Fujifilm X-E5 camera and 23mm ‘pancake’ lens announced

Fujifilm’s new X-E5 camera continues the compact and lightweight, rangefinder styling of previous models but offers higher resolution and an updated user interface. (Source: Fujifilm.)

Unveiled at the Fujifilm X Summit in Shanghai tonight, the new X-E5 represents a major improvement on its predecessor, the X-E4, which was announced in late January 2021. The new camera, which will be offered in silver/black and all-black versions, weighs only 445 grams with battery and card. Equipped with a back-illuminated, 40.2-megapixel X-Trans CMOS 5 HR sensor and X-Processor 5 image processor, it is able to record movies with 6.2K resolution and frame rates up to 30p, 4K resolution and frame rates up to 60p and Full HD1080 clips at up to 240 fps. It also supports 4:2:2 10-bit internal recording.

For the first time in the X Series, the X-E5 features a top plate crafted from a single piece of machined aluminium. The dedicated Film Simulation dial located below this top-plate has a precision-cut indicator window that gives users an easy way to see the active mode. Users can individually set Film Simulation and image quality settings to the FS1-FS3 positions, thereby saving their own recipes to provide greater functionality and personalisation. A new front control lever makes further additions to customisation and versatility.  The viewfinder and diopter adjustment control fit flush with the body, preserving the traditional look and feel.

Fujifilm has also introduced a Classic Display mode for the EVF, inspired by old film cameras. This simplified the data display to provide distraction-free shooting. A new Surround View function displays the area outside the shooting range as a semi-transparent or line pattern according to the aspect ratio. A control lever on the front of the camera lets users switch between these two modes while looking through the viewfinder, simulating an Optical Viewfinder (OVF), while retaining the benefits of an EVF.

The shake detection accuracy of the gyro sensor has been improved, with a new algorithm that enhances responsiveness, providing 5-axis compensation performance of up to 7.0 stops at the centre and 6.0 stops at the edges. Users can also take advantage of a digital teleconverter function that supports 1.4x and 2.0x zooming with minimal loss of image quality. The X-can record video in 6.2K/30P, 4K/60p and FHD/240P resolutions and also supports 4:2:2 10-bit internal video recording. Tracking AF during video recording ensures high quality and smooth footage, while AI-based subject detection AF can detect animals, birds, cars, motorcycles, bicycles, airplanes, trains, insects and drones. The latest AF predictive algorithm ensures high tracking performance in low-contrast environments.

The new XF23mm f/2.8 R WR lens, which will be offered alone or bundled with the new X-E5 camera. (Source: Fujifilm.)

The new Fujinon XF23mm f/2.8 R WR lens is ultra-compact and light-weight with an easy-to-use focal length of 23mm (equivalent to 35mm in 35mm format). Only 23 mm long and weighing approximately 90 grams, it is performance-matched to the new X-E5 camera. Versatile enough to handle standard, wide-angle, close-up shooting, it is ideal for travel, portrait and landscape photography. It will be available in silver or black to match the new camera and has an optical design containing eight elements in six groups. Two aspherical lenses minimise aberrations from the centre to the periphery while 11 diaphragm blades create attractive circular bokeh effects. The minimum object distance is 20cm, making this lens useful for shooting close-ups of food, flowers and other small objects.

The lens uses a full group focusing system, driven by a powerful DC motor, which suppresses aberration variation depending on the focus position. A manual focus ring equipped with a high-precision sensor enables precise MF adjustment with minimal rotation, while a fixed ring separating the MF ring and the aperture ring, ensures both can be operated without interference. The lens barrel is also dustproof, drip-proof and withstands temperatures as low as -10°C, while nine sealing points on each part of the barrel allow it to be used safely in light rain or dusty environments.

The Fujifilm X-E5 camera and XF23mm f/2.8 R WR lens are schedule for local release in August 2025. The RRP for the camera is AU$2699, while the price of the lens is to be determined. The X-E5 camera will also be offered with the XF23mm f/2.8 R WR lens for AU$3049 (RRP).

Click here for full details of the X-E5 camera and here for information on the XF23mm f/2.8 R WR lens.