Fujifilm X-T5: 40 megapixel system camera in retro look presented

Fujifilm’s X-T series is one of the absolute top sellers in the DSLM segment. After the X-H2s and the X-H2 in September, the manufacturer has just introduced the latest edition of the system camera in retro look. The Fujifilm X-T5 comes with a 40-megapixel sensor.

Fujifilm X-T5: All info and details

Due to its sleek looks and control wheels, Fujifilm’s X-T series is highly regarded among photographers. They just announced the successor to the popular X-T4, the Fujifilm X-T5, which combines the strengths of the model series with the advantages of the XH2.

Inside, the same X-Trans CMOS 5 HR sensor is used as in the XH2. It has a particularly high resolution of 40.2 megapixels. Added to this is the new X-Processor 5, which ensures fast image processing. With an electronic shutter, 20 frames per second in series are possible, and with a mechanical shutter, 15 frames per second.

A further developed pixel structure results in a larger amount of light on the sensor, so that ISO 125 is now available as the standard sensitivity and no longer has to be selected via the extended ISO range.

The new APS-C sensor can also be driven with extreme precision, allowing ultra-short shutter speeds. For example, the fastest shutter speed of the electronic shutter has been increased by 2.5 EV steps from 1/32,000 sec to now 1/180,000 sec.

Strong image stabilizer, intelligent autofocus

The X-T5 also features built-in five-axis image stabilization over up to seven stops (EV). However, you have to do without the CFexpress card slot, but there are at least two SD card slots.

The new Fujifilm X-T5 replaces the somewhat outdated autofocus of the X-T4 with the excellent model of the XH2. Thus, the X-T5’s autofocus system offers object-oriented scene recognition based on artificial intelligence. Developed using Deep Learning technology, the algorithm not only detects and tracks people’s faces and eyes, but also reliably keeps animals, birds, cars, motorcycles, bicycles, airplanes and trains in focus.

The 40.2-megapixel X-Trans CMOS 5 HR has more phase-detection pixels than previous X-series image sensors, resulting in even more precise focusing in AF-S mode. In AF-C mode, a new AF algorithm also provides object movement prediction.

Let’s hope that the X-T5 is not affected by the autofocus problems that currently still plague the XH2.

Retro looks and classic controls

The Fujifilm X-T5 also continues the iconic retro look of the model line, and despite more power, it turns out lighter than its direct predecessor at 557 grams. On the top of the X-T5 there are the familiar three dials for shutter speed, ISO sensitivity and exposure compensation. Like the aperture ring on many XF lenses, they allow control of the most important exposure parameters even when the camera is switched off.

The new LCD monitor offers a resolution of 1.84 million pixels and swivels in three directions. The X-T5’s electronic viewfinder offers a high-resolution viewfinder image with 3.69 million pixels and 0.8x magnification.

Innovative functions, powerful video features

Like the XH2, the X-T5 features Pixel Shift Multi-Shot, in which the camera captures 20 high-resolution RAW images in succession, minimally shifting the sensor each time.

The resulting individual photos can be combined into a single image file with a resolution of 160 megapixels using the free “Pixel Shift Combiner” software. The camera also has the “Skin Effect Soft” function for a particularly attractive reproduction of skin tones.

In addition, there are of course the well-known and popular film simulations that are only available from Fujifilm – 19 in all. Photos can also be recorded in space-saving HEIF format, which also offers 10-bit color.

The X-T5 records video in 6.2K/30p 4:2:2 10-bit format. In 4K HQ mode, the camera draws on the detail of the 6.2K data during internal oversampling to generate a superior-quality 4K image. The X-T5 supports F-Log2, which provides an expanded dynamic range of more than 13 stops, offering further creative potential in video editing.

When combined with a compatible Atomos external HDMI recorder, 12-bit RAW video files can also be recorded and saved as Apple ProRes RAW*5 in 6.2K at frame rates up to 29.97 frames per second.

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Prices and Availability

The Fujifilm X-T5, like its predecessors, will be available for sale in silver and black. Sales start is November 17, 2022, starting at a recommended retail price of 1,999 euros for the pure camera body.

Alternatively, Fujifilm puts together two kits: The X-T5 + XF18-55mmF2.8-4 R LM OIS kit is priced at 2,399 euros, while the X-T5 + XF16-80mmF4 R OIS WR kit costs 2,499 euros. For more details, check out Fujifilm’s product website.

With the kit lenses, however, it’s probably important to keep in mind, as it was with the X-H2, that they don’t support the camera’s full 40.2 megapixels. While they are also compatible with the camera and deliver very good results, they are not part of the official catalog of lenses that can access the full potential of the sensor.