What should a Fujifilm X-E5 look like? What features would I like it to have?
I’m not convinced that Fujifilm will ever make an X-E5, as they’ve indicated that they might not, but if they do, it’s likely that they will begin working on it soon, at least preliminarily. If Fujifilm does make an X-E5, I think spring 2025 is a likely timeframe for its release. Just to be clear, I have zero inside information, and can only speculate. Just in case Fujifilm does begin to work on an X-E5 soon, I thought it would be worthwhile to tell them what I’d like it to be like. Of course, there’s a pretty good chance that they’ll never read this—I don’t believe that Fuji X Weekly is on their list of websites to regularly visit—so this might be for nothing. Optimistically, let’s assume that Fujifilm will read this article, and maybe they’ll even take my ideas into consideration.
Before I get into it, I want to argue why Fujifilm should make an X-E5. I understand why they don’t want to: Fujifilm believes that the market segment that the X-E line is in is shrinking, and will soon be dried up. Fujifilm made a decision to pivot, focusing more on higher-end gear, and less on lower-end gear. While the X-E line has never been considered an “entry-level” product by users, as the tier below it disappeared, it became the default entry-level camera for Fujifilm, since it is the cheapest model. Historically, the X-E line has had somewhat sluggish sales, and often comes out at the tail end of a sensor generation. The X-E3, for example, could still be purchased brand-new at a discount just two years ago; however, the X-E4 sold surprisingly well during its short time, especially towards the end.
Inexplicably, Fujifilm discontinued the X-E4 while demand was high—so high, it exceeding Fujifilm’s ability to manufacture them, which caused a backorder list that was months long. Because Fujifilm discontinued the X-E4 while demand was high but supply was low, used models are now selling for ridiculous prices. I’m sure Fujifilm had a good reason for axing the camera—GxAce would say that it was a casualty of the global chip shortage of the early ’20’s—but it left a pretty significant market void. I’m surprised that Fujifilm let it slip through their fingers, but I’m sure it was simply a case of limited resources, and making more X-E4 bodies was less of a priority than other things.
The reason why Fujifilm should make an X-E5 and not let the X-E line die is because there is market demand for it right now. Three years ago, you could buy an X-T30, X-E3, X-T200, or X-A7. If you had a smaller budget or wanted a compact body for travel, you had those four options. Now, there’s only two: the often-out-of-stock X-T30 II or the X-S10. The X-S series is kind of in a different category with a divergent design from most of Fujifilm’s past models; while Fujifilm has marketed the X-S20 as their ideal travel camera, it is a bit on the heavy side for that, plus is more expensive, and not really in the entry-level price range. Currently, for those wanting something under $1,000, or something that’s especially compact and lightweight, you don’t have much to choose from. This is by design, and mainly because the bottom-end market isn’t as big as it was five years ago.
If Fujifilm made an X-E5, there would be demand for it, but (as they say) time is of the essence. The longer Fujifilm dillydallies, the less excitement their might be. You have to strike while the iron is hot, and the iron is hot right now. Will it still be hot two years from now? I have no idea. The safer move would be to simply un-retire the X-E4 and manufacture more copies of it. I don’t think that will happen, so let’s focus on the X-E5.
My ideal X-E camera wouldn’t be all that much different from the X-E4. I love my Fujifilm X-E4, but I know not everyone was excited about it. Some say that it was a step backwards from the X-E3 because Fujifilm went minimalistic with it—a little too minimalistic. For the X-E5, a few simply changes and improvements would make it better. Some people will say that it must have IBIS, but that would make it bigger, heavier, and more expensive. Fujifilm would have to carefully consider if it would be worthwhile to do that. If they added IBIS plus weather-sealing, they could increase the cost and make the line more mid-tier. That’s one option, but that’s not what I would suggest, personally. I would only make a handful of changes to the X-E4, and engrave a 5 on the front instead of a 4. Here are my X-E5 suggestions:
- Reinstate the M/C/S switch.
- Put an ISO ring around the Shutter knob like the X100V has.
- Reinstate a rear command dial.
- Make the rear screen three-way-tilting like the X-T5.
- Improve the OVF, perhaps a little bigger and higher resolution.
- Use the current sensor with the new X-Trans V processor like the X-S20.
- Add a small grip to the front similar to the X100V.
- Consider using rounded strap eyelets instead of rectangular.
That’s it! Super simple. There’s no need to reinvent the wheel. That would be a really nice refresh that I think a lot of people would appreciate. That would keep the cost low and the camera small and lightweight.
It would be really smart for Fujifilm to update the 18mm f/2 lens, which is long-overdue for a refresh, and introduce a new pancake option: perhaps a 23mm f/2.8 or 40mm f/2.8. They could offer a few different bundle options: the upcoming 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8, the updated 18mm f/2, a new pancake (whatever they decide to go with), the 27mm f/2.8, or all three pancake lenses. The X-E line just begs to be used with pancake lenses, which really illustrates the benefit of APS-C, but sadly Fujifilm only has two. I bet that three pancake lenses bundled with the X-E5 would be a popular option, especially if a few influencers were to demonstrate just how great that would be for a travel photography kit.
Which brings me to the marketing angle. What makes Fujifilm cameras great? What is the essence of shooting with the X series? Hint: it’s what makes the X100V so popular. In my opinion, Fujifilm has done a rather poor job of expressing this and particularly communicating why it should be desirable (maybe they don’t understand it themselves?). Largely, it has come from outside sources—TikTokers, Instagramers, YouTubers… heck, I’ll take a little credit for it myself—who have done Fujifilm’s marketing job for them. The X-E5 (as I suggest the camera should be) would be the quintessence of many aspects of this: cool-yet-functional vintage styling, great implementation of exposure-triangle controls, small and lightweight, and of course out-of-camera JPEGs that look great. Fujifilm needs to focus on that. They need to communicate why the X-E5 fulfills (in many ways) the essence of shooting with the X series, and why that essence is desirable for photographers. Yes, social media influencers and bloggers will do some of that for Fujifilm, and that’s great organic promotion, but Fujifilm themselves needs to do a much better job than they have in the past. If done right, the X-E5 could be a smashing success in spite of shrinking market segments.
Will Fujifilm make an X-E5? Maybe, maybe not. I’d lean towards no if I had to pick one over the other. Should they? Absolutely yes! It would be a real shame for Fujifilm to kill the line when there is so much demand for it. I love the X-E series—the X-E1 was my introduction to Fujifilm—and it deserves to continue. I hope that it does.
Fujifilm should create a 23mm F2 Pancake, just like onto the X100 Series, means X100V lens as CF lens with aperture ring. Would being perfect for all X-E’s, also X-Pro series…
I think they could do it, but it would have to be bigger than what’s attached to the X100V due to the shutter, so it would likely be more the size of the 18mm f/2. They could probably keep the size more similar to the 27mm f/2.8 by making the maximum aperture smaller. Perhaps a compromise could be f/2.2 or something like that?
Agree with all the modifications. But I think that the camera should have IBIS – and the bigger battery, the smaller older battery could not handle IBIS (I has a X-S10 and the battery life was atrocious).
It is feasible. The IBIS unit is not that big, as it could be seen from the X-S20 teardown video by Kolari (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2XcYofOxZ8). In fact, both the left and right spaces on the sides of the IBIS unit are filled with heat dissipators. The X-S10 is just 5mm wider than the X-E4, even with the bigger battery.
To store the battery AND provide a small grip, Fuji could put the battery slanted, as Panasonic did with the older GX7 (https://media.karousell.com/media/photos/products/2023/10/30/panasonic_lumix_gx7_mirrorless_1698676986_2243a97b_progressive).
Since the thermals will be severe crippled compared to the X-S20, and the X-E5 would be a more focused video camera, for me the video specs could be lowered as well (and I use video a lot). Fujifilm could remove the open gate 6.2k video completely, and offer 4k with lower bitrates (maybe 200mbps top, instead of 360 mbps). Could limit the video recording too, like 30 minutes as it was standard not long ago.
I have the X-S20, and it is amazingly better than the previous platform (with X-Processor 4) – but only got it because Fuji don’t have a IBIS rangefinder. Make a X-E5 (or a X-Pro5) with one, and I buy it on pre-order.
They certainly could approach it that way. It’s not my personal preferred option, but it is a very legitimate path that Fujifilm should consider. If it is given IBIS, the new battery, and a slightly larger/heavier body to house it in… perhaps throw in weather-sealing for good measure… they could charge around $1,200 or so for it. That would make it a more mid-tier model.
The xe5 suggestion list is spot right on. Xe4 is my favorite camera and i’ve owned almost all of fuji digital iterations. The xe line is simply a still photographer’s camera. neto!
Thanks so much!
I have finally bought a used 18mm f/2 so we can expect the news about the updated version anytime now 😛
🤣
That’s the way it always seems to work, isn’t it?
Changes I’d make for an xe5
Round strap eyelets
A bigger viewfinder window
Put the mcs switch on the side like the x100 line
Add a function button to the side like on the x70
If a grip is added make it like the x100v, otherwise no grip is fine by me
Metal battery door
Bring back the rear wheel
Lockable diopter
To make a popular camera more popular, try an a la carte option much like Leica offered where customers can choose colour options for the body, wrap, and text – I’d love to see an all black stealth option or even a black and yellow option
And, in the event they drop the xe line, provide a firmware update for the xe3 that brings the xe3 closer to the xe4. Dropping this line risks losing customers to Sony who prefer the supposed power of a dslr in a rangefinder type body.
I only just now realized that the X70 has a Function button on the side. What do you have it programmed for?
I sadly sold the x70 about a year after it came out. Now I carry an x-e3 around.
I have an X70 but really wish it had the “new” JPEG options (hence the desire for an X80…). I’ll have to find a good use for that “hidden” side button. Thanks for making me aware of it!
I would love an X-E5 if it ever appeared. The X-E2 was my introduction to Fuji-film but the slow autofocus and only 16 megapixels means that I very rarely use it now. As you say, the X-E4 is very difficult to find and the X-E3 isn’t enough of an upgrade for me to warrant a purchase. The X-E’s are great little cameras, very convenient to carry around.
I think it’s an important part in the X series, so it should definitely continue. Fujifilm can make it successful even if the bottom of the market continues to erode to the cellphone. I hope this gives them some encouragement.
Okay, it’s Xmas soon, but:
First: Fuji can’t shoot himself in the foot. They need to sell higher end options – XPro, X100, … – to make money. So no 40MPx, IBIS, fancy rear LCD, 23mm f2 pancake. Btw, there’s no IBIS on X100 is it? And X100 still a hit.
Second: Lots of people complain about the minimalistic design of the XE4, but hey, it sold well, so I guess naysayers were wrong in that matter. Personnally, I switched from XT30 to XE4 because of ergonomics.
Oddly, people who crave Leica M which is even more minimalistic (M-S-C switch, handgrip anybody ?) are the same naysayers.
Honestly, with my Voigtlander Nokton 23, I have a “mini Leica” setup which makes beautiful pics.
In the end, price should be kept low, and there should likely be no feature preventing from buying costlier models.
IMO, safe bet would be:
– IBIS should be out: there are options for stab’d lenses in the Fuji linup, and lack of it didn’t prevent Cartier Bressons and Mc Curries of making great pics. Hi ISOs are good enough
– Update of the 18 f2 could be in: there is no alternative to the 18mm f1.4 in the linup actually. Btw, a X100?-18 twin could be a promising little brother (Ricoh did that)
– sensor/processor like XS20: in. With the last film sims of course
– Weather sealing: could be in since the 27 now is WR
– Generally, everything that builds on the small size of APSC. Only the Ricoh is smaller than the XE4
– The rest unchanged (like XT30II vs XT30).
Thanks Richie for your great job
Yeah, I think Fujifilm’s best bet would be to leave as much unchanged as practical, maybe just a handful of small things to “refresh” it. Thanks for the input!
I agree with some of the items listed like improved EVF, updated processor and sensor (obviously) but I would simplify it even more:
Get rid of video – keep the focus on photography
Remove all buttons, leaving one customizable one on the top plate
Responsive touchscreen for settings and photo review
Enhanced, “modern” and simplified touch menu system
Internal memory with no need for SD card
Get rid of the battery door and replace with a more modern pop out battery design
USB-C on bottom of camera. Get rid of side door
Put exposure compensation to left of aperture dial (like Zeiss Ikon)
In place of exposure comp. dial, a custom setting dial like on GFX 100S
Weather sealing
I think the design ethos should be to strip away anything unnecessary and let the photographer take photos. I think too many buttons and dials means the focus is on futzing around with settings instead of taking photos.
Thanks for the input!
From my side:
– My previous X-E camera was an X-E2s and it was better to use with more buttons (instead of slipping). I just don’t like to use the touch functions of the camera.
– A better viewfinder would be really nice too.
– MCS switch
– ISO dial (combined with shutter speed dial)
I always turn off the touch screen functions on all of my Fujifilm cameras. I don’t like it whatsoever, because I’m constantly accidentally touching it with my face.
I think the inclusion of a M/C/S Switch and ISO dial on the Shutter Knob would be awesome, great suggestions!
DON’T Reinstate the M/C/S switch.
DON’T Put an ISO ring around the Shutter knob like the X100V has.
DON’T Reinstate a rear command dial.
DON’T Make the rear screen three-way-tilting like the X-T5. TILT 180 IS GREAT!!!
DO Improve the OVF, perhaps a little bigger and higher resolution.
DO Use the current sensor with the new X-Trans V processor UNlike the X-S20.
DON’T Add a small grip to the front similar to the X100V. DEDICATED HAND GRIP IS FINE!!!
DON’T Consider using rounded strap eyelets instead of rectangular. CURRENT DESIGN IS BEAUTIFUL.
PUT IBIS, USE UHS II SLOT THAN SHUT UP AND TAKE MY MONEY.
A bit late to the discussion but since there’s been yet another rumbling of rumors “confirming” that Fuji might actually be working on an X-E5, I might as well list my own wishes!
First is of course IBIS. As we’ve seen from the X100VI (and the X-S series of cameras) it can fit pretty well in a compact body, and seeing as Fuji has never offered IBIS in their ILC Rangefinder styled body, this is the prime time to do so; giving more options for people who aren’t into the SLR styled bodies (which they exclusively make for the past few years, ILC camera-wise).
Secondly I think it might be neat for it to have the X-H2s stacked sensors instead of the high res 40mp sensors that they seemingly put in all their new X series models. While some prefer not to use it, stacked sensors will significantly improves the Electronic Shutter performance such as reducing banding and rolling shutter issues that plagues ES on your typical sensor (obviously it’s really useful for videos too); it also improves burst drives and autofocus, something that anyone would appreciate.
Thirdly, tilting LCD please. Or if they really have to up the hybrid-ness of the camera due to the stacked sensor, maybe they can use a tilt + variangle system that the Lumix GH6 or the Sony A7R V have; just don’t make it fully articulating only (the horrors). If it can be flush to the body like the X100V/VI that would be nice as well.
I imagine these features would help to shape the X-E5 to become the perfect stealth street photography setup, never before seen offering with almost no real competitor. Everyone going stacked sensor only does so for heavier full frame systems or a smaller Four Thirds (and if you’re Sony, 1 inch) sensor systems, and all of the ILC ones are also in an SLR styled body cameras.
I don’t think what I’ve proposed to be all that unreasonable so far and are something Fuji could realistically capable of making. It really would be a dream and a gamechanger if they make something like this but a wishlist are full of wishful thinking, so I won’t get my hopes up.
I hope that they are indeed working on an X-E5. They shouldn’t have discontinued the X-E4 when they did, as it was still in high demand. I think the less they “fix” the better, but the inclusion of the M/C/S Switch and rear command wheel are a must; an ISO selector around the shutter knob would be amazing. Thanks for the input!