Fuji claims that the X-E2 has better AF speed and handling than the X-E1 and expects it to pitch up against the likes of the Panasonic DMC-GX7 when it goes on sale next month, priced £799.99 body-only.

In common with a growing band of cameras, the imaging sensor on the X-E2 comes without an optical low-pass filter – to help improve reproduction of image detail.

Among ’60 differences’ over the X-E1 is the inclusion of Wi-Fi (operated via a button on top of the camera), a trumpeted AF speed of ‘0.08secs’ and focus peaking.

Fuji says it has improved contrast AF to boost image quality in low light and better deal with low contrast subjects.

‘To sell more cameras we need to expand our audience,’ said Fuji UK’s senior business manager Theo Georghiades, adding that enhanced AF is needed to achieve this.

‘We want to take on SLRs.’

The X-E2 includes the same 2.36m-dot OLED EVF as its sibling but, adds Fuji, has improved AF tracking in its Full HD movie mode. Film simulation selection is possible using the video function – as is exposure compensation of plus or minus 2EV.

The X-E2 houses the same 16.3-millon-pixel APS-C-sized X-Trans CMOS II imaging sensor as the X100S.

Features include ISO of 6400 (expandable to 25,600), an EXR Processor II image engine and a claimed burst rate of seven frames per second.

The data write speed is 1.8x faster than on the X-E1, according to Fuji.

Billed improvements include Digital Split Image technology, to aid manual focusing, and exposure compensation of plus or minus 3EV for still images.

And the camera sports a larger, 3in LCD monitor.

Also on board is in-camera raw file conversion, plus a pop-up flash.

The photographer should be able check settings such as aperture, shutter speed and exposure compensation, before the camera is switched on.

The back of the camera now includes a second function button, which can be customised.

Fuji’s Lens Modulation Optimiser software has been included to help improve edge-to-edge image sharpness.

The X-E2, which will eventually replace the X-E1, is due to arrive in shops in mid-November.