The Fujifilm X-T5 is a versatile and powerful mirrorless camera that has been widely anticipated for months ahead of it’s release in Nov 2022.
With its 40.2 megapixel APS-C X-Trans CMOS 5 image sensor, high-quality image and video capabilities, and numerous customizable features, it is an excellent choice for a range of photography needs for both professionals and enthusiasts.
However, in this review of the Fujifim X-T5 we’ll be looking at how it compares to the previous models of the Fujifilm X-T4 and Fujifilm X-T1 to see if it’s worth upgrading to.
Fujifilm X-T1 v Fujifilm X-T5 – read here
One of the major pros of the Fujifilm X-T5 is its excellent image quality. The camera’s brand new APS-C X-Trans CMOS 5 image sensor and X-Processor 5 processor work together to produce sharp, detailed, and color-accurate images, even in low light conditions.
Fujifilm claim that an enhanced image-processing algorithm in the X-Trans 5 sensor boosts resolution without compromising the signal-to-noise ratio, resulting in unrivalled image quality. The newly designed X-Processor 5 uses Ai technology to produce twice the speed of the previous generation X-Processor 4.
The X-T5 also has a wide ISO range of 125-12800 in 1/3 steps, which means you can capture clear, noise-free images in a variety of lighting situations. It also has a 3 way tilting screen, making it ideal for photographers who want to get low down, or use the camera on a tripod.
The shutter speed is also improved from its predecessors, now with 1/180,000 – an increase of 2.5 stops. The tilt screen may be an issue for previous owners of the Fujifilm X-T4 as that had a true flip out screen for vloggers to see themselves whilst shooting.
The X-T5 is clearly marking itself out as a stills camera, even though it does have impressive video capabilities, which will get to shortly.
Fujifilm X-T5 top 10 features here
The Fujifilm X-T5 continues with the retro design styling that the X-T line up has been known for, with all the dials on top of the camera, ready for you to change at a moments notice.
It’s good to see that it’s slightly smaller than the X-T4 too, going back to almost the original size of the X-T1, weighing 557g. Owners of any of the previous X-T range will immediately feel at home as many of the features are in the same place, such as the front switch for M, C, S focus options.
The X-T5 carry’s a very impressive IBIS system (image stabilisation) of 7 stops. Image stabilization is a feature that is used to reduce blur in photos and videos caused by camera shake or movement of the camera. It is especially useful in situations where the camera is handheld or mounted on a moving platform, such as a car or a drone.
Fujifilm X-T5 website here
There are several ways that image stabilization can be implemented in a camera. One common method is to use sensors to detect camera movement and then adjust the position of the camera’s lens or image sensor to compensate for the movement.
This can be done mechanically, using motors to move the lens or sensor, or electronically, using software to adjust the position of the image on the sensor.
Image stabilization can be especially useful in low light conditions, where slower shutter speeds may be required to properly expose the image.
It can also be useful when using longer focal length lenses, which are more prone to camera shake. By reducing the amount of blur caused by camera movement, image stabilization can help to produce sharper, clearer photos and videos.
The X-T5 also impresses when it comes to the EVF, with a bright 3.69 million dots and an LCD with 1.84 million dots, making it easier to see the image in daylight than previous models.
Fujifilm is known for it’s beautiful film simulations, and the X-T5 is shipped with 19 in-built film simulations, meaning you can shoot with JPEG and allow the camera to colour grade your images, meaning you’ll have to do very little post processing after you’ve captured your mage.
This feature is the same in previous models, but the last few X-T cameras have much greater options for RAW and JPEG processing, including creating your own recipes ‘in-camera’.
Another improvement of the X-Processor 5 is the subject detection of the auto-focus (AF). It uses Ai deep learning technology to automatically detect and track the human face, animals and other subjects such as birds and motorcycles.
Fujifilm claim that the AF can accurately track its subjects, leaving you to concentrate on the composition. This will please owners of the Fujifilm X-T4 as that camera really struggled to track its subjects, especially in high contrast areas such as forests, where the camera’s AF couldn’t see the wood from the trees – quite literally!
In addition to its impressive still image capabilities, the Fujifilm X-T5 also has solid video capabilities. It can record 6K video at 30 fps in 4:2:2 10-bit colour, allowing for smooth and high-quality video footage.
The camera also has a built-in microphone and headphone jack for audio recording and monitoring, as well as a variety of video features such as focus peaking, zebra patterns, and F-log 2 flat profile for colour grading, allowing for 13 stops of dynamic range.
Another pro of the Fujifilm X-T5 is its customizable features. The camera has a number of dials and buttons on the body that allow you to quickly adjust settings such as ISO, aperture, and shutter speed without needing to dive into the menu.
The X-T5 also has a variety of shooting modes, including automatic, semi-automatic, and manual, as well as scene and creative filters to help you get the look you want in your images.
Another improvement of the Fujifilm X-T5 is its battery life. The camera can shoot 740 shots before needing to change batteries. It is a good idea to have extra batteries on hand though if you plan on using the camera extensively, as long exposures and lots of LCD use will drain the battery quicker than you may expect.
If you’re capturing a wedding or on a hike, you’ll need extra batteries to be safe. It also has dual SD card slots, meaning you can shoot to two cards simultaneously, which gives you an immediate back-up for peace of mind.
If you’re planning on using the camera in harsh conditions, the 56 weather-sealed points on the X-T5 will ease your concerns about getting the camera out of your bag in the rain or freezing conditions. Fujifilm claim it can cope with the cold weather down to -10 and still function properly.
Overall, the Fujifilm X-T5 is a highly capable and customizable camera that offers excellent image and video quality. It is a great choice for photographers looking for a versatile and powerful camera that can handle a wide range of shooting situations. While it may be on the pricier side, it offers a lot of advanced features and performance for the price.
The only consideration you’ll need to make is whether you need the high spec of the X-T5. For many photographers, especially those who are not shooting for a living, one of the earlier X-T models such as the Fujifilm X-T4 will more than cover you for your photo shoots, saving you money.
It’s also worth considering cameras such as the Fujifilm X-T1, the first in this series as it’s available in the used markets for around £250 and is still an incredible camera.
However, the Fujifilm X-T5 does have greatly improved specs on all the other models in the X-T range, making it the stand out choice for modern photographers. You just need to decide if you are a modern photographer, or perhaps someone who prefers the filmic look of the early X-Trans sensors.