Fujifilm X-T5 Review: My Year-Long Experience
Introduction
I have used almost every Fujifilm camera as a professional documentary wedding photographer, and Family Photographer. And I’ve been using the Fujifilm X-T5 for around a year now. With its fusion of classic design and advanced technology, this camera stands out for wedding and street photography, in my opinion. In my experience, it combines the best of its predecessors while introducing new features that elevate photography. In this post, I will share why the X-T5 has become my camera of choice for my work and how it compares to other models like the X-T4, X-H2, and X-H2S.
Design and Ergonomics
The design of the X-T5 is something I've come to appreciate deeply. It's a return to the more compact form factor of the X-T3, which I find ideal for my street and wedding photography work. The tactile dials and buttons are thoughtfully placed for intuitive access, allowing me to adjust settings without losing focus on my subject. This aspect is a subtle but significant improvement over the X-T4, which had a slightly bulkier build, making the X-T5 more comfortable for prolonged use.
Compared to the X-H2 and X-H2S, the X-T5 retains a more classic style, which I find less intimidating for subjects, a crucial factor in candid photography. The grip, button layout, and overall ergonomics of the X-T5 feel more refined, catering to a seamless shooting experience. The ability to have the focus switch at my fingertips is the very reason I sold my X-H2S as soon as the X-T5 was available.
A note on the editing of these images
These images were edited with my November 2023 release - Film Edition 3—a comprehensive set of advanced Lightroom Profiles, Presets and AI Utilities.
Key Features and Performance
Sensor
The heart of the X-T5 is its 40.2MP X-Trans CMOS sensor. This high-resolution sensor is a significant leap from the 26.1MP sensor of the X-T4. The increased resolution allows for capturing finer details, which is paramount in wedding photography, where every detail matters, from the intricate patterns on a wedding dress to the subtle emotions in candid moments.
In contrast, the X-H2 also sports a 40MP sensor but with a different focus on high-resolution needs, while the X-H2S leans more towards speed with a 26.1MP sensor. For my work, the X-T5 perfectly balances resolution and speed.
Autofocus
The autofocus system of the X-T5, with its improved speed and accuracy, is a step up from the X-T4. This is especially noticeable in low-light conditions and when tracking moving subjects - a common scenario in wedding receptions and streets. The X-T5's AF system is comparable to the X-H2 and X-H2S, but I find its implementation more intuitive for spontaneous photography I often engage in.
Image Stabilization
The In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS) in the X-T5 offers 6.5 stops of shake reduction. This feature has been invaluable for me, allowing for handheld shooting in low light without compromising image sharpness - a frequent situation in wedding venues. The X-H2 and X-H2S have similar IBIS capabilities, but the lighter body of the X-T5 makes it more agile for handheld use.
An entire wedding photographed on two Fujifilm X-T5s
Click play on the video below for an entire wedding photofilm. Shot on two X-T5s. One with the 56mm F1.2 Lens and the other with the 18mm F1.4
Battery Life
Battery life is crucial for my work, and here, the X-T5 performs admirably, with a similar performance to the X-T4. However, compared to the X-H2 and X-H2S, the X-T5 offers a more balanced energy consumption, essential during long wedding shoots or extended day-long street photography sessions. I very rarely need more than one battery for a ten-hour day.
Lens Compatibility and Recommendations
Fujifilm's lens ecosystem is rich and diverse, and the X-T5's improved AF system enhances the performance of these lenses. For wedding photography, the Fujifilm 56mm F1.2 R WR and the Fujifilm 18mm F1.4 R LM WR are my go-to lenses for their exceptional low-light performance and beautiful bokeh, essential for capturing the romantic ambience of weddings. For street photography, if I’m not using my X100V, I rely on the 18mm for its wide-angle view and fast aperture, allowing me to capture the essence of the streets.
I’ve also recently been using the Viltrox AF 27mm F1.2 XF PRO, which I’m taken with. I’ll be blogging about that soon.
Compared to the X-T4, the X-T5’s higher resolution sensor makes these lenses shine even more, bringing out the sharpness and clarity in each shot. Compared to the X-H2 and X-H2S, the X-T5’s smaller form factor makes it more suitable for the fast-paced and unobtrusive style required in street and wedding photography.
Advanced Settings and Customization
The X-T5 offers extensive customization options, allowing me to tailor the camera to my specific needs. I've set up custom profiles for different lighting conditions – one for the soft, diffused light of wedding venues and another for the harsh, contrasting light often encountered on the streets.
The Bracketing features are more advanced in the X-T5 than the X-T4 also. This is particularly useful in street photography, where capturing the perfect moment with sharp focus is non-negotiable.
In comparison to the X-H2 and X-H2S, the X-T5’s custom settings are more accessible, a feature that I find invaluable when needing to switch settings quickly in dynamic environments.
Maximizing Video Capabilities
I’ve used the X-T5 for YouTube videos and family work. I don’t shoot videos at weddings. However, the X-T5's video capabilities are a significant upgrade from the X-T4. The ability to shoot in 6.2K at 30fps and 4K at 60fps has changed my approach to YouTube, offering higher resolution and frame rate options for capturing every detail. The F-Log2 capture extends the dynamic range, crucial for post-production colour grading.
While the X-H2 and X-H2S also offer robust video capabilities, the X-T5’s compact form makes it more versatile for the on-the-go style of shooting that wedding and street photography often demand.
Software and Post-Processing
The RAW files from the X-T5, with their improved dynamic range and colour profiles, offer more flexibility in post-processing. I find Adobe Lightroom to be particularly effective for Fujifilm files, bringing out the best in my wedding and street photography work. Other people prefer Capture One. The X-T5's files provide more detail and latitude for editing than the X-T4 and are on par with the high-resolution files from the X-H2.
User Tips and Tricks
One feature I frequently use is the silent shooting mode during weddings, which allows me to capture intimate moments without drawing attention. The zone focusing technique is invaluable for street photography, and the X-T5’s focus peaking feature makes this technique even more effective.
Conclusion
Transitioning to the Fujifilm X-T5 has been a significant step for me as a professional wedding photographer. Its balance of high resolution, advanced autofocus, and video capabilities, along with its compact form, make it an ideal tool for wedding and street photography. The X-T5 stands out not only against its predecessors, like the X-T4, but also holds its own compared to the X-H2 and X-H2S.
