Will I Buy the Fujifilm X-T5?

The Fuji X-T1 was released in 2014 to celebrate Fujifilm’s 80th anniversary, but the X-T1 (and X-E1) led to a mirrorless camera revolution. As someone who was never satisfied with the design elements of popular DLSR cameras, I immediately understood a design similar to the classic 35mm SLR camera could have its advantages and be more of a flexible, all-around camera. And that’s precisely what the X-T series became for me.

The X-T4 was released when the X-T3 was just over a year old, but the X-T3 sales continued to be strong. I was not too fond of the flip-out style LCD on the X-T4. I don’t take selfies, and I don’t make videos. I was not too fond of the focus on video features. I hated almost everything about the X-T4. The X-T3 was Fujifilm’s top-selling camera of all time. It was only recently discontinued.

On 2 November, Fujifilm announced the X-T5, the latest iteration of their X-T line of cameras. Based on what I have read, the X-T5 will be a hit with photographers like me. To me, the X-T5 is a return to the original design intent of the X-T1, a digital camera inspired by the designs of a classic top-end 35mm film SLR.

I print my images poster size. The 26 megapixels in my X-T3 can get the job done (I use the Raw Details or Super Resolution feature in Adobe Lightroom), but the 40 megapixels in the X-T5 will mean that I don’t have to use software to compensate.

During the Spring, I take a lot of bird photographs, especially of migratory Warblers. It remains to be seen if the faster focus of the X-T5 will improve focus on the lenses, namely the XF100-400mmF4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR and XF150-600mmF5.6-8 R LM OIS WR. Any improvement in focusing speed will help with photographing fast-moving birds. The addition of IBIS also helps but isn’t crucial. I have very steady hands.

I don’t need or want the battery pack. I’m not too fond of the bulk.

I "Just got to have Nostalgic Negative", though. 🙂

I will upgrade from my X-T3. Ritchie Roesch already preordered his. I will be spending $1700 minus whatever I sell my X-T3 for.

Read some first impressions from photographers I trust.

But whatever technical features a camera has, means nothing if it’s not a piece of gear that you WANT to pick up and shoot with. The X-T5 stays true to the heritage of the X-T line, maybe even more than its predecessor, the X-T4. The classic dials, the sturdy but compact body and the elegant lines inspire me to shoot more and better. ~ Bert Stephani

... while still photography and video have, for all intents and purposes, merged these past years, filming remains a craft that, ultimately, requires its own set of dedicated features and tools. With the recent X-H2S, Fujifilm has created exactly that kind of no-compromise, hybrid shooter.

And now, the X-T5 gets to reclaim its soul. ~ Patrick La Roque

I expect Jonas Rask to do his usual "long read" experience report soon.