Fujifilm X-E5 First Impressions - Worth $1699?

General First Impressions

This camera shares the same 40MP sensor and X-Processor 5 as the X-T5, X100VI, and X-T50 — so you can expect identical image and video quality. No surprises there.

But what did surprise me was the feel. The X-E5 feels more premium than the X-T5, and honestly, more solid than the X100VI too. The clean lines and material choice — it feels like a single milled piece of metal — give it a substantial, luxury vibe. It’s a sexy-looking camera — and one that inspires you to pick it up and shoot.

Who Is This For?

If you’re into street photography, travel, or just prefer a slower, more intentional shooting style, the X-E5 hits the sweet spot. It’s not designed for long shoot days like the X-T5 or blazing fast performance like the X-H2S, but it’s definitely a capable everyday shooter.

It’s compact and more streamlined than the X-T5, with fewer dials on top and no viewfinder hump. What I really appreciated was getting back both the EVF and the horizontal tilt screen — something I sorely missed from the X-M5. Together, they bring back a shooting workflow that just feels right.

One minor issue: there's a sharp edge where my pinky rests, which got a little uncomfortable after long shooting sessions. And while it doesn’t have directional buttons on the back like the X-T5, the tradeoff feels justified given the customizability elsewhere.

Customization & Controls

The X-E5 really starts to shine when it comes to customizability. You get dual command dials — one on the front and one on the back — which the X-E4 didn’t have. That addition alone brings the camera up to the operational level I’m used to from the X100VI.

The front lever acts as a function switch (unlike the OVF/EVF toggle on the X100VI), and I’ve set it up with custom shortcuts. On that lever, I can short-pull to the right or left, or long-pull in either direction, mapping things like digital crop (teleconverter), exposure preview toggle, and surround view mode.

Touchscreen swipes let me quickly bring up the histogram, mic levels, white balance, and an electronic level. Other essential controls — like the Q menu, AE lock, face/eye detection toggle, and view mode switching — are all within easy reach with function buttons.

The only button that feels a bit underutilized is the Bluetooth button on the bottom right, which can’t be remapped. I would’ve loved to use it for something more useful, like exposure preview toggle.

And in a personal note: I no longer need to map my typical dedicated Animal Eye Detect function button because my dog Henri passed away this summer :(

That Film Simulation Dial

There’s been a lot of chatter around the new film simulation dial. Personally, I leave it on the "C" mode and use the FN button next to the shutter to swap between my custom recipes like Reggie's Portra or HP5.

The FS1 through FS3 options are persistent across all custom banks, which is really handy if you use your C1–C7 slots for different exposure or autofocus settings but want consistent film looks. You can store up to 10 simulations total — seven via the custom banks and three persistent via FS1–3 — and you get the same flexibility for video, which is awesome.

The only downside is that the dial can easily shift in a bag, and I’ve accidentally shot in the wrong sim because of that.

Shooting Experience

Shooting with the X-E5 feels like using a smaller X-T5 or a modular X100VI. The left-positioned EVF gives you that rangefinder-style shooting experience where your other eye stays open and connected to the subject — which is great for portrait work.

I’ve been using manual focus Voigtlander lenses — the 18mm f/2.8 and 35mm f/1.2 — and between the EVF and the tilt screen, manual focusing feels effortless. One lingering annoyance though: when you magnify to check focus, the camera won’t exit magnification unless you press the shutter or manually zoom back out. I really wish Fujifilm would let us customize this behavior, like how it worked on the X-T5 (cancels out of check focus with a half-press of the shutter).

Lens Pairing Suggestions

Fujifilm released a new 23mm f/2.8 pancake lens alongside the X-E5, and while I didn’t get a chance to try it, I’ve heard good things about it. That said, the 23mm field of view — equivalent to 35mm on full-frame — just isn’t my cup of tea, so I don’t plan on using it personally.

For my shooting style, I much prefer compact primes like the 27mm f/2.8 or the 18mm f/2. These lenses feel well-balanced on the X-E5 and keep the kit light and pocketable. Larger lenses, especially the Fujifilm LM primes, tend to throw off the handling and make the camera feel front-heavy — you end up supporting it entirely by the lens rather than the grip.

Missing Features I Wish It Had

There are a few features I would’ve loved to see. An X-Pan crop mode feels like a no-brainer with is positive reception on the GFX100RF, especially with 40MP to work with. It’s also missing an internal ND filter — something I constantly appreciated on the X100VI. And of course, I’ll always miss the flash sync and quiet stealth of a leaf shutter, especially for flash work.

How It Handles Video

The X-E5 isn’t meant to be your main video camera, but for casual hybrid use, it really holds its own. It has the same video quality as the X-T5, benefits from IBIS and the tilt screen, and the EVF helps a lot with framing and shot stability.

I’ve been using Urth magnetic ND filters — compact, stackable, and easy to snap on and off — instead of a full variable ND setup. If you just occasionally shoot video, this camera is more than capable. But if you’re a serious video shooter, I’d recommend the X-S20, X-H2S, or the X-M5 instead.

X-E5 vs. Other Fujifilm Cameras

X-E5 vs. X100VI

The X-E5 gives you lens flexibility, a more satisfying shutter sound, and more film simulation slots. But it doesn’t have a built-in ND, leaf shutter, or internal flash — which are huge strengths of the X100VI.

If you love 35mm and need those photo-to-video transitions with ND and flash, stick with the X100VI. But if you’re looking to simulate a 28mm setup or want lens options, go X-E5.

X-E5 vs. X-T5

This is the most interesting comparison — especially because they launched at nearly the same price.

The X-E5 is more compact, more stylish, and in my opinion, more inspiring to carry around. It’s got a nicer shutter sound, more film sim slots, and is perfect for everyday shooting.

The X-T5, though, is more robust and feature-rich. You get dual card slots, a bigger battery, a higher resolution EVF, and an overall more pro-level build with weather resistance. But for me? The X-T5 just reminds me of work — and in this season of life, I want something more personal and fun. I’ve already sold mine.

X-E5 vs. X-E4

Compared to the X-E4, the X-E5 is a solid upgrade. You now get dual command dials, more function buttons, IBIS, a bigger sensor, and a much more customizable setup overall.

The grip is also improved, and the front lever adds even more flexibility. If you liked the X-E4 but felt limited by its simplicity, the X-E5 is a clear step up.

Pricing & Tariffs Context

At launch, the X-E5 was priced at $1699 — the same as the X-T5 — and people were understandably confused. But things have shifted.

As of August 1st, after Fujifilm’s tariff-related price increases, here’s where things stand (U.S. pricing):

• X-M5: $899
• X-T50: $1599
• X-E5: $1699
• X100VI: $1799
• X-T5: $1899

So the X-E5 now sits right in the middle. It’s no longer the budget-friendly E-series body we saw with the X-E4 — that role likely belongs to the X-T32 now. The X-E5 is more of a premium lifestyle or enthusiast camera.

If budget is your top concern, the X-M5 and X-T50 are still strong contenders. But if you want a beautiful, flexible, and solid-feeling camera with a premium finish, I think the X-E5 is a very compelling option.