It’s approaching two years since I purchased and began using the Fujifilm XT5. In this blog, I will provide a long-term review and update on my experience with this camera.

Disclaimers

Before proceeding, I would like to make a few disclaimers to ensure we’re on the same page. This camera was bought with my own money at full retail price, at the same time as everyone else. I have no relationship with Fujifilm, and they have no input on this or any other review. I am a travel photographer with a focus on street and city photography. I do not shoot sports, wildlife, weddings, events, or anything that typically pushes cameras to their limits. I do not baby my equipment, and this camera has been used in heavy rain, extreme hot/cold weather, and in dusty/sandy environments. Lastly, I’m not a technical gear reviewer – I’m a photographer. Therefore, this review is based on real-life usage, not on controlled experiments of every single feature and setting.

Build Quality

In my initial review of the camera, I was vocal about the perceived reduction in build quality. From a paint finish that feels thinner and more prone to scratching to the top dials that feel cheaper and more plasticky. After two years, this opinion hasn’t changed. Overall, the camera feels like a slight downgrade from the XT3 in terms of premium feel, and there is a noticeable difference between the XT5 and the flagship XH series. However, this is only noticeable if you have those cameras to compare to. If this is your only Fuji, you might think it’s totally fine. This isn’t a poorly built camera, and it’s certainly better than many others, but the slight reduction in quality is worth mentioning. The camera is particularly prone to scratching, especially in the black version. There are no squeaks, rattles, or other defects to report.

Reliability

This camera has been reliable, with no major issues to report. The only problem I had, which is incredibly common on XT cameras, is the clogging of the top dials with sand and dirt from everyday use. This results in the sub-dial underneath moving when you adjust the ISO or shutter speed. So, as you set your shutter speed, you may also inadvertently put the camera into video mode. I sent it back to Fuji, and they replaced the entire top panel under warranty. Other than that, I’ve had no issues, and the camera has been 100% reliable.

Buttons & Dials

The reason I keep coming back to the XT cameras is the engaging user experience. You feel more connected to the camera, with a wide selection of ways to adjust key settings. The top dials provide the most engaging way to shoot, while the front and rear dials can be programmed to give you a more traditional experience. The downside of the dials is that everything takes longer to adjust, and at times, they can slow you down. The rest of the button layout is good, and I’m glad they kept the dedicated focus switch as well as the D-Pad. If you’re coming from the XT2, XT3, or XT4, this camera will feel right at home.

XT5 User Guide

If you have an XT5 or are considering getting one, may I suggest picking up my XT5 User Guide. This booklet is designed to save you time and get your camera set up and ready to shoot as fast as possible. Also by buying these products, you’re supporting me and ensuring I keep the blog Ad-Free. Thank you.

Fujifilm XT5 Camera Guide

£18.00

Ergonomics

The XT5 has slightly shrunk in size compared to the XT4 and is closer to the proportions of the XT3. That said, the grip is pronounced enough to provide a good hold, unless you have particularly large hands. The body is best suited for smaller lenses, with the f2 primes feeling the most balanced. The latest f1.4 primes also feel fine; however, once you start using larger lenses, such as the f2.8 zooms, the camera becomes less comfortable to hold.

Image Quality

The image quality is excellent, but that could be said for all Fujifilm cameras from the last five years. The 40MP files offer more cropping ability while still maintaining decent noise performance. The camera has a wide range of JPEG settings to explore. I’ve shared a blog on those here. There’s not much else to say, so here are some of my favourite photos taken with the XT5.

Autofocus

Autofocus has been a somewhat contentious issue within the Fujifilm community. A few months ago, a significant update introduced touch track focus for video, but since then, there have been thousands of complaints that the system has worsened overall. From my experience, the camera works best with Fuji’s premium lenses featuring Linear Motors (LM). When paired with older lenses or those with inferior focus systems, the camera seems to struggle more with both photo and video. Specifically, on the XT5, I haven’t noticed a drop in AF performance for photos, although video hunting seems to occur a bit more frequently. Fujifilm has acknowledged the issues, and a fix is expected.

Other

The IBIS is an improvement over the XT4 system, now feeling less jittery. Battery life is great and easily lasts a full day. The screen mechanism is ideal for photographers or those who spend most of their time behind the camera. The screen resolution is adequate, but the EVF could use some improvement. The camera features crop modes that allow you to digitally zoom into the scene by 1.4x and 2x, which is useful for prime lens shooters. However, the crop isn’t saved in the RAW file under “as shot” mode. Overall, the camera feels quite fast, particularly when switching between photo and video modes, and when writing to the dual UHS-II SD cards.

Summary

So, two years later, do I still recommend this camera? The short answer is yes. In fact, this is the Fuji I recommend to 99% of the people who ask. It strikes the perfect balance between size, features, performance, and aesthetic appeal. There is a comprehensive range of lenses available, and for most people, this is the only camera they’ll ever need. It’s not the most affordable option, but if you can find a good deal or a used one, it’s excellent value for money.

If you’re wishing to pick this camera up, may I suggest using this affiliate link which will take you to either Amazon or B&H. It won’t cost you a penny more while giving me a small % kick back thus keeping this blog Ad-Free. Thank you.