I like these images ... how about your opinions on the camera and the output. Are you comfortable with the controls?
Gary
Thanks Gary. I have had the camera for about just under a week now, and to start with the controls: I am very happy with them. I have been an M43 user the last few years and never realy got on with the bodies. They are fine machines of course, but I missed the traditional feel that the Fuji gives me. I just love the fact that you can take the X-E1 out of the bag end even before switching on you can check almost all settings already. I use the grip as well, and the camera just feels right in my hands. Dials and buttons are positive and the resistance is just about right. I find the shutter dial to be a little stiffer than the exposure compensation dial, but that suits me just fine, as I normally shoot in aperture priority anyway. The shutter dial stays fixed on A and the exposure comp dial (when needed) can be easily moved without too much resistance (but also not too loose as to be knocked whilst in the bag). Aperture ring could be a little stiffer but no big deal for me.
I find the whole concept works beautiful, and really makes you think a little more before taking the final picture. I used to be an auto ISO user, but for these pictures I switched to "manual" ISO, starting from 200 base and adjusting if and when needed. The viewfinder is very clear and especially clean, meaning in basic mode it shows me exactly what I need (aperture, shutter speed, ISO and exp. compensation), and no other distracting icons. Another great point about the viewfinder is that I can see all corners, even being a glasses wearer, and that is a big deal for me. I found I used the viewfinder for probably 90% of the shots I took this weekend.
Only small complaint I had about the handling is that I accidentally pressed the AE lock or Q button once or twice. I am sure this is just a matter of getting used to the small thumb hook though....no big deal. If it keeps happening I may have a look at one of the thumb grips.
As for output: I shot Jpeg only. I already spend all day at work behind my desktop and prefer to not do the same with my spare time..
I find the Jpegs (so far at least) to be very nice. I applied some sharpening to them but that is about all (with exception to the B&W ones of course). I will have to play a little with in camera settings (had them all at default now), like sharpening etc to see if I can improve the Jpegs even more to suit my taste. As I wrote earlier I only have the 35mm lens so far and I had to crop some shots quite a bit as I could not always get close enough, but the sensor allows for that easily. Once I get something like the 60mm (or maybe the zoom, not sure yet as I do like to have 1 all purpose lens for light travel) I think I will not be afraid to crop a picture to "fake" something like a 135mm equivalent...
All in all very happy so far, the camera just invites you to go out and take pictures. Of course the whole traditional handling is also a matter of taste, some might prefer assignable dials like on the OM-D. I believe pretty much all mirrorless camera's these days are capable of excellent results so it is great to see so much diversity in the different models. To each his own, for me that is the Fuji approach...!