As expected, the Fujifilm X-E1 mirrorless interchangeable lens camera (MILC) was announced last week. It is a cheaper and more compact version of the X-Pro1, with the same excellent APS-C X-Trans CMOS sensor, sans any anti-aliasing filter, but missing the innovative hybrid optical/electronic viewfinder.
Instead, the X-E1 features a 2.36-million dot OLED electronic viewfinder, and you really can’t get much better than that. It is the same resolution as the Sony OLED EVF we were so excited about in the Sony NEX-7, A65 and A77, and we bet this is Sony-made too, though it’s rumored to be an updated version with better contrast. The X-E1 also gets a slightly smaller, 2.8-inch, and lower resolution, 460k dots, screen than the X-Pro1, to keep costs under control.
One of the main criticisms against the X-Pro1 and X100 (which we thoroughly reviewed here) was the slow autofocus and operating speed. Fujifilm is a company that listens, and claims the X-E1 can now focus in 0.1 seconds with the new Fujinon XF 18-55 F2.8-4 R LM OIS zoom lens which we was part of Fuji’s 2012-13 lens roadmap for the system. The camera also features a 0.05 second shutter lag, 0.5 second quick start (you can see our startup test of the X100 here) and 6 frames per second burst shooting.
The X-E1 is 30% smaller than the X-Pro1 and weighs around 350g. It does still retain the same excellent build quality with the top and front covers die-cast from magnesium alloy, though still not weather-sealed. Besides size, Fujifilm has also shrunk the price, and the X-E1 can be had in either all-black or two-tone silver and black for $1,000 or together with the XF18-55mm f2.8-4 zoom lens for $1,400 — in comparison the X-Pro1 will set you back $1,700 just for the body.
The camera is said to start shipping in November but we know you can’t wait to see more of it, so here’s a bunch of early preview videos.
First piece of gadget-porn comes from our favorite Canadian duo, the Fuji Guys:
Next up is a preview from TheCameraStoreTV:
And here is a bunch of other previews:
Below you can find a few sample pictures with more on Fujifilm’s website here — images may take a while to load.
Finally, here’s the full list of specs for the camera:
- 16.3 million effective pixels APS-C X-Trans CMOS sensor
- EXR image processor PRO
- FUJIFILM X mount (for Fujinon XF Series Lens)
- Ultra-high resolution 23.6 megapixel organic EL viewfinder
- 2.8 inch (460,000 pixels) LCD display (high contrast, high brightness and wide viewing angle)
- Built-in pop-up flash (with hot shoe, which can be accessed outside the flash)
- ISO 200 – 6400, expandable to ISO 100, 12800,25600 (ISO Auto is available ranges from ISO400-6400)
- 0.05 seconds shutter lag
- Q (quick) button Quick menu settings
- Built-in RAW conversion
- Film simulation mode (Velvia, Astia, Provia, Monochrome, Sepia, PRO Neg Std & PRO Neg Hi)
- Creative shooting functions include multiple exposure and panorama mode
- Auto Bracketing (AE / ISO / DR & FS)
- Full HD camera function
- Microphone / shutter line interface (Φ2.5mm)
- Single charge can take about 350 photos
We really can’t wait to get our hands on this camera and take it out for a day of shooting. We’ll certainly let you know more when we do.