Why I Skipped the Fujifilm X-T5

23 Jun

I get asked this a lot:
“Why didn’t you pick up the Fujifilm X-T5?”

The truth is, I never really felt the need to. When the X-T5 dropped, I had already moved on—I’d picked up the Fujifilm X-H2S a few months earlier. And since then, I’ve never looked back.

The Fujifilm X-T5 Felt Like a Step Back

As someone who’s been in the Fujifilm ecosystem for years, the X-T5 didn’t feel like a natural progression—especially coming from the X-T4. That camera was a real leap forward at the time. The bigger battery was a game-changer, and the fully articulating screen made it ideal for hybrid shooters. After the success of the much-loved X-T3, it felt like the X-T series had truly hit its stride.

But with the X-T5?
It felt like a bit of a U-turn.

The smaller battery and return to a tilting screen made it clear that this model was aimed squarely at photographers. And that’s fine—if anything, it’s a return to the roots of the X-T series. But in Fujifilm’s already diverse camera lineup, that role feels a little redundant.

Wasn’t That the Job of the X-Pro or X100 Series?

Fujifilm already has cameras that cater brilliantly to purist photographers:
The X-Pro series for rangefinder-style shooting, or the X100 series, which has become a cult favourite.

So when the X-T5 came out, I was left wondering where it fit. It has excellent specs and fantastic image quality—no doubt. But in terms of identity, it felt a little lost to me.

Who Is the Fujifilm X-T5 For?

Now, if you’re new to Fujifilm and looking for a high-quality photography camera, the X-T5 makes a lot of sense. It has the classic design, powerful sensor, and a more traditional photography-first feel that will absolutely appeal to many.

But if you already own the X-T4 or X-T3?
It’s a much harder sell.

Personally, I’d still recommend the X-T4—it’s a balanced camera with that larger battery, versatile screen, and excellent performance. Or, if you can stretch your budget, the Fujifilm X-H2S is on another level entirely.

Looking Ahead

The X-T5 is a great camera—but for me, it just didn’t offer anything I truly needed. It felt more like a fork in the road than a natural upgrade. I hope if there’s an X-T6 in the works, it picks up where the X-T4 left off and gives hybrid shooters a reason to be excited again.