Fujifilm debuts small, light Fujifilm X-M5 camera, 16-55mm lens, and 500mm f5.6 lens

FUJIFILM North America Corp., Electronic Imaging Division, announced the launch of the latest mirrorless digital camera in its X Series lineup – FUJIFILM X-M5 (X-M5). X-M5 is designed to appeal to emerging content creators that want to use one lightweight and powerful device to make both still and moving imagery, the company said.

“X-M5 is a tool for the ‘camera curious’,” said Victor Ha, vice president, Electronic Imaging and Optical Devices Divisions, FUJIFILM North America Corporation. “Its intuitive video functions, Film Simulation Mode Dial, and vari-angle touchscreen LCD comprise a great setup for anyone new to photography or video creation, or even for a seasoned creator who needs a lightweight kit to create on the move.”

Main Features

• X-M5 weighs approximately 13 ounces (355g) and measures approximately 4.7 inches (111.9mm) in width, 2.6 inches (66.6mm) in height, and 1.5 inches (38 mm) in depth.
• X-M5 features include symmetrically placed dials on the top of the camera and availability in both silver and black varieties.
• Fujifilm’s proprietary Film Simulation Mode Dial is placed on the left top of X-M5. The camera features a total of 20 Film Simulations, with the eight most popular selections featured directly on the dial, and spaces also reserved for 3 additional favorites as programmed by the user. Users can easily select between these built-in Film Simulation creative modes, making it easier to enjoy a variety of color tones in both still and moving images, all reminiscent of the classic looks of analog film.
• Like other Fujifilm cameras in the X Series lineup, X-M5’s mode dial includes AUTO mode, in which the camera automatically recognizes and applies the optimal settings for the scene, allowing even first-time digital camera users to easily create high-quality stills and videos.
• X-M5 is equipped with the back-illuminated “X-Trans CMOS 4” sensor with approximately 26.1 megapixels and the latest high-speed image processing engine “X-Processor 5”.
• The camera features the subject detection autofocus, developed with artificial intelligence (AI) technology, in addition to the existing Face / Eye AF. AI is used to add the ability to detect animals, birds, cars, motorcycles, bicycles, airplanes, trains, insects and drones.
• The latest AF predictive algorithm provides high tracking performance for moving subjects and high precision AF in low-contrast environments.
• X-M5 can record up to 6.2K/30P 4:2:2 10-bit open gate video onto an SD card and supports extensive video functions including 4K/60P and 1080/240P capability.
• The camera is equipped with digital image stabilization.
• For the first time in Fujifilm’s digital camera lineup, three built-in microphones are included in X-M5. Users can choose from four microphone configuration options: surround, front, back, or front and back, depending on the situation.
• Vlog mode allows users to change content creation conditions intuitively via selections on the camera’s LCD Screen. Improvements in the number and placement of icons make video recording intuitive. In addition, X-M5’s new “9:16 short movie mode” allows users to create vertical videos, a popular format on various social media networks.

FUJIFILM X-M5 will be available in Silver in November 2024 and in Black in April 2025, at a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of $799.95 USD and $1,079.99 CAD. A kit consisting of FUJIFILM X-M5 and FUJINON XC15-45mmF3.5-5.6 OIS PZ Lens will be available at a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of $899.95 USD and $1,199.99 CAD.

FUJIFILM also announced the FUJINON XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR II lens (XF16-55mm II), the next generation of the company’s XF16-55mm zoom lens that debuted in 2015.

“XF16-55mm has always been known as a workhorse; a must have everyday carry lens for professionals and enthusiasts alike,” said Ha, vice president, Electronic Imaging and Optical Devices Divisions, FUJIFILM North America Corporation. “XF16-55mm II takes everything our fans loved about the original lens and elevates it to the next level by combining new lens optics, smooth aperture control, and enhanced autofocus, with nods to the reliable go-anywhere form factor that made the original lens such a hit.”

Product Features

• Capable of content creation at a bright F2.8 aperture throughout the entire zoom range, from wide-angle 16mm (equivalent 35mm focal length of 24mm) to mid-telephoto 55mm (equivalent 35mm focal length of 84mm), XF16-55mm II supports a wide range of still photography genres, including nature, landscape, and portraits, leveraging its high resolution and beautiful, smooth bokeh.
• Featuring an 11-group, 16-element configuration that includes 4 aspherical lenses, 1 Super Extra-low Dispersion (ED) lens, and 3 ED lenses, XF16-55mm II maintains image clarity and sharpness from the center to the edges while controlling chromatic aberrations, even when a large aperture of F2.8 is used.
• Enhanced ultra-precision manufacturing technology of aspherical lenses reduces ring patterns compared to ring patterns produced by the prior model. This results in smooth, beautiful bokeh that is uniquely different from the original XF16-55mmF2.8 lens.
• Achieving a minimum focusing distance of 11.81 inches (0.3m) across the entire zoom range, allowing for close-up photography with a maximum magnification of 0.21x.
• Utilizing the latest lens processing technologies, the size of the lens elements in XF16-55mm II are thinner, resulting in a reduction of the total lens length by approximately 0.433in (11mm) and a volumetric reduction by approximately 37.8% compared to the previous model. The weight has also been reduced by approximately 37.4% to about 14 ounces (410g), ensuring excellent mobility.

FUJINON XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR II lens will be available in December 2024 at a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of $1,199.95 USD and $1,619.99 CAD.

FUJIFILM also announced the FUJINON XF500mmF5.6 R LM OIS WR lens (XF500mmF5.6). The new super-telephoto lens offers the longest prime lens coverage in the current Fujifilm X Series lens lineup, designed for challenging outdoor subjects, like birding, wildlife, and sports.

“Making content outdoors can always present challenges, considering weather, fast moving animals, birds, and the rapid motion of athletics,” said Ha. “These are only a few of the examples that were considered when developing this latest super-telephoto lens. Optical image stabilization and linear-motor driven autofocus help the creator document all the action without missing a detail. We’re excited about the capabilities this lens brings to outdoor creatives.”

Product Features

• XF500mmF5.6 offers a 500mm (35mm equivalent focal length of 762mm) with a maximum aperture of F5.6, making it ideal for a variety of outdoor pursuits, including sports, birding, and wildlife.
• When paired with an optional FUJINON Teleconverter XF1.4X TC WR, the lens reaches a maximum focal length of 700mm (35mm equivalent focal length of 1067mm), and with FUJINON Teleconverter XF2X TC WR, it extends to 1000mm (35mm equivalent focal length of 1524mm).
• The lens features durable yet sophisticated construction with 21 elements in 14 groups, including two Super Extra-low Dispersion (ED) lenses and five ED lenses.
• Leveraging the APS-C format, which provides a 1.5x crop factor equivalent, XF500mmF5.6 maintains a compact and lightweight design weighing only approximately 2.94 pounds (1,335g), despite achieving a focal length equivalent to 762mm (35mm format) at F5.6 maximum aperture.
• Even though super-telephoto lenses tend to have heavier front elements, the optimal lens arrangement in this model ensures balanced weight distribution for a comfortable and stable hold, allowing users to enjoy super-telephoto photography, making it easy to handhold or carry all day in the field.
• The lens features a dust and weather-resistant structure with 20 sealing points on the barrel and can operate in temperatures as low as 14°F (-10°C). Additionally, the front element is fluorine-coated, providing hydrophobic and anti-stain properties, making the lens a reliable partner for extended content creation sessions in harsh weather conditions.

FUJINON XF500mmF5.6 R LM OIS WR lens will be available in December 2024 at a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of $2,999.95 USD and $4,049.99 CAD