FUJIFILM X-M5 priced in PH: lightest X-series camera, 6.2K open gate recording, 3 microphones, PHP 58,990 SRP

FUJIFILM introduced the new X-M5, the company's lightest X-series mirrorless camera yet and the XF 16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR II standard zoom lens.

FUJIFILM X-M5 with the new XF16-55 f2.8 R LM WR II

Smaller, lighter, better!

The new X-M5 at first glance looks similar to its bigger brothers, the X-T5, X-T50, and X-S20. However, it noticeably does not have the angled block above the lens mount which housed the EVF and had the FUJIFILM logo. It instead has a flat surface with the hot shoe mount. On both sides of the hot shoe mount are the Film Simulation dial and the PSAM dial.

The body weighs approximately 355 grams and it measures 111.9 x 66.6 x 38mm.

Silver Argent colorway

Inside is the 26.1MP X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor and the X-Processor 5 that the brand claims offers superior autofocus performance while enabling up to 6.2K at 30fps 4:2:2 10-bit open gate video recording. Open gate recording means there is no recording time limit and as long as the camera is powered and has enough storage space, it will keep recording.

It features deep learning subject detection autofocus introduced on previous X-Series cameras. AI allows it to detect animals, birds, cars, motorcycles, bicycles, airplanes, trains, insects, and drones. The brand claims that the new AF algorithm provides higher tracking performance for moving subjects and acquired focus at high precision in low-contrast environments.

The camera saves the 6.2K at 30fps 4:2:2 10-bit video to the SD card. It also supports new bit rates of 8 Mbps and 25 Mbps and it now comes with a 9:16 short movie mode which allows users to capture vertical videos without having to rotate the camera. FUJIFILM has also updated and improved its VLOG mode with a new more intuitive touch-focused user interface.

For the first time ever in an X-series camera, the X-M5 features THREE built-in microphones. These microphones can be set to pick up audio from different directions such as surround, front, front, and back depending on the user's needs. It also comes with a steady-state noise reduction function that should reduce noise that continues to ring at a certain frequency such as air-conditioning noise.

Rear fully articulating touchscreen

At the back of the camera is a fully articulating touch screen. It does not have a dedicated EVF or electronic viewfinder.

Like recently launched X-series cameras, it supports the FUJIFILM FAN-001 cooling and the TG-BT1 Tripod Grip with Bluetooth controls.

The FUJINON 16-55 f/2.8 R LM WR II lens is made in the Philippines

FUJIFILM also revealed the successor to its popular large apertures standard zoom lens, the FUJINON XF16-55mm F2.8R LM WR. The new lens offers an approximate 37 percent volumetric reduction in weight down to just 410 grams while also reducing its overall length by 11mm.

It covers the wide range of 16mm to 55mm (or 24mm to 84mm in 35mm Full-Frame format).

The lens features 11 groups with 16 elements which include 4 aspherical lenses, 1 Super ED lens, and 3 ED lenses that offer improved image quality over its predecessor. It can also focus at a minimum distance of 0.3m across the entire zoom range. This results in a maximum close-up magnification of 0.21x.

The lens is resistant to water, dust, and low temperatures with over 12 sealing points and a fluorine counting on the front element.

A new feature is the Aperture Click Switch which enables the user to toggle between a stepped aperture control for stills photography or to a smooth continuous aperture control for video recording.

It adopts a new inner focusing system with new lighter-weight lens elements that offer faster AF with its high-speed linear motors to as fast as 0.02 seconds.

The XF 16-55 f/2.8 R LM WR II is made in the Philippines like several previously launched FUJINON lenses.

Price and availability

With Film Simulation dial, three microphones, PSAM dial, front and rear command dials, and more

FUJINON XF16-55 F2.8 R LM WR II - PHP 74,990

FUJIFILM X-M5 with XC 15-50 kit lens - PHP 58,990

The camera and the lens are expected to arrive at FUJIFILM-authorised distributors such as Henry's Cameras, Camerahaus, and JG Super Store in November 2024.

What do you guys think?