Fujifilm just celebrated the X Summit Tokyo 2024 to announce what we can expect from the Japanese brand in the upcoming months.

New firmware update centered on video improvements 

The Summit focused mainly on the unveiling of the new Fujifilm X100VI, but luckily for Fujifilm users, the company dedicated the last part of their announcements to an upcoming firmware update for the X series 5th generation. The update will improve the X-H2, X-H2S, X-T5, and X-S20 cameras, so let’s take a look at the improvements coming in Spring 2024:

• Firstly, the red frame indicator during recording will be added to the X-H2 and the X-H2S. Remember this functionality is already present in the X-T5 and the X-S20.

• Touch-tracking subject autofocus will be added to the four cameras (X-H2, X-H2S, X-T5 and X-S20).

• Autofocus performance will be improved thanks to algorithm enhancement. Subject detection when using the electronic shutter will improve the four cameras, whereas improved tracking performance will benefit the X-H2S, X-T5, and X-S20. 

In the summer, Fujifilm will release these improvements:

• Reala Ace film simulation for the X-H2, X-H2S, X-T5, and X-S20, celebrating Fujifilm’s film simulations 20th anniversary.

• Frame.io camera to the cloud without needing the FT-XH file transmitter grip, for the X-H2S and X-H2. 

A new kit lens and XApp update

During the Summit, the XF lens roadmap for the near future was mentioned. The brand has decided to substitute the popular XF18-55mm F2.8-4 kit lens for a new one. The new kit lens for the X series 5th generation will be the new Fujifilm XF16-50mm F2.8-4.8. More than ten years after the previous kit lens was released, Fujifilm wants to improve compactness, versatility, and sharpness with the new one.

Finally, the release of XApp 2.0 is scheduled for February, featuring an updated activity page. Users will now have the capability to view all images captured with a particular camera lens by simply tapping on it and selecting pictures taken with a specific film simulation in the camera roll. Fujifilm has also added a new equipment page with a shutter count (finally!) and battery status. 

Final thoughts

It is nice to see a brand continually improving their cameras, even those that have been in the market for some years. As we install these Fujifilm firmware updates, there is the feeling of not being outdated or forgotten by the brand. As a Fujifilm user, I appreciate this philosophy from the Japanese company. 

On the other hand, these improvements, if continued, could be giving a clue that there is no plan from the company for a new generation of cameras coming soon. Let’s stay tuned and see what happens next!

What do you think about Fujifilm’s firmware update? Please let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

According to FUJIFILM, the new X-T5 camera breaks a bit with its heritage here, because until now, every camera in the X-T series has been larger than its predecessor. Not so with the 5th camera in the series: the FUJIFILM X-T5 is apparently more compact than the X-T4, X-T3, and X-T2. It also weighs 50g less than the X-T4, just 557g (1.23 lbs) – including battery and SD card.

Here’s Masato Yamamoto, general manager, Imaging Solutions Division at FUJIFILM on the new model:

“X-T5 combines all the fan favourites in one body. This system offers IBIS in a compact and lightweight body – designed for portability which is at the core of our X-T system. We’re also reintroducing the 3-way tilt screen to create stills and video from any position.”

FUJIFILM X-T5: overview

First, let’s talk about the X-T5 sensor. This 23.5mm x 15.6mm 40.2MP X-Trans CMOS 5 HR non-stacked, back-illuminated APS-C sensor was first introduced in early September this year with the FUJIFILM X-H2. It is capable of outputting 8K resolution, but of course, for that to happen, the camera needs an appropriate processing pipeline to support it. On the FUJIFILM X-T5, this sensor is limited to 6.2K/30p (at 4:2:2 10-bit), which is still an amazing feat for such a small and compact camera body, I would say.

If you choose to shoot in 4K HQ mode, the image is oversampled from 6.2K to deliver a superior 4K image as a result. What’s more, this high-resolution sensor gives you the ability to digitally zoom up to 2x without a noticeable drop in quality.

When it comes to memory cards, just like the X-T4, the new X-T5 also sports dual SD card slots.

The camera also features the new F-Log2 profile, which, according to FUJIFILM, gives you a wider dynamic range of 13+ stops. If you want to record externally, the X-T5 outputs a 6.2K RAW signal over HDMI and you have two options:

• ATOMOS: 12-bit Apple ProRes RAW at up to 6.2K/29.97p.
• Blackmagic Design Video Assist 12G: Blackmagic RAW at up to 6.2K/29.97p.

More Features

Photographers will appreciate the ability to leverage the so-called Pixel Shift Multi-Shot feature, which allows the 40.2MP sensor to produce very high-resolution 160MP images. In addition, the X-T5 offers 19 film simulations, including the popular Eterna profile and the latest addition called Nostalgic Neg.

The FUJIFILM X-T5 features an in-body image stabilization (IBIS) system with five stabilization axes, allowing compensation of up to 7 stops. The lowest standard ISO setting on the new X-T5 camera, just like the X-H2, is only 125.

The camera offers a 3.69 million-dot EVF with 0.8x magnification and a triple-tilt LCD with 1.84 million pixels. And of course, the new X-T5 retains the classic X-series design, with dials for ISO, shutter speed, and exposure compensation. Love or hate it, but I really like the overall handling of the X-T series cameras.

FUJIFILM X-T5: additional accessories

FUJIFILM offers a dedicated handgrip for this new camera. The MHG-XT5 handgrip is designed for use with large and heavy lenses, as the compact body of the X-T5 might get a little too small in this case. The grip does not block access to the battery compartment or SD card slots and offers an integrated Arca-Swiss quick-release plate.

Pricing and Availability

The new FUJIFILM X-T5 will be available in black and silver colors and should be ready for shipping in late November. It retails for $1699.95 (body only). Also available are two camera/lens kits:

• X-T5 body with FUJINON XF18-55mm F2.8-4 R LM OIS: $2099.95
• X-T5 body with FUJINON XF16-80mm F4 R OIS WR: $2199.95

Thoughts on this new camera model for filmmakers

It seems as if FUJIFILM decided to have a “clearer line” between their photo-oriented cameras (like this new X-T5) and cameras that are stronger in catering the filmmakers’ community. True, it is $300 cheaper than the X-H2 but does not record in different ProRes flavors, or have a CFexpress card slot. (I’m excluding the 8K resolution here as both cameras can record 6.2K). So counting on my experience filming with the X-T4, I’m sure that the X-T5 will do well, but for filming, it looks like the X-H2 (for example), might be a more versatile tool.

Link: FUJIFILM website

What do you guys think? Would you be interested in the new X-T5 or will you stick with the X-T4 or another FUJIFILM camera? Or maybe something else entirely? Share your experiences in the comments below!