Fujifilm has made a significant move in the camera market by launching the X-M5, its first sub-$1,000 camera in over a decade, priced at $799. This camera aims to cater to budget-conscious photographers and vloggers looking for an upgrade from smartphone photography.
To achieve this competitive price point, Fujifilm has made some sacrifices, most notably omitting a viewfinder (EVF). However, the X-M5 features the latest 26-megapixel X-Trans 4 CMOS sensor and offers respectable video capabilities, making it an appealing option for entry-level enthusiasts.
The X-M5 is designed to be user-friendly despite lacking a viewfinder. It includes front and back control dials, alongside a top-setting dial that introduces a new “Vlog” mode.
Additionally, it retains the film simulation dial found on the X-T50, which can help users create vibrant images straight out of the camera. This setup aligns well with the needs of social media users and content creators, who often prioritize ease of use and rapid output.
For vloggers, the X-M5 includes a fully articulating 3-inch touchscreen display with 1.04 million dots, ensuring visibility in various lighting conditions. The camera’s layout places the 3.5mm microphone input on the rear and the headphone port on the right side, which helps avoid cable interference when the screen is flipped out.
The inclusion of features such as a “portrait enhancer,” background defocus, and product priority highlights Fujifilm’s effort to attract vloggers, similar to the offerings from other popular brands like Sony.
While the X-M5 may not compete with sports cameras, it does offer respectable shooting capabilities, including 8 frames per second (fps) bursts with the mechanical shutter and an impressive 20 fps in electronic mode.
Its video features are robust, including 6.2K open gate capture, 4K 60p, and Full HD at up to 240 fps. However, there are some limitations, such as the lack of in-body stabilization, resulting in reliance on lens stabilization or electronic stabilization, which does incur cropping.
Fujifilm has strategically positioned the X-M5 as an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers, particularly in light of its recent release of the X-T50 at a higher price point.
With pre-sales starting at $799, Fujifilm has also introduced two new lenses: a 16-55mm f/2.8 lens priced at $1,199 and an XF500mm f/5.6 super telephoto lens priced at $2,999. This pricing strategy suggests Fujifilm’s intention to capture a wider audience while providing various options for serious photography enthusiasts.
