On this Fujifilm X-M5 overview, we’ll unveil the Japanese magic that allowed Fuji to pack a lot into essentially the most miniature X Sequence digicam within the vary.
The unique Fuji X-M1 was launched in early 2013 to supply a user-friendly, entry-level X expertise and develop Fuji’s market presence.
Since then, the Japanese optics and imaging big has toyed with a number of entry-level collection, together with the X-A, X-T100, and X-E fashions.
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Fujifilm X-M5
Compact, gentle, and easy-to-use entry-level digicam that delivers highly effective efficiency.
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Over a decade later, we have now the most recent X-M mannequin with the lately introduced Fujifilm X-M5.
The Fuji X lineup hole has left some visible creatives questioning if the model has ditched entry-level fashions.
Fortuitously, the Fujifilm X-M5 plugs that hole properly with some spectacular and considerably shocking energy and efficiency.
I like the compact nature of previous Fuji fashions, such because the X70, X100, and X-E, so I used to be eager to get my palms on this one and try it out.
Fujifilm X-M5 Specs
Professionals
Content material creators’ dream digicam
Compact and light-weight
Extra highly effective than it appears
As much as 6.2K 30p video
Fast entry vlog mode
Movie simulation dial
20 Fuji movie simulations
Cons
No EVF
Low-resolution and fiddly LCD
Included 15-45mm package lens is underwhelming
Not for giant palms
Sensor – 26.1MP (APS-C) X-Trans CMOS 4
Processor – X Processor 5
Most Decision – 6240 x 4160
ISO – 125~12800 (64-51200 Prolonged Output)
Viewfinder – None
LCD – 3.0″ 1.04 Million Dot rotating Contact Display Shade LCD
Stabilization – None
Focus – 425 level Clever Hybrid AF (TTL distinction AF / TTL part detection AF)
Max Shutter – 1/4000 MS 1/32000 ES
Film Recording – 6.2K 29.97p
Storage – UHSI Single Slot
Flash – None
USB – USB Kind-C (USB3.2 Gen2x1)
Battery Life – Approx. 440 frames/45min. (6.2K 29.97p)
Weight – 355g (0.78lb) with battery and reminiscence card
Dimensions – 111.9 x 66.6 x 38mm (4.4 x 2.6 x 1.5″)
Construct & Look
Fujifilm X-M5 + XC 15-45mm f/3.5-5.6
From a distance, the Fujifilm X-M5 is one more brilliant-looking X Sequence entry.
Nonetheless, its ‘entry-level’ advertising and marketing could go away some questioning its construct high quality and sturdiness.
Upon nearer inspection, you acknowledge the premium Fuji construct and respect the engineering and design prowess that went into creating this digicam.
What’s additionally astonishing is simply how compact and light-weight the X-M5 is! It’s significantly smaller and lighter than the Fujifilm X1oo VI, and across the identical measurement as my 12-year-old X70.
It measures 111.9 x 66.6 x 38mm (4.4 x 2.6 x 1.5″) and weighs a minuscule 355g (0.78lb) with a battery and reminiscence card.
I don’t know the way Fuji does it; regardless of being the smallest and lightest X Sequence digicam, it feels extremely strong and strong.
Whereas it doesn’t function climate sealing, the X-M5 feels premium and extremely acquainted.
Fujifilm X-M5
Let’s take a tour of the most recent and smallest X Sequence digicam.
Designed for an entry-level, jump-from-smartphone market, the X-M5 gives a tactile, minimal, and versatile format.
The entrance of the X-M5 is extremely easy, with a slight protruding grip (that includes a command dial) and the wonderful X Mount and lens launch.
The appropriate aspect encompasses a small housing for a 3.5mm headphone jack, a second housing for HDMI-micro, and a USB port for charging.
The one evident function on the left aspect is a speaker grill—the left is stored clear to accommodate the rotating LCD monitor for vlogging.
The bottom of the X-M5 gives a locking battery/SD card door and a normal screw thread for tripod mounts.
All of the X-M5 motion takes place on the alloy high plate. The unique X-M1 featured a single PASM dial and a programmable command dial.
The X-M5 brings current-gen pondering to the social gathering by including a Movie Simulation Dial, additionally discovered on the X-T50.
Fujifilm X-M5 + XF 27mm f/2.8
A scorching shoe is centrally positioned between the Movie and the PASM dials.
Given the X-M5’s measurement, the rear is dominated by the 3-inch, 1.04-million-dot rotating touchscreen coloration LCD. It folds outwards and rotates to assist selfies and vlogging.
To the proper of the LCD, there’s simply sufficient actual property for a thumb relaxation, menu and show buttons, and the same old directional joystick.
Throughout the highest of the display screen are Drive, Play, AEL/AFL buttons, and a lined port for a 3.5mm mic jack (which conveniently sits just under the new shoe).
Fujifilm’s X-M5 is a masterclass in styling and holds to Fuji’s basic design and aesthetic rules.
Ergonomics & Dealing with
Fujifilm X-M5 + XC 15-45mm f/3.5-5.6
There’s no hiding the truth that the Fujifilm X-M5 is a tiny digicam.
You probably have massive palms or clumsy sausage-like fingers, you’ll wrestle to grasp this X Sequence mini.
Having mentioned that, the X-M5 gives a thought-about ergonomic method with a entrance grip and rear thumb relaxation.
I’d’ve appreciated to have seen Fujifilm provide a base plate with an prolonged grip as they did with the X-E4.
The PASM, Movie, and customized command dials on the highest plate are perfect for newbies who need to grasp their craft with out delving into the menu system.
The entrance and rear customized command dials are slightly free, and I bumped them greater than as soon as whereas composing pictures.
I additionally bumped the rear joystick with my thumb on multiple event and shifted my focus level.
The principle PASM dial additionally options fast entry to the digicam’s Auto, Video, and Vlog modes and a few customized mode choices.
As with the unique X-M1, the brand new X-M5 doesn’t function an EVF. As a substitute, you compose photographs utilizing the rear flippy, rotating contact display screen.
I discovered it difficult to work in shiny out of doors situations even with the display screen brightness set at max—1.04 million dots of decision doesn’t lower the mustard in that state of affairs.
Given the dearth of EVF, Fuji ought to’ve bumped the display screen decision barely.
Among the best options for content material creators is the Vlog mode and the flexibility to flip the display screen out to face you.
Upon doing so, the display screen shows all key video choices, together with Mic ranges, focus choice, and the flexibility to start out and cease recording.
Extra on the video options in slightly bit.
I discovered the fold-out, rotating display screen annoying when taking pictures from low or excessive angles.
To get a transparent view, I needed to fold the display screen out and rotate it. Whereas this is a wonderful software for videography and vlogging, it was a cumbersome step.
General, offered you’re not an enormous, the X-M5 is a straightforward digicam to grasp, and the flexibility to entry the whole lot rapidly is a plus.
Focus Efficiency
Fujifilm X-M5 + XF 27mm f/2.8 | 1/1250 SS | 400 ISO | f/8
The Fujifilm X-M5 is powered by the X Processor 5—the identical processor discovered in lots of current-gen flagship X cameras.
It boasts Fuji’s 425-point Clever Hybrid AF (TTL distinction AF / TTL part detection AF) focusing system, which contains face, eye, and devoted topic detection for animals, birds, vehicles, and extra.
The topic monitoring works in tandem with the X Processor’s topic monitoring and steady focus modes to find and keep centered on a shifting topic.
I paired the X-M5 with the XF 27mm f/2.8 and confidently used eye-tracking to {photograph} skaters competing on a half pipe.
Regardless of the X-M5’s decrease decision 26.1MP X Trans 4 picture sensor, low-light focus efficiency was nonetheless simply as spectacular.
Low Gentle Efficiency
Fujifilm X-M5 + XF 27mm f/2.8 | 1/125 SS | 2000 ISO | f/8
Fuji’s X-M5 delivers the products in any lighting situations, however low-light efficiency additionally depends on a high quality lens.
It options a normal ISO vary of 160~12800 and a powerful prolonged vary of 80~51200 (80-26100 in film mode).
Whereas the tiny X digicam doesn’t function in-body picture stabilization, it does provide Digital Stability when recording video.
Publicity management is managed by a TTL 256-zone metering system, which gives the same old Multi, Spot, Common, and Centre Weighted choices.
The digicam encompasses a 5.0EV+5.0EV 1/3EV step for nonetheless photographs and a 2.0EV+2.0EV 1/3EV step for video publicity compensation.
The Fujifilm X-M5 is a dependable and surprisingly succesful digicam in any lighting situations.
Picture High quality
Fujifilm X-M5 + XF 27mm f/2.8 | 1/1250 SS | 400 ISO | f/8
I all the time prefer to preface the picture high quality part with the truth that the standard of photographs produced by any digicam is barely ever nearly as good because the lens.
Contemplating how a lot a lens contributes to photographs, the Fujifilm X-M5 delivers glorious high quality.
And why wouldn’t it? The X-M5 boasts Fuji’s fourth-generation 26.1MP X Trans picture sensor, with a most decision of 6240 x 4160.
The 26.1MP X Trans 4 CMOS picture sensor has confirmed its price in numerous Fuji cameras.
Boasting the most recent X Processor 5, the X-M5 gives glorious picture readability and dynamic vary.
Straight-out-of-camera JPEGs function that basic Fuji look, particularly when making use of any of the 20 baked-in movie simulations.
RAW picture recordsdata comprise glorious ranges of element and dynamic vary for modifying in-camera or post-production software program.
Fujifilm X-M5 Pattern Photos
Listed below are some pattern photographs I took utilizing the Fujifilm X-M5 with a Fuji XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR lens.
Fujifilm X-M5 + XF 27mm f/2.8 | 1/125 SS | 6400 ISO | f/2.8
Fujifilm X-M5 + XF 27mm f/2.8 | 1/200 SS | 200 ISO | f/8
Fujifilm X-M5 + XF 27mm f/2.8 | 1/200 SS | 800 ISO | f/2.8
Fujifilm X-M5 + XF 27mm f/2.8 | 1/200 SS | 320 ISO | f/2.8
Fujifilm X-M5 + XF 27mm f/2.8 | 1/125 SS | 2500 ISO | f/2.8
Fujifilm X-M5 + XF 27mm f/2.8 | 1/125 SS | 2500 ISO | f/2.8
Fujifilm X-M5 + XF 27mm f/2.8 | 1/500 SS | 800 ISO | f/2.8
Fujifilm X-M5 + XF 27mm f/2.8 | 1/500 SS | 200 ISO | f/8
Fujifilm X-M5 + XF 27mm f/2.8 | 1/1250 SS | 400 ISO | f/8
General Efficiency
Fujifilm X-M5 + XC 15-45mm f/3.5-5.6
The Fujifilm X-M5 is an extremely dependable and succesful X digicam.
The compact digicam operates extremely quick because of the X Processor 5 and slightly Fuji unicorn mud.
It powers on and is able to go with out a trace of hesitation. And with the highest plate command dials, you’ll be able to rapidly and effectively dial in your most popular settings.
It’s additionally price declaring that the contact display screen gives a spread of faucet and swipe gestures to entry features akin to ISO, White Steadiness, and deciding on focus factors.
The X-M5 can seize as much as 8fps steady excessive bursts with the mechanical shutter and as much as 20fps with all the body of the digital shutter.
The buffer retains tempo with steady excessive bursts; nonetheless, I observed some lag post-shot, in all probability because of the lack of UHS-II compatibility.
What’s additionally spectacular is how compact and light-weight this succesful digicam is.
You’ll be able to throw it in your on a regular basis carry bag or pack it in your journey baggage to doc any vacation journey.
The included package energy zoom lens is simply too gradual when shifting the focal vary from 15 to 45mm or buying sharp focus.
With a higher-quality XF lens, autofocus is swift, and topic detection and monitoring are spectacular, to say the least.
Video Efficiency
The Fuji X-M5 is greater than only a enjoyable and highly effective stills pictures digicam; it’s additionally a videography powerhouse.
It options spectacular video efficiency, with the present’s star being the 6.2K 30p 4:2:2 10-bit inside recording.
It’s additionally able to a 17:9 ratio with 4K 60P with a decision of 4096 x 2160 and Full HD 1080 at 240p.
Video creation is additional supported by the built-in digital picture stabilization for smoother motion in all settings.
In a primary for Fujifilm, the X-M5 gives directional microphone settings to isolate the path of any audio supply whereas dampening others.
Whereas any Fuji movie simulation will be utilized to video footage, the X-M5 additionally helps FLog 2 and a powerful 13+ stops of dynamic vary.
Social media influencers will love the Quick Film modes, which permit cropped 9:16 portrait orientation with out tilting the digicam to the aspect.
With Quick Transfer mode, you’ll be able to create quick 15, 30, and 60-second clips, and a helpful countdown timer seems on the display screen.
To share that content material rapidly on-line, the X-M5 allows low bit-rate recording to enhance file switch velocity through the USB port to an acceptable Android or iOS gadget.
The X-M5 is appropriate with Fuji’s Cooling Fan FAN-001 for critical long-recording calls for. The attachable cooling fan system is often used with the flagship X-H2 and X-H2S X cameras.
Together with a 3.5mm headphone and a separate Mic port can be a considerate addition.
How I Examined the Fujifilm X-M5
Fujifilm X-M5 + XF 500mm f/5.6: Compact digicam and lens combo!
I examined the Fujifilm X-M5 over every week whereas at dwelling, out, and about with household.
The included XC 15-45mm f/3.5-5.6 package lens is an influence zoom with a plastic lens mount. Whereas the picture high quality is appropriate for first-timers, I like to recommend upgrading this lens as quickly as potential.
With a lens like this, the X Trans 4 picture sensor and X Processor 5 can’t be maximized.
I ditched the package lens and paired it with the Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8 pancake – the proper compact lens for this digicam.
I shot a spread of JPEG photographs and RAW recordsdata to check the general vary and efficiency.
Options to Fujifilm X-M5
The Fujifilm X-M5 is a perfect entry-level digicam that fills the X Sequence lineup hole.
In recent times, Fuji has remained quiet on different entry-level ranges, together with the X-E, X-A, and X-T100.
Should you don’t suppose the smaller X-M5 is for you or choose a digicam with an EVF, the following best choice is the Fujifilm X-T30 II.
The X-T30 II is a scaled-back entry to enthusiast-level digicam that includes the identical 26.1MP X-Trans 4 picture sensor and X Processor 4.
It delivers glorious picture high quality on par with the X-M5 whereas permitting 4K/30P 4:2:0 8bit inside and exterior 4:2:2 10bit video.
It’s additionally light-weight at 378g (0.83lb) but is slightly larger and extra comfy to shoot with than the X-M5.
The Fujifilm X-T30 II retails for round AU$1,400 (US$930); nonetheless, given the discharge of the brand new X-T50, it’ll probably be retired quickly.
Worth for Cash
Fujifilm X-M5 + XC 15-45mm f/3.5-5.6
Accessible in black and silver, the Fujifilm X-M5 retails for round US$799 for the physique solely.
The X-M5 is offered as a package with the less-than-desirable XC 15-45mm f/3.5-5.6 R OIS energy zoom lens for round US$899.
The brand new X-M5 is superb worth for cash. It options the most recent X Processor 5, a extremely acclaimed X Trans 4 sensor, and distinctive video capabilities.
Whereas I’m not a fan of the package lens, it’s a wonderful choice for a primary lens.
The Fujifilm X-M5 is a compelling choice for entry-level photographers, content material creators, or these seeking to improve from smartphone pictures.
Fujifilm X-M5 Overview | Conclusion
I’ve shot with and examined virtually each Fuji X Sequence digicam and was immediately drawn to this little entry-level nugget.
I like that it’s the identical measurement as my Fuji X70, and I initially thought-about it a potential improve.
Not solely is it a classy and compact digicam, nevertheless it additionally gives a powerful set of specs.
There’s no denying that the X-M5 is focusing on a youthful, social media-savvy market. Even a crusty outdated road photographer like me discovered a lot to like concerning the X-M5.
Having the ability to seize high-resolution photographs and video effortlessly is compelling.
But there have been nonetheless a few missed alternatives.
It’s ultra-compact and discreet till you fold out the rotating contact display screen—a flip-up display screen could have been higher.
I don’t thoughts the dearth of an EVF, however the low display screen decision made it tough to function and compose in shiny settings.
The simply accessible command dials permit instantaneous management however are free and simple to bump.
My issues are minor, and I have to remind myself that the Fujifilm X-M5 isn’t for skilled photographers and videographers.
The Fujifilm X-M5 is the best gateway to better-than-smartphone content material creation and a very good stepping stone to the broader X collection expertise.
Extremely Really useful
Fujifilm X-M5
Compact, gentle, and easy-to-use entry-level digicam that delivers highly effective efficiency.
Test Present Worth