Fujifilm announces 26MP X-M5 and new flagship glass

Fujifilm has announced the launch of the latest mirrorless digital camera in its X Series lineup - the X-M5.

The new compact APS-C camera is equipped with a back-illuminated X-Trans CMOS 4" sensor with approximately 26.1 megapixels.

It's one of Fujifilm's older sensors, found on the X-T4 and X100V, but Fujifilm have matched it to the company's newer high-image processing engine, the X-Processor 5, giving it access to Fujifilm's AI-powered subject detection autofocus.

This gives it the same sensor/processor combination as the X-S20, which is a much higher-end camera.

It shares that camera's leanings towards content creation/videography too, and features a dedicated Vlog mode, a third microphone for improved on-board audio recording, and a 9:16 short video mode, which takes a 1080 x 1920 crop from the middle of the frame to replicate smartphone vertical video. 

Speaking of video, you get 6.2K/24p (3:2), or 4K/60p (1.18x). The X-M5 has no EVF, but there is a 1.04M-dot fully articulated rear screen. 

On the top panel you'll find a dedicated film simulation dial, allowing users to choose an aesthetic without needing to choose a particular LUT in post – though the inclusion of F-Log means that's also possible. 

Unfortunately though, a single (and slow) UHS-I SD card slot does limit its usefulness for video, but there is a microphone and headphone jack at least.  

At just 112 x 67 x 38mm, the X-M5 is pretty small - in fact it only weighs 355g. 

The X-M5 uses Fujifilm's 8.7 Wh NP-W126s battery, and is rated for about 330 shots or 440 if you're using the camera's eco mode.

The X-M5 will set you back $1,449, body only, or $1,649 with Fujifilm's XC15-45mmF3.5-5.6 OIS PZ kit lens. Both are available for pre-order now, and should hit retailers in mid November 2024.

In addition, Fujifilm has also announced two new lenses - the Fujinon XF500mm F 5.6 R LM OIS WR and 16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR II.

The XF500mmF5.6 R LM OIS WR is a super telephoto prime lens (equivalent to 762mm in 35mm format) weighs 1,335g, and has a built-in 5.5 stop optical image stabilisation system. Internally, it features 21 elements in 14 groups, including two Super ED and five ED lenses.

The lens features a dust and weather resistant structure with 20 sealing points on the barrel and can operate in temperatures as low as -10°C. Additionally, the front element is fluorine-coated, providing hydrophobic and anti-stain properties.

It will retail for $5,399 AUD, and is available later this month. 

And finally, the 16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR II is described as a premium zoom lens for X-Series, and at 410g is 37% lighter than its predecessor. It features an 11-group, 16-element configuration that includes 4 aspherical lenses, 1 Super ED lens, and 3 ED lenses. 

The lens features a dust-resistant, weather-resistant, and low-temperature-resistant construction with 12 sealing points throughout the lens body, along with a fluorine coating on the front element for superior water and smudge resistance.

It has a minimum focusing distance of 0.3m across the entire zoom range, and a maximum magnification of 0.21x.

It will retail for $2,149 AUD, and is available for pre-order now.