- New rumors predict {that a} Fujifilm X-E5 digicam will launch in mid-2025
- The X-E sequence are compact rangefinders with massive APS-C sensors
- Separate rumors predict {that a} new X-Professional mannequin will not land in 2025
It is that point of 12 months once more – not only for panicked Christmas purchasing, however for the digicam rumors to enter overdrive forward of the brand new 12 months. And of all of the hypothesis I’ve seen for 2025 to date, a brand new rumor for the Fujifilm X-E5 has piqued my curiosity essentially the most.
Inevitably, the hypothesis has come from the dependable Fuji Rumors , whose supply has predicted {that a} new mannequin within the X-E sequence – that are usually compact, reasonably priced rangefinders with massive APS-C sensors – “will come in the summertime of 2025”.
A brand new X-E5 is interesting for numerous causes, not least as a result of it’d successfully be a Fujifilm X100VI with the advantage of interchangeable lenses (which, as a Fujifilm person, I’ve loads of). However what’s made this rumor significantly attention-grabbing is a new one immediately {that a} new Fujifilm X-Professional mannequin surprisingly is not coming in 2025.
At this stage, these are simply rumors. But when they transform true, then the X-E5 may doubtlessly grow to be much more attention-grabbing as the one new rangefinder-style sibling to the X100VI that we see in 2025. Properly, until you embrace the rumored medium format Fujifilm GFX100RF, which can possible be past my funds.
Since its launch again in 2012 – not lengthy after the unique X100 – Fujfilm’s X-E sequence has step by step shed a few of its extra enthusiast-friendly options, like its rear command dial and cozy dealing with. With an X-Professional sequel nonetheless doubtlessly a means off, and the Fujifilm X-M5 just lately arriving for newbies and video shooters, the X-E5 may once more be free to lean tougher into its photographic roots.
What I might need from a Fujifilm X-E5
Because the proprietor of a Fujifilm X-T5 – which continues to be one of many finest cameras for pictures, in my view – my essential hope for a Fujifilm X-E5 is that it replicates as a lot of that digicam as attainable, in a extra compact kind issue.
There may be already the Fujifilm X-T50, however that has extra of a mini-DSLR design than the sleeker X-E sequence, whose digital viewfinder is tucked away neatly within the top-left nook (just like the X100VI and X-Professional 3).
As a lot as I might like an X100VI – which is arguably digicam of the 12 months – I do not suppose I may dwell with its fastened 23mm f/2 lens. I favor longer focal lengths to isolate topics in avenue and journey pictures, so a compact physique that could possibly be completely paired with my XF35mm f/2 and XF50mm f/2 lenses could be a super day by day carry after I do not desire a bigger setup. The Xf27mm f/2.8 R WR would even be an awesome associate for it.
With the X100VI getting in-body picture stabilization (IBIS), that function appears nearly sure for an X-E5 – as does the most recent 40MP APS-C sensor, which is useful for cropping. Dare I additionally hope for weather-sealing? That is perhaps a step too far, however within the absence of a brand new X-Professional mannequin, maybe Fuji would possibly take the X-E down a extra premium route. I may additionally most likely dwell with a single card slot and old-school NP-W126S battery.
There are undoubtedly going to be extra highly effective and revolutionary cameras than an X-E5 in 2025. It has been a quiet 12 months for Sony, so I am anticipating it to launch a Sony A7 V and maybe an A7R VI. Who is aware of, perhaps the rumored Ricoh GR IV or perhaps a Sony RX1 successor will arrive to tempt me elsewhere.
However for my wants, a contemporary, up to date model of the X-E4 seems like the best match – so long as Fujifilm manages to keep away from the inventory nightmares which have stricken that digicam and the X100VI in 2024.