This week, Fujifilm announced X-E5 – A popular line that is usually one of the company’s more affordable interchangeable lens cameras. However, with an elevated value for the inclusion of high-end design elements and the match, which changed.
With some exceptions, the camera release pool of the Fujifilm comes on a constant clip, which is why X-E5 It felt as if it had been coming for a long time. Since the release of X-E4 In January 2021A lot has changed in the camera industry and is reflected in the new X-E5.
“We discussed very much internal what should be the X-E5. When it comes to rangefinder-style cameras, there is a lot to do much more than the glasses on paper. We wanted the X-E5 to be a camera, in which users can actually enjoy a photo-making experience of making a photo.” Petpixel“Recently, interest in photography has been resurrected, especially among young generations. We think it is a great time to introduce a camera to serve such interest.”
Next X100vi From last year and GFX100RF Already in 2025, the X-E5 takes advantage of which is becoming a consistent design language that may indicate that Fujifilm is embracing a certain aesthetics that it intends to keep in the long term. However, Igarashi says that the company has never actually been with repetition on design and it does not just intend to release these cameras that work within the structure of these recent cameras.
“We are known for analog control dial, viewfinder, intuitive operations and classic design. However, we have a slightly different concept for each series, for example our XH chain is quite different from our X-prure chain, when you consider the balance between subjects, shooting style and video and still making,” he explains.
“Our design is never ‘complete’ because we try to improve every generation for every model. We get new ideas and concepts from other cameras in our lineup, especially from models that have similar concepts and goal users. A great example is that X-E5 has united the mechanized aluminum components for the top plate and base plate, which is equal to the XFX100RF. To maintain the concept of simple, elegant design of the XE series.
Talking about dedicated film simulation dial, X-E5 is not the first camera to apply one, but Fujifilm is playing different ways to integrate it in its cameras. Igarashi says that based on the last user it is designing a camera, it is ready to try new things or customize and combine existing designs, which was done with the X-E5.
“We have seen the success of the dedicated film simulation dial on other recent X series cameras, and we realized that it would be a valuable addition along the X-E5, given that this photo was designed in large parts to appeal to enthusiasts. The command dial was added for better operation, and it was based on a reaction from the X-E4 users.
“Rangefinder style cameras are liked by many people because they are designed to meet users with some shooting style. Asat, immersive, and deliberately. So we feel that X-E5 is a camera that will allow the photographer to really enjoy the experience of creating image.
Including the company’s high-resolution 40-megapixel sensor is a major point of discussion among those interested in X-E5, and Igarashi says that Fujifilm has chosen to include it because the company believes that the company believes that it is important to give photographers creative freedom and allow photographers to take full advantage of its optics.
“High resolution helps with crop tolerance, so it helps the photographer to be more creative when creating a picture. In addition, it reveals the best performance of the lens lineup available for the X series,” says Igarashi. “Digital teleconverter as well as using a 40MP image sensor (which can now be set via the front side of the camera), a resolution of 20 meters can still be obtained at 1.4x and 2x at 10m. Also, the resolution exceeds 26m of X-E4 in any aspect ratio.
Fujifilm created a new 23 mm f/2.8 as photographers asked for it
With the new X-E5, Fujifilm announced a fellow 23 mm F/2.8 lens, which, when attached, surprisingly makes the entire package close to an X 100. Igarashi says that Fujifilm ensured to offer this lens as it was specifically sought for some photographers.
“We took a vote on the ‘Lens Wish List’ during our X Summit in Tokyo in February 2024 when we launched the X100VI, and the 23mm pancake was the most popular. We knew that it was an ideal match for X-E5, so we decided that he decided to declare the most at the same time.”
“Rangefinder style cameras run well with 23 mm F/2.8, but I feel honestly suggests that the lens suits all camera bodies, as it is so fast and compact.”
X-Pr is not dead
Some photographers, including Chris Nicole of Petpixel, note that with the X-E5 and its rangefinder-style design, it becomes difficult to see with its irrational lens system how a new X-Pride can separate itself outside the hybrid OVF. In the past, Igarashi has explained that Fujifilm wants to ensure that Its next X-Pro is special and not boringThis is the reason why the company has taken its time in the development process.
On that note, the X-Pr is not dead and the company still intends to come back to the future.
“X-Pr is on our roadmap, like XE cameras,” says Egrashi.
Experience is as important as technical performance
Igarashi explains that Fujifilm thinks as much about shooting experience as it does about technical specifications when it is designing a camera – if it is not.
“I think the idea of carrying a dedicated tool to create an image is one of the main reasons that people carry cameras contrary to relying on a smartphone.
“Smartphones do almost a lot of things and easily distract you with information and after that. In Fujifilm, we offer many image construction options beyond digital cameras, including instas, films, and our QuickSnapa are one-time used cameras. It is important to include all those who work fully. It is important to involve all those who work.
The Fujifilm has received a continuous response that its autofocus system needs improvement to remain competitive with peers, said that. Igarashi says that they understand this reaction and are working on ways to remove concerns with both current firmware and future hardware.
“Technology develops day by day, so introducing a big jump, introducing new equipment will help to ensure this. However, we can also continue to improve with algorithm changes in the firmware and we will continue working on updates for current and future cameras.”
Image Credit: Ex-Pro photo through Fujifilm, all others by Erin Thomson for Petpixel
