Fujifilm X-T5 Hands-On Review - Back to the Roots!

With the X-T4, Fujifilm introduced a top-class APS-C camera about two years ago, proving once again what this sensor size can do. However, with the X-H2s and the X-H2, the Japanese manufacturer has created a system that can also be a real alternative for professionals. What unfortunately fell victim to this was the popular retro style of the previous Fuji cameras.

With the X-T5, it's now back to the roots! Find out what makes the camera tick and how it fits into the Fujifilm lineup in our video:

LIVE Tech-Talk: Fujifilm X-T5 & Canon EOS R6 II Presentation

In addition to our short hands-on video, we sat down again for an in-depth conversation about the new Fujifilm X-T5, as well as the new Canon EOS R6 II. You could ask your questions about the new cameras via the live chat and discuss the new features together with us.

The Fujifilm Lineup

With the X-H2 and X-H2s, Fuji has shaken up their own camera lineup a bit. Previously, if you wanted a Fuji with maximum performance, you eventually ended up with the X-T4. Now you'll find that same performance in the X-H2 cameras, while still having a body adapted to the performance.

The X-T series has thus found a new place and you can see that in the camera, because once again it looks simply beautiful. We have the popular retro design here again and since the housing is even slightly smaller compared to the X-T4 and a whole 50 grams lighter, also a really compact camera.

Overview of the Fujifilm XT-5

X-T5 body

But let's take a closer look at the body. What sets the X-T5 apart from its predecessor here, besides the size and weight, is the display. Because we no longer have the same flip-out display of the X-T4 here, but have gone back a generation further in terms of the mechanism. This will certainly please some, as not everyone is necessarily a fan of the fold-out display. If you take a close look at the spec sheet, you'll even notice that it's the highest-resolution display that Fuji currently uses. Otherwise, the body feels very familiar. As with its predecessors, we can easily change the shutter speed, ISO and exposure compensation here using the manual dials, giving us the feel of analog photography. But don't get us wrong, the camera is still insanely intelligent on the inside and when things need to be done quickly, you can of course rely on the automatics.

Sensor & Autofocus of the X-H2

Internally, the camera is state of the art! It is equipped with the 40 megapixel X-Trans CMOS 5 HR sensor of the X-H2 and also offers almost the same performance thanks to the X-Processor 5. It can shoot the same 15 fps in mechanical shutter and 20 fps in electronic shutter, also has the 7-stop IBIS and actually also the popular Pixel Shift Multishot with which we can shoot up to 160 megapixels. Also on board is the 1/180,000 second exposure in the e-shutter.

Another relevant aspect carried over from the X-H2 is the autofocus with versatile object detection. So it doesn't matter if it's a human, animal, bird, vehicle, plane or train. Everything is covered here for photo and video. If you want to know more about the sensor and the autofocus, take a look at our videos about the X-H2 and X-H2s. Both videos are linked above.

Video Features

For video, we have a slight change from the X-H2. The maximum resolution in video is now 6.2 instead of 8k at 30fps. Still more than enough resolution in our opinion and we still have it all in 4:2:2 10 bit internally. If you want to take it to the extreme, you can also output the signal as raw video via HDMI or internally record the 13+ stops dynamic range with the F Log2 profile.

If we're recording in 4K, we still have the 60fps here. At 30fps, we can also use footage sampled from 6.2k down for a detailed video on the X-T5.

X-T5 vs. X-H2

Actually, the camera is an X-H2 in a less "professional" but nicer body. And we really like that too!

Not everyone needs the H-series shoulder display, 8K video, or flip out screen. The X-T5, unlike the X-H2, is not just a workhorse. It has (almost) the same performance as the X-H2, but looks much better. Unfortunately, what we lose with the X-T5 is the ability to use a battery grip. Also, the new accessories for the X-H cameras, like the external fan or the file transmitter grip are not compatible here.

X-T5 Conclusion

The X-T cameras epitomize the Fujifilm brand. A retro style body, with lots of dials and buttons. A camera that is light enough to accompany me on my daily travels, and with the many film simulations, we just have the ability to create a finished image right in the camera that I don't have to do any extra editing.

All in all, it is not only more compact, but also suitable for a "slower", i.e. more thoughtful type of photography thanks to the many manual dials.

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