Fujifilm’s X-T series of cameras are adored by millions of photographers worldwide thanks to their vintage looks and modern performance; however, there’s much more riding on the Fujifilm X-T5 than previous generations of the camera.
The Fujifilm X-H2S and the upcoming Fujifilm X-H2 put creators into a tizzy when they were announced in May. The Fujifilm X-H2S is a speedy powerhouse that packs a 26.1-megapixel stacked sensor with lightning-fast readout speeds and many video recording modes. These specs make it ideal for videographers and certain photographers.
The X-H2, on the other hand, won’t feature a stacked sensor. Still, it will feature a 40-megapixel back-side illuminated APS-C sensor geared more toward photographers needing high-resolution capabilities. So, with the X-H2S and X-H2 being flagship cameras for Fujifilm, where does this leave the X-T series? What exactly can we expect to see in the Fujifilm X-T5? Let’s talk about that.
Fujifilm X-T5 — What to expect
Before we dive into the Fujifilm X-T5, let me be clear by saying that everything written here is pure speculation as Fujifilm hasn’t released any concrete information about the Fujifilm X-T5. However, based on previous releases, I think I can come up with a pretty good guess as to what we can expect to see.
The X-T line from Fujifilm has never featured the company’s flagship cameras. Instead, Fujifilm themselves describe the X-T line as their mid-tier offerings. So, forget any expectations you might have had about the X-T5 being on par with the cameras from the X-H line. There will, of course, be some similarities, but the Fujifilm X-T5 will be nerfed in some way, shape or form. So, let’s break down what to expect.
Fujiflm X-T5 — Form factor
I don’t expect a radical departure from the vintage-inspired stylings of previous X-T cameras like the X-T4. The retro look and feel are what have charmed millions of photographers. While the X-H2S features a PSAM wheel (which Fujifilm fans loathe), I expect the Fujifilm X-T5 to retain all of the physical controls for shutter speed, ISO control, and exposure compensation. I will be shocked if Fujifilm deviates from the vintage style we know and love.
Perhaps the biggest question about the form factor will be if Fujifilm keeps the fully articulating screen that made its way into the X-T4 or if they will revert to a tilting LCD. We recently talked about both here. With the X-T5 being a middle-ground camera trying to appeal to everyone, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the fully articulating screen return. I expect the X-T5 will not look much different from the X-T4. The dial on the front which selects your focusing mode will likely be removed but otherwise, expect the Fujifilm X-T5 to look just like other cameras in the X-T series.
Tech specs
While the Fujifilm X-T5 will be the company’s mid-tier offering, it should still pack some impressive specs. The number one question will be, what sensor will it use? This is a tricky one. I could see Fujifilm using the 40-megapixel non-stacked sensor from the X-H2, or I can see them using a new 5th generation 26.1-megapixel non-stacked BSI X-Trans sensor.
The Fujifilm X-T5 won’t feature the stacked 26.1-megapixel sensor from the X-H2S. However, using the 40-megapixel sensor from the X-H2 could hamper sales of that product line. So I’m going to go out on a limb and say I think the Fujifilm X-T5 will use a yet-to-be-announced 5th generation 26.1-megapixel X-Trans sensor.
I fully expect the X-T5 to feature IBIS. I also hope there will be an improved 5.76m dot EVF. Still, realistically, it will likely be the same 3.69m dot EVF from the X-T4. For card slots, dual UHS-II capabilities should be plenty as there will be fewer video codecs that require the fast data recording that CFexpress provides.
I still expect the X-T5 to retain weather-sealing. The autofocus system should be similar to the 425-point offering from the X-H2S with enhancements such as AI object tracking. I also think there will be a less substantial list of video codecs. Improved battery life will also be welcomed, as will a refreshed menu system and more film simulations.
When to expect the Fujifilm X-T5
I wouldn’t expect to hear anything about the Fujifilm X-T5 from official channels until January or February 2023. The release date, I expect, will be in March 2023. Fujifilm will want to maximize the sales of the X-H2S and the X-H2 before bringing another well-respected camera series to market.
As far as pricing goes, the X-H2S has a price of $2,499. The X-H2 has not been priced, but I expect it to be roughly $2,199. The Fujifilm X-T series has always launched at prices between $1,500-$1,700. With the market being the way it is right now, I would not be shocked to see the Fujifilm X-T5 with a price between $1,799-$1,899. If there is one thing for sure, the hype around the Fujifilm X-T5 will be huge.
So, what do you want to see in the Fujifilm X-T5? Let us know in the comment section below.
XT-5 to expect: 36MP BSI. 5.76 EVF. Less emphasis on video. Gone the fully articulated screen for the function of vertical viewing without off axis. Less space taken up by IBIS, hence slimmer body. Faster AF for point and shoot shutter response. Same battery. 10 custom recipe choices. Same card slots, cards. Similar button layout, no PSAM!
Hello, for the X-T5, I would like a faster and more efficient autofocus, like the X-H2, improvement of the IBIS, that it keep its look and its wheels, a 26 mp sensor, and above all the return of the tilting LCD screen! And then in addition, ISOs at 50 and 64 … I was a fan of Kodachromes 64!
What you’ve just described is a slightly tweaked version of the X-T4 – which in turn is a slightly tweaked version of the XT3 so I hope its going to be a significant improvement offering the 40mpx BSI sensor and lower base ISO. I won’t bother with it otherwise.
Fully articulating screen is a video feature. Shooting from the hip with a discreet flip up screen is much preferred by the still photographer. It’s bothersome to have to look off to the side of the camera when it’s flipped out. The XH2s is intended to shoot video more than stills. And I would argue that there’s nothing mid-range about the XT line- unless held up against the 50R or 100s.
I don’t think the flip screen makes the photographer more conspicuous when shooting from the hip. I think most people notice when you are pointing a camera at them, I don’t think they start panicking when they see a flip screen. The xt is a great hybrid. The xh2 and xh2s are too expensive and don’t have manual controls. Also the new xh2s is worse than the xt4 as a hybrid, so why would any one want to upgrade?
If they target early 2023 I expect them to announce a third BSI 32MP sensor. It should have slightly faster readout speeds than the H2 sensor but lower resolution.
If they push it further away into end of 2023, they can get away with using the same H2 sensor without it hampering they sales of the H2.
Personally, I’m waiting for when that CMOS5 goodness comes to an x-e5 so that I can get the same small body and a better autofocus system.
My ideal update would be: more powerful processor, same sensor (so faster everything), more included film simulations, same flip screen, but perhaps slightly larger, better evf, 480fps video, higher and lower iso, all the new focus items and super fast and reliable. Wayyyyyy better ibis. In reality, I don’t think it will be very different, or it will be too expensive – New body colours, nostalgic neg, claimed improved focus and ibis, in reality it’ll be the same or worse.
Its high time we see in-built memory in X-T5, say 128G?
And higher resolution screen to match the high resolution sensor