Gear/ Retro-style mirrorless camera
FUJIFILM X-E2S Boasting retro X-series styling, fantastic handling and cracking image quality, is Fujifilm’s mid-level X-E2S worth consideration? Test: JORDAN BUTTERS
SPECIFICATIONS Price: £549 (body only) Image sensor: APS-C X-Trans CMOS II Resolution: 16.3-megapixels AF points: 49 (nine phase-detection) ISO range: ISO 200-6400 (expandable to ISO 51200) Max shutter speeds: 1/4000sec (1/32000sec electronic) Continuous frame rate: Seven frames-per-second Built-in flash: Yes. Guide Number 5 (ISO 100, m) LCD monitor: 3in 1,040000-dot Storage: SD (SDHC/SDXC) Size: 129x74.9x37.2mm Weight: 350g (including battery and card)
It's easy to mistake the compact X-E2S for a film camera, but the lack of front rangefinder window gives it away.
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HERE ARE TIMES when only a DSLR will do, and then times where a mirrorless model really has the upper hand. When I go out for the day or travel abroad and photography isn’t my main intention, then I find using a big professional DSLR can be overkill. Thankfully there are a huge number of mirrorless wonders available to fill this gap in the market, and the X-E2S is Fujifilm’s latest mid-range offering. As the ‘S’ badge indicates, this is a mid-model revision of the X-E2. Usually, these revisions represent the best time to buy, as all of the niggles and problems have been ironed out from the previous model. Above and beyond the X-E2, the X-E2S boasts a wider handgrip, a new Organic EL EVF panel, tweaked controls and a revised autofocus system, with 77 points (up from 49), new Zone and Wide/Tracking modes and improved focusing speeds. Having said that, Fuji’s generosity is also their downfall here – if you own a X-E2 and upgrade to the latest V4.0 firmware, which is free, then the only thing you’re missing out on from the new model is the handgrip and EVF panel. This alone should indicate that the X-E2S seems to be aimed at new customers, rather than existing X-E2 users looking to upgrade. Looking at its specification, there could be confusion as to where the X-E2S sits in Fuji’s current line-up. This mid-range model boasts improved features over the entrylevel X-A2, yet it's not up to the likes of the X-T1 or X-Pro2. Its closest stablemate is probably the X-T10, and anyone eyeing up both cameras should know that the decision may come down to whether you prefer a central DLSLR-style viewfinder, à la X-T10, or the rangefinder style of the X-E2S. Beyond this, there’s not much separating them. The X-E2S packs a 16.3-megapixel APS-C X-Trans II CMOS sensor, powered by the EXR
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Processor II. The ISO range is 200-6400, expandable up to 51200, and the camera can shoot at up to 7fps. The improved AF system is more than up to the job of shooting most moving objects. However, a sports camera the X-E2S is not. There’s no in-camera stabilisation, although this is available in many of Fuji’s X-mount lenses. Image quality is very good and tack sharp – X-Trans sensors seem to produce images that have a very three-dimensional feel, and the X-E2S is no different. In particular, JPEG performance is notable – so good that it makes me question why you’d need to shoot in Raw. The X-E2S offers several Film Simulations too, and further parameters to tweak with regards to shadow tonality, detail and sharpness. There’s Wi-Fi too, which is quick and easy to use, so images can be shared online on the go without any fiddling on a computer. Less fiddling is always good. As with the rest of Fuji’s X-series, the X-E2S’s styling and handling is on point. The on-trend rangefinder design is available in black-on-black, or silver-on-black, and the X-E2S features a similar top-plate design to the rest of the range, with tactile analogue shutter speed and exposure compensation dials. Around the back of the camera a large 3in 1,040,000-dot LCD screen occupies most of the real estate, with a four-way control providing the navigation duties. To non-X-series users Fuji’s menu system may seem a step backwards, but it’s something you soon get accustomed to. The 2.36 million-dot organic EL viewfinder is a dream
to use too. The EVF works particularly well alongside the exposure compensation dial for instant feedback on exposure adjustments – you effectively see the final results before pressing the shutter. My favourite thing about the X-E2S is how discreet it is compared to a DSLR. Plus, the body and a couple of lenses take up next to no space. It's so light you forget it's there. So, what don’t I like? Not much actually. A tilting screen wouldn’t go amiss – the LCD can be difficult to see in bright sunlight at anything except for straight on. My biggest gripe is actually how little there is between an updated X-E2 and the X-E2S. But, with the X-E2 no longer available new, the X-E2S is a truly great mid-range mirrorless camera.
VERDICT If you’re in the market for a new camera and don’t need the bulk of a DSLR then you won’t go far wrong with the X-E2S. Shop around though – if you can find a new or low mileage X-E2 then you’re laughing. Handling
19/20
Ease of use
18/20
Features
17/20
Performance
17/20
Value
18/20
Overall
89/100