I moved over to Fujifilm seeking a more engaging shooting experience, physically and mentally. I’d shot on a near-perfect mirrorless system for years, and I felt disconnected from the process. I was moving too fast, and while I could have instated some self-discipline, I wanted something more radical to help me get back into the groove. Enter the Fujifilm X-T5 – modern mirrorless, with a completely tactile experience. This is what I was after. 

When I first picked up the Fujifilm X-T5, I was excited but also a bit skeptical. However, after several months of shooting with the X-T5, I can confidently say it has become a staple in my kit — and for good reason.

Right out of the box, the X-T5 feels like a well-crafted tool. It’s compact yet robust, and it invites you to pick it up and shoot. With some pretty minimal setup, you’re away sailing pretty quickly. 

Image Quality

The 40-megapixel sensor is a game-changer, and the fact it’s shared across a range of the latest Fujifilm cameras means it’s easier than ever to match colours and looks across bodies. The detail and dynamic range are phenomenal. Somehow, highlights seem even more recoverable than on full frame mirrorless cameras I was used to shooting – but I’ve done no scientific tests to back this up. Fujifilm is lauded for their incredible colour science, and that shines through every image, whether processed in-camera with film simulations or raws edited in Lightroom. 

Autofocus

This is where I had some reservations – while I wanted a slower experience, I wasn’t quite sure how that would pan out in reality.. The system is fast and reliable for most situations, but in chaotic environments—think bustling weddings or energetic events — it (me, really) sometimes misses the mark. Still, for the majority of my shoots, the autofocus is more than adequate, especially when I can anticipate the action. The X-T5 is my dedicated dancefloor camera, and it does a great job at picking up and locking onto faces.

A sleeper hybrid camera

While clearly designed to be a photographer’s camera, the X-T5 is no slouch with video. With a flick of a switch, the X-T5 bounces between photo and video modes, and holds settings memory between the two so you’re always starting where you last left off. 10bit, F-log2 is a great log colour space for video, and grades very nicely, as it does on the more video-centric X-H2 and X-H2S bodies. I’ve found the lack of a physical custom shooting mode dial frustrating at times, but this can easily be set up in the quick menu, so perhaps it’s not a big deal.

All day ergonomics

I don’t often think about ergonomics, unless they’re horrible. So to be able to shoot a camera all day without issue is really a testament to very well considered ergonomics. Now, they’re okay out of the box, but they’re massively improved (for me) with the addition of an arca plate grip extension – I chose one from Smallrig, but I’m sure there are many on offer. This gives me just enough space to rest my pinky at the bottom of the camera, and gives me a bit more leverage via the front grip extension to hold the camera comfortably with no strap.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the X-T5 is a powerhouse that rewards those willing to invest time in learning its ins and outs. Is it perfect? No, but it’s incredibly close. For me, it’s a camera that inspires creativity and invites exploration. If you’re a photographer looking for your spark again, the X-T5 won’t simply hand it over – but it’ll be right there beside you as you rediscover it.