When we previously wrote that October would be the month for Fujifilm users, we weren’t lying. After much hearsay, buzzes, and whispers, we finally arrived at the most important time of the year, the Fujifilm X-Summit. While the last time we saw the launch of cameras that became instant beloveds, we now again have new releases that many are yet to opine about. Let’s examine what Fujifilm is working on and whether the devices are worth your time.
Fujifilm Updates its 12-Year Camera
The Fujifilm XM1 was launched in 2013. It featured a 16.3MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS Sensor, which was a leading choice at that time. Now, a little over a decade later, the company has launched XM5, its successor, which has the following specs:
- It comes with a 26.1MP back-illuminated X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor and X-Processor 5 processing engine.
- Includes subject detection autofocus to the existing Face/Eye AF. The company has developed this with artificial intelligence (AI) technology, which means the camera can detect animals, birds, cars, motorcycles, bicycles, airplanes, trains, insects, and drones.
- Also includes high tracking performance for moving subjects and high precision AF in low-contrast environments.
- 6.2K/30P 4:2:2 10-bit video recording onto an SD card, and supports 4K/60P and 1080/240P capability.
- There are three built-in microphones: surround, front, back, or front and back. The unit also includes a steady-state noise reduction function, which suppresses continuous noise, such as an air conditioner running.
- A new ‘9:16 short movie mode’ allows users to create vertical videos.
- Two new bit rates: 8 Mbps and 25 Mbps.
- Includes AUTO mode and a Film Simulation Mode Dial. The latter will offer 20 Film Simulations. Of them, 8 choices have been featured directly on the dial, while space has been reserved for 3 additional favorite film simulations of the user’s choice.
- No in-built image stabilization relies wholly on digital IS.
- No viewfinder, only a 3-inch, 1.04 million dots vari-angle LCD screen.
- Lightest in the X series lineup, weighing 355g and measuring 4.7 inches in width and 2.6 inches (66.6mm) in height.
- Available in black and silver color.
- XM5 body is for $799.
- XM5 with 15-45mm kit is for $899.
Fujifilm’s website sells accessories such as a cooling fan and a tripod. Clearly, Fujifilm didn’t consider photographers this time around. The XM5 Silver will be available in November, but the black variant will be available in April 2025. The kit will also be available soon.
Two New Lenses Join Fujifilm
The camera, which is targeted for beginners, was not the only thing the company announced at the event. In addition, they also released two new lenses, which aim to grow the company’s lineup.
Fujifilm 16-55mm f2.8 R LM WR II
A few days ago, we mentioned that Fujifilm would likely get an update from its optics department, which was true. This lens is the successor to the 2015 version, which was fast and sharp and offered great image quality and weather sealing. However, the size and ergonomics were lacking. The new 16-55mm f2.8 is here to change that.
- Weighs 410g and is 37% lighter than its predecessor. Measures 95 mm x 122 mm.
- 16 elements in 11 groups, 4 aspherical, 3 ED, and 1 super ED element.
- 11 rounded aperture blades.
- 12 points of weather sealing across the lens body.
- De-clickable aperture ring for video needs.
- Includes linear autofocus motor which can focus reportedly in 0.02 seconds.
- Features an internal focus mechanism.
- 30cm minimum focusing.
- 0.21x magnification at tele end.
- 72mm filter size.
- Priced at $1,199, it will be available from December 2024.
This lens is lighter due to the use of lesser elements. The older lens featured 17 elements in 12 groups, with 3 aspherical and 3 ED elements. The aperture blades have increased from nine, and the size has also reduced considerably. Up until this point, Fujifilm users were relying on Sigma’s lens, which was smaller and lighter.
Fujifilm XF 500mm F5.6 R LM OIS WR
According to the company, this super telephoto lens has been specifically designed for bird and wildlife photographers and is lightweight and compact. Here’s what the specs say:
- 21 elements in 14 groups, including 5 ED and 2 super ED elements.
- 9 rounded diaphragm opening.
- Weighs 1,335g.
- Its 5.5-stop OIS will allow photographers to shoot comfortably hand-held at an ultra-telephoto range.
- Features inner focus and linear motor.
- Fast AF, approx 0.33 seconds.
- A minimum focusing distance of 2.75m.
- compatible with 1.4x TC: 700mm f8 and 2x TC: 1000 f11.
- Weather resistant, features a fluorine coating on front elements to repel dust and water.
- It incorporates a focus control button, focus limiter, AF-ON, and Present.
- The lens will be s will be available in December 2024 at $2,999.95.
The company launched the Fujifilm GF 500mm f5.6 for its medium-format camera just this year, and now, they have one for the APS-C series. Furthermore, the newer offering is slightly lighter than its GF counterpart at 1,375g. It remains to be seen how the gear performs in our tests. Keep an eye out for our reviews soon!