Update
2022-11-03T10:25:03.633Z
(Image credit: Future)
It’s the day after the release of the Fujifilm X-T5 and I’ve had some time to digest the arrival of the very promising mirrorless camera.
Most recent camera releases have been hybrid cameras, so it’s actually quite refreshing to hear one that’s focused on laser photography. It’s not that the X-T5 can’t shoot video, but it’s certainly more of an advantage than a major influence on its design.
You can check out our Fujifilm X-T5 hands-on review for more on our first thoughts, but I’ve also picked out some great first impressions videos below from YouTube that can really help you enjoy the ins and outs of this well-received . camera:
2022-11-02T16:17:02.823Z
(Image credit: Future)
Fujifilm X-T5: First thoughts
Despite some doubts about its resistance to burst shooting, the Fujifilm X-T5 definitely has the ability to be one of the best cameras for photography. It’s not the most powerful mirrorless camera out there, nor a rival to the best hybrid cameras. But if you primarily shoot photos and prefer a tactile photography experience with retro dials, you’ll find it to be one of the fun and enjoyable cameras around. And this is something that is often forgotten by more spec-focused cameras. We’ll bring you our final verdict soon, but in the meantime check out our hands-on Fujifilm X-T5 review for a closer look at this potential modern classic.
2022-11-02T15:42:01.547Z
(Image credit: Future)
Fujifilm X-T5: The Less Good Things
Every camera has compromises, so what are the Fujifilm X-T5’s? It’s certainly a more limited camcorder than the X-H2 and, in some ways, even the X-T4. 6.2K and 4K oversampling modes are clipped and there’s no option to record 8K. You also have to put up with a flimsy microHDMI port (instead of a full-sized one) and the lack of a dedicated headphone jack (though you can use a USB-C adapter).
But that’s all fine and dandy for a photocentric camera. My main concern is actually the burst shooting limitations that are restricted to SD cards, rather than the CFexpress you find in the XH series. Because the X-T5 needs to advance 40MP of detail with each frame, it can’t hold a continuous shot for long.
The specs below show the X-T5’s continuous shooting buffers when using its mechanical shutter. Whatever frame rate you choose, you’re effectively limited to a maximum of 2-3 seconds of burst recording with uncompressed raws. You can extend this by going for lossless compressed raw and 7fps, but be warned: the X-T5 is definitely better suited for landscapes than sports or action.
(Image credit: Fujifilm) 2022-11-02T15:26:06.191Z
(Image credit: Future)
Fujifilm X-T5: The good stuff
There’s certainly a lot to like about the Fujifilm X-T5, especially if you shoot stills rather than video. Its 40MP APS-C sensor and X-Processor 5 are the same as the X-H2, and that’s very good news. It’s the most powerful combination you can find outside of the full-frame flagships or the X-H2S.
This extra resolution is a plus for detail and cropping. There’s not too much of a downside in terms of noise or dynamic range either, and you get Fujifilm’s latest subject-tracking autofocus system. If you’re upgrading from an older XT-series camera (an X-T3 or earlier), you’ll also appreciate the in-body image stabilization.
I’m very happy that the X-T5 has brought back the three-way tilting screen of the X-T3, rather than the increasingly common fully articulated design. It’s much more convenient for shooting from high or low angles, and the X-H2 series is there if you need a hybrid-style body with a front-facing screen.
2022-11-02T14:15:46.116Z
(Image credit: Future)
Fujifilm X-T5 first impressions
I managed to get hands on with a final production Fujifilm X-T5 here in London (yes, it was fast). You can read all my first thoughts in our Fujifilm X-T5 hands-on review.
But if you’re cool and comfortable here on this live blog, I’ll also compile some of my first thoughts here. The TL;DR version: The XT-5 is really great, but there’s just one thing that bugs me a little.
2022-11-02T14:02:10.357Z
(Image credit: Fujifilm)
And that’s a wrap for this third Fujifilm X Summit of the year. On paper, the Fujifilm X-T5 is certainly one of the most exciting cameras of the year, so stay tuned to this live blog as we’ll have some early thoughts on it very soon.
2022-11-02T13:53:27.742Z
(Image credit: Fujifilm)
And here’s the official price of the X-T5 and the new XF30mm f/2.8 R LM WR lens in US dollars. We’re just working on some pricing for other territories, but it’s exactly the same as the launch price of the Fujifilm X-T4. Pretty impressive.
Considering global inflation since then, plus the X-T5’s new sensor, processor and other features, I’m glad Fujifilm has managed to keep the camera at its mid-range price.
As if anticipating demand, Fujifilm has shown its factory busy preparing X-T5 shipments; says that “at the earliest, they will be available in two weeks”. Then you better head over to this pre-order page if you’re interested.
2022-11-02T13:45:26.988Z
(Image credit: Fujifilm)
Moving on from the X-T5, we have a new XF30mm f/2.8 R LM WR Macro lens. It has a full-frame equivalent focal length of 46mm and sounds very versatile, with a handy minimum focus distance of 10cm. It also has a linear motor drive. Now just to know the prices…
2022-11-02T13:34:39.698Z
(Image credit: Fujifilm)
And now Fujifilm is talking about autofocus. It claims that there will be a noticeable improvement in the X-T4’s AF performance, because it has 1.5 times more PDAF (or phase detection) pixel density than its predecessor’s sensor.
It looks promising, but autofocus is as much about algorithms as it is about hardware, so we’re looking forward to seeing how it compares to the Canon EOS R7 soon.
2022-11-02T13:34:29.275Z
(Image credit: Fujifilm)
Moving on to processors now. The X-Processor 5 apparently brings other benefits beyond AF improvements: it also has a power-saving design that boosts the X-T5’s battery life by up to 740 frames (in economy mode) , from the X-T4’s 600 frames. This is a nice quality of life upgrade, not much different from its rivals.
2022-11-02T13:26:47.037Z
(Image credit: Fujifilm)
Oh, here’s a nice spec comparison with the X-T4. It’s a pretty big internal upgrade, and Fuji claims that the image quality improvements aren’t just about resolution, but their processing appears to improve tonal variation and film-like colors. There’s also the advantage of 10-bit HEIF files, which are the natural successors to JPEG (although they’re also smaller).
2022-11-02T13:22:46.300Z
(Image credit: Fujifilm)
Fujifilm says the X-T5 has dropped “one size” compared to its predecessor. It’s more like the size of an X-T1, the first camera in the series, and is 50g lighter than the X-T4. All very nice, but unlikely to make a dramatic difference to your shooting experience.
2022-11-02T13:20:22.747Z
(Image credit: Fujifilm)
Photographer Kevin Mullins (also of the FujiCast podcast) now talks about the design of the X-T5. He’s a fan of the three-way tilting screen, which is the case with most photography-focused Fuji shooters.
He plans to use it for everything from weddings to everyday shots, and also notes that the focus switch on the front (to switch between manual and continuous focus) is crucial for photography with the eye in the viewer This was missing from the XH series.
One thing that hasn’t been covered yet, however, is how long the X-T5’s burst shot can be sustained, which could be crucial for wedding or action snappers.
2022-11-02T13:13:52.626Z
(Image credit: Fujifilm)
Three physical changes from the X-T4: the shutter button has been moved back a bit, the shutter height has been adjusted, the shape of the grip is slightly different.
Nothing dramatic here, but they all seem like sensible refinements.
2022-11-02T13:09:29.034Z
Fujifilm product planner Jun Watanabe talks about the X-series cameras. He’s focusing on the distinctive X-series controls and confirmed that the X-T5 will stick with that design, giving it standalone ISO dials , shutter speed and exposure compensation, unlike the PASM format of the X-H2 and X. -H2S. Great news.
2022-11-02T13:04:56.634Z
Okay, and the big news is that the Fujifilm X-T5 is official!
2022-11-02T13:04:19.192Z
Anyway, it’s 13:00 GMT so we’re live. Let’s find out what Fujifilm has in store for us…
2022-11-02T13:01:48.257Z
(Image credit: Fujifilm)
Moving on to price, the X-H2 (above) retails for $1,999 / £1,899 / AU$3,399 in body form only, while the X-H2S costs $2,499 / £2,499 / AU$4,449, which doesn’t this is no surprise since stacked sensors are more expensive to manufacture.
With most rumors pointing to the X-T5 getting the 40MP sensor, rather than the 26MP option, I expect the new model to match the X-T4’s original price of $1,699 / £1,549 / AU$2,999.
If it has the stacked sensor, that price could go up or even above the $1,999 range, which would leave me with a pretty tough decision to make. I would much rather have the 40MP sensor than the 26MP one, because I mainly shoot landscape, portrait and macro, where the extra megapixels would be welcome. But at the same time, I don’t really want to switch to the X-H2’s PASM design; I like my manual controls.
Essentially, please don’t make me choose between sensor and controls, Fuji!
2022-11-02T12:46:45.167Z
(Image credit: Fujifilm)
So what about this sensor? Well, as Fuji watchers will know, Fujifilm has already released two new cameras this year, the Fujilm X-H2 and the Fujifilm X-H2S.
The first of these has a new back-illuminated 40.2 MP X-Trans CMOS 5 HR sensor, which we can say from experience takes amazing pictures.
H2S, on the other hand, has…