Fujifilm X-T5, black, shown with the XF 18-120mm f/4 LM PZ WR. Fujifilm X-T5 Review — Fujifilm X-T5, black, and XF 18-120mm f/4 LM PZ WR

A Review of Fujifilm’s “Photography First” Camera, the X-T5

When we began our travel project to visit fifty countries in fifty months after turning fifty in 2015, I departed from Canada with a Fujifilm X-T1. I picked this camera for its versatility, portability, and ability to create great images.

Since then, X-T cameras have become the most popular in the X-Series, and it’s hard to believe we are now looking at the fifth iteration.

I did a “first impression” review of the X-T5 in December, and several points would be repetitive from this initial look. Therefore, I have decided to combine the two posts into one, which is my review of the X-T5.

Fujifilm X-T5, black, with its tilting rear LCD, shown with an XF 18-120mm f/4 LM WR PZ. Fuji X-T5 Review. — Rear LCD of the Fujifilm X-T5, black, and XF 18-120mm f/4 LM PZ WR

Introduction

The Fujifilm X-T5 was introduced to great fanfare in the fall of 2022 and had big shoes to fill from the X-T3. The X-T4 has also been a popular camera with Fujifilm photographers, but the X-T5 is more reminiscent of the extremely popular X-T3 and earlier models. The return to the tilt screen has been noteworthy.

Beau Photo, Vancouver, kindly lent me a silver X-T5 for my “first impressions,” and Fujifilm Canada kindly provided a black X-T5 for a more in-depth look. Along with the Fujifilm X-T5, I had two lenses: the XF 30mm f/2.8 R LM WR Macro and the XF 18-120mm f/4 LM WR PZ.

I am primarily a still photographer, but it is good to know that the X-T5 can shoot video at 6.2K / 30p or 4K / 60p if necessary.

When this review was posted, the Fujifilm X-T5 retailed for $1,699.00.

A wall grafitti saying Grow Up seen along Main Street in Vancouver. Sample image from a Fujifilm X-T5 and XF 30mm f/2.8 R LM WR Macro. — Main Street, Vancouver, Fujifilm X-T5, XF 30mm f/2.8 R LM WR Macro @ f/5.6, cropped to a 4:3 aspect ratio

Fujifilm X-T5 Handling and Specs

The X-T5 feels good in the hand, but compared to the flagship Fujifilm X-H2S and X-H2, it does not have a premium feel on quite the same level.

I wrote this initial paragraph after my first look, and I feel the same after reviewing the X-T5 for a longer period and spending more time with the X-H2.

The ISO and shutter speed dials on the X-T5 feel top-notch, but the selector and on/off switches do not have the same high-quality feel as on the X-H2S and X-H2. The differences are not leaps and bounds, but they are noticeable.

The X-T5's exposure compensation dial is excellent, and you can easily adjust it using your right thumb.

As I recall, this is much harder on the X-T4 and X-T3. Personally, I consider this an essential way to operate the camera, so this is a big plus for the X-T5.

The X-H2S and X-H2 sport the new 5.76m-Dot OLED electronic viewfinder, whereas the X-T5 has the 3.69m-Dot version.

The X-T5 version looks very good and is not a huge sacrifice over the X-H2S or X-H2, especially if you optimize it for resolution. But yes, the X-H2 versions are nicer.

The AF joystick can be centered by double-clicking it. Again, this is another essential issue for me. To my knowledge, you cannot do this on the X-H2S or X-H2, which is baffling.

Vancouver Harbour with smoke from forest fires. Sample image from a Fujifilm X-T5 and XF 18-120mm f/4 LM WR PZ — Vancouver Harbor, Fujifilm X-T5, XF 18-120mm f/4 LM WR PZ @ f/5.6, 120mm

Inadvertently, I repeatedly hit the Q button on the X-T5 during my “first look test” in December. The placement of the Q button is precisely where I rest my thumb on the back of the camera.

It was mainly an issue while wearing gloves. Unfortunately, during my recent test period (in the summer), this was still an issue, although it was getting slightly better as I got more used to the ergonomics.

I am still puzzled by this Q button placement. I did not envision this to be a problem until I started using it.

The articulating screen feels sturdy, but I feel slightly torn. I am not sure I would prefer this over the X-H2S and X-H2.

The X-T5 is likely my preferred choice for daily use. However, I can appreciate the advantages of the fully articulating screen on the X-H2 and X-H2S, particularly for completely hiding the screen or for video use.

Fujifilm X-T5, black, shown with the Fujifilm XF 18-120mm f/4 LM PZ WR — Top view of the Fujifilm X-T5, black, and XF 18-120mm f/4 LM PZ WR

Fujifilm X-T5 - Key Specs

40.1-Megapixel X-Trans CMOS 5 HR sensor (same as the Fujifilm 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

40 Megapixels and Cropping

One of the main benefits of jumping for either the Fujifilm X-T5 or X-H2 is the new X-Trans 5 40-megapixel sensor. Below are two photos. The first photo shows the full-size image followed by a 100% crop.

The photos were captured as RAW and I used Capture One with sharpening reduced to 100. The photo was captured handheld with IBIS on.

Please click to view full-size images.

A billboard on West 8th Ave. in Vancouver. Sample image from a Fujifilm X-T5 — Fujifilm X-T5, XF 33mm f/1.4 R LM WR @ f2, ISO 125

A billboard along 8th Ave. in Vancouver. Sample image from a Fujifilm X-T5, 100% crop — Fujifilm X-T5, XF 33mm f/1.4 R LM WR @ f2, ISO 125 - 100% crop

In the next three images, the first sample shows the entire frame. Then, I crop it horizontally and finally show a 100% crop.

A man crosses the street at Hemlock and West 6th Ave. in Vancouver. Sample image from a Fujifilm X-T5 — Fujifilm X-T5, XF 33mm f/1.4 R LM WR @ f2.5, ISO 125, entire frame

Am man in shorts in a snow day in Vancouver. Sample image from a Fujifilm X-T5 — Fujifilm X-T5, XF 33mm f/1.4 R LM WR @ f2.5, ISO 125 - same photo as above but cropped horizontally

Man in a hoody and shorts on a snow day in Vancouver. Sample image from a Fujifilm X-T5, 100% crop — Fujifilm X-T5, XF 33mm f/1.4 R LM WR @ f2.5, ISO 125 - Same photo as above,100% crop

Image Quality

Viewing the sample images in this review on my 4K monitor, the extra resolution over the 26.1-megapixel sensors from either X-Trans 4 or the X-Trans 5 on the X-H2S is evident, and you can see a difference with more detail.

The ability to crop your photos will be a huge advantage for wildlife photography, and landscape photographers will revel in the extra resolution. I have also found this handy for cropping some of my street photography images.

However, event or sports photographers may be just as happy with the 26.1-megapixel files due to workflow challenges created by the larger 40-megapixel files.

Cars at a stop light at Granville and West 7th Ave in Vancouver. Sample image from a Fujifilm X-T5 — Granville Street, Vancouver, Fujifilm X-T5, XF 33mm f/1.4 R LM WR @ f2.8

Black or Silver?

My “first look” at the X-T5 was the silver version, and at first glance, it looks great. However, when viewed up close, the paint does not instill a premium feel. Color choice is, of course, highly subjective, and throughout the years, I have traditionally picked black cameras.

At the November X-Summit launch event, Fujifilm stated that special care had been taken to create the black version of the Fujifilm X-T5. Now that I have had the black review unit, I do prefer it over the silver.

The Fujifilm X-T5, silver, shown with a Fujifilm XF 33mm f/1.4 R LM WR — Fujifilm X-T5, silver, and XF 33mm f/1.4 R LM WR

Conclusion and X-T5 vs. X-H2

Overall, it’s hard not to like the Fujifilm X-T5. After reviewing and using heavier gear lately, I loved having a lightweight, 19.6 oz (557 g) powerful camera that was easy on my back. In many ways, it reminded me of why I got into the Fujifilm X Series system in the first place.

The trick is, how do you pick between the X-T5 and X-H2? If I only had a split second to decide, I would go for the X-H2 for the premium feel.

A more likely scenario, personally, is to wait and see what Fujifilm will do with a potential X-Pro4. I have a long history with the X-Pro series.

Cycling across the Burrard Bridge on a summer evening. Sample image from a Fujifilm X-T5 and XF 30mm f/2.8 R LM WR Macro. — Burrard Bridge, Vancouver, Fujifilm X-T5, XF 30mm f/2.8 R LM WR Macro @ f/5.6

Fujifilm’s “Photography First” campaign for the X-T5, however, will resonate with many photographers who will gravitate toward the camera's classic look and tactile ISO and shutter speed dials, and I certainly see the appeal.

If you opt for the Fujifilm X-T5, you will get a well-rounded camera capable of producing excellent image quality with the new 40-megapixel sensor. Your taste in design and aesthetics, video needs, and tolerance for bulk and weight will play a role in choosing the X-T5 or X-H2.

Please see more sample images below.

Price / Availability

Thank you for reading my review. If you are planning a purchase and would like to support us, you can do so, at no additional cost, by using the affiliate link below. A small commission goes to us and helps us keep the wheels turning at 5050 Travelog.

Check the current price at B&H Photo

Fujifilm X-T5, B&H Photo

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Fujifilm X-T5 Sample Images (December 2022)

Below are sample images from Vancouver. The images are processed in Capture One. Some photos may be slightly cropped, and I used Fujifilm film simulations, such as Nostalgic Neg. and Acros.

Please click to view larger images.