Fujifilm X-E5 Review: The Retro Beast Is Back!

Fujifilm X-E5: First Impressions

Fujifilm has officially introduced the X-E5, the fifth iteration of its popular X-E series. At first glance, it looks like a stylish, retro-inspired camera, but don’t let that fool you —there’s a lot of power packed inside this small body. If you’ve been a fan of the X-E4 or love Fujifilm’s aesthetic, the X-E5 might just be your next camera.

In this review, I’ll share my thoughts after testing it, breaking everything down into design, photography features, performance, and final verdict.

Design & Build Quality

The X-E5 feels premium and solid, thanks to its machined aluminum top plate, which gives it a slightly more future-proof, luxurious feel compared to the X-E4. Fujifilm took a similar approach with the GFX 100 series, and it works beautifully here.

One of the most noticeable design elements is the Film Simulation dial on top. It’s similar to what Fujifilm did on the X-T50. While some might argue this could be accessed through the menu, I think it adds to the camera’s charm and usability. Even if you don’t use it often, it looks great and contributes to that retro vibe Fujifilm fans love.

Other thoughtful touches include:

• Streamlined buttons and dials that feel precise and solid.

• Flush Bluetooth button discreetly placed under the body.

• Improved EV compensation dial that’s stiff enough to prevent accidental changes.

And yes, the shutter sound? It’s delightful—springy, satisfying, and just fun to use.

Size, Weight & Handling

The X-E5 weighs 445g (with battery) compared to the 364g X-E4, an 80g difference. Why the extra weight? In-body image stabilization (IBIS).

For me, that trade-off is absolutely worth it. IBIS brings up to 7 stops of stabilization at the center and 6 around the edges, which makes handheld shooting and low-light photography so much easier. The grip feels good, and the slight size increase doesn’t make it cumbersome.

Like its predecessor, the LCD tilts forward, making it great for vlogging, selfies, or creative angles.

New Features That Stand Out

• Classic Display Mode: A cleaner, uncluttered EVF layout that shows only essential settings (ISO, shutter speed, aperture) at the bottom in red. It feels immersive and reminds me of old-school cameras.

• Retro Needle Meter: Instead of the typical exposure scale (+/-), you get a tiny moving needle like vintage film cameras—a small but beautiful touch.

• Surround View Mode: Lets you see beyond the frame for better composition—similar to Fujifilm’s GFX 100 series. Perfect for street photography.

  
  

Performance & Specs

Under the hood, the X-E5 is no slouch:

• 40.2MP X-Trans CMOS 5 HR sensor

• X-Processor 5 (twice as fast as the previous generation)

• Base ISO 125

• Subject-detection autofocus powered by AI for people, animals, trains, planes, and more.

Battery life? It uses the familiar NP-W126S batteries. While these aren’t the largest, they keep the camera compact. Carrying a couple of spares or charging via USB-C on the go solves the issue easily.

So… Should You Buy the X-E5?

If you love Fujifilm’s style and want a compact, stabilized camera with pro-level features, the X-E5 is an easy recommendation. It’s more than just an upgrade from the X-E4—it’s a refined, modern classic that feels great to use and delivers stunning image quality.

Would I buy it? Absolutely, yes. It’s one of those cameras you might not need, but you’ll definitely want.