One of the more exciting things I did while at the B&H Bild Expo earlier this month as to get some hands-on time with the recently announced Fujifilm X-E5.  Clearly it was a major focus for Fuji at Bild:

I still consider myself new to the Fuji world, having picked up my X100VI last year (at MSRP mind you).  I love it far more than I thought I would – in fact it was around my neck at Bild while my heavier Canon gear was back at the hotel.  At first blush, the X-E5 is essentially an X100VI with the added capability of interchangeable lenses.  Here’s a side by side comparison of the specifications of the two cameras:

Fuji has several X-E5 examples on special display tables at Bild – each with a different lens.  So I got the opportunity to try several different lenses:

What does the X-E5 have that the X100VI doesn’t?

I’ll start by saying that this camera is a very compelling package.  In fact, I was about ready to place a pre-order on the spot when I played with it a Bild.  For many people, one of the most compelling reasons to buy this camera over the X100VI beyond the ability to change lenses is the film simulation dial.  The last couple of new Fujifilm cameras have included a physical dial that allows you to select the film simulation mode in which you wish to shoot your pictures.  For me, this is a completely superfluous feature because I don’t shoot the X100VI like most people.  I believe most people select a film simulation mode (or two…or three..) and shoot in .jpg.  Me?  I prefer to shoot in RAW and then select the best film simulation to apply once in Lightroom.  And I tried playing around with recipes” and didn’t care for the experience.

What does the X100VI have that the X-E5 does not?

As a guy in his mid-50’s, the clarity and resolution of the EVF on a mirrorless camera is exceptionally important.  So the fact that the X100VI has a 3.69milion dot resolution vs. just 2.36 million dot resolution on the X-E5 is a big deal.  Most people may not be able to see a huge difference between the two EVFs when compared side by side – that’s not the point.  The point is, I want a better EVF than what’s found on the X100VI, not worse.  So the EVF is a deal breaker for me when considering purchasing the X-E5.  I should also point out that the internal four stop ND filter on the X100VI is just so awesome.  That’s something I’d miss on a walkabout street camera.

The “Kit Lens” 23mm f/2.8

I believe the Fujifilm X-E5 will be available as body only or as a “kit” with the Fujifilm 23mm f/2.8.  It’s a cute little lens that weighs just 90g/ .2lbs so it certainly keeps the overall size and weight comparable with the X100VI and it’s fixed f2 23mm lens.  Personally, I wouldn’t buy the f/2.8 lens.  I sometimes get frustrated with the fact that the X100VI fixed lens is only f/2. I wouldn’t be happy at “just” f/2.8.  Particularly if we talking about making an either/or choice between these two cameras.

The new Fujifilm X-E5 is again an extremely compelling camera that I’m sure will be a huge hit for Fuji.  Very small, compact, vintage inspired camera that has much of the image rendering capabilities of the X100VI – which I believe will go down as the best selling camera of all time.  No, the camera isn’t for me…but I now know what I want from Fuji.  Give me a future version that has a better EVF than the X100VI and I’ll be first in line.  Yes, the X-E5 is $100 more than the X100VI ($1700 vs. $1600) but that doesn’t bother me in the slightest.  But if you want a truly better image than what the X100VI can produce, you’ll need to spend between $400 – $800 extra on one of the available 23mm f1.4 lenses out there.  I’ll stick with the X100VI, but I’m watching Fuji…I’m watching.