Why I Pre-Ordered the Fuji X-M5

Ever since Fuji introduced the dedicated Film Simulation dial on the X-T50, I've been hoping they'd bring it to more cameras. And here it is, on the X-M5! This might seem like a small thing to some people, but for me, it's a game-changer. I'm a sucker for the classic film looks, and being able to switch between them so quickly and easily is a dream come true. No more digging through menus! Plus, the fact that these simulations can be applied to video just opens up a world of creative potential. I can already imagine myself using Classic Neg. For a vintage vibe or Eterna for a cinematic feel. I made some LUTS for the iPhone 16 Pro that have that exact look because of renting the Fuji X-T5, but having a dedicated Fuji camera is ideal for low-light situations. I also created a video on this topic if you're interested.

But it's not just about the film simulations. The X-M5 has a lot of other things going for it that make it perfect for my needs as a video creator.

Video Specs  

First off, the video specs are impressive. 6.2K/30p 4:2:2 10-bit video. This gives me so much flexibility in post-production. I can crop in to get that vertical video, push the limits on my color grade, and really push the footage without worrying about losing quality. And while 4K/60p is becoming more common, it's still great to have that option for smoother slow-motion footage. Speaking of slow motion, the X-M5 can also shoot in 1080p 240 FPS.

Portability is King 

As a videographer, I'm often on the move, traveling to different locations for shoots. So, the fact that the X-M5 is so lightweight and compact is a huge selling point for me. I can easily toss it in my bag without it weighing me down. It's going to be perfect as a B-cam for those times when I need a second angle or even as an A-cam for run-and-gun situations where I need to be nimble and discreet.

A Sensor That Sees What I See 

The 26.1MP X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor is another big plus. I've always been impressed with the image quality from Fuji's X-Trans sensors. They have a unique way of rendering colors and details that I really love. And the fact that this sensor is designed to have better image quality then older sensors is a big deal to me. I've had issues with those artifacts in the past with other cameras, so it's reassuring to know that Fuji has taken steps to address that.

Autofocus That Keeps Up 

Now, let's talk about autofocus. Fuji's autofocus has been a bit of a mixed bag in the past, but it sounds like they've made some significant improvements with the X-Processor 5 and its AI-powered autofocus. I'm especially interested in the subject-tracking capabilities. Being able to reliably track people, animals, and even objects like cars and drones will be a huge asset for my video work.

Stabilization, Audio, and Vertical Video  

While I would have loved to see in-body image stabilization (IBIS) in the X-M5, I'm still glad that it has digital stabilization. It's not going to be as effective as IBIS, but it will definitely help to smooth out my handheld footage.

The improved microphones with noise reduction are also a welcome addition. Clean audio is so important for video, and I hope the new microphones will deliver better sound quality than previous models.

And let's not forget about the Short Movie mode for vertical video. This is a must-have feature for anyone creating content for social media platforms like Instagram. I'm excited to start experimenting with this mode and see what kind of creative Reels for Instagram I can come up with.

The Not-So-Good Stuff 

Of course, no camera is perfect, and the X-M5 does have some downsides. The lack of an electronic viewfinder is a bit of a bummer, but I can live without it. The LCD screen not being very bright is a bit more of a concern, especially since I often shoot outdoors. And as I mentioned earlier, the lack of IBIS is a bit disappointing.

But Overall... 

Despite these shortcomings, I'm still incredibly excited about the X-M5. Honestly, this might just become my new daily carry camera. It's small enough to take anywhere, yet powerful enough to handle most of my video needs. And what an epic little studio camera it will be! I can already see it being used for webcam streaming, product reviews, and all sorts of tripod/rig video work.

Now, let's talk about those shortcomings. It's not the lack of an EVF that bothers me – I mostly use the LCD for video anyway. But the lack of IBIS? Come on, Fuji! This is a camera clearly aimed at vloggers, and yet they pulled the same move every other camera company does: ditch the IBIS to save costs. It's annoying for photographers too, you know? IBIS is such a valuable tool for getting sharp shots in low light or when using slower shutter speeds. If you're going to skip the EVF, at least give us an OLED screen with crazy high brightness to compensate. And if you're not going to include IBIS, maybe don't include a flip-out screen and call it a vlogging camera.

But hey, maybe I'm being too harsh. Despite those gripes, I still think the X-M5 is going to be a fantastic camera for video creators, especially those who are looking for a lightweight and portable option with great image quality and amazing film simulations. I can't wait to get my hands on it and start creating!