MY THOUGHTS ON THE FUJIFILM X-E2 | Long conversation about this great camera.

[@nesutoneko]

And here we are, two years since this video was made and the X-E2 is hovering around $500 and the X-E1 around $350+ (not to mention the X-E4 at $1250!). I cannot recall any other brand of digital cameras holding their value as well as Fujifilm. Not a complaint, love their cameras and happy my Fuji gear commands strong resale value.

[@iprelvu]

Just scored on eBay x-e2 for $350 The guy was asking for $480 I send the offer not expecting he will accept. But got pleasantly surprised Btw in New condition No scratches Good luck out there

[@martingreenberg870]

@@iprelvu Good deal. Well done. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)

[@jumperinderpampa1646]

A friend sold me his X-E2 in perfect conditions for 200 Euros in 2018, still loving the camera, take her always on my travels all over Europe. Great for street and landscape. I just looked up for prices in Austria: Found a used X-E2s for %90 Euros (590 US-Dollars), crazy :-)

[@CraigBergonzoni]

That's awesome that you have one in great condition! It's such a cool camera. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@bobjohnson9597]

The whole reason I bought a Fuji is because of their Jpegs. F@kk wasting my life editing photos that only me and a few friends or relatives will ever see. Of course for all you so called pros keep it in raw but dont forget to crawl out of you basements for a little sunshine and fresh air. Thanks for the great content

[@CraigBergonzoni]

Thanks for watching and thanks for your feedback! Much appreciated!

[@alexandru.marinica]

Although I wouldn't put it in the same way Bob has, I tend to agree with what I percieve to be the underlying comment that he is trying to make, namely why did you buy a Sexy One or a Sexy Too if you are shooting for post? But then again it's your money and you can spend it however you wish. Just as a quick aside, these two camera are coveted by former film shooters who use them mostly in jpeg mode with custom recipies as an alternative to shooting film. Have a look at the recipies available online and try them out. You might be surprised at the results you can get SOOC with these two beauties. Enjoy!

[@CraigBergonzoni]

Back when I made these videos these things were really inexpensive. So price alone would have been motivation to buy them. An an affordable entry into digital photography and the Fujifilm ecosystem. I do love the jpegs and have made my own recipes as well. (I’ve made videos about them. Check them out if you’re interested). But one of the things I love most about the X-Trans sensors on these Fujifilm cameras is the look I can get out of them when I edit them. Finishing off my photos whether it’s through processing, editing, developing is important to me and part of the creative process I love. For me, the photo isn’t finished even if the JPEGs look cool. I shoot film and digital and love the post work. But everyone has their own preference and process, and to each their own. But that is mine. Thanks for the feedback!

[@alexandru.marinica]

@@CraigBergonzoni That's very interesting to hear. I never heard people talk about the Fuji RAWs in this way. I'll have to look into it. I was curious, since I have finally found an XE-2 for sale, how much more digital is the look compared to the XE-1? I have an XS-10 and I love the sensor, which begs the question if there is really a need for the XE-2. My ideal camera would be an XE-1 with faster auto-focus and better focus peaking. The XE-2 offers that, but how much of the magic film look is gone? P.S. In case it's not clear, I also own the XE-1 and am pondering adding the XE-2 :)

[@CraigBergonzoni]

Oh yeah, for me it’s mostly about the Fujifilm RAW files. I have yet to find something that compares (maybe Leica raw files would but that’s out of my budget lol) So in terms of X-E1 vs X-E2 in terms of “filmic look”… they both have it to be honest. But maybe just in different areas. To say that the X-E1 is like old slide film and the X-E2 is like old Kodak color negative film would be simplifying it but in my experience this is a good example of some of the differences. That being said you can get close to the same image out of both, most of the time. Sometimes the X-Trans II imaging system creates the “plastic” skin look at certain ISOs but only in the JPEGS, and only sometimes. (Since I was worried about RAW files, this never bothered me). I loved the improved AF and focus peaking on the X-E2. I also love Classic Chrome, which to me is still the GOAT color film sim on these cameras. I could shoot all of my color work in Classic Chrome and be happy. Check out my 1979 recipe (not a classic chrome recipe) but it gives you a good example of the film look you can get from the X-Trans II cameras.

[@Vee_Macdonald84]

I just bought a second hand xe2 and 15-45 kit lens and I'm honestly blown away by them both. The lens is cheap, lightweight and made of plastic but takes surprisingly good photos. I find that when I am encumbered with lots of expensive gear, I feel a strange mental pressure to take amazing pictures, not damage any of the gear in any way, focus too much on the settings/functions, and then its not fun anymore. Is that just me?

[@CraigBergonzoni]

Hey Vicky, that's awesome you got an X-E2 and lens! It's a fantastic setup for the price. I 100% agree with what you're saying about the pressure of the new gear. I've battled this a lot. So it's definitely not just you. Thank you so much for watching and commenting! Let me know how the camera works out for you :)

[@Vee_Macdonald84]

@@CraigBergonzoni Well Ive had it for a couple of weeks and it’s been my favourite camera so far and Ive had a few over the last decade. I had been desperate for Sony a6000 for years then I got one at the same time as the xe2 and ended up keeping the xe2 and selling the a6000 as it was just a bit too small, delicate and ‘electronicky’, if you know what I mean. Like there was no substance to it. The XE2 just feels right for me. It’s not too fancy so I feel like it’s more of a ‘toy’ that I can have fun with, then when I take a look at the images that come from it, I’m like ‘Yeah this isn’t a toy’, haha. Thanks for the reply ;)

[@djtruedomination]

I have an XE1 and mainly use manual focus lenses with it. I adapt many lenses to it also.

[@CraigBergonzoni]

That's awesome! I love using lenses like that on all my Fujifilm cameras too.

[@josephyap698]

The XE1 and XE2 following have almost become a cult. I can see why, holding one in your hand, you want to take pictures. It has this retro feel, nothing plasticky like many other DSLR cameras. The camera is simple to use if one is not gadget savvy. The pictures taken are simply stunning. I have the XT1, which I also love, XPro2, XT20, X10 and XF1. They are all well-built cameras. The XE2 stands out being an exception with the ergonomics, for me personally. I picked it up last year for under Cdn $400, in almost mint condition. It was a steal.

[@CraigBergonzoni]

Hey Joseph! I completely agree. These are such great cameras. And it sounds like you got a great deal on your X-E2!! So cool! Congrats!! Thanks so much for watching and sharing your thoughts! I appreciate it.

[@williamcurwen7428]

Ah, the XE2s - I have two of them, bought new, and one of them is in storage ready for when the other one either gets damaged or packs up. It’s all about the sensor and how it’s RAW output reacts to processing in SilkyPix.

[@CraigBergonzoni]

That's awesome! Great idea having 2. I want to try the X-E2s soon, even though I have the X-E2, I still want to try it. And I agree about the RAW output. I love these files and what I'm able to do with them in post. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@williamcurwen7428]

@@CraigBergonzoni the real strength of the XE2s is to shoot at ISO800 @ 400%DR with a custom white balance made at base ISO and shoot in B&W RAW+JPEG with the highlight and shadow settings both set to -2, and the noise and sharpness settings dialled down to minimum settings. This allows you to trust the histogram, and to compose in terms of luminosity - without blowing out the highlights or clogging the shadows. Everything else about editing RAW can be dialled back in within SilkyPix and the 16bit TIF outputs composited in Photoshop. This is need to know information :)

[@martingreenberg870]

@@williamcurwen7428 I thought I was weird buying a backup camera. In my case I did this for the LUMIX GX9. They aren’t going to manufacture any more of these small bodies. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)

[@craigcarlson4022]

Watching this two years after its release, your observation on Fuji range finder cameras used price relentlessly escalating is still proving omniscient. I waited too long to jump on these.

[@muatao9943]

Yeah, me too. I'm just going to stick with my XT1 and XT2. 😪

[@LeedsRider]

Hey Craig, I just found your channel when searching for other photographer's thoughts on the X-E2. I have been a Fuji user for around two years now, after switching from the almost defunct Pentax ecosystem. My first Fuji camera was an X-T3, which I enjoyed using, but never fell in love with. I bought the X-E2 as a EDC camera for cheap on eBay. It had a broken flash, but otherwise perfectly functional. Since then, my X-T3 has sat on the shelf. The output of the X-E2 is simply beautiful and it feels 'just right' in use. I can't quite put it into words, but the camera makes me feel more creative and almost all of my recent portfolio work comes from my trusty X-E2. I would be devastated if anything happened to it (and yes I know how stupid that sounds!) That said, compared to the X-T3, it is quite slow in use, especially with AF and shutter response. For events/sports I will always use my X-T3, but for everything else my X-E2 is my go-to camera.

[@CraigBergonzoni]

Hey Jonathan! I totally get what you're saying about the X-E2. It's a fantastic camera. There's a definite charm to those X-E* line of cameras. I think its a fantastic choice for a EDC camera. And that's really cool you have an X-T3 as well. Sometimes its nice to bounce between different style of Fujifilm cameras like that. I'm very happy you found my channel. I truly appreciate you watching and sharing your experience. Thank you!

[@shred3005]

Somebody else predicting the death of Pentax 🤣. I’ve got a Fuji X-E4, it’s fun and light but it feels cheap in build, buttons are poor and flimsy, ergonomics aren’t great, EVF keeps you at a distance from a scene that OFV doesn’t so while it’s a totally different camera, my Pentax K-1 is still peak camera for me.

[@CraigBergonzoni]

@@shred3005 I've heard great things about Pentax cameras from others who have owed them as well. Maybe I'll experiment and pick one up one of these days.

[@lxhk3595]

The X-E2 is so much fun to use. I will never give it away , saying this as an ex-owner of the X Pro3. It's the simplicity combined with its impressing capabilities. Even the raws look great.

[@bobjohnson9597]

I couldnt figure my XE2s out and only used it a few times before I got frustrated and I simply put it in a nice camera case for years. when I just decided to trade it in on a new Fuji XH2s and they only offered me $250 trade in including my 18-55 lens I said no thanks. Now I was determined to actually learn how to shoot this rangefinder camera and I am so extremely happy that I kept it. I didnt even know that it had an auto mode as long as you set your lens to auto and then I found out how to access the film simulations and I now love this beauty of a camera. I will still get the XH2s for its incredible video capabilities but I will Never sell my XE2s. I love how I can bracket 3 film simulations with each shot and I have completely quit spending anytime editing other than the occasional crop. In other words Im Free to spend all of my photography time creating pictures instead of in front of a screen editing. Haleluiah however thats spelled...

[@martingreenberg870]

The camera store was ripping you off. The kit 18-55 lens is worth $300. Surprised you couldn’t figure out how to use the XE2 but then purchased the more advanced XH2S. Both your cameras are super. I’m glad you kept the XE2. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)

[@stevieb7121]

Hi Craig - I enjoyed this style of video - a bit less regimented than a 'standard' review. I've now settled on an X-E1 and an X-E2. I like the simple control layout - it means I don't have to think too much about the camera! I bought both cameras recently and they were a similar price (just under £200 GBP, although the X-E1 was from a dealer, so I could have probably bought one for less privately. They're both mint though). I sold an X-Pro1 as I prefer the size and weight of the X-E1. I found I didn't use the OVF on the X-Pro1. Subbed on the basis of this vid!

[@CraigBergonzoni]

Wow, that’s awesome you have both in such great condition! And thank you so much for the kind words. I realize my style of videos aren’t for everyone but I hope they continue to find people who connect with them like you did. I truly appreciate you watching and subbing. 🙏🏼🙌🏼

[@frankartale1026]

Really take a look. The xe1 sensor is much better with skin detail. And it just has something special

[@CraigBergonzoni]

Hey Frank, I really think this is in the eye of the beholder. I've done a ton of shooting with all of the X-Trans sensors. They are all awesome. But between the X-Trans 1 vs X-Trans 2, I just prefer the output of the images from the X-Trans 2 cameras. I shoot JPEG+RAW so I judge image output performance based on a balance of JPEG and RAW performance. That's just my personal preference. I know a lot of people online say there's some magic in the X-Trans 1 and I don't see it that way. I see some subtle differences between the first two sensors but it's subtle and all things considered I prefer the X-Trans 2. Thanks for watching and for your input! A ton of this is stuff is up to the photographer's taste and it's good to hear the opinions of all kinds of photographers.

[@frankartale1026]

@@CraigBergonzoni for me, when i take a jpeg of my face and without really zooming in. I see a very big difference especially around the eyes as far as natural detail with my xpro1 and my x100S. I actually am a big fan of the bayer in my original x100. Thats when i first noticed the skin issue with the xtrans 2. I almost did not get the xpro1 because i did not think there would be a differemce between the 1 and 2. Boy was i wrong. The bayer in the x100 and the xtrans in the xpro1,xe1,xm1 are very special. I guess its a nostalgiac thing idk

[@0n596]

I got the X-E2s wit XC 35mm lens for 375 bucks, but it is not easy to hold it. Are there any recommendations for a thumb grip? or what to do ??? As a newbie to Fuji and film I also wonder if there is any good video out there that gives some ideas for useful camera settings?

[@CraigBergonzoni]

HEY! sorry for the late response. To be honest I haven't used a thumb grip yet. There are a ton of thumb grips out there. I would try any one of those and maybe try the add-on grip for the X-E2 & X-E2s - FUJIFILM MHG-XE. That should help. In terms of videos of useful camera settings. Dive into the @pal2tech channel and search Roman Fox's channel as well. Pal2Tech is the best resource for learning things about these cameras, IMO. And Roman is a great resource to see how these things are used in street photography and such.

[@0n596]

@@CraigBergonzoni Hi Craig, your input is highly appreciated! Thanks so much!

[@Mark_dj86]

Just got a great deal on a second hand X-E2 body with lots of accessories for $330! Looking forward to receive it and start shooting. This will be my first Fujifilm camera, coming from several Sony cameras (My main camera right now is a Sony RX100 Mk.III). Do you have any lens recommendations that are versatile for landscape & holiday photography? I'm thinking of a 18-55mm F2.8-4.0 zoom lens, or something similar. I would rather not carry around a big lens, so a great prime lens or a small zoom lens (up to 3x) would be perfect. Loved hearing your thoughts in the video!

[@CraigBergonzoni]

That's so cool! That's a great deal in today's used market. In terms of a lens, I only have personal experience with the Fujifilm prime lenses. That's all I have owned. I would consider any of the f2 compact primes (23mm, 35mm, 50mm - all f2 lenses)I can't recommend the 23mm f2 or 35mm f2 enough for what you describe you want to use it for. The 35mm f2 is a great lens all the way around and is compact. The 23mm f2 is one of the sharpest lens I've owned (minus the one weak spot which is at the closest focus distance when shooting wide open at f2). But it's a fantastic lens and would be a great landscape lens. It may not give you the reach you're looking for when shooting your holiday photos, and that's where the 35mm f2 or even the 50mm f2 would come in handy. Congrats on the X-E2! Great camera!

[@Mark_dj86]

@@CraigBergonzoni Thanks for taking the time to reply! As I only have a budget for 1 lens at the moment, I think I'll have to go with the 35mm f2 lens as it sounds like the best all rounder for me! The compact size is especially perfect for my travel use!

[@greglarUK]

Excellent review Craig, thank you. I also miss my X-T1 which I upgraded to the X-T2, so the X-E2 looks just the camera I need.

[@bobdrawbaugh4207]

I love the look of the X-E line. But I’m left eye dominate and shoot with my left eye. The ranger finder style is hard for me to use. I’ve thought about picking one up as a travel camera and just using the screen to compose.

[@CraigBergonzoni]

Hey Bob, I totally get the challenge with the rangefinder style. I'm still not 100% used to it. The SLR style is more comfortable for me. I want to spend more time with the rangefinder style cameras to get used to them. I like your idea of just concentrating on using the screen Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@houghwhite411]

XE-2 also known as “sexy two” You’re right about the camera build quality, it’s well made

[@frankduffala1917]

Liked your video. I have the X-E2, X-T1, X-H1 and the X-T3 . I have to say that I use my X-H1 as my main camera for shooting BIF and then for every thing else I use the X-E2 or the X-T1…

[@CraigBergonzoni]

Thank you! Very cool collection you have! I just purchased an X-T4 and am excited to explore that camera. It’s really tough to go wrong with any of these X-Series cameras. Thanks for you watching and for commenting!

[@pauleckett6713]

Great review. I have one, I use the Ttartisan manual lenses which are great with this camera..as well as taking great photos the camera is a beautiful object!

[@pstaszkiw]

Hello Craig, First of all, I enjoy your channel. I think I subscribed at the 500 something mark :) I have five Fuji's, an X10, XE2, XE3, XT1, and an XT3. I enjoy all of them, but, the ones I reach for the most are the XE2 and XT1. Fortunately, I acquired these cameras used and some time ago, before the price increases. Case in point, the XT3 was bought on eBay for $625 and it only had about 350 shots. They all have their place. I use the XT3 (with the 18-55 kit lens) for family get-togethers, especially with the grandson. He's a non-stop bucket of energy and I need that quicker autofocus :) The XE3 is kind of my travel camera, with the XC 15-45 and the 35 f2, they kind of cover my needs when traveling. As for the XT1, XE2, and the X10, I use them when I'm in no big hurry, which at my old age is most of the time. I'll always keep the XT1, it was my first true digital camera. I alternate between the XE2 and XT1 for my walks and visits to small foody towns near me :) I have a 35 f1.4 that just stays on the xt1. I only shoot jpgs and the photos with that combo are just magic to me. The xe2 I use with a 27 f2.8, It's actually my preferred street camera. I just love the size and weight and since it has the same sensor as the xt1, I get the same jpg picture quality :) As for the x10, it's kind of my backup camera. Due to its size, I take it with me where ever I go. I think it takes great pics and I just love the fact that it has a telephoto lens (28-115). I don't think I'll be getting anything newer. I have all the megapixels I can handle. I don't shoot professionally, I don't make poster-size prints. In reality, I may be stepping backward. Recently, my son gave me an old Canon QLGIII and some film....hmmmmm another rabbit hole ???????? Keep up the great work !!!!!!!! pete

[@CraigBergonzoni]

Hey Pete! I love your collection of cameras! Quite the set. I want to pick up the 35mm f/1.4 one of these days. I have the f2.0 and love that lens. I love that focal length so I want to try as many as I can. I also want to pick up an X-T3 one of these days. I doubt I'll find one at the price you found yours for a while. Great deal! And that's great about that Canon QLGIII. Film photography is a blast. I shoot a decent amount of it and develop my own B&W film. It's definitely a deep rabbit hole there though lol. Thanks for sharing! Much appreciated.

[@smkunder1]

Great video, I keep wanting to dip my foot in Fuji, have not seen many under $325.

[@CraigBergonzoni]

Good point. There aren’t any good options under that price. I think the Fujifilm X-T1, XE2(s) X-T10 are some of the best cameras that might get close to that price on occasion. Let me know if you end up finding one. Thanks for watching!

[@karmagroovy]

Nice video Craig! I'm in agreement with you in that the X-Trans II sensor line seems to be the best value at the moment. I currently own an X-T1 and an X-T10. I thought about getting a X-E1 but the autofocus isn't great and they are really hard to find in the marketplace at a reasonable price.

[@CraigBergonzoni]

Thanks Russ! Yeah, like I said in the video I hope the prices of the X-E1 fall down a bit just so more people have an even more affordable entry into photography. I might have to try the X-T10 one of these days. I love the X-T20 and know I love the X-Trans II sensor so it seems like a worthy experiment to try that one out. Thanks for watching as always. I truly appreciate it.

[@davedowe6821]

Hey man

[@jangarcia1338]

Hi! I'm thinking about a well-priced Xt10 where I live, but read that the jpeg engine is not the same as the Xt1, that they tweaked It with this release. Do you find a difference between your Xt1 an Xt10? I wanted to try out the x-trans ii that so many rave about.

[@karmagroovy]

@@jangarcia1338 I'm probably the wong person to ask as I'm not a pixel peeper, but I haven't seen any difference in the way the jpegs render between the two bodies. Good luck on finding your Xt10! Paired with the 18-55mm 2.8-4 zoom, it makes for an excellent, low cost travel kit IMHO.

[@jangarcia1338]

@@karmagroovy Thanks a lot! I already have an Xt20 with the 18-55 and the 50mm f2. But wanted to get an Xtrans ii sensor and it will serve me as a good 2nd body to have one lens on each.

[@AnalogCabin]

One of the greatest features of the early XE line is the built-in flash. I’ll never understand why they took that off.

[@CraigBergonzoni]

Great point!

[@martingreenberg870]

@@CraigBergonzoni I seldom use a flash. In addition, the flash output isn’t great. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)

[@karlbeyrand8511]

Bonjour super video le xe2 mon boitier principale depuis le debut un super appareil

[@CraigBergonzoni]

Thank you! This is a great camera.

[@InvincibleViolinist]

Well done and useful video! I’m wondering about the autofocus on the x-e1 before and after firmware updates. I’ve heard it’s deathly slow and unresponsive making the x-e2 a better choice. I’m not a sports shooter but I hate a sluggish response at the shutter release.

[@don7117]

I am thinking of selling my X-T1 to get an X-E2. Idea is it would be a better travel camera with a pancake lens like the XF 27mm. Am I crazy to let go of my much loved X-T1? I also have an X-H1 so I still have something with a better grip, OIS, and WR.

[@CraigBergonzoni]

Hey Don! I apologize for my late response. I'm not sure if you're still deciding on this or not. To be honest you can't go wrong with either. They both have the same sensor and processor so in theory they produce the same images. But to be honest you won't be saving a ton of space. The X-T1 is already pretty compact. Also, you have to ask yourself if you're okay giving up the ISO dial, tilting screen, weather sealing and better EVF. (But like you said, you have an X-H1 so maybe you're good sacrificing this stuff on your second camera) Personally I would stick with the X-T1 if given the choice but like I said in this video if the X-E2 was the only camera I had, I would not complain one bit. It's fantastic.

[@don7117]

@@CraigBergonzoni Thanks Craig. I was outside in the snow and cold shooting with my X-T1 on the weekend, and it was really nice not having to worry about the weather, condensation from the cold, etc.. I forgot just how useful the tilting screen is. And out in the bright light, even with the eyecup, you still want the best EVF you can get (light creeps in around my glasses lens). So, I have been convinced, through both my own experiences and the feedback from folks like you - the XT-1 stays in my bag! Thanks!!

[@PoorAlchemist]

What do you think of the autofocus? Knowing that it is bad on the Xh2s, it's hard to imagine good autofocus on the X-E2. But maybe it's less serious in photos than in video. Do you use point and shot or face detection? Does the quality of the autofocus allow you to calmly invest in Fujifilm lenses which are poor in manual mode and autofocus both ?

[@iainmacadam2119]

Since 2014 I've gone X-E1 to X-E2 to X-T1 to X-Pro2, and I've kept all of them so I've had the chance to use them side by side. I'm a little astounded by the prices you mentioned. In 2014 the E1 was 700 new with the kit zoom and hand grip. In 2016 the E2 was 500 used. In 2018 the T1 was 400 used. The E2 is a really capable little camera, but I can't imagine buying one now for only 100 less than my T1 cost five years ago. And the E1 hardly any cheaper, with all its limitations... I feel like the T1 is the kind of solid and capable camera that deserves to hold value and remain a desirable option many years after release. The E2 is similarly capable, but I don't see it as a great option unless super cheap (but, yes, pretty great as a *cheap* Fuji option). It was my most used camera for three years and it worked, but it's not the camera that the T1 is. But in a way that's why I kept using the E2 so much even after getting the T1: its value was in its expendability; it was great to have an option that was basically as capable, if not as enjoyable, but which I didn't have much reason to worry about. In more detail: E1 was a pretty good camera; it had its limitations and was slow, but it worked and was a pleasure. It made me enjoy the process again, after a couple years of my Nikon feeling like a cold appliance. E2 was a big jump in features, yet it felt less thought out. They gave us button customization, but removed the view switcher so we had to assign one of the new buttons to doing what used to have a dedicated button. They also changed it so that in viewfinder-only mode the playback only worked in the viewfinder too, which made the view mode switcher that much more necessary. That's somewhere between bad design and a bad joke. They also cut video time in half, and I think X-Trans2 is where the high iso waxy skintone problem really got bad. But it added phase detect for a little extra speed, wifi transfer, completely silent electronic shutter, slightly faster EVF, Classic Chrome... So it was a game changer for features and could do a lot of things the E1 just couldn't, like documentation in quiet environments and instant transfer with just a phone. But my E2 had some glitches: the USB port didn't work and it'd drain the battery while off if something half-pressed the shutter in the bag (I've seen other reports of both issues). Where the E1 felt like a great camera with limitations, the E2 felt like a cobbled together camera with great capabilities. The X-T1 felt like a huge advance over the E2, like Fuji got out of beta and really figured things out before release. It fixed the interface elements the E2 broke, operated quicker, added the bigger and better EVF and the tilting screen that made it so much more useable on a tripod, plus weatherproofing. Image quality on T1 was supposed to be slightly improved by better internal shielding, and I got a vague impression that files did look a little cleaner, but insignificantly so. Downsides were squishy/imprecise feeling controls due to weatherproofing, and the physical iso dial that seemed so great in theory ended up being more trouble than it's worth due to having to move your left hand up to the dial, hold down the lock button with one finger, and precisely turn it to what you want without leaving it in an inbetween position. I loved the idea, but the poor implementation makes it just a retro gimmick, so I prefer the E1/E2 method of just hitting a button and spinning the control wheel to get the iso I want. Similar for the shooting mode control ring under the iso dial: seemed like a good idea, but in practice it means pulling out your camera and finding it's been knocked into multi-exposure. You have to overcome a lock every time you want to adjust iso, but there's no lock on mode ring right below it... exasperating. Of those three, I'd take the X-T1. The E1 just has too many things it simply can't do, the E2 feels the least polished, and the T1 has the best feel and viewing experience, with relatively minor nuisances and no huge flaws. The T1 is a good and capable camera that doesn't need to make any excuses beyond the gimmickiness of the control implementation. The X-Pro2 really feels like a leap beyond though. The T1 never felt slow until I used the XP2, which reminded me of the responsiveness of the old prosumer dslr I had long ago. Its physical iso dial is more annoying than ever (having to pull and hold the whole dial up while carefully turning, and probably knocking shutter speed in the process), the EVF is roughly E2 quality, and the lack of flip screen creates tripod hassles, but it overall feels like a sorted out higher end camera. Using a T1 alongside an E2 felt like very different interfaces on basically the same camera, even if one was faster and nicer. Using an XP2 alongside the others feels more like using a truly different camera, and next to the T1 it's a strange mix, with the XPro being clearly better overall, but the T1 being objectively superior in some very significant ways. Having access to all of them, I pick up the X-Pro, for everything, because I prefer its output and have grown accustomed to using it, but I really miss elements of the T1 and should probably use it more. I look back very fondly on the E1 but don't have any reason to use it right now. The E2 is just a workhorse camera; I used it more than any of the others but it's just a glitchy tool that I don't feel the same attachment to.

[@CraigBergonzoni]

wow, I love this thorough testimonial. This is extremely helpful for many people I bet. I'm actually going to be revisiting the X-Pro2. I can't wait to use it again. Maybe I'll have to make some new videos on that camera. Thanks so much for watching and for your great comment!

[@baptistep4005]

Hello Craig ! I like your in depth videos, you talk about all the little things that I was wondering about. I'm now about to buy a x-e2 and I have two offers to chose between : - x-e2 with XC 16-50 in good condition at 300€ - x-e2s with XF 23 f2 in near mint condition 400€ What would you chose I can't decide ! Thank you B

[@CraigBergonzoni]

Hey! Those are both great but if you can pull it off I definitely suggest the X-E2s with the 23mm. That lens is awesome. It has that one "flaw" everyone talks about where it's soft wide open when focusing at the closest focus distance. Other than that one scenario it's one of the best lenses I've owned. Let me know what you end up doing. Thank you so much for watching!

[@baptistep4005]

@@CraigBergonzoni Waw thank you very much for your very quick response ! So I made my decision I'm going for the 23mm :) I can't wait to shoot with it ! thank you !

[@CraigBergonzoni]

That's awesome! Can't wait to hear how it works out for you.

[@baptistep4005]

Ok so I had it for the last couple of days and this is so spectacular ! My last cameras were a canon g12 and an iPhone... So the leap is big and I love the texture and colors from the jpegs. My friends just have to deal with me pointing my camera at them every 5 minutes now... Thanks for your vids ! Cheers

[@CraigBergonzoni]

@@baptistep4005 That's so great to hear! I'm happy it's working out!

[@paulos1297]

Leaf shutter tho???

[@CraigBergonzoni]

It does not have a leaf shutter. That would be cool but that would take a different lens tech. The X100V has a leaf shutter though. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@shred3005]

I think the X-E2 is holding its value quite well. There are not a lot on the second hand market here in Australia so the prices we’re seeing is more than 75% of the new price that I paid for my X-E4 last year.

[@CraigBergonzoni]

Good point! Same with the X-E2s. I've been keeping an eye out for one of those and haven't seen one in quite sometime. The X-E2/2s are fantastic cameras. The X-E4 seems awesome as well, and again, another camera you can't find right now. Thanks for watching and sharing your feedback.

[@shred3005]

@@CraigBergonzoni just the day after I made this comment about the X-E2 prices holding up so well in Australia I picked up an X-E1 in excellent condition for AU$250 (US$175). I have an X-E4 already and wanted the X-E2 but couldn’t pass up the X-E1 on price and to try out that first X-Trans sensor. After a week of use I’m impressed but the big gap in AF and shutter response to the E-X4 is clear. The current model is just so much more responsive. What X-E1 does confirm for me is how much worse the button layout is now on the X-E4. This grated with me from day 1 with the X-E4. My main camera is a Pentax K-1 full frame beast festooned with buttons and great ergonomics so the poor ergonomics of the X-E4 surprised me how compromising it is to get the bigger screen that the earlier E models didn’t have. The X-E1 is ergonomically so much better. With that goes the size. Read the spec sheet and the dimensions of the X-E4 are just millimetres smaller than the X-E1. But reality is visually and in the hand the X-E4 is noticeably smaller. That gave them even less room to fit in the control buttons. I’m sticking with the X-E4 as my street and discrete camera as I love the images and the controls aren’t holding me back but I think I’m going to enjoy the older model for a bit as the slowness isn’t a concern for what I do

[@robinlennon4752]

Last week I picked up 2 X-E2's and a X-M1 in lovely condition for the equivalent of $435. Proceeds from the sale of my bulky and uninspiring Nikon D610. I'm taking advantage of a market where the X-E2 is incredible value and it hard to resist buying them at $175. Paired with the f'2's, a great quality balanced combo. The ergonomics are perfect for my hands, when you find a camera that works for you why bother with anything else.

[@CraigBergonzoni]

Wow! That is a fantastic deal! I'm happy for you. Keep me updated on how they're working out for you. Thank your watching and commenting! Much appreciated.

[@Zainphotography]

I have both XE2 and XE3 and I am not liking the E2. Not sure, What is it about the filmic look, because it's not. Image quality is comparable to E3 but it's definitely not filmic.

[@CraigBergonzoni]

I hear you. I think the X-E2 is a great value but I still choose X-Trans III and X-Trans IV cameras as my everyday cameras. (I'm sure the new cameras will join that as well once I'm able to try those.) I would love to try the X-E3 one of these days. Thanks for watching!

[@laeneema-vd1hm]

👍

[@albertsmith9315]

I feel fortunate that after owning and using modern Fujis (X-T2 / X-T3), I wanted to "play" with earlier vintage sensors, and I located a new in the box X-E2s in 2020. This has been my EDC camera ever since. I really like the 16mp sensor and feel this gives me the closest to a film-like rendering in the digital realm. I use this camera with a single prime, chosen randomly before each outing, and just make that particular lens work by moving. So glad I pulled the trigger on this older but still capable camera.

[@CraigBergonzoni]

Wow! What a great find!! I’d love to find a mint X-E2s one day. Thank for watching and sharing your story!

[@williamschaffel3760]

I like your channel but this video is just too long rambling

[@CraigBergonzoni]

I get that. That’s why I gave a warning at the beginning and made chapter markers. Some videos are short and some are long rambling ones. Thanks for the feedback! It’s always appreciated

[@janbonne]

The frequent focus breathing and autofocus adjustments on this video are highly distracting wow… what is he taking the video with ? curious so I don’t ever buy it lens or bodu

[@CraigBergonzoni]

Yeah, I just had my settings off on my camera. It happens from time to time. Thanks for watching though!

[@bionic4368]

Got sohh bored after 5 minutes i 💤💤💤