Fujifilm X-T5 Review
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 back in 2015, I departed from Canada with a Fujifilm X-T1. I picked this camera for its blend of 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” take of the X-T5 back in December and there are quite a few points that would be repetitive from this first look, so I have decided to merge the two posts into this one, my review of the X-T5.
Introduction
The Fujifilm X-T5 was introduced in the fall of 2022 to great fanfare 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, and especially 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. The X-T5 from Fujifilm came with 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 it will shoot video at 6.2K / 30p, 4K / 60p if you need to.
At the time this review was posted the Fujifilm X-T5 retailed for $1,699.00.
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 breathe a premium feel on quite the same level.
I wrote this initial paragraph after my first look and feel the same after reviewing the X-T5 for a longer period and having spent 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 noticeable.
The exposure compensation dial on the X-T5 is excellent and you can easily adjust it by using your right hand thumb.
As I recall, this is much harder to do on the X-T4 and X-T3. Personally, this is an essential way to operate the camera, so a big plus here 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 in my opinion 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.
Onto the AF joystick which can be centered by double-clicking it. Again, this is another essential issue for me, and to my knowledge, you cannot do this on the X-H2S or X-H2 which is baffling.
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 exactly where I rest my thumb on the back of the camera.
It was especially an issue while wearing gloves. Unfortunately during my recent test period (in the summer), this is still an issue albeit getting slightly better as I get more used to the ergonomics.
I am still puzzled over this Q button placement and had not envisioned 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.
For my daily use, the X-T5 implementation is probably preferred but I can see the benefit of the fully articulating screen on the X-H2 and X-H2S, especially when it comes to being able to fully hide the screen or for video use.
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.
In the next three images, the first sample shows the entire frame. Then I crop it horizontally and finally show a 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 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.
Event or sports photographers may, however, be just as happy with the 26.1-megapixel due to workflow challenges created by the larger 40-megapixel files.
Black or Silver?
My “first look” X-T5 was the silver version and at first glance, it looks great but when viewing it up close the paint does not instill a premium feel. Color choice is, of course, highly subjective, and throughout the years I traditionally have picked black cameras.
At the November X-Summit launch event, Fujifilm stated that special care had been put into the black version of the Fujifilm X-T5. Now that I have had the black version review unit I do prefer this over the silver.
Conclusion and X-T5 vs. X-H2
Overall it is hard not to like the Fujifilm X-T5. After reviewing and using heavier gear lately, I loved having a light 19.6 oz, 557 g powerful camera that was easy on my back and 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 just had a split second to decide, I think 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.
Fujifilm’s “Photography First” campaign for the X-T5, however, will resonate with many photographers who will gravitate toward the classic look and tactile ISO and shutter speed dials of the X-T5, and I certainly see the appeal.
If you do 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 in when it comes to picking the X-T5 or X-H2.
Please see more sample images below.
Price / Availability
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Check the current price at 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.
Fujifilm X-T5 - Sample Images (August 2023)
Please click to view larger images.
Main Street, Vancouver, Fujifilm X-T5, XF 30mm f/2.8 R LM WR Macro @ f/4.5, cropped to a 4:3 aspect ratio
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 Series Camera Reviews
Fujifilm X100VI
Fujifilm X100V
Fujifilm X100F
Fujifilm X-Pro3
Fujifilm X-Pro2
Fujifilm X-Pro1
Fujifilm X-T5
Fujifilm X-T4
Fujifilm X-T3
Fujifilm X-H2S
Fujifilm X-H2
Fujifilm X-H1
Fujifilm X-S20
Fujifilm X-S10
Fujifilm X-T30
See all of my reviews at a glance: Camera Reviews - Archives
