Fujifilm X-M5 Autofocus Test Tidbits

It’s still not easy to find proper autofocus test regarding the Fujifilm X-M5.

So all we have for now are little tidbits here and there, mainly coming from Asian countries, which are traditionally the main market for the X-M (or perviously the X-A) line.

I will share two videos below.

The first is (I think) a Chinese video. Click the play button below to start the video right at the AF section. Here is what we can notice and what the guy said:

  • lens used: Fujinon XF 33mmF1.4
  • cat tracking seems to work fine also when the cat moves in a busy space and behind some obstacles
  • the guy runs towards the camera and says (if the translation is accurate), that the accuracy is 80-90%, with most of the images out of focus only when the subject was very close to the camera
  • it seems that the entire episode is filmed on X-M5

The second video comes from Brazil. I share it because the reviewer covers half of his face with the hand, but the X-M5 does not get distracted and keeps focus on the eye. In fact, you can see the eye box jump to the left eye as soon as the right eye is covered by the hand. So at least this issue seems to be solved.

In a third video below we see the AF tracking in video, which does not look very convincing. Or, as the autor of the video, Matt, said: “Personally think [autofocus] it’s not as bad as some people were worried about, but definitely still not perfect.”

First conclusion: it’s better in tracking cats than humans :)

Of course I am kidding. We really do not have many elements in our hands to make a proper judgement. But the Fujifilm X-M5 should ship in about 10 days (November 21 according to stores), so I guess soon enough we will have a much better understanding of its AF performance.

And maybe we will get the promised autofocus firmware update before that, so that we can judge the new AF on our own 5th generation cameras.

Why We Still Need the Fujifilm X-E5 (Despite X-M5)

After comparing the X-M5 size to the X-E4, some have argued that the X-M5 renders a potential Fujifilm X-E5 redundant.

Why would Fujifilm offer two rangefinder-style cameras that are nearly identical?

I can see their point to some extent. The X-M5 shares the same rangefinder design, is slightly smaller, packs the powerful 5th-gen processor, and is more affordable.

While the X-M5 could certainly pose a challenge to the X-E5 in terms of sales, there are several reasons why the future X-E5 could still be a more attractive option over the X-M5.

For example:

  • the Fujifilm X-E5 will have an EVF

For me, the EVF alone is already a strong reason to choose the Fujifilm X-E5 over the X-M5.

But let’s consider what else Fujifilm could do to further distinguish the X-E5 from the X-M5. Keep in mind, this is purely speculative, not based on any rumors.

If Fujifilm were to implement all of the features mentioned above on the X-E5, we’d be looking at the closest thing to perfection in the X series lineup. ;)

And even if not all of the mentioned features are included, there would still be a strong need for the Fujifilm X-E5, and fortunately for us, it’s set to arrive in 2025.

Feel free to let us know in the comments what you’d like to get on the X-E5 in terms of hardware features.

Fujifilm X-M5 Owner’s Manual Available

The Fujifilm X-M5 owner’s manual is now available. You can access it in html here or PDF here.

The Fujiiflm X-M5 is coming with quite some new stuff never available on any other Fujifilm camera before.

Fujifilm X-M5: “Whatever Fujifilm Did, Autofocus is as Good as on my Sony” – Dangerous Overpromise?

A couple of weeks have now passed since the announcement of the Fujifilm X-M5.

And so far the big controversy has not yet received a final answer: how good is the autofocus on the Fujifilm X-M5?

Now a new Fujifilm X-M5 hands-on review has been published by PavSZ (see above).

In his video, he says the X-M5 autofocus is much better than the one on the Fujifilm X-S20.

And when asked about it in the comments to his video, he says multiple times that he shoots also Sony cameras, and that the X-M5 is just as good as Sony in terms of autofocus.

The problem?

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Fujifilm X App 2.2.0 Released with X-M5 Support and USB Image Transfer

Fujifilm has updated the X App software to version 2.2.0 for iOS. Down below are all the details.

What’s New?

  • X-M5 is supported.
  • “Image Transfer” via USB cable connection and “Live View Shooting” by 4K movie recording are available.

First feedback I got from readers: “I tried with my XT4 and [USB image transfer] does not work.” I have not yet tested it on my own gear, but I invite you guy to let us know in the comments if it works on your model.

You can download the latest Fujifilm X App for iOS here and for Android here.

Pal2Tech Fujifilm X-M5 Autofocus Test Update: Improved, but Impressed?

Pal2Tech shared a follow up video to the original Fujifilm X-M5 autofocus performance. You can see it above.

While we can see the Fujifilm X-M5 being better than the X-T5, I confirm what I wrote in pretty much every other article so far: it’s not at Sony and Canon level. Which is why personally I applaud the improved autofocus, but I’ll call myself impressed only when I see it on par with Sony and Canon.

Also, we have to see how much the improved performance over the X-T5 is to attribute to the AF algorithm on the X-M5 (which is in Beta on Pal2Tech’s camera) or it is simply due to the general faster readout speed of the 26MP sensor.

So far the most convincing autofocus demo I saw is the one of Thomas B Jones, with a 2.5 minutes non-stop live eye tracking during a talking head video, and especially when showcasing product mode the transition  between product and face is smooth without stepping to acquire focus.

Look, even the toughest Fujifilm AF haters out there show video clips on much much better AF tracking works on X-T4 for example (or on early 5th generation firmware). So while Fujifilm is not at Sony or Canon level, they have already shown that they can do much better than what they are currently offering on the 5th generation cameras.

As I always said: Fujifilm, just downgrade the firmware! You did it in the past with the flawed X-T1 firmware, so you can do it also now.

Anyway, in November the new firmware will drop. We will see and judge there.

If everything goes well, these are the last days in which AF haters can make clicks with Fuji AF hate videos.

On the other hand, if nothing is fixed, FujiRumors will be the first to share tons of AF hate videos like we did here and here.

Just expect us the be balanced and fair in reporting, giving you multiple sources and feedback so you can judge yourself.

Fujifilm X-M5 vs X-T5 Autofocus Test: No Competition, the X-M5 Wins Hands Down

Pal2Tech was one of the guys, who addressed the latest Fujifilm 5th generation gear autofocus issues in his videos.

That’s why he was particularly interested to test the autofocus of the Fujifilm X-M5 versus the one of the Fujifilm X-T5.

You can see with your own eyes his comparison in the video above (just click and it will start at the right point).

This is what Pal2Tech has to say about:

  • the focus square on the X-M5 was able to keep with up with him (moving fast around the yard) in a noticeable way
  • when he starts to run, the X-T5 box is behind him whereas the X-M5 autofocus box is sticky on his face
  • when jumping into frame, the X-M5 locks focus faster than the X-T5
  • when moving very very fast all over the frame like crazy, the X-M5 locked focus better than the X-T5
  • he track running dogs and and people, and it keeps up with them fairly reliably
  • the X-T5 would not have nailed that many images in that order in AF-C for stills
  • tracking cars the X-M5 handled very well. Every shot was in focus
  • tracking bicycles also worked very well
  • the autofocus performance is great and definitely better than the X-T5, even before the X-T5 experienced the AF issues with the May firmware
  • Pal2Tech is very impressed by what he saw and he hopes firmware updates will come with same AF to other models

Look guys, Chris from Pal2Tech did put lots of effort into this test.

It’s up to you now to trust him, or maybe trust YouTubers who did not hold the X-M5 in their hands for a single second and looked hours of launch videos to find 2 seconds in which the AF of the X-M5 failed.

Is it at Sony and Canon level?

Well, I feel confident to say very likely not. But according to the most in depth test we could see so far, it is the best autofocus Fujifilm has yet offered on any its cameras.

It seems to be a step into the right direction.

SmallRig X-M5 Accessories Solve Two Problems with the Fujifilm X-M5

SmallRig has just released a range of accessories for the Fujifilm X-M5:

These accessories solve two problems we can encounter on the Fujifilm X-M5.

First, its very compact size, which may be uncomfortable for those with medium or large hands—something some early reviewers mentioned. Fujifilm’s design philosophy was clear: make the X-M5 as small as possible, knowing it can always be expanded with accessories.

Second, the tripod mount is positioned very close to the battery door, making it impossible to access the battery while mounted on a tripod and even blocking the battery door when a simple Anchor Mount is screwed on it as demonstrated by Thomas B. Jones in his X-M5 video.

SmallRig’s accessories, like cages and plates, solve these issue.

For those looking to bulk up the camera for better handling, SmallRig’s options (and other forthcoming accessories from other brands) offer a practical solution. But if you prefer to keep it ultra-compact, as the X-M5 was designed, you might choose to work with its original form (which is what I personally would do).

If I was a vlogger, the one accessory I’d likely consider is the windshield for the microphones. It would help me make the most of the X-M5’s new three-microphone setup and hopefully allow me to rely on the built-in mics as much as possible, reducing the need for external microphones.

Fujifilm X-M5 has Better Autofocus than X-S20, but New Firmware is Coming REPORT (+VIDEO)

 

It’s difficult to gauge how well the autofocus of the Fujifilm X-M5 truly performs.

Why?

The real issue is that performance depends on which Beta firmware version reviewers are using.

In the lead-up to launch, Fujifilm frequently updates the firmware for pre-production models, sometimes even multiple times a day.

So, someone testing the camera in mid-September may have significantly different results from someone testing it in mid-October.

And since reviewers aren’t able to re-test everything after every update, any autofocus performance assessment right now should be taken with a grain of salt, as it’s unclear which firmware version was used.

So we can come to a situation in which some might claim that the X-M5’s autofocus is on par with other X series cameras, while others might say it offers the best autofocus performance of any X series camera.

With that disclaimer out of the way…

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Fujifilm X RAW Studio and Tether App Support Added for Fujifilm X-M5

 

Fujifilm X RAW Studio ver.1.25.0 – download here
The software update Ver.1.25.0 incorporates the following issue:

  1. Applicable model for the “FUJIFILM X RAW STUDIO” is added.
    Applicable model : FUJIFILM X-M5

Fujifilm Tether App ver. 1.31.0 – download here
The software update Ver.1.31.0 incorporates the following issue:

  1. Applicable model for the “FUJIFILM TETHER APP” is added.
    Applicable model : FUJIFILM X-M5

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