I was expecting the FujiFilm X-M5 to come in for review when the courier came in with a box that was so lightweight that I thought it was one of those cases of Amazon over-packaging products. But no, it was indeed the FujiFilm X-M5. I was more surprised by how light a full-function camera could be these days. But then it makes sense for FujiFilm to think this way, as the camera has been made for those upgrading from their smartphone when it comes to imaging needs.
X-M5 has a typical Fujifilm design. (Image credit: Nandagopal Rajan/The Indian Express)
The X-M5 has what I would call a trademark FujiFilm design, with elements we have seen in other cameras from the Japanese brand. Despite being a camera that you can easily grasp in one hand, it still comes with a range of dials that give you full control over shot composition, styles, and filters. Along with this is the compact touchscreen which again helps you do everything from adjusting settings to clicking photos with a tap. I used the camera with a Fujinon 15-45mm aspherical lens. You can even zoom in and out using the touchscreen which offers a virtual toggle for the same.
One aspect of this camera that is aimed at the new breed of users and use cases is the ease with which it connects to the Fujifilm app on the phone, letting you download new images, control the camera remotely, or just frame using the phone. However, the app does get a bit stuck at times when you are trying to move a lot of images together. I also used the camera along with the Fujifilm TG-BT1 tripod grip which connects to the camera via Bluetooth and seamlessly lets you zoom in, start recording, or click an image without moving your fingers away from the tripod.
You will need a tripod, especially if you are going to shoot videos. (Image credit: Nandagopal Rajan/The Indian Express)
Being a lightweight camera I was more than happy to carry it around for a few days, even taking it along on a weeklong trip to Kerala. Of course, the beauty of a mirrorless camera is in its versatility and the ease with which it performs in low light. The first test I had for the 26MP camera was in Noida only where I took it to capture the lights on a Ferris Wheel that had been intriguing me for a while. The camera did well with the purples and greens without much difficulty.
FujiFilm X-M5 camera sample. (Image credit: Nandagopal Rajan/The Indian Express)
FujiFilm X-M5 camera sample. (Image credit: Nandagopal Rajan/The Indian Express)
During a morning walk in my hometown Kozhikode, I found some dogs lazing around on the beach; the X-M5 doing well to capture the subject in the front with the subtleties of the sky and sea behind it.
FujiFilm X-M5 camera sample. (Image credit: Nandagopal Rajan/The Indian Express)
FujiFilm X-M5 camera sample. (Image credit: Nandagopal Rajan/The Indian Express)
FujiFilm X-M5 camera sample. (Image credit: Nandagopal Rajan/The Indian Express)
However, the real test for the camera was when I took it to record a Theyyam performance at my family temple. I have to say the low-light conditions coupled with the bright colours of the deities and the occasional fire display appeared a bit overwhelming for the camera as it struggled to lock in the right parameters in auto mode. In the full manual, I could adjust the settings and get some good clicks, even a few where I used the filters to exaggerate what I saw.
FujiFilm X-M5 camera sample. (Image credit: Nandagopal Rajan/The Indian Express)
FujiFilm X-M5 camera sample. (Image credit: Nandagopal Rajan/The Indian Express)
FujiFilm X-M5 video capabilities
However, I think most users looking to buy the X-M5 would be doing so because of its video capabilities. This camera offers a full Vlog mode with two-channel audio and can add an external microphone and of course, works with a gimbal or tripod stand. The camera is great for when you are shooting in controlled locations like me trying to record a piece to camera at home with X-M5 perched on the tripod. This is what it is made for, offering a bunch of settings like background defocus, product mode for unboxing videos, and even high-speed recording.
But when you use it for a travel vlog, as I did by taking it to the Padmanabhapuram Palace in the Kanyakumari district, you see the Achilles heel of the camera — image stabilisation. While there is digital image stabilisation in the movie mode, you will find the visuals a bit jerky if you don’t have steady hands. Better to invest in a gimbal with image stabilisation if you are planning to use this camera for such videos. Also, as you move through different light conditions, you need to give it a second to adjust. But to have a camera this compact which can shoot in up to 6.2K is fabulous andyou can overlook some of these issues.
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Another issue, I faced with the camera was in playback when it would get stuck. This could be because I used a Sandisk Ultra SD card with 140 MB/s speed. I have to now invest in a faster card given how capable cameras are getting these days.
A compact and capable digital camera. (Image credit: Nandagopal Rajan/The Indian Express)
At Rs 94,999, for the body and 15-45mm lens, the FujiFilm X-M5 is a good option for those looking to take their vlogging game to the next level. It helps that Fujifilm also offers accessories like the TG-BT1 tripod grip to make life easier for this community. I would buy this primarily for vlogging needs as Fujifilm has better cameras when it comes to pure photography. This has the potential to elevate your YouTube rankings easily.
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