Fujifilm X-M5 rumors: Is it coming this year?

Fujifilm has seen incredible success with the X100VI this year, but it looks like they aren’t resting on their laurels. With the rumors circulating regarding a potential Fujifilm X-M5 release date before the end of 2024, the market could be set to see a great new entry-level camera. The X-M range was set to be effectively defunct after previous commercial failures, but the lessons that the camera manufacturer has learned in the wake of other products appear to be paying off.

The news comes to us via Fuji Rumors, who not long ago posited that Fujifilm was poised to revive a camera line within the year. Whilst there are plenty of outmoded products among the company’s repertoire, the X-M5 is the one that has been put forward as the candidate. Given that we are rapidly approaching the end of 2024, when can we expect to hear word on this refreshed camera line?

We could potentially see an early October announcement for the Fujifilm X-M5, followed by a release date towards the end of the month or possibly November. The Christmas period could make or break this camera since - as we’ll discuss below - it has some very appealing potential as a starter camera.

Fujifilm X-M5 Possible Specs

We don’t have much information on the X-M5 beyond this, but what we have certainly sparks our curiosity. One of the major features that Fuji Rumors reported recently was that the new camera would feature Fuji’s controversial film simulation dial. Taking the space of one of the standard dials used to control core settings like shutter speed or aperture, the film simulation dial enables users to cycle through various film-like presets. Given that the SLR aesthetic is Fujifilm’s major selling point, having easy access to them sounds at first like a positive development. However, it trades functionality for fashion, and may ultimately hamstring the overall capability of the camera.

The other element of the X-M range that may cause friction with photographers is the lack of an electronic viewfinder. At least in the current range of cameras, all viewing is done via the articulating screen on the rear. This is likely less polarizing than the film simulation dial, but those looking to truly focus on their focus may miss the chance to peer down an EVF.

So far, these seem to be two quite divisive features churned out by the rumor mill - what else can Fujifilm offer to make this camera appeal to the masses? As mentioned, the success of the X100VI has certainly been a teachable moment for the company, combining their film-camera style with the trappings of mirrorless systems has proven to be an excellent combination. It makes sense, then, to revive that in the X-M5. We think that this model will be more of an entry-level camera than the X100VI - which costs skyward of $2,000 - and instead will appeal to budget-friendly camera buyers. Market comparatives would include APS-C models like the Canon R100, or Sony a6000 - but with that oh-so-important style. So let’s speculate on the specs.

The X-M1 came with a 16.3MP sensor, which was respectable for 2013 but not a major draw over a decade on. We think the sensor will be closer to 24MP, putting it closer in size to modern mirrorless sensors. It will likely be the smaller, APS-C size of sensor, rather than a full-frame model. Fujifilm’s X-Mount system has far fewer options than competitors, but there are some affordable and stylish options that would pair well with a hypothetical X-M5.

In terms of shutter speeds and ISO ranges, we aren’t expecting anything earth-shattering. Something in the realm of 1/8000s (with an electronic shutter) would put the X-M5 in the same conversation space as the a6400 - one of Sony’s most popular enthusiast cameras. Similarly, an ISO range of 100-32,000 would give the APS-C sensor low-light performance capabilities, but wouldn’t be hyper-competitive.

Video-wise, this camera could occupy a similar popularity with budget content creators or vloggers. 4K at 60FPS would again be a standard prediction, but can we dream of a world with 120FPS?

We doubt there will be any other unique features, but plenty of helpful ones. An underrated aspect of entry-level camera systems is the effort it takes to make photography effortless: from automatic settings to a simple control layout, beginner cameras do a lot of legwork to ensure new photographers have a platform to experiment. As such, we’d expect the X-M5 to come with a suite of helpful additions for ease-of-use. Decent In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS) is a must, along with touchscreen focus and remote access via smartphones and other devices should all be expected.

Ultimately, the most important consideration for entry-level camera users is the price. Fujifilm generally charges a premium for their cameras, especially given the unique aesthetic and style they go for. As such, the price will be slightly sharper than an equivalent Sony or Canon. Somewhere around the $899 mark would be a reasonable bet, but don’t be surprised by an unreasonable price. Given that the X100VI has become a bestseller with a four-figure price tag, Fuji’s “budget” model need only be cheaper.

Fujifilm X-M5 Specs: At A Glance

These are merely our predictions rather than hard facts, however. We should hopefully have word on the X-M5 from Fujifilm themselves in the near future. We’ll be keeping an eye out in the meantime for word on this camera. Despite some controversial features and generally median spec predictions, we’re cautiously optimistic that this could be a highly lucrative new Fujifilm camera.