Take to the Streets with FUJIFILM X-E5 Rangefinder Style Camera

DJURO SEN - EDITOR
11 Min Read

FUJIFILM keeps pumping out the cameras and the latest is a pocket-sized powerhouse. The X-E5 is a lightweight and compact mirrorless digital camera, weighing 445 grams with a back-illuminated 40.2 megapixel X-Trans CMOS 5 HR sensor and the X-Processor 5 high-speed image processing engine.

It’s the first X-E camera to feature a five-axis in-body stabilisation (IBIS) mechanism offering up to 7.0 stops in the
centre and 6.0 stops at the periphery. The EVF evokes a classic rangefinder style with a new “Classic Display” mode that provides a clean viewfinder image with key information at the bottom of the frame.

The look and feel is a typical FUJIFILM classic camera aesthetic. For the first time in the X Series, the X-E5 features a top plate crafted from a single piece of machined aluminium. By combining sharp, flat edges with carefully curved surfaces, the top plate delivers a smooth metallic texture and rigidity, offering a premium feel when holding the camera. There’s a manual film simulation dial near the EVF and that gives another analogue-like experience.

“The newly announced Fujifilm X-E5 brings a new level of performance and portability to the Fujifilm X series. The new top plate that is constructed in the same way as the GFX100RF, this single piece of machined aluminium not only strengthens the camera, but also adds to the feel and premium experience”, said Shaun Mah, General Manager of the Electronic Imaging Optical Devices Division of FUJIFILM Australia.

“We’ve listened to our users and introduced the new ‘Classic Display Mode’ for the electronic viewfinder, which will give our users distraction-free shooting so they can concentrate on capturing their moments. The Fujifilm X-E5 is the ultimate camera in performance and portability for even our most demanding shooters.”

KEY FEATURES

  • For the first time in the X Series, the top plate is carved from a single piece of metal. The
    distinct tapered design on the rear of the top plate enhances the metallic texture while
    improving the operability of the dials, ensuring a seamless and comfortable shooting
    experience.
    Film Simulation Dial Film Simulation Dial Setting
  • The newly designed Film Simulation dial features a precision-cut indicator window that minimises
    the gap between the dial and body for an exact finish. Additionally, you can individually set Film
    Simulation and image quality settings to the FS1-FS3 positions, allowing you to save your own
    FS recipes.
  • Refinement is central to every aspect of X-E5’s design. For example, the viewfinder and diopter
    adjustment control fit flush with the body. By refining vertical and horizontal elements, the
    design preserves the essence of a traditional camera while exuding a sophisticated presence.
  • To complement the sophisticated design, a stylish rope-type shoulder strap is included.
    Features and operability that immerse you in the world through the viewfinder
    New “Classic Display” mode Surround View Mode
  • The X-E5 is equipped with a retro and minimalist “Classic Display” mode for the EVF, inspired
    by old film cameras. The information on the EVF has been simplified as much as possible.
    Combined with a body style that allows you to operate the dials and the lever with one hand, you
    can immerse yourself in photography with the camera to your eye.
  • The X-E5 has a new Surround View function that displays the area outside the shooting range
    as a semi-transparent or line pattern according to the aspect ratio. While looking through the
    viewfinder, users can easily switch between these two modes using a lever, providing a shooting
    experience that is similar to an Optical Viewfinder (OVF), even though it is an EVF.
  • A control lever is mounted on the front of the camera, offering customisable functionality such
    as switching VIEW MODE, changing aspect ratios, and adjusting the digital teleconverter
    magnification.
    Powerful in-body image stabilisation and advanced features for expanded creative
    possibilities
  • The shake detection accuracy of the gyro sensor has been improved, including a new
    algorithm that enhances responsiveness to camera shake. Thanks to the latest technologies,
    the camera has 5-axis compensation performance of up to 7.0 stops at the centre and 6.0
    stops at the edges. The compact body is equipped with powerful image stabilisation, allowing
    for comfortable shooting across a wide range of scenarios.
  • The camera features a digital teleconverter function that allows 1.4x and 2.0x zoom levels.
    Equipped with the high-resolution “X-Trans™ CMOS 5 HR” sensor, it enables zooming with
    minimal loss of image quality, making it versatile for a wide range of shooting scenarios.
  • The rear tilting monitor can be flipped upward and forward facing up to 180 degrees, which can
    accommodate a wide variety of compositions, from high to low angle, as well as selfies.
  • The X-E5 is capable of shooting in 6.2K/30P, 4K/60p and FHD/240P resolution. It features a
    tracking AF function during video recording, ensuring high quality and smooth footage.
    Equipped with a high-performance sensor and high-speed image processing engine to
    achieve high image quality and high-performance AF
  • The fifth generation of the X series is equipped with the back-illuminated 40.2 megapixel “X-
    Trans™ CMOS 5 HR” sensor. The latest image processing algorithms deliver high resolution
    while maintaining a high signal-to-noise ratio.
  • Because the improved pixel structure allows more light to be captured efficiently, ISO 125,
    which was the extended sensitivity in the previous model*5 can be used as the normal
    sensitivity. In addition, the electronic shutter can be set to a shutter speed of 1/180000 sec. at
    the fastest, achieving highly precise control of exposure time.
  • The X-E5 features an AI-based subject detection AF, developed using deep learning
    technology to detect animals, birds, cars, motorcycles, bicycles, airplanes, trains, insects, and
    drones
  • The latest AF predictive algorithm provides high tracking performance for moving subjects and
    high precision AF in low-contrast environments.


FUJINON XF23mmF2.8 R WR LENS

FUJIFILM is shipping the FUJINON XF23mmF2.8 R WR with the body.

Ultra compact and lightweight design with high resolution performance

  • Adopting 8 elements in 6 groups lens including two aspherical lenses minimises aberrations from the centre to the periphery and achieves high resolution performance.
  • Despite its high resolution performance, the lens has been made optically compact by slimming down the lens using the latest processing technology. Furthermore, the exterior design has also been made thinner by increasing the number of metal parts in the exterior components. This lens has a total length of only 23mm, which is the same as XF27mmF2.8, the thinnest XF lens, and it weighs just 90g, making it compact and lightweight.
  • The 11 aperture blades allow you to enjoy snapshots that highlight the subject with beautiful circular bokeh effects, as well as close-up shots of small objects.

Close up photography and high precision, high speed AF

  • The minimum object distance is 20cm, which is achieved while maintaining a small size. This allows you to take pictures in all kinds of situations, such as those close-up food photographs, or capturing details of flowers and other small objects.
  • The lens uses a full group focusing system, which suppresses aberration variation depending on the focus position, enabling high image quality photography even at close range.
  • A powerful DC motor is adopted to achieve high-speed auto focus. The camera can be carried anywhere for a photographic experience that never lets you miss a moment.

Stylish, easy-to-operate design and toughness

  • The exterior of the product has been carefully crafted for its texture and colour, and a front slant design has been adopted to achieve a stylish, high-grade appearance.
  • The manual focus ring is equipped with a high-precision sensor that enables MF adjustment even with a small number of revolutions, allowing for delicate operation of the MF ring.
  • Despite the short overall length of the lens, a fixed ring is set between MF ring and the aperture ring so that they do not interfere with each other; when turning one ring, the other ring does not become entangled, providing comfortable operability.
  • Knurling on the rear of the cover allows easy grip of the lens for easy lens replacement.
  • The lens barrel is dustproof, drip-proof, and resistant to temperatures as low as -10°C with 9 sealing points on each part of the barrel. The lens barrel can be used safely in light rain or dusty environments.

“The newly announced FUJINON XF23mmF2.8 R WR is the next product in the Fujifilm X Series to bring portability and performance to life. Weighing only 90g and 23mm long, this is one of our smallest lenses available,” explained Shaun Mah.

“The 23mm focal length (35mm equivalent in 35mm format) is perfect for capturing your everyday moments, as well as a fantastic portrait lens. With a wider view than our FUJINON XF27mmF2.8 R WR, this lens is ideal for when you need to fit more in your frame without fitting more into your bag.”

PRICING AND AVAILABILITY

Fujifilm X-E5 August 2025 A$2,699
Fujifilm X-E5 + FUJINON XF23mm F2.8 R WR August 2025 A$3,049

I’ll be reviewing this camera soon, so keep an eye out for the video.




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Djuro is a multi award-winning technology reviewer and journalist. He's been tinkering with electronics since the 1970s. Djuro was Australia's first ever network TV News technology editor with Channel 7. Now he's editor of Image Matrix Tech and regular contributor to Sky News Australia - now going on six years, Djuro is an expert videographer, photographer and video editor.
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