The Fujifilm X-E2: Still a Great Camera in 2025

Ian Miller
Aug 9
2 min read

On Craft, Character, and the Quiet Power of Seeing with Care

Some cameras stay with you—not because they’re perfect, but because they teach you how to see. The Fujifilm X-E2 was my second Fuji body, and it remains one of my favorites. Not because it’s the newest. Not because it’s the fastest. But because it still produces excellent images when used with care and thought.

🧱 What Makes the X-E2 Special

16.3MP X-Trans CMOS II sensor: No optical low-pass filter, with film-like grain and beautiful tonal transitions
Classic rangefinder styling: Compact, discreet, and tactile—ideal for street and documentary work
OLED electronic viewfinder: Bright, responsive, and immersive
Manual dials: ISO, shutter speed, exposure compensation—all at your fingertips
Film simulations: Classic Chrome, Provia, Astia, and Acros still hold emotional weight

It’s a camera that rewards intentionality, not automation.

✅ The Positives

Image quality: Still excellent in 2025—files are clean, detailed, and emotionally honest
Build quality: Magnesium alloy top and base plates, with a solid feel and subtle grip
Zone focusing: Easy to master with manual lenses or pre-focus techniques
Lightweight and portable: Perfect for long walks, quiet moments, and presence-based shooting
Firmware updates: Version 4.00 added faster AF, improved manual focus aids, and better video options

It’s a tool that gets out of the way and lets you listen to the moment.

❌ The Limitations

No touchscreen: Some may miss it; I don’t
No IBIS (in-body stabilization): Requires steady hands or fast lenses
AF can hunt in low light: Manageable with practice and anticipation
Battery life: Modest—carry extras
No 4K video: Full HD only, but still usable for documentary clips

These aren’t deal-breakers. They’re reminders to shoot with care.

🧘 Why It Still Belongs in My Bag

The X-E2 isn’t about spectacle. It’s about presence. It encourages rhythm, restraint, and ethical storytelling. It’s small enough to disappear, but solid enough to commit. And when paired with a fast prime—like the XF 23mm f/2 or XF 35mm f/2—it becomes a quiet companion for street work, portraits, and everyday witnessing.

🤖 A Word on AI and Modern Gear

AI can simulate film. It can generate images, enhance files, even mimic emotion. But it can’t build trust. It can’t wait for the moment. It can’t choose restraint.

The X-E2, with its modest specs and soulful rendering, reminds us that photography is a practice—not a performance.