I bought the Fujifilm X-E2 instead of the Fujifilm X-E4 - HERE'S WHY!

Could this be Fujifilm's best sensor? I bought the Fujifilm X-E2 instead of the Fujifilm X-E4 - here's why I decided to go with an older model, rather than buy the new, beautiful Fujifilm X-E4. The Fujifilm X-E2 might not be the latest and greatest, but after careful consideration, I chose it over the newer X-E4—and for good reason. While the X-E4 boasts a sleek, modern design, it also strips away some of the tactile controls that make Fujifilm cameras such a joy to use. The X-E2, on the other hand, retains that classic rangefinder aesthetic with dedicated dials that keep me connected to the shooting experience. Add to that its solid image quality, robust build, and the fact that it's significantly more affordable, and the choice became clear.

But this isn't just about nostalgia—there’s something special about the X-E2’s sensor and color science that still holds up today. Paired with the right lens, it delivers that signature Fujifilm look without the need for extra processing. In this video, I take the X-E2 out for a real-world test, showing what it’s capable of and why I believe it still deserves a place in a photographer’s bag. If you’ve been considering an older Fujifilm camera, or wondering whether newer always means better, this one’s for you.

[simondavis]

I have an X-E2 (bought new at a discounted price just before the X-E3 debuted) and an X-T1 (bought used). Both are hugely enjoyable to shoot both produce wonderful JPEGs - winner! I think my next purchase will be the 27mm mk2. I would rather spend money on lenses than on updating bodies that are already better cameras than I am a photographer..

[FladsonThiago]

Thank you for this series on the X-E2 Chris, it helped a lot in my decision to get one and revive my hoobie. Thanks for the amazing content. You got one more subscriber to your work.

[chigazoop]

agreed, I think X-Trans II is the most "film looking" sensor from fuji, still rocking with X100S here🙌

[gam]

After a year with my x-t4 I just purchased a used x-e2. Can’t wait

[Ibcz]

Just got an x-e2s, i'm a canon user and i surprise the quality that comes out from this litle guy. I use it with a 7artisants 25mm for street photography and it is amazing. Invites you to take photos

[sunnyrain_o]

Yeah, absolutely love the images from my XE2, which I use exclusively with vintage manual lenses. These awesome lenses really add that extra filmic vibe. Cheers from Singapore 👍😊

[thebitterfig]

Just picked up an XE2 used and a few budget manual focus lenses. It’s been a tonne of fun.

[jeremyharris]

I've had the X-E2 since it came out, along with the 27mm. It's been sitting on my shelf for a few years now, but thanks in part to your video, I'm bringing it out of retirement! Taking it (along with my X-H2s and my Mamiya 645 1000s), on a 3 week trip in Dec to Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand. Cheers!

[zanerichards]

The X-E2 is the camera I never knew was the only camera I needed. I've had mine since 2017, bought used. Looking to buy another one as a backup.

[greglarUK]

100% Aligned, also had and loved my XT1, moved on, recently got my XE2, what a relief to have an XTRANS 2 back in my life 😊

[GONZOFAM]

I carry the X-E2 with either the XF 27mm or 35mm daily. I use the X-T1 for when I go out to shoot landscape. Love these cameras.

[jameslevine]

I got into the Fuji ecosystem last year with a used x-e2s and was instantly hooked. I also have the newer sensor on another body... Love them both.

[BlaxkNobility]

Totally agree about the sensor I recently brought X-T10 for Christmas last year, I totally love that filmish look photos.

[oldgittarist]

Somebody on YouTube did a comparison between .jpgs from older sensor and a later version and the difference was pretty obvious. Love my X-T1!

[davidlee]

Fully agree, even for raw. There is just something about the files that sensor puts out that I keep coming back to. I'm an X-H1 user, but sourced a used X-E2 simply because when I look at my old X-T1 pics....the colours and the grain just look so appealing.

[jeanlaurent]

I've had X-T1, X-T2, X-E3 and now X-T3 and the Xtrans II sensor is more ''organic'' this 16 Mp sensor was the best sensor from Fuji ... I'm thinking about getting an X-E2 too

[kaid]

Just got my first Fuji, a sexy black X-E2, and have mainly been shooting with a cheap-ass Meike 25mm f1.8 manual focus lens and I love it! I'm still fiddling with it too much, hope to have my custom settings all dialed in soon so I can just forget about the camera. I do really like the controls, and don't think I'd like the touch screen, or a joystick...but I did order a grip which I hope will improve comfort on longer photo walks. There really IS something magical about the photos that come off this sensor, they just...breathe life... I'm thinking about grabbing another X-E2, as a backup, before it claims "classic" status and prices go up, due to videos of praise like this one :|

[frombrandon]

This X-E2 was my first Fuji. I loved the sensor too, but my JPEG files above ISO 3200 really were plagued by the waxy skin processing, even though I had noise reduction turned down as low as it would go. I've used the X-E3 for the last couple of years and have been very satisfied, but I often look back at my images from the X-E2 and think they look great.

One big problem with the older sensors is that Capture One doesn't have built in film simulations. Though the detail of RAF files are much better in Capture One, the images of the X-Trans II look rather muddy in my opinion. Lightroom definitely turned out better Fuji-looking raw files of the second-generation sensor despite the wormy artifacts that used to be so common.

[Blueband]

You are very right. I am just a hobby photographer and I have fujifilm x70 (x trans cmos ii sensor) and fujifilm x100f but I really love the photos from X70, it renders colours so beautifully.

[randomhandle]

It's true. I love the files from my x-e2s. Really nice. The only thing that makes me a bit sad about them are the size/resolution. It's tough to crop in on them a bit.