These days the Pentax-style retro film cameras seem to be a rage. The Fujifilm's retro-style mirrorless camera fills in the gap with X-E1. But does it take old school cameras forward, or is it just eye-candy? Let's find out.

APS-C sized sensor; Well built; Supports 1080p video recording @24fps; Delightful 35mm f/1.4 lens

Steep learning curve; Too many controls on different dials; Processing algorithms don't work well; Expensive

Wasn't sure but someone I know bought one and really liked it. they were on special so I bought one... Really like it, will be buying a new wide angle for it.. I own a Nikon d3 and many lenses,,,, the x-e1 is small but mighty... an idea camera for a trip...

The latest camera to hit the shelves is Fujifilm X-E1 digital camera. This new camera is the latest addition in the Fujifilm's interchangeable lens X series. It has omitted the hybrid optical/electronic viewfinder and includes an improved and extremely sharp OLED EVF.

Improved auto-focus; Stylish and retro design; Excellent high ISO images; Top-notch controls; Stunning image quality

No touchscreen; Fixed rear LCD; Build quality not up to the mark; AF performance could have been better

If you're looking for an affordable alternative to the X-Pro1 or a hulking DSLR, or if you want a stunning interchangeable-lens camera that takes great photos, you can't go wrong.

Great styling; Large CMOS sensor; Great image quality; even in low light; Easy to use

Autofocusing could be faster; Video capture is a weak feature; No connectivity options or other features; Build quality could feel more solid

A smaller, cheaper X-Pro1? Yes, please.

The Fujifilm X-E1 ($1,399 list with 18-55mm lens) is the second interchangeable lens camera in Fuji's X series. It omits the hybrid optical/electronic viewfinder that is included with the top-end X-Pro1, and instead includes an extremely sharp OLED EVF.

Excellent high ISO images; 4.6fps shooting; Sharp kit lens; OLED EVF; Top-notch control layout; Built-in flash; Cool retro design

Fixed rear LCD; Noticeable shutter lag; Video support is limited to 24p

There's a lot to be said for form as well as function and there's no question the Fujifilm X-series cameras elicit a certain response from those of us who enjoy both photography and well-built gadgets.

Unique camera design makes you want to take pictures; Excellent JPEGs; little need to shoot raw most of the time; Reliable metering and AWB systems; good color (with choice of 'film modes'; Dials for exposure controls allow for easy check of settings by glancing at the top deck; particularly with...

Built-in level isn't always as accurate as we'd like; Relatively slow AF makes photographing children more difficult; Framerates in continuous shooting mode aren't completely consistent; Camera disables RAW shooting without warning in some bracketing modes; Relatively low-resolution rear LCD...

Six months ago Fuji finally joined the compact system camera goldrush with its X-Pro1. As the model name indicated this was a high-end interchangeable lens compact that came across more as a budget (at £1,000+) digital version of a £5,000 Leica, complete with rangefinder-like controls and tank-like...

Smaller; lighter and slightly cheaper version of flagship X-Pro1; gorgeously retro styling; some lovely DSLR-like effects and results achievable with the 18-55mm kit zoom provided; good option for the semi pro photographer wanting a less intrusive backup to a DSLR

More plastic-y elements to certain aspects of the build this time around; even though it commands a premium price tag; plus auto focus could be quicker still; particularly when adjusting framing during video recording

The 16.3 effective megapixel, 1920x1080 pixels Full HD video shooting Fujifilm X-E1 competes directly with the Olympus OM-D E-M5 in the retro styled compact camera system stakes.

Retro styling; Less daunting than the X-Pro1; Lovely image results

A pricey step up; Screen isn't angle adjustable; AF could be quicker

We really like this camera - it looks great, it's intuitive to use and image quality is very good. The X-E1 is aimed at enthusiasts and professional photographers looking for an even more compact and lightweight alternative to the X-Pro 1.