In Search of a Perfect Travel Camera • PhotoTraces

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In Search of a Perfect Travel Camera • PhotoTraces


The Fujifilm X-T5 assessment is my try to present you suggestions after taking pictures with the digital camera for five months.

It will not be a technical assessment however somewhat a private expertise of how the X-T5 mannequin affected my pictures.

Fujifilm X-T5 Review

The X-T5 is a stepping stone in my seek for an ideal digital camera for my journey pictures. We all perceive there is no such thing as a such factor as a “perfect camera,” however the X-T5 is getting shut for a sort of pictures I do. It took me 15 years, 3 digital camera manufacturers, and a dozen digital camera fashions to get to the purpose the place I do not need main annoyances in my digital camera.

I switched from Sony to Fujifilm 5 years in the past, getting an X-T2 mannequin. I put collectively an in depth article outlining my reasoning for the switching and my first impressions of Fujifilm X-T2 particularly and the Fujifilm ecosystem generally. Fujifilm vs Sony turned one of the crucial common articles on my web site, and even at the moment, it attracts a number of consideration.

X-T2 was and nonetheless is a really succesful digital digital camera however as with all digital camera, it had some shortcomings. And with the X-T5, Fujifilm addressed virtually all of them.

Please observe I upgraded to X-T5 from X-T2, and although I’ve expertise taking pictures with X-T3 and E-X3, in my Fuji X-T5 assessment, I primarily evaluate it to the digital camera I used probably the most, X-T2.

Design and Ergonomics

Fujifilm X-T2’s distinctive retro design was one of many causes I embraced the X-T collection 5 years in the past. It provided handbook controls, compact dimension, and unprecedented energy over customizations. It checked a lot of the containers for my journey pictures.

I favored X-T2 a lot that it prevented me from upgrading to the Fuji X-T4 mannequin. Over two generations, the X-T collection turned bulkier and heavier, beginning to resemble full-frame fashions. I used to be not too excited concerning the path the Fuji X-T line was progressing. 

In 2020 once I determined to not go for X-T4, I even entertained the concept of searching for my subsequent digital camera from one other model.

I assume I used to be not the one one who voiced dissatisfaction, and Fujifilm seen it and corrected its course.

And once I realized that Fujifilm determined to go to the unique roots with the X-T5, I knew instantly that I’d stick with Fujifilm.

The Fujifilm X-T5 is akin to the dimensions of X-T2. But they made it a bit deeper to accommodate IBIS and a much bigger battery. According to the specs, it’s only 50 grams heavier, even with the a lot larger battery. It additionally has a barely extra pronounced grip.

I’ve no complaints concerning the ergonomics, however X-T5 feels totally different in my hand. I assume 5 years of muscle reminiscences would let me discover even a tiny change.

Fujifilm X-T5 reviews: photo of Montreal in winter

AF ON and AEL Buttons

Another small change in physique design that positively impacted my pictures was the redesign and repositioning of AF-L and AF-L buttons. I perceive that the buttons had been redesigned and repositioned already on X-T4, however since I skipped it, it’s a new expertise for me.

Let me clarify.

I take advantage of the Back Button Focus and Auto Exposure Lock with just about each shot I take.

First, I level the digital camera towards the scene I intend to seize and lock the publicity by urgent the AEL button. Next, I activate the histogram contained in the EVF by urgent the button in entrance of the digital camera and use the publicity compensation to regulate the publicity, making it as vibrant as potential with out clipping the highlights. The approach additionally is named ETTR (publicity to the suitable).

When I’m finished with the publicity, I maintain focus. I used the hyperfocal distance focusing approach to maximise the depth of subject of my panorama photographs. I level the only focus level at hyperfocal distance and press AF-L (AF ON on X-T5) to lock the main focus. 

In the ultimate step, I recompose and press the shutter.

It would possibly sound very cumbersome, however it takes me solely somewhat time with follow. But it permits me to take correctly uncovered and sharp photographs with 99% accuracy.

On X-T2, the buttons are tiny. Plus, the AF-L button is positioned in such a clumsy place that I by no means used it. I needed to program the Rear Command Dial to lock the deal with the press and use it as a substitute of the AF-L button.

On X-T5, the AF On and AEL buttons are extra outstanding, tactile, and positioned in the suitable locations to make use of when wanting via the EVF.

Back to the Future with LCD

A very long time in the past, when taking pictures with Canon, I spotted that I not solely haven’t any use for articulated screens but additionally despise them. As you’ll be able to think about that I’m delighted that X-T5 went again to the outdated and confirmed 3-way tilt rear display screen design.

To summarize, there aren’t any dramatic adjustments in design and ergonomics in X-T5, however all of them are welcome. I couldn’t spot any negatives up to now.

Image Quality

When I discovered that Fujifilm X-T5 can be geared up with a 40MP sensor, I used to be initially very skeptical.

After taking pictures for thus lengthy with APS-C cameras, I used to be satisfied that 24-26MP sensors had been a candy spot for crop sensor cameras. The next megapixel depend wouldn’t profit however would possibly even jeopardize picture high quality.

My concern was that tiny pixels of the 40MP sensor would negatively impression the dynamic vary and enhance the noise degree via your complete ISO vary.

Plus, I used to be not too excited to cope with larger RAW information.

But as soon as once more, Fujifilm proved me incorrect. The new X-T5 40MP sensor is a huge leap ahead in comparison with older 24MP and 26MP Fujifilm sensors.

Fujifilm X-T5 reviews: foggy winter day in Montreal

Sharpness and Details

I switched from Sony to Fuji primarily due to the unprecedented picture high quality and the excessive degree of element that Fujifilm X-Trans sensors produce. I used to be shocked that photographs taken with X-T2 had been sharp and even usable at 100% magnification.

Since I didn’t count on a lot from the brand new 40MP sensor, I hoped to get no less than the identical degree of picture high quality akin to X-T2. To my shock, the brand new X-T5 sensor exceeded all my expectations.

The new sensor produces a lot cleaner, sharper photos with distinctive ranges of element. The RAW photos taken at ISO 125 are usable even at 200% magnification. 

It is unbelievable.

I like the brand new 40MP X-Trans sensor.

Fujifilm X-T5 reviews: sharpness and detail
Unprocessed RAW picture. The picture is overexposed. I used the approach Exposure to the RIght (ETTR)
Fujifilm X-T5 Review: In Search of a Perfect Travel Camera 1
100% crop
Fujifilm X-T5 Review: In Search of a Perfect Travel Camera 2
200% crop
Fujifilm X-T5 Review: In Search of a Perfect Travel Camera 3
Processed picture

Dynamic Range

I can not precisely measure the brand new sensor’s true dynamic vary, however what I’ve is expertise coping with digital photos as knowledgeable graphic designer and photographer. Plus, I course of RAW photographs each day.

Based on my statement, the dynamic vary of the X-T5 sensor is on par with the X-T2 when taking pictures at ISO 200 and up. But X-T5 produces a wider dynamic vary when taking pictures at a base ISO of 125. Since X-T2 has no native ISO decrease than 200, it’s most likely not a good comparability.

But if I needed to summarize, the X-T5 produces a wider dynamic vary on the base ISO.

And since most of my photographs are taken at base ISO, it’s a large constructive for my pictures.

Fujifilm X-T5 Review: In Search of a Perfect Travel Camera 4
Fujifilm X-T5 Review: In Search of a Perfect Travel Camera 5

New RAW Compression Option

Fuji X-T2 has two RAW compression choices: Uncompressed and Lossless Compressed. The Uncompressed file dimension is round 50MB; add Lossless Compressed is about 28MB.

After analyzing each variations, I couldn’t see the distinction in high quality, even at 800% magnification. I didn’t see the rationale to make use of uncompressed RAWs, and for five years, I’ve been taking pictures with the Lossless Compressed possibility.

Now, Fujifilm added one other compressed possibility. Next to the Uncompressed and Lossless Compressed, we’ve got a Compressed choice.

Fujifilm X-T5 reviews: RAW compression options

The new compressed possibility produces the next file sizes:

  • Uncompressed – 87MB
  • Lossless Compressed – round 45MB
  • Compressed – round 29MB

As earlier than, I’m sticking to the Lossless Compressed possibility. But I’d not hesitate to make use of the Compressed possibility if I’m pressed on house on the reminiscence card as a result of it nonetheless produces excellent RAW photos.

Fujifilm X-T5 Review: In Search of a Perfect Travel Camera 6
The picture was taken with the brand new compression possibility, Compresse. RAW file dimension is 28MB.

Noise and Low Light Performance

Since I take most photographs at base ISO, low gentle efficiency will not be crucial for my pictures. Most of my high-ISO photos are household photographs.

But what I can say about low gentle efficiency based mostly on my observations is it’s on par with my outdated X-T2.

But the extent of digital noise is totally different.

Across your complete ISO vary, X-T5 produces a lot much less digital noise. In basic, the RAW photos taken with X-T5 are cleaner.

It is very noticeable at decrease ISO. 

When you could have underexposed areas within the shadows and attempt to get well them in Lightroom, you get some degree of digital noise, even at base ISO. The X-T5 is totally different. You get little or no nostril at decrease ISO (125-400) even after aggressive shadow restoration.

When you shoot at excessive ISO (1600-3200) you’ll be able to see picture degradation however with a a lot decrease digital noise degree. And while you mix X-T5 excessive ISO photographs with AI Denoise noise discount in Lightroom, you find yourself with extraordinarily clear and sharp photographs with a excessive degree of element.

My conclusion is new X-T5 sensor handles digital noise in a different way in a really constructive method.

Fujifilm X-T5 reviews: high dynamic range photo
High dynamic vary picture with extraordinarily underexposed shadows.
Fujifilm X-T5 reviews: photo demonstrates the level of digital noise
100% crop of the recovered shadow space. It has no digital noise.

IBIS (In Body Image Stabilization)

IBIS is one other facet of pictures I modify my opinion drastically about.

In the previous, I took most of my journey photographs utilizing tripods. And I didn’t really feel the necessity for IBIS in my pictures. My place was that IBIS makes the digital camera bulkier, costlier, and fewer dependable, with minimal advantages for my model of pictures.

What modified my thoughts was the effectiveness of Fujifilm lens stabilization. I spotted that my 2 fundamental lenses (Fuji 10-24mm and 18-135mm) allowed me to take sharp photographs at a a lot decrease shutter velocity. 

To change my outdated habits, I deliberately began leaving my tripods at residence, making an attempt to be taught to take higher handheld photos. The entire expertise liberated me, permitting me to be extra artistic with the composition. I didn’t have to hold a full-size tripod in every single place, particularly throughout lengthy and demanding hikes.

Now with the X-T5, I can take my handheld journey even additional due to the effectiveness of its IBIS. I don’t assume it’s efficient as much as 7 stops, as Fujifilm claims, but when I needed to estimate, it’s rock stable as much as no less than 5.

When taking pictures with X-T2, I extensively used the Auto ISO characteristic, making an attempt to not go under 1/80s of shutter velocity with my dealt with panorama photographs.

Fujifilm X-T5 reviews: Auto ISO settings

Now taking pictures with X-T5, I hardly use Auto ISO in any respect. I set my ISO dial to 125 and really feel snug taking pictures at large angles as much as 1/6s. It is liberating.

I plan to proceed lowering tripod use and focus on handheld strategies. I spotted that if I need to blur water in my landscapes, it’s simpler and sooner to take two photographs at totally different shutter speeds handheld and mix them in Photoshop later than organising the tripod.

To summarize, the IBIS (in-body picture stabilization) in X-T5 is frightening efficient and now not a ineffective characteristic for my pictures.

Fujifilm X-T5 reviews: photo of park in Montreal after ice storm of 2023
Montreal after the ice storm of 2023.

Battery Life

For me, the largest shortcoming of switching to mirrorless methods was poor battery life. X-T2 was not an exception. Over the years, I’ve discovered many tips for extending the battery life in my mirrorless cameras and remembering to cost and produce no less than 3 batteries throughout my travels.

I keep in mind throughout my journey to Utah, after an hour of mountain climbing, I spotted I had left spare batteries within the automotive. I needed to hike again. 

Now with the X-T5, it looks like I’m again in my outdated DSLR days. I stick one battery within the digital camera, which is nice for no less than a day. I common from 580 photographs to 600 photographs per cost.

The solely unfavorable right here is the digital camera doesn’t include a charger. You must spend one other $100 for a spare battery and charger.

Wireless Connectivity

I contemplate the Fujifilm Remote App the weakest level of your complete Fujifilm ecosystem. It is comprehensible since Fuji will not be a software program firm.

I used to be so excited once I switched from Sony to Fujifilm to lastly have the ability to geotag all my photographs on the time of seize. But I spotted later that X-T2 would tag all the photographs with the identical coordinates of the situation the place you activated the app. Whether you stroll for 5km or drive for 100km, you’ll get the identical geotagging as the unique location. 

The implementation of geotagging in X-T2 was totally ineffective.

Now with the newest distant app together with X-T5, the geotagging works flawlessly. Finally, I can take pleasure in computerized geotagging with out even fascinated by it.

When I import new photographs into Lightroom and leap to the Map module, all photos are mechanically mapped to the suitable places.

Geotagging is a crucial characteristic for my pictures. Now I can pinpoint the precise location of my journey photographs with out losing any time.

Fujifilm X-T5 Review: In Search of a Perfect Travel Camera 7
Lightroom Maps module with geotagged photographs.

Besides geotagging, I don’t use different options of the Fujifilm Remote App.

Autofocus Accuracy

Fujifilm has been lagging behind Sony and Canon regarding Autofocus system efficiency and accuracy for years. The new X-T5 was supposed to cut back the hole. But I’m not the suitable particular person to present you an professional evaluation of X-T5 autofocus enhancements. In most instances, I shoot static scenes, manually choosing some extent to deal with.

But even I can see the substantial progress.

One of my favourite lenses is Fujifilm 35mm f1.4. It is without doubt one of the oldest Fuji lenses. I prefer it for the distinct photos it produces, however it has an outdated focusing system. The focusing motor may be very noisy and gradual and tends to hunt continuously, making an attempt to focus in low-light situations.

Now when hooked up to X-T5, the lens acts in a different way. It is way sooner to focus and snappier, even in poor situations.

Video Performance

Unfortunately, I’ve no suggestions for you regarding video seize specs and efficiency.

I take advantage of X-T5 solely for pictures functions. I by no means even as soon as change the digital camera to video mode.

During my travels, I take advantage of GoPro as a video digital camera. Separating video and picture duties makes the method sooner with fewer issues.

Lenses and Accessories

The lens I take advantage of most frequently is Fujinon 10-24mm. It is an impressive wide-angle lens with glorious picture high quality, well-built, and efficient picture stabilization.

My second most used lens is Fujinon 18-135mm. Even although I prefer it, I used to be searching for alternate options due to its shortcomings:

  • It is massive and heavy
  • 18mm will not be large sufficient on the large finish
  • When it’s hanging on the leash behind my again, the entrance factor tens to increase underneath its weight 

I needed to check it in opposition to the Fujinon 16-80mm for a very long time, however I by no means had an opportunity to do it.

This time I made a decision to go for it. Instead of shopping for an X-T5 physique solely, I obtained the equipment, getting the digital camera and 16-80mm lens collectively.

I had time to check 16-80mm for five months, and I can see it’s on par in picture high quality with 18-135mm. I made a decision to promote 18-135mm and hold the 16-80mm. It is smaller and lighter; 16 mm on the large finish is way more helpful than 18mm, and I’m keen to lose 50mm on the lengthy finish.

photo shot with Fujifilm X-T5 camera and Fujinon 16-80mm lens
Fujifilm X-T5, Fujinon 16-80mm f4 – ISO125, f8, 1/30s

Many fellow photographers recommend I get 16-55mm f2.8 to interchange 18-135mm, however it will not work for me. The 16-55mm is massive and heavy and doesn’t have picture stabilization. Plus, I don’t want an f2.8 aperture since I take most of my photographs within the vary of f8-f11.

Thumb Grip

If I had to decide on just one accent for my Fuji X-T5, it will be the thumb grip.

Even although the Fujifilm X-T5 has a compact physique, it isn’t light-weight. It weighs 557g. But because it doesn’t have a deep greep, it feels unbalanced. And it takes pointless effort to deal with it.

Fujifilm X-T5 reviews: thumb grip improves ergonomics

The thumb grip fixes the problems by distributing the load between 4 fingers and the thumb. For me, it’s a recreation changer regarding ergonomics. 

Quick Release Plate

Since I’m a hybrid photographer taking pictures handheld and on a tripod, I wanted a quick-release plate to make it snug to hold the digital camera on a leash and mount it on a tripod in seconds.

It took me most likely a 12 months to search out the common common quick-release plate that I favored, and it occurred to be the most affordable I attempted.

Fujifilm X-T5 reviews: Universal Quick Release
Universal Quick Release on X-T2. I’ve already moved it to X-T5 however don’t have a photograph but.

Unfortunately, you cannot get it from Amazon or B&H, however it’s nonetheless accessible on AliExpress. It value solely $10.

The Negatives of Fujifilm X-T5

I don’t see too many points in X-T5 that negatively have an effect on my pictures.

  • Probably the largest shortcoming that separates X-T5 from being a very skilled digital camera is a shallow buffer. If your pictures is determined by steady taking pictures, you most likely want to contemplate the Fujifilm X-H2 and X-H2s.
  • The digital camera doesn’t include a devoted charger. But you’ll be able to nonetheless cost the battery contained in the cameras.
  • There isn’t any battery grip accessible for X-T5
  • The X-T5 is made in China. I assume Fujifilm needed to transfer manufacturing from Japan to remain aggressive. But it allowed them to maintain the identical value of the T-X collection for 7 years.

Fujifilm X-T5 Review | Conclusion

My first impression was that the Fujifilm X-T5 mannequin was not a revolutionary replace however somewhat incremental. But after taking pictures with it for five months, I feel it’s greater than a boring refresh.

Fujifilm improved picture high quality by introducing a brand new high-resolution sensor distinctive to APS-C cameras. 

Fujifilm managed to enhance IBIS, making it more practical and compact.

Fujifilm diminished the digital camera dimension in comparison with the earlier mannequin (X-T4).

Combining the brand new sensor and processor allowed the digital camera to make use of extra refined auto-focus algorithms. And with such a contemporary and highly effective duo, there may be loads of room for autofocus enhancements via firmware updates.

From my perspective, the Fujifilm X-T5 is the perfect journey digital camera. It is sturdy, weather-sealed with professional-level options, and produces excellent photos.

And truthfully, I’m struggling to provide you with my wishlist for the following XT mannequin. 

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