Fujifilm X-E2 Field Test – Final Thoughts

I’d be telling a lie if I said I wasn’t hesitant at first about the idea of leaving my DSLR behind and opting to take a CSC away with me instead. I’ve always believed there’s no better substitute than owning a full frame camera, and while there’s some truth to this with regard to resolving the very best image quality, the time I’ve spent with the Fujifilm X-E2 has opened my eyes to the real benefits a smaller system camera has to offer.

Although there are times where I’d still choose to shoot with my DSLR over a CSC – such as when I demand nothing but the best level of image quality in an extremely low-light situation, or where capturing the finest level of detail is of utmost importance – there are many situations where a CSC can make the better choice.

For me personally, the greatest benefit of opting to go down the CSC route as opposed to DSLR is the convenience a smaller system can bring to your photography.

Taking the X-E2 out into the field with four lenses took up less than half the space in my bag and weighed a fraction of what I’m used to carrying. Had the review sample of Fujifilm’s new 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 WR LM R OIS arrived in time it would have complimented the lenses I’d taken and given me a telephoto option that I was lacking, however the four lenses I did pack gave me plenty of options, with my favorite by far being the results produced by the Fujinon 56mm f/1.2 R XF at its maximum aperture.

Not just smaller…

My week away using the X-E2 made me aware that CSC’s aren’t all about the practicalities of being smaller and lighter. After a few days use I became aware of how using a CSC as opposed to a DSLR has an effect on people’s reactions and how people act in front of the camera – most noticeable in my case when I was attempting to shoot some candid portraits of the engineers at work.

Whereas raising a large and bulky DSLR can often be intimidating for people you’re photographing, I felt the X-E2 allowed me to shoot in a much more inconspicuous manner whereby I sensed less of a threat and at ease of capturing the natural expressions of subjects in their most pristine form.

I guess the question to be asked from all of this is; would I choose to switch over to a CSC permanently? If I weren’t for the fact that I’ve invested heavily in some of the best pro-spec lenses, and on some occasions I require the very best image quality performance from my DSLR’s full frame sensor, then my answer would be yes.

I love the idea of owning an X-E2 and a collection of X-mount lenses as well as my full frame DSLR so I have the best of both worlds, but just like many would like a convertible as well as their daily runaround, it’s regrettably not a viable option for me so it’s back to my trusty DSLR.