X-M5: Fujifilm finally resurrects its entry-level miniature hybrid

Finally ! Eleven after the first and only member of the XM family was launched, Fujifilm is launching a successor to its X-M1 logically called… X-M5. Five, like the generation of the processor that powers it, even if its sensor is… fourth generation. Complicated ? We'll explain it to you.

The X-M5 announced today is therefore an XM, comprising the smallest of the cameras to integrate Fujifilm's in-house X-Trans sensor – unlike the Launched in 2013, the first X-M1 had no replacement. Moreover, the entire entry level was left fallow, since neither the X-A7 (2019), nor the X-A20) 2018), nor the X-T200 (2020) have not been replaced.

Fujifilm has indeed created a new range of bodies – the X-S10 and X-S20. But they are bigger and heavier, and both come with a viewfinder. The X-M5 proposal is that of a compact body, weighing only 355 g with the battery and memory card. Without a viewfinder, but equipped with the valuable Fujifilm X-Trans 4 sensor and a 5th generation processor, it promises excellent image quality in a super compact format.

A 4th generation sensor to compensate for the lack of stabilization

As with the X-S20, the X-M5 skips the 40 Mpx X-Trans 5 HR sensor. In addition to cost reasons, this absence in favor of a 26 Mpx X-Trans 4 sensor is also partly explained by the absence of mechanical stabilization of the sensor within the X-M5. Absence which is justified not only for reasons of costs, compactness and… Heat dissipation. The X-M5 being indeed very capable in video, heat dissipation was, for Fujifilm, more important than stab. The more defined a sensor, the more noticeable the camera shake: the choice of a 26 Mpx sensor makes sense.

Nitpickers might point out that there is also a 26MP sensor in Fujifilm's 5th generation, the X-Trans 5 HS, HS meaning high speed (high speed). To which we will argue that this sensor costs even more than the 40 Mpx version. So that was not an option.

Latest generation film renderings and a joystick

In photo use, the X-M5 has a major advantage: its 5th generation X-Processor allows it to have all the film renderings of more high-end cameras. Along with the classics Velvia, Astia and other Classic Chrome, the X-M5 can also produce JPEGs in Eterna or REALA ACE.
In addition to the focusing algorithms of the X-Processor 5 (superior to version 4), these JPEG renderings are far from being anecdotal for such an entry-level box. They are the possibility for a novice public to offer beautiful color renderings with character without going through the PC development box.

And the other good news is that Fujifilm has integrated a wheel allowing you to switch between several emulsions – some fixed, others programmable.

Finally, we note the presence of a joystick. If Fujifilm's very sharp joystick is not the most comfortable on the market, it has the merit of being there when it was already there on many previous devices.

Vlogging in the spotlight

Burst performance is therefore not at the level of more expensive boxes, but it is still very respectable. The mechanical burst is limited to 8 fps (52 consecutive images in compressed RAW + JPEG) and it even goes up to 20 fps in electronic shutter (34 consecutive images in compressed RAW + JPEG). It is also worth noting the crop modes at 30/20/10 fps.

If the X-M5 represents Fujifilm's entry level in terms of hybrids, there is one segment where it is far from being at a discount: video. If the absence of mechanical stabilization of the sensor can be a limitation – and will encourage the preference for lenses with optical stabilization (OIS) – the technical sheet is rather attractive. On the one hand, improved electronic stabilization is included – for a fairly significant crop of x1.32, but that's already it.

Then, with 6.2K full-sensor recording (we speak of open-gate in the jargon). But not only that. Via the Micro HDMI socket (Type D), you can connect an external recorder and benefit from BlackMagic RAW video format and Apple ProRes. On the internal recording side, we are entitled to 6.2K open gate, as well as 4K-DCI.
Even the sound has been pampered with three microphones, including two cardioids and one bidirectional. And if that's not enough, in addition to the headphone jack housed on one side of the device, Fujifilm engineers made room on the rear/top of the device to add a microphone jack – yes, at 3.5 mm jack format.

Even better, Fujifilm has thought of serious vloggers for video recording times. At 25°C, there is no problem with heating and the box will be able to capture more than an hour of video without pause. But at 40°C, to exceed 20 minutes of recording (4K or others), the box has been made compatible with the (very expensive) Fan-001 fan. An optional device which still costs €199, but which will allow you to exceed the recording time in 4K at 40°C in Abu Dhabi. With global warming, it makes sense!

Final vlogging points: a suitable touchscreen interface and a vertical framing option… Horizontal! On the one hand, the touch controls have been adapted to quickly access video options – microphone settings, priority for product tracking, generation of background blur, etc.
But in addition we note a 9:16 mode which allows you to obtain a vertical framing adapted to the smartphone formats of social networks. A mode which is accessible when the device is held horizontally and which consists of cropping.

Price and availability

Available during the month of November, the X-M5 therefore becomes the gateway to the world of Fujifilm X hybrids with an X-Trans sensor, since the bare body will be launched at €899, in black or silver version.

The kit including the X-M5 and the Fujiinon XC15-45mmF3.5-5.6 OIS PZ will be launched at €999. A lens with average optical qualities, but which is at the same time light (135 g), compact, optically stabilized and equipped with an electric motor zoom suitable for video.