Fujifilm is making waves again in the camera industry, launching its first sub-$1,000 camera in years with the Fujifilm X-M5. At a budget-friendly price of $799, this camera is designed to cater to both aspiring photographers and vloggers who want to upgrade from smartphones without breaking the bank. The X-M5 revives the long-dormant “M” branding, which hasn’t been seen since 2013 and brings a host of modern features to the table.
A Compact Powerhouse: The New 26-Megapixel X-Trans 4 CMOS Sensor
Despite a lower price point, the X-M5 doesn’t compromise on image quality. It features Fujifilm’s 26-megapixel X-Trans 4 CMOS sensor, the same found in their higher-end models, ensuring excellent colour accuracy and detail retention. This makes it a strong contender for photographers who prioritize image quality but don’t want to spend upwards of $1,000. Whether you’re capturing landscape photography or creating content for social media, the X-M5 delivers professional-grade results in a compact, budget-friendly package.
Streamlined for Vloggers: A Camera with Modern Video Features
One of the highlights of the Fujifilm X-M5 is its dedication to vlogging and content creation. The camera offers a 3-inch, fully articulating rear display with a resolution of 1.04 million dots. This touchscreen interface includes intuitive features tailored for vloggers, such as a portrait enhancer, background defocus, and a dedicated “Vlog Mode”. These settings make it easier than ever to create stunning, social-media-ready content right from the camera. Unlike many other entry-level cameras, the X-M5 boasts impressive video capabilities. It can record 6.2K open gate video in 3:2 format, along with 4K 60p and Full HD at up to 240 fps. While there is a minor crop in 4K and high-speed Full HD modes, it remains a powerful video tool in this price range.
Designed with Vloggers in Mind: Convenient Controls and Ports
Fujifilm has taken extra care in designing the X-M5’s layout to enhance the vlogging experience. It may lack an electronic viewfinder (EVF) to cut costs, but it compensates with thoughtful design elements. The headphone and microphone jacks are strategically placed—on the back and the right side, respectively—to avoid interference with the fully articulating screen. This avoids the frustration many vloggers experience when flipping out the display, only to have cables in the way.
Impressive Shooting Capabilities: Burst Modes for Action
While the X-M5 isn’t targeted at sports photography, it still performs remarkably well for fast-action shots. It can shoot up to 8 frames per second (fps) with the mechanical shutter, or an impressive 20 fps with the electronic shutter, all while maintaining continuous autofocus. For those quick, in-the-moment shots, the X-M5 can store up to 82 compressed RAW frames before the buffer fills, giving users plenty of room for burst shooting.
Video Stability: The One Key Trade-off
One area where Fujifilm made concessions to hit the sub-$1,000 price is with the exclusion of in-body stabilization (IBIS). While this might disappoint some users, the X-M5 still offers electronic stabilization with an added crop, depending on the mode. For example, in 4K 30fps, you’ll see a 1.32x crop, which increases to 1.44x in 4K 60fps. While it’s not perfect, the X-M5 is still capable of producing smooth, stable video for most vlogging scenarios, particularly with the right lens or gimbal.
A Budget-Friendly Option for Photographers and Content Creators
For many, the Fujifilm X-M5 will be a compelling option. Its competitive price, combined with excellent image and video quality, makes it an ideal choice for those transitioning from smartphones to a more powerful camera setup. With features like film simulation—a hallmark of Fujifilm cameras—content creators can experiment with retro-inspired filters without the need for external editing tools.
Fujifilm’s decision to release a more affordable camera like the X-M5 may be a direct response to concerns about its higher-end X-T50 model, which, at $500 more, left many wondering about the price jump. The X-M5 appears to be Fujifilm’s answer for budget-conscious buyers who still want access to premium features.
A Closer Look at New Lenses: Versatility for Every Photographer
Alongside the launch of the X-M5, Fujifilm also introduced two new lenses. The XF16-55mm f/2.8, priced at $1,199, offers a 24-70mm full-frame equivalent range, making it a versatile option for street photography, portraits, and general use. Meanwhile, for wildlife and sports enthusiasts, the XF500mm f/5.6 super-telephoto lens (equivalent to 750mm on full-frame) is now available for pre-order at $2,999. This lens is designed for those who need extra reach, whether they’re shooting birds or distant landscapes.
The release of the Fujifilm X-M5 marks a significant moment in the camera world. Not only does it provide budget-conscious photographers and vloggers a feature-rich option, but it also reintroduces the “M” branding after more than a decade. With its competitive price point, strong video and photo capabilities, and thoughtful design elements, the X-M5 is sure to appeal to creators looking for an upgrade from smartphones or basic cameras.
