Lens Preview, Camera PreviewMorten ByskovNovember 02, 2022Fujifilm X-T5, Fujifilm X-T5 preview, Fujifilm XF 30mm f/2.8 R LM WR Macro, Fujifilm XF 30mm f/2.8 R LM WR Macro previewComment

Fujifilm X-T5 Preview

Lens Preview, Camera PreviewMorten ByskovNovember 02, 2022Fujifilm X-T5, Fujifilm X-T5 preview, Fujifilm XF 30mm f/2.8 R LM WR Macro, Fujifilm XF 30mm f/2.8 R LM WR Macro previewComment

Preview of the Fujifilm X-T5 and Fujifilm XF 30mm f/2.8 R LM WR Macro

Fujifilm Tokyo X Summit, November 2022

It has been an exciting year if you are a high-end user of Fujifilm X Series cameras. In May 2022 Fujifilm announced the X-H2S, a 26.1-megapixel camera with a stacked sensor. The X-H2 then arrived in September featuring a new 40-megapixel sensor in a body identical to the X-H2S.

Perhaps we have become accustomed to a somewhat slower pace of camera releases during the pandemic but I didn’t expect that we would see a new Fujifilm X-T5 already in 2022.

Announced on November 2nd the new Fujifilm X-T5 is expected to be available in stores in mid-November. The following will be a preview and my take on the X-T5 and XF 30mm f/2.8 R LM WR Macro.

Fujifilm X-T5 Specs

When Fujifilm announced the two new 5th-generation sensors earlier in the year the guessing game started. Which cameras would be discontinued and which sensor would land in surviving successors?

The X-T series has been very popular and there was little doubt that an X-T5 would see the light of day at some point but, of course, it was unknown which sensor it would get.

I am happy to see that the new APS-C CMOS HR X-Trans 5 40-megapixel sensor landed in the X-T5. Leave the 26.1-megapixel stacked sensor for the speed demon X-H2S. As Fujifilm stated at the X summit, the X-T5 prioritizes still photographers.

Key Specs:

40.1-Megapixel X-Trans CMOS 5 HR sensor (same as X-H2)
X-Processor 5
ISO range: 80-51200
Image stabilizer with - up to 7 stops
Dual SD card slots, UHS-II
FPS: Electronic shutter 20 fps. (1.29x Crop)
FPS: Mechanical Shutter 15 fps.
LCD: 1.84 million dots, 3-inch tilt-type (same as X-T4 but with three directions instead of fully articulating)
Video: up to 6.2K / 30p, 4K / 60p
19 film simulations including Nostalgic Neg.
Battery: NP-W235 (same as X-T4 and X-H2), 740 shots in economy mode, 580 in normal mode
Weight including battery and memory, 557 g / 19.6 oz.
Size: 129.5 x 91 x 63.8mm (slightly smaller than the X-T4 and slightly bigger than the X-T3)
Price: $1,699.00

My Thoughts on the Fujifilm X-T5

While the X-T series probably saved the Fujifilm X-Series I have mostly gravitated toward the X-Pro series. This does not mean that I either disregard or dislike the X-T series.

I had the X-T1 for a while during the early stages of our 5050 travel project. I enjoyed the X-T1 but the promise of a new sensor, new features, and the body style of the X-Pro2 swung me back into the X-Pro camp.

I also had the X-H1 for a while and came to appreciate its video features and IBIS along with the articulating screen.

One of the most popular Fujifilm X Series cameras, the X-T3, largely went unnoticed by me mostly because I had the X-Pro2 and X-H1 at the time.

I promise that I will get the point but first let’s address what makes a winning camera. This, of course, is highly individual.

Some photographers need speed (X-H2S), and some desire the classic retro design range-finder style camera (X-Pro3).

Some are on a budget but still like features (X-S10) while some would like a solidly performing mid-range camera with classic tactile mode dials that do not skimp or cut too many corners (X-T5).

I think the Fujifilm has a jack-of-all-trades option in this new Fujifilm X-T5 and personally I am interested in taking a closer look.

Before I do so, I will get a chance to test and review the X-H2S very soon and this will give me a chance to check out this new body layout with a PSAM dial.

It would have been nice to see the 5.76m-Dot viewfinder from the Fujifilm X-H2 in the X-T5 instead of the 3.69m-Dot version but at least it gets 0.80x magnification instead of 0.75x from the X-T4.

I have already reviewed the Fujifilm X-T4 so I kind of know what to expect from an X-T5 given the new specs. But I am excited to see what the new 40-megapixel sensor is all about.

Update: August 2023

I have now had a chance to review the X-T5 and you can read more here:

Fujifilm X-T5 - Review

If you are interested in the X-H2S I have reviewed it here:

Fujifilm X-H2S - Review

And finally, my X-H2 review is now online as well:

Fujifilm X-H2 - Review

Fujifilm X-T5 Price and Availability

Check price and availability at B&H Photo:

Fujifilm X-T5 - B&H Photo

Fujifilm XF 30mm f/2.8 R LM WR Macro shown on the Fujifilm X-T5 — The Fujifilm XF 30mm f/2.8 R LM OIS WR shown on the Fujifilm X-T5

Fujifilm XF 30mm f/2.8 R LM OIS WR

11 elements in 9 groups (3 aspherical, 2 ED)

Minimum shooting distance: 10cm / 3.9”
Maximum magnification: 1.0x
9 rounded aperture blades
Size: 60 x 69.5mm, 2.3” x 2.7”
Weight: 195g / 6.8 oz.
Price: $599.00

This is certainly a nifty and compact lens for macro photographers. But due to the advanced optical formula with 3 aspherical and 2 ED elements, I predict this will be a strong contender as a standard lens as well with a full-frame equivalent field of view of 46mm.

Incorporating a linear motor for fast autofocus, weather-sealing, 1x magnification, and a minimum focusing at 10 cm from the sensor this promises to be a versatile option in a lightweight and compact package.

I have now had a chance to review the XF 30mm Macro and you can read more here:

Fujifilm XF 30mm f/2.8 R LM WR Macro - Review