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Fujifilm X-E2 photo samples

The X-E2 produces excellent photo quality, as expected.

Lori Grunin
I've been reviewing hardware and software, devising testing methodology and handed out buying advice for what seems like forever; I'm currently absorbed by computers and gaming hardware, but previously spent many years concentrating on cameras. I've also volunteered with a cat rescue for over 15 years doing adoptions, designing marketing materials, managing volunteers and, of course, photographing cats.
Lori Grunin
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Low-ISO-sensitivity JPEGs

The X-E2's JPEGs are extremely good through ISO 1600; ISO 100 just looks soft because the camera seems to have front-focused without my realizing it.
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High-ISO-sensitivity JPEGs

Up through ISO 6400 is usable depending upon what you're shooting. While the two expanded settings can be acceptable under the right conditions, the camera doesn't support raw in the expanded ranges.
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X-E2 vs. X-E1 JPEGs, ISO 200

The X-E2's default settings clip shadow detail a lot more than the X-E1's at the same exposure settings, though it's all there in the raw files.
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ISO 200 JPEG

The X-E2 is really good at resolving fine detail.
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ISO 800 JPEG

The camera's JPEGs are really clean at ISO 800.
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ISO 3200 JPEG

Even at middle ISO sensitivities, the camera does a very good job of preserving detail.
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Flash

This is why I think all cameras need the onboard flash to tilt; it makes the difference between harsh and ugly, and usable.
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Color

The X-E2 renders pretty accurate colors.
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Film simulation

The default color settings shift red hues just a tiny bit, but the Pro Neg High reproduces them well.
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10 of 10 Lori Grunin/CNET

Video

This is a particularly egregious example of what happens when a high-frequency pattern interacts with a fast frame rate (60fps) on the X-Trans CMOS II sensor. It's harder to tell, but everything in the focal plane looks noticeably low-resolution during playback. Everything off the focal plane looks nice and well-resolved, though.

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