A First Look at Fujifilm’s new X-T5 and XF30mm f/2.8 R LM WR Macro

A First Look at Fujifilm’s new X-T5 and XF30mm f/2.8 R LM WR Macro

Today Fujifilm has announced the X-T5, a blending of the X-T4 and X-H2, with some throwback features. The camera features the same 40.2Mp X-Trans CMOS 5 HR BSI sensor as the X-H2, and up to 7 stops of stabilization internally. Other features that carry over from the X-H2 include a minimum ISO of 125, max electronic shutter speed of 1/180,000, Fujifilm’s Pixel Shift Multi Shot mode capable of creating 160Mp images, and 13+ steps of dynamic range with F-Log2.






While the video specs don’t quite match the X-H2, the X-T5 is capable of recording 6.2K/30P 10 bit 4:2:2 video and can externally record Apple ProRes Raw or Blackmagic Raw.

The 3.69m-dot EVF is carried over from the X-T4 (but with the next 0.8x magnification and improved optics from the X-H2/X-H2s), as is the dual SD card storage. Fujifilm has also brought back the "click" wheels for the front and rear dials, which was missing on the X-H2/X-H2S. Using the mechanical shutter, users can shoot up to 15fps (20fps using the electronic shutter with a 1.29x crop).  Fujifilm also carries over the new subject detection autofocus from the X-H2 series of cameras, which can detect animals, birds, cars, motorcycles/bikes, airplanes, and trains.

In a throwback to previous Fujifilm cameras, the X-T5 brings back the classic 3-way tilt screen, which is likely to make a lot of users happy.



On the outside, the X-T5 keeps the classic Fujifilm look of the X-T# series cameras, but the X-T5 is slightly smaller in size than the X-T3 and X-T4 and weighs 50 grams less than the X-T4. One thing missing from the X-T5 is a battery grip – the camera lacks a contact plate on the bottom panel, but a metal handgrip will be available at launch.





The Fujifilm X-T5 is expected to start shipping around November 17th, and will be priced at $1,699.95 for the body- the same as the current price of the X-T4, erasing any concerns users may have had about the camera being priced higher due to inflation, chip shortages, and other price increases across the camera industry. The X-T5 will also be available with the XF18-55 lens ($2,099.95) or the XF16-80mm lens ($2,199.95).

The Fujifilm X-T5 can be pre-ordered here.

 

The other big announcement from Fujifilm is the XF30mm f/2.8 R LM WR 1:1 Macro lens. This is the 3rd macro lens in Fujifilm’s X-Series lens lineup, joining the XF60mm (1:2) and XF80mm (1:1).

This compact macro lens comes in at just 195 grams (0.43lb), yet still features a dust and weather resistant body. The optical design features 11 elements in 9 groups, with 3 aspherical elements and 2 ED elements. The lens features 9 rounded aperture blades, for smooth bokeh. Like the XF80mm macro, the XF30mm also uses a linear motor to drive the elements and can focus in as fast as 0.02 seconds.





With a ~45mm FX equivalent focal length, this tiny lens can easily double as a solid portrait lens, and as with most macros, will focus faster the further away you are from a subject. When you want to get really close to something, the minimum focusing distance is just 1.2cm from the lens (10cm from the sensor).

Sample Images (taken with the Fujifilm X-T4, and when noted - reduced resolution JPEG's from a pre-production version of the X-T5):

























The XF30mm is also expected to be available on November 17th, and will sell for $599.95. You can pre-order the XF30mm f/2.8 R LM WR Macro here.