X-E2S Mirrorless Camera w/XF18-55 Lens Kit (Silver)

My primary camera right now is a Canon 6D backed up by a 7D Mark II, but I wanted to add a smaller camera that I could carry almost all the time and still count on getting good image quality with some level of control (I mostly shoot manual since that's the way I learned way back in the film era). The obvious route seemed to be to try out one of the mirrorless systems. I first tried an Olympus OM-D E-M10 and I was impressed by this entry level offering and by the line-up of lenses in that system. I also tried Canon's EOS M3. The M3's image quality and color beat the Olympus and I decided to keep the M3 despite the lack of a viewfinder and the limited selection of lenses (although Canon sells an adapter that lets you use all of its other lenses, I'd like to see more lenses dedicated to the lighter, smaller mirrorless system). Ultimately, I looked at Fuji and was impressed by the lineup of lenses (not as many as Olympus, but more than Canon and very high quality). I didn't want to spend a lot of money to get into the Fuji system and the X-E2S was just the right price point combined with an EVF and a great range-finder look that reminded me of my father's Leica (the camera I learned on back in the 60's). Combined with the very light weight 27mm lens this is almost pocket sized. It's light weight and small enough that I can carry it just about all the time so I've been able to capture photos I would have missed otherwise. In the recent past I've used my phone, but even though IQ has increased dramatically even the best phone camera can't deliver the same quality as the larger sensors in dedicated digital cameras. Although I still tend to shoot in manual mode, I have experimented some with the "scene" modes that the X-E2S offers, as well as the film simulations (which I didn't think I'd use, but which I really like a lot). The panorama shooting mode has also been fun to play around with. In manual mode the controls are easy to use and I don't have to take my eye away from the EVF to quickly adjust shutter speed and aperture to get the results I want. Changing the ISO does require that I go to the menus, but I'm going to experiment with customizing the function buttons to try to streamline that process. The only real criticism I have so far is that shooting in the camera's raw format (RAF) is almost entirely limited to conversion in the camera. I shoot in raw mode with all my other cameras because of the ability to adjust images with the wide range of software available to photographers today. So far the only program that I own that works with this camera's raw files is ACDSee's MAC offering and even that doesn't allow much in the way of manipulating the image. I understand that Lightroom and PhotoShop can also work with the RAF files, but I don't own those products. This may be more a criticism of the software industry (and my dogged determination not to use PhotoShop ;)) than the camera, however, and whenever I can work with this camera's raw images in programs like Aftershot, Capture One and DxO Optics Pro I'll revise this review with my experience of how much the raw images can be manipulated. The bottom line is that this is a great entry level camera in the Fuji system and worth five stars in that category. Update: After working with this camera a little more I'm even more impressed with the extent to which it can be customized. I've changed one of the function buttons to provide immediate access to ISO settings and now can change settings as fast if not faster than I can with my Canon 6D. I continue to be impressed with the IQ that the Fuji lenses and this camera deliver. It's also just a fun camera to shoot with. I ran into a photographer for our local newspaper - a very talented photographer who shoots Canon 1D and the best L lenses (see photo). I had the X-E2S with the 27mm pancake lens and (from a distance) he mistook it for a classic film-based rangefinder. Loved it!

As someone who teaches photography, I have been reading about the Fuji X system for quite a while. I read a lot of reviews and spent some time at B&H to look through their cameras, and I also own a X30. Coming mainly from Nikon and Canon background, I really wanted to try not just a mirrorless camera but a rangefinder camera, whose original film versions still seem to have a great appeal to me. I was lucky to be able to find a brand new XE2s, as it’s no longer in production. I thought about getting the new XE3 but it doesn’t have a built-in flash, which I often need as a fill flash when I do outdoor portraits. I like the size of XE2s, the weight, and the way it’s made. I like the metal construction of it instead of the plastic bodies of Panasonic and Canon. I also like the handling of it– easy menu, at least to me, and the placement of the commands. It feels like a piece of precision engineering designed by and for photographers. I wouldn’t say this specific model is intended for beginners who know nothing about photography. However, the straight-of-the-camera jpegs are excellent. I have attached couple samples, both of which without any editing. I have also tested it in low light and the jpeg files are cleaner and have less noise than Nikon D5300 and D7000, but the D7100 with the FX 20mm lens beats the XE2s by a small margin. For those who know Fuji, their cameras cost more, thus one must decide what’s more important. There is nothing wrong with going for style in addition to image quality, budget permitting, of course. If I were to give two words for this camera: small but powerful.

I picked this up a few weeks ago to have as a second camera body - sometimes walking around with a full frame DSLR just isn't practical. For $350, I'm very satisfied. It's an older camera, so there are some downsides. First, the continuous AF is horrific - at least on the 27mm 2.8 pancake. This camera will consistently "pulse" the AF back and forth around a subject instead of "locking on". It's hard to explain, but imagine a pendulum swinging back and forth - that is how the autofocus behaves in continuous mode. In addition, the viewfinder is mediocre when compared to newer cameras. That being said, this makes for an excellent street camera. It's subtle yet attractive, making for a very unimposing camera. AF-Single works very well, locking on quickly to both subjects and faces when using zone or spot AF (wide AF can sometimes make mistakes). Image quality is impressive. Though it's "only" 16MP, don't be fooled - it's extremely sharp with pleasant colors and relatively low noise. Would I want this as a primary camera? No - I'd absolutely go with one of Fuji's newer cameras - they've made vast improvements. However, as a secondary camera, I don't think you can go wrong.

I normally shoot with a Nikon D7000 and purchases this to use as a smaller camera to carry around for everyday use. Unfortunately, I was very disappointed with the quality of the photos and the speed I was able to shoot at.

I'm a full frame SLR user and like every full frame user, I'd like to find a camera with reasonably high quality while being smaller and much lighter. In this wonderful digital world, I'm amazed at how difficult this is. Currently, after being dissatisfied with the image quality from Fuji's X10 (sensor too small), Olympus EP2 (sensor too small and some lenses not that hot), Sony RX100 (soft corners), Sony RX 100 mk II (same as mk I) I now use a couple Canon G1X cameras. These Canons are the most primative of the bunch, and the slowest, but they deliver corner to corner sharpness, image stabilization and for a travel camera, no need to change lenses. (About the Sony RX100; to quote from Digital Photography Review's test conclusion of the RX 100 III, "It's quite normal for compact cameras to have soft edges or inconsistent corners...." Wow.) This brings us to the XE2s. Sharp lenses, metal body, good sized sensor, made in Japan, what's not to like? The EVF. I powered the camera up in a room with white walls, looked in the eyepiece and saw a room with blue/cyan walls. I made sure all film simulations were off. I probably could get used to the color shift but to my eyes, the EVF still doesn't resolve enough to make fine details look sharp. So I squint until my head aches. Things looked pretty sharp at 55mm but appeared out of focus when zoomed out to 18mm. (Yes, diopter was adjusted.) The problem here is not what you see is what you get...it's that with a true optical finder, what you see is what you SEE. If it's dark, an optical finder will be dark; if something is a certain color, an optical finder will display exactly that color. I'm sure EVFs will get better. They're cheaper to make than good optical finders. But my advice is, if you want a Fuji X camera, spend a little more and deal with the extra weight of the X-Pro.

I've had this camera for 6 months now and can write an intelligent review at this point. I bought it when it was first introduced and have put it through its paces on two trips to China where I do a fair bit of street photography and studio work while traveling on business. Like most people, I've transitioned from a DSLR to mirrorless for size & weight considerations. I was traveling with a Pelican case full of lenses and bodies and now I carry a single small Crumpler camera bag with the Fuji X-E2S and a couple small primes plus the kit lens. So right out of the gate I will give this camera an A+ for size and weight when compared to DSLRs. Transitioning from Nikon to Fuji has been a little bit of a challenge because there are all new menus to memorize. Arrrgghhh. The only thing that has tripped me up a few times is the electronic shutter. I go back and forth shooting with a flash (on and off camera) and I keep forgetting you can't use the electronic shutter and shoot with a flash (sync issues). Now I think I've got it. The flash sync speed is a little low at 180, but I'm getting use to that too. So far the idiosyncrasies have been minimal and easily overcome. (Like the lens mounts rotate in the opposite direction as Nikon) The big payoff has been the beautiful image quality. I bought several lenses to test (14mm, 18mm, 27mm, 18-55mm, 50-230mm). I've found all of them on sale or as grey market lenses on Ebay, so not a huge investment. For street photography my go-to lens has been the 14mm (with absolutely NO distortion). For general walking-around I like the 15-55mm kit lens (it's painful to call this a kit lens because it's so MUCH better than a typical kit lens). The surprise of the group has been the 50-230mm which I found on sale for an amaizing $199. It's not a speed demon telephoto, but because I shoot outdoors I've caught some great shots using this cheapie long lens. I'm selling the 18mm because it's gathering dust after I bought the 14mm. As we all know, image quality is a function of both the lens and the body (sensor), so I've tested this body with several lenses and give it a solid 5 stars. Pros: - Image quality - Size & weight - Available lenses are A+ (but wait for them to go on sale. Be patient) - Excellent low light performance Cons: - I'm never sure where to put my thumb when shooting. It keeps hitting controls. - Learning new menu controls sucks - but this isn't the camera's fault. - Off-camera flash solutions are limited (trigger systems). Admittedly this isn't the primary use of this camera for most people.

I read tons of reviews on so many different cameras. I finally decided to go with the x-e2s. I wanted a new camera to replace my canon 50d (to big) and canon g16.(low quality) I compared this camera to the Sony 6000a which was similar in price but past disappointments with Sony products pushed me away. I compared to Olympus omd 5II which I really liked. The features were better but the larger price and smaller sensor swayed my mind. My choice was made primarily because of the Larger sensor and price. I didn't want to spend much over $1000 I choose mirror less because I wanted a smaller camera than an slr. I did consider advance point and shoot but to pricey for what you get. (their main advantage is they are pocketable. There was only one big thing I sacrificed in choosing this camera I wanted a tilting lcd. I have had it two days and so far I love it. It looks great. It is a perfect size. All the settings I will need. Menu is easy to use. The pictures I have taken so far are great with no noise at 1600 iso Downside I had to update lightroom 6 Update 5-27-16 This Camera is so much fun. It is taking me some time to get comfortable with (because I have only used canon cameras). But is such a joy to use. Pictures are beautiful, focus is fast. The lens is perfect, I never need the Flash. (low noise and Lens IS) This is simply a beautiful machine, small, light and does what it is made to do. The one thing I do miss a lot is custom delay timer on canon cameras.

I love this little camera! After my Canon SLR gathered dust for a couple years and I found myself shooting primarily with my phone, I decided I wanted better image quality but a smaller camera. The X-E2S has been so fun. I've had it for a month or so and take it with me everywhere. I am so impressed with the interface and the customizable buttons! Took me a while to adapt from years of Canon "reflexes" but now I feel really comfortable w it. The kit lens is super nice, feels like an old school metal lens. I also have the 14mm f2.8, and the 35mm f2. I chose Fujifilm over Sony based purely on the stories of the "joy of shooting" it was bringing out of photographers and I have experienced it as well! You can see more of my photos on Instagram @klausphotos, if you're interested!

Amazon Prime fulfilled my order a lot faster than I expected. (in 3 days instead of 6) - this is my entry camera into the Fuji system and I am super impressed. In great light, this little camera is amazing. I'll probably be purchasing an x-T2 for low light situations but at least I know, I won't have shoulders that hurt at the end of the day. The lightweight feature along with superb image quality was what sold me. I love the way it looks as well, bringing me back to my younger days when I used to play around with my dad's cameras. This little camera is starting to make me love photography again.

So far so amazing! I wasn't sure what to expect when ordering one of Fujifilms X-Trans cameras. Before I ordered I wasn't questioning the image quality, as I know Fujifilm digital cameras take beautiful photos; but, it was the operation of the camera that I was weary about. I have been shooting almost daily, for just under a month, with this camera and I think its time I tell you a little about it. Its been many years since I've used a camera that has been designed like this and I wasn't sure if I could get passed the fact that it isn't a DSLR, which I've been using for about 15 years. I don't know what I was so worried about, this camera is a joy to shoot with! Almost every buttoncan be customized to get quick access to the menu items you need most. The camera itself is almost silent and it fits nicely in my hands. I am a big boy, so I have been pondering the idea of getting the little hand grip to help it fit better in my hands but it is not essential, for now. I have seen lots of images, both RAW and JPEG from this camera and thought I knew what I was getting myself into; however, to my surprise, the images that I have produced with this camera were even better than what I have seen all over the internet. Skin tones... perfect! Saturation of colors in landscapes... striking! Deep and rich blacks... oh yeah! Metering seems to be pretty bang on, but I haven't quite "tested" this. The EVF is pretty wicked. Didn't think I would like that either, I like seeing.... the real world, not a "fake" one. But, again, I was quite surprised how much I like it. It has all the info needed to make accurate decisions on my exposure and focus. There is very (I mean very) little lag in the EVF. The only gripe I have with the camera is the battery life. It is a pretty large battery and to only get about 300-350 shots its pretty sad. So, think about getting a couple spares. Even though this X-Trans II sensor is "old technology" it still takes wonderful photos and is dream to shoot with.. Don't hesitate and just pull the trigger and buy this beauty. You won't regret it!

Such a great camera. Would recommend getting the lens with the camera - it makes an exceptional deal. My opinion: This is a very technical & setting intensive camera, it can be setup to be quite automatic and works great in that capacity.. but it would be a waste of it's intention. So this camera is right for you if you are technical or want to become a technical and patient photographer. It does work well to point and shoot or do action photography, but again I don't think that is it's intention. To me this camera was built to reproduce the experience of working with film and and all the mechanical controls and decisions that come with it.

Great camera, a good upgrade from the X-A1

My switch from Canon to Fuji started with an X100T that I fell in love with. When it was stolen, I considered replacing it with another X100T but I decided this was the time to switch to Fuji this was the kit that I started with. I've since added the 10-24mm, 23mm & 56mm XF lenses and the whole system is a joy to use. The kit lens is surprisingly versatile, and I'm extremely happy with the results. It's a great 'walk around' lens. It's compact, light weight and the auto focus is accurate and image stabilization is effective hand-holding shots in lower light. Great value getting it as a 'kit' vs. buying it on it's own. It's worth buying the kit vs. body-only if you're on the fence as to whether or not it's the right lens for you. It's worth trying. The X-E2S lives in my messenger bag (usually with the 23mm 1.4 on it) full-time like my X100T did before. It's compact and lightweight, perfect travel companion.