A Mini Entry Level Powerhouse - FUJIFILM X-M5

[@ChrisBrogan]

Robin - I want to say something as a fan that hopefully isn't taken badly. I LOVE every intro you do. I don't even care what you say after. I just love your tone, your style, your accent. It makes me forget to pay attention to all your smart thoughts. I just smile like, "I would totally hang out with this guy." THEN, I have to remember to listen to your great advice. :)

[@robinwong]

Thanks Chris, you are too kind with your words! I have been to your channel and you are doing a great job with your vlogs, keep it up!

[@vkmccable]

No image stabilization would be a deal breaker for me. Liked it up to that point. Getting on in years, my hands aren’t as steady as they were in the years of my youth. Great honest review as always. 👍🏻

[@rjbiii]

For most people it will probably be OK since the kit lens has OIS.

[@robinwong]

Thanks, I agree, no image stabilization is a deal breaker.

[@bartomalatesta5652]

If it has IBIS it would be as expensive as the XT50. I'm happy it doesn't have it as it's pretty affordable.

[@houghwhite411]

The "touch and try" is a good idea honestly. Not many opportunity to check out what we're buying before handing the cash

[@robinwong]

Funny story, they only have one demo unit, which is traveling all over the country.

[@estraume]

Thanks for the review. I will most likely stay with M43s form many more years and not jump to any other system. I currently own the OM-1 and PEN-F, so I don´t need to buy a new camera right now. I still hope OM System continues the PEN line of cameras so that we also have small M43s cameras in the future.

[@robinwong]

Sure, if you are happy with what you have, no reason to move elsewhere. Continue enjoying your gear

[@rossstellino2104]

❤ your work,always learning more.thank you.

[@DavidMBanes]

I've just ordered one to part exchange with my X-M1. I hope it's as fun to use! Sold my 15-45mm though as the OIS sucks teh battery life quickly.

[@robinwong]

Great, hope the X-M5 serves you well!

[@mipmipmipmipmip-v5x]

Quick tip: XC 16-50 OISii will be a great fit. It's nearly as good as 18-55 but lighter and cheaper!

[@robinwong]

They don't have that lens.

[@mipmipmipmipmip-v5x]

@@robinwong it's out of production but you can buy them second hand! It'll resolve 24mp/26mp just fine

[@ahmedirfanp]

Hey Robin, I have a confession to make I love the way you pronounce 'From Malaysia' at the beginning of your video. I loved it so much even it started getting into me. ANyhow keep up the good work

[@eyeswideopen565]

Looks like a fun camera that will take amazing photos! I agree with your dislikes, lack of IBIS and mediocre hand grip loses some points for me. I would have loved to see a EVF on this camera! I'm still crossing my fingers in hopes that OM System rumour of a new m43 camera is true! Time is ticking away!!

[@robinwong]

Thanks, and yes, we need a new small/compact sized camera from OM Digital Solutions as soon as possible!

[@MikeC2K10]

Great overview. This camera also turned my head when it was announced. The lack of IBIS means that it relies on the OIS in the new 15-45mm power zoom lens, but on second look, this may not be as much of a drawback as I thought. FUJI has 14 lenses with OIS, from this 15-45mm OIS zoom to the new 500mm f/5.6 OIS prime. But more in line with the price of the X-M5, there is a 50-230mm f/4.5-6.7 OIS zoom at US$399, which would be a great compliment to the 15-45mm zoom. This actually looks like a nice way to get into the FUJI system. Thanks for the video.

[@robinwong]

Thanks Mike. The drawback of having image stabilization built into the lens is increase of size and cost of each lens. Why not have it in body, and your lenses will be much smaller and cheaper? It makes more sense that way!

[@MikeC2K10]

@@robinwong Perhaps FUJI considers lens OIS coupled with IBIS to be the premium level feature, and lens OIS alone to be the more basic feature. Maybe they can do it in the lens cheaper. These "kit" style zooms we are talking about are pretty small and inexpensive anyway. I'm with you, I'd rather have IBIS than not, but this camera and lens is still pretty good on its own terms, I think.

[@seaeagles6025]

Hi Robin, I think this Camera will be a great addition to photographers. I've learnt something different today. Thanks for sharing this video. 😊

[@robinwong]

No worries, glad I can share!

[@seaeagles6025]

@@robinwong Thanks Robin 👍

[@westdk6705]

Focus baby focus !! Thats what we need !!

[@gtam3habitat]

Love watching your videos. Always so honest and helpful! For size comparison, Olympus EP7 has 5 axis ibis and a decent sensor. Happy with mine but it doesn’t have good tracking and it never face detects my 6 month old 😂. Also no pet face detect :(. Seems like a more vlog centered jump in point for Fuji. Still the price point interested me. $900 with a kit lens!?! I think I had to pay like $700-$800 for my used EP7 and it had already been out for several years- body only!?!

[@robinwong]

Thanks, and I agree the AF on E-P7 is indeed outdated, we need a new refresh with newer AF capabilities.

[@MichaelGerrard]

OM have to keep the price under control too.

[@MaxPhotoGraphic]

Very nice review buddy, rock on!

[@CeleryBruh]

how does this compare against an a6600? not sure if i should buy a used apsc sony or wait for the fuji to come out

[@MICHELE_et_LANCE]

Thanks Robin! As far as you can tell, is the top plate plastic or magnesium alloy?

[@robinwong]

Everything is plastic

[@HeichKiu]

Hello Robin... greetings from Mexico. It looks great, a lot of photographic power in an ideal body, I've been a videographer for 15 years.... Fuji say OPEN GATE but APS-C always crop but if works well, will be excellent, no internal stabilization only electronic (DE), the viewfinder absence is tolerable and even in 2024, the maximum bitrate for video is 200MB at 2160p 60p, has a (boosted) ISO to 80 and something good... the external microphone input, uses UHS-I cards, not UHS II, brings interesting automatic profiles... great processor, great Reala ACE color grade... finally i say is a 70% PHOTO, 30% VIDEO... the size is AMAAAAZING!!! ...definitely better than bloated and bad Lumix S9.. no doubt!!

[@MichaelGerrard]

If OM or Pany made a similar m43 camera, they could make it with IS and even a view finder. The kit lens would be smaller too. The S9 price is too high, this Fuji is better value and has a wide range of cheaper lenses. M43 is the way to compete and make an excellent smaller camera. Not just vlogging but a travel camera. I know many use a smartphone, but camera companies should market the advantages of a small travel camera. Why not? You can entice more into photography this way. It is a stepping stone. You sell them lenses, etc. Fuji has the right idea.

[@samki_foto]

I believe people are missing the point of this camera. The target demography is definately vloggers. Those guys have gimbal attached into. Missing ibis is not a problem for them. Photographers might miss it for sure but get lens with ois. I like the lightness of it and price. Already preordered it. The small grip worries abit but looking for grip accessories already. Thanks for quick review!

[@dorfschmidt4833]

Vloggers use phones or e-mount FF cameras or Panasonic GHx, why should these people switch to a Fujifilm X-M5 ?

[@robinwong]

If you are willing to use a gimbal setup you probably don't want a small camera, size and weight do not matter much any more. People go for entry level (budget) and small/portable setup for travel/street/everyday use, easy to carry around everywhere MINUS the gimbal. That is what X-M5 is for.

[@vermis8344]

Have to admit, it looks very slick. Pity it feels very slick too. 😅 I see what people are panicing about when they say FF and APSC are closing the gap with M43 for compact bodies. I've often thought it's a toss-up between Lumix FF and Fuji if I step outside M43. Lining up the S9 beside the X-M5... currently Fuji is winning!

[@4mooncheese]

Was quite surprised that they released the X-M5. Looks nice, but I think I'll stick with the X-M1.

[@robinwong]

Sure, if you are happy with the X-M1, no reason to upgrade

[@Mo2008di]

While I’m not a fujifilm user… but I was always trying to find a good b/c camera for me…. When this was announced I could hold any longer…, I just preordered it

[@henrytong8707]

I have the Olympus E-P7, would the Fuji X-M5 be an upgrade?

[@robinwong]

Fuji X-M5 has better image sensor, processor and updated AF system. The E-P7 is a little outdated in these departments, but it does have good image stabilization.

[@leckywoznicki5393]

Thank you :)

[@robinwong]

Cheers

[@StarrysLostandFound]

Nice first look

[@robinwong]

Thanks!

[@TheGhostplanner]

Not sure whether to move to FUJI or Panasonic. Sony has been disappointing lately, Canon (where I am currently) feels like a rip-off. Love MFT, but I can not see OM surviving for more than 1-2 years more. Will follow closely what you do! Can both imagine you on Fuji or Panasonic 👍

[@Jack44297]

Hi there, i have an iphone 16 pro max. I do street photography just as a hobby. Is it worth upgrading to mx5?

[@caglartunca34]

the ergonomics,shooting experince,dynamic range,image quality of an iphone isn't even close to a cam.they may look the same on screen but totally different when you print and check em side by side..i have an 15 pro btw..so my answer is definetly worth upgrading

[@Jack44297]

@@caglartunca34 Thanks for answer. Appreciate it. Will keep that in mind.

[@ktbikefun]

Worth to. I used to shoot with iPhone too for a while, but with my previous collection of m43 lens, I’m going back to camera shooting again w m43 (bought pre owned body)

[@Jack44297]

@@ktbikefun what was the main difference between the 2?

[@robinwong]

If you want to dive deeper into the world of street photography, getting a small form factor camera like X-M5 is a good move. (there are other options too, like Ricoh GR III, or Nikon ZFc, or Olympus E-M10 Mark IV). A real camera gives you better responsiveness, you can capture moments more confidently, and you get much improved image quality overall. The ability to change lenses also allow you to do a lot more. I can go on and on about benefits of a camera, but seriously, no doubt photography is definitely better with a proper camera.

[@RajaIndraPutra]

Great features in a compact form.factor but lack of IBIS is a quite a letdown.

[@robinwong]

Agreed, those of us who have seen how much difference image stabilization can make in real life can't live without it.

[@gebauzchris]

Really hoping they figure something out for a potential successor. I love how Olympus solved it with their slightly less capable (compared to their 5 axis IBIS) 3 axis IBIS in their E-PL series, which apparently also takes much less space. It's still very effective and much better than nothing so hope Fuji also develops a compact IBIS unit for smaller cameras.

[@mipmipmipmipmip-v5x]

@@gebauzchris in the sony a6x00 line we see ibis adds size and weight. And note gx850 has no ibis either! The olympus ep7 without evf has ibis but isn't much smaller and is even as heavy as an aps-c camera.

[@gebauzchris]

@@mipmipmipmipmip-v5x Maybe read what I said. The E-P line like the E-P7 is not the same as the E-PL line (E-PL = Pen LITE). The Pen E-PL line since the E-PL7 has a slightly cut down IBIS (3 axis instead of 5 axis) which still works excellently, and takes up much less space. The E-PL7/8/9/10 is a really small camera, smaller than the E-P7. The E-P7 has 5 axis IBIS. I said that they don't need to put a 5 axis unit in the X-M5, they could have developed a way more compact 3-axis unit. Before the E-PL7 and before Olympus made their 5-axis/3-axis IBIS, they had a 2-axis system which worked not really all that well, but still better than nothing. That unit was tiny and could be put into very tiny cameras like the Pen MINI line (E-PM line). I am sure they would be capable of putting the 3-axis IBIS unit into a potential E-PM3 that is similarly small. The E-PM line is even smaller than the E-PL line, almost as small as the Panasonic GM line.

[@ross3282]

Agree on film simulations. A gimmick

[@ChristopherBonis]

Lmao poor guy coughing his lungs out.

[@robinwong]

And he had no decency to exit the store. Such a shameless person.

[@shojunichi]

I like the physical looks and the photos rendered but the lack of an EVF, IBIS and a shallow grip turned me off a bit. I personally used the XT5 and XS10 previously and thought they were pretty great but sold them as I preferred the XH2 (which i still own) with its 40MP and nice EVF and grip.

[@robinwong]

If they did not design the camera for vlogging crowd, I'd probably say it is fine without image stabilization but it just makes no sense when you shoot videos with all the shakiness. Handling is often overlooked, and I wish they just added some rubberized textured grip to help with that, instead of the slippery smooth plastic.

[@barbgannon3252]

Robin $1650 AUD with kit lens... and no IBIS! We're getting short changed big time with new releases. Why is everyone waxing lyrical on this, when it's released as a vlogging cam and no IBIS? Might as well purchase a 2nd hand panny G100 for under $500 imho (and that got hammered on release for having no IBIS). Better still, stick with an Oly EM-5miii with 5 axis stabe peeps! Thanks for the review BTW :)

[@robinwong]

I agree. It is almost a crime not having image stabilization in body these days.

[@super-z8943]

I'd have paid $100 more for IBIS. Without IBIS, this is useless.

[@robinwong]

I wish they have included the image stabilization as well

[@w0lfyovi294]

I agree with all your points Robin. When I first saw the Fujifilm X-M5 I was so intrigued that I thought this might be my first ever Fujifilm camera I want to buy BUT the lack of IBIS turn it down for me completely because of my hand tremors. I would have loved the combo with their delightful 16mm f 2.8, 27mm f 2.8, 35mm f 2 and 50mm f 2. The Simulation Modes Dial does intrigue me and would have loved to try shooting JPEGs for once (being a RAW shooter exclusively for the last 11 years) and get some different results (the Fujifilm DR Boost seems to be the most effective one out there to me) ... maybe next time with Fujifilm X-M6 (put IBIS in it please).

[@robinwong]

I think it only makes senses if they include image stabilization if they want the X-M6 to be targeted toward vlogging crowd. Almost makes no sense to have a vlogging camera without it,

[@andreasrochow5170]

I dislike the missing of an EVF too!

[@robinwong]

To keep the cameras really small, much like the E-PL7, they had to exclude the EVF. There are options with EVF if it is a must have, like Fuji X-T50, or Olympus E-M10 series, which are still quite small.

[@YannisSinadinos]

This camera is very similar toy E-P7. I really wished that Olympus/OM had taken more serious the video... they would have thrived.

[@robinwong]

Yeap,. so much potential, but wasted!

[@Stories_with_Swagat]

Is it time for me to bid adieu to my old xt200? What do you think

[@robinwong]

I have not seen or used the XT200

[@subliminallyinc]

it may be a fuji with some updated features, but I think my Olympus E-P7 still spanks it due to ibis and the lenses are smaller in general.

[@robinwong]

The E-P7 unfortunately has an outdated image sensor and AF system, which does not come close to what the X-M5. Else, I'd be on team E-P7 too.

[@MichaelGerrard]

They need to cram the OM-5 guts into the E-P7 body. If they keep the price reasonable, give it the new menus and USB-C, maybe they have a contender.

[@dennismwallentin296]

While it will find its users I still prefer Oly/Pan m43 🙂

[@kennethlee1977]

Why the swivel LCD. would have bought it. i can live without ibis.

[@busydadscooking001]

I've preordered one, and I'm a little put off there are almost no sample photos going around on the internet. I do not like to try with the mindset that I might not like the images and have to return it, but I guess with used Fuji prices just as high as new, that's just about the only thing to do. No IBIS is not usssssually a problem for me but this little Fuji needs to be really good overall in order to convince me switch up my system entirely. .. also, why panasonic still have NO GX camera to compete with this, using G9ii sensor? lumix u r asleep at the wheel yet again ;)

[@robinwong]

I don't think there are any surprises when it comes to image output from the known 26MP X-Trans APS-C sensor from X-Pro 3 or X-T4, you can look for these cameras to gauge the overall quality.

[@Paul_Rohde]

X-S20 sample photos should give a very good idea of what to expect. Same sensor, same image processor. No issues. For low light photography, try DxO PhotoLab for AI noise reduction on RAWs. Great.

[@busydadscooking001]

@@robinwong yes, i expcted so. but i did see some test photos some one single source and they were very bad. i hope in reality it is better :)

[@albedo0point39]

I pre-ordered this, since it looks interesting. But then I got thinking… what does this give me (as a stills shooter) that I didn’t have with my Sony a5100, ten years ago? Sensor isn’t very high res, no ibis, not the very smallest…

[@robinwong]

It has AI subject detection, and the image sensor + processor are flagship level, while the old Sony was not.

[@reinhartsianturi6740]

From Fuji tester xm5 more better than xtm5 autofocus tracking, u can check his video

[@YouSnoozeYouNooze]

reminds me of the panasonic G100. that didnt sell well

[@robinwong]

Really too bad about the G100

[@ojos_verdes76]

Unfortunately, as soon as you put any fujifilm lens on it (apart from the 27mm), it is not compact.

[@JamesMincey]

Oof, I hope you didn't catch whatever the person in the background was coughing up 😩

[@dorfschmidt4833]

Camera without EVF, great idea Fujifilm. Camera without buttons would be even better or a camera with a non removable battery. People want it all.

[@allegrosotto2126]

😂😂😂

[@robinwong]

There are options. Just because the camera has no EVF it does not mean people won't like it.

[@魚丸子-m5q]

No IBIS, No payment, period.

[@tomfenn7149]

Nah. I'll stick with my Olympus E-M5 mk3 with its viewfinder, 5-axis stabilisation, weather-sealing, 20mp sensor... And now likely much cheaper secondhand!

[@atselykovskiy]

I would like 40 Mp sensor in this camera

[@mipmipmipmipmip-v5x]

I can tolerate lack of ibis, but sideways flip screen instead of up like xa5 or olympus ep7 is a bummer

[@robinwong]

Unfortunately, that camera is made for vloggers in mind, so having swivel screen is necessary.

[@mipmipmipmipmip-v5x]

@@robinwong true, it'll sell, it is what it is... I'd get an olympus ep7 but it just won't drop in price 😀

[@zaphodbeeblebrox4574]

It's a Fuji X-E3 but minus a viewfinder ... and the poorer for that !.

[@ProbablyAnAmateur]

i already want it. What's wrong with me?

[@robinwong]

Go get one!

[@FotoAparati]

no evf is a deal breaker

[@robinwong]

I disagree. Even Olympus E-PL7 does not have an EVF, and that is an amazing camera. If EVf is a must have, then go for Olympus E-M10, or Fuji X-T50. We have MANY options.

[@FotoAparati]

@@robinwong hi Robin, thank you for the reply. EPL7 can use the VF4 which is god send. In sunny conditions I can compose a lot better on the VF4. I use it with EP5 and EPL6. While the XM5 seems decent, i would have hoped to have the option to have an external EVF mounted on the hotshoe

[@mariobnc1995]

the problem of the apsc system fuji film and that lack of quality zooms always have compromises. compromises that are not present on Panasonic and Olympus micro four thirds. This camera was supposed to be Launch with a new 18f2 and this did not happen

[@robinwong]

I believe people who purchase the small form X-M5 would use many of their smaller primes. They do have some nice ones.

[@Paul_Rohde]

??? Fujifilm is well known for their quality zooms. The XF18-55mm has been regarded as the best kit lens ever, or at least in the top few. The included kit lens is sharp, very light, and wide angle, and can be remotely zoomed.

[@Bigfarmer8]

Fuji brings the X-M5 (€999 with kit lens). The Internet and all KZbinrs: Oh WOOOOOW!!! It is fantastic as "entry" level. Let's give it lots of attention! OM System brings the Pen E-P7 (€949 with kit lens). The Internet and all KZbinrs (all six of them): Huh? What? Ehrm...yes, kind of nice but way to expensive...Not interesting.

[@robinwong]

1. E-P7 was not sold worldwide. Only very selected release. X-M5 is launched every where in the world. 2. OM Digital Solutions only sent E-P7 out for very selected Ambassadors for review. I knew, because I was still one and they ignored me. X-M5 was sent to hundreds and hundreds of people for early reviews., 3. OM Digital Solutions did not do massive touch and try event, unfortunately this was due to Covid. I don't blame this one on them. Fuji did a touch and try event and I got my hands on a demo unit. Even until today, I can't get my hands on E-P7. Those few early reviews of E-P7, I don't remember anyone saying "expensive and not interesting". If anyone is to blame, it isn't the KZbinrs. OM Digital Solutions never intended to push the E-P7 far and wide.

[@greysuit17]

Needs an evf

[@robinwong]

Then get the Fuji X-T50! You can't have EVF and make it that small. Even Olympus could not do it with their E-PL7. And if they did, it would be a tiny and useless EVF and people will not be happy about that too.

[@greysuit17]

@@robinwong yeah you can, Sony has done it, Panasonic has done it, Olympus has done it. Not sure what you’re on about. An evf is totally viable and would be useful for many reasons.

[@robinwong]

Sony and Panasonic used horrible EVF in their smaller cameras. The bigger ones of course are better. You cannot have small camera with good EVF

[@greysuit17]

@@robinwong if you say so.

[@蔡依林-g1j]

I DO NOT AGREE. 26MP in 2024 is no longer flagship level image sensor. Film Sim IS important for this class of cameras.

[@Janihonkalaxxx]

26 mp is really enough! If you cant make good photos its your problem😂😂

[@robinwong]

Are X-Pro 3 and X-T4 not flagship level cameras from Fujifilm? Just because the image sensor is not the latest one, does not mean it is not flagship level.

[@willybobo8846]

strange choice to make a vlog camera without image stabilization and i'm not a fan of screen opening out to the side

[@xmeda]

IBIS should be considered as standard since 2006. Releasing camera without IBIS in 2024 is.. watch?v=wLg04uu2j2o

[@robinwong]

I agree we must have image stabilization, but it has really only gone mainstream maybe in 2013 or later, popularized by Olympus OM-D.

[@xmeda]

@@robinwong all Pentax DSLRs had IBIS since 2006 including lowend cheap ones. And also Q and K01 mirrorless cameras in 2012 :) Olympus DSLRs also had that at least in E3/E5/E510/E520 lines. SONY had steadyshot in most DSLRs too. So I really cannot understand why some Fuji, Sony, Canon and Nikon ILC cameras are still produced without it today. Especially Nikon does not even offer any APSC with IBIS.. so sad. For others you can at least find some hi-end version. Like Canon R7 or Sony A6600 and Fuji XT/XH lines.