Graham
- edited
FUJIFILM’s high end X-series is getting an update in a lot of good ways. The Japanese company announced at Photokina that it would be introducing two new cameras, a lens adapter and a smart software upgrade to their critically-acclaimed XPro 1. Let’s take a look at the breakdown.
Starting at the top, the new XE 1 is a new model in the X-series, designed to bring the quality of the XPro line to more consumers. A little brother to the XPro 1, the XE 1 is physically smaller, with a lower resolution sensor, but it’s no slouch. The 16MP sensor will still deliver serious results, better (FUJIFILM says) than other APS-C sensors. It uses X-mount lenses, just like the XPro 1, which is a great time to mention that there will be 5 new lenses in that series over the course of the next year.
Unlike the XPro 1 there’s no optical viewfinder, but the OLED digital viewfinder fills the void. Naturally, the XE 1 is just as gorgeous as the XPro 1; while the XPro 1 had a definite “pro photographer” feel, the XE 1 bridges the gap, landing in what I like to call “sophisticated photo consumer”. If you need that broken down a bit more: it looks classy without being too serious… in short: I love it.
The XE 1 should retail for about a thousand bucks for the camera body. The 18-55mm lens with optical image stabilization will retail for around $699, but the kit with the camera and lense will go for around $1400-$1500.
The XE and XF 1 cameras will come with version 2 of FUJIFILM’s X-series firmware… and the XPro 1 gets it too! It’ll speed up autofocus, and it also brings compatibility with the final thing we’re covering here: the FUJIFILM Leica Lens M-Mount Adapter. Tailored for the X-series, the flange depth is correct, and lenses can focus to infinity on this mount. It has memory access on-board, so you can store settings for up to 6 lenses. For serious photographers, this is a really big deal.
FUJIFILM’s commitment to great photography continues with the X-series. I can’t wait to get my hands on an XE 1 this fall!
This interchangeable lens camera combines trendy, retro looks with cutting-edge technology to bring you a premium photography experience. The new, custom-developed 16 megapixel APS-C X-Trans CMOS sensor produces stunning photos with higher colour reproduction and minimized generation of false colours.
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