Unleash your creativity with the Fujifilm X-M5 – Angela Nicholson reveals why this compact camera is a great choice for content creators who are keen to master both stills and video.
The Fujifilm X-M5 offers a perfect balance of advanced features, creative flexibility and ease of use for anyone wanting to raise their content-creation game. Whether you’re upgrading from a smartphone or looking to get started with photography and videography, the X-M5 is designed to inspire and empower. Here are five reasons why it’s such a great choice.
1. Compact and portable
If you’re used to the pocketable convenience of a smartphone, you’ll be glad to know that the Fujifilm X-M5 only weighs 355g and at 111.9 x 66.6 x 38mm it can fit in a coat pocket or handbag. However, I like to carry it in a thin strap across my body so it’s ready for action at anytime. I just flick the power switch as I lift it and it’s all systems go.
Paired with the incredibly compact XC 15-45mm F3.5-5.6 OIS PZ lens, it makes a versatile little camera you can take anywhere.
The Fujifilm X-M5’s 26.1MP sensor ensure that images have a pleasing amount of detail
2. High-quality stills and video with creative control
Despite its petite proportions, the X-M5 has a large sensor – an 26.1MP APS-C format sensor in fact. That’s much bigger than the sensors you’ll find in a smartphone or the average compact camera. Crucially, that means it can capture much better quality images or video than you’ll get with a phone.
One of the things I like most about using a ‘real’ camera is that you get genuine depth of field, not a computer-generated effect. As a result, your images and video look more natural and lifelike than from a phone with no weird edges or artefacts around your subject. There’s also plenty of detail and true-to-life colours (if that’s what you want).
Plus, while there’s a collection of buttons and dials for quick, direct control over key features (a nice step up from a phone), the X-M5 also has an easy-to-navigate interface and touch control, which makes it easy to upgrade. And, of course, whether you choose to shoot in Auto or Manual mode, you can be guided by what you see on the screen to ensure you get exactly what you want.
If you want to create high-end video, then the X-M5’s 6.2K/30p 4:2:2 10-bit recording delivers the goods. It can also shoot Full HD video at up to 240fps, which is great for creating dramatic slow-motion effects of fast action. Combined with digital image stabilisation, you’ll also get smooth, steady video. If that all sounds a bit confusing, don’t worry; the Vlog makes creating great videos super simple – more on this later.
The new 9:16 Short Movie Mode enables you to shoot vertical format video without rotating the camera. Meanwhile, the key controls are accessible with just a tap on the screen.
3. Film simulations to suit your style
One of Fujifilm’s most-loved camera features is its Film Simulation modes that replicate the look of some of its most popular traditional films. The X-M5 has no less than 20 Film Simulation modes that you can use to give your images and movies a particular look – there’s always one to suit the scene, your mood or style.
Helpfully, the X-M5 has a dedicated Film Simulation Mode dial that lets you swap quickly between your favourite modes without needing to dive into the menu. So, if you prefer to use the vibrant colours of Velvia/VIVID for city scenes, the soft, nostalgic tones of CLASSIC Neg for portraits, the natural tones of ASTIA/SOFT for nature and the rich clarity of ACROS for monochrome images, you can change between them with just a twist of the dial.
You can preview the impact of each Film Simulation mode on the screen just by changing the mode. It means if you’re not sure which one will work for you or the scene you’re shooting, you can experiment until you find one you like. I love the muted colours and warmth of Classic Chrome, but I chop and change as the mood takes me.
A comprehensive range of Film Simulations are available, such as Classic Chrome.
4. Perfect for social media and vlogging
The fully articulated screen can face in almost any direction, including forwards.
5. Smarter autofocus
Subject detection autofocus is a genuine game changer when you’re shooting moving subjects. You can set the X-M5 to detect humans, animals, birds, cars, motorcycles, bicycles, aeroplanes, trains, insects and drones. I set it to detect humans when I was photographing a dance rehearsal and it did a brilliant job of keeping the dancers sharp, particularly their eyes, so I could concentrate on composing the shots and capturing them in action.
The X-M5’s eye detection autofocus system is a major bonus with moving subjects like these dancers.
Get ready to create with the Fujifilm X-M5
Thanks to its lightweight build, excellent image quality, intuitive controls and creative tools like the Film Simulation modes, the Fujifilm X-M5 ix perfect for content creators ready to go beyond the limitations of a smartphone. Whether you’re creating movies, capturing high-quality stills or exploring your unique style, the X-M5 makes the leap to a dedicated camera effortless and rewarding.
The level of detail reproduced by the X-M5 is excellent, with raw files delivering a wide dynamic range to reduce your post-shoot editing time.
