Fujifilm X-T5 Books

We already reported about the Fujifilm X-T5 book of Rico Pfirstinger that will be released in July. Rico is also working on the equivalent Fujifilm X-H2 and X-H2s book. That one will come in August.

I have owned a couple of Rico’s books and I can wholeheartedly recommend them.

However, there are of course also other books out there.

Another author that has covered Fujifilm cameras in many books is Tony Phillips. His X-T5 is already available for example at Amazon USA here (and other Amazon countries here).

At Amazon you’ll find the B&W version of his book. For the full color version you have to purchase it directly at Tony Phillips website here.

[UPDATE: in the description to this book they write the X-T5 is a 26MP camera. So definitely don’t buy this book] Of course there are also other books out there, such as the one of Steven Walryn called “Fujifilm X-T5: A Complete Guide From Beginner To Advanced“, a ultra cheap book compared to the other options. But I am absolutely not familiar with Steven’s work and I personally recommend to stick with Rico or Tony.

I will personally go for the Rico Pfirstinger X-T5 book. I found them brilliantly written and to the point.

UPDATE: Lightroom Fails with X-Trans V: Are 40MP Fujifilm X-T5 Files Really Softer than 26MP X-Trans IV Files?

The Spanish website Fujistas has shared reports that the 26 mpx RAF were sharper to 40 mpx RAF with the development settings by default.

He shares samples of images processed with DxO and other software, where he gets clearly superior results out of the 40MP sensor over the older 26MP sensor. So the deduction Fujistas makes is that this problem is related to Lightroom only.

I can’t verify that myself, as I dropped Lightroom a few years ago in favor of Capture One, which is my main editor, and I can use Topaz or DxO occasionally too (with DxO gaining more and more of my attention).

But I can report what Fujifilm X Guru Rico Pfirstinger had to say about it already a few months ago at the German Fuji-x-forum here:

it must be noted here again that with LR/ACR, the basic sharpening compared to previous Fuji models with 26 MP has apparently been withdrawn or not balanced. Since there are also multi-level values for “Baseline Sharpening Tag” and “Baseline Noise Tag” at Adobe, you cannot necessarily compare identical settings for the controls for Sharpening and Noise Reduction.

So it is meant nicely, but still not necessarily effective for objective comparisons, if DPR always sets all LR/ACR controls for noise reduction and sharpening to 0 for the RAW comparison (what else should they do?), because 0 can mean a different zero for each camera model.

This also explains why the RAWs look softer on the X-H2 with 40 MP at zero sharpening than on the older 26 MP studio examples. To compensate for this, it is sufficient to set the focus regulator at 40 MP from 0 to 5 or 10. Then the baselines are back on the same level and you can better compare detail resolution and sharpness.

UPDATE: Fujistas contacted me and said:

“I only found that 26 mpx RAF were sharper to 40 mpx RAF with the development settings by default. I basically warn about the inconsistence of the sharpening in Lightroom from one X-Trans sensor generation to another. And then, of course, write about other software alternatives.

But in the end of the article i clarified that i can get better results with the 40 mpx RAFs adjusting the default sharpness settings”

So to me this all sounds that 40MP are sharper, but you have to adjust the sharpness settings.

These Specs Make the Fujifilm X-T5 Great for Landscape Photography

Tips for Landscape Photography, Using the Fujifilm X-T5

 by Reza Malayeri 

Full disclosure: This article was brought to you by Adorama. Adorama did not pay FujiRumors to publish this article. But, as usual on FR, this article contains affiliate links.

The Fujifilm X-T5 is the culmination of five generations of evolution in Fuji’s X-Series lineup of mirrorless cameras. Released in November 2022 — nearly a decade after the release of the original X-T1 — the X-T5 features a revolutionary 40-megapixel X-Trans 5 HR sensor, X-Processor 5 AI image processing, and a more compact version of the beloved classic X-Series camera body. This makes it an optimal choice for landscape photography.

Weighing in at just 557 grams, the Fujifilm X-T5 is a lightweight powerhouse. The combination of the smaller size, weight, and high resolution 40-megapixel sensor is a joy to use and travel with. I’ve been enjoying the convenience of shooting landscape photography with such a compact setup. I can pack the X-T5 and several Fujifilm lenses into a small backpack to create stunning high-resolution images.

Fujifilm X-T5 for Landscape Photography

Higher Resolution and Increased Dynamic Range

Fujifilm has included several improvements to the X-T5 which make it an amazing camera for landscape photography. The all-new 5th generation X-Trans 5 HR CMOS sensor features an enhanced image processing algorithm that boosts resolution, without compromising signal to noise ratio. In addition to its enhanced image processing algorithm, the X-T5 also features an improved pixel structure, which allows light to be captured more efficiently. This also enables a lower base ISO value of 125. The combination of these two technologies offers increased dynamic range and higher resolution, both of which are highly desired features for landscape photographers. 

X-Trans Pixel Structure without an Optical Low-Pass Filter

** CLICK HERE to Read the Rest of the Article **

Fujifilm Managers Interview: Talking Fujifilm X-Pro4, Autofocus, Fujifilm X-T5 Sales, 5th Generation GFX, X100V Demand and More

The French website Phototrend interviewed a couple of Japanese Fujifilm managers at CP+.

You can find the full interview in French linked down below as well as a summary.

Interview

** CLICK HERE to Read the Rest of the Article **

Photons to Photos: Fujifilm X-T5 Dynamic Range Sensor Measurement Data

Photons to Photos has published their dynamic range sensor measurement data for the Fujifilm X-T5.

It’s interesting to see that despite sharing the same sensor and processor, the X-T5 is not exactly on par in terms of dynamic range to the Fujifilm X-H2.

You can access the data and make your own comparisons at Photons to Photos here.

Camera Model

Maximum PDR

Low Light ISO

Low Light EV
Fujifilm X-T5 10.43 2230 9.48
Fujifilm X-T4 10.45 3298 10.04
Fujifilm X-H2 10.75 2854 9.83
Fujifilm X-H2s 10.04 2884 9.85

How 3 Dollar Saved my Fujifilm X-T5 and Re-Discovering Classic Negative in Vietnam

$3 that Saved my X-T5

If it wasn’t for this ultra cheap accessory, my first travel with my new Fujifilm X-T5 could have been ruined (from a photographic point of view).

Here is what happened.

Destination: visiting my wife’s family in Hanoi, Vietnam, during Christmas Holidays.

While waiting for our bags at the Hanoi airport (after a humble 25 hours travel in the cheapest economy class seats), I took out my X-T5 and started to take some images. Then I asked my wife to hold the X-T5 while I handle the bags and bring them to the taxi.

Once we were in the taxi, rather exhausted from the long flight, my wife put the X-T5 on her lap. Arrived at her parents home, she totally forgot she had the camera on her legs, opened the door, got out of the car and the X-T5 tumbled down on the street.

  • first thought: luckily I did not travel with the Fujifilm GFX100S
  • second thought: remember there are worst things in life
  • third thought: f***

When we collected the X-T5, we noticed major cracks on the screen.

But luckily I followed my own advice and did immediately apply a $3 touch sensitive screen protector on my X-T5 when I bought it.

This saved my X-T5 and once back home in Italy, I simply removed the broken screen protector using a dental floss and replaced it with a new one.

The X-T5 itself is still in perfect conditions and works like a champ. It’s a tough beast ;).

Lesson learned: don’t save on the wrong things. If you don’t have a self protecting fully articulating screen, then a screen protector is a must buy.

Re-Discovering Classic Negative

Now to the more pleasing part of the tale ;).

I didn’t get around a lot in Vietnam, as of course our main goal was to spend as much time as possible with her family and friends. So lots of the images I took are casual images capturing our daily life at home. Nothing of huge interest to share on FujiRumors, but for me personally the images that matter most.

But we did manage to squeeze in a 3 day trip to the nearby Ninh Binh province (to visit Tam Coc and Tràng An, where the movie “Kong: Skull Island” was filmed).

I traveled with the Fujifilm X-T5, the XF23mmF1.4 and my favorite travel zoom, the XF 18-135mmF3.5-5-6.

And I did put a little “challenge” on me: exit out of my film simulation “comfort zone” (mainly Classic Chrome and Astia) and try to use film simulations I haven’t used in a while.

This time around, I mostly used Classic Negative, mainly for street photography and cityscape, but also for some landscape images.

And I must say I really love the results and as a consequence I started to use it more often also once I got back home in Italy.

The lesson learned?

Well, I guess we all have film simulations we particularly love. And maybe in the past we used some film simulations that did not convince us and as a consequence started to ignore them.

But my tip would be to give that hardy used film simulation another try. You might find out you love it more than you initially thought.

Fujifilm X100V Stock in Fall 2023? The Bad (X100V, X-E4, X-Pro3), the Good (X-T5, X-H2S, GFX) and the Struggling (X-H2)

It’s true, the Fujifilm X100V is hard to find these days.

But it’s actually much worst than that.

I took a look at all Fujifilm camera lines (the ones that survived, not the ones axed by Fujifilm), and we can see that the X100V enjoys great company when it comes to long waiting times.

What’s easy to find in stock are the higher end high profit margin top tier mainstream cameras.

This gives us two options on what is going on:

  1. Fujifilm gear has suddenly become terribly popular, except for the X-T5 and X-H2s which don’t sell and hence are easy to find in stock
  2. Fujifilm is struggling with parts procurement and is prioritizing high profit margin cameras that sell well and are crucial for Fujifilm’s future

I don’t know you, but I’d go for Nr.2.

Now let’s look at the situation today.

The Bad

X100V silver is expected to be in stock in fall 2023 at BHphoto. No time indication for the black X100V. You find only overpriced marketplace X100V cameras on Amazon. Out of stock pretty much everywhere.

X-Pro3 dura silver is expected in 2 to 4 weeks. No time indication for all other colors. Given that the X-Pro3 is slowly being discontinued, I am not very opmtistic about its future stock status.

X-E4 black is expected to ship in 6 to 10 weeks at BHphoto. No time indication for the other colors and kit combinations. We remind you the X-E4 was launched in January 2021 and the last time I’ve noticed the X-E4 in stock was back in October 2021. Not even the X100V has such a bad shipping record as the X-E4.

The Good

The Fujifilm X-T5 (both colors) is expected in 7 to 14 days at BHphoto. You can find it in stock at Amazon US and Adorama. There is 1 to 2 weeks waiting at Moment only for the black version.

The Fujifilm X-H2s is easy to find in stock. And you even get Capture One 23 for free if you buy it at Adorama.

The Fujifilm X-S10 is easy to find in stock.

The Fujifilm X-T30II is in stock in silver and the black one is expected in 7 to 14 days at BHphoto. It is in stock in both colors at Adorama here. You can find it in stock also via third party sellers at Amazon, and if you buy sold by Amazon it will ship in late February.

The Struggling

The Fujifilm X-H2 is expected in 7 to 14 days at BHphoto. Out of stock with no time indication given at AmazonUS, Adorama and Moment. I guess the huge chunk of 40MP sensors Fujifilm has available are used for the Fujifilm X-T5, so this inevitably means that it prolongs the waiting for the Fujifilm X-H2.

The GFX

All good on the GFX front, with all cameras being easily available.