It seems like Fujifilm is now doubling down on its Film Simulation dial by just adding the notable nostalgia feature to more and more of its high-end models. Debuting on the X-T50 a year ago, the dial is now getting added to an even more premium mirrorless camera.
If you loved the T50 but were holding off to see what else was in store from the camera brand, your prayers may have just been answered. With more of a rangefinder approach and a slightly more compact housing, the X-E5 is seriously sleek and will be worth the extra $300 for many.
The Same But Better
To be fair, the X-E5 is very similar to the X-T50 in terms of specs. That includes the same 40 MP APS‑C X‑Trans CMOS sensor, 7-stop IBIS system, drive speed (8 fps mech, 20 fps e‑shutter), and 6.2K video capability. But where the SLR-style camera improves upon the new model in some regards — its tilting LCD display has a much better 1.84 M-dot resolution compared to the latter’s 1.04 — the X-E5 is easier to lug around.
Shedding about a half an inch on both the width and height of the camera and still weighing 1lb with battery, the rangefinder is a bit heavier than both the T50 and the outgoing X-E4. There’s also the new addition of five programmable functions accessed from a control level in front. This includes Surround View Mode, which lets you see what’s outside of your shooting frame that simulates an optical viewfinder.
Ye Ole Film Simulation Dial
As we stated, the Film Simulation dial is coming to the X-E lineup now as well, so Fujifilm must be finding success with this feature. Finding space for analog-style photography in a digital age, the dial gives you room for 6 presets, with 3 extra spots for customizing your own. There are 20 options total, including “REALA ACE” mode, named after the Fujicolor Superia Reala Ace 100 color negative film that was discontinued years ago. These settings change the results in real time, so you don’t have to do any editing after shooting.
Even More Nostalgia
This time around, Fujifilm didn’t just rely on the FIlm Simulation Dial for nostalgia feels. With that 1.04 M-dot LCD display, the camera also comes with a new Classic Display Mode for its electronic viewfinder. This taps into the retro feel of the camera and allows you to set your display to look like those heads-up interfaces on your old cameras from the ‘90s, equipped with red numerals for exposure values and a cool vertical light meter with a needle indicator.
The company hasn’t just stuck with its analog influence but continues to evolve it with new ideas that pull from the past. We can’t wait to see what they come up with next.
Spec Sheet
Model: X-E5 Mirrorless
Dimensions: 4.9” x 2.9” x 1.5”
Weight: 1lb (with battery)
Image Sensor: 23.5mm x 15.7mm (APS-C) X-Trans CMOS 5 HR with primary color filter
Megapixels: 40.2
Image Processing Engine: X-Processor 5
Shutter Type: Focal Plane Shutter
Video Capability: 6.2K/30P
Display: 3.0 inch Tilt-Type Touch Screen Color LCD
Price: $1,700
Pricing & Availability
Launching in August in either all black or black with an aluminum top plate, the Fujifilm X-E5 will debut with a $1,700 price tag.
Recap
Fujifilm X-E5 Mirrorless Camera
Fujifilm doubled down on its analog-style features by putting its Film Simulation Dial on the new top-shelf X-E5 mirrorless but also adding a Classic Display Mode which makes your EVF mimic the ones on your vintage cameras.
