Testing the Fujifilm XE 5 came with its own challenges, as the review period coincided with heavy smog and dust across the Delhi region. Despite limited shooting conditions, the camera stood out as a serious alternative to smartphone photography. Designed as a compact mirrorless option, it aims to offer photographers a reason to carry a dedicated camera alongside their phone, even in less than ideal environments.
The Fujifilm XE 5 blends a retro design with advanced technology. Housed in an aluminium body, it features multiple dials and buttons that offer deep control over shooting options. This level of flexibility can feel overwhelming at first and requires time to master. The camera offers a comfortable grip similar to a smartphone, while also bringing back the nostalgia of a full viewfinder. During extended use, the viewfinder proved more engaging than the 3 inch tiltable LCD screen.
One of the highlights is the Surround Mode, which uses the 40 MP sensor to allow cropped framing while keeping a wider field of view visible. A front toggle helps zoom into specific areas of the frame, making composition more precise. The review unit came with a Fujinon XF 23 mm f 2.8 R WR lens, which is compact and well suited for street and portrait photography but limited for broader use cases. The camera also includes a film simulation dial with presets and 3 custom FS modes, though these demand experience to use effectively.
While the camera excels in video with options ranging from FullHD to multiple 4K formats and 6.2K, switching modes is not instant and may slow quick captures. Low light performance is strong, supported by ISO up to 51200 and flexible shutter speeds. The companion mobile app makes file transfers easy and reduces the need to adjust settings directly on the camera. Priced from Rs 1,48,999 for the body, the Fujifilm XE 5 is aimed at experienced users seeking a compact replacement for a DSLR or a serious upgrade from a smartphone.
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