Fuji E-2 vs XT-1

[uintaangler]

Thinking about giving the Fuji system a try but not ready to jump into the deep end of the pool
I am thinking about the XE-2 - great price or maybe at about twice the price the XT-1
Can anybody point me towards a few good comparisons between the two?
Thanks

[Ken Bennett]

I have several XT1 bodies, and my colleague shoots with a bunch of X-E2 bodies. In my experience they are very similar in terms of capabilities and features. The major difference is the body style: the X-E2 is a smaller "rangefinder" style, and the X-T1 feels like a small DSLR. The X-T1 electronic viewfinder is a tad better - larger, anyway. Autofocus is almost exactly the same - good single AF, not so good on moving subjects. Image quality should be pretty much exactly the same. The X-T1 has more external controls using dials and buttons, especially for aperture and drive mode.

Honestly, if it were me and I were dipping my toe in the water with the Fuji system, I'd get the X-E2 and put the rest of the money towards a couple of good prime lenses. All the Fuji lenses are good, but in my mind the smaller primes are the reason to shoot with it. The 14/2.8, the 35/2 or the 35/1.4, the new 23/2, etc. I happen to love the 18/2, though it's one of the less beloved lenses in the system

Hope you enjoy it.

[uintaangler]

Hi Ken and thanks for the thoughtful response.

In an effort to help you help me, here is the question I would really like the answer to....

Every time I have played around with any mirrorless camera, the thing that has always sent me back to my full sized Nikon DSLR is the whole process of manual focus and hyperlocal distance that I find critical to good landscape photography.
Obviously the viewfinder becomes an important part of the equation, as does the ability to pick a focus point close to the bottom of the frame for that near / far type landscape image
Would you lean towards either the XE-2 or XT-1 if that is the #1 criteria?
Thanks,
Bob

[Ken Bennett]

Huh, okay, I will attempt an answer.

With a mirrorless camera on a tripod, I almost always use the LCD screen for composition and focusing. I can move the focus point to wherever in the frame I want it, set the appropriate aperture, and shoot a photo. I don't find this difficult to do with an X-T1 or an X Pro (similar to the XE series).

The deciding factor for me would be the articulating LCD of the X-T1 - I find it very useful on a tripod for low angle work. (But then I'm old and hate kneeling down.)

[brianrybolt]

I've had both and there is little difference between the two and none that I can see in Image Quality.  If you do get the E2 make sure you install the firmware upgrade. 

Good luck