If you’ve been keeping up with photography news and camera releases, you might have noticed that most new cameras are packed with increasingly advanced video features. Increasingly, these video features are targeted at a specific type of video/film creative – the content creator. Fujifilm’s X-M5 is one such camera that does away with the manual control dials of more photo-centric cameras, like the X-T5, and instead leans all the way in on what might make a Content Creator jump for joy. Here’s what I found after using it for a month.

Fujifilm X-M5 Key Features via Moment

• Stunning Image Quality – The X-M5’s 26.1MP sensor captures sharp, vibrant photos with beautiful details.
• Easy-to-Use Touchscreen – A 3-inch tilting touchscreen makes framing and shooting from any angle simple.
• Iconic Fujifilm Film Simulations – Add creative, film-inspired looks to your photos with 20 built-in filters.
• 4K Video and Slow Motion – Record 4K video or smooth slow motion in Full HD at up to 240fps.
• Lightweight and Compact – Weighing just 355g, the X-M5 is easy to carry for travel, vlogging, or everyday use.
• Social-Ready Features – Shoot vertical or square formats and transfer content instantly via the Fujifilm XApp.
• Better Audio, Built In – Three microphones ensure clear sound, with support for external mics when needed.

A Quick Tour of the Fujifilm X-M5

There’s something that needs to be said about the X-M5 – this thing is tiny! Seriously, I’m not going to say I have giant paws for hands, but I constantly felt like the Fujifilm X-M5 disappeared in the palm of my hands. This compact size means it’s easy to carry around; in fact, most of my lenses are probably heavier than the camera itself. When paired with something like the Fujifilm XF 27mm F2.8 or the XF 35mm F2, the camera becomes extremely svelte and easy to throw in a bag. It’s meant to be carried around everywhere you might go.

In terms of controls, instead of the manual control dials that I’ve come to know and love with Fujifilm X-series cameras, you will now find a PASM dial on the right-hand side of the top plate and a Film Simulation dial on the left. These two changes are probably among the most controversial, especially for long-time fans of the X-series cameras. Personally, I’m on the side of those who prefer manual controls or, at the very least, a Drive Mode dial. While I might occasionally experiment with a film simulation, I find myself adjusting the drive mode more frequently than the film simulation mode. Additionally, locking it as the film simulation mode means that you will have to live with a physical control for a feature you might rarely use.

On the rear of the camera is the tiniest of joysticks. It’s so small, in fact, that I would miss the joystick when locked in on photographing a scene. While it’s there for people like me, it feels like the X-M5 is meant to be a touch-input device, meaning everything from focus controls to menu navigation should be done on the screen. On the sides, you’ll find your I/O ports and, very importantly for a camera like this, a 3.5mm audio input for a microphone. The bottom door houses your battery and an SD card – it would be nice to see a dual-slot for a video-centric camera, but at sub-$1000, I’ll overlook it.

In terms of battery life, the Fujifilm X-M5 comes with the now-outdated NP-W126S. While this ended up working out for me – I own several compatible bodies – if you’re new to the system, be ready to invest in some batteries. Especially if you’re using this camera primarily for video.

Lastly, if you were expecting a viewfinder, you can forget it. The fully articulating screen is there for a reason – it will become the primary way you will frame your world. This is a design choice that I understand – this camera is largely a first camera for many, and keeping the experience as intuitive as using a smartphone seems to be what they were going for.

Image Quality

While I was not exactly a fan of physically using the Fujifilm X-M5, I must admit that these images are exactly what you should expect from the X-Trans 4 sensor. The best way to think about the X-M5 is to imagine Fujifilm taking an X-T4 and scaling it down. The image quality remains solid, even though it uses the older 26-megapixel sensor instead of the 40-megapixel sensor found in the Fujifilm X-T5/X-T50.

Below are some image samples taken with the Fujifilm X-M5:

In terms of video, here’s where you can have a proverbial field day. The X-M5 supports Open Gate 6.2K video recording at 30fps with 4:2:2 10-bit color. Additionally, this camera offers users the option to record in a 9:16 aspect ratio internally – without requiring a change to the camera’s physical orientation. While handy in a pinch, if you’re trying to maximize the available resolution, I highly recommend shooting in 6.2K Open Gate, framing for the center, and editing in post.

Final Thoughts

While this camera may not be one I would personally purchase, for those looking to make the transition from a smartphone to a video camera that can capture stunning stills, the Fujifilm X-M5 might be the right choice for you. It’s a solid, feature-packed camera that has content creators in mind, and if that’s what you hope to do with a camera, you might be well pleased.

Treat yo’self! You can buy a Fujifilm X-M5 for $899 (body-only) on Moment and Amazon.