Sony vs. Fuji vs. Sony

Over the last six weeks a subjective camera system review took place. This comparison wasn't planned but instead presented itself when some free time for photography intersected with a borrowed camera. The result was a few shooting sessions with my Sony NEX-6 followed by a few shooting sessions with a borrowed Fujifilm EX-2 followed by a few more shooting sessions with my NEX-6.

The Setup

I've owned the NEX-6 with 16-50mm kit lens for a few years. I chose it when I was shopping for a small electronic viewfinder (EVF) camera. It is my Goldilocks camera. Small enough to carry. Large enough to outperform a compact. Until recently I didn't use it all that often. Other than the rubber viewfinder cup going AWOL (a common loss for this model) it has performed as advertised.

For a couple weeks a friend was gracious enough to offer for lend a Fujifilm EX-2 with 18-55mm kit lens. There were plenty of rumors about the greatness of the X series of cameras and I was curious.

Over the last six weeks I did not know I was conducting research for this article. I thought was just enjoying some photography time. Only after some contemplative time regarding the camera systems did this article concept come alive.

Although I'm calling this article a review it is neither thorough nor objective. I'm going to give generalized feedback on how the cameras systems handled. No resolution tests. No specification comparison charts. Just my thoughts and opinions which will be non scientific, prejudiced, and subjective.

This article includes two images of one bridge captured on two different days in differing weather at different times of day from differing perspectives. One image is from a Sony NEX-6 while the other is from a Fuji XE-2.

Some Thoughts

On the subject of quality impression the Fuji XE-2 wins. The NEX-6 hasn't gone negative here but the XE-2 has gone positive. The XE-2 just feels more precise. I must concede that neither camera suffered a test for toughness (which is appropriate with borrowed gear.)

Control location is certainly subjective and I've typically owned Canon equipment. Switching to the NEX-6 hasn't been smooth in this regard. The EX-2 seemed much better here. Despite my long relationship with Canon I quickly learned to prefer the choices made by Fuji over both Sony and Canon.

Overall the NEX-6 to EX-2 comparison feels a bit like a digital to analog comparison. Both systems provide comparable features and capabilities for a shooter of stills photography. The Sony camera makes me think it was designed by a software engineer. It has a methodical (if soul less) workability that can be learned and leveraged to work for the photographer. Fuji, on the other hand, seems to have talked first to experienced shooters of more traditional camera gear. Maybe, if my first camera hadn't been a match needle meter 35mm film camera from the 1970s, I'd be flummoxed by the Fuji controls and layout. But for my analog thought process the EX-2 seemed to be set up in anticipation of my needs.

This article includes two images of one bridge captured on two different days in differing weather at different times of day from differing perspectives. One image is from a Sony NEX-6 while the other is from a Fuji XE-2.

My Conclusion

I preferred the Fuji. Both cameras are equally capable. I was able to use both to produce the image I wanted. I've shared one image from each camera but didn't callout which camera made which photo. Readers who are curious can check instagram @dwainasaurus where the responsible camera is revealed via hashtag.

My final thought is that equally capable does not mean equitable. I have concluded that the NEX-6 is to smartphone as a EX-2 is to a rotary dial telephone. Both make voice calls. Both can be operated efficiently by an experienced user. The choice comes down which system suits your fancy.