Why The Fujifilm X-T5 Is Still My Favorite Camera To Use

I've come to appreciate the simplicity of operation of the X-T5.  This is an example.  I wanted to
photograph the Amtrak train roaring by at 79mph.  I set me shutter speed to 1/2000th second by
looking at the top dial, my aperture to F/8 by adjusting the ring on my lens and the ISO to Auto.
After composing my image and seeing black in the upper left corner indicating overexposure, I
dialed in -1 exposure compensation.  Done.  I didn't need any more features, turn any other
dials or go into the menus.  (click to enlarge)

Currently, I own and use three different brand camera systems with three different format sensors—Nikon (Z8), Fujifilm (X-T5) and OM Systems (OM-1).   I like each of them for different reasons and I like to use each of them for different reasons.  That said, my Fujifilm X-T5 is still my favorite.   Let me tell you why.

When I go out, it is the X-T5 that I naturally want to pick up and take with me.  I'll admit that the X-T5 doesn't have the best image quality of the three systems I own, not the highest resolution sensor, not the best autofocus capabilities, not the best low noise/high ISO performance, not the smallest, doesn't have the most features nor the best IBIS.   It is also not the best built. In fact, the X-T5 in my judgment isn't the absolute best at anything.  However, it is really good at everything, in fact, better than 'good enough' for almost all of my photographic needs. I think it is the best 'all around' camera I own.  Add to that, the configuration of dials, buttons, menu system that melds with my brain and aperture rings on the lenses—it all just work for me.  The X-T5 and all that it encompasses  may not work for you and that is okay.  When I use a camera I have to keep in mind how my past experience with decades of using film cameras works with my brain.  The X-T5 seems to work best.

For me, the X-T5 offers a kind of simplicity of use as compared to my other cameras.   Sometimes I just want to look at my camera and set my aperture, shutter speed and ISO and be done with it.  Sometimes I don't want to use any other features.  Sometimes I just want to pick up the camera, set those three parameters, turn it on and shoot.  With my other cameras I can't quite do that.

The X-T5 is not that expensive when comparted to many cameras today. Someone who is an enthusiast should be able to afford it, in my opinion.

It is relatively small and lightweight, but very well built. It has dials and buttons that allow the user to instantly see his or her settings.

The 40mp sensor is excellent in that it provides all the resolution, plus some, that I will ever need (not necessarily want because the heart sometimes says different things than my head!) as well as the ability to crop in significantly if necessary.

The X-T5 feels good in my hand, the menus are intuitive, the buttons and dials are well placed, it is fast, has decent subject recognition AF (I admit it could be better and supposedly a firmware update addressing subject detection AF is coming this summer) and most importantly, the image quality out of the camera is excellent.  I can live with the subject detection for this camera as I don't use it for birds, wildlife, sports, running grandchildren, etc., mainly for static subjects.  So there's that.

I like the colors natively produced by the X-T5.  Fujifilm now provides about 20 film simulations.  There are a wide variety of color film simulations engineered to fit whatever your preferences may be.  Also, some terrific black & white film simulations for which I still have great affection.  I don’t use all of them but I do use three or four simulations regularly.  These unique color formulations are much more than the generic portrait, landscape, neutral, standard and vivid varieties found in other camera.   For the most part, those variations are basically only changes in white balance, saturation and contrast and not much more.   Fujifilm's are much more emotionally different.  You can match your subject matter to a film simulation that suits it best.  They have a certain 'look' which other manufacturers have not yet duplicated.

As a bonus the Fujifilm and independent manufacturers’ lenses that are available for it are excellent. It’s the kind of camera you want to pick up and take with you every time you go out.

Not to go on too long about this camera but to me it is the perfect walking around camera that is always there but never gets in my way and gives me everything I would want in the way of a competent photographic tool.

As I said, it is not the best at any one thing but it is really good at everything; good enough to satisfy my wants, needs and picky ways.

Join me over at my website, https://www.dennismook.com.

Thanks for looking. Enjoy!

Dennis A. Mook

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