X-E · 2013 · discontinued
Fujifilm X-E2 review
Launch price $999 · 16.3 MP X-Trans II sensor · 1080p 60p video
Added on-chip phase-detection AF, 7fps burst and built-in Wi-Fi.
Verdict
The Fujifilm X-E2 was the second-gen X-E mirrorless body that added on-chip phase-detect AF, 7 fps burst, and Wi-Fi, on the 16.3 MP X-Trans II sensor. Discontinued, 1080p/60, no IBIS.
This is for the used-market buyer who wants the first X-E body with phase-detect AF.
In detail
I have been meaning to dig into the older X-E bodies for a while. The Fujifilm X-E2 came out in 2013 at $999, no longer in production. Sits in the X-E line, Fuji's compact rangefinder-style line. What it added over the X-E1 was on-chip phase-detection AF, a real tool for moving subjects.
At 16.3 MP on the X-Trans II sensor, native ISO 200 to 6400, modest by modern standards. Subject detection is the older contrast-based system. Burst at 7 fps is conservative.
1080p is the cap, so this is a stills-first body. You can grab clips, but do not expect it to replace a dedicated video camera.
In the hand it feels like a Fuji, with the usual tight dials. No in-body stabilization, so for low light you will lean on stabilized XF glass. At 350 g it is light enough to live in a small sling bag. Bottom line: the used market is where this camera makes the most sense now that it is discontinued.
Pros and cons
What we like
- On-chip phase-detection AF
- 7 fps burst (up from 6 in X-E1)
- Built-in Wi-Fi, finally
- 16MP X-Trans II sensor
The headline win is on-chip phase-detection AF, which made a real difference for the X-E line in 2013. The X-Trans color science is hard to beat out of camera, and the JPEG recipes people have built up around Fuji are a real reason to choose it. 5 film simulations including Classic Chrome, all the classic Fuji look. At 350 g it is the kind of body you can carry all day and forget about.
Trade-offs
- Discontinued, 1080p video only
- No IBIS, no touch LCD
The honest trade-off is that it is discontinued and tops out at 1080p video. No in-body stabilization means relying on stabilized lenses for low light. Burst rate is conservative, fine for portraits, street, and landscape but rules out serious sports work. The 2.36M-dot EVF is on the lower-resolution side. Single card slot is the kind of spec that does not matter until the day it does.
Who is this for
Used-market buyers who want the first X-E with phase-detect AF. Light enough that it makes a great second body or a daily-carry option. Slow, deliberate work suits it best, portraits, street, and travel are all in its wheelhouse.
Full specifications
| Release year | 2013 |
|---|---|
| Launch price | $999 |
| Status | Discontinued |
| Megapixels | 16.3 MP |
| Sensor generation | X-Trans II |
| Processor | EXR Processor II |
| ISO range | 200–6400 |
| AF points | 49 |
| Subject detection | none |
| Burst (fps) | 7 |
| Max video | 1080p 60p |
| Codec | H.264 |
| Log profile | No |
| Stabilization | None |
| Viewfinder | EVF (2.36M dot) |
| LCD | 3" fixed |
| Weather sealed | No |
| Weight | 350 g |
| Card slots | 1 |
| Card types | SD UHS-I |
| Battery | NP-W126 |
| Battery life (CIPA) | 350 shots |
| Film sims | 5 |
Highlighted rows are class-leading within the current Fujifilm APS-C lineup.
Film simulations (5)
- PROVIA
- Velvia
- ASTIA
- Classic Chrome
- Monochrome
Compared with
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See it in the wild
Owner impressions and real-world photos from the Fuji community.
