Fujifilm introduced the X-T series in 2014 with the X-T1. Customers could purchase a weather-resistant, high-end APS-C mirrorless camera with an SLR-style body with the 16MP camera. The camera launched Fujifilm most popular camera series, with the X-T2, X-T3, and X-T4 following in 2016, 2018, and 2020, respectively. The long-awaited X-T5 has arrived right on time.
The X-T5 builds on previous generations’ features while adding a slew of new ones. The X-T5 may be the most significant advancement in the X-T series’ history, thanks in large part to its 5th-generation imaging system, which includes the X-Trans CMOS 5 HR and X-Processor 5. The image sensor is the same as that found in the new Fujifilm X-H2 flagship camera.
The X-T5 completes the circle by providing an improved EVF over its predecessor. The original X-large T1’s 0.77x EVF with only 0.005s display lag was one of its standout features. The X-T5 features an even larger 0.8x EVF with 100fps blackout-free performance. The X-T5 is much more than its 40MP image sensor as well as 0.8x EVF, so let’s dig in and see what Fujifilm’s exciting new camera has to offer.
Price and Availability
Starting November 17, the Fujifilm X-T5 will be available for $1,699 USD. The X-T5 will also be available in two kits, one for $2,099 with an XF 18-55mm lens and another for $2,199 with an XF 16-80mm lens.
Design and Usability
If you were disappointed by the lack of dials on the X-H2 and X-H2S, the X-T5 retains the classic Fujifilm design, complete with dedicated shutter speed, ISO, as well as exposure compensation dials. That’s not to say there aren’t any changes, as the X-T5 includes some minor but significant changes to the operating system.
The first noticeable improvement is a significantly improved grip. The X-T5 has a better grip than the X-T4 and should provide a more comfortable shooting experience. In the same vein, the X-T5 has larger buttons on the back. The delete and playback buttons are to the left of the EVF, and the AF ON and Q buttons flank the rear command dial.
Returning to the EVF, this is another area that could be improved. The X-EVF T5’s employs the same 3.69M dot panel as the X-T4, but with improved visibility against eye position shift, a better eye point, and higher magnification (0.8x versus 0.75x). Although the refresh rate remains constant at up to 100 frames per second, the eye sensor reaction time has been cut in half when switching from the LCD to the EVF.
Image Sensor
While the top deck retains the same dedicated dials as before, the shutter release has been relocated closer to the camera’s front, improving overall ergonomics. The dual command dials, which still have the “click” secondary feature, have a better feel. The new image sensor is one of the most noticeable changes in the X-T5. The image sensor is identical to that found in the new X-H2 camera. The backside-illuminated 40-megapixel X-Trans CMOS 5 HR image sensor is not stacked. The X-Trans CMOS 4 image sensor, which was also used in the X-T3, was used in the X-T4. The X-T5 is equipped with the first new X-T series sensor since 2018. While the X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor is excellent, the X-40MP T5’s X-Trans CMOS 5 HR sensor promises significantly higher resolution and overall image quality.
The sensor, which is the highest-resolution sensor ever used in an X-T series camera, is primarily intended for landscape, portraiture, as well as other slow-moving subjects. Within the native range, the X-base T5’s ISO range begins at 125 and extends to ISO 12,800. The extended range goes from ISO 64 to ISO 51,200 if you need more flexibility. We don’t have exact specifications for dynamic range, but we can expect the X-T5 to be one of best APS-C cameras on the market in terms of DR performance.
Autofocus and Performance
Returning to wildlife photography, the X-T5 is expected to be well-liked due to its significantly improved autofocus performance and technology. The X-T5 incorporates deep learning technology, as do the X-H2S and X-H2, to provide better predictive autofocus and much more reliable AF tracking. The X-T5 has subject detection for a wide range of common subjects, including animals, birds, cars, bikes, airplanes, and trains. The higher-resolution sensor also has a 50% increase in phase-detect autofocus pixels, resulting in better AF performance when taking pictures with fine textures like fur and feathers. Increased PDAF pixels help with focusing on grass and trees.
Face and eye-detect autofocus are also available on the X-T5. We expect different menu options for face/eye and human subject detection, similar to the X-H2(S), which is a somewhat confusing part of the UI. Nonetheless, with enhanced AF algorithms as well as new subject detection, the X-T5 promises significant improvements in autofocus performance over the X-T4. The X-T5 has 100% AF coverage and can focus down to -7 EV, just like its predecessor.
If you need more speed, use an electronic shutter with a crop. The ES on the X-T5 enables continuous shooting at up to 20fps with a small crop factor. With the same 1.2x crop factor, the X-T4 could shoot at up to 30fps using its electronic shutter.
Video Features
There are many positives to debate with the X-T5 and its promised video features, so let’s start with one major negative. Despite its resolution, the camera does not shoot 8K/30p video. The X-H2 certainly does. If you want 8K, you’ll have to upgrade to the X-H2. Otherwise, the video performance of the X-T5 remains impressive.
Internal 4:2:2 10-bit 6.2K resolution video at up to 30p as well as DCI4K video at up to 60p is recorded by the camera. When recording externally via HDMI, it can also do ProRes RAW and Blackmagic RAW (it’s a Type D port, not the full-size HDMI Type A found on the X-H2(S)). The X-T5 also includes F-Log2, which promises 13+ stops of dynamic range.
