Adopting the Fujifilm X-T5

Despite previously dissing the X-T series and extolling the delights of the X-S10 for street photography, I decided to give the X-T5 another spin (after I’d scraped the egg from my face).

The upgrade was partly driven by the desire to have a weather-sealed camera, partly because I wanted the upgraded autofocus and performance of the X-Trans 5 processor, and, well, partly because I felt like splurging.

Deciding on the X-T5

Initially I’d been looking at the X-H2 – the bigger, older sibling of the X-S10. I do prefer the ergonomics of the deep grip, and I like the dial with PASM and custom settings. I checked the cameras out in the Covent Garden Fujifilm store and was almost sold on the X-H2. I found it more comfortable than the X-T5 and not quite as monstrous as I’d imagined it to be (but it’s certainly chunky). I thought I’d chew on it a bit more, so I didn’t buy it there and then.

One thing that bugs me about the X-S10 is the fully extendable, flip-out screen. I don’t vlog so I don’t have a need for it. I much prefer the normal tilt mechanism on my X100V for photography, and even video. The X-H2 has the same flippy screen as the X-S10, while the X-T5 ups the game by offering a tilt screen which supports both landscape and portrait movement. This mechanism is so nice for photography and it really suits how I use a camera when out shooting.

I watched a few video reviews (ok, lots) of both cameras, and they’re almost identical internally. Nitpicking, I decided the CF Express card on the X-H2 was a downside for me. I don’t shoot much video and even if I do get more into it, a 200mbps SD card would be just fine. I’d be paying over the odds for dual cards in the H-S2 since CF Express is really pricey. Given this, and the X-H2 flippy screen, I started leaning towards the X-T5.

When I first bought an X100T I loved the physical dials. They look cool, but they’re also fun to use. These, along with the amazing film sims, are what got me into Fujifilm in the first place, so given that the X-T5 is Fuji’s flagship retro-styled camera, that sealed the deal.

The X-T5 it was.

Initial impressions

If you like the retro styling, you’ll agree the camera looks amazing, no doubt about it. It also feels really nice in the hand. Not too heavy, but weighty enough to give that premium feel. The dials and buttons (so many buttons!) feel good, although they feel more plasticky than the X100V. I don’t mind this so much since they feel easier to turn (the X100V exposure comp dial can be a little stiff). The only downside I would say is that the drive lever under the ISO dial can be nudged a bit too easily. It’s also a little irritating that the HDR setting is the one at the end next to single shot and drive. It should be at the other end! This is a minor gripe though.

Having used several Fuji cameras now, the menus are very familiar. The buttons too. Having a D-pad as well as a joystick is great – I really think they should have added this to the X100V (my X100T used to have one).

Shooting experience

The camera is great to use. I still prefer a larger grip (I could buy an add-on grip tbh) but the way I wrap my strap around my hand and wrist when shooting street negates the need for one. My camera sort of hangs there as I’m walking around without me needing to full-on grip it. If you don’t do this (and I think I’m in the minority here!), I can imagine your fingers will be aching after carrying the the X-T5 by its grip for extended periods.

The mechanical shutter sound is lovely and soft. My X-S10 has a really loud mechanical shutter which meant I typically used the electronic one when shooting street. I don’t want to sound like paparazzi. The X-T5 shutter is much more discreet, which is a big plus.

The EVF is wonderful (better than the X-S10) and the rear screen feels brighter. I love using the tilt screen, especially in portrait mode (I tend to shoot portrait more often – is social media to blame? 😕). The screen doesn’t extend to 90 degrees in this orientation, probably about 70 degrees, but this is sufficient.

The performance of the camera is great. My go-to lens for street with the X-S10 was the OG 35mm f1.4 which I found a little slow to focus, so when I bought the X-T5 I also splurged on the new 33mm f1.4 which has a linear motor and is super-quick (it’s also weather sealed which was a key reason for the upgrade). The X-T5 paired with this new lens is wonderfully quick, it’s like the perfect combination. Of course I’d love this lens to be a little smaller and lighter, but I’ll take the additional weight for the speed, quality and weather resistance. I could get the 35mm f2 I suppose, but I like the f1.4 for night shooting and that extra depth of field.

Settings

To be productive with a camera you should know your settings inside out, and you’ll need the functions you use most often (photometry, focus mode etc) to be easily accessible. I’ve configured my buttons a fair bit (no need to go into detail since it’s so personal), but here are some of the default shooting settings that I’ve tweaked. I prefer to go with as many defaults as possible to be honest so I haven’t customised it that much.

Photos

• RAW recording: Lossless Compressed
• Image Quality: F + RAW. I prefer RAW but I’ll sometimes use the out of camera JPEGs.
• Low speed drive: 7fps. This usually allows me to catch a walking person in a good position.
• ISO Auto 1 (my daylight default): Default 125, Max Sensitivity: 1600, Min Shutter Speed: 1/400
• ISO Auto 2 (my night shooting default): Default 125, Max Sensitivity: 3200, Min Shutter Speed: 1/400

Video

I use two custom settings for movie mode. One for normal speed video (4K HQ 25fps for that filmic look), the other for slow mo 4K HQ 120fps @ 24P). I don’t currently use F-Log, preferring Eterna (although this will probably change when I get better at colour grading).

• IS Mode Boost: ON
• Movie Optimised Control: ON . This is essential so you can flip to video mode and not have to fiddle with the top dials.

Conclusion

It’s still early days but I’m really happy with the new camera. I haven’t missed the X-S10, although the extra weight is noticeable after a few hours of shooting. I really do look forward to shooting with it which I think is part of the Fujifilm charm.

I wouldn’t say the quality of the 40MP images is much better than the X-Trans 4, not with the sort of photos I take. I do crop a fair bit, so perhaps there’s a benefit for me there. The speed of the focus and tracking is excellent, and a marked improvement over the X-S10 – no doubt amplified by upgrading the lens as well as the body.

I haven’t used video enough to really have an opinion, but from the experiments I’ve done, the quality of the 4K is fabulous and so is the IBIS. I’m hoping to learn more about video shooting in 2024.

If you’re a seasoned photographer, whether you’re new to Fujifilm or not, I’d definitely recommend the X-T5. It’s an incredible piece of kit (as are most Fujifilm cameras!). If you’re a beginner though, I’d recommend getting an X-T2 or X-T3 instead (unless you’re just loaded 🤷‍♂️💸) and pairing it with a Fuji 23mm or 35mm f2 prime, or the 18–55mm zoom. The image quality will still be great with those cameras since 40MP is overkill for everyone unless you’re making large prints.

Here’s hoping for some great years shooting with the X-T5!

(Follow me on Instagram to see my X-T5 shots!)