Given its low price, naturally there are compromises.
The dial cannot be changed to control something else.
The flip-out screen is unimpeded, unlike on so many other cameras.
(Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)
That’s because Fujifilm has smartly positioned the ports on the opposite, right-hand side of the camera.
There’s also a new position for the mic input, just above where the screen rests.
I mainly used the X-M5 in cloudy weather during which detail on the screen was clearly visible.
During that same sunrise shoot I was also taking photos with a thrice-the-price full-frame mirrorless camera.
Still, for beginners the X-M5 is going to feel the part.
Offloading those files onto a smartphone should be a breeze.
These are super handy features for connected content creators.
For me, a major downside to the X-M5 is that it lacks in-body image stabilization.
If you want steady video, say for handheld vlogs, your frame will be cropped.
Audio recording quality is impressive.
There’s a mic input too, should you need even better audio recording.
Both cameras are capable of recording superb-quality videos, plus decent photos.
There are two key differences between the X-S20 and X-M5.
Still DIS does a reasonable job smoothing out footage for gentle walking and talking scenarios.
If your videos are only going to be viewed on phones, these low bitrates are an acceptable option.
Fujifilm X-M5: testing scorecard
Should I buy the Fujifilm X-M5?
That’s some serious video grunt for $800 / 800.
Don’t buy it if… You’re primarily a photographerAs a primary camera, the X-M5 sure is designed for video.
(Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)
Sony’s ZV-E10 II has better battery life and a comfier grip, plus Sony’s renowned autofocus skills.
Both cameras enjoy a huge choice of lenses, while neither has in-body image stabilization.
(Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)
(Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)
(Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)
(Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)
(Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)
(Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)
(Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)
(Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)
(Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)
(Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)
(Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)
(Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)
(Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)
(Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)
(Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)
(Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)
(Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)
(Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)
(Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)
(Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)
(Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)
(Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)
(Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)
(Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)
(Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)
(Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)
(Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)
(Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)
(Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)
