FUJIFILM X-E5 - Two Cameras in One // G-Wagons Assemble
The Fujifilm X-E5: A Camera That Makes You Want to Shoot
I was thrilled when Fujifilm approached me about creating content for the launch of the X-E5. My subjected needed to suit the camera and after little thought - the answer was obvious.
Disclaimer: Fujifilm Canada hired me to shoot some videos and photos with and of the new X-E5. For that reason, this is not an unbiased and objective review but rather my impressions of my time with the camera. Fujifilm did not review or provide any notes or guidance on either the YouTube video or this blog post.
I paired the X-E5 with the 1981 Mercedes G-Wagon (the original Geländewagen), a vehicle that shares several qualities with the camera. Iconic, analog, handsome and let's be honest, cool as hell.
Gear used:
Fujifilm X-E5
Fujifilm XF 23mm f2.8 R WR (new pancake lens)
But the real similarity is their dual identities. The G-Wagon is equally suited to an urban backdrop as a logging road. The X-E5 paired with the new XF 23mm f2.8 R WR pancake lens, feels nearly indistinguishable from the X100VI, ideal for street photography or travel. But swap that lens for something longer or faster, and it becomes a proper workhorse. I’m sure I won’t be the only one to say this, but using it is like an X-T5 and an X100VI in a single camera.
And there’s something about the rangefinder design where I found myself wanting to bring it everywhere with me. It was just a nice object to hold and use - but more on that later.
If you know me, you’ll know I won’t get bogged down talking about the specs of the camera, there are plenty of other resources for that. Instead I really consider three things:
What are the photos like to work with. Both RAW and jpeg (especially in Fujifilm cameras)?
What’s the video like to work with in post?
What does it feel like to use while you’re shooting a project?
Sounds awfully simple and obvious but that’s really it. I don’t think I’ve ever known the EVF resolution of any of my cameras. For the X-E5 in particular, I was mostly curious about the third question as I’d already experienced the photos and videos on this sensor / processor combo in different cameras like the X-T50. Enough yapping, let’s go shoot.
The Shoot
We started with the original ‘81 in downtown Vancouver and even managed to capture a quick strobe photography session that same night.
Some last minute trouble shooting and wheel swapping happening at Flatsix. Of course, I was on hand to snap away on the X-E5.
What was originally supposed to be a single car turned into a few. We started in Vancouver with a handful of G-Wagons and drove up the Sea-to-Sky Highway, picking up more cars and humans along the way.
Fuel and coffee breaks were more opportunities to capture our herd in different environments.
IBIS came in handy when hanging out of a moving car to capture rolling shots or video.
Our final destination was in Squamish Valley near Squamish River.
The X-E5 - Who is it for?
Similar to how a car manufacturer will use a particular engine block for multiple vehicles (like the 5L V8 Mercedes M113 block being fitted to both the G Wagon and the convertible SL series), the XE5 is the latest form factor housing Fujifilm's 40MP sensor and X-Processor 5. The same one found in the X-H2, X-T5, X100VI and X-T50. So does form factor matter if it's the same stuff inside? Of course!
A truck and a sedan fulfill different needs and wants regardless of whether they share the same engine. So the question is, who is the X-E5 for? My instinctive answer is 'whoever wants it.' It's not a "needs" camera because those would likely have bought an X-T5 or X-T50. The X-E5 buyer wants that same "engine" but in a form factor that's inspiring to use. The top plate is this precision machined piece of aluminum (similar to the GFX100RF) and you feel the difference.
Final Thoughts
The X-E5 is a beautifully considered tool.
The design, the form factor, the analog dials — they actually matter. Not in a specs-sheet kind of way, but in a you’ll want to keep using it kind of way.
It reminds me a bit of the G-Wagen.
Not the fastest, not the flashiest — but something you 100% will find excuses to bring out.
G-Wagon builds by Peter of Flatsix Classics
B-Cam Video Shot by Dylan Ackimenko