In Brief: Fujifilm X-M5
Fujifilm revives its most compact range with the X-M5—an ultra-portable mirrorless camera missing an electronic viewfinder but loaded with potential. It offers creators access to Fuji’s renowned Film Simulations and advanced imaging performance, at a price pitched to entice smartphone users seeking a serious upgrade.
Pros
- Excellent image quality (26.1 MP X-Trans 4 sensor)
- Generous dynamic range
- 6.2K open-matte video mode
- Fast continuous shooting (up to 30 fps)
- Fully articulated touchscreen
- Dedicated vlog mode
- 20 Film Simulations on a handy dial
- Very compact and lightweight
- Three built-in mics plus microphone input
- Comprehensive connectivity (USB-C, HDMI, Wi-Fi)
Cons
- No in-body stabilisation (IBIS)
- No electronic viewfinder
- Handling varies with larger lenses
- Awkwardly placed Q (Quick Menu) button
Technical Specifications
- Model: Fujifilm X-M5
- Camera Type: Mirrorless (APS-C)
- Sensor Resolution: 26.1 MP X-Trans 4
- Stabilisation: Electronic only
- Video Resolution: Up to 6.2K
- Continuous Shooting: Up to 30 fps in electronic shutter mode
- Articulated Screen: Yes
- Weight (Body Only): ~307 g
This review was conducted with a unit loaned by Fujifilm.
Positioning: Bridging Smartphone and Expert Mirrorless
Aimed at smartphone users ready to step up to a more advanced camera, the Fujifilm X-M5 has no built-in viewfinder, yet carries a 26 MP X-Trans sensor paired with Fuji’s latest X-Processor 5. Its fully articulated screen, strong connectivity, and vertical 9:16 video support make it well-suited to vloggers and content creators.
By skipping in-body stabilisation and an electronic viewfinder, Fujifilm has kept the X-M5’s dimensions down and its cost appealing—ensuring it doesn’t overlap with higher-end models like the X-S20 or X-T50. Nonetheless, it inherits Fuji’s distinctive image quality and a host of modern features.
Design: Compact with a Few Compromises
Compact Handling
The X-M5’s minimal footprint makes it the smallest in Fujifilm’s X range. At 1.30 cm thick (body only) and just 307 g, it’s easy to slip into a bag. The grip feels secure, although comfort levels can vary, surprisingly, with lens size. Ironically, smaller kit lenses may feel less stable than a larger, heavier lens—where your left hand can support the barrel more comfortably.
Fully Articulated Screen
A key advancement over older Fuji compacts is the fully articulated touchscreen. Ideal for vloggers or creative angles, it flips around for selfies and folds away to protect the display. The mechanism is sturdy, though when the screen is swung out to the side, it’s slightly angled, and you may need some practice to avoid unintended camera tilts.
Minimalist Controls
True to Fujifilm’s ethos, the X-M5 combines heritage styling with modern practicality. On top, there’s a PASM dial, along with a separate Film Simulation dial. The Q (Quick Menu) button, placed on the top rather than the rear, can be slightly awkward to reach. Meanwhile, a front command dial and rear joystick allow for straightforward setting adjustments. Overall, the layout works well once you’ve spent some time getting used to it.
The XC 15-45mm: A Handy Starter Lens
Bundled in a kit for just €100 more than the body alone, Fuji’s XC 15-45mm f/3.5-5.6 OIS PZ lens offers a versatile focal range (23–69mm equivalent). It’s fully plastic and not super-bright, but the optical stabilisation helps in lower light. It’s surprisingly quiet in autofocus—though it emits some noise when zooming—and its wide-angle end focuses as close as 5 cm, which is convenient for vlogging or close-up detail shots.
Photo Quality: Classic X-Trans Delight
26 MP X-Trans 4 Sensor
Fujifilm’s 26.1 MP X-Trans 4 chip is well-proven across multiple models. Its unique colour filter array banishes moiré without relying on an optical low-pass filter, retaining fine detail. Dynamic range is excellent, and noise is handled gracefully up to ISO 6400. While Fuji’s newer 40 MP sensor is absent, this 26 MP design balances resolution, file size, and cost to deliver sharp, colour-rich images.
Great Dynamic Range
The X-M5 achieves around 14 stops of dynamic range in DR400 mode. This means strong detail retention in both highlights and shadows, aided by Fuji’s built-in DR modes, which can require raising the base ISO to 320 or 640. Even so, RAW files remain highly workable for post-production, making it versatile in challenging light.
20 Film Simulations
A signature Fujifilm trait, 20 Film Simulations replicate classic film looks from Velvia to Nostalgic Neg. This X-M5 sports a dedicated dial on top for quick selection. Each film mode is customisable for grain, hue, and tone. You can also apply different Film Simulations in-camera to RAW files after shooting or bracket multiple styles in one go.
Handling in the Field: A Mixed Impression
Adapting to No Viewfinder
Photographers used to looking through an EVF may initially find it odd composing everything via the rear screen. But if you’re accustomed to a smartphone, the approach feels natural. This portability-first design does compromise stability in bright light or fast-moving scenes, but for typical street, travel, or vlog shooting, it’s sufficient.
Missing IBIS
A major omission is in-body stabilisation (IBIS). While some lenses have OIS (optical image stabilisation), prime lenses and older zooms will rely on raising ISO or using faster shutter speeds. It’s a clear departure from Fuji’s more advanced lines, but keeps weight and cost down.
Respectable Autofocus
The hybrid AF system uses 425 phase-detection points across the frame. Face and eye detection is consistent for both stills and video, though it can falter with fast-moving animals or subjects. Nevertheless, the X-M5’s overall speed and reliability impress for a camera at this size and price.
Rapid Bursts
In electronic shutter mode, the X-M5 can shoot at up to 30 fps with a 1.29x crop, or 20 fps at full resolution. Switch to mechanical shutter for 7 fps if you want to avoid rolling-shutter effects. Despite the camera’s compact nature, it maintains a commendable buffer, especially when using fast SD cards and shooting JPEG.
Decent Battery Life
Relying on the NP-W126S battery, the X-M5 can reach around 330 shots per charge (CIPA standard) or about an hour of 4K video. Longer sessions might risk overheating, so the camera occasionally stops recording after 30 minutes in 4K. Charging is via USB-C, and you can power the camera while it’s in use.
Video: 6.2K and a Dedicated Vlog Mode
6.2K Open Matte
The X-M5 captures up to 6.2K video at 24p in a 3:2 aspect ratio. This extra resolution allows flexible cropping to 16:9 for YouTube or 9:16 for vertical platforms like TikTok, while retaining UHD quality in either orientation. For 4K/60p, it uses a standard 16:9 crop. The camera records 10-bit files with F-Log2 at up to 200 Mbps, enabling a broad scope in post-production, plus external RAW output via micro-HDMI for higher-end workflows.
Well-Designed Vlog Mode
A dedicated vlog mode is selected from the top dial. Once the screen flips forward, an interface tailored for vloggers appears, with easy access to face/eye detection, focus settings, and background-blur control. This seamless approach simplifies the process of self-filming, and the X-M5’s stable AF tracking suits content creators wanting an all-in-one solution.
Price and Release Date
The Fujifilm X-M5 is available in black or silver for €899 (body only) or €999 with the XC 15-45mm kit lens. That positions it below key rivals like the Sony ZV-E10 II (roughly €1,099 body only). Within Fuji’s own lineup, the X-T30 II has a similar sensor but features an EVF and built-in flash—though it lacks the newer processor’s improved AF and video specs.
Conclusion
Overall Rating: 8/10
Design (7/10)
Fujifilm’s smallest mirrorless body prioritises portability and a smartphone-style approach. While the lack of an EVF may frustrate purists, it helps keep things light. Comfort varies depending on lens choice.
Screen/Display (7/10)
A fully articulated touchscreen that’s bright, crisp, and responsive. The only drawback is its slight tilt when swung out to the side, which requires some getting used to.
Handling/Ergonomics (7/10)
Generally well laid out, with a dial for Film Simulations and a responsive joystick for AF point selection. The Q menu button’s position on the top might be awkward, but you can customise many controls.
Photo (9/10)
The 26.1 MP X-Trans 4 sensor delivers rich colours and a wide dynamic range. JPEG shooters will love the built-in Film Simulations, while RAW files are highly flexible. Lack of sensor stabilisation remains the main drawback for low-light shooting.
Video (10/10)
Up to 6.2K in a 3:2 open-matte format for re-framing in post, plus 4K/60p. The vlog mode is superbly intuitive. Additional perks include 10-bit F-Log2, HDMI RAW out, and strong AF face tracking—fantastic for creators at this price point.
Performance (9/10)
High-speed shooting of up to 30 fps in electronic shutter mode, with an efficient buffer and quick autofocus. The single biggest limitation is the missing IBIS for truly steady handheld shots.
Final Verdict
The X-M5 caters to content creators stepping up from smartphones, delivering Fuji’s classic image quality in a neat, modern design. Its vlog-friendly features—combined with excellent photo and video performance—could be a perfect match for solo creators. However, serious photographers may find the lack of an EVF and in-body stabilisation limiting, especially in challenging light or for fast action. As a stepping stone into Fujifilm’s ecosystem, the X-M5 is a highly appealing package with real creative potential.
