Pre-Order : Fujifilm X-M5, Fujinon XF500mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR, Fujinon XF16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR II

Fujifilm fans were treated to exciting new product announcements at the Fujifilm X Summit 2024, including the much-anticipated Fujifilm X-M5, alongside two powerful lenses: the Fujinon XF500mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR and the Fujinon XF16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR II. These new releases signal Fujifilm’s continued dedication to delivering cutting-edge technology for photographers and videographers alike.

The Fujifilm X-M5 is the company’s latest APS-C mirrorless camera and comes in as the lowest-end entry in its current lineup. The X-M5 will be available in November at a body-only price of $799. At launch, it’ll be available in the silver color seen in the product photos here, but a black version is coming in April 2025. Fujifilm is also selling a kit with the X-M5 and its XC15-45mmF3.5-5.6 OIS PZ lens for $899.

Fujifilm has announced the XF 500mm F5.6 R LM OIS WR (762mm equiv), a super telephoto APS-C lens for its X Mount system. The XF 500mm will be available starting in December, and will have a manufacturer suggested retail price of $2,999.

Fujifilm has announced the 16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR II, a significantly more compact update of its top-end fast standard zoom lens for the X mount. The new lens will be sold for the same $1199 recommended price as its predecessor, and will be available in December.

• XF 16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR II 
  USA: BHphoto / AmazonUS / Adorama
• XF 500mmF5.6 R LM OIS WR
  USA: BHphoto / AmazonUS / Adorama

• Fujifilm X-M5
  USA: BHphoto / AmazonUS / Adorama

Fujifilm X-M5 Specifications

Body:

• Weight: 355g (including battery and memory card)
• Dimensions: 111.9mm (W) x 66.6mm (H) x 38mm (D)
• Build: Compact and lightweight design, available in black or silver
• Dials: Symmetrical dials on top plate, including Film Simulation dial with 20 modes and a Mode dial

Sensor and Processor:

• Sensor: 26.1-megapixel X-Trans CMOS 4 (back-illuminated)
• Processor: X-Processor 5 for high-speed image processing and low power consumption

Autofocus (AF):

• AF System: Subject detection AF using AI for detecting animals, birds, cars, drones, etc.
• Face/Eye AF: Included
• AF Predictive Algorithm: Improved tracking performance and high precision AF, even in low-contrast environments

Video Recording:

• Max Resolution: 6.2K/30P 4:2:2 10-bit video onto an SD card
• Other Video Options:
  • 4K/60P
  • 1080/240P for slow motion
• Digital Image Stabilization: Available for both minor and large movements, especially for handheld video while walking
• Built-in Microphones: 3 microphones with directional control (surround, front, back, front & back)
• Steady-State Noise Reduction: Reduces continuous noise from sources like air conditioning
• Vlog Mode: Enhanced interface with touch control and 9:16 Short Movie Mode for vertical videos
• Bit Rates: New selectable bit rates of 8 Mbps and 25 Mbps for faster transfers to smartphones or social media uploads

Photography Features:

• Film Simulation: 20 modes to replicate classic film stocks
• AUTO Mode: Automatically optimises settings for high-quality photos and videos
• ISO Sensitivity: Not explicitly mentioned in the press release

Connectivity:

• SD Card Slot: For video and image storage
• Optional Accessories:
  • Cooling Fan FAN-001 (£169 inc VAT): For extended shooting in high temperatures
  • Tripod Grip TG-BT1 (£169 inc VAT): Doubles as a tripod for increased mobility

Fujifilm X-M5 Price and Availability:

• Fujifilm X-M5
  USA: BHphoto / AmazonUS / Adorama

Fujifilm XF16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR II – Specifications

Lens Type:

• Type: Standard zoom lens
• Mount: Fujifilm X-mount
• Focal Length: 16-55mm (equivalent to 24-84mm in 35mm format)

Aperture:

• Maximum Aperture: F2.8 (constant throughout the zoom range)
• Minimum Aperture: F22
• Aperture Control: Aperture Click Switch allows smooth transitions for video recording and stepped adjustments for photography
• Diaphragm Blades: Not specified (usually around 9 blades for smooth bokeh)

Optical Design:

• Elements: 16 elements in 11 groups
• Special Elements: 4 aspherical lenses, 1 Super ED lens, 3 ED lenses
• Coating: Fluorine coating on the front element for protection against water, dust, and smudges

Focus:

• Focus System: Inner focusing system
• Autofocus: Powered by a linear motor for fast and quiet focusing
• Focus Speed: 0.02 seconds (CIPA guidelines, with FUJIFILM X-T4 in phase detection AF mode)
• Minimum Focusing Distance: 0.3m across the zoom range
• Maximum Magnification: 0.21x

Build:

• Weight: 410g (approximately 37% lighter than its predecessor)
• Length: 11mm shorter than the previous model (exact length not specified)
• Weather Resistance: Dust, weather, and cold-resistant with 12 sealing points, operational down to -10°C

Performance:

• Image Quality: High resolution with minimal chromatic aberration, enhanced bokeh thanks to improved aspherical lens manufacturing
• Video Features: Minimised focus breathing for consistent framing during focus shifts

Handling:

• Zoom Mechanism: Standard rotary zoom
• Manual Focus Override: Available for precise focus adjustments

Video-Specific Features:

• Aperture Click Switch: Smooth aperture adjustments for video, preventing harsh changes in brightness during recording
• Focus Breathing: Minimized to maintain consistent framing when focusing during video recording

Fujifilm XF16-55mm Price and Availability

• XF 16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR II 
  USA: BHphoto / AmazonUS / Adorama

Fujifilm XF500mm F5.6 R LM OIS WR – Full Specifications

Lens Type:

• Type: Super-telephoto prime lens
• Mount: Fujifilm X-mount
• Focal Length: 500mm (equivalent to 762mm on 35mm format due to 1.5x crop factor on APS-C sensors)
• Maximum Aperture: f/5.6
• Minimum Aperture: f/22

Optical Design:

• Elements: 21 elements in 14 groups
• Special Elements: 5 ED (Extra-Low Dispersion) lenses and 2 Super ED lenses to reduce chromatic aberration and ensure sharpness
• Coating: Fluorine coating on the front element to repel water, dust, and smudges

Teleconverter Compatibility:

• XF1.4X TC WR: Increases focal length to 700mm (equivalent to 1067mm in 35mm format)
• XF2.0X TC WR: Increases focal length to 1000mm (equivalent to 1524mm in 35mm format)

Image Stabilisation:

• Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS): 5.5 stops (CIPA compliant, in pitch/yaw directions)

Autofocus:

• Motor: Linear motor for fast, precise, and silent autofocus
• Focus Speed: 0.33 seconds (with Phase Detection AF and High Performance Mode on)
• Focus System: Inner focusing system for a lighter focusing group and faster focus response
• Focus Preset: Allows users to pre-set a focus distance
• Focus Limiter: Restricts the focus range to improve AF speed when subjects are beyond a specific distance
• Focus Control Button: Positioned at the front of the lens barrel for easy AF control and customisation

Physical Features:

• Weight: 1,335g (excluding lens cap, hood, and tripod mount)
• Dimensions: Not explicitly stated, but compact for a lens of its focal length
• Weather Resistance: Dust and weather-sealed with 20 sealing points, allowing use in harsh environments, including temperatures down to -10°C
• Tripod Collar: Detachable for added stability during long shoots
• Lens Hood: Included

Performance:

• Minimum Focus Distance: Not specified, typically expected to be long given the focal length
• Maximum Magnification: Not stated, but high due to the long focal length
• Field of View: Equivalent to a 762mm lens in 35mm format, providing a narrow field of view ideal for distant subjects

Accessories:

• Compatible Teleconverters: XF1.4X TC WR (£399) and XF2.0X TC WR (£399)
• Lens Cap, Hood, and Tripod Mount: Included

• XF 500mmF5.6 R LM OIS WR
  USA: BHphoto / AmazonUS / Adorama