The Fujifilm X-T5 is a 40.2-megapixel APS-C mirrorless camera renowned for its retro design, tactile controls, and exceptional image quality. Whether you’re a street photographer, a hybrid shooter, or an enthusiast exploring film simulations, this tutorial will help you master the X-T5 from the ground up.
1. Unboxing and Initial Setup
What’s in the Box:
- Fujifilm X-T5 camera body (black or silver)
- NP-W235 battery
- USB-C charging cable
- AC-5VJ power adapter
- Shoulder strap
- Body cap
- Hot shoe cover
- Sync terminal cover
- User manual
First Steps:
- Charge the Battery:
- Connect the NP-W235 battery to the included USB-C cable and power adapter. Charge it fully (about 2-3 hours) via a wall outlet or a USB power source. The X-T5 supports in-camera charging, so you can also charge it later via the camera’s USB-C port.
- Insert the Battery and Memory Card:
- Open the battery compartment on the bottom of the camera by sliding the latch. Insert the battery (contacts facing down) until it clicks.
- The X-T5 has dual SD card slots (UHS-II compatible). Insert an SD card into Slot 1 (top slot) for primary use. Use Slot 2 for backup or overflow if desired (configurable in the menu).
- Attach a Lens:
- Remove the body cap by twisting it counterclockwise. Align the red dot on your Fujifilm XF or compatible lens with the red dot on the camera’s mount, then twist clockwise until it locks.
- Power On:
- Flip the power switch (around the shutter button) to “ON.” The LCD or electronic viewfinder (EVF) will light up, prompting initial setup.
Initial Configuration:
- Language and Time:
- Use the rear command dial or joystick to select your language, then set the date and time. Press “MENU/OK” to confirm.
- Format the SD Card:
- Press “MENU/OK,” navigate to the wrench icon (SET UP), select “USER SETTING,” then “FORMAT.” Choose the slot to format and confirm. This ensures your card is ready for use.
2. Understanding the Controls
The X-T5’s physical dials make it intuitive, but here’s a breakdown:
- Top Plate:
- ISO Dial: Lift and turn to set ISO (e.g., 125-12800, or “A” for auto).
- Shutter Speed Dial: Turn to select shutter speed (e.g., 1/4000s to 30s, or “A” for auto). Use “T” for longer exposures via the command dial.
- Exposure Compensation Dial: Adjusts exposure ±5 stops in 1/3 increments.
- Front:
- Drive Mode Switch: Toggle between Still, Movie, and Bracketing modes.
- Front Command Dial: Fine-tunes settings like aperture or shutter speed in certain modes.
- Rear:
- Joystick (Focus Lever): Moves focus points or navigates menus.
- Q Button: Accesses the Quick Menu for fast settings changes.
- MENU/OK: Opens the main menu and confirms selections.
- DISP/BACK: Cycles display modes or exits menus.
- Viewfinder and LCD:
- The EVF has 3.69 million dots with 0.8x magnification. The 3-inch LCD tilts three ways for waist-level or portrait shooting.
3. Menu System Basics
Press “MENU/OK” to access the menu. Tabs are color-coded:
- Red (Image Quality): Adjust film simulations, RAW settings, etc.
- Blue (AF/MF): Configure autofocus and manual focus options.
- Yellow (Shooting Settings): Set drive modes, bracketing, etc.
- Green (Movie): Video-specific settings.
- Wrench (Set Up): General camera settings like power management.
- Star (My Menu): Customizable shortcuts (add favorites via SET UP > USER SETTING > EDIT MY MENU).
4. Shooting Modes
The X-T5 lacks a traditional mode dial, relying on dials and lens aperture rings for exposure control. Here’s how to use them:
- Program (P):
- Set shutter speed and ISO to “A,” and use a lens with an aperture ring set to “A.” The camera auto-selects settings.
- Aperture Priority (A):
- Set shutter speed to “A,” ISO to “A” or a fixed value, and adjust aperture on the lens. Great for controlling depth of field.
- Shutter Priority (S):
- Set aperture to “A” on the lens, ISO to “A” or fixed, and dial in shutter speed. Ideal for freezing or blurring motion.
- Manual (M):
- Set ISO, shutter speed, and aperture manually for full control. Use the EVF/LCD histogram to check exposure.
- Bulb Mode:
- Set shutter speed to “B” and press the shutter button to start/stop long exposures (up to 60 minutes).
5. Autofocus and Manual Focus
Autofocus Modes:
- Single AF (AF-S): Focus locks when you half-press the shutter. Good for static subjects.
- Menu: AF/MF > AF MODE > SINGLE POINT, ZONE, or WIDE/TRACKING.
- Continuous AF (AF-C): Tracks moving subjects.
- Pair with ZONE or WIDE/TRACKING for action shots.
- Subject Detection:
- Enable via AF/MF > SUBJECT DETECTION SETTING. Options include faces/eyes, animals, birds, cars, etc. Toggle with a custom button for quick access.
Manual Focus (MF):
- Switch the front focus mode lever to “M.”
- Use the focus ring on the lens. Enable focus peaking (AF/MF > MF ASSIST > PEAK) to highlight in-focus areas in red, blue, or white.
Focus Point Adjustment:
- Press the joystick to activate the focus point grid. Move it with the joystick and resize it with the rear command dial.
6. Image Quality Settings
Film Simulations:
- Access via IMAGE QUALITY SETTING > FILM SIMULATION. Options like Provia (standard), Velvia (vivid), Classic Chrome (muted), and Acros (B&W) mimic Fujifilm’s classic films. Experiment to find your style.
- Tip: Save custom recipes (e.g., Classic Neg with adjusted shadows) to C1-C7 slots (EDIT/SAVE CUSTOM SETTING).
File Format:
- IMAGE QUALITY SETTING > IMAGE QUALITY:
- JPEG: Smaller files, ready to share.
- RAW: Maximum editing flexibility.
- RAW+JPEG: Best of both worlds.
- RAW RECORDING: Choose LOSSLESS COMPRESSED to save space without quality loss.
Resolution and Aspect Ratio:
- IMAGE SIZE: Large (40.2MP), Medium (20MP), or Small (10MP).
- ASPECT RATIO: 3:2 (default), 16:9, 1:1, etc.
7. Video Recording
Switch to Movie Mode:
- Flip the front switch to the film icon. The menu shifts to video settings.
Key Settings:
- Resolution and Frame Rate:
- MOVIE SETTING > MOVIE MODE: 6.2K at 30p (cropped), 4K at 60p, or Full HD at 120p for slow motion.
- Codec:
- H.265 offers 10-bit 4:2:2 for richer colors. Select via MOVIE SETTING > FILE FORMAT.
- F-Log/F-Log2:
- Enable for flat profiles with 13+ stops of dynamic range (ideal for grading). MOVIE SETTING > F-LOG RECORDING.
- Movie Optimized Control:
- SET UP > BUTTON/DIAL SETTING > MOVIE OPTIMIZED CONTROL. Separates photo and video settings, using command dials for adjustments.
Recording Tips:
- Use a tripod or the 7-stop IBIS for stability.
- Connect an external mic via the 3.5mm jack for better audio.
8. Customization
Function Buttons:
- Hold “DISP/BACK” to access FUNCTION (Fn) SETTING. Assign shortcuts like “FILM SIMULATION” or “SUBJECT DETECTION” to buttons (e.g., Fn1, AEL).
Quick Menu (Q):
- Press “Q” to edit 4, 8, or 12 slots with frequent settings (e.g., ISO, WHITE BALANCE).
My Menu:
- Add rare but useful options (e.g., PIXEL SHIFT MULTI SHOT) to the star tab.
Display Options:
- SET UP > SCREEN SET-UP > DISP. CUSTOM SETTING. Choose what appears in the EVF/LCD (e.g., histogram, level).
9. Practical Shooting Tips
- Street Photography:
- Use AF-C with ZONE, Classic Chrome simulation, and silent mode (SET UP > SOUND SET-UP > SHUTTER VOLUME > OFF).
- Landscapes:
- Shoot RAW, use a tripod, and enable LONG EXPOSURE NR for exposures over 1s (SHOOTING SETTING).
- Portraits:
- AF-S with FACE/EYE DETECTION, f/1.4 lens, and Provia or Pro Neg Std simulation.
- High-Resolution Mode:
- SHOOTING SETTING > PIXEL SHIFT MULTI SHOT. Takes 20 images for a 160MP file (requires a tripod and Fujifilm Pixel Shift Combiner software).
10. Maintenance and Firmware
- Cleaning:
- Use a blower for the sensor (SET UP > USER SETTING > SENSOR CLEANING) and a microfiber cloth for the lens.
- Firmware Updates:
- Check fujifilm-x.com for updates (e.g., v4.21 as of March 2025). Download to an SD card, then update via SET UP > USER SETTING > FIRMWARE UPDATE.
11. Troubleshooting
- Battery Drains Fast: Enable ECO mode (SET UP > POWER MANAGEMENT).
- Focus Issues: Reset AF settings or update firmware.
- Overheating in Video: Use 4K LP mode or an external fan for long shoots.
