Big test: Fujifilm X-E5
Posted on Aug 15, 2025 by Adam Duckworth
Vintage vibe with video muscle
With oversampled 4K, great stabilisation and filmic colour, Fujifilm’s retro X-E5 is a content creation machine
Words Adam Duckworth and Ben Gawne
Don’t be fooled by its classic, rangefinder-inspired design because under the skin of the Fujifilm X-E5 is a powerful hybrid machine, ideal for modern-day content creators. Whether you’re a YouTuber, street vlogger or hybrid shooter, this lightweight APS-C camera shoots impressive stills and video in a body that’s as easy to carry as it is to admire.
Lenses, power and video features
The X-E5 might be pricier than its super-popular fixed-lens cousin, the X100VI, but unlike that compact model it takes all Fujifilm X Mount lenses, making it far more suitable as a serious imaging machine. Pair it with the new 23mm f/2.8 R WR kit lens and it becomes a pocket-friendly rig that’s perfect for creators on the move.
This mirrorless marvel pairs Fujifilm’s 40-megapixel APS-C sensor with the latest X-Processor 5 engine, which offers the same imaging power found in the brand’s higher-end models, like the X-H2. The result is sharp, detailed 6.2K video, oversampled C4K and a suite of features designed to make your content look professional straight out of camera, such as Film Simulations. While it might not be pitched as a cinema workhorse, it’s surprisingly capable.
Shooting 6.2K at 30fps gives you the flexibility to crop or reframe for multiple social media formats. You can shoot in full 10-bit colour using H.265 All-Intra or drop down to H.264 at a range of bit rates from 200Mbps down to 8Mbps – ideal for livestreaming to social media. There’s even support for internal F-Log2 for extended dynamic range and external Raw via HDMI to a Blackmagic monitor-recorder.
But there is a catch, as many settings involve a crop. Shoot 4K up to 30p with no crop, but 6.3K or 4K HQ has a 1.23x crop. Go above 30p in native 4K – up to 60fps – and there is a 1.1x crop. Even in HD, there is a 1.1x crop at speeds faster than 30fps.
If you feel the need for reduced speed, in super slow-motion you can get HD frame rates up to 240fps, though that’s with a 1.23x crop and no audio is recorded.
Rolling shutter artefacts in HD or normal 4K are not too much of a problem. But shoot 6.2K or 4K oversampled and things do go a bit bendy. It’s best to avoid these settings if you’re shooting lots of fast movement or whip pans.
Image quality, stabilisation and handling
The camera offers Fujifilm’s popular Film Simulation colour modes in video if you want a straight-out-of-camera look built in. Image quality is what it’s all about and this is excellent, with low noise and smooth tones.
What makes it shine for creators is the combination of decent video and stills, especially in a compact camera with solid stabilisation. The five-axis IBIS system works together with lens-based OIS and optional digital stabilisation to create smooth handheld footage.
The body itself has received an upgrade in build and handling from the X-E4, as well as a major price hike. It feels more premium than its predecessor, with a proper grip, aluminium top-plate and tactile, retro-style dials, including the new Film Simulation selector.
You won’t find a PASM dial – or even a dedicated video record switch – which may be frustrating, but this camera rewards those who like to go old school with dials. However, these are traditional stills camera controls – not cinema camera ones. While it’s OK for shooting photos, for video it’s much more of a hindrance. Also a pain for video is the tilt-and-flip screen. This makes framing yourself for vlogging or getting overhead shots easy, but it doesn’t swivel at all. The EVF is bright and clear though, even if the resolution isn’t class-leading.
Autofocus and connectivity
Autofocus is snappy and intelligent in stills mode, with face and subject detection that works well for people and animals. In video mode, it occasionally lags when pulling focus at wide apertures, but switching to manual solves the issue. The AF might not be flawless, but it’s more than good enough for everyday use, especially for solo creators.
There are some limitations, such as the lack of a headphone jack, though a USB-C adapter helps with monitoring. The camera’s battery life is reasonable, while the dual USB and micro HDMI ports make for straightforward rigging and live streaming. But most importantly, image quality is excellent.
Fujifilm’s colour science is a standout feature, with settings like Classic Chrome and Eterna giving images a cinematic finish without needing grading. If you do want more flexibility, F-Log2 holds up impressively in post.
Whether you’re capturing TikToks, behind-the-scenes vlogs, travel reels or great stills, the X-E5 has the tools to help you nail the look. It’s not perfect, largely due to its retro-style handling. But for content creators who need one camera that does it all – and looks good doing it – the X-E5 will be a compelling choice.
The verdict
Fujifilm’s winning formula is to use its 40-megapixel sensor and processor combination in lots of different bodies, so buyers can choose the form factor and ergonomics that best suit them. If you’re looking for something portable, fun to use and nice to look at, the fully retro-style X-E5 is a good bet. It’s like the X100, but even more useful for serious stills and video work, as you can change lenses.
But if you’re more interested in the video capabilities and handling at the expense of style and a bit of bulk, there are better options from the Fujifilm range. They might not be as stealthy or look as cool, but you might be better served by other cameras that use the same sensor tech, such as the X-H2 or X-T5. It’s nice to have a choice, and Fujifilm gives you that.
How it rates
Features: 8
A great sensor and impressive IBIS, but video spec and handling is limited
Performance: 9
Excellent quality for stills and video, with lots of detail, despite APS-C sensor
Handling: 7
Retro controls put style over function, especially for video, and no swivel screen
Value for money: 8
You’re paying a little extra for the retro style and build quality
Pro Moviemaker overall rating: 8/10
A stylish and small camera with great imaging performance but not ideal for serious video
- Pros: Performance, retro looks, image quality, IBIS, Film Simulations
- Cons: No weather sealing, uses old battery, low-res EVF/LCD
Fujifilm X-E5 video samples
This article was first published in the September/October 2025 issue of Pro Moviemaker
