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Photography — 10 June 2026

Fujifilm X-M5 Review: This camera is hugely misunderstood

Originally published on my old portfolio site on 7 June 2025, not long after I picked up the X-M5. Republished here as the first post on this blog.

Fuji's latest compact mirrorless camera, the Fujifilm X-M5, has sparked a wave of mixed reactions across the photography and content creation community. From rave reviews to critical rants, especially on YouTube, the X-M5 is a camera that seems to polarise just about everyone. As a new owner, I wanted to share my take on the debate, from the perspective of someone who's used Canon, Sony, and now Fuji gear for photography and videography work.

My Photography Journey So Far

I started my photography journey in 2023, initially driven by a work-related need for an in-house photographer and videographer. My first camera was the Canon 250D, and while it did the job, I quickly outgrew it. The limitations became frustrating, and less than a year later I sold it, along with my EF-mount lenses collection, and jumped ship to Sony, buying the much-loved A7III.

To say I was impressed is an understatement. The A7III delivered stunning quality for both photo and video, with incredible lens options and flexibility thanks to third party manufacturer support. The sharpness, dynamic range, and low-light capabilities were mind-blowing compared to what I was used to.

Why I Looked Beyond Sony

After about a year of using the A7III, it started to feel a bit soulless. Don't get me wrong, it's an amazing tool for professional use, and for any professional work, it's still my go-to. But for personal projects, I found myself wanting something with a little more character.

Editing RAW files in Lightroom for hours sometimes feels like overkill for everyday moments. I wanted something that looked beautiful straight out of camera, something that gave me a bit more joy in the process of photography as an artform.

The Fuji Temptation

I've always had an eye on Fujifilm, mainly because of their iconic film simulations and retro styling. The idea of getting rich JPEGs that are bursting with character right out of the box really appealed to me. So, I started researching.

  • X-T5? Too expensive and overlaps with my A7III.
  • X100VI? Good luck. Scalpers and hype have made it nearly impossible to get at a reasonable price.
  • Used X-T3? Tempting, but the autofocus wasn't quite there.

That's when I stumbled upon Fuji's latest mirrorless camera release, the X-M5.

The X-M5 Backlash

The online discourse around this camera has been wild. Half the community is praising it as an ideal travel and everyday camera, while others are simply offended by its existence.

Here's what the X-M5 brings to the table:

  • 6.2K Open Gate video recording
  • 10-bit 4:2:2 internal recording
  • Blackmagic RAW and ProRes external recording
  • Access to Fuji's latest film simulations
  • Compact, lightweight build
  • Flip-out screen perfect for vlogging
  • Decent on-board microphones
  • Webcam functionality

But here's what's missing:

  • Electronic viewfinder (EVF)
  • Tilting screen
  • In-body image stabilisation (IBIS)
  • Dual SD card slot
  • Customisable buttons

The lack of IBIS and an EVF seem to be the biggest gripes the community have. Many reviewers have branded it a "beginner camera," even though the specs clearly show it's more than capable of being used for serious work. In my view, Fuji made deliberate design choices here to keep it compact, affordable, and versatile.

And to be honest, it does a lot of things better than cameras twice its price. The image quality, even with the kit lens, is sharp and clean. Sure, it only has a 26.1 megapixel sensor, but the images come out on par with my A7III at standard viewing resolutions. The video features alone put it miles ahead of most cameras at this price point, particularly for creators who want to shoot talking-head style videos or document their day-to-day lives.

It is worth mentioning that the X-M5 is pretty small to handle, and as a result the ergonomics do take a slight hit which is unfortunate, but understandable. Some of this can be remedied by using an L-grip and hot-shoe thumb grip, Tilta and Smallrig have some options here. It's certainly something I recommend using otherwise you'll find yourself clinging on for dear life, it really is that small.

Why I Bought the X-M5 and Why I'm Keeping It

For me, the X-M5 is all about joy and speed - I can grab it, shoot some beautiful stills, and share them pretty much immediately without spending hours editing RAW files.

The film simulations are honestly the real selling point here. Classic Chrome, Nostalgic Neg, Eterna - they're all stunning in the right setting. The film simulation recipe community is also a big draw for me. And 10-bit video with 4:2:2 colour means I can still grade footage properly when I need to. It offers the perfect balance of creative flexibility and quick, instant results.

The lack of an EVF? I don't really miss it. For casual shooting, framing on the flip screen is fine. And the portability makes it ideal for vlogging (not something I personally do), travel photography, and even some professional stuff. I do think Fuji missed a trick with the screen articulation, it would've been amazing if it featured tilt functionality like on the A7III.

Compared to the Competition

During my research, I came across some (albeit limited) competition in this space.

  • Sony ZV-E10: Similar price, but lacks Fuji's colour science, access to film simulations and feels more like a video-first tool. The X-M5 is more rounded.
  • Canon R50: Great autofocus, but also lacks the Fuji feel. Video specs aren't quite as advanced.
  • Fujifilm X-T30 II: Better controls, EVF, but older sensor and processor. X-M5 has better image processing, better video and a superior auto-focus system.

The X-M5, for me at least, sits in this sweet spot where casual creators, travel shooters, and visual storytellers can get serious quality without lugging around a big rig or stacked kit bag.

Who the X-M5 Is and Isn't For

If you're a:

  • Vlogger or content creator who wants something easy to carry
  • Photographer who values speed, character, and SOOC ready to share
  • Filmmaker needing a second camera with solid specs and flexibility
  • Fujifilm fan who loves the look of the JPEGs

... then the X-M5 might be exactly what you need.

But, if you're a:

  • Hybrid shooter who relies heavily on IBIS for handheld video
  • Photographer who prefers an EVF for precise composition
  • Professional looking for redundancy features like dual card slots
  • Higher megapixel sensor for print

...you might find it a bit limiting.

Final Thoughts

The Fujifilm X-M5 isn't perfect, but it's not trying to be. What it is, is a fun, fast, and surprisingly capable little camera that promotes a joyful experience to casual photography and video creation. It lets you focus more on creating and less on editing, and that's something I've come to value deeply with my photography specifically.

If you're on the fence, ignore the noise. Watch some honest reviews, think about your needs, and if those needs match what the X-M5 offers, I'd confidently say go for it.