Long story short...should I get the XT5 in 2025?

Maxx787 · Feb 15, 2025

Fuji with X-T5 X-H2 X-H2S winners may delay their next move; staying the course. The only gap: XT with stacking sensor from X-H2S. Fuji X-T5S? Of the three cameras X-T5 probably the most successful at the right price. Any X-T6 would need to be very different than X-T5. Any X-T5 upgrade to justify higher price? Bigger X-T5 with new sensor? Doubtful.

DarnGoodPhotos · Feb 15, 2025

Bill Ferris said:
DarnGoodPhotos said:

Bill Ferris said:

If there were an X-T6 in development to be introduced in the next 3-4 months, I suspect the rumor mill would already be in full operation with talk of specs and features across the rumor sites. When the topic has come up in the last 6 months, end of 2025/early 2026 has been about as soon as most have speculated an X-T6 well be be unveiled. Of course, it is just that - speculation.

If Fujifilm were to pull a fast one and introduce a new camera nobody's expecting, I'd expect it to be an X-H3S at the end of the year, paired with a refreshed 50-140mm f/2.8, and just in-time for the Milano/Cortina Winter Games in early 2026. Again - 100% speculation

But no, there haven't been any rumors of an X-T6 in development and soon to be released.

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The next camera Fuji is expected to release is the Medium Format X100.

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That's interesting

The latest on FR is that it's a fixed lens, EVF only GFX called the GFX100RF.

Mountaingrapher · Feb 15, 2025

Hans vdC said:
To complete my post: was considering an A7C II since that's pretty compact too, but having owned an A7IV I just know decent zoomlenses will be pretty heavy too. Still, I'm a bit worried about the Fuji being APS-C. I do take quite a few pictures indoors, so low light performance is import. But to keep A7C II compact, I would be pretty much fixed on using primes.

We'll see...

I went through the process of upgrading my camera a few months ago. I compared almost every system available, in the pursuit of great image quality yet portable enough. And at the end found that the X-T5 with the vast lenses choice for Fuji X is the best trade-off hand down.

https://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/4791259

jhorse · Feb 16, 2025

Mountaingrapher said:
Hans vdC said:

To complete my post: was considering an A7C II since that's pretty compact too, but having owned an A7IV I just know decent zoomlenses will be pretty heavy too. Still, I'm a bit worried about the Fuji being APS-C. I do take quite a few pictures indoors, so low light performance is import. But to keep A7C II compact, I would be pretty much fixed on using primes.

We'll see...

Click to expand...

I went through the process of upgrading my camera a few months ago. I compared almost every system available, in the pursuit of great image quality yet portable enough. And at the end found that the X-T5 with the vast lenses choice for Fuji X is the best trade-off hand down.

https://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/4791259

This link is worth a detailed read as it is an excellent and thorough analysis.

Yannis1976 · Feb 16, 2025

Hans vdC said:
To complete my post: was considering an A7C II since that's pretty compact too, but having owned an A7IV I just know decent zoomlenses will be pretty heavy too. Still, I'm a bit worried about the Fuji being APS-C. I do take quite a few pictures indoors, so low light performance is import. But to keep A7C II compact, I would be pretty much fixed on using primes.

We'll see...

That is a very different dilemma or story… I have the A7C/2 and the XT5. The images I get from A7C/2 are better, sharper, with smoother bokeh and the camera is also a sweet little “monster”. On the other hand I still love the XT5 and the way it looks and handles. Since I couldn’t choose between the two I kept both, sold some of my Fuji lenses to fund my A7C. Sometimes I think that the lenses I have for the A7C are simply better than the ones I have for Fuji. Especially the zooms are much much better in terms of IQ vs my 16-80…

Hans vdC · Feb 16, 2025

Received the camera yesterday, felt right at home since I literally took thousands of pictures on my XT3. Only thing I kinda miss is the dial for metering. Have been setting up the camera like I used to, taking note of the newer stuff too. Amazed by how it handles and especially the simulations are still as fantastic as ever, been dabbling with some recipes too.

Of course, I couldn't resist testing the camera in the most unforgiven situation (daughter riding her horse on a jumping in a dimly lit stable). Even though the camera performed pretty ok, the 16-50 struggled a bit (normal) and noise was quite a bit high (again, normal compared to my previous Sony A7IV). But this is just way too harsh testing grounds for the camera/lens combo.

Today I want for a walk and took some very nice shots of my dog and wife too. It just feels so good to have a 'real' camera again instead of relying just on my iphone 14 pro (which is pretty good in its own way).

Now deciding on whether I go back to LR subscription, or if I would get Capture One.

mahidoes · Feb 16, 2025

Then No.

Other wise you may.

I don't like having mutliple eco systems.

jturn00 · Feb 19, 2025

Thanks for the thought process here. I have an x-pro2 and use some of the standard lenses. (18-55, 55-200 supplemented with 2 primes). I’ve changed some of my tapes of shooting and had to shoot a swim meet inside which pushed the camera’s low light capabilities. What I love about my xpro2 is that with the 18-55 or 35 f2 it’s small and light. I’ve explored “Sony’ and the ac7rc but my assumption and impression is that given full frame lenses it’s going to be too big. The h2 is also much bigger but might be an option. Any thoughts on the improved sensor? I’m also a huge fan of the film simulations straight out of the camera. So any improvements on additional film simulations would also be a benefit.

I could also just get a m5 but that loses weather sealing which I realize I use more often than not when it’s raining or windy out on a hike or sightseeing through cities in the countryside.

looking through some of the equipment folks use here would love to hear the input.

Yannis1976 · Feb 19, 2025

jturn00 said:
Thanks for the thought process here. I have an x-pro2 and use some of the standard lenses. (18-55, 55-200 supplemented with 2 primes). I’ve changed some of my tapes of shooting and had to shoot a swim meet inside which pushed the camera’s low light capabilities. What I love about my xpro2 is that with the 18-55 or 35 f2 it’s small and light. I’ve explored “Sony’ and the ac7rc but my assumption and impression is that given full frame lenses it’s going to be too big.

Up to 200mm there is no size advantage from m43 or APSC lenses anymore. I have both the A7C2 and XT5 and you can achieve same or better DOF with equally sized lenses.

for anything longer, yes the smaller sensors and XT5 in my case are smaller and lighter.

jturn00 said:
The h2 is also much bigger but might be an option. Any thoughts on the improved sensor? I’m also a huge fan of the film simulations straight out of the camera. So any improvements on additional film simulations would also be a benefit.

I could also just get a m5 but that loses weather sealing which I realize I use more often than not when it’s raining or windy out on a hike or sightseeing through cities in the countryside.

looking through some of the equipment folks use here would love to hear the input.

Mountaingrapher · Feb 19, 2025

Yannis1976 said:
jturn00 said:

Thanks for the thought process here. I have an x-pro2 and use some of the standard lenses. (18-55, 55-200 supplemented with 2 primes). I’ve changed some of my tapes of shooting and had to shoot a swim meet inside which pushed the camera’s low light capabilities. What I love about my xpro2 is that with the 18-55 or 35 f2 it’s small and light. I’ve explored “Sony’ and the ac7rc but my assumption and impression is that given full frame lenses it’s going to be too big.

Click to expand...

Up to 200mm there is no size advantage from m43 or APSC lenses anymore. I have both the A7C2 and XT5 and you can achieve same or better DOF with equally sized lenses.

Sure, if we talk DOF, there's not a lot of advantage anymore in APS-C. Now if we talk Image Quality, there's still a nearly 50% weight disadvantage for Full Frame.

rsn · Feb 19, 2025

Get an X T1 and have fun with it while waiting for the X T6.

Yannis1976 · Feb 19, 2025

Mountaingrapher said:
Yannis1976 said:

jturn00 said:

Thanks for the thought process here. I have an x-pro2 and use some of the standard lenses. (18-55, 55-200 supplemented with 2 primes). I’ve changed some of my tapes of shooting and had to shoot a swim meet inside which pushed the camera’s low light capabilities. What I love about my xpro2 is that with the 18-55 or 35 f2 it’s small and light. I’ve explored “Sony’ and the ac7rc but my assumption and impression is that given full frame lenses it’s going to be too big.

Click to expand...

Up to 200mm there is no size advantage from m43 or APSC lenses anymore. I have both the A7C2 and XT5 and you can achieve same or better DOF with equally sized lenses.

Click to expand...

Sure, if we talk DOF, there's not a lot of advantage anymore in APS-C. Now if we talk Image Quality, there's still a nearly 50% weight disadvantage for Full Frame.

50% weight disadvantage??? No… I am talking about same or better IQ with at least same weight and size. There are nowadays some very light and small ff primes with great IQ and features. Zooms are a different story but even there, there are some beautiful exceptions (Tamron 28-200, Sony 20-70/f4).

Robert A · Feb 19, 2025

If you want a little less price risk if a new model shows up sooner than expected, try locating a factory reburb. The discount will reduce the eventual hit.

RobRoy22 · Feb 19, 2025

What are the limitations with the X-T5 which you expect to be eliminated in an X-T6, whenever it comes?

What are the specific enhancements, features which don’t exist on the X-T5, which you anticipate the X-T6 will possess?

The answers to those questions should inform whether there is any point you waiting one or maybe two years for the next model, but you still might be disappointed if it doesn’t meet your brief.

As a personal aside, my wife and I test drove a car yesterday as potential replacement, supposedly more advanced, for our current one. We prefer the one we have.

Yannis1976 · Feb 20, 2025

Robert A said:
If you want a little less price risk if a new model shows up sooner than expected, try locating a factory reburb. The discount will reduce the eventual hit.

Or buy from mpb which gives 6 months warranty.

Yannis1976 · Feb 20, 2025

RobRoy22 said:
What are the limitations with the X-T5 which you expect to be eliminated in an X-T6, whenever it comes?

What are the specific enhancements, features which don’t exist on the X-T5, which you anticipate the X-T6 will possess?

The answers to those questions should inform whether there is any point you waiting one or maybe two years for the next model, but you still might be disappointed if it doesn’t meet your brief.

As a personal aside, my wife and I test drove a car yesterday as potential replacement, supposedly more advanced, for our current one. We prefer the one we have.

Good question… personally I find the XT5 almost perfect (would love a bigger buffer). What I miss from Fuji is more quality zoom lenses. They improved a lot with the 16-55 and 16-50 updates, but would love a modern version of the 18-135. Maybe an improved 18-120/f4 designed for photographers..

RobRoy22 · Feb 20, 2025

Yannis1976 said:
RobRoy22 said:

What are the limitations with the X-T5 which you expect to be eliminated in an X-T6, whenever it comes?

What are the specific enhancements, features which don’t exist on the X-T5, which you anticipate the X-T6 will possess?

The answers to those questions should inform whether there is any point you waiting one or maybe two years for the next model, but you still might be disappointed if it doesn’t meet your brief.

As a personal aside, my wife and I test drove a car yesterday as potential replacement, supposedly more advanced, for our current one. We prefer the one we have.

Click to expand...

Good question… personally I find the XT5 almost perfect (would love a bigger buffer). What I miss from Fuji is more quality zoom lenses. They improved a lot with the 16-55 and 16-50 updates, but would love a modern version of the 18-135. Maybe an improved 18-120/f4 designed for photographers..

I’ve never needed a bigger buffer. And I get why you would like a zoom such as that. Personally, I don’t feel the need for that. And should sell some lenses which I use the least. Like you, I simply enjoy using my X-T5. It’s a tool of course, but one which works in the right way for me. Contentment.

KariP · Feb 20, 2025

Hans vdC said:
True. To be frank, if I were able to get an XT3 it would be good enough for me but there's none available, even XT4's are hardly to be found new or used. So guess I'll take the XT5 + the good lens. The 18-55 was my most used lens on the XT3. Mainly got the Fuji again instead of Sony because I'm kinda in a place where I like to shoot JPG and just don't bother with PP. I rather think about my exposure etc before taking the shot instead of fixing all in post. The Sony A7 IV was amazing for the technical side, was hardly needed to think about anything. Focus was always dead-on and the range to fix things was amazing, but it's still a large plastic box with heavy lenses.

X-T5 was a DPR "goldmedalist" a couple of years ago - it is still a great camera because new camera models are not really getting much better for photography. T6 will have some more video gadgets ... page quality stays the same.

If you do not understand ( or want to understand) what shooting RAW and using some editing software can do to your images , there is no idea in buying a 40mp camera that has surely enough of dynamic range . A much cheaper camera is good enough for film simulation jpegs . And 40mp is too much.

IMO photography can - or should be - be something else than just easy and fast snapshots .... of course a personal opinion of photography. And I also think that printing is important ;-) ;-)

--
Kari
I started SLR film photography in 1968. Now two systems: Fujifilm X-H1 + X-E3 and Canon FF gear R5 + R6

Mountaingrapher · Feb 20, 2025

Yannis1976 said:
Mountaingrapher said:

Yannis1976 said:

jturn00 said:

Thanks for the thought process here. I have an x-pro2 and use some of the standard lenses. (18-55, 55-200 supplemented with 2 primes). I’ve changed some of my tapes of shooting and had to shoot a swim meet inside which pushed the camera’s low light capabilities. What I love about my xpro2 is that with the 18-55 or 35 f2 it’s small and light. I’ve explored “Sony’ and the ac7rc but my assumption and impression is that given full frame lenses it’s going to be too big.

Click to expand...

Up to 200mm there is no size advantage from m43 or APSC lenses anymore. I have both the A7C2 and XT5 and you can achieve same or better DOF with equally sized lenses.

Click to expand...

Sure, if we talk DOF, there's not a lot of advantage anymore in APS-C. Now if we talk Image Quality, there's still a nearly 50% weight disadvantage for Full Frame.

Click to expand...

50% weight disadvantage??? No… I am talking about same or better IQ with at least same weight and size. There are nowadays some very light and small ff primes with great IQ and features.

Well you made it clear that your only criteria of IQ is DOF.

So if we compare a:

Sony A7CR + Sony FE 35 mm f/1.8 (still DOF advantage) , that's 515g + 280 g = 795g
Fuji X-T50 + TTArtisan 23mm f/1.4, that's 438g + 225g =663g

Indeed only a 20% weight penalty for the Sony system. Now pile up 3 lenses and you get close to the 50% I was mentioning.

If going with only 1 lens, might as well go for Fuji X100 VI: 521g. Let me compare it to Sony A7CR + Samyang AF 35 mm f/2.8 FE: 515g + 85g = 600g!
That is a surprisingly good result for the Sony system, it could be call a win if one doesn't care about IQ.

However if indeed care about image quality and we compare the Fujifilm XF 23 mm f/1.4 R LM WR (375g):

With the Sony FE 35 mm f/1.8 (280g):

We can only observe that have DOF equivalent the Sony lens carry a close to 40% IQ penalty. And that to obtain equivalent IQ we need to turn to the Sony FE 35 mm f/1.4 GM (524g) or Voigtlander Apo Lanthar 35 mm f/2 (352g, MF). Suddendly the weight story is indeed a 28% increase, in a 1 lens setup...

Conclusion: if carrying only 1 lens on not caring for IQ, the Sony Alpha 7C system carry only a <20% weight penalty over a equivalent Fuji setup. If using a more comprehensive lens set-up and trying to match IQ, then Sony carry a closer to 50% weight penalty.

Sony A7C is incredibly compact, but physic is physic. Even it is true that APS-C system is not benefiting as much from weight reduction at every configuration possible as we would like, when comparing IQ, the Fuji APS-C system remain the best quality to weight tradeoff, blowing even Sony offering.

Yannis1976 · Feb 20, 2025

Mountaingrapher said:
Yannis1976 said:

Mountaingrapher said:

Yannis1976 said:

jturn00 said:

Thanks for the thought process here. I have an x-pro2 and use some of the standard lenses. (18-55, 55-200 supplemented with 2 primes). I’ve changed some of my tapes of shooting and had to shoot a swim meet inside which pushed the camera’s low light capabilities. What I love about my xpro2 is that with the 18-55 or 35 f2 it’s small and light. I’ve explored “Sony’ and the ac7rc but my assumption and impression is that given full frame lenses it’s going to be too big.

Click to expand...

Up to 200mm there is no size advantage from m43 or APSC lenses anymore. I have both the A7C2 and XT5 and you can achieve same or better DOF with equally sized lenses.

Click to expand...

Sure, if we talk DOF, there's not a lot of advantage anymore in APS-C. Now if we talk Image Quality, there's still a nearly 50% weight disadvantage for Full Frame.

Click to expand...

50% weight disadvantage??? No… I am talking about same or better IQ with at least same weight and size. There are nowadays some very light and small ff primes with great IQ and features.

Click to expand...

Well you made it clear that your only criteria of IQ is DOF.

So if we compare a:

Sony A7CR + Sony FE 35 mm f/1.8 (still DOF advantage) , that's 515g + 280 g = 795g

Fuji X-T50 + TTArtisan 23mm f/1.4, that's 438g + 225g =663g

Indeed only a 20% weight penalty for the Sony system. Now pile up 3 lenses and you get close to the 50% I was mentioning.

let’s compare XT5+33/1.4 (f2.1) with A7C2+50/f2.5