The X-E5 is the perfect travel camera if you can justify the price

The X-E5 is the tiny power of Fujifilm. This is part of a line of cameras which has often been described as similar to X100, except with an interchangeable lens. But the XE line has evolved this year and takes a new form. It was once considered a budget option, but at $ 1,699, it can no longer be said.

Despite the fact that I used almost all Fuji, it was the first time I played with one of the 10th cameras. The X-E5 is a magnificent, small and chic camera with clear lines throughout the body, and with pimples and an occasional concave edge for an additional flair and a distinctive look. It is always shorter and thicker than the X100Vi, but weighs almost the same when associated with one of the lenses of Fujifilm pancakes. It is difficult to keep your eyes and hands out of it. In recent weeks, using the camera, I had a lot of people who asked me questions about it. Two even supposed that it was a Leica.

The construction of the camera is incredibly solid. The dials and the buttons are very clickable; Even the side door feels good. The hinges on the screen flip are robust, and it can also turn around for vlogging. All these small details count and make sure that the camera feels of superior quality, but unfortunately, this camera is not sealed (something you are also waiting for for this price).

The major new functionality for the XE is the dedicated film simulation dial. We have seen other Fujis add them, but it was the first time I have used it. I rarely move between films simulations because I have a few, which I stick to 99% of the time. But the dial facilitates the safeguard of these Sims and encouraged me to experiment with different looks more than before.

Regarding the video, you get 6.2K up to 30 IPS and 1080p up to 240fps. The X-E5 can also film in color spaces F-LOG and F-LOG 2, so there is a lot of latitude for post-processing, which will correspond well to the other Fujifilm cameras. And there is also HLG HDR. The roller shutter is not the best, although it is far from bad. But the X-E5 should not be your main video camera for two major reasons: video mode weighs on this battery, and I made it overheat after 13 minutes of continuous filming.

As indicated above, this Fuji is equipped with the same sensor that we have seen for a few years now. It is a BSI CMOS 5 40 MP sensor and it is able to make superb images. This is my favorite Fuji sensor from CMOS III. The photos are clear, with a lot of details and the noise levels are well managed. Everything that is above 200 ISO will slowly begin to decompose and look pasty and soft. This is where the Ibis 7-Stop enters and helps you keep this shutter open a little longer, which also reduces your ISO.

I brought this camera with me on a trip to Mexico with a handful of goals. The X-E5 turned out to be a brilliant travel camera. I loved having the opportunity to stick to my 27 mm pancake for an ultra-compact configuration or to bring the Versatile Zoom Versatile 16-55 mm zoom for a certain versatility during a long day.

But despite how much I loved my time with the X-E5, all the recent Fujifilm cameras become too similar to each other in terms of performance. Some of these cameras excels in one way or another, but the X-E5 is not unique for that. It is a classic jack of all professions. And it’s not a bad thing.

But once you start looking at the prices, you might have a few seconds thoughts. When the X-E4 was released, it was $ 850 and was considered a jewel hidden in the range. At $ 1,700, it begins to become a more difficult sale. However, if you choose this one, rest assured that you choose a shiny and beautiful camera. It may no longer be a hidden gem, but it’s always a jewel.