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 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 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
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
