XE2 ...V...X30.... Also posted on the X10 20 30 Thred for fairness sake....
Since adding an XE2 to my existing collection of X10, X20, and X30 Fuji cameras. I have been trying to sum up in my mind why I like the X30 so much more than the XE2.
There is no doubt that the XE2 is capable of far higher technical quality results, and it has far more controllable buttons and features. It is also a fair bit bigger and far heavier when fitted the 18-55.
However though smaller the X30 is easier and nicer to hold, even compared to when a hand grip is fitted to the XE2.
Now I do have a problem that not everyone shares, that is I now have an age related essential/ intention tremor. This means the more I try not to shake, the outcome is the exact opposite. Relaxing helps, but it is not going to go away. Fortunately both cameras have very good anti shake, which helps a great deal. As does the use of a light walking pole/monopod.
Now this throws up one of the built in nonsenses of the XE2, the tripod bush is off centre and very close to the battery and card door. Meaning that you have to remove any plate and clamp to reach them.. On the X30 I can leave a small plate in place, which can instantly click into the Quick release on the small ball head on my monopod. The only choice on the XE2 is to attach a hand grip with built in Arca Swiss type groove. This is again both far heavier and slower to detach. However it does solve the problem of the tripod screw and access, as the grip can be left in place. But by now we are talking, in round terms, of 1Kg as against 2Kg. A considerable difference in size and weight between the two cameras.
Now to the question of Buttons??? I never have a problem of accidentally pressing buttons or moving dials on the X30 But I do miss not having separate AFL and AEL buttons.
On the other hand the row of buttons on the left of the screen on the XE2 are very vulnerable, in fact I usually turn off the bottom left one for this reason. Had they created a small raised ridge down the outside of them, this would not have been a problem.
The placement of the AFL and EFL buttons is not Ideal, and has been far better placed on the XT20.
I am surprised that the Anti-shake slide is very easy move accidentally on the 18-55 lens, to the extent I have thought of fitting some tape over it. Controls on the X30 are fairly instinctive. Though I have never quite mastered the control ring around the lens.
One area where the X30 wins hands down is the provision of an articulated screen, even though it only articulates up and down.
The remaining points that I will cover concern, flash. Evf and write times.
Again on the issue of using flash the X30 wins hands down. Mainly because it has a bladed shutter and therefore no unreasonable shutter speed restrictions Flash simply works. The XE2 has a shutter limit of 1/180 second which in most instances can be stretched to 1/250 second, and also that it has no facility for high speed flash. This is not a massive problem, but it is certainly not the first choice as a flash camera. What I do find more of a problem, is that there seems to be a longer viewfinder black out when using flash with the XE2. Especially when compared to the instant return of vision on the X30.
When comparing the EVF on the two cameras the XE2 give a far greater sense of tunnel vision, though the magnifications differ very little at all, but it might be due to the extend eye relief on the XE2. In many circumstances there is also a noticeably longer blackout on the EX2 both before and after the shutter fires. This is actually very noticeable if anti-red eye is engaged.
The XE”2 also has a far less effective automatic EVF brightness adjustment control, especially in sunny conditions. The X30 viewfinder seems to respond by showing a far clearer and brighter view in these conditions. When inside or in poor light there is far less difference between them. In Sunny conditions I have to turn up the XE2 EVF to full brightness, for it to be usable at all. I never have to adjust the X30 EVF.
Processing time and lags seem to be related to the size of the respective RAW files.
On the XE2, I find myself waiting for several seconds even on a short burst of exposures. This never is the case on the X30.
All in all the X30 Beats the XE2 with 18-55, hands down on everything except ultimate image quality.
But in most circumstance seen on screen or in prints up to A3, it is unlikely any one will notice the difference except at high ISO settings.
Comparing the two lenses is difficult as the X30 lens has a far more difficult job to resolve fine details on such a relatively small sensor. However its generally longer Zoom range and wider apertures are very useful indeed for a fixed lens. It take a great deal of money to better the focal range and available apertures with Fuji interchangeable lenses for the XE2.
As a take everywhere camera theX30 is a winner….
Comparing images on their respective forums, the results for quality, quantity and interest also seem to confirm this.