Fujifilm X-M5 vs X-T5 Autofocus Test: No Competition, the X-M5 Wins Hands Down
Pal2Tech was one of the guys, who addressed the latest Fujifilm 5th generation gear autofocus issues in his videos.
That’s why he was particularly interested to test the autofocus of the Fujifilm X-M5 versus the one of the Fujifilm X-T5.
You can see with your own eyes his comparison in the video above (just click and it will start at the right point).
This is what Pal2Tech has to say about:
- the focus square on the X-M5 was able to keep with up with him (moving fast around the yard) in a noticeable way
- when he starts to run, the X-T5 box is behind him whereas the X-M5 autofocus box is sticky on his face
- when jumping into frame, the X-M5 locks focus faster than the X-T5
- when moving very very fast all over the frame like crazy, the X-M5 locked focus better than the X-T5
- he track running dogs and and people, and it keeps up with them fairly reliably
- the X-T5 would not have nailed that many images in that order in AF-C for stills
- tracking cars the X-M5 handled very well. Every shot was in focus
- tracking bicycles also worked very well
- the autofocus performance is great and definitely better than the X-T5, even before the X-T5 experienced the AF issues with the May firmware
- Pal2Tech is very impressed by what he saw and he hopes firmware updates will come with same AF to other models
Look guys, Chris from Pal2Tech did put lots of effort into this test.
It’s up to you now to trust him, or maybe trust YouTubers who did not hold the X-M5 in their hands for a single second and looked hours of launch videos to find 2 seconds in which the AF of the X-M5 failed.
Is it at Sony and Canon level?
Well, I feel confident to say very likely not. But according to the most in depth test we could see so far, it is the best autofocus Fujifilm has yet offered on any its cameras.
It seems to be a step into the right direction.
Size & Specs Comparison: Fujinon XF16-55mmF2.8 II vs I vs Sigma 18-50mmF2.8
Life was easy until October 13.
At least for those looking to purchase a standard f/2.8 zoom lens.
Because the two options we had, the Fujinon XF16-55mmF2.8 I and the Sigma 18-50mmF2.8 DC DN, were so different to each other that people did not have much to think about: if you want compactness, go for the Sigma. If you want a wider range and an aperture ring, go for the Fujinon.
But with the arrival of the new Fujinon XF16-55mmF2.8 II, decision making has become a bit more complicated.
As shown in the size comparisons above, the new Fujinon XF16-55mmF2.8 II falls between the older XF16-55 and the Sigma 18-50 in terms of size. So, if your primary reason for choosing the Sigma was compactness, the decision between the two lenses has now become a bit more challenging.
While the Sigma is still a bit smaller, the new Fujinon will give you a wider range (16-55 instead of 18-50), an aperture ring (which can be de-clicked), likely better weather sealing (as the one of the Sigma is rather basic), and something that is often overlooked: Fujifilm colors.
Look, I own third party autofocus and manual focus lenses. They are some fantastic offerings out there. But one of the main reasons I prefer my Fujinon’s, is that I get consistent Fujifilm colors. That’s for example also why I bought the Fujinon XF10-24mmF4. I did love my Samyang 12mmF2, but the colors just did not look like the ones I was used to when using my Fujinon glass.
However, there is still one huge argument for the Sigma 18-50mmF2.8: the price! If you look for best value for money, the Sigma might be the best option.
- Fujinon XF16-55mmF2.8 II vs XF16-55mmF2.8 I vs Sigma 18-50mmF2.8 – Specs and Price Comparison
- Fujinon XF16-55mmF2.8 II vs XF16-55mmF2.8 I vs Sigma 18-50mmF2.8 – Size comparison
Which one would you pick?
Fujinon XF16-55mmF2.8 II vs I: Is the New Version Worth the Switch?
I guess the question these days for those, who already own the “old” XF16-55mmF2.8 is: should I upgrade the new XF16-55mmF2.8 II or stick with the old one?
In order to try to help you to find the right answer, I’ve searched for comparisons, but I was surprised to find that this particular comparison hasn’t been adequately addressed by reviewers at launch. If I missed them, please let me know in the comments, so I can add them to this article.
But now a new video has been released by FujiFanBoys that provides a quick comparison between the new Fujinon XF16-55mmF2.8 II and the previous XF16-55mmF2.8.
I will sum it up in bullet points for you, but if you want to see the sample images and get a few more details, check out the video above.
- the new XF16-55mmF2.8 II is a bit sharper and has a bit more contrast
- the new XF16-55mmF2.8 has a bit better bokeh
- the new XF16-55mmF2.8 has a bit better autofocus
- the new XF16-55mmF2.8 as virtually no focus breathing (the old one was good there too, but not as good as the new one)
- the new XF16-55mmF2.8 is lighter and smaller
- the new XF16-55mmF2.8 has a de-clickable aperture ring
So who is this lens for?
Well, if that’s your first XF16-55mmF2.8 lens, then go for the new one. It’s a lot lighter and smaller, it’s a bit better optically, and costs the same as the old one.
Things get more complicated if you already own the old XF16-55mmF2.8.
In this case, FujiFanBoys says that if you shoot mainly primes and already own the old XF16-55mmF2.8, then there is no need to upgrade. But if you rely a lot on the XF16-55 for your work, then size and weight alone are a good reason to upgrade.
And what was your decision? Feel free to let us know by voting the survey:
Loading ...Fujifilm Manager: X and GFX Series Hold 40% Market Share (Excluding Full Frame) but Struggle a Bit with Product Availability
The French website Phototrend had the opportunity to interview Franck Bernard, Director of the imaging division at Fujifilm France. You can read the full interview here and the summary below.
- Fujifilm is doing very well, both X and GFX series
- the only things Fujifilm suffers from a little is the availability of products
- Based on GFK data (largest German market research company), outside of Full Frame, Fujifilm is market leader with 40% market share thanks to X and GFX system
- X-M5: there was still demand for cameras in this price segment especially among young people
- AI will only bring benefits to the photographic business in general, and especially on the print side. Facilitate the production of a photo album, with a minimum of clicks: AI will be able to help us a lot
- XF16-55mmF2.8 II completely redesigned lens
- next generation linear motors used on XF16-55mmF2.8 II are smaller than the ones in the older generation
- improvements in ED, Super ED and aspherical lenses has also allowed to reduce weight and gain compactness
- no OIS because most Fujifilm cameras now have IBIS
- X-M5 comes in brown package to reduce Co² emissions (reduce colors, packaging, carton consumption and, if possible, the number of cables)
- film simulation contribute the the “return to film” trend. But while there is a notable resurgence of interest in film photography, especially among younger people, its impact should be viewed with caution, as the market remains limited to specific products like disposable cameras and film
- Fujifilm has no new film camera on the agenda
- success of X100VI was unimaginable. The X100VI is an iconic product
- X100VI production has been increased, but supply is complex and deliveries are not made overnight
- X100VI is not cannibalizing sales of other Fujifilm cameras
I don’t know if the GFK data is for France or Europe only, or if it is about worldwide data. But 40% market share outside of Full Frame might not be a horrible position to be in.
Unfortunately, Fujifilm has been heavily impacted by shipping challenges. Even if I were to underestimate the numbers, it’s likely that if all the X100VI, X-T5, X-E4, and other cameras ordered had been shipped in a timely manner, Fujifilm’s market share outside of full-frame cameras could easily be 60% to 70%.
But it is what it is.
I get that Fujifilm can’t suddenly build four new factories just because they’ve become a trendy brand. There’s the risk that, once the trend fades, they’d be left with four underused factories, turning it into a poor investment.
So they have to increase the production with what they currently have available in terms of manufacturing power.
But then I don’t understand decisions like keeping the old XF16-55mmF2.8 still in production (according to reports at CineD) even though there is now the new XF16-55mmF2.8 II on the market.
Wouldn’t it be better to focus the limited production capacity on making more lenses of the new version? Or stop making the old XF16-55 and free up manufacturing power to make the one lens that has become almost impossible to find all over the world, the Fujinon XF27mmF2.8 R WR.
With a few more strategic decisions, I believe Fujifilm could improve the ongoing supply shortage situation.