Fuji X-M5: A Filmmaker's Review

This camera is a great value for the price. I’ll show you a lot of footage and photos I took with the Fuji X-M5, and I've even created a Downloadable Project File Pack so you can try it out on your own editors. 

This camera records at 6K, shoots in Black Magic Raw, has all of the Fuji film simulations, and allows you to use all the X-mount lenses.

It's not perfect, and I'll be honest about what I found annoying, but we have to give credit where it's due. Today, we're diving deep into the Fujifilm X-M5.

I also made Youtube Video on this comparison so you can check it out after you read this blog post.

My Setup and Approach

Just to be clear, this video is not sponsored by Fuji or anyone else. I bought this camera with my own money.

For this review, I used a few different lenses:

• Fujifilm kit lens 15-45mm f3.5-5.6: This lens is great for everyday shooting. I used it for sunsets, basic video, and testing the standard color profile.
• Viltrox 23mm f1.4: is my go-to lens for street photography. It is super sharp and perfect for capturing candid moments.
• Viltrox 13mm f1.4: This wide-angle lens was awesome for low-light shots, landscapes, and capturing those dramatic night scenes.

I've also compared the X-M5 with three other cameras in the same price range: the ZV-E10 II, the iPhone 16 Pro, and the Osmo Pocket 3. I love camera comparisons because they highlight each camera’s strengths and weaknesses.

Price and Value

At this moment, I don't know of any cameras that offer all the features of the X-M5 for the same price or less. It's a steal!

You'll need to grab a few UHS-I SD cards and extra batteries, and if you can, I highly recommend a cage.

Form Factor and Handling

Coming from the Sony ecosystem, I'm used to bigger, chunkier cameras. The X-M5's form factor took some getting used to. The grip is pretty shallow, and it feels a bit slippery in hand.

That's why I suggest getting a cage. SmallRig sent me one, but this isn't sponsored – they didn't even ask for a mention! A cage gives you a better grip, protects the camera, and adds mounting points if you want to rig it out.

I've heard some complaints about the dedicated film simulation dial on top. Some argue it's wasted space, as most photographers don't switch simulations mid-shoot. I'm new to Fuji, so it doesn't bother me much. The front dial toggles between ISO and shutter speed, and I adjust the aperture on the lens. Maybe I'll change my mind later, though.

The "Q" button is a bit awkwardly placed between the dials, but again, not a dealbreaker.

There are two things I absolutely love about the X-M5: the fully articulating touchscreen and the autofocus joystick. That screen is a lifesaver for creative angles, and while I know the lack of an EVF is a downside for some, it doesn't bother me as a video-first shooter.

Connectivity and Ports

The X-M5 has all the ports ports: a headphone jack, a mic port, USB-C, and micro HDMI. I especially appreciate the mic port's placement—it's super close to the hot shoe, which is perfect for keeping things tidy with an external mic.

Image Quality – Fuji Colors Shine!

Let's talk image quality. The X-M5's colors are unlike anything I've seen from Sony, DJI, Canon, or Nikon, especially with the standard color profile. Fuji's approach to color is rooted in their film heritage.

The colors have a classic, almost "film-like" quality. Skin tones look natural, and there's a subtle warmth and gentle roll-off in the highlights. Fuji's "Film Simulations" are also fantastic—they mimic the look of classic Fuji films like Velvia, Provia, and Astia.

I even shot some F-log footage and was pleasantly surprised by the grading flexibility. Interestingly, when I graded the Fuji footage with my Sony log LUT, they looked almost identical! I think it's because they both have CMOS sensors, but let me know in the comments if you have another explanation.

For photography, the X-M5 impressed me. I'm not a huge fan of shooting photos with the LCD screen, especially in bright light, but the tilting screen helped with reflections. Indoors, it was no problem. The sharpness, especially with the Viltrox 23mm f1.4, was excellent.

Low-light performance was also great. I tried to keep the ISO below 800, and as long as I did, noise was well-controlled.

Usability and Features

While the autofocus was improved, it wasn't as mind-blowing as I'd hoped, especially compared to Sony's autofocus systems.

The X-M5 can shoot in 6.2K open gate and 4K 60 with a 1.18x crop. However, the digital stabilization introduces a heavy crop, which is a bit of a bummer. The camera doesn't have in-body image stabilization (IBIS), so you'll want a gimbal for the smoothest footage.

We did get a temperature warning during an overhead shot, but the camera never actually overheated. It does have a connection for Fujifilm's external fan if you need it.

The X-M5 also offers a 4K LP mode with a 1.18x crop, designed to prevent overheating. However, image quality suffers slightly.

The built-in microphones are decent, and there's a customization setting to control audio input.

Downsides

No camera is perfect, and here are some of the X-M5's drawbacks:

•  No IBIS: You'll need a gimbal for smooth footage.
•  No EVF: Can be difficult to use in bright sunlight.
•  Quarter-inch thread by the battery door: A slightly awkward placement for mounting accessories.

Conclusion

The Fuji X-M5 is a remarkable camera that offers incredible value. Its compact size, fantastic image quality, and unique film simulations make it a versatile tool for photographers and videographers alike.

While it has its quirks, the X-M5 is a camera that inspires creativity. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, the X-M5 will help you capture stunning images and videos.