Fujifilm X-E5 Review: I Was Wrong (But It’s Still Complicated)
We have almost wrapped up the month I’ve spent with the Fujifilm X-E5 as my ONLY camera. The goal was simple: Could this tiny camera survive as my only camera? Did I find dealbreaker flaws? And the biggest question: Am I keeping it? Let's dive in.
I Was Wrong
I have to start with a confession: I was wrong about this camera.
Is it still overpriced? Absolutely. But is it an excellent tool? Hell yes.
When you look at the $1,700 body-only price tag, it doesn't make sense compared to cameras like the Nikon Zf or Z5II. You’re getting no weather sealing, a single card slot, and a non-stacked sensor. However, the $1,900 kit (paired with the 23mm f/2.8 lens) is a much easier pill to swallow.
After two weeks of lugging around a heavy Nikon Z6III kit on my Japan trip, I realized there was no way I was taking that bulk on my next trip. That fatigue, combined with my initial skepticism, made the X-E5 the perfect test subject to see if this could replace my larger cameras on trips abroad.
The Specs
Let’s quickly run through what’s under the hood.
Sensor: 40MP APS-C (High-resolution, same as X-T5, X-H2, X100VI).
Processor: X-Processor 5. (Same as X-T5, X-H2, X100VI)
Stabilization: In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS).
Video: 6K open gate; 4K oversampled from 6K up to 60fps (200Mbps).
The Bottleneck: Single SD card slot (limits readout speeds).
Since this is primarily a photo camera, I can let the single slot slide. The autofocus capabilities are essentially the same as the higher-end models, though we will talk about actual performance in a minute. Video-wise, it’s comparable to the Lumix S5II, which is impressive for this size.
Build Quality & Ergonomics
The camera feels solid in hand—almost like a light, dense brick, very similar to the X100VI. The buttons and dials are clicky and responsive.
The Gripes:
Button Placement: I dislike the placement of the Play button and the Film Simulation dial. They force me to use my left hand, which is usually busy holding a DJI Pocket 3 or action cam. Instead, I mapped customer recipes to the top right custom button and use those instead.
The Grip: It isn't robust, but adding a grip defeats the core purpose of this camera: Size.
Paired with the 23mm or 27mm f/2.8 pancake lenses, this tiny package becomes extremely compelling.
What I Like
There is a lot here for me to love, mostly centered around portability.
The "Bag Test": This fits in a small bag alongside an extra lens AND my Pocket 3. That is a game-changer.
Travel Fatigue: I took a Z8 and Z30 to Ireland two years ago, and halfway through, I started leaving the Z8 at the hotel. With the X-E5, I don't feel that weight.
Video Quality: FLog2 continues to be easy to edit, and the footage is very good.
Customization: I love the added custom buttons. I’ve mapped the top button (usually for optical VF on the X100VI) to handle White Balance, AF box type, and Subject Detection.
What I Don’t Like
We have to talk about the negatives, and there are a few big ones.
The Price: At $1,699, it is hard to gloss over the cost in a world where the full-frame Nikon Z5II exists. I have no doubt this camera was supposed to be cheaper before tariffs hit.
Autofocus pulsing: The AF is still lacking, especially with the 23mm pancake lens which pulses from time to time. Coming from the Z6III, this was noticeable.
No Weather Sealing: This is a huge miss. If this is geared toward street shooters, why no seals? I’m going to find out exactly how "weather resistant" it is because I’ll be taking it out in the rain regardless.
Who Is This For?
This camera is for anyone wanting a small, portable camera that is incredibly capable.
Street Photographers: It offers that rangefinder-style experience.
Vloggers: The flip-up screen makes it more compelling than the X100VI for video creators.
However, if you are a pro who needs dual card slots and weather sealing, or if you prefer full-frame depth of field, you might be better off looking at the Nikon Z5II—just be honest with yourself about the size and weight of full-frame lenses.
Final Thoughts: Am I Keeping It?
Yes, I am keeping it.
Getting to try it in Japan next to other cameras helped me decide. The form factor-to-performance ratio is a winning combo for travel, street, and family vacations. It is essentially a "Baby X-T5" or an interchangeable lens X100VI.
The Verdict: If you need a small, portable, capable camera and can swallow the high price tag, this is a great option.
If you don't need the vlog screen? Look at the X-T50.
If you prefer video over photo? Look at the X-S20.
If you want the ultimate compact hybrid? The X-E5 is the one.
