Fujifilm XE 5 almost convinced me to carry a dedicated camera again alongside my trusted iPhone, which has been my primary device for years. Testing it, however, came with challenges. The Delhi region was covered in heavy smog and dust during the review period, turning most scenes into dull shades of grey. Even in what felt like a monochrome season, I tried to make the most of this versatile camera.
The Fujifilm XE 5 features a compact, retro design packed with modern technology. Its aluminium body is filled with dials and buttons that offer almost every function a digital camera can provide. This depth can feel overwhelming at first. It takes time to understand and use all the controls effectively. The grip feels comfortable, similar to what many users experience with a smartphone, which could appeal to modern photographers. At the same time, the camera brings nostalgia with its full viewfinder that displays key information clearly. During the review, I mostly relied on the viewfinder and rarely used the 3 inch tiltable LCD screen for framing shots.
One standout feature is Surround Mode. It lets you focus on your main frame while monitoring a wider field of view for subjects entering the scene. The 40MP sensor allows detailed crops that enhance composition. A front toggle helps zoom into a specific part of the frame to make it the centre of attention. For this review, the camera came with a Fujinon XF 23mm f 2.8 R WR lens. The compact setup works well for portrait and street photography and can also suit landscape shots such as sunsets, thanks to its optics. However, the smog in Delhi limited such opportunities. The camera also includes Fujifilm’s film simulation dial with popular presets and 3 customisable FS settings for personalised recipes.
I managed a few short photowalks with the camera. Using the lens ring, I could easily adjust the aperture while composing through the viewfinder. The images showed the camera’s flexibility, though nothing truly striking. Part of this was due to the uninspiring surroundings and part was because the Fujifilm XE 5 requires time and patience to master. It is a feature rich camera that rewards effort but can overwhelm at first.
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