I’ve now been a Fuji shooter since 2018 and during that 5 year period the cameras that I entered the system with, the X-E3 and X-T20, have served me well in almost every scenario I’ve used them in–from event coverage to fine art reproduction. However, those cameras are beginning to show their age, and because the X-T20’s hotshoe went down, I needed an extra body for scenarios where flash was a requirement. The X-T5 solves this issue for me, and with its 40 megapixel sensor, expands my options for output and post-processing.

Disclaimer:

If you’ve read any of my past reviews, you already know that I don’t bother with scientific testing. Not only am I not interested in those findings, I believe that, for the most part, in today’s world of photography, they are ultimately pointless. Any current camera (by Canon, Nikon, Sony, Olympus, Pentax/Ricoh, Fuji, Panasonic, or Leica) that you might buy will take great photos; it’s really as simple as that. When a “test” determines one current camera to be better than another current camera, it’s usually only a marginal gain, and never miles. This is why I encourage folks to buy a camera with the features they need (and will actually use), rather than buy into the “it slices, it dices” marketing. If you are already working in photography, then you know what those features are. If you are new to photography, join a camera club or head on down to your local camera store, and put a few models from different manufacturers in your hand–go with what feels good ergonomically, and I’m certain that you won’t be disappointed.

I don’t only offer this advice to others. I follow it myself, which is why I chose Fuji’s crop sensors for my personal work. What’s more, the differences in image quality between the 24 megapixel Fujis and the 40 megapixel ones are pretty negligible unless you are trying to print as large as possible. The main differences are to do with the progress of innovations within the camera’s processor and external body operation.

The X-T5 comes equipped with an upwards and downwards tilting screen (similar to the X-T20) that offers easy overhead, down low and waist level shooting, combined with a pan swing that extends this versatility to vertical orientation shooting (similar to the X-T3). It is easily the best Rear Lcd Functionality I’ve ever used.

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WHAT I LIKE

RESOLUTION AND DYNAMIC RANGE

A lot has been written about Fujifilm color rendering and this extends to the X-T5, though whereas cameras like the X-T1 offer a certain “look” (that many describe as ‘film like’), the X-T5 renders colors in a way that is more accurate to life. I think that this is partially due to the unprecedented resolution of the camera (for an APS-C camera) and what appears to be excellent dynamic range performance.

AUTOFOCUS

It is the internet’s favorite complaint against Fuji cameras, “The autofocus is just not that good.” Here’s the thing, I don’t doubt that some other manufacturers have better autofocus solutions, but whatever the weaknesses are in the Fuji system, I do not notice them with the X-T5. The camera finds and tracks eye movement perfectly well, which I’ve put to the test shooting events and kids sports. Frankly, I don’t know what you are shooting if this camera cannot get your subject in focus with repetition, and reliably so.

ERGONOMICS

It should be no surprise that the X-T series body design is a real winner. After all, this line really catapulted Fuji into the mainstream. I cannot emphasize enough how simple and satisfying it is to have the entire exposure triangle laid out externally. I’ve heard the argument that the DSLR front/back scroll wheels are faster and allow you to keep your eye in the viewfinder, but I disagree. Even after many many years of using the f/b scrolls on my Nikons, I would occasionally change the shutter speed when I meant to adjust the aperture. In addition, changing ISO was never fewer than two hand movements (more on entry bodies). I am far faster and make less mistakes on Fuji (your muscle memory understands immediately that aperture is on the lens, shutter is on the right and ISO is on the left–it’s a complete no brainer). Not to mention, having those settings visible and adjustable even when the camera is off, has made tripod shooting and predictive event photography (pre-programming the camera for a particular scene about to unfold) so much easier. Combined with the X-T5’s af improvements, wonderful rear LCD functionality, and size (this generation scales down from the X-T4’s bulk–very similar in size to the X-T1), this has been the best camera I’ve ever used in terms of ergonomics. It just disappears in use.

MY CRITICISMS

I have none, perhaps for the first time ever in a review. This camera answers all of of my needs and will no doubt serve me reliably for years to come. If I had to buy a camera to last me the rest of my life, this would be it–it is that good.

SUMMARY

The Fuji X-T5 has become the primary camera in my lineup and does everything that I need it to do better and faster than I need it to.

I would have no problems recommending this camera to any photographer in 2024, and at only $1700, it is a steal over similarly spec’d full frame offerings.

Gear used for product shots:

Fuji X-E3

Fuji 50mm f/2 WR lens