Is the Fujifilm X100VI truly the king of compact cameras, or does the X-E5 offer a compelling alternative? We break down the key differences.
- The Fujifilm X100VI earned a perfect five-star rating, while the X-E5 scored 4.5 stars.
- Both cameras feature impressive 40.2MP sensors and the X-Processor 5.
- The X100VI offers a more comfortable grip and slightly lighter design.
- The X-E5 tends to overheat during video recording, unlike the X100VI.
- For those with existing Fujifilm lenses, the X-E5 presents a strong value proposition.
Deciding between two fantastic Fujifilm compact cameras can feel like choosing a favorite child, but we’ve got the inside scoop to help you make the right call.
Price and Availability
The Fujifilm X-E5 comes in at a higher price point than its predecessor, the X-E4, with an RRP of £1299/$1699. This suggests it’s aimed at a more serious photographer, especially since this price doesn’t include a lens, meaning the final cost will depend on your choice of glass.
The Fujifilm X100VI is positioned as a more premium option, retailing for £1599/$1599.
Design
While the X-E4 might have felt a tad flimsy, the Fujifilm X-E5 boasts a more robust build with an aluminum top plate. It maintains a slim, rangefinder-inspired aesthetic and a surprisingly light 535g frame. However, its compact nature means there’s limited grip space, potentially making it less comfortable with larger, heavier lenses. The electronic viewfinder (EVF) on the X-E5 is decent but less immersive than some competitors.
In contrast, the X100VI, also featuring a lightweight aluminum design, is marginally lighter at 521g. This slight difference contributes to a more secure and comfortable handling experience, even allowing for comfortable one-handed operation at times. It also sports an OLED EVF, which generally offers a more detailed and engaging view.
The X-E5 incorporates some design cues from the X100VI, including a dedicated Film Simulation dial and a customizable front lever, a feature borrowed from the X100 series. This lever can be programmed for various functions like aspect ratio changes or digital zoom. The X100VI itself features a fixed f/2.0 lens, offering a versatile 35mm equivalent focal length, though some users might find a fixed focal length limiting.
Fujifilm X-E5 top plate
Fujifilm X100VI
Winner: Fujifilm X100VI
Features
Both the X-E5 and X100VI boast impressive 40.2MP sensors and the powerful X-Processor 5. The X100VI’s processor enhances subject detection and tracking, making it adept at capturing everything from animals and cars to insects. Autofocus performance is notably swift for subjects like people, eyes, cars, and birds, making it ideal for street photography.
The X-E5 also packs a punch with its features, notably introducing five-axis in-body image stabilization (IBIS) for the first time in the X-E series, alongside an upgraded autofocus system. While it represents a slight downgrade from the X-E4 in some aspects, its burst shooting capabilities are solid, reaching up to 13fps electronically or 8fps mechanically. The X100VI surpasses this with 20fps electronically and 11fps mechanically.
Video recording is where the X-E5 falters. Despite impressive specs like 6.2K at 30fps and 4K at 60fps, the lack of internal cooling leads to frequent overheating. The X100VI offers a more reliable video experience, providing approximately 450 stills or 45 minutes of video on a single charge, similar to the X-E5’s 400 stills or 45 minutes of recording.
Winner: Fujifilm X100VI
Image Quality
Prepare for stunning photos from either camera. The X-E5 delivers exceptional detail, even in JPEGs, along with superb dynamic range and excellent high ISO performance. The X100VI matches this, producing bright, sharp, and saturated images, enhanced by its f/2.0 aperture for beautiful shallow depth-of-field effects.
A standout feature is Fujifilm’s Film Simulation modes, easily accessible via the dedicated dial on the X-E5. With 20 modes available, and the option to create custom simulations, photographers have immense creative control. While both cameras excel at stills, they are primarily still-focused, making them ideal hybrid options for those who dabble in video.
Winner: Fujifilm X100VI
Verdict
Choosing between the Fujifilm X-E5 and X100VI is a tough call, as both are exceptional cameras. The X-E5, inheriting features like the customizable front lever, X5 processor, and Film Simulations from its pricier sibling, presents a brilliant option for those on a tighter budget, especially if you already own Fujifilm lenses. It’s a no-brainer in that scenario.
However, for those seeking the pinnacle of Fujifilm’s X100 series, the X100VI remains a definitive five-star choice, offering a more refined user experience and superior performance in areas like video handling.
