Introducing My New Camera: The Fuji X-E2

A little while ago I wrote about getting rid of my Nikon D-90. The Fuji X-E2 is what I have chosen to replace it with. The X-E2 is a Compact Systems Camera. In basic terms this means that it doesn’t use mirrors to produce an image like the typical d-SLR. It’s a digital imprint onto the sensor, not reflected light. Having no mirrors means that the X-E2, and other compact systems cameras, are much smaller and lighter than the typical d-SLR as well.

I was put onto the idea of a CSC by the good folks over at Suitcase and Heels when I was introduced to the Sony A7. I was immediately excited by the possibilities that this piece of technology offered as a travel camera. After some study and deliberation I decided to trade in my old gear and get a Compact Systems Camera. I knew that my Nikon gear would never net me enough return to get the Sony A7 at it’s $1800 price tag so I decided I would get the best camera that I could with the money that I would get in trade. The Fujifilm X-E2 was that camera.

I did better than I expected on the trade and wound up getting several hundred dollars more for my Nikon gear than I thought I would. This was very exciting for me. Soon, I was flirting in pricing atmospheres that I had only dreamed possible before entering into negotiations that day. Alas, ere’ I soared with angels. But I digress. So, yeah, I was in position to buy a significantly higher quality camera than I had assumed I would. Very good news.

I worked my way down the counter trying different CSC brands a whole new world of opportunities opening before me. When I reached the Fuji it was game set and match. With it’s classic film camera look, it’s slim, lightweight body, ultra sexy lens, and minimalist aperture and shutter controls, I was soon smitten. What I thought was going to be a tough decision soon turned out to be a very easy one. It was the X-E2 all the way. I liked it better even than the Sony that turned me on to CSC cameras in the first place. And priced at $1199 (+tax), the Fuji, plus a good Hoya filter to protect the glass of the solidly built high performing Fujinon XF 18-55mm, f 2.8-4.0 OIS lens, the final cost of the X-E2 was right in my wheel house.

In the weeks since making the trade I have been getting to know my Fuji X-E2. Intrigued and excited by its’ possibilities and occasionally still thrown off by some of it’s differences to d-SLR’s, I am about to take it on it’s first road trip. This Thursday, October 9th the first installment of the VeloTramp Project hits the asphalt, taking to the roads of beautiful Cape Breton Island.  My camera and I, along with our trusty steed, the Cannondale CAADX bicycle, are heading to Cape Breton for a 900 K bicycle journey. I am excited by the spectacle that is Cape Breton in October and I am excited to be there to capture it with my Fuji  X-E2 camera. Hope to see you out there.

Pierre