Aron Smetana: In Depth: Fuji X-E1: 10 things you need to know

TechRadar: All latest feeds In Depth: Fuji X-E1: 10 things you need to know

The Fuji X-Pro1, which was announced earlier this year, has proven to be a major critical success. Now, Fujifilm is hoping to appeal to a wider group of consumer users by introducing the Fuji X-E1, a smaller, more affordable compact system camera (CSC). Here are some of the key specs you need to know about the new camera, examined more closely.

Check out our Hands on: Fuji X-E1 review.

Fuji X-E1 sensor

The most exciting news about the new Fuji X-E1 (sometimes seen as the Fuji XE1) is that it uses the exact same 16.3 million pixel APS-C X-Trans CMOS sensor as the Fuji X-Pro1. It has a unique colour filter array to minimise moiré and false colours, without the need for an optical low pass filter.

To put that in layman's terms, that means it's capable of high resolution image capture that's bright and clear across the whole image. In our lab tests of the X-Pro1, we found that the APS-C size sensor was comparable in quality to some larger, full-frame sensors.

Fuji X-E1 viewfinder

Probably the biggest difference between the Fuji X-E1 and the X-Pro1 is the viewfinder. The X-E1 uses an electronic viewfinder only, which although offputting to some, is one of the highest resolution devices currently available on the market, with 2.36 million dots.

This makes it comparable to the EVF found on the Sony NEX-7, which was widely praised and should make for very comfortable operation.

Fuji X-E1 autofocus system

One of the key problems with the X-Pro1 was the speed of autofocusing. Keen to fix the issue, Fuji has now issued a new firmware upgrade that should speed up focusing to around 0.1 seconds.

This newer version of the firmware is already fitted as standard on the Fuji X-E1. Other improvements to the autofocusing include focusing distance, making macro photography easier.

Fuji X lens range

Fuji X-E1: 10 things you need to know

Fuji is keen to point out that the company is in the interchangeable lens market for the long-haul, with plans to increase the available optics for the X system considerably by 2013. Lenses already available include fixed length 18mm, 35mm and a 60mm macro.

Alongside the launch of the X-E1, Fuji has also revealed a new 14mm prime lens and a new "kit" 18-55 f/2.8 – f/4 premium standard lens. By 2013, the lens range should have expanded to 10 different options, including more zoom optics.

Fuji X-E1 LCD screen

If you don't want to use the EVF, the 2.8-inch 460k dot LCD screen can be used. Although not a particularly high resolution device, compared with others in the market, Fuji does promise that the high contrast, high brightness device has the advantage of a wide viewing angle for composing from slightly odd angles.

Fuji X-E1 flash

Unlike the Fuji X-Pro1, the Fuji X-E1 comes with an inbuilt flash. Equivalent to a guide number of seven, the flash should be ideal for providing fill-in flash. There's also an accessory hotshoe for adding an external flash if you prefer.

Fuji X-E1 build

Both the top and front covers are made from die-cast magnesium, which Fuji says gives the camera a rigid, yet delicate design. It's roughly the same size as the Fuji FinePix X100, the company's APS-C sensored premium compact, and it's also got a rubber grip specifically designed to provide extra purchase when holding the camera in one hand.

Fuji X-E1 design

Fuji X-E1: 10 things you need to know

As with other cameras in the X series, Fujifilm has put a lot of effort into the design of the X-E1. It will be available in two colour variations. One is pure black, which it believes will appeal mainly to photojournalists and street photographers, who want something more subtle. The other is black and silver, and is designed to appeal to those wanting to make a statement about their camera choice.

The sides of the dials on the top panel feature a texture pattern for smooth adjustment, while dials for choosing exposure compensation and shutter speed can be found at the top of the camera. Aperture rings around every X series lens can be used for choosing aperture.

Fuji X-E1 battery life

Because the camera uses an electronic viewfinder only, it doesn't have the same maximum battery life as the Fuji X-Pro1. However, the battery can offer more than the X-Pro1 if both were used with the EVF continuously used. Fuji's testing indicates that the X-E1 can last around 350 shots, compared with the X-Pro1's 300.

Fuji X-E1 price

One of the most appealing things about the Fuji X-E1 is likely to be its price, since it's set to start with an RRP that's significantly cheaper than the X-Pro1's starting RRP. We've yet to receive an official UK price, but several US sites are listing it as $999 (body only) or $1400 with the kit lens.