Fujifilm Unveils X-T5 Camera and XF30mm Lens

2022.11.02

Fujifilm expanded the X-system today with the addition of a new mirrorless digital camera and compatible macro lens. These join a highly successful lineup of APS-C cameras and lenses that is pushing the limits of the format.

First up is the Fujifilm X-T5 which is the newest member to lead the high-end X-T series. Unlike previous models, the new X-T5 does not take the flagship position among X-system cameras which is now occupied by the hybrid Fujifilm X-H2. Instead, the X-T5 introduced today is a model that more focused on photography while saving a good 20% of the weight at the expense of video capabilities, plus a few extra features.

The Fujifilm X-T5 boasts a 40 Megapixels X-Trans CMOS 5 HR sensor. The same one that debuted in the X-H2 and currently the highest -resolution APS-C sensor around. Its has a standard ISO 125-12800 sensitivity range which expands to ISO 64-51200. A hybrid shutter reaches a maximum mechanical speed of 1/8000s and a limit of 1/180,000s, the fastest speed of any digital camera on the market. As other high-end Fujifilm mirrorless, this one can reach timed exposures of 900s and can capture up to one hour in Bulb mode. The 40 MP APS-C sensor is mounted on a 5-axis image-stabilization system which corrects for up to 7-stops of shake, which is close to the maximum performance among all cameras and is best-in-class for APS-C models.

The feature-set of the Fujifilm X-T5 is quite rich. On top of expected Full-Manual controls, including choice of four metering modes, custom white-balance and extensive image processing features, its Drive-Modes are extensive with HDR capture, Time-Lapse, Interval-Timer, Multiple-Exposure, Sweeping Panorama and bracketing modes for exposure, up to 9 frames no less, ISO, Dynamic-Range, White-Balance, Film Simulation and Focus! The X-T5 can capture full-resolution images at 13 FPS and a 1.3X crop at up to 20 FPS. The throughput of the X-Process 4 inside the X-T5 allows it to record 163 JPEG images or 56 RAW files at 40 MP and 168 JPEG or 72 RAW at 20 FPS. When capturing 1.3X crop images at 13 FPS, this camera can grab over 1000 JPEG images in a burst.

This exceptionally light professional-level mirrorless weighs just 557g while being fully weatherproof and even freezeproof to -10C. It is more compact than its predecessor and notably smaller than the X-H2 despite having dual control-dials, a focusing joystick plus dedicated dials for Shutter-Speed, ISO, Exposure-Compensation and Drive Mode. Fujifilm improved magnification of the EVF to 0.8X which is very nice, while keeping a good 3.7 MP of resolution, 100% coverage and an essential Eye-Start Sensor.

Compared to the flagship Fujifilm X-H2, the new X-T5 gives up 8K video capture which requires more powerful processing and substantially more throughput. Still, this new camera can capture 6.2K video at 30 FPS which is also possible for 4K and Cinema 4K recording. The output can be compressed as 10-bit 4:2:2 or sent as a 12-bit RAW stream over HDMI. With resolution lowered to Full-HD, the X-T5 reaches a frame-rate of 240 FPS. One advantage of the X-T5 is that it sports dual SDXC UHS-II memory card slots for symmetric storage.

Fujifilm expects to release the camera this month for $1700 USD or $2300 CAD. This will certainly be a highly popular digital camera. Amazon, Adorama and B&H Photo are all setup to accept pre-orders.

Together with the launch of the X-T5, Fujifilm also launched the Fujinon XF30mm F/2.8R LM WR Macro lens. It is a highly compact macro lens with a short focal-length. It joins the Fujifilm XF80mm F/2.8R LM OIS Macro as the second true macro in the lineup. An intermediate 60mm model offers 0.5X magnification but the new 30mm and 80mm lenses both reach 1X magnification.

The Fujifilm XF30mm F/2.8R LM WR Macro can focus down to 10cm from the focal-plane and weighs just 195g, making it one of the lightest macro lenses on the market. Even tough it is quite light and compact, Fujifilm made this lens both weatherproof and freezeproof to match their high-end mirrorless digital cameras.

This is is expected to ship towards the end of this month for $600 USD or $810 CAD. Adorama and B&H Photo take pre-orders already.

• Digital Camera
• Lens