The X-E5 is Fujifilm’s tiny powerhouse. It’s a part of a line of cameras that has usually been described as just like the X100, besides with an interchangeable lens. However the X-E line has developed this 12 months and is taking over a brand new form. It was once seen as a price range possibility, however at $1,699, that may now not be stated.
Even supposing I’ve used nearly each Fuji on the market, this was my first time enjoying round with any of the X-E line of cameras. The X-E5 is a beautiful, petite, and classy-looking digicam with sharp strains all through the physique, and with buttons and an occasional concave edge for some additional aptitude and a particular look. It’s ever-so-slightly shorter and thicker than the X100VI, however weighs about the identical when paired with considered one of Fujifilm’s pancake lenses. It’s exhausting to maintain your eyes and palms off of it. Over the previous couple of weeks utilizing the digicam, I’ve had lots of people asking me about it. Two even assumed it is likely to be a Leica.
The digicam construct feels extremely stable. The dials and the buttons are very clicky; even the aspect door simply feels proper. The hinges on the flip display are sturdy, and it will probably flip all the way in which round for some vlogging, too. All these little particulars matter and make the digicam really feel premium, however sadly this digicam isn’t climate sealed (one thing you’d additionally count on for this worth).
The large new characteristic for the X-E is the devoted movie simulation dial. We’ve seen different Fujis including these, however this was my first time utilizing it. I hardly ever shift between movie simulations since I’ve a number of of my very own, which I keep on with 99 % of the time. However the dial does make saving these sims simpler, and inspired me to experiment with totally different seems much more than earlier than.
On the subject of video, you get 6.2k as much as 30fps and 1080p as much as 240fps. The X-E5 may movie in F-Log and F-Log 2 colour areas, so there may be loads of latitude for post-processing, which is able to match properly with different Fujifilm cameras. And there’s HLG HDR too. The rolling shutter isn’t the best, though it’s removed from unhealthy. However the X-E5 shouldn’t be your main video digicam for 2 massive causes: the video mode takes a toll on this battery, and I’ve had it overheat after 13 minutes of steady filming.
1/7
As said earlier, this Fuji is supplied with the identical sensor we’ve seen for a number of years now. It’s a 40MP BSI CMOS 5 sensor and it’s able to making some nice photographs. It has been my favourite Fuji sensor because the CMOS III. The photographs are sharp, with loads of element, and the noise ranges are properly managed. Something above 2000 ISO will slowly begin to break down and look mushy and delicate. That is the place the 7-stop IBIS is available in and lets you maintain that shutter open for a bit longer, subsequently reducing your ISO too.
I introduced this digicam with me on a visit to Mexico together with a handful of lenses. The X-E5 proved to be a superb journey digicam. I liked having the choice to stay to my pancake 27mm for an ultra-compact setup or deliver the all-rounder 16-55mm zoom lens for some versatility on a protracted time out.
However regardless of how a lot I liked my time with the X-E5, the entire latest Fujifilm cameras have gotten too related to one another in relation to efficiency. A few of these cameras excel ultimately, however the X-E5 doesn’t have something distinctive going for it. It’s a basic jack of all trades. And that’s not a foul factor.
However when you begin wanting on the costs, you might need some second ideas. When the X-E4 got here out it was $850 and was seen as a hidden gem within the lineup. At $1,700, it begins to develop into a tougher promote. Nonetheless, in case you do choose this one, be assured you’re selecting a superb and beautiful digicam. It’d now not be a hidden gem, however it’s nonetheless a gem.