NOTHING BUT THE BASICS: OPERATION
The Fujifilm X-E1 has four main shooting modes: Program, Aperture, Shutter Speed Priority, and Manual (PASM). While its competitors offer a wider range of options, the X-E1—like its predecessor—has chosen to stick to the basics.
No dedicated mode dial is in sight, so some of you may wonder how you’ll be able to switch from one mode to another.
The X-E1 essentially shoots in Manual mode by default; on the top plate is a dial that adjusts shutter speed, and on Fujifilm’s XF lenses is ring that controls aperture. Setting the shutter speed dial on ‘A’ automatically sets the shutter speed value based on your desired aperture, which you can tweak by twisting the ring on the lens. This configuration serves as the camera’s Aperture Priority mode. If you set the shutter speed dial to a certain value, then set the little switch on the lens from the aperture symbol to ‘A’, you’re in Shutter Speed Priority mode. Setting both the shutter speed dial and the aperture switch to ‘A’ gives you the equivalent of Program mode on DSLRs.
The shutter release button is deep-set, so you definitely know if you’re half-pressing or actually taking the shot. Half-pressing, as always, locks in AF, and Fujifilm claims that this particular model can do it in as fast as 0.1 of a second. I don’t have a mutant brain that can calculate extreme speed, but in consistency with the company’s claim of fast lock-in action, I was able to focus on and shoot moving subjects easily. However, I think that it could have performed better, and it’s a great idea for Fujifilm to explore enhancements since some of its competitors are also using AF speed as a selling point. Paired with multi-purpose metering that performed accurately in most conditions, I was also able to keep my subjects well-exposed majority of the time, except for a few instances I had to hike up EV.
As I mentioned, there are only four main capture modes on the X-E1—that’s right, there are no creative modes onboard. You can, however, make do with Fujifilm’s own Film Simulation feature (I’ve gotten used to calling it FilmSim), which replicates the effects you get from different brands of 35mm analog film. Provia is the “standard” look, with colors and contrast looking very neutral; Velvia gives your scene a bit more punch with heightened color saturation; and Astia softens the look of the scene by keeping the colors slightly muted. The list of available FilmSim effects also includes monochrome, sepia and professional color negative variations.
The X-E1 also comes with a Film Bracketing mode in which it takes three consecutive shots of a scene, each using a different film simulation. Also on deck are dynamic range—which doesn’t perform as accurately as I had hoped—ISO bracketing, AE bracketing, and burst shooting at either 6 or 3 frames per second (fps).
The camera has its own movie mode, although it was a bit hard to find as it was hidden in the Drive menu and also because it doesn’t have a dedicated button to launch video recording. The X-E1 can shoot both 1080p Full HD and 720p at 24 fps, and you can adjust the mic volume to your preference.
When using the EVF, battery life is approximately 400 frames taken non-continuously, which is roughly a day of use—a good enough run time if you ask me. However, if you’re shooting lengthy video clips as well, the X-E1 might send you running to the power station after three to four hours of use. Also, the camera heats up rather quickly, so the best thing to do is not to keep it rolling for too long.