FUJIFILM X-T5 Overview

The year 2022 rushes towards its end, and FujiFilm wants to give a grand finale. The fifth release of the iconic X-T lineup features a back-illuminated 40.2MP X-TransTM CMOS 5 HR imaging sensor with the high-speed X-Processor 5 image processing engine. Under the hood, this new model works with deep learning and artificial intelligence (which seems to be a new standard in imaging solutions) for more reliable AF and precise white balance on every scene.

As expected, the recently announced X-T5 comes with several film simulation modes, a Soft Skin effect that improves portraiture rendering, and an accurate phase detection system, which works both AF-S and AF-C. If you want to get your hands around Fuji’s new X-T5, you can preorder body-only at the price of $1,699.00; Alternatively, one can also preorder the XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 R LM OIS Lens bundle for $2,099.00 or the XF 16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR Lens combo for $2,199.00.

By watching the promotional video, the photography angle this camera has been designed around becomes evident, to say the least. So without further ado, let’s see what five generations of technological evolution have for us!

High-Resolution BSI Imaging Sensor

Inside this lightweight compact camera body, we find the 5th generation Stacked layer back-illuminated X-Trans CMOS sensor. This piece of technological engineering uses a unique color filter array, present in other X-Trans CMOS sensors, to control moiré and false color without the use of an optical low-pass filter.

The high-resolution 40.2MP X-Trans CMOS 5 HR sensor works with an improved image-processing algorithm, boosting resolution without compromising signal-to-noise ratio and giving outstanding image quality. Thanks to it, other Fuji cameras dramatically improved their performance, including 40fps blackout-free burst shooting and significantly better AF during burst shooting. As for video recording, it can record 4K/60P video without cropping and the rolling-shutter effect is also much improved.

By placing the processing chips in a stacked-layer structure on the back of the sensor’s surface, the Fuji X-T5 can process and read out signals 4x faster than the previous X-T4 model and more than 30 times faster than the first-generation X-T model. And after taking advantage of the fast read speed, it is possible to process the focusing signal while working around the image for display. Therefore, this stacked-layer CMOS sensor is superior in both speed and mobility. And no sensor would be this powerful without an adequate imaging processor. The X-Processor 5 to be precise, has AI processing technology, next-generation HEIF image file format, and a considerably reduced power consumption level.

About Fuji’s X-T 5, there are three major features we must review; dial operation, three-way tilting LCD, and compact body design.

Dial Operation

Let’s start with the overall control of this camera. Yes, it looks like a regular X-T camera, but now the body is a bit smaller, with a more ergonomic design at the top of the hand grip and a more comfortable pitch on the viewfinder hump. The three dials, together with the aperture ring on most XF lenses, all exposure settings can be handled before powering on the camera. Not to mention it brings back the classic film camera feeling of the SLR era. It keeps dedicated dials for shutter speed, ISO, and exposure compensation; also a pair of command dials, front and rear, which can be assigned with personalized functions. They both can be pushed to operate as function buttons or to change the dial’s selector.

Live-view

The X-T5 brings a three-way tilting LCD photo-friendlier screen, which changes to EVF through an eye sensor; the same which FujiFilm assures will be 4x faster than the switching system built in the X-T4. It still uses a 3.64M dot OLED viewfinder but with higher magnification optics, giving it an impressive 0.8x equiv. The viewfinder can be operated at up to 100fps in Boost mode, meaning the X-T5 will be undoubtedly more responsive.

A three-way tilting LCD offers enhanced versatility, especially when working at waist level or in portrait orientation. The combination of tilting LCD and center viewfinder aligns the lens, camera, and photographer on the optical axis, for a more comfortable and intuitive image-making experience.

Compact Body

Enclosed in the lightweight, batteries included, 557 grams and dimensions of 1309164 mm, there’s some of the most impressive imaging processing of 2022. By looking at the bottom of the camera, there’s no expansion port to add a vertical grip. Meaning we will need to look at an X-H2 if that’s a needed feature for your workflow. Although, there will be an optional metal hand grip (MHG-XT5), which gives a little more use to the front of the camera and provides Arca-Swiss tripod compatibility.

“Dials and buttons provide easy operation, letting life’s most precious moments stand a chance of being documented to see another day.” It also features a five-axis in-body image stabilization (IBIS) system that provides up to 7.0 stops of compensation. It uses the same NP-W235 batteries as X-T4, which powers the camera to a rating of 590 shots per charge solely using the viewfinder or 580 using the rear screen. These figures considerably drop if you use Boost mode to up the refresh rate of the finder to 100 fps or the rear screen to 60fps.

Oh, and it features dual SD card slots, both with UHS-II compatibility.

Film Simulation

And if the classic SLR feeling couldn’t be enough, the X-T5 includes 19 Film Simulation modes for digitally replicating the look of the chemical photographic film stocks developed by Fujifilm for over 85 years. Seamlessly, we can virtually reproduce the classic colors and tones that Fujifilm is renowned for among professional image makers; add an aesthetic flair and start building your voice.

• ACROS: Based on ACROS, a monochrome film renowned for super-fine grain, this Film Simulation mode delivers rich shadow details and excellent sharpness, while still adding grain at high ISOs, and recreating the stunning textured feel of monochrome.
• Astia Soft: Based on FUJICHROME ASTIA, a reversal film developed for fashion portraits. This Film Simulation mode prioritizes soft and faithful reproduction of skin tones, while also depicting vivid blue skies and greenery.
• Classic Chrome: This film simulation mode is designed to reproduce a look similar to documentary magazines of the 20th century. Its low saturation and hard tonal gradation in shadows make it a perfect choice for documentary photography with a touch of realism (we all know that chrome!).
• CLASSIC Neg: Based on SUPERIA, a color-negative film loved by generations of photographers. This film simulation mode provides high-contrast tonal gradation. It adds depth and definition to colors by adjusting their shades in highlights and shadows while reducing saturation.
• ETERNA CINEMA: Based on ETERNA, a film designed for motion pictures. This film simulation mode minimizes saturation to ensure no color overpowers another. It provides extremely soft tonal gradation in highlights, and deep shadows to prevent clipping, reproducing a cinematic look.
• PROVIA STANDARD: Based on FUJICHROME PROVIA, a reversal film designed for professional use. This film simulation mode is great for all subject types, offering a neutral color reproduction.
• NOSTALGIC Neg: Designed to recreate the look of images in old photo albums, It produces images with rich colors in the shadows, and a soft tonality through the midtones and highlights.
• Velvia Vivid: based on FUJICHROME Velvia, an ultra-vivid reversal film designed for professionals. This film simulation mode provides richer and more high-contrast colors than the PROVIA and is a favorite among landscape photographers.

Automatic White Balance Driven by AI technology

And speaking of color rendition, what about true temperature readout? Fine adjustments can be made to AWB by selecting one of three modes: Auto, White Priority, and Ambience Priority. Set to White Priority, white is more likely to be reproduced as white under incandescent lighting. However, when Ambience Priority is set, scenes will be photographed with the natural lighting characteristics of the scene preserved. Under incandescent lighting, this will generally result in images with warmer white tones. In manual mode, color temperature selection can be set somewhere between 2,500K and 10,000K. And if you like to stick with a WB Preset, you can pick any of these:

• Daylight
• Shade
• Fluorescent Light (Cool White, Daylight, or Warm White)
• Incandescent Light
• Underwater

New deep-learning AI technology optimizes AWB performance in the Fujifilm X-T5 camera by accurately identifying warm, orange-tinged colors to assist with its Auto White Balance accuracy.

Some Other Nice Features

Beyond the main three features underpinned by Fujifilm, there are some other interesting goodies we stumbled upon while reviewing this exquisite technological marvel.

Subject-detection autofocus

Built around Deep-Learning AI Technology, the X-Processor 5 delivers an enhanced subject-detection AF experience. Beyond providing outstanding AF detection and tracking for human faces and eyes, X-T5 can also automatically detect and track a broad range of subjects, including animals, birds, cars, motorcycles, bicycles, airplanes, and trains. This allows photographers to confidently focus on the things that matter the most, composition and creativity; shoot tranquil, Fujifilm X-T5 will accurately focus every time.

Its increased pixel count raises the number of phase detection pixels, improving AF-S focusing accuracy on subjects from landscapes to portraits. The camera also has an improved AF prediction algorithm, previously developed for the X-H2S, which enables stable focusing even when using AF-C.

160MP Pixel Shift Multi-Shot

Also, the brand-new X-T5 includes a Pixel Shift Multi-Shot with the help of the Pixel Shift Combiner software, which can produce a single, ultra-high-resolution 160MP image with a single shutter press. Achieved through in-body image stabilization to shift the sensor by a half pixel between each frame, this wonderful camera rigorously makes 20 frames to ensure that every RGB pixel reads the same information; the result is a final image with virtually no false visible colors.

1/180,000 Shutter Speed

Nope, that’s not a typo… Fuji’s X-T5 has a maximum electronic shutter speed of 1/180,000, an increase of around 2.5 stops compared to other cameras from the X Series lineup. Engineered to be used with wide apertures in extremely bright environments for more additional creative options, or to freeze action at the perfect moment as well!

ISO 125 Standard Sensitivity

X-Trans CMOS 5 HR has a more light-efficient pixel structure. Previously achieved via extended sensitivity, ISO 125 is now natively available. This ensures better image behavior under bright and sunny conditions and expands the visual vocabulary of landscape shooters as well.

HEIF Image Format

Fujifilm X-T5 supports the HEIF image format, delivering 10-bit image quality in files up to 30% smaller than standard JPEGs. The next chapter in providing high-quality results straight out of the camera has officially begun for the almighty X Series!

Increased Battery Life

Finally, the Fuji folks have listened and have worked on their main flaw, battery life. Thanks to the reduced power consumption of the X-Processor 5, battery life for still images has been significantly increased in economy mode from approximately 600 to 740 frames compared to the X-T4.

Weather-resistant Body

When it comes to Fuji this is old news, but still worth mentioning. This new workhorse includes 56 weather-sealed points for high levels of dust and moisture resistance. It can easily work in temperatures as low as -10°C (14°F), making it a highly reliable mirrorless camera system.

6.2K/30p 4:2:2 10-bit

Although the X-T5 is notoriously inclined towards still images, it delivers high-quality video as well. 6.2K footage can be recorded at 30p in 4:2:2 10-bit color, giving us high-definition motion pictures with rich color detail.

Additionally to F-Log, Fujifilm X-T5 also supports F-Log2 which, based on Fujifilm internal testing, records an expanded dynamic range of 13+ stops when recording. This range is wider than the current F-Log, broadening post-production potential.

Combined with an ATOMOS HDMI device, raw video output from the X-T5 can be recorded as 12-bit Apple ProRes RAW at resolutions up to 6.2K and frame rates up to 29.97fps. When coped with Blackmagic Design Video Assist 12G, raw video output from the camera can be recorded as Blackmagic RAW at resolutions up to 6.2K and frame rates up to 29.97fps.

Final Thoughts

Fujifilm has a clear roadmap and knows exactly what to deliver with every new announcement and release. Since Mark I, the X-T series cameras are the perfect mixture of features for professional shooters dealing with a wide scope of visual genres in both video and stills. The X-T5 is no exception to the rule, but it feels a bit more photography inclined than the previous generation (specifically X-T3 and X-T4). Therefore, this camera feels like a great upgrade for previous Fujifilm shooters, advanced amateurs taking their craft seriously, and the still remaining DSLR shooters who have been considering mirrorless camera systems for over a while now.