Fujifilm's new X-M5 is a S$1,249 mirrorless digital camera for new photographers and vloggers

Fujifilm has announced the new X-M5 digital camera, a budget-friendly entry at S$1,249 (for the body) and targeted at casual photographers and aspiring vloggers looking to dip their toes into the world of interchangeable lens cameras – but without killing their bank account.

At 355g, the X-M5 is Fujifilm's lightest body in its current range and is available in Silver or Black colours.

One highlight of the new camera is the dial for Fujifilm's film simulations that was first introduced in the X-T50 earlier this year. With eight film simulations available directly on the dial, and an additional three custom slots for your favourites, the X-M5 allows users to tweak and add a bit of cinematic flair to everyday shots.

It does seem like a fun camera for the audience it’s targeted at, but yet it’s surprising that the X-M5 lacks in-body image stabilisation (IBIS), which means vloggers have to be a bit careful about how they handle while recording if they don't want jittery footage - unless, of course, you're pairing it with a lens that has optical image stabilisation. The camera does, however, come with a three-microphone setup, a first for Fujifilm. This feature might save the day if you’re out and about without an external mic. The company claims you can choose between different directional options, from surrounding audio to focusing just on the front, depending on what you’re filming. There’s also some noise reduction to tackle constant background hums.

The X-M5’s specifications aren’t entirely lacking in ambition either, with 6.2K/30P 4:2:2 10-bit video capability and a vertically-oriented Short Movie Mode. But to keep the price in check, Fujifilm had to make some trade-offs. For one, the LCD screen has a middling resolution at 1.04 million dots, and if you’ve been spoilt by higher-resolution screens on other cameras, this might feel a bit uninspired. The camera also uses Fujifilm’s older – and smaller capacity – battery, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself needing a spare when planning a full-day shoot. It’s also worth mentioning that the SD card slot is still UHS-I.

Powering the X-M5 is Fujifilm's classic 26.1-megapixel CMOS sensor and its leading X-Processor 5. The company is also making a renewed effort to address long-standing complaints about autofocus inconsistency that has plagued recent cameras. With a new predictive autofocus algorithm, Fujifilm wants to improve the hit rate on the X-M5, particularly during continuous shooting.

Ultimately, the X-M5 might not have all the bells and whistles of its far more expensive brethren, but for those curious about stepping beyond their smartphone cameras, this Fujifilm camera could make for an approachable gateway—it’s lightweight and looks like it will be easy to use. That’s assuming that you can live without some modern conveniences like IBIS.

The Fujifilm X-M5 will be available for S$1,249 (body only) or S$1,399 (body and XC15-45mm kit). Availability will be announced later.

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