If You Can Afford It, the New Fujifilm X-E5 Is a Sweet Ride

At $1,899 with Lens, It Goes Anywhere You Want to Explore

Fujifilm was careful not to cannibalize its wildly popular X100VI. And even though the new X-E5 is about the same size, and now with a similar lens, there are some differences.

The X-E5 EVF is a 2.36-million-dot unit compared to the X100VI’s 3.69-million-dot display, and it isn’t a hybrid optical. There’s no weather sealing for the camera, although the new 23mm f/2.8 lens is a WR model. The X-E5 also does not include the built-in ND function. The X100VI currently sells for $1,599 compared to $1,899 for the X-E5 kit with 23mm lens (which is f/2.8 compared to f/2.0).

OK. So that’s all the bad news I can muster. Now let’s look at the specs.

• Resolution -  40.2 million pixels.

• Sensor - 23.5mm x 15.7mm, X-Trans CMOS 5 HR with primary color filter, producing an image size of 7728 x 5152.

• In-Body Image Stabilization - Up to 7.0 stops in center, 6.0 stops at periphery.

• Monitor -  3-inch, two-way tilting touchscreen color LCD monitor, approximately 1.04 million dots. Also flips all the way up for selfie photography.

• Focusing -  Intelligent Hybrid AF (TTL contrast AF / TTL phase detection AF) with single, continuous, or manual options.

• Digital Tele-Converter - 1.4X, 2.0X (made possible by 40 MP sensor).

• Video -  6.2K (16:9) (6240x3510)/29.97p at up to 200Mbps.

• ISO Range -  ISO125~12,800 (1/3 step).

• Metering System - TTL 256-zone with multi, spot, average & center-weighted options.

• Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB-C, HDMI (Type D), 3.5mm microphone and remote release and hot shoe.

• Shutter Speeds - 15 min–1/4000 sec (mechanical), 15 min–1/180,000 sec (electronic).

• Storage Media - SD (-2GB), SDHC (-32GB), SDXC cards (-2TB) or SSD (-2TB) with support for UHS-I, UHS-II and Video Speed Class V90.

• Continuous Shooting - Approx 8fps when using mechanical shutter at full resolution, approx 13fps when using electronic shutter at full resolution.

• Dimensions -  (WxHxD) 124.9x72.9x39.1mm.

• Weight -  Approx. 445g (0.98lb) body only (including battery and card).

Plus, there’s some really fun stuff.

The FS Dial

The FS Dial is located on the left side of the top deck.

In addition to providing quick access to Fujifilm’s Film Simulation modes, the FS dial features three additional positions that allow users to create and save their own custom FS recipes to FS1, FS2, or FS3.

In the IQ menu, go to the Film Simulation Dial Setting, choose FS1, FS2, or FS3, then build a recipe with options such as Grain Effect, Smooth Skin, Clarity, Dynamic Range, White Balance, Monochrome Color, and more.

The dial on the back of the top deck allows for quick changes among stock film simulations and custom recipes.

Front Control Lever

The Control Lever is located on the front of the camera.

The multifunctional Control Lever on the front of the X-E5 looks simple, but provides a variety of functions.

A short press on the button and lever in one direction enables the Digital Teleconverter. In the other direction, it turns on Surround View, which displays a black, semi-transparent or outlined area outside the image, similar to a traditional optical viewfinder. Each of these has multiple options.

If you long-press the button, then you can change the Aspect Ratio, and the other way toggles on and off FS Recipes.

Classic Display Mode

Classic Display Mode in the EVF.

Inspired by retro film cameras, the new Classic Display mode (only available on the EVF) adds a simulated “match needle” metering indicator on the right side, traditional frame lines, and basic information at the bottom of the frame.

Contoured Grip

Contoured grip on the Fujifilm X-E5.

Even though we love the portability of compact cameras, they can be difficult to hold steady, especially for one-handed shooting. The X-E5 adds a contoured grip that’s the perfect size for stability without adding too much thickness to the body.

What’s the Bottom Line?

The X-E5 stacks up to be a fun camera that can take serious pictures.

At last, we have IBIS with up to seven stops of stabilization. This adds tremendous versatility to a camera designed to be on the go, and not necessarily mounted to a tripod.

The machined aluminum top plate has a premium feel. The tapered design on the rear of the plate enhances the metallic texture and improves the operability of the dials.

Then there are the little touches that Fujifilm is so good at. The Classic Display Mode complements its outstanding film simulations for a rich analog vibe. Being able to add our own recipes to the FS Dial is the creative flexibility that we’ve been waiting for.

And thanks to the 40 MP sensor, we can employ a digital teleconverter that extends the reach of the 35mm pancake lens with minimal sacrifice to quality.

As much as I like the new 23mm optic, being able to switch it out for other optics adds to the versatility of the X-E5, especially knowing that every lens will have the benefit of image stabilization.

All of this for $1,899. And if you have the budget for it, I doubt that you’ll regret your purchase.