Fujifilm X-E Fujifilm X-E2 Body Silver

The Fujifilm X-E2 is a tiny camera with a fantastic sensor that still delivers beautiful images. Autofocus and video are dated, but the image quality and portability make it a great value for stills shooters. If you want a compact, fun-to-use camera and don't need modern autofocus, this is a solid pick.

The X-Trans II sensor is the real deal. Our database puts it in the top quarter for sensor quality, and owners consistently rave about the colors and high-ISO performance. The 7fps burst is solid for street and casual action, though the autofocus sits below average compared to modern mirrorless cameras. It's a hybrid system that switches between phase and contrast detection, but it's not going to track a toddler sprinting at you. Video tops out at 1080p/60, which is fine for clips but not a selling point. Battery life is middle of the pack, so pack a spare if you're out all day.

Stacked against the Canon EOS R6 Mark III or Sony Alpha 7R V, the X-E2 looks ancient on paper. Those cameras have faster autofocus, better video, and stabilization. But they also cost several times more and weigh significantly more. The Panasonic Lumix S5 II and Nikon Z5 II are closer in spirit, but still bigger and pricier. The X-E2's real competition is other compact Fuji bodies and older mirrorless cameras. If you want the smallest possible camera with great image quality and don't need modern autofocus, the X-E2 holds its own.

At around $989 USD new (or much less used), the X-E2 is a bargain for the image quality you get. That sensor alone is worth the price of admission if you shoot stills. You're not getting modern autofocus, 4K video, or weather sealing, but you're also not paying for them. For an enthusiast who wants a portable camera with excellent output, this is a smart buy.

The Fujifilm X-E2 is a compact mirrorless camera that punches way above its weight class for image quality. That 16.3MP X-Trans II sensor is the star here, delivering colors and sharpness that still hold up years later. It's small enough to toss in a bag and forget about until you need it.

But this is not a modern camera. The autofocus is fine in good light and gets moody in the dark. The fixed 3-inch LCD and lack of stabilization mean you'll work a little harder for the shot. Still, for the price these go for used, it's a lot of camera in a tiny package.

Skip this if you shoot fast action, sports, or wildlife. The autofocus just isn't up to that task. Also skip it if you need serious video features or in-body stabilization. And if you have larger hands, the small grip might drive you nuts after an hour of shooting.

The X-E2 is for photographers who care more about image quality and portability than autofocus speed or video features. It's a great second camera, a great travel camera, and a great entry point into the Fuji X system. If you shoot landscapes, street, or portraits at a relaxed pace, you'll love it. If you need to track fast action or shoot video, look elsewhere.