Monday, February 4, 2013

Fuji X-E1 and Discovering Dinosaurs!!

As you know, I have recently purchased a new "take anywhere" camera.  Wanting more than the Fuji X10 could provide me(the X10 is a GREAT camera - but X-E1 ticks all the marks on the checklist) I picked up the Fuji X-E1 with the 35mm f/1.4 and the 18mm f/2 lenses.  This package is only slightly larger than my X10 was and I can still fit everything into my Maxpedition EDC Versipack.  Stay tuned for a future post on what I did to convert my Versipack into a camera bag and the reasons I chose this bag in the first place.

I've been using the X-E1 more frequently, in hopes of being able to get it to the proficient levels I am with my DSLR gear.  I'm close, but not there yet - however, I am already seeing the great results from this camera that I was hoping for.

First off - there have been 2 firmware updates since I first picked up the X-E1.  Auto focus performance has gotten better, especially in lower light situations.  Secondly - for the price, the Fujinon XF lenses are absolutely wonderful!  Great sharpness, light, and very capable of doing what I want them to do.

I decided to put the X-E1 and the 18mm to the test.  My daughter and nephew were interested in an exhibit that was coming to town called Discover The Dinosaurs.  It was being held inside the Columbus Convention Center.  Not sure what to expect, I decided to bring only the X-E1 and see how it fared.  At best, they would have all the lights in the hall on and it would be decent to shoot in - OR - it would be dark with dramatic lighting.  As you can see from the images, the exhibitors went for the dark, theatrical lighting look.

A tough shooting situation to be sure, but the X-E1 and the 18mm were up to the task!

Check out some of my favorite images below: