Fujifilm X-M5: Good Bye Pop-Up Flash, More Dials, Joystick, Front Command Dial, X-Trans IV, X-Processor 5 and More

Some asked me what’s new on the Fujifilm X-M5 compared to the X-M1 or any other X-A camera for that matter.

Well, besides the stuff inside (of course the 26 MP X-Trans IV sensor and the X Processor 5), there have been some changes also on the body.

So here is the Fujifilm X-M5:

  • it has a front command dial (but no rear command dial) as we can see here
  • it has a joystick
  • the pop-up flash is gone
  • the lack of pop-up flash makes space for an additional dial
  • 3 dials in total:
    – on the left side, instead of pop-up flash, there is the film simulation dial
    – on the right side we have a PSAM dial and an unmarked dial
  • the X-M5 has no D-Pad (the X-M1 still had one)

So that’s the main changes.

Fujifilm Says Autofocus Firmware Updates for X-T5, X-S20 and Other Models Coming This Year

When Fujifilm had their X Summit announcement, they promised us autofocus improvements via firmware updates for the Fujifilm X-H2, X-H2s and GFX100 II.

Many, me included, wondered why there was no mention of other 5th generation cameras such as the X-T5 and the X-S20.

Now, I was confident something would come also for those models, which is why I wrote here “I would not be surprised if the Fujifilm X-T5 and other cameras would get a bunch of improvements too“.

Well, it looks like my intuition was right.

Fujifilm has now pinned a comment to their October announcement video that we shared here and said:

Dear Customers,
Thank you for your feedback and comments on our AF system performance.
We’ve been working on X-T5, X-S20 and other models as well, to release the firmware within this year for improved user experience. We will communicate the details as soon as we have more information.
We appreciate your understanding.

So here you have it. Also the Fujifilm X-T5 and X-S20 (and other models) will get AF improvements this year.

What I am not sure is if lower end models will also get F-Log2 C and Timecode Synchronization, but I personally could not care less about those features on my X-T5.

First (Partial) Fujifilm X-M5 Image Shows it Comes with Front Command Dial and Compact Size

Fujifilm is now pushing their next X summit all over their social media.

And on one of them, they show what looks like a very small camera in a trouser pocket, accompanied by the word “mobility“.

This is very likely a teaser for the upcoming Fujifilm X-M5.

And while we don’t see much of the camera, we can notice one little detail: besides being very compact, the Fujifilm X-M5 will feature a front command dial, which was not available on its predecessor, the Fujifilm X-M1, nor in any of its X-A line siblings as far as I recall.

The Fujifilm X-M5 will be announced at the X Summit on October 14 at 9AM New York time… and it’s not the only thing we’ll get ;).

Also, Fujifilm China has displayed a teaser which you can see below and it has been shared by the Chinese Weibo account 独立摄影师联合会 here.

IT’S HAPPENING: Fujinon XF16-55mmF2.8 MK II will be Fujifilm’s First Lens with De-Clickable Aperture Ring Switch

The Fujinon XF16-55mmF2.8 II will be Fujifilm’s first XF lens to feature a dedicated switch for toggling between a clickable and smooth aperture ring.

We remind you that the Fujinon XF16-55mmF2.8 MK II will be about 30% lighter and smaller than the original Fujinon XF16-55mm f/2.8.

And just to be clear: the image you see above is just a rendering I did.

Dear Luca, one of your wishes is becoming true ;).

the lens below is just a rendering, not the real deal

Fujifilm’s November Firmware Update: Autofocus Fixes, New Features, and More Enhancements to Come (+ My Take)

Earlier today Fujifilm has shared a video with their “October announcements“. You can check out all details in this article.

Among the others Fujifilm promised firmware updates to come in November.

First off: they did say that they got lots of feedback from customers especially regarding the autofocus. Based on that feedback, Fujifilm is now working to improve the firmware. But there is more, so let’s check it out:

The Good

  • Firmware update coming in November
  • Cameras mentioned: Fujifilm X-H2, X-H2s and GFX100 II
  • Improved Subject Tracking while video filming
  • Face/Eye detection while video filming
  • F-Log2 C for wide color gamut
  • Timecode Synchronization by Ambient Lockit devices through wired connection

The Questions

  • are other 5th generation cameras (X-T5 & Co) also getting the improved AF while filming?
  • what about AF-C tracking in stills?

The Surprises?

It almost passed unnoticed, but Fujifilm also said that they are considering further enhancements. So it looks like we are not yet done with Kaizen love for 5th generation cameras.

What could it be?

Well, I don’t have that much anymore on my wishlist, but if I could pick one thing, then I’d like to get the fully automatic subject tracking of the Fujifilm X-S20. I also suggested Fujifilm how this could be implemented on other Fujifilm cameras in this article here.

Of course, feel free to share your wish with the Fujifilm community in the comments down below.

My Thoughts

Fujifilm (like many other brands) often tends to conceal significant bug fixes under the vague term “minor bug fixes.” This article dives deeper into the issue, offering real examples of what Fujifilm has masked with this phrase—some of which were rather embarrassing. Read more here.

This time, though, Fujifilm is putting a spotlight on the autofocus improvements. To me, this signals that they’re taking it more seriously than ever, with a firm commitment to finally getting it right.

It’s also evident that while Fujifilm recognizes the issues, they’ve chosen not to rush a fix like they did with the June firmware. Instead, they’re taking extra time—and probably conducting more thorough testing—to ensure this firmware update works as intended.

I guess they’re well aware they can’t afford to get it wrong this time and it looks like Fujifilm has embraced this challenge, as evidenced by the emphasis they placed on the upcoming autofocus improvements in the video released today.

But again: I believe it only when I see it.

And the Fujifilm X-T5 & Co?

We will see what happens in November, but I would not be surprised if the Fujifilm X-T5 and other cameras would get a bunch of improvements too. Maybe not everything the flagship X-H and GFX cameras will get, but it just makes sense that some of the improvements find its way down also to lower end models.

But again, that’s a pure speculation of mine, not a rumor whatsoever.

Overall, after today’s firmware announcement I am definitely more confident. Fujifilm Japan has spoken and finally addressed the issue publicly. But I have learned not to celebrate too early and wait to see what happens in November with the new firmware.