The long-awaited announcement of the compact Fujifilm X-M5 camera, which will compete with the Sony ZV-E10 II, took place along with the Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f2.8 R LM WR II and XF 500mm f5.6 R LM OIS WR lenses.
Fujifilm X-M5
The Fujifilm X-M5 has become a more budget-friendly option while offering a range of features that set it apart from its competitors. Equipped with a 26-megapixel sensor, it includes an Open Gate video shooting mode, perfect for shooting with anamorphic lenses. The camera also offers 20 film simulation modes, some of which can be accessed via a dedicated adjustment ring. For high-speed photography, it can shoot up to 8 fps in RAW with a mechanical shutter. When recording to a memory card, the maximum bitrate is 200 Mbps, and for more advanced recording, it supports BRAW and ProRes RAW on external monitors.
Aimed at Bloggers and Content Creators
Fujifilm has designed the X-M5 with bloggers and content creators in mind. To keep the camera as budget-friendly as possible, they replaced the traditional in-body stabilization system (IBIS) with an electronic stabilizer. Despite this, digital image stabilization (DIS) has been significantly improved, according to the manufacturer.
Similarities to the Fujifilm X-S20
The Fujifilm X-M5 shares its image processor with the Fujifilm X-S20. It uses a 26-megapixel X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor and a 5th-generation X processor, so its core features are similar to that model.
Ultra-Compact Design
One of the standout features of the Fujifilm X-M5 is its ultra-compactness. The camera weighs just 355 grams and measures 111.9 mm (width) x 66.6 mm (height) x 38 mm (thickness). This compact size makes it perfect for everyday use, without sacrificing functionality.
Signature Focus-on-Dial Design
The camera retains the focus-on-dial design that Fujifilm cameras are known for. The Film Simulation mode dial is located on the top left side, a feature first introduced on the Fujifilm X-T50 earlier this year. The camera supports a total of 20 Film Simulation modes, with eight of the most popular modes displayed directly on the dial. Users can also add up to three favorite modes.
Impressive Video Capabilities
The Fujifilm X-M5 can record video in up to 6.2K at 30p, 4:2:2, and 10-bit directly to an SD card. It supports various other resolutions and frame rates, including 4K at 60p and 1080p Full HD at 240p. The camera also comes with a built-in high-quality microphone, a jack for connecting an external mic, a headphone jack, and both USB-C and micro HDMI ports.
External Recording Support
For more advanced users, the X-M5 now supports shooting in Blackmagic RAW on an external recorder (VideoAssist) and ProRes RAW (on Atomos Ninja).
Accessory Compatibility
The new camera is compatible with two existing accessories: a cooling fan and the TG-BT1 tripod grip, enhancing its usability for content creators.
Price and Release Date
The Fujifilm X-M5 will be available in silver in November and black in April 2025. The body-only version will retail for $799.95, while the kit with the 15-45mm F/3.5-5.6 OIS PZ lens will be priced at $899.95. The product is now available for pre-order through multiple online retailers, including B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon.com, and Amazon.co.uk.
Fujifilm XF 500mm f5.6 R LM OIS WR
The new Fujifilm XF 500mm F/5.6 R LM OIS WR telephoto lens for the X-mount system is designed for photographers seeking durability and performance. This premium lens features protection against rain, dust, and dirt. It offers optical image stabilization and fast autofocus, making it ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects. With a focal length equivalent to 762mm on full-frame cameras, this lens is perfect for wildlife and sports photography.
Compact Design for Versatility
Despite its impressive focal length, the XF 500mm F/5.6 R LM OIS WR is relatively portable. Fujifilm has designed this lens to be lightweight yet robust, making it easy to handle for extended shooting sessions. The durable body is built to withstand challenging outdoor conditions, providing peace of mind when shooting in harsh environments.
Connection to the Fujinon GF 500mm F/5.6
Interestingly, this is not Fujifilm’s first 500mm lens in 2024. The new XF 500mm F/5.6 is based on the Fujinon GF 500mm F/5.6, a medium-format lens released earlier this year. Fujifilm adapted the same optical design and platform to create a version of its X-mount system. One of the most noticeable differences is the redesigned lens mount area to fit the X mount and a switch to a light grey body color.
Optical Design and Performance
The optical design of the XF 500mm F/5.6 mirrors that of its medium-format counterpart. Both lenses share identical optics, with the APS-C sensor in Fujifilm X cameras only using the central part of the lens’s large image circle. This results in potentially even better image quality, as the central portion of the lens tends to have the best sharpness.
The lens construction consists of 21 elements in 14 groups, including two Super Low Dispersion lenses and five Low Dispersion lenses. This advanced optical design minimizes chromatic aberrations and ensures exceptional image clarity.
Size, Compatibility, and Stabilization
Measuring 256mm in length, the XF 500mm F/5.6 is compatible with large 95mm front filters, enhancing its versatility. The lens also features a sturdy, removable tripod mount compatible with Arca-Swiss, providing stability when using a tripod.
As indicated by the “OIS” in its name, the lens includes optical image stabilization that compensates for up to 5.5 stops. Fujifilm highlights the lens’s capability to perform well in handheld shooting scenarios, a feature showcased in the company’s promotional materials.
Autofocus and Focusing Features
The XF 500mm F/5.6 is equipped with a linear motor system capable of focusing in just 0.33 seconds. The lens barrel includes switches to limit the focusing range and lock the focus for specific shots, offering greater control to the user.
With a minimum focusing distance of 2.75 meters and a maximum magnification of 0.31x, the lens is versatile enough for close-up shots of distant subjects. It is also compatible with Fujifilm’s XF 1.4x and XF 2x teleconverters, allowing users to extend the lens’s reach further while maintaining a one or two-stop reduction in aperture.
Price and Release Date
The Fujinon XF 500mm F/5.6 R LM OIS WR lens is set to go on sale in December for $2,999. It is available for pre-order through B&H Photo and Adorama. This lens offers a compelling option for photographers looking for a versatile and high-performing telephoto lens for their X-mount cameras.
Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f2.8 R LM WR II
Fujifilm has unveiled the second-generation version of its standard high-aperture zoom lens. The new lens is 37% lighter, smaller in size, and boasts an advanced optical scheme with an 11-blade aperture. Autofocus has been significantly improved, and the minimum focusing distance is now 0.3 meters. Additionally, the aperture control ring offers flexibility for video shooting, allowing it to work with or without clicks.
Key Improvements Over the First Generation
The original Fujifilm XF 16-55mm F/2.8 lens was introduced in early 2015. It featured many heavy glass elements to ensure high-quality, sharp images but ended up being quite bulky, weighing 655 grams. Although still compact compared to full-frame 24-70mm F/2.8 lenses, the first version was considered heavy for a mirrorless system.
Now, thanks to advancements in technology, Fujifilm has managed to reduce both the weight and size of the lens without compromising performance.
Compact and Lightweight Design
The new Fujifilm XF 16-55mm F/2.8 R LM WR II weighs only 410 grams, marking a 37% reduction in weight. Its physical dimensions have also shrunk, with the length reduced from 106 millimeters to 95 millimeters. The lens is now slightly narrower as well, using a 72 mm filter compared to the previous 77 mm. This results in an overall volume reduction of 38%.
Advanced Optical Performance
Fujifilm promises enhanced optical performance with the new lens. The XF 16-55mm F/2.8 Mark II features 16 elements arranged in 11 groups. This includes four aspherical elements, three ED lenses, and a Super ED element. These improvements ensure high resolution across the frame, with better corner performance and minimized chromatic aberrations.
Additionally, the lens delivers improved bokeh, thanks to its 11-blade aperture, compared to the 9 blades found in the first-generation lens.
Upgraded Autofocus and Close-Up Capabilities
The second-generation lens is equipped with an upgraded linear autofocus motor. This improvement, combined with the lighter glass elements, results in faster, smoother, and quieter autofocus. This makes the lens ideal for action photography and videography.
The XF 16-55mm F/2.8 Mark II also excels in close-up photography, offering a maximum magnification of 0.2x (equivalent to 0.3x), compared to the 0.16x (0.24x) magnification of the first version. The minimum focusing distance is just 0.3 meters, enabling better close-up shots.
Enhanced Aperture Control and Focus Breathing Minimization
A new aperture release switch allows users to rotate the aperture ring smoothly and silently, making it more suitable for video shooting. Fujifilm has also minimized focus breathing in the optical design, ensuring smoother framing during focusing.
Price and Release Date
The Fujifilm Fujinon XF 16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR II lens will be available for purchase in December, with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $1,199.95. It is currently available for pre-order on major online stores, including B&H Photo Video and Adorama.
“The lens construction consists of 21 elements in 14 groups.”
Wow. Is that a record?
PS: Nice write-up.