The Fujifilm X-T5 evaluation is my try to offer you suggestions after capturing with the digital camera for five months.
It’s not a technical evaluation however somewhat a private expertise of how the X-T5 mannequin affected my pictures.
The X-T5 is a stepping stone in my seek for an ideal digital camera for my journey pictures. All of us perceive there is no such thing as a such factor as a “good digital camera,” however the X-T5 is getting shut for a kind of pictures I do. It took me 15 years, 3 digital camera manufacturers, and a dozen digital camera fashions to get to the purpose the place I wouldn’t have main annoyances in my digital camera.
I switched from Sony to Fujifilm 5 years in the past, getting an X-T2 mannequin. I put collectively an in depth article outlining my reasoning for the switching and my first impressions of Fujifilm X-T2 particularly and the Fujifilm ecosystem usually. Fujifilm vs Sony grew to become probably the most widespread articles on my web site, and even at the moment, it attracts a number of consideration.
X-T2 was and nonetheless is a really succesful digital digital camera however as with all digital camera, it had some shortcomings. And with the X-T5, Fujifilm addressed virtually all of them.
Please be aware I upgraded to X-T5 from X-T2, and though I’ve expertise capturing with X-T3 and E-X3, in my Fuji X-T5 evaluation, I primarily evaluate it to the digital camera I used essentially the most, X-T2.
Design and Ergonomics
Fujifilm X-T2’s distinctive retro design was one of many causes I embraced the X-T collection 5 years in the past. It provided guide controls, compact measurement, and unprecedented energy over customizations. It checked a lot of the containers for my journey pictures.
I preferred X-T2 a lot that it prevented me from upgrading to the Fuji X-T4 mannequin. Over two generations, the X-T collection grew to become bulkier and heavier, beginning to resemble full-frame fashions. I used to be not too excited concerning the course the Fuji X-T line was progressing.
In 2020 once I determined to not go for X-T4, I even entertained the concept of on the lookout for my subsequent digital camera from one other model.
I suppose I used to be not the one one who voiced dissatisfaction, and Fujifilm observed it and corrected its course.
And once I realized that Fujifilm determined to go to the unique roots with the X-T5, I knew instantly that I’d stick with Fujifilm.
The Fujifilm X-T5 is corresponding to the scale of X-T2. However they made it a bit deeper to accommodate IBIS and a much bigger battery. In keeping with the specs, it’s only 50 grams heavier, even with the a lot larger battery. It additionally has a barely extra pronounced grip.
I’ve no complaints concerning the ergonomics, however X-T5 feels totally different in my hand. I suppose 5 years of muscle reminiscences would let me discover even a tiny change.
AF ON and AEL Buttons
One other small change in physique design that positively impacted my pictures was the redesign and repositioning of AF-L and AF-L buttons. I perceive that the buttons have been redesigned and repositioned already on X-T4, however since I skipped it, it’s a new expertise for me.
Let me clarify.
I exploit the Again Button Focus and Auto Publicity Lock with just about each shot I take.
First, I level the digital camera towards the scene I intend to seize and lock the publicity by urgent the AEL button. Subsequent, I activate the histogram contained in the EVF by urgent the button in entrance of the digital camera and use the publicity compensation to regulate the publicity, making it as brilliant as potential with out clipping the highlights. The approach additionally is called ETTR (publicity to the appropriate).
When I’m accomplished with the publicity, I care for focus. I used the hyperfocal distance focusing approach to maximise the depth of subject of my panorama images. I level the only focus level at hyperfocal distance and press AF-L (AF ON on X-T5) to lock the main focus.
Within the closing step, I recompose and press the shutter.
It’d sound very cumbersome, but it surely takes me solely a little bit time with apply. Nevertheless it permits me to take correctly uncovered and sharp images with 99% accuracy.
On X-T2, the buttons are tiny. Plus, the AF-L button is positioned in such a clumsy place that I by no means used it. I needed to program the Rear Command Dial to lock the give attention to the press and use it as a substitute of the AF-L button.
On X-T5, the AF On and AEL buttons are extra outstanding, tactile, and positioned in the appropriate locations to make use of when trying via the EVF.
Again to the Future with LCD
A very long time in the past, when capturing with Canon, I spotted that I not solely haven’t any use for articulated screens but additionally despise them. As you’ll be able to think about that I’m delighted that X-T5 went again to the outdated and confirmed 3-way tilt rear display screen design.
To summarize, there aren’t any dramatic adjustments in design and ergonomics in X-T5, however all of them are welcome. I couldn’t spot any negatives thus far.
Picture High quality
After I realized that Fujifilm X-T5 can be geared up with a 40MP sensor, I used to be initially very skeptical.
After capturing for thus lengthy with APS-C cameras, I used to be satisfied that 24-26MP sensors have been a candy spot for crop sensor cameras. The next megapixel rely wouldn’t profit however may even jeopardize picture high quality.
My concern was that tiny pixels of the 40MP sensor would negatively impression the dynamic vary and improve the noise stage via your entire ISO vary.
Plus, I used to be not too excited to take care of larger RAW recordsdata.
However as soon as once more, Fujifilm proved me fallacious. The brand new X-T5 40MP sensor is a huge leap ahead in comparison with older 24MP and 26MP Fujifilm sensors.
Sharpness and Particulars
I switched from Sony to Fuji primarily due to the unprecedented picture high quality and the excessive stage of element that Fujifilm X-Trans sensors produce. I used to be shocked that images taken with X-T2 have been sharp and even usable at 100% magnification.
Since I didn’t anticipate a lot from the brand new 40MP sensor, I hoped to get at the very least the identical stage of picture high quality corresponding to X-T2. To my shock, the brand new X-T5 sensor exceeded all my expectations.
The brand new sensor produces a lot cleaner, sharper photographs with distinctive ranges of element. The RAW photographs taken at ISO 125 are usable even at 200% magnification.
It’s unbelievable.
I really like the brand new 40MP X-Trans sensor.
Dynamic Vary
I can’t precisely measure the brand new sensor’s true dynamic vary, however what I’ve is expertise coping with digital photographs as an expert graphic designer and photographer. Plus, I course of RAW images day by day.
Primarily based on my statement, the dynamic vary of the X-T5 sensor is on par with the X-T2 when capturing at ISO 200 and up. However X-T5 produces a wider dynamic vary when capturing at a base ISO of 125. Since X-T2 has no native ISO decrease than 200, it’s most likely not a good comparability.
But when I needed to summarize, the X-T5 produces a wider dynamic vary on the base ISO.
And since most of my images are taken at base ISO, it’s a huge optimistic for my pictures.
New RAW Compression Possibility
Fuji X-T2 has two RAW compression choices: Uncompressed and Lossless Compressed. The Uncompressed file measurement is round 50MB; add Lossless Compressed is about 28MB.
After analyzing each variations, I couldn’t see the distinction in high quality, even at 800% magnification. I didn’t see the explanation to make use of uncompressed RAWs, and for five years, I’ve been capturing with the Lossless Compressed choice.
Now, Fujifilm added one other compressed choice. Subsequent to the Uncompressed and Lossless Compressed, now we have a Compressed choice.
The brand new compressed choice produces the next file sizes:
- Uncompressed – 87MB
- Lossless Compressed – round 45MB
- Compressed – round 29MB
As earlier than, I’m sticking to the Lossless Compressed choice. However I’d not hesitate to make use of the Compressed choice if I’m pressed on area on the reminiscence card as a result of it nonetheless produces excellent RAW photographs.
Noise and Low Mild Efficiency
Since I take most images at base ISO, low gentle efficiency will not be crucial for my pictures. Most of my high-ISO photographs are household images.
However what I can say about low gentle efficiency primarily based on my observations is it’s on par with my outdated X-T2.
However the stage of digital noise is totally different.
Throughout your entire ISO vary, X-T5 produces a lot much less digital noise. Generally, the RAW photographs taken with X-T5 are cleaner.
It’s particularly noticeable at decrease ISO.
When you’ve underexposed areas within the shadows and attempt to recuperate them in Lightroom, you get some stage of digital noise, even at base ISO. The X-T5 is totally different. You get little or no nostril at decrease ISO (125-400) even after aggressive shadow restoration.
While you shoot at excessive ISO (1600-3200) you’ll be able to see picture degradation however with a a lot decrease digital noise stage. And once you mix X-T5 excessive ISO images with AI Denoise noise discount in Lightroom, you find yourself with extraordinarily clear and sharp images with a excessive stage of element.
My conclusion is new X-T5 sensor handles digital noise in another way in a really optimistic means.
IBIS (In Physique Picture Stabilization)
IBIS is one other facet of pictures I alter my opinion drastically about.
Previously, I took most of my journey images utilizing tripods. And I didn’t really feel the necessity for IBIS in my pictures. My place was that IBIS makes the digital camera bulkier, costlier, and fewer dependable, with minimal advantages for my type of pictures.
What modified my thoughts was the effectiveness of Fujifilm lens stabilization. I spotted that my 2 foremost lenses (Fuji 10-24mm and 18-135mm) allowed me to take sharp images at a a lot decrease shutter velocity.
To alter my outdated habits, I deliberately began leaving my tripods at dwelling, making an attempt to study to take higher handheld photographs. The entire expertise liberated me, permitting me to be extra artistic with the composition. I didn’t have to hold a full-size tripod all over the place, particularly throughout lengthy and demanding hikes.
Now with the X-T5, I can take my handheld journey even additional due to the effectiveness of its IBIS. I don’t assume it’s efficient as much as 7 stops, as Fujifilm claims, but when I needed to estimate, it’s rock stable as much as at the very least 5.
When capturing with X-T2, I extensively used the Auto ISO characteristic, making an attempt to not go beneath 1/80s of shutter velocity with my dealt with panorama images.
Now capturing with X-T5, I hardly use Auto ISO in any respect. I set my ISO dial to 125 and really feel comfy capturing at huge angles as much as 1/6s. It’s liberating.
I plan to proceed lowering tripod use and focus on handheld strategies. I spotted that if I wish to blur water in my landscapes, it’s simpler and quicker to take two pictures at totally different shutter speeds handheld and mix them in Photoshop later than organising the tripod.
To summarize, the IBIS (in-body picture stabilization) in X-T5 is frightening efficient and not a ineffective characteristic for my pictures.
Battery Life
For me, the most important shortcoming of switching to mirrorless methods was poor battery life. X-T2 was not an exception. Over time, I’ve realized many tips for extending the battery life in my mirrorless cameras and remembering to cost and produce at the very least 3 batteries throughout my travels.
I keep in mind throughout my journey to Utah, after an hour of mountain climbing, I spotted I had left spare batteries within the automobile. I needed to hike again.
Now with the X-T5, it appears like I’m again in my outdated DSLR days. I stick one battery within the digital camera, which is sweet for at the very least a day. I common from 580 pictures to 600 pictures per cost.
The one adverse right here is the digital camera doesn’t include a charger. You might want to spend one other $100 for a spare battery and charger.
Wi-fi Connectivity
I think about the Fujifilm Distant App the weakest level of your entire Fujifilm ecosystem. It’s comprehensible since Fuji will not be a software program firm.
I used to be so excited once I switched from Sony to Fujifilm to lastly be capable of geotag all my images on the time of seize. However I spotted later that X-T2 would tag all the photographs with the identical coordinates of the situation the place you activated the app. Whether or not you stroll for 5km or drive for 100km, you’re going to get the identical geotagging as the unique location.
The implementation of geotagging in X-T2 was totally ineffective.
Now with the most recent distant app together with X-T5, the geotagging works flawlessly. Lastly, I can get pleasure from automated geotagging with out even serious about it.
After I import new images into Lightroom and leap to the Map module, all photographs are routinely mapped to the appropriate places.
Geotagging is a vital characteristic for my pictures. Now I can pinpoint the precise location of my journey images with out losing any time.
Apart from geotagging, I don’t use different options of the Fujifilm Distant App.
Autofocus Accuracy
Fujifilm has been lagging behind Sony and Canon regarding Autofocus system efficiency and accuracy for years. The brand new X-T5 was supposed to cut back the hole. However I’m not the appropriate particular person to offer you an professional evaluation of X-T5 autofocus enhancements. Generally, I shoot static scenes, manually deciding on a degree to give attention to.
However even I can see the substantial progress.
Certainly one of my favourite lenses is Fujifilm 35mm f1.4. It is likely one of the oldest Fuji lenses. I prefer it for the distinct photographs it produces, but it surely has an outdated focusing system. The focusing motor may be very noisy and sluggish and tends to hunt continuously, making an attempt to focus in low-light circumstances.
Now when connected to X-T5, the lens acts in another way. It’s a lot quicker to focus and snappier, even in poor circumstances.
Video Efficiency
Sadly, I’ve no suggestions for you regarding video seize specs and efficiency.
I exploit X-T5 solely for pictures functions. I by no means even as soon as swap the digital camera to video mode.
Throughout my travels, I exploit GoPro as a video digital camera. Separating video and photograph duties makes the method quicker with fewer issues.
Lenses and Equipment
The lens I exploit most frequently is Fujinon 10-24mm. It’s an excellent wide-angle lens with glorious picture high quality, well-built, and efficient picture stabilization.
My second most used lens is Fujinon 18-135mm. Despite the fact that I prefer it, I used to be on the lookout for alternate options due to its shortcomings:
- It’s large and heavy
- 18mm will not be huge sufficient on the huge finish
- When it’s hanging on the leash behind my again, the entrance component tens to increase beneath its weight
I needed to check it in opposition to the Fujinon 16-80mm for a very long time, however I by no means had an opportunity to do it.
This time I made a decision to go for it. As a substitute of shopping for an X-T5 physique solely, I obtained the equipment, getting the digital camera and 16-80mm lens collectively.
I had time to check 16-80mm for five months, and I can see it’s on par in picture high quality with 18-135mm. I made a decision to promote 18-135mm and preserve the 16-80mm. It’s smaller and lighter; 16 mm on the huge finish is far more helpful than 18mm, and I’m keen to lose 50mm on the lengthy finish.
Many fellow photographers counsel I get 16-55mm f2.8 to interchange 18-135mm, however it will not work for me. The 16-55mm is large and heavy and doesn’t have picture stabilization. Plus, I don’t want an f2.8 aperture since I take most of my images within the vary of f8-f11.
Thumb Grip
If I had to decide on just one accent for my Fuji X-T5, it will be the thumb grip.
Despite the fact that the Fujifilm X-T5 has a compact physique, it isn’t light-weight. It weighs 557g. However because it doesn’t have a deep greep, it feels unbalanced. And it takes pointless effort to deal with it.
The thumb grip fixes the problems by distributing the burden between 4 fingers and the thumb. For me, it’s a sport changer regarding ergonomics.
Fast Launch Plate
Since I’m a hybrid photographer capturing handheld and on a tripod, I wanted a quick-release plate to make it comfy to hold the digital camera on a leash and mount it on a tripod in seconds.
It took me most likely a yr to search out the common common quick-release plate that I preferred, and it occurred to be the most affordable I attempted.
Sadly, you can’t get it from Amazon or B&H, however it’s nonetheless out there on AliExpress. It price solely $10.
The Negatives of Fujifilm X-T5
I don’t see too many points in X-T5 that negatively have an effect on my pictures.
- In all probability the most important shortcoming that separates X-T5 from being a very skilled digital camera is a shallow buffer. In case your pictures relies on steady capturing, you most likely want to contemplate the Fujifilm X-H2 and X-H2s.
- The digital camera doesn’t include a devoted charger. However you’ll be able to nonetheless cost the battery contained in the cameras.
- There isn’t any battery grip out there for X-T5
- The X-T5 is made in China. I suppose Fujifilm needed to transfer manufacturing from Japan to remain aggressive. Nevertheless it allowed them to maintain the identical worth of the T-X collection for 7 years.
Fujifilm X-T5 Assessment | Conclusion
My first impression was that the Fujifilm X-T5 mannequin was not a revolutionary replace however somewhat incremental. However after capturing with it for five months, I feel it’s greater than a boring refresh.
Fujifilm improved picture high quality by introducing a brand new high-resolution sensor distinctive to APS-C cameras.
Fujifilm managed to enhance IBIS, making it more practical and compact.
Fujifilm lowered the digital camera measurement in comparison with the earlier mannequin (X-T4).
Combining the brand new sensor and processor allowed the digital camera to make use of extra refined auto-focus algorithms. And with such a contemporary and highly effective duo, there may be loads of room for autofocus enhancements via firmware updates.
From my perspective, the Fujifilm X-T5 is the best journey digital camera. It’s sturdy, weather-sealed with professional-level options, and produces excellent photographs.
And truthfully, I’m struggling to give you my wishlist for the following XT mannequin.