Fujifilm's X-E5 was released toward the end of 2025, and like all Fujifilm cameras, it was difficult to get your hands on at first. It delivers much of what it promises, being essentially an interchangeable-lens version of the extremely popular Fujifilm X100VI.
If you want a cute, compact X100VI, but want to switch lenses from time to time (or constantly, if that's your thing), this is absolutely the camera for you. Like other cameras with this sensor, images are fantastic, micro-contrast is great, and Fujiflim's color science is excellent as always.
I have a couple of minor gripes with some design choices, but for the most part, the X-E5 is exactly the camera that fans of the X-E series have been waiting for. Could I live without the film simulation dial? Yes, yes I could. But no camera is perfect.
The 40-MP Rangefinder
Photograph: Scott Gilbertson
The X-E series cameras used to be Fujifilm's minimalist range finder—a smaller, lighter, cheaper alternative to the X-Pro series. I would argue that with this fifth version of the X-E, this is no longer true. This is the Fujifilm range finder. It's less minimalist, both in terms of features and in size and weight, and if no one else is willing to say it I will: There aren't going to be any more X-Pros. If you want a range finder from Fujifilm, the X-E5 is the camera to get.
The X-E5 is technically the sixth X-E camera since Fujifilm sneaked the X-E2S in between the X-E2 and 3, but let's not be pedantic. We'll just say this is the fifth iteration of the X-E, and it is both the best X-E yet and also a little disappointing.
Let's start with what's not disappointing: the 40-megapixel APC-C X-Trans V sensor and processor. Together, as we've seen in both the X-T5 and X100VI, this combo of sensor and processor is capable of producing truly great photos and is the first sensor from Fujifilm that doesn't make me miss my full-frame cameras.