In our Fujifilm X-T5 review, we’ll discover why this APS-C digital mirrorless camera has claimed the ‘flagship’ title.
The Fujifilm X-T5 APS-C camera is the fifth generation of the highly applauded Fujifilm X-T series of interchangeable lens cameras.
The series has dominated the APS-C mirrorless space for some time.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Fujifilm X-T5
Delivers stunning image quality with exceptional focus and low-light performance, all in a retro-styled, weather-sealed form factor.
I’ve owned the first three generations of Fujifilm X-T cameras and have shot with the remaining two in travel and street photography settings.
I always look forward to the release of future models.
There’s a reason why I and countless other photographers love the Fujifilm X-T series of APS-C cameras.
The Fujifilm X-T5 embodies five generations of exceptional design, performance and output, making it one of the best camera choices from the Fujifilm system.
That embodiment and some seriously boosted performance and features make it a near-flawless Fujifilm flagship camera.
Let’s dive in and discover why it’s a must-own for enthusiasts and professionals of every genre.
Fujifilm X-T5 Specs
Pros
High-resolution 40.2MP X-Trans CMOS 5 HR image sensor
Ergonomically excellent
Appealing retro aesthetic
Manual command dials everywhere
Ultra-fast readout speeds to dual UHS-II card slots
Up to 15 FPS continuous burst
Features Boost Modes driven by a higher capacity battery
Image stabilization
Dreamy 6.2K 1.23x (native) crop or sub-sampled 4K full-width
Bright, high-resolution EVF and LCD
19 Fujifilm Film Simulations
Cons
Some rolling shutter is evident in video capture
The audio port requires USB-C to 3.5mm dongle
Premium product = premium price
Sensor – 40.2MP X-Trans CMOS 5 HR
Processor – X Processor 5
ISO – Auto 125-12,800 (Expands to 64-51200)
Viewfinder – 0.5″ 3.69 Million Dot OLED EVF
LCD – 3.0″ 1.84 Million Dot Tilt Type Touch Screen Color LCD Monitor
Stabilization – 7-stop 5-axis Sensor-Shift
Focus – 425 point Intelligent Hybrid AF (TTL contrast AF/TTL phase detection AF)
Max Shutter – 1/8000 MS 1/180000 ES
Storage – UHS-II Dual SD Card slot
Flash – Hot Shoe
USB – USB Type-C (USB3.2 Gen2x1)
Battery Life – NP-W235 up to 740 frames/6.2K up to 90 minutes
Weight – 557g (1.23lb) with battery and memory card
Dimensions – 129.5 x 91 x 63.8mm (5.1 x 3.58 x 2.51″)
Build & Appearance
X-T5 + XF 23mm f/1.4
In my view, the Fujifilm X-T5 is the best-looking Fujifilm camera ever!
I know it’s a bold statement, but I’ve owned or tested almost every Fujifilm camera since the original X100 in 2011.
Despite my experience, it’s hard to ignore the insane attention to detail the Fujifilm design team applied to the camera.
It carries that trademark retro aesthetic of classic film cameras while showcasing its premium modern components.
When paired with the Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8 WR lens, that aesthetic and charm sing!
Equally, pair it with an XF 50-140mm f/2.8 R WR, and it’s instantly a professional piece of technologically advanced gadgetry.
The X Series camera body is constructed from magnesium alloy to optimize weight management and durability.
Furthermore, it’s completely weather-sealed, protecting it from moisture, dust and freezing temperatures.
The precision-engineered, tactile command dials set the Fujifilm X-T series apart from its competitors.
The top plate houses manual controls, including a smooth and clicky ISO dial, shutter speed dial, and exposure compensation – the first two feature push-down locks.
The ISO dial’s base houses a Drive mode dial, and the Shutter Speed dial’s base houses a Still/Movie toggle.
In addition, the top of the Fujifilm X-T5 features a raised ‘mirror box’ from which the large and comfortable EVF extends.
On top of that is the hot shoe neatly protected by a snug plastic cover.
The shutter button sits atop the On/Off toggle.
Did I mention that the top plate is slick and tactile and calls out to be picked up and played with?
The front of the camera has a very comfortable grip and a customizable command dial embedded in the top.
There’s also a custom function button, a sync-terminal port, and a focus-mode select toggle.
The camera’s right side features a weather-resistance door housing the dual UHS-II SD card slots.
On the left side, one slot houses the USB-C and HDMI mini ports, and another houses the 3.5mm mic and 2.5mm remote ports.
As mentioned, the rear of the Fujifilm X-T5 is home to two of its most standout features.
The viewfinder is big and bright thanks to its 0.5″ 3.69 Million Dot OLED EVF screen with a 0.80x magnification.
The first time I held the camera to my eye, I was stunned by its resolution and clarity.
The second big-ticket item is the 3.0″ 1.84 Million Dot Tilt Type Touch Screen Color LCD Monitor.
Once again, I was amazed by its brightness and loved that it tilts up at over 90 degrees, down at 45 degrees, and up to 45 degrees when held in vertical mode.
Its touch functionality is responsive, especially when using the screen to select focus points on the move.
A second customizable command dial sits above where your thumb rests with the AF ON and Q buttons to either side.
The AEL, Menu, and Disp/Back buttons are on the right side of the LCD, along with customizable directional pads and the focus select toggle.
Finally, the Fujifilm’s base feels incredibly solid and would withstand a serious bump – though please don’t try that at home.
The weather-resistant battery door houses the larger NP-W235 battery, delivering improved battery life, and can power up to 740 frames or 90 minutes of 6.2K video quality.
The better battery life also accommodates the higher resolution sensor.
Unlike previous models, the X-T5 doesn’t require a battery grip to boost battery life or optimize performance.
However, Fujiiflm does offer an MHG-XT5 metal hand grip that increases the size of the front grip and adds an Arca-style mounting plate to the base.
Ergonomics & Handling
Fujifilm continues to develop a broad range of digital mirrorless APS-C and medium format cameras.
The Fujifilm X-T5 is by far the most ergonomically comfortable of the entire X Series range.
Let me back up that claim with a little more info about the ergonomics and handling.
The Fujifilm X-T5 weighs 557g (1.23lb) and sits comfortably and securely in your right hand thanks to the extended grip and the rear thumb bump.
The front and rear customizable command dials naturally rest at the tip of the thumb and index finger.
Moving your thumb to the left to access the core function buttons and focus toggle is equally as easy and natural.
A soft rubber eye cup cushions the eye and blocks distracting light leakage if necessary.
Each button, toggle, and command dial returns lovely subtle feedback, allowing you to shoot without taking your eyes off the prize.
If you pair the Fujifilm X-T5 with a smaller prime like the Fujifilm XF 23mm f/2 WR, the total weight is 737g (1.62lb).
The balance is exceptional while still retaining a relatively compact and totally weather-sealed form factor.
Your left hand is free to adjust camera settings and aperture or quickly access the rear tilting screen.
Drop a larger Fujifilm XF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 on the X-T5, and the total weight is 1932g (4.26lb), still making it a manageable professional setup.
While I’m incredibly used to the Fujifilm X Series menu system, I must admit that it’s easy to digest without too many layers to dive deep to find a simple action.
The in-camera menu system is divided into two halves: the first for still photography and the second for movie recording.
Unlike other cameras, the Fuji keeps your video features and video modes completely separate from the photography options.
Focus Performance
X-T5 + XF 16mm f/2.8 | 1/500 | 200 ISO | f/8
It’s fair to say that the Fujifilm X-T5 utilizes the latest autofocus technology Fujifilm could muster.
Using the mechanical or electronic shutter, the camera delivers fast, accurate and confident autofocus performance in various settings and lighting conditions.
The X Processor 5 boasts twice the processing speed of its predecessor while also adding focusing features such as specific subject tracking.
The 425-point Intelligent Hybrid AF (TTL contrast AF / TTL phase detection AF) keeps pace with the most erratic subjects in single-point, wide-area, and zone focusing.
I especially appreciated the highly responsive and accurate face and eye detection system.
Furthermore, the specific subject tracking includes animal, bird, automobile, motorcycle, bike, aeroplane and train recognition.
The fully customizable autofocus system is just as reliable for shooting video.
I found the focus performance equally impressive in low-light settings, especially when paired with a wide-aperture lens such as the XF 56mm f/1.2.
At a recent event, I worked with two cameras simultaneously – a Fujifilm X100VI and the Fujifilm X-T5 – and I have the shoulder pain to prove it.
It was challenging to differentiate the focus performance, mainly since they feature the same focus system and subject detection modes.
The two cameras don’t share the exact same sensor – but they’re pretty close!
In video mode, the focus performance is excellent, especially paired with human eye detection and continuous autofocus.
Low Light Performance
X-T5 + XF 56mm f/1.2 | 1/250 | 2000 ISO | f/1.2
When shooting with the Fujifilm X-T5 in low light, the higher-resolution 40.2Mp image sensor and clever X Processor 5 Pro deliver excellent pixel clarity.
At higher ISO settings, noise is evident, yet minimal intervention is required to clean up a RAW file post-processing.
The Fuji camera features 5-axis sensor-shift image stabilization that delivers up to 7 stops of additional light.
In body image stabilization makes a huge difference to your confidence when working in poor lighting.
The more noise in an image, the more detail you lose – you want all the pixels you can retain from a RAW file.
When shooting a concert in a dark venue, the Fujifilm X-T5 performed exceptionally well in managing noise from higher ISO and optimizing focus performance.
The high-resolution sensor creates sublime pixel density across the full frame and includes phase-detection pixels.
Image Quality
X-T5 + XF 56mm f/1.2 | 1/500 | 800 ISO | f/1.2
The JPEG and RAW image quality produced by the Fujifilm X-T5 has blown me away!
When paired with a fast wide prime like the Fujifilm XF 56mm f/1.2, the image clarity, resolution and available data were unmistakable.
There’s a lot of room to push and pull a 40.2MP RAW file – although the excellent dynamic range meant little intervention was needed.
While I try to crop images as little as possible, it was a fun experiment to dramatically crop files and check for image sharpness.
Fujifilm cameras are renowned for the quality of their colour science and the application of Fujifilm Film Simulations, which replicate analog film stock.
The Japanese camera maker has existed since 1934 – they know a thing or two about colour.
Unsurprisingly, this Fujifilm camera boasts no less than 19 film simulations in-camera for JPEG capture.
I’d confidently say that the files from an X-T5 match the image quality achieved with many full-frame sensor cameras.
It makes the camera an excellent choice for portrait, fine art, and landscape photography.
Fujifilm X-T5 Sample Images
I took some sample images using the Fujifilm X-T5 with the Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8 WR, XF 56mm f/1.2, and Fujifilm XF 16mm f/2.9 WR lenses.
X-T5 + XF 56mm f/1.2 | 1/2000 | 200 ISO | f/1.2
X-T5 + XF 56mm f/1.2 | 1/500 | 800 ISO | f/1.2
X-T5 + XF 16mm f/2.8 | 1/1000 | 400 ISO | f/8
X-T5 + XF 56mm f/1.2 | 1/400 | 125 ISO | f/1.2
X-T5 + XF 56mm f/1.2 | 1/250 | 400 ISO | f/6.4
X-T5 + XF 56mm f/1.2 | 1/500 | 800 ISO | f/1.2
X-T5 + XF 56mm f/1.2 | 1/500 | 125 ISO | f/1.2
X-T5 + XF 16mm f/2.8 | 1/250 | 200 ISO | f/8
Overall Performance
Overall, the Fujifilm X-T5 delivers exceptional performance in every setting.
The camera powers on and is ready to shoot within the blink of an eye – technically, that’s 0.49 sec.
What I love most about the manual control dials on Fuji cameras is the ability to set my ISO, shutter speed, exposure compensation and aperture on the lens before I even turn the camera on.
That way, when I power it up, the new sensor, mechanical shutter and AF system are ready.
The camera features a fast 15fps mechanical shutter burst, delivering 119 JPEG files or 19 uncompressed RAW files before the buffer slows.
The optimal use of the dual UHS-II slots accommodates faster readout speeds and the ability to backup RAW files, shoot RAW + JPEG, or continuously shoot from one card to the next.
Astro and landscape photographers will also appreciate the ability to quickly jump to manual focus and back again to make the most of AF modes.
How I Tested the Fujifilm X-T5
X-T5 + XF 56mm f/1.2
I tested the Fujifilm X-T5 in various scenarios and with several Fujifilm X-Mount lenses.
The X Series digital mirrorless camera was a ready companion on my street photography walks when paired with the Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8 WR, XF 23mm f/2 WR, and XF 16mm f/2.8 WR lenses.
As they’re all weather resistant, I had no concerns heading out with my kit in Melbourne weather.
I also tested the camera with the razor-sharp Fujifilm XF 56mm f/1.2 prime lens.
I shot with this combo to capture portraits, street scenes, and a concert in a dark venue.
It was amazing just how fast the accurate focus system was.
Even though it’s among older lenses, the X-T5 and 56mm combo is a match made in heaven! Plus, it balances nicely on the camera.
Alternatives to Fujifilm X-T5
The best alternative to the Fujifilm X-T5 is the Fujifilm X-H2s – Fujifilm’s video-focused flagship X Series camera.
While the X-H2S features a powerful X Processor 5, it houses a lower resolution 26.1MP X Trans 5 HS dedicated image sensor.
The bigger and heavier Fujifilm X-H2S sports a more prominent, deeper grip, single command dial, and fully rotating LCD.
It’s a professional-grade workhorse primarily focused on videography – two videographers recorded the same concert I attended with X-H2s cameras.
Despite the lower-resolution image sensor, the X-H2S delivers excellent image quality and superb 6.2K ‘Open Gate’ video or 4K UHD at 60p.
Videographers will love the dynamic range thanks to the inclusion of the F-Log 2 14-bit readout and the inclusion of UHS-II memory card and CFexpress Type B slots.
Value for Money
Given that the Fujifilm X-T5 is a flagship photography camera – and a nearly flawless one at that – it attracts a high demand and an even higher price.
The Fujifilm X-T5 retails for around US$1,900 ($2,900 in AUD) for the body.
Adding a kit XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 or the XF 16-80mm f/4 lens in a bundle will cost around US$2,420.
The big question is, is the camera worth it?
The answer is a resounding yes, especially if you’re a serious enthusiast or professional photographer looking to take advantage of the extensive range of Fujifilm X Series lenses.
For comparison, the Fujifilm X-H2S retails for around US$2,600, and the Fujifilm X100VI retails for around US$1,900.
While the X100VI is a compact fixed-lens camera, it also boasts a 40.1MP X Trans 5 sensor and X Processor 5.
FAQ’s
Is the Fujifilm X-T5 good in low light?
The Fujifilm X-T5 optimizes low-light performance thanks to its 5-axis in-body image stabilization, which delivers up to 7 additional stops of light.
Is the Fuji X-T5 weather-sealed?
The Fujifilm X-T5 is fully weather-sealed to protect the internal components from moisture, dust, and freezing conditions as low as -10C.
Do any professionals use Fujifilm?
Professional photographers use flagship Fujifilm X Series cameras such as the Fujifilm X-T5 and X-H2S. The Fujifilm GFX medium-format range of cameras and lenses offers even higher levels of image quality.
Fujifilm X-T5 Review | Conclusion
I had an absolute blast playing with and reviewing the Fujifilm X-T5.
Sadly, I had to send it back to Fujifilm, but not before I enjoyed a premium Fuji photography experience.
Every generation of the X-T digital mirrorless cameras has adopted Fujifilm’s focus and desire to develop a camera for serious photographers.
Putting that aside, the manual control layout and ergonomic design make photography with the Fujifilm X-T5 an absolute delight.
It’s incredibly responsive, with just the right balance of bells and whistles to appease even the most serious professional in the field.
The Fujifilm X-T5 is proof yet again that Fujifilm designs and manufactures some of the best cameras on the market today.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Fujifilm X-T5
Delivers stunning image quality with exceptional focus and low-light performance, all in a retro-styled, weather-sealed form factor.
