New Fuji X M5 review

A palm sized, feature rich mirrorless option that challenges the idea that small equals weak in imaging.

The Fujifilm X-M5 finally delivers on the compact promise of the mirrorless camera

The Fujifilm X-M5 is a palm sized interchangeable lens APS-C camera that weighs 355 g and measures 38 mm deep by 112 mm long. It uses a proper X Trans 4 sensor and offers 10 bit 4 2 2 6 2K 30p open gate and 4K 60p video, though it lacks in body stabilization. The size tradeoff is clear: there is no viewfinder and the body is smaller than the Sony A6400, making it a rival to compact models such as the Canon EOS R10.

Despite missing a viewfinder, the X M5 shows that small can be mighty. The body is designed to slip into a jacket pocket or a small bag, and the price point offers a compelling entry into Fuji color science and the X Trans sensor. It is aimed at travelers and casual shooters who want strong video and stills without carrying a larger camera. The review notes that not having a viewfinder may deter some purists but the overall package feels like a new standard for pocketable mirrorless cameras.

Size is the X M5s great strength. The tiny body makes a serious camera feel accessible, challenging the idea that compact means weak image quality. In a market that rewards portability, Fuji seeks to turn a small box into a daily workhorse. The lack of in body stabilization is not only a spec gap; it shows a design priority that favors size and price over stabilization. The video features are credible for its class and widen the appeal to creators on the go.

The move reflects a broader shift in the camera market toward ultra portable bodies that still deliver strong color and sensor performance. Buyers will weigh whether the cost of losing in body stabilization is worth the gain in portability. The X M5 may drive a rethink of what constitutes a usable viewfinder and how widely video features influence purchase decisions.

Highlights

Small can carry a big image load when the right choices align