• APS-C 368.2mm2
  • 16.3 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 6400
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600

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Differences

Fujifilm X-E1 advantages over Olympus E-M5 II

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 4/3
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.82 vs 3.75 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Doesn't require an AA filter
    Yes vs No
    A unique sensor design provides sharp photos without moiré

Olympus E-M5 II advantages over Fujifilm X-E1

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs none
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Lens selection
    Excellent vs Good
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • High resolution composite
    Yes vs No
    Combine multiple shots to form a super hi-res version
  • Fast startup
    ~0.80 vs 2.4 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • More dots on screen
    1037k vs 460k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Less shutter lag
    0.14 vs 0.44 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    10.4 fps vs 5.5 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    10.4 fps vs 5.6 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Focus peaking
    Both provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • External Mic Jack
    Both provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

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Your purchases support this site

Buy the Fujifilm X-E1

Review Excerpt

  • Produces superior image quality that's better than many DSLRs; Handsome and functional camera design recalls classic rangefinder models; Surprisingly good kit lens.

  • Mixed-bag operational performance, with sluggish startup and mediocre autofocus speed and shot-to-shot times; Video quality is only so-so.

  • Excellent handling in a compact, weather-sealed body; Crisp, roomy electronic viewfinder; Image quality that can take the fight to APS-C DSLRs; Unique high-res mode lets it bat far above its weight for static scenes; Extremely fast 10 fps burst shooting, Excellent video feature set

  • Control dials are easily bumped; Below-average battery life at default settings; Buffer depths for raw shooters are a bit limited; 16-megapixel sensor resolution feels dated; Weak bundled flash strobe

The Competition

Compared to Samsung NX300

Fujifilm X-E1
Samsung NX300
  • $899
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $1200
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Touchscreen
Olympus E-M5 II
Samsung NX300
  • $899
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $1200
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • In-camera panoramas

Compared to Panasonic GX7

Fujifilm X-E1
Panasonic GX7
  • $899
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $648
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
Olympus E-M5 II
Panasonic GX7
  • $899
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • High resolution composite
  • $648
  • 4/3
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Internal flash

Compared to Fujifilm X-E2

Fujifilm X-E1
Fujifilm X-E2
  • $899
  • APS-C
  • $899
  • APS-C
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • On-sensor phase detect
Olympus E-M5 II
Fujifilm X-E2
  • $899
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $899
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Fujifilm X-T10

Fujifilm X-E1
Fujifilm X-T10
  • $899
  • APS-C
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
  • Bigger RAW buffer
  • $1099
  • APS-C
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Fast startup
Olympus E-M5 II
Fujifilm X-T10
  • $899
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $1099
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Panasonic GX85

Fujifilm X-E1
Panasonic GX85
  • $899
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $598
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Olympus E-M5 II
Panasonic GX85
  • $899
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • High resolution composite
  • $598
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Shoot 4K video
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