First Look: The Fujifilm X-T5

After months of online speculation and chatter, the Fujifilm X-T5 has finally landed. Thanks to our friends at Fujifilm, we were lucky enough to get our hands on a pre-production model for this exciting first look. Let’s get started.

Immediately upon handling, those familiar with the X-T3 or X-T4 will recognize the signature weather and dust resistance body of the X-T series. The X-T5 however, is more compact than both of the previous iterations in the series, coming in 50 grams lighter than the X-T4—saving you space and weight when it matters the most. 

The X-T5 also sees the reappearance of the X-T3’s three-way tilting screen that remains centered with the lens, which creates an easier shooting experience for those using a cage or tripod. Fans of the X-T4’s fully articulating screen: worry not. The Fujifilm  X-H series will still have you covered.

The most significant upgrade the X-T5 is bringing to the line is the new 40.2-Megapixel X-Trans CMOS 5 backside-illuminated sensor. This 14-megapixel improvement brings better resolution and low-light performance when compared to previous generations. Combine that with the 15 frames per second mechanical shutter, or 1/180,000 shutter speed via the electronic shutter and you’ll never be in a situation you can’t shoot.

If you’re needing extreme detail and perfect color accuracy, you can also use the pixel shift shooting mode, which uses stabilization to capture 20 individual frames that move the sensor by a fraction of a pixel to receive red, green, and blue data for every pixel position. The Fujifilm pixel shift combiner then layers these images to create a detail-packed 160-megapixel DNG file.

If you find yourself on the video side of the market, there are plenty of features to make the X-T5 your next favorite body. The X-T5 can externally record Apple Pro Res raw or Blackmagic raw files and gives you up to 13 stops of dynamic range with F-Log 2 as well as the opportunity to shoot in 6.2k and 10Bit 4:2:2 for better detail retention and accurate color.

For owners of previous X-T bodies looking to upgrade, Fujifilm has made the switch easy by allowing the X-T5 to use the same NP-W235 batteries as the X-T4. And if you’re like us and have been holding on to your vintage glass collection, you’ll be pleased to see how easy it is to adapt your favorite lenses to the X-T5. 

Speaking of lenses, Fujifilm is also releasing a new Fujinon XF30mm F2.8 R LM WR Macro lens to coincide with the X-T5 launch. This 1:1 magnification lens uses 11 elements in nine groups, including three aspherical elements and two ED elements to focus as close as 1.2 centimeters from glass to subject. 

The incredibly compact body design weighs in at just 195 grams and is barely bigger than the 50mm F/2. The housing is dust and weather-resistant, capable of operating at low temperatures for advanced practical usability. An inner focus system uses a linear motor drive to deliver fast, highly accurate focus in as little as 0.02 seconds.

A highly capable and visually beautiful entry into the Fujifilm product line, the X-T5 and XF30mm F/2.8  are sure to quickly climb to the top of your gear list. Check out our full first look video below to see more of this amazing kit and place your pre-order today to get your copy as soon as production is live.