First look at the Fuji X-M5
The Fujifilm X mount system has brought us a plethora of bodies, coming in various different shapes and sizes. The original X-M1 was released back in 2013 and any successors were somewhat forgotten about…until now that is. That’s right, over 10 years later, we’ve got an X-M5 which brings with it a very up-to-date specs list. Lets see if this is the right camera for you.
Fujifilm X-M5 Mirrorless Camera is available from 14th November, priced at £799. Pre-order yours now >> Black / Silver
Body:
The overall design of the X-M5 is very similar in shape and size to the older X-A5, but with a few noticeable differences. It’s small and compact, great for travelling, however people with big hands might just struggle to comfortably hold it, although the raised thumb grip on the rear does help a little.
The flat top plate sacrifices a built-in electronic viewfinder, much like several other cameras in this price segment, but the rectangular shape does make it much easier to pack away into a small bag.
At this price point the plastic build quality is to be expected, but it feels well made and the plastics don’t come across as ‘cheap’. The buttons and dials feel good to use with the dials having firm and definitive clicks to them. The front dial has a push-in feature, allowing you to quickly select and customise what it can do.
The film-simulation dial was a new addition first seen on the X-T50 and has found its way here on the X-M5. Personally, I quite like the idea on a camera like this and its bigger sibling the X-T50 as it is fun to use and easy to see which simulation mode you are in. Having said that, I found myself shooting mainly with Classic Neg and Acros, with the occasional use of Velvia for a bit more punch.
Vloggers will love the tilty-flippy screen, but it also comes in handy for low down photography. I found the screen a little on the dim side, especially outdoors, so I would recommend pushing the brightness up. Like many other cameras, it is also touch operational, but only when shooting and in image playback. I found the sensitivity to be lacking in comparison with other touch screens and it does require a stronger poke.
Autofocus:
I can only speak from a stills perspective as I didn’t get a chance to test any of the video features – which on paper sound amazing! The new processor in the X-M5 does a very good job with subject detection, at least on my cats anyway. The auto-focus was fast and snappy and by the looks of it, was mostly accurate.
Image quality:
The X-M5 shares the same sensor from previous high-end models like the X100V and X-T4, so in terms of quality, we already know its fantastic. One feature I like to utilise with Fujifilm cameras, especially when shooting JPEG, is the highlight and shadow tone curve. By reducing the highlights and upping the shadow details, you can achieve slight HDR look.
Conclusion:
The video specs and features clearly aim this camera at the Content Creators and hybrid shooters, rather than photographers. There is no doubt this can still produce fantastic images and is a great little camera, but the lack of a viewfinder and questionable ergonomics means there are superior options out there. If you mainly shoot video and need a small, compact camera that can still take amazing quality photos, then the X-M5 should definitely be considered.
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Posted by Racheal Tattum
18th October 2024
