Fujifilm X-E1 test report

5 April 2013

Fujifilm X-E1 test report: Imatest results

The measurements for our Fijifilm X-E1 review were performed using Imatest. For the test method and explanation of terms, see FAQ. Conclusion and sample images are in our Fujifilm X-E1 review.

Resolution

The Fujifilm X-E1 provides, in combination with a Fujinon XF 60mm, a jpg file with a resolution of (over ISO 200 t / m 6400) average of 2200 lines per picture height. This is as good as the Olympus OM-D E-M5, GH3 Panasonic or Sony A77. RAW files in Lightroom deliver the same sharpness. The quality of the jpg files is so high that it you will struggle to achieve visibly better RAW images.

Dynamic range

The high signal-to-noise ratio and the enormous dynamic range makes this model unique. On both parts does this camera with an APS-C sensor not professional SLR cameras with larger full-frame sensor. The total dynamic range of a RAW file with 11.5 stops at ISO 100 only 1 stop less than the total dynamic range of the Nikon D800E, the current leader of the cameras we have tested to date, in terms of dynamic range.

A poor signal / noise ratio in the shadows for many cameras reduces the dynamic range, especially at high ISO settings. Even at lower ISO values remains normally a lower usable dynamic range over. Below you can see the darkest areas of the gray stairs we photograph to determine the dynamic range. To visualize the zones, the files in Lightroom 5 stops overexposed. The Canon 60D at ISO 200 is not a bad dynamic range, but the Fujifilm much less affected by noise in the darker areas.

Then a practical example. In the opposite inclusion ensures the very bright sun in the clouds sure there is nothing left but silhouettes. Lightroom lets in red shows that part of the photo is overexposed: actually had recording more underexposed be. The difference in brightness is so great that you file in Lightroom actually 5 stops can overexpose to the castle and tree bark in the foreground visible. Yet there is no disturbing noise visible. Top performance.

Noise

Also in terms of noise the Fujifilm X-E1 delivers a good performance. At high ISO settings this is the result of the omission of a low-pass filter. The Imatest results for the noise in 100 ISO and 6400 ISO RAW files (the lowest and highest ISO value for a RAW file) are among the best results we have so far measured. Even at 6400 ISO the noise is not visible, while there is not much sharpness lost due to noise reduction, as you can see in the 100% crop of a test image that is shown alongside.

Below are examples of a gray card shot at different ISO settings. The crop is show in full size on your screen.

Color accuracy @ daylight

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The Fujifilm X-E1 provides daylight images, both RAW and JPG (Standard Picture Style) files, with a color accuracy which is as good as the color accuracy of professional SLR cameras. These color differences are so small that it is difficult to see the difference between the original test card and the picture taken with the X-E1, even when you compare them side by side on a monitor screen.

This illustration above shows the color error of a 200 ISO jpg picture taken in daylight. The further the ideal color (square) is removed from the color of the camera (circle), the greater the color difference. Click on the image for a larger version. For the test method and explanation of terms, see FAQ

Color accuracy @ tungsten light

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You can’t rely on the auto whitebalance in artificial (tungsten) light. This is nothing special for this camera, it applies to all other modern cameras as well. Both jpg and RAW files show an orange color cast, as clearly can be seen in the results shown above for a 200 ISO RAW file. For RAW files the white balance can be adjusted properly. With jpg files you risk watercolor-like colors when you adjust the white balance afterwards. Click on the image for a larger version.

Our conclusion and sample images are given in our Fujifilm X-E1 review.