Fujifilm Extends APS-C Lineup

2024.10.14

On October 14th, Fujifilm released several new products that add to its X-mount APS-C mirrorless platform. One new camera and two new lenses were added. Two of the products launched bring new features to the family.

First up, the new Fujifilm X-M5 is now the smallest and cheapest mirrorless in the Fujifilm X-series. This model still packs a good amount of advanced features plus introduces several unique ones. The camera is built around the previous generation 26 MP X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor which is one of the best performing and balanced crop sensor every made. It captures rich detail without falling prone to moire, captures a very wide dynamic-range and has an amazing throughput. This sensor is paired with an X Processor 5 which allows this camera to record 6.2K (6420x4160) video at 30 FPS in addition to Cinema 4K and 4K Ultra HD at 60 FPS and up to 240 FPS for resolutions of Cinema HD and Full HD.

This highly compact mirrorless introduces a triple microphone configuration which switches between front, read and surround audio capture. The body manages to fit dual control-dials, plus a Mode Dial and Film Simulation Dial. There is a hot shoe but no built-in flash. At this price-point, it is common for digital cameras not to be weatherproof. The major and serious omission is that the Fujifilm X-M5 lacks a viewfinder and does not provide any way to add one. Another disappointingly missing feature is built-in image-stabilization. This surely allowed Fujifilm to keep the size and weight down at 355g. This camera is scheduled to ship next month for $800 USD or $1080 CAD.

Next is a refreshed version of one of the most versatile APS-C zoom lenses around. The new Fujifilm Fujinon XF16-55mm F/2.8R LM OIS WR II promisses to match the image-quality of its predecessor while being 37% lighter and 37% less bulky, by volume. This lens adds an aperture-ring declick feature too. The Fujifilm XF16-55mm F/2.8R WR OIS II is scheduled to ship in December for $1200 USD or $1620 CAD.

Lastly, a new super-telephoto lens provides the longest reach yet native to the X-mount. The Fujifilm XF500mm F/5.6L LM OIS WR is an ultra-telephoto lens equivalent to 750mm on Full-Frame. Its F/5.6 maximum aperture is the maximum possible for this focal-length without making it enormous. In fact, this new lens is among the most compact to offer such incredible reach.

This premium lens is both weatherproof and freezeproof down to -10C. It comes with a wide array of features including preset focus, focus limiting and focus control. It packs an optical image-stabilization system effective to 5½ stops. Despite all this, Fujifilm is releasing this lens at a good price of its performance. It ships in December for $3000 USD or $4050 CAD.

• Digital Camera
• Lens