XT5 interface notes (so far)

These are few of my observations on the XT5 interface so far. I haven't had time to evaluate the shooting and IQ characteristics yet (AF, buffering, color rendition, noise, etc.). But hopefully these will help some:

• It's much snappier to respond. Not that I'm often in a situation that requires fast response, but I think capturing the fast moment will be more assured with this camera.
• I can indeed crop in a bit further with the same quality results per pixel, in my opinion. Something I definitely appreciate.
• That also means I can print larger, which I will rarely need, but it's there if I want.
• Battery life is suddenly no longer a concern. So much appreciated. I almost regret buying the extra battery.
• It's true the camera is noticeably smaller in width than the XT3, but it's also thicker. Between that and the redesigned grip, it does give a substantially better purchase on the camera. But I'm still undecided if I prefer the "old thickness." Time will tell.
• Much of the menu system is preserved and very familiar. I was able to customize with all my favorite settings in just a few minutes.
• IBIS does not substantially improve the stabilization experience with OIS lenses. But it makes a huge difference with my non-stabilized lenses. The longest manual lens I have is the Voigtlander 90, and it performs beautifully with it. However, it seems to be important to set the Mount Adapter Setting appropriately for it to be most effective.
• The Still/Movie switch is a waste for me. I really will miss the metering switch.
• All of the control buttons protrude more on this model. I think I prefer them like this.
• The magnification difference of the viewfinder vs. the XT3 is negligible, in my opinion. At least I have a hard time telling the difference when switching rapidly between them (one camera in each hand).
• While it's a bit easier to turn the EC dial with my thumb, it still not as easy as the XE4. So I'll keep EC on the front dial like I did with the XT3. I was hoping to be consistent when switching between the XT5 and XE4.
• It's taking a bit of muscle memory change for the Q button.
• It seems a bit easier to deploy the tilt screen on this model. Less resistance to overcome in both directions. I like it.
• I like the layout of the card slots of the XT5 vs. the XT3. Much easier to remove a specific card.
• The power switch "handle" doesn't protrude enough. More difficult to turn the camera on and off. However, I think it will be less prone to accidental activation, especially when seating or removing from the camera bag. This was probably intentional on Fujifilm's part.
• The mechanical shutter is quiet. Much less noisy than the XT3. However, the provided sounds for the electronic shutter are still less than satisfying. I think I prefer the "tick" sound of the XE4 to the simulated mechanical shutter sounds offered on the XT5. For now, I've set it to OFF, but it only gives you a brief blackout period to indicate a shutter release. I think I'd prefer a blinking frame around the edge like some other cameras, or at least something a bit more pronounced.
• Some are reporting that their soft release buttons aren’t fitting the threads. I transferred my Fotodiox from the XT3 with no issues.

As a side note, ACDSee is my editor of choice. I've noticed that it can view the HIF files, but can't edit them unless I rename them to HEIF. Strange. I've reported it to their tech support, and they've already responded. I sent them a sample file and they're working on it.