Fujifilm X-M5 Review
Summary Verdict
The Fujifilm X-M5 is a compact, entry-level mirrorless camera with advanced features designed for novice photographers and content creators. With its lightweight design, the X-M5 offers impressive autofocus capabilities, 6.2K video recording and Fujifilm’s popular Film Simulation modes. Despite lacking a viewfinder and in-body image stabilisation, it seems a strong contender, especially for those transitioning from smartphones or seeking a versatile, travel-friendly option. The addition of a Vlog mode and easy file transfer options enhances its appeal for video creators. With a competitive starting price, the X-M5 appears to be a well-rounded choice for those looking to advance their photography or video skills.
Score: 4/5
Pros:
Attractively priced
Uses a respected imaging system
Excellent range of features
Cons:
No viewfinder
It only has digital image stabilisation
Even a small tripod quick release plate overlaps the battery compartment door
The Fujifilm X-M5 is a small and light mirrorless camera with a flat-top and no viewfinder.
What is the Fujifilm X-M5?
The Fujifilm X-M5 is an entry-level APS-C format mirrorless camera. While it has the Fujifilm X mount and can accept any of Fujifilm’s extensive array of XF and XC lenses, its small size means it’s best suited to smaller optics.
Fujifilm has designed the X-M5 with novice photographers, vloggers and content creators in mind. It’s the lightest camera in the current Fujifilm X series but it features the company’s fifth-generation X Processor 5 and the respected 26.1MP X-Trans CMOS 4 APS-C format sensor. That’s the same combination as is found in the Fujifilm X-S20 and it improves on the Fujifilm X-T30 II by having a more advanced processing engine in a smaller, lighter body.
In keeping with the X-S20, the X-M5 has a mode dial rather than the traditional exposure controls of models like the Fujifilm X-T50 or X-T5. However, it gains the dedicated Film Simulation Mode dial that was first seen on the X-T50.
A viewfinder is a noticeable omission from the Fujifilm X-M5 so images and video can only be composed on the screen, but it is a vari-angle unit.Read our Fujifilm X-T50 Review
The Fujifilm X-M5’s screen can be folded against the camera body for safe-storage.
Fujifilm X-M5 Price and Availability
The Fujifilm X-M5 hit the market on the 14th of November 2024, with prices starting at £799 / US $799 / €899 Aus $1449 body only, or £899 / US $899 / €999 / Aus $1649 with the XC 15-45mm F3.5-5.6 OIS PZ kit lens.
The Fujifilm X-M5 is available in silver or black but the XC 15-45mm F3.5-5.6 OIS PZ kit lens is only available in black.
Specifications
Camera type: Mirrorless
Announced: 14th October 2024
Sensor: 26.1MP X-Trans 4 CMOS APS-C format sensor
Processing engine: X-Processor 5
Lens mount: X-Mount
Sensitivity range: ISO 125-12,800 expandable to ISO 80-51,200
Viewfinder: No
Screen: Vari-angle 3-inch 1.04million-dot touchscreen LCD
Autofocus system: Intelligent hybrid with up to 425 selectable AF points
Subject detection: Face / Eye AF, animals, birds, cars, motorcycles, bicycles, airplanes, trains, insects and drones
Continuous shooting: Mechanical Shutter: 8fps, Electronic Shutter: 30fps with 1.25x crop, 20fps full-sensor
Max video resolution: 6.2K (6240 x 4160) at 29.97/25/24/23.98fps, DCI 4K (4096 x 2160) at 59.95/50/29.97/25/24/23.98fps, 4K (3840 x 2160) at 59.95/50/29.97/25/24/23.98fps.
Stabilisation: Video only - Digital Image Stabilisation and DIS Mode Boost
Storage: SD/SDHC/SDXC UHS-I
Dimensions (WxHxD): 111.9 × 66.6 × 38.5mm
Weight: 355g, including battery and card
The Fujifilm X-M5 has a 3-inch, 1.04-million-dot touch screen on a vari-angle hinge for composing and reviewing images or videos. The screen can be flipped out the side of the camera and angled up or down, or rotated to face forwards.
Key Features
While Fujifilm’s recent camera announcements have centred around the presence of a 40.2MP backside-illuminated (BSI) CMOS 5 HR sensor, the X-M5 uses the 26.1MP X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor that’s in the X-S20 as well as popular older models like the Fujifilm X-T4 and X-T30 II. However, unlike the X-T4 and X-T30 II, the X-M5 has the latest X Processor 5 engine that’s also in cameras like the Fujifilm X-T50 and X-T5. This combination enables a raft of advanced features including sophisticated autofocus and subject detection systems that work in stills and video mode. The subject detection system can be set to detect animals, birds, cars, motorcycles, bicycles, aeroplanes, trains, insects and drones.
According to Fujifilm, the X-M5 has its latest autofocus (AF) and subject detection algorithms, which means it can outperform the X-S20. However, the X-S20 will receive a firmware update to bring its AF system up to the same standard.
When the mechanical shutter is in use, the X-M5 has a maximum continuous shooting rate of 8fps (frames per second) and it can maintain that rate for up to around 173 Jpegs or 25 uncompressed raw files. This jumps to 20fps with the electronic shutter when shooting full-resolution images, and the burst depth is 127 Jpegs or 23 uncompressed raw files. However, if you are happy to apply a 1.25x crop, it’s possible to shoot at up to 30fps.
Meanwhile, in CIPA testing, the NP-W126S battery lasts for up to 440 images in economy mode, 330 images in normal mode and 300 images in boost mode.
The Fujifilm X-M5 supports internal 6.2K 4:2:2 10-bit open gate video recording at 30p and 4K up to 60p. This means the camera can use the full sensor for video capture, which gives greater flexibility for producing movies in different aspect ratios. Full HD video can be recorded at up to 240p, for dramatic slow motion results.
There’s also a Type D HDMI port for external video recording in 4:2:2 10bit colour.
In addition, the X-M5 builds on the Vlog mode that was first seen in the X-S20 for easy video creation. It adds a new 9:16 Short Movie mode that enables portrait orientation video to be captured while holding the camera in landscape orientation. This can be set to record 15, 30 or 60 second clips There’s also Portrait Enhancer, Background Defocus, Product Priority and a better microphone set-up. The Vlog mode Graphical User Interface (GUI) has been updated with icons to access the new and existing vlogging features.
Fujifilm has given the X-M5 three microphone units and they can be used capture surround sound, or directionally to prioritise sound from in front of or behind the camera, or both. These mics are also said to improve upon earlier versions and the enhanced wind filter has an option to cut steady-state noise such as the constant humming of an air-conditioning unit.
Further good news is that the X-M5 has both a 3.5mm microphone jack and a 3.5mm headphone jack.
At 25-degrees centigrade, the X-M5 is capable of recording 4K/30p video for over 60 minutes, this drops to around 20 minutes at 40-degrees. However, the camera is compatible with Fujifilm’s Cooling Fan (FAN-001) which takes the maximum recording time at 40-degrees back up to over 60 minutes.
While the X-M5 doesn’t have physical (optical) in-camera stabilisation, it's compatible with lens-based stabilisation and Digital Image Stabilisation is available during video recording. There's also an IS Mode Boost setting for greater stabilisation. Naturally, Digital Image Stabilisation isn’t accessible in open gate mode because it requires a crop. When recording in 4K or Full HD, there’s a crop of 1.32x or 1.44x depending on the frame rate.
The Digital Image Stabilisation can also help correct rolling shutter.
Fujifilm’s Film Simulation modes are well-loved and the X-M5 has all 20: PROVIA/Standard, Velvia/Vivid, ASTIA/Soft, Classic Chrome, REALA ACE, PRO Neg.Hi, PRO Neg.Std, Classic Neg., Nostalgic Neg., ETERNA/Cinema, ETERNA BLEACH BYPASS, ACROS, ACROS + Ye Filter. ACROS + R Filter, ACROS + G Filter, Black & White, Black & White + Ye Filter, Black & White + R Filter, Black & White + G Filter, Sepia. They can be used in video and stills mode.
Multiple Exposure enthusiasts will be pleased to learn that the X-M5’s Multiple Exposure mode allows up to nine images to be composited in-camera with a choice of four blend modes: Additive, Average, Bright and Dark.
Fujifilm has made the X-M5 compatible with its XApp, enabling direct file transfers to smartphones via a USB-C connection. This is particularly useful for quick transfers of large files, over 4GB, directly to iOS or Android devices. Alternatively, there’s a new low bitrate mode, offering 25 Mbps and 8 Mbps options, for easier wireless transfer of smaller video files. The X-M5 can also serve as a webcam when connected via USB-C.
Using a mini joystick rather than a navigation pad on the back of the Fujifilm X-M5 means there's enough room for your thumb on the rear of the camera. The ridge on the right edge of the camera also gives decent purchase. The black circle below and left of the hotshoe is the cover for the microphone port.
Build and Handling
At 111.9 x 66.6 x 38.0 mm in size and weighing just 355g, the Fujifilm X-M5 is compact, making it smaller and lighter than the X-T30 II (118.4 x 82.8 x 46.8 mm and 378g) and X-T50 (123.8 x 84 x4 8.8 mm and 438g).
Despite its small size and low weight, the X-M5 feels well-made and balanced. It has a shallow but reasonably effective front grip and a little thumb rest on the back. Both are in keeping with the proportions and weight of the camera.
The small XC 15-45mm kit lens is a perfect match for the X-M5, but I'm not a huge fan of the power-zoom action when using the lens ring. It's too easy to zoom past the point that you want so you have to zoom back again. The touchscreen zoom controls, however are better, but it's worth pointing out that the zoom isn't silent so you're likely to pick up some sound if you adjust the focal length while shooting video and recording audio with the onboard microphone.
The Fujifilm X-M5 has a dial for setting the Film Simulation Mode, an exposure mode dial and two control dials. The first control dial is on the extreme right of the top plate while the second protrudes from the front of the camera just below the power switch and shutter button. The small thumb rest is visible on the bottom-right corner of the camera in this image.
While it's not a natural partner, I used the X-M5 with the XF50-140mm F2.8 R LM OIS WR for a shoot of a dance rehearsal. It's a big lenses for the small camera, so naturally, I held the lens with my left hand while making settings adjustments with my right. It was a manageable set-up, but not ideal. The camera would, however, work very nicely with Fujifilm’s smaller prime lenses.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but I think the X-M5 is an attractive little camera. It’s top plate has three dials, on the left the Film Simulation mode dial and on the right the exposure mode dial and a smaller control dial for adjusting settings. This last dial works in partnership with a dial that protrudes from the front of the camera above the grip. It means there are two dials for adjusting the exposure settings.
These dials have a premium feel that will appeal to photographers familiar with Fujifilm's tactile controls.
The controls on the rear of the Fujifilm X-M5 are all within easy reach. My thumb is on the joystick in this image.
To help novice photographers, and for experienced shooters in a hurry, the exposure mode dial has an ‘Auto’ setting. When this is selected, the camera assesses the scene and selects the optimum settings for the conditions.
Being small, the X-M5 isn’t going to appeal to people with huge hands, but I didn’t find the controls too fiddly and they are all within easy reach. However, the Menu/OK and Display/Back buttons on the back of the camera are quite hard to distinguish with your thumb as your run it across the back of the camera.
Although the screen is touch-sensitive and gives a good level of control, it’s great to see a mini-joystick on the back of the camera to help with navigating the menu, selecting settings and moving the autofocus point around. This is well positioned, easy to locate and operate.
As I mentioned earlier, the X-M5 doesn’t have a viewfinder. This helps to keep the size, weight and price of the camera down, but, as confirmed by a poll in the SheClicks Facebook Group, this is a deal-breaker for many photographers. It means you must rely on the 3-inch 1.4-million-dot touch screen for framing and reviewing images and video.
The X-M5’s headphone socket, charging port and micro HDMI ports (from the top down) are on the right side of the camera as you hold it for use.
In an interesting move, Fujifilm has moved all the connection ports away from the left side of the camera so that cables don’t impede the movement of the flip-out screen. The charging port, headphone socket and micro HDMI are positioned on the right side, while the microphone port is beneath the hotshoe. Of course, this means that your grip is compromised if you’re using any of those ports, but with the possible exception of the headphone socket, they are mostly to be used when the camera is on a tripod or gimbal or in a cage.
When it's connected via the two strap lugs, I found a camera strap gets in the way of my view of the screen. I solved the issue by putting two Peak Design Anchor Loops on the X-M5’s right strap lug and attaching the Peak Design Slide Lite to them. This is made easier by the fact that the X-M5 has the bar-type strap lugs instead of small ones that require a split ring.
Unusually, the charging port, headphone socket and micro HDMI port are the right side of the Fujifilm X-M5.
Like the X-T50, the Film Simulation dial on the X-M5 has settings to access 8 pre-set Film Simulation modes: PROVIA/STANDARD, Velvia/VIVID, ASTIA/SOFT, CLASSIC CHROME, REALA ACE, CLASSIC Neg., NOSTALGIC Neg., ACROS. These are the most popular options according to Fujifilm's research. However, there are also three customisable options (FS1, FS2 and FS3), which can be set to activate your favourite Film Simulation mode if yours isn't one of the presets. In addition, there's a 'C' setting on the dial that enables the Film Simulation Mode to be set via the Main or Quick Menus. If the dial is turned to any other setting than C, the Film Simulation mode option is greyed out in the menu.
While I shoot raw files and I can therefore change (and tweak) the Film Simulation Mode when I process the file, the presence of the Film Simulation Mode dial encourages me to switch between the options at the shooting stage. This helps me to think about how I want the final image or footage to look. As I routinely shoot raw and Jpeg images simultaneously, this also means that my images are more likely to be ready to share straight from the camera.
The Film Simulation Mode dial is on the lfet of the X-M5's top-plate while the exposure mode dial is on the right.
Performance
Given that the Fujifilm X-M5 has the same sensor and processing engine as the X-S20, its performance and image quality doesn't come as much of a surprise.
Accordingly, at low sensitivity (ISO) settings, the Fujifilm X-M5 is able to capture plenty of detail for a camera of its pixel count and sensor size. Noise is also controlled very well up around ISO 3200. Above this setting, luminance noise (speckling) becomes more visible in raw files while there's slight smoothing in jpegs. However, in many situations, the image quality is perfectly acceptable at ISO 6400 or even ISO 12,800.
Generally, the X-M5's default Multi exposure-metering system proves reliable and you can often leave the exposure compensation control untouched. However, because there's no viewfinder and you need to rely on the screen, it can be hard to assess the exposure when shooting outdoors in bright conditions. There histogram view can come to your aid, but it's not as reassuring as seeing the image as you want it to look before you take the shot. Helpfully, the low-ISO raw files have good dynamic range and can therefore withstand reasonable adjustment, say around 2-3EV brightening, to get them looking just so.
Fujifilm’s Film Simulation Modes are well-established and respected for their colours. Provia / Standard, is a good general-purpose option that produces natural colours that are a close match to the scene. However, with 19 other options available, there’s something to suit every mood, taste, scene and style. I love the muted, earthy tones of Classic Chrome, and the low saturation, high-contrast look of Eterna Bleach Bypass. Meanwhile, Acros delivers very nice monochrome images straight from the camera.
Even in gloomy conditions when the sensitivity setting has to be pushed to ISO 1000 or higher, the autofocus system is fast and decisive. The subject detection is also effective and bonus when you need to be quick off the mark.
If you're handholding the X-M5 and shooting video, make sure that the Digital Image Stabilisation (DIS) is on. I made the mistake of not checking it and regret it. The optical stabilisation in the 15-45mm kit lens improves the footage a bit, but the DIS is transformative to the point of being essential.
I shot some footage in blustery conditions and while the wind noise is very evident, it's not as bad as I have experienced with some other cameras. That said, I'd use an external mic and wind muffler in anything less than wind-free conditions.
The Q button on the Fujifilm X-M5's top-plate is used to access the customisable Quick menu. It's easy to fins with your finger when your looking at the rear screen.
Fujifilm X-M5 Sample Images
These images were captured using a final-production sample Fujifilm X-M5.
Image credit: Angela Nicholson. The Fujifilm X-M5 has captured a very respectable amount of detail in this ISO 12,800 image.
Camera: Fujifilm X-M5, Lens: XC 15-45mm F3.5-5.6 OIS PZ, Exposure: 1/75 sec at F/14, ISO 12,800.
Image credit: Angela Nicholson. The Fujifilm X-M5’s Eye Detection was very useful when shooting these dancers, but it sometimes jumped to the people in the background and I had to return it to the desired target by tapping on the screen.
Camera: Fujifilm X-M5, Lens: XC 15-45mm F3.5-5.6 OIS PZ, Exposure: 1/80 sec at F/4.9, ISO 3,200.
Image credit: Angela Nicholson. While it’s not a natural partner for the XF 50-140mm F2.8 R LM OIS R lens, the larger maximum aperture and longer reach was useful for this shoot.
Camera: Fujifilm X-M5, Lens: XF 50-140mm F2.8 R LM OIS R, Exposure: 1/100 sec at F/2.8. ISO 4,000.
Image credit: Angela Nicholson. It’s easier to balance the X-M5 and shoot without a viewfinder when the XC 15-45mm F3.5-5.6 OIS PZ lens is mounted rather than the longer XF 50-140mm F2.8 R LM OIS R.
Camera: Fujifilm X-M5, Lens: XC 15-45mm F3.5-5.6 OIS PZ, Exposure: 1/80 sec at F/4.5, ISO 2,000.
Image credit: Angela Nicholson. The Acros Film Simulation Mode produces some nice results directly from the camera although I would give this shot a slight boost to the contrast and brighten the highlights.
Camera: Fujifilm X-M5, Lens: XF 50-140mm F2.8 R LM OIS R, Exposure: 1/200 sec at F/2.8. ISO 4,000.
Image credit: Angela Nicholson. Using the Velvia/Vivid Film Simulation Mode gave the colours in this early morning sky a nice boost.
Camera: Fujifilm X-M5, Lens: XC 15-45mm F3.5-5.6 OIS PZ, Exposure: 1/100 sec at F/9, ISO 1,000.
Image credit: Angela Nicholson. I dialled in 2/3-EV positive exposure compensation to brighten this image before pressing the shutter release.
Camera: Fujifilm X-M5, Lens: XC 15-45mm F3.5-5.6 OIS PZ, Exposure: 1/100 sec at F/5.6, ISO 320.
Image credit: Angela Nicholson. This is the edited raw file of the image above - I have brought out more detail in the dark woodwork.
Camera: Fujifilm X-M5, Lens: XC 15-45mm F3.5-5.6 OIS PZ, Exposure: 1/100 sec at F/5.6, ISO 320.
These images were captured using a Fujifilm X-M5 with non-final firmware so image quality may vary from that produced with final firmware.
Image credit: Angela Nicholson. The Fujifilm X-M5's Face/Eye detection is very useful for capturing spontaneous moments like this.
Camera: Fujifilm X-M5, Lens: XC 15-45mm F3.5-5.6 OIS PZ, Exposure: 1/100 sec at F/3.5, ISO 320.
The Fujifilm X-M5 is very small and discrete, which is useful for street photography.
Camera: Fujifilm X-M5, Lens: XC 15-45mm F3.5-5.6 OIS PZ, Exposure: 1/100 sec at F/3.5, ISO 1000.
The flippy screen is useful for vloggie and shooting selfies. Again, the Face/Eye detection takes care of teh focusing.
Camera: Fujifilm X-M5, Lens: XC 15-45mm F3.5-5.6 OIS PZ, Exposure: 1/100 sec at F/3.5, ISO 320.
The Across Film Simulation mode produces some please monochrome images.
Camera: Fujifilm X-M5, Lens: XC 15-45mm F3.5-5.6 OIS PZ, Exposure: 1/100 sec at F/5, ISO 640.
The multiple exposure setting can be activated quickly via the drive mode settings which are accessed with a press of a button.
Camera: Fujifilm X-M5, Lens: XC 15-45mm F3.5-5.6 OIS PZ, Exposure: 1/140 sec at F/5.5, ISO 1600.
The Face/Eye detection does a good job of detecting the subject from a distance and sticky with it as you compose the shoot and shoot.
Camera: Fujifilm X-M5, Lens: XC 15-45mm F3.5-5.6 OIS PZ, Exposure: 1/220 sec at F/3.5, ISO 160.
Verdict
With its compact size, APS-C format sensor, refined handling and an array of advanced features, the Fujifilm X-M5 is a capable and attractive camera for some photographers and content creators alike. Its blend of stills and video functionality, combined with user-friendly features like direct file transfer and a Vlog mode, and its excellent image quality, make it an appealing choice, especially given its competitive starting price.
Doubtless, its lack of a viewfinder is a stumbling block for some, and others may wish for in-body image stabilisation, but the X-M5 offers plenty of creative possibilities for those looking to step up their photography or video game. Those moving up from a smartphone are likely to be unphased by not having a viewfinder, but experienced photographers wishing for a small, light camera to carry everywhere may think twice. While having that second thought, if you can stomach the £500 / $600 price difference, take a look at the Fujifilm X-T50 which at 123.8 x 84 x4 8.8 mm and 438g is still very small and light but has a 40Mp sensor and a viewfinder albeit at greater cost. If the X-T50 is too pricy, the 26MP X-T30 II is still available and has plenty to offer.
