Look, I don’t have access to global sales figures for camera gear.
The only way I can gauge how well a camera is being received is by checking our affiliate sales data.
So I took a look at the Fujifilm X-E5 pre-orders through our link at BHphoto, and in just a few hours, it already doubled the number of Fujifilm X-T5 pre-orders made in the first week after launch.
That puts the X-E5 as the second most pre-ordered Fujifilm camera via our affiliate links—right behind the untouchable X100VI, and ahead of the X-T5.
Also, this makes the X-E5 the most pre-ordered Fujifilm camera with interchangeable lenses on FujiRumors.
The same trend holds true over at WexUK, where the X-E5 is also the second most pre-ordered Fujifilm camera ever through our WexUK links.
But let’s keep things in perspective:
The numbers are not final, as cancellations will inevitably follow. Yet even if half of all pre-orders were canceled, the X-E5 would still match the performance of the X-T5.
Of course, this doesn’t guarantee that the X-E5 will become a bestseller. And in the grand scheme of global pre-orders, FujiRumors is just a small blip.
But while FujiRumors is statistically irrelevant, it’s hard to believe this camera is heading toward failure. In fact, gear that performs well on FujiRumors often goes on to sell strongly more broadly, too.
I think Fujifilm will be quite pleased with the initial sales response for the X-E5. Whether X-E5 customers like you and me will be as pleased is another story—high demand could mean long waiting times.
So here’s my advice: if you’re thinking about getting an X-E5, place your order now. Shipping doesn’t start until August, which gives you plenty of time to decide whether you want to keep the order. And if you do, at least you’ll be closer to the front of the queue.
Anyway, we’ll see. That’s also why I’ve decided to hang on to my Fujifilm X-E3 for now—so I still have an X-E camera to use while I wait for the X-E5 to arrive.
