addition that prevents mistakes.
Fuji X-E1
The X-E1 is also smaller than the X-Pro1, measuring roughly the same dimensions as the X100 (body only). While the X-Pro1's front, top cover and back is constructed from sturdy magnesium alloy, only the front and top cover of the cheaper X-E1 get this same ultra-premium treatment. The X-E1 is also around 100g lighter than the X-Pro1.
Fuji X-Pro1 vs Fuji XE1: battery life
With only an electronic viewfinder, it would be safe to assume that battery power on the X-E1 will be more limited than on the X-Pro1. That's both true and false, depending on how you look at it.
Fuji X-Pro1 screen
The potential maximum shot life of the X-Pro1 is around a 1,000 frames, when using the optical viewfinder. However, when using the electronic viewfinder, the X-E1 is said to be capable of delivering around 350 frames, compared with the X-Pro1's 300.
Fuji X-Pro1 vs Fuji X-E1: price
Of course the biggest difference between the two cameras in the mind of the consumer is likely to be the price. Fuji is yet to announce the official RRP of the X-E1, but it promises that it will be significantly cheaper than the X-Pro1.
Fuji X-E1 screen
At the time of launch, the X-Pro1's body only price was around £1,500/$1,700, with lenses each retailing for around £500-£600/$600-$700. A few months down the line and you can pick up an X-Pro1 for around £1,200/$1,400 from certain outlets. Hopefully Fuji will be able to offer a camera that's closer to the £1,000/$1,200 price bracket.
Verdict
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Choosing between these two cameras is tricky, especially considering we don't yet know the official price of the X-E1. Fuji is squarely aiming its new camera at the mass market, which the X-Pro1, with its high price, was unable to appeal to.
We can see the Fuji X-E1 becoming extremely popular with a large cross section of the camera-buying community. Existing Fuji X-Pro1 users will likely be tempted to add another body to their collection, while those who couldn't quite justify the price before will also find themselves lusting after this.
When it comes to making a buying decision, it all comes down to whether you can live with using an electronic viewfinder only, or would prefer an optical device as well. The better screen and slight differences in design may also play a part in making a decision.
The Fuji X-Pro1, which was announced earlier this year, has proven to be a major critical success. Now, Fujifilm is hoping to appeal to a wider group of consumer users by introducing the Fuji X-E1, a smaller, more affordable compact system camera (CSC). Here are some of the key specs you need to know about the new camera, examined more closely.
Check out our Fuji X-E1 hands-on review.
Fuji X-E1 sensor
The most exciting news about the new Fuji X-E1 (sometimes seen as the Fuji XE1) is that it uses the exact same 16.3 million pixel APS-C X-Trans CMOS sensor as the Fuji X-Pro1. It has a unique colour filter array to minimise moiré and false colours, without the need for an optical low pass filter.
To put that in layman's terms, that means it's capable of high resolution image capture that's bright and clear across the whole image. In our lab tests of the X-Pro1, we found that the APS-C size sensor was comparable in quality to some larger, full-frame sensors.
Fuji X-E1 viewfinder
Probably the biggest difference between the Fuji X-E1 and the X-Pro1 is the viewfinder. The X-E1 uses an electronic viewfinder only, which although offputting to some, is one of the highest resolution devices currently available on the market, with 2.36 million dots.
This makes it comparable to the EVF found on the Sony NEX-7, which was widely praised and should make for very comfortable operation.
Fuji X-E1 autofocus system
One of the key problems with the X-Pro1 was the speed of autofocusing. Keen to fix the issue, Fuji has now issued a new firmware upgrade that should speed up focusing to around 0.1 seconds.
This newer version of the firmware is already fitted as standard on the Fuji X-E1. Other improvements to the autofocusing include focusing distance, making macro photography easier.
Fuji X lens range
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Fuji is keen to point out that the company is in the interchangeable lens market for the long-haul, with plans to increase the available optics for the X system considerably by 2013. Lenses already available include fixed length 18mm, 35mm and a 60mm macro.
Alongside the launch of the X-E1, Fuji has also revealed a new 14mm prime lens and a new "kit" 18-55 f/2.8 – f/4 premium standard lens. By 2013, the lens range should have expanded to 10 different options, including more zoom optics.
Fuji X-E1 LCD screen
If you don't want to use the EVF, the 2.8-inch 460k dot LCD screen can be used. Although not a particularly high resolution device, compared with others in the market, Fuji does promise that the high contrast, high brightness device has the advantage of a wide viewing angle for composing from slightly odd angles.
Fuji X-E1 flash
Unlike the Fuji X-Pro1, the Fuji X-E1 comes with an inbuilt flash. Equivalent to a guide number of seven, the flash should be ideal for providing fill-in flash. There's also an accessory hotshoe for adding an external flash if you prefer.
Fuji X-E1 build
Both the top and front covers are made from die-cast magnesium, which Fuji says gives the camera a rigid, yet delicate design. It's roughly the same size as the Fuji FinePix X100, the company's APS-C sensored premium compact, and it's also got a rubber grip specifically designed to provide extra purchase when holding the camera in one hand.
Fuji X-E1 design
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As with other cameras in the X series, Fujifilm has put a lot of effort into the design of the X-E1. It will be available in two colour variations. One is pure black, which it believes will appeal mainly to photojournalists and street photographers, who want something more subtle. The other is black and silver, and is designed to appeal to those wanting to make a statement about their camera choice.
The sides of the dials on the top panel feature a texture pattern for smooth adjustment, while dials for choosing exposure compensation and shutter speed can be found at the top of the camera. Aperture rings around every X series lens can be used for choosing aperture.
Fuji X-E1 battery life
Because the camera uses an electronic viewfinder only, it doesn't have the same maximum battery life as the Fuji X-Pro1. However, the battery can offer more than the X-Pro1 if both were used with the EVF continuously used. Fuji's testing indicates that the X-E1 can last around 350 shots, compared with the X-Pro1's 300.
Fuji X-E1 price
One of the most appealing things about the Fuji X-E1 is likely to be its price, since it's set to start with an RRP that's significantly cheaper than the X-Pro1's starting RRP. We've yet to receive an official UK price, but several US sites are listing it as $999 (body only) or $1400 with the kit lens.
Just a few months after the Fuji X-Pro1 launch, Fujifilm has managed to squeeze its class-leading tech into a smaller body.
Fuji has enjoyed great success with its X series of premium cameras. The Fuji X-Pro1 marked the company's return to interchangeable lens cameras ever since it bowed out of the DSLR market in 2006.
Widely praised by critics and the audience, the Fuji X-Pro1's sensor is comparable to some full-frame sensors in our lab tests, and the images it produces are fantastic.
But there's always been one huge drawback for the consumer audience - the price. The Fuji X-Pro1 currently stands at around £1,500/$1,700 for the body only, with each of the three prime optics retailing for around £500-£600/$600-$700 each.
By comparison, Fuji says that the X-E1 will retail for significantly less and will include the brand new premium 18-55 f/2.8 - f/4 Fujinon lens.
Another big criticism of the Fuji X-Pro1 was its autofocusing speed, which could be pretty sluggish at times. Fuji was well aware of this issue, and has now issued a firmware upgrade for the X-Pro1, which solves that problem.
This version of the firmware is found on the Fuji X-E1. Fuji claims that with the new 18-55mm lens this enables focusing speeds of 0.1 seconds.
Many of the specs of the Fuji X-E1 are shared with its older brother. Crucially, it has the same 16 megapixel APS-C X-Trans CMOS sensor and the same processor. Image quality should, therefore, be exactly the same.
Technology adapted from analogue film has been used to create the sensor, which features a unique colour filter arrangement to produce low-noise images even at high ISO settings.
Unlike the Fuji X-Pro1, though, the Fuji X-E1 doesn't use a hybrid optical and electronic viewfinder, instead relying on an electronic device only. With 2.36 million dots, this is comparable to the Sony NEX-7, and is one of the brightest EVFs currently on the market.
Available in two colours, Fuji's designers say that the X-E1 has been designed with two different kinds of photographers in mind. The all-black version is thought to be appealing to discreet street shooters, while the silver and black version - with its retro-style body - is designed with more image-conscious users in mind.
With a lower price, the Fujifilm X-E1 is a more direct competitor of the Sony NEX-7 and Olympus OM-D.
