X Series · 2016

Fujifilm X-E2S

The X-E2 with the autofocus it should have shipped with.

FUJIFILM X-E2S

Short answer

The X-E2S is a refresh of the X-E2 with improved autofocus, a better grip and a revised interface. It has a 16.3MP X-Trans II sensor and 11 film simulations including Classic Chrome.

Fujifilm gave the X-E2 a major firmware update and then released the X-E2S with the same improvements built in plus a slightly deeper grip. The two cameras are close enough that price should decide between them.

Key specs

Sensor
16.3 MP X-Trans CMOS II
Processor
EXR Processor II
In-body stabilisation
No
Viewfinder
2.36M-dot OLED corner viewfinder, 0.62× magnification
Video
1080/60p
Weight
350 g
Battery life
350 shots
Launch price
$699
Specifications
Released
February 2016
Sensor
APS-C · 23.6 × 15.6 mm
ISO range
ISO 200–6400 (100–51200 extended)
Burst
7 fps
Screen
3.0-inch fixed LCD, 1.04M dots
Lens mount
Fujifilm X
Card slots
1× SD UHS-I
Dimensions
129 × 74.9 × 37.2 mm

Dimensions

129 mm74.9 mm
  • 129 mm wide
  • 74.9 mm tall
  • 37.2 mm deep

Body drawn to scale from the dimensions Fujifilm publishes. Depth is listed, not drawn.

X-E2 or X-E2S?

The S has a deeper grip, a revised autofocus system with zone and wide tracking modes, and an Auto mode switch. The X-E2 received most of the autofocus changes through firmware version 4.00.

If both are available at similar prices, take the S for the grip. If the X-E2 is meaningfully cheaper, update its firmware and take that.

What it is good for now

Daylight street photography with a small prime, at a price that makes losing the camera survivable. The X-Trans II colour rendering is still liked, and Classic Chrome is included.

There is no ACROS, autofocus struggles in dim light, and 16 megapixels is 16 megapixels.

What is good

  • Classic Chrome on the X-Trans II sensor
Deeper grip than the X-E2
Corner viewfinder in a 350g body
Very cheap

What is not

  • No ACROS
Fixed low-resolution screen
Weak autofocus in low light

Verdict

The X-E2S is a competent cheap camera with good colour. Buy it as a second body or a first Fujifilm, not as your only one.

Film simulations on this camera

11 film simulations

Common questions

Is the X-E2S worth more than an X-E2?

Only for the grip and the built-in improvements. A firmware-updated X-E2 is nearly the same camera.

Does it have ACROS?

No. ACROS requires the X-Processor Pro from the X-Trans III generation.

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Last updated August 22, 2026