Fujifilm X-T5: Maybe It Shouldn’t Be Your Next Camera!
In this article, I will cover some of the most frequently asked questions I’ve been getting on YouTube and Instagram about the newly released Fujifilm X-T5 and help you decide whether it's worth the upgrade from the X-T4 or even the older, yet still highly popular X-T3 for landscape photography.
Question number 1: “Resolution matters? Should I upgrade from my X-T4?”
Okay, this is where most of the noise lies around the X-T5 versus the previous models.
The X-T5 sports a new 40-megapixel CMOS sensor paired with the new X-Processor 5. This gives you faster readout times and the ability to process data much quicker than the X-T4 and X-T3's 26-megapixel sensor, as well as a faster Autofocus we will see in a few.
So, I’ve got a bunch of images here that I took with the X-T5 and X-T4 on the tripod and image stabilization turned off. Same settings. Same lens, the fuji 50-140. This should give us the detail we need to compare the resolution in both these cameras. These are all raw files straight out of the camera.
Fujifilm X-T5
- Update 13/12/2023 -
Many people compare the two files by zooming in to 100%. However, this is not a fair comparison, especially when the images have different resolutions. For example, an XT-4 image has 26MP, while an X-T5 image has 40MP.
As you can see in the image below, if you zoom in to 100% on both images, the X-T5 image will look like it has less detail. This is because you are seeing a smaller fraction of the whole image. The X-T5 image actually has more detail (or possibly the same amount) as the XT-4 image, but you need to zoom out to see it.
Fujifilm X-T5 (left) vs Fujifilm X-T4 (right) - Crop 100%
To compare the detail of whole images, you should look at them at the same scale, not at 100% zoom. If you zoom in to 100% on a 26MP image, you are seeing about 7.7% of the image. If you zoom in to 100% on a 40MP image, you are seeing only 5.0% of the image.
This means you are seeing the 40MP image more closely, and therefore seeing more noise and less detail. Zooming in does not change the actual amount of noise and detail in the image, it just makes them more noticeable.
After resizing the X-T5 file to match the resolution of the X-T4, there isn't any noticeable difference between the two. (see image below)
Here on the left-hand side, we have the X-T5 version, and on the right, the same image captured with X-T4.
They both look super clean at the base ISO as expected. Both images look beautiful. Lovely details from corner to corner. The contrast and colors are absolutely great. Of course, the resolution bump of an extra 14 megapixels on the X-T5 provides a bit more fine details and a bit more latitude on cropping, but I must say the difference is not so huge.
As you can see, the edges are smoother and a tad more precise on the X-T5.
Question number 2: “Noise concerns versus previous generation sensor?”
The X-T5 has a different ISO range than the previous two models, with a base ISO of 125 that goes up to 12.800, so we now have a bit more flexibility. (X-T4 & X-T3 base ISO of 160 up to 12.800)
Before making a comparison with the X-T4, let’s have a look at this shot.
Fujifilm X-T5
The same frame was captured at different ISOs with the X-T5. The image looks super clean from ISO 125 to 800. There might be some grain on 800, but it's very usable.
Fujifilm X-T5
There is a more noticeable difference when we jump to 1600. Definitely more grainy, but still very usable. So, that’s really good.
We can see a much bigger difference when we go up to 3200. I wouldn't say it's unusable but it's definitely starting to get closer to that point.
At 6400 the noise is much more pronounced. A noticeable increase can also be seen in purple color noise. We obviously reached the limit with the ISO value of 12800. As expected, the shot is extremely noisy. In my opinion, these last two values should only be used if absolutely necessary.
Let’s go ahead. We’ll look at some comparison shots between the X-T5 and the X-T4, and let's jump up a few levels and look at ISO 1600 and higher.
Fujifilm X-T5 (top row) vs Fujifilm X-T4 (low row)
There isn't much difference in my opinion. In the X-T5, I’d say there’s probably a bit more noise, but you know, it’s a higher-resolution camera, so even the noise will show up at a higher resolution.
As far as I can tell, there isn't much of a difference between the two. They are pretty much neck-and-neck except for a little more purple color noise on the X-T5.
I've got a couple of underexposed shots here below.
Fujifilm X-T5 (left) vs Fujifilm X-T4 (right) with Exposure boosted up 4-stop
As you can see, there isn't a lot of difference between these two. I'd say the X-T5 looks slightly cleaner. It's hard to tell, though, but both perform very well.
Question number 3: “Difference in dynamic range between the X-T5, X-T4, and X-H2S would be interesting.”
I haven't had the opportunity to try the X-H2S yet. So, there isn't much I can say about it. The X-H models are actually targeted at a different audience segment, so I decided to not include them in this comparison.
Fujifilm X-T5 (1-stop overexposed)
So, let's compare the 1-stop overexposed.
Fujifilm X-T5 (left) vs Fujifilm X-T4 (right) / 1-stop overexposed + with exposure & highlights recovery in post
And as you can see, both cameras can easily handle 1 stop of overexposure.
Let’s go ahead with the 2-stop overexposed shots.
Fujifilm X-T5 (2-stop overexposed)
Fujifilm X-T5 (left) vs Fujifilm X-T4 (right) / 2-stop overexposed + with exposure & highlights recovery in post
We can really see that on the X-T5, we have more information on the snow and more details in other areas like these trees.
There seems to be a slight variation in the dynamic range between the X-T5 and the X-T4. Approximately half a stop. This is a nice improvement, although it is not a big one.
Question number 4: “Can the older Fuji lenses make use of the high res sensor of the X-T5?”
This is the subject of another huge online debate. As an example, Fujifilm does not include the 10-24 in its list of lenses that can exploit the 40mp sensor to its full potential.
I’m a 10-24 (first version) user, so I decided to try it myself and share my thoughts with you.
Fujifilm X-T5 with Fujinon 10-24mm lens
Here is the same shot taken on the tripod with the X-T5 on the left and the X-T4 on the right.
Fujifilm X-T5 (left) vs Fujifilm X-T4 (right) / with Fujinon 10-24mm lens
Fujifilm X-T5 (left) vs Fujifilm X-T4 (right) / with Fujinon 10-24mm lens
Although the corners are softer (as expected), I am quite pleased with the overall result. I also have to say the 10-24 is not the sharpest lens of the Fuji lineup, for sure, but I don't see any negatives to using it with the X-T5.
Question number 5: “Do you think compressed RAW is a good option for saving memory card space, or does it reduce the quality of the images too much?”
By default, with my X-T4 and X-T3, I use lossless compression. I’ve never seen any difference between uncompressed and lossless compression. Shadows and highlights recovery and colors are exactly the same.
Fujifilm X-T5 uncompressed
Here, I tried the new compressed version to see if there were any differences. The Uncompressed is on the left, the Lossless is in the middle, and the Compressed is on the right.
Uncompressed (left) - Lossless Compressed (center) - Compressed (right)
To be honest, I cannot tell any difference between the three shots. I'm at 100% zoom-in, and except for minimal differences on the focus point (that's why they don't look 100% identical), I can't detect any degradation of the image.
I believe Lossless compression is a good compromise for keeping file sizes reasonable without compromising image quality. Even though the file is twice the size of the X-T4 lossless, we must keep in mind we are working with a 40-megapixel image.
Question number 6: “How good or important is the ibis for handheld shots? Compared to an X-T3 without ibis.”
Except for the X-T3, both the X-T5 and X-T4 have in-body image stabilization. Compared to the X-T4, the X-T5 has a slightly higher rating of 7 stops of compensation. (measured with the XF 35mm F1.4, note that the rating can change depending on the lens used).
This difference is totally negligible to me. In other words, they both perform equally well.
I took these shots with the X-T5 at different shutter speeds, and I had to change the aperture to get a longer shutter speed. The one at f/16 looks slightly softer because of that.
Fujifilm X-T5 with Fujinon 50-140mm (ISO125 - 1/60sec. - f/5.6 - 115mm)
Fujifilm X-T5 with Fujinon 50-140mm (ISO125 - 1/25sec. - f/8 - 115mm)
Fujifilm X-T5 with Fujinon 50-140mm (ISO125 - 1/15sec. - f/11 - 115mm)
Fujifilm X-T5 with Fujinon 50-140mm (ISO125 - 1/8sec. - f/16 - 115mm)
Fujifilm X-T5 with Fujinon 50-140mm (ISO125 - 1/60sec. - f/5.6 - 115mm) - IBIS off
This last one is taken with the image stabilization turned off, and with a shutter speed of 1/60, and as you can see the shot is unusable. With the X-T3, I would need a faster shutter speed for the same focal length and lens. To play safe, for this specific example, I would say something about 1/400.
In low-light situations and when shooting at long focal lengths, the IBIS makes a huge difference.
Question number 7: “If you have to make one choice which will you get between XT5 and your GFX (travel and pro)”
Having tried both systems, I can say that they both have their place. Currently, the X-T system meets all my requirements in terms of image quality, portability, usability, and video specs. With a wide range of high-quality lenses, the X-T5 and X-T4, as well as X-T3 are outstanding cameras. I think they do everything you need and more, unless you plan on printing giant wall murals that you can view from 3 ft away.
At the pixel level, GFX images are unbeatable. The detail is exceptional. The main advantage of the medium format is mostly just in resolution for larger prints and a wider dynamic range. But the drawbacks for size/speed/price/video features/lens lineup are quite drastic.
To give you an example of the differences in terms of resolution, here are a couple of shots taken with the GFX 50R and the X-T4.
Fujifilm GFX 50R
Fujifilm X-T4
Fujifilm GFX 50R (left) vs Fujifilm X-T4 (right)
This shows what an incredible amount of detail the medium format 50mp sensor can capture. I know, it’s not a fair comparison. But, as you can see, the result is quite different from a high-res image captured on an APS-C sensor. The image really shows more tiny details.
Going back to the original question, I would absolutely choose the X-T5 over the GFX.
Which model should you get?
Here's a sort of framework that hopefully will help you decide what's best for you.
Option 1 - X-T3
If you mostly shoot landscape photography on a tripod, and you use stabilized telephoto lenses, the in-body image stabilization is not a deal breaker. And if shooting videos is not your primary focus. Go with the X-T3. I guarantee you, it’s still an amazing camera all around, with the same image quality as the X-T4 with which you can easily make beautiful prints.
It’s weather-sealed. Pretty decent autofocus speed. Beautiful tilt screen similar to the X-T5 and the remote port is positioned properly to be used with an external cable release and doesn’t interfere with the L-bracket.
So, in my opinion, the X-T3 offers the best value for money. That’s why I’m still using it.
Option 2 - X-T4
With the same photo specs as the X-T3, but with the addition of in-body image stabilization and an articulated LCD screen, the X-T4 is more suited for hybrid shooters who love shooting both stills and videos.
The IBIS is quite handy if you use very long focal lengths or not-stabilized lenses handheld. There is one caveat, as I mentioned before, the articulated screen is a pain in the butt to use with an L-bracket, and it’s less practical when shooting in portrait orientation, both on the tripod and handheld.
In conclusion, if you shoot both stills and videos and don't mind the articulated screen, the X-T4 is an excellent camera.
Option 3 - X-T5
If you are a hybrid shooter, and you shoot not just landscapes but also a lot of moving objects, such as wildlife and sports photography, and you need a bit more room to crop your shots in post, then the X-T5 is probably your best choice.
Compared to the X-T4, the resolution bump is not an absolute game-changer, but if you crop frequently, you'll appreciate the improvement.
While I like the reintroduction of the 3-way tilt screen, the additional video features don't really make sense to me. Having better IBIS and AF performances when recording videos would have been much appreciated.
So, I would say, if you’re an existing Fuji user thinking of upgrading for the new sensor, I’d only do it if you were ALWAYS wanting to crop a little more, or if you weren’t satisfied with the maximum-sized prints you could make.
But if you’re happy with the quality you’re getting out of the X-Trans 4 sensors, this isn’t really as much of an impactful upgrade as you might think.
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