I’m a little late to the party, but in case you haven’t heard, Fujifilm announced a new camera: the tiny and inexpensive X-M5.
My alarm sounded at 3:30 AM Eastern Time this morning, so that I could catch my flight from JFK International to Phoenix Sky Harbor. After running through the airport Home Alone 2 style, I barely made it, just as the gate attendant was announcing the last barding call. I made it nonetheless, and am now home after a whirlwind tour of New York City and Connecticut. It was such a great time, and I look forward to sharing more about it with you in the coming days.
In the meantime, here’s my take on the Fujifilm X-M5. I will do my best to say something different than the many reviews that have already been published across the web. To be clear: this isn’t a review. I haven’t used, touched, or even seen the camera in-person. I know as much about it as you, and maybe not even that much. It does seem to pack a lot into a tiny and inexpensive body, from what I’ve read.
I have been saying for a couple of years now that Fujifilm needs an affordable entry-level model. They used to have two, but when the X-A7 and X-T200 had sputtering sales in 2020, Fujifilm discontinued both. I’ve stated several times that, in my opinion, there is a sufficient market to justify one entry-level model—but probably not two—so if Fujifilm were to make an X-A8 or X-T300 (but not both), it would likely do just fine. Instead (and after a few years), they did something really unexpected and better, and revived the long-dormant X-M line.
Fujifilm released the X-M1 in 2013. It was unusual in that it had an X-Trans I sensor paired with the X-Trans II processor. It was announced just a few months before the X-A1, which was basically the same camera, except with a Bayer sensor instead of X-Trans. Because the X-A1 and X-M1 were nearly identical, yet the X-A1 was cheaper, the X-M1 struggled to sell, and it never had a successor… until now.
The X-M5 has been imagined and designed with the idea of what an X-M series camera would look like had it not been discontinued. How would it have evolved over the last decade? Fujifilm used their imaginations, and created the new camera. And, in the spirit of the original, it comes with the “old” X-Trans IV sensor paired with the “new” X-Trans V processor.
Fuji X EG400 Recipe included in the Evergreen + Fuji X Weekly Protective Case for X100-series cameras
This picture doesn’t have much to do with the article.
It is currently the most affordable X-series model, at only $799 for the body-only, and $899 when paired with the 15-45mm f/3.5-5.6 lens. For those wanting to get into the Fujifilm system but have found it to be a little outside of the budget, the X-M5 might be your best option. This is an easy camera to recommend for beginners, as it fills an obvious void in the X-series lineup.
The X-M5 is also the smallest interchangeable-lens X-series camera. It is tiny and lightweight, which makes it compelling for travel or walk-around photography. I would pair it with the Fujinon 27mm f/2.8 or Fujinon 18mm f/2… but, here is the problem: the 27mm lens is very difficult to find, and the 18mm is overdue for a refresh. This is an ideal camera (along with the X-E line) to showcase one big advantage of APS-C: size and weight; however, the lack of pancake lenses makes it less compelling than it should be. My suggestion to Fujifilm is to increase production of the 27mm f/2.8, design a new-and-improved 18mm f/2, and introduce one or more new pancake options (maybe to be released in conjunction with the next X-E camera?).
While the X-M5 is a bit video-centric, it does not have IBIS. I don’t think the lack of IBIS is a big deal whatsoever for stills photography, but I do see it as a potential problem for videography. However, for the price and size, I think its exclusion is acceptable. You can use OIS lenses, a gimbal, and/or the digital stabilizer, if necessary.
Perhaps the two biggest drawbacks are the lack of an EVF and the PASM dial. It’s understandable why the camera doesn’t have an EVF—the X-M1 didn’t have one, and if the X-M5 did, it would require the body to be both larger and more expensive—but the lack of one will be a dealbreaker for some. The PASM dial was also expected, but for me, personally, I much prefer the traditional dials instead; some people like this setup (different strokes for different folks), but it’s nearly a dealbreaker for me—nearly.
The Film Dial… I like it, but it’s controversial. You may or may not like it yourself; however, I suspect that many will find it both fun and useful on the X-M5 specifically. I’m quite happy to see its inclusion on this camera.
From what I can tell, the Fujifilm X-M5 is not for me, but it might be good as my teenage son’s first camera. Christmas is around the corner, so we’ll see. Maybe it will be wrapped under the tree (if it’s still even available…). I think it will sell very well, and serve as a gateway into the Fujifilm ecosystem for many. For those already in the X-series family, this might be a good compact camera for travel, or an inexpensive companion to a larger body.
This post contains affiliate links, and if you make a purchase using my links I’ll be compensated a small amount for it.
Fujifilm X-M5 in black:
B&H, Moment, Wex, Nuzira
Fujifilm X-M5 in silver:
B&H, Moment, Wex, Nuzira
Did not expect Fuji to release a small inexpensive camera. As often with Fuji, it looks the part, but personally, I have zero interest in it: 1) If a “small” camera is not pocketable, that means that you have to store it in a (compact) photo bag, which means that I can bring just as easily my X-T5, or any XT series camera, for that matter, which are all more competent and versatile. 2) The fact that you are more or less restricted to using small lenses, for me is a big downside. The new 1.4 lenses, which I love to use, would already be slightly grotesque on the X-M5. 3) PASM dial and not enough manual controls 4) No EVF is a definite dealbreaker for me 5) Not sold on the film sim dial, although I haven’t worked with it. But I shoot RAW all of the time and use only two recipes (1 colour and 1 B&W) for quick viewing. An X70 mark II with an EVF (even a pop-up one); now, that’s a camera I’d buy. Unlikely to happen, though. Look forward to the NY shots, Ritchie!
Which two recipes, as a matter of nosiness. Nick
Hi Nick, these are just two recipes of my own device, which I made with the purpose of a “neutral/natural” look, that would, in particular, be good on skin tones. I’d be happy to share them with you in case you’re interested, as long as you take them for what they’re worth; I’m not – unlike Ritchie – an expert in film sims by any stretch of the imagination. Oh, and I forgot: I sometimes use Kodak Tri-X 400 for high contrast B&W shots; I think that is Ritchie’s recipe :).
I would love an X70 II (or maybe called X80). I hope that it is in the works, as it should have been a high priority for Fujifilm. Unfortunately, I don’t have a lot of faith that it is in the works.
Hi Ritchie, my interest depends on mainly one thing I’m not too clear on: how much if at all can you opt for film sims you yourself want to have selectable on the dial, and can you customize and save tone, color FX, NR, sharpness etc for the film dial options?
I agree some compact small updated lenses wd be great.
That’s not how the Film Dial works. I explained it here:
https://fujixweekly.com/2024/05/16/fujifilm-x-t50-film-dial-settings-14-new-film-simulation-recipes-yes-14/
And here:
https://youtu.be/WfjGeQnAhBM?si=rQleTDTd1ha6GM-P
I hope that clears it up.
Ritchie, thanks for coming back with those links and detailed explanations in the text and the video. The pictures in the video look great! Btw, currently really enjoying your Vericolor Warm recipe on sunny autumn days with my X100 VI.
You are welcome!
I’m really shocked this camera is considered ‘inexpensive’. 899 in Europe, body only, no EVF.
I don’t know how inflation has been in Europe, but in the USA (and Japan) it has been a real issue. Here, everything is about 25% more expensive than five years ago. So in 2019 prices, it is about $650 USD. That’s pretty close to what the X-A7 was. So, considering inflation, it is quite affordable. Again, I don’t know what the European situation is, though.
Glad I kept my XE-3.
Glad I still have my other (Fujifilm) cameras.
Thanks for saving me money again!
I hope the XP4 is ready next year… Had better be cutting edge, Fujifilm!
The X-M series is a step lower than the X-E series. The X-M5 is more of a low-budget entry-level model, while the X-E cameras are not (although they are still on the affordable side, generally speaking). Apples and oranges. I wouldn’t think of the X-M5 as an “upgrade” over the X-E3 by any stretch, aside from perhaps video specs, which it is ahead. The X-M5 is more for those just joining the X-series for the first time, or are considering an upgrade to their X-A series camera (that is now getting a little old). Or maybe also for those who just want the smallest/lightest camera for travel or walk-around. I don’t think Fujifilm had in mind that those with X-E series cameras would buy it, that’s not who it is intended for.
With the X-S20 at $1299 ($1399 with kit lens), this seems like it’s got a lot to offer for $799. A lot of video power, and the film sim dial probably makes more sense for a newer Fuji user.
There’s a lot of Fuji users for whom a new entry-level camera isn’t appealing, and that’s OK, particularly for an entry level camera. For what Fuji is trying to do with this, I think it makes sense.
It’s definitely not for everyone, but I think it nicely fills a significant hole in the lineup. Honestly, it seems better than I would have expected for the price.
Boo PASM dials
Boo SIM dial
Waiting for the XE-5 and hoping like hell:
No sPASM dial
No SIM dial
Basically an XE-4 with 40MP, latest processor, and maybe IBIS if they can squeeze it in.
I agree “boo PASM dials” but I also expected it to have one, since the X-M1 did. I would have been pleasantly surprised if it had not, but surprised nonetheless. So in that regard, it met expectations.
I disagree with “boo Sim dial” because I’m a fan of the Film Dial. It’s a lot of fun, and adds Recipe versatility when you use my universal Recipe technique. But… I understand that it’s not for everyone.
As far as the future X-E5 that supposedly might come out next year, I’m hoping that it will be as similar to the X-E4 as possible. I hope that the M/C/S switch is returned, and the Rear Command Wheel is added back. A Shutter/ISO combo dial would be a huge bonus, but I would be pretty shocked if they did. It very well might get the X-Trans IV sensor like the X-M5 and X-S20. I’m not sure about the Film Dial, but it could certainly be implemented similar to the X-M5, and I, personally, would be happy with that. If Fujifilm included the 40mp sensor and IBIS, I would expect the price to increase by several hundred dollars, maybe to $1,200-ish. I would encourage them to keep the cost down, still have it affordable. Honestly, they could release an X-E4 but simply engrave a “5” on it instead of a 4 and it would sell well.
I’d like to see the XM5 with IBIS, for me it’s essential in the 2020s.
A built-in flash for the XM5 would be a nice to have.
A decent multi-system GPS to embed location info.
The film sims should be fully flexible, so that I can put my own mods in on any of the sims and applied in body, also fully selectable from the dial if the camera supports it.
I’d buy the XM6 with those features above.
I’ve got plenty of small primes to take advantage of the above.
I’ve got a X-T5 which I love and hate in equal measure, mostly to do with the flaky AF, but the GPS implementation is poor and the film sims are not flexible enough. Also Fujifilm please give us the capability of rolling back firmware at will.
I think it’s important to understand what the X-M5 is, which is entry-level, low budget, small, and low-frills. I would be highly surprised if that series ever gets IBIS or any other “nicer” features. I guess you never know, but the camera would need to become larger, heavier, and more expensive, which negates its purpose.
I love my X-T5, which I’ve had for about two years (crazy how time flies). I’ve not had any issues with the AF, but I didn’t update to the buggy one, so maybe that’s why.
What film simulation flexibility do you have in mind?