Tag: smartphone photography

April 27, 2025
CheckMag: Vivo X200 Ultra Zeiss Camera Phone First Reviews & Images
Key Takeaways
1. Camera Performance: The Vivo X200 Ultra features a triple-camera system that excels in various focal lengths, although competitors like the Oppo Find X8 Ultra and Xiaomi 15 Ultra may offer better quality at 23/24mm.
2. Video Reviews: Initial reviews from Gizmochina and Ben’s Gadget Reviews highlight the camera’s capabilities, including some issues with the photography kit and teleconverter, along with comparisons to other flagship devices.
3. Filmmaking Features: Vivo has integrated advanced video features like 4K60 LOG and 4K120, appealing to filmmakers, as showcased in a video that filmed a Porsche 911 entirely with Vivo devices.
4. Photography Capabilities: The Vivo X200 Ultra is particularly strong in portrait photography, low-light conditions, and offers impressive results in macro, concert, landscape, and architectural photography.
5. Community Response: The device is generating significant buzz on Chinese social media, with many users sharing high-quality images taken with the Vivo X200 Ultra, demonstrating its popularity and performance.
The Vivo X200 Ultra has been on the market in China for nearly a week, and it’s the hottest topic on Chinese social media platforms. With some initial feedback from international reviewers now available, we’ll examine two videos from Gizmochina and Ben’s Gadget Reviews, as they seem more accessible for global audiences.
Camera Setup Comparison
The image below is from a Chinese review that highlights how the Vivo X200 Ultra’s triple-camera system stands out from typical flagship cameras. If you’re in search of top-notch quality at a 23/24mm focal length, you might find the Oppo Find X8 Ultra, Xiaomi 15 Ultra, or Galaxy S25 Ultra to be better options. However, when it comes to other focal lengths, the three similarly sized sensors in the Vivo X200 Ultra perform quite well.
Insightful Videos
The first English-language video about the Vivo X200 Ultra probably comes from Gizmochina. It provides a comprehensive overview of the Vivo camera and features a separately sold photography kit and teleconverter, which are already available for import at pretty high prices. The reviewer points out that the quality of the adapter isn’t very impressive, and there seem to be some software problems affecting both the Vivo X200 Ultra and the teleconverter, which we hope will be resolved soon.
In addition, Ben Sin has also released a video sharing his initial thoughts on the Vivo X200 Ultra, including the camera grip and the 85 to 200mm lens. The reviewer appears to be a fan of Vivo and seems quite pleased with the Vivo X200 Ultra. The video compares photos and videos taken with the iPhone 16 Pro Max and Oppo Find X8 Ultra, and he promises to deliver more detailed comparisons with the Xiaomi 15 Ultra and other devices shortly.
Filmmaking Features
Vivo aims to attract filmmakers with features like 4K60 LOG and 4K120 video, and it looks like they’ve succeeded in this instance. A Chinese video linked below showcases the Porsche 911, filmed entirely using Vivo devices including the Vivo X200 Ultra.
While scrolling through Weibo, we discovered a plethora of stunning images, all captured with the Vivo X200 Ultra. Some representative shots can be viewed below, with the first gallery showcasing impressive macro photography.
Portrait photography, especially in low light, was one of Vivo’s main focuses for the X200 Ultra’s camera. This seems to have paid off, as shown by the portrait images shared by a Weibo user.
Concert photography, landscapes, as well as street and architectural photography particularly benefit from the enhanced ultra-wide camera and the dedicated 35mm lens of the Vivo X200 Ultra. It was challenging to choose which photos to highlight, as there are many high-quality images on Weibo taken with the Vivo X200 Ultra or the optional teleconverter.
Source:
Link
Tags: smartphone photography, Vivo X200 Ultra, Zeiss Camera
April 10, 2025
Vivo X200 Ultra Unveils Detachable 200mm Super Telephoto Lens
Key Takeaways
1. The Vivo X200 Ultra features a unique external super telephoto lens developed in collaboration with ZEISS, enhancing its photography capabilities.
2. The new telephoto lens has a 200MP sensor, 200mm focal length, and f/2.3 aperture, offering an 8.7x optical zoom.
3. It employs advanced design and technology, achieving up to 1600mm digital zoom and image quality similar to traditional 30x systems.
4. The X200 Ultra includes a robust internal camera setup with three high-resolution sensors and supports 4K video recording at various frame rates.
5. The device comes with a comprehensive Photography Kit that includes accessories like a battery, case, shoulder strap, and specialized buttons for enhanced user experience.
Earlier this week, Huang Tao, who is the Product Vice President at Vivo, hinted at a mysterious fourth camera for the upcoming X200 Ultra. Although the device already has a triple camera configuration, there were rumors about an external accessory meant to improve its photography features. Now, Han Boxiao, Vivo’s Product Manager, has confirmed this speculation.
Vivo X200 Ultra Unveils New 200MP Telephoto Lens
The fourth camera on the Vivo X200 Ultra is an external super telephoto lens created in partnership with ZEISS. This lens sports the ZEISS Blue Label and contains a 200-megapixel sensor with a 200mm focal length and an f/2.3 aperture. The combination offers an impressive 8.7x optical zoom, designed to enhance mobile photography experiences.
Specifications of the New Telephoto Lens
This external lens is constructed with a 3-group, 13-element Kepler-style design using high-transmittance glass elements to ensure maximum clarity and precision. It also features RMSC technology, providing a second zoom stage that can achieve an 800mm equivalent (35x) zoom and up to 1600mm (70x) digital zoom, delivering image quality comparable to traditional 30x systems.
Inside the Vivo X200 Ultra
Alongside the external lens, the X200 Ultra boasts a robust internal camera setup, which includes:
– 50MP Sony LYT-818 main sensor (35mm)
– 50MP LYT-818 ultra-wide lens (14mm)
– 200MP Samsung HP9 periscope telephoto sensor (85mm)
The device is capable of recording 4K video at 60fps with 10-bit Log as well as cinematic 4K at 120fps. Vivo’s proprietary VS1 and V3+ imaging chips facilitate both pre- and post-processing, aiming for outputs comparable to those from DSLR cameras. Furthermore, a physical camera control key, known as the Action Button, is located on the right side, which also manages the customizable zoom flash system for portrait photography reminiscent of DSLRs.
Full Photography Kit for Creators
The external lens comes as part of the Vivo X200 Ultra Photography Kit, which connects to the phone through USB Type-C for quick response times. The kit includes a 2,300mAh battery, a vintage-style case with a kickstand, a professional shoulder strap, and a specialized video recording button.
With its cutting-edge optics and the external ZEISS lens system, the Vivo X200 Ultra is shaping up to be an exceptional tool for professional photography enthusiasts.
Tags: smartphone photography, Vivo X200 Ultra, ZEISS
April 1, 2025
Vivo X200 Ultra: 4K 120fps Video Recording & Camera Samples
Key Takeaways
1. Vivo will launch the X200 Ultra in China, enhancing the legacy of the X100 Ultra with improved camera features.
2. The X200 Ultra will feature a full-focus triple-camera setup with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on all lenses.
3. It will support all-focus 4K video recording at 120fps and 4K 10-bit true Log video for professional-quality cinematography.
4. The smartphone is expected to include a 50MP Sony LYT-818 primary sensor, a 50MP ultra-wide lens, and a 200MP Samsung HP9 periscope telephoto lens.
5. A dedicated camera shutter button with a sliding action will enhance user control over zoom, focus, and exposure.
Vivo is all set to unveil the Vivo X200 Ultra in China later this month, alongside other devices like the X200s, Pad 5 Pro, Pad SE, and the Watch 5. The X200 Ultra is expected to continue the impressive legacy of the Vivo X100 Ultra, promising to deliver an even better camera experience. The Vivo X200 Pro has already been recognized as one of the best smartphones for photography, and the Ultra version aims to surpass that standard. Prior to its launch, Vivo’s Product Manager Han Boxiao shared some exciting camera features through a few Weibo posts.
Innovative Camera Features
Han Boxiao hinted at the X200 Ultra’s innovative features, particularly concerning its camera abilities. One of the standout features is a full-focus triple-camera setup, which is the first in the industry to offer Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) across all three lenses. The X200 Ultra will also enable all-focus 4K video recording at 120fps and support 4K 10-bit true Log video, catering to those who seek professional-quality cinematography.
Sensor and Photography Enhancements
Equipped with a significant 1/1.28-inch sensor and Zeiss Ultra-level optical image stabilization, the X200 Ultra is likely to change the game for wide-angle photography, making it perfect for capturing wide landscapes. Above are some camera samples taken with the device showcasing its capabilities.
Anticipated Camera Specifications
Rumors suggest that the X200 Ultra will come with a camera arrangement that includes a 50-megapixel Sony LYT-818 primary sensor, a 50-megapixel LYT-818 ultra-wide lens, and a remarkable 200-megapixel Samsung HP9 periscope telephoto lens. To enhance the photography experience, it will include VS1 pre-processing and V3+ post-processing chips.
Moreover, this smartphone is likely to feature a dedicated camera shutter button that has a unique sliding action. This design will provide users with better control over zoom, focus, and exposure, significantly improving the photography experience, especially when capturing images in landscape mode.
Tags: Camera Technology, smartphone photography, Vivo X200 Ultra
March 28, 2025
Vivo X200 Ultra: V3+ Features & VS1 PreISP vs iPhone 16 Pro Max
Key Takeaways
1. The Vivo X200 Ultra will be released in April 2025, featuring two specialized imaging chips: the V3+ and the new VS1.
2. The VS1 chip functions as a “pre-processing chip” to enhance exposure settings, focus adjustments, and overall camera reliability.
3. The V3+ chip handles post-processing tasks like noise reduction and detail enhancement, working alongside the Snapdragon 8 Elite ISP.
4. Vivo’s dual-chip strategy aims to improve image quality, competing with professional SLR cameras and enhancing consistency in photography.
5. The smartphone will include a triple flash system, known as Zoom Flash, offering better illumination across the entire field of view compared to standard single LED flashes.
Vivo is gearing up to transform the world of smartphone photography with the upcoming X200 Ultra, which is expected to be released in April 2025. Recently, an executive from the company disclosed that this flagship model will feature not just one but two specialized imaging chips—the vivo V3+ and the new VS1—crafted to enhance photo quality to levels akin to professional SLR cameras. Additionally, it will include a revamped triple flash system.
Understanding the VS1 Chip
The camera configuration of the X200 Ultra is cleverly designed for maximum performance. The VS1 serves as a “pre-processing chip” or “PreISP,” which manages early processing functions such as exposure settings, focus adjustments, and image stacking. Furthermore, it aims to boost the overall dependability of the camera system, an area where iPhones have earned significant accolades. It’s encouraging to observe Vivo’s commitment to enhancing the consistency and reliability of the X200 Ultra’s imaging capabilities.
Dual-Chip Advantage
The VS1 chip collaborates with the V3+ post-processing chip, which tackles more intensive tasks like noise reduction and detail enhancement. This dual-chip strategy, when combined with the robust ISP of the Snapdragon 8 Elite, is set to significantly enhance image processing—a vital feature for a device competing with standalone cameras. While this “PreISP” technology isn’t groundbreaking (similar to Google’s Tensor chips or Apple’s Deep Fusion), Vivo’s unique approach could distinguish it from competitors, especially as the VS1’s algorithms are honed on a vast array of SLR photos to ensure precise lighting accuracy.
Innovative Flash System
Another striking aspect of this Ultra model is the triple flash system, also known as Zoom Flash, which adeptly illuminates the entire field of view and ensures the subject is adequately lit. This level of exposure isn’t achievable with just a single LED flash as seen in typical smartphone cameras.
The company representative also presented low-light image examples taken with the vivo X200 Ultra, Canon 5D Mk IV, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. The sample from the vivo X200 Ultra not only appears brighter than the latest iPhone but also demonstrates significantly better detail resolution upon further examination.
Source:

Tags: Imaging Technology, smartphone photography, Vivo X200 Ultra
March 21, 2025
Vivo X200 Ultra Camera Details Uncovered in Test Unit Teardown
Key Takeaways
1. Vivo X200 Ultra will launch in April, focusing on advanced smartphone photography.
2. It features a strong triple-camera system with focal lengths of 14mm, 35mm, and 85mm, designed for exceptional image quality.
3. The device includes a 200-megapixel periscope telephoto lens, larger than its predecessor, improving low-light performance.
4. The camera system incorporates advanced optical technologies for better night photography, autofocus, and stabilization.
5. An enhanced ultra-wide-angle lens will cater to landscape and architectural photography, providing versatile imaging options.
Vivo is gearing up to launch the eagerly awaited Vivo X200 Ultra in China next month (April), aiming to take smartphone photography to new heights. Recently, Vivo’s product manager, Han Boxiao, provided some details about what seems to be a test version of this upcoming model. His latest post on Weibo showcases a significant improvement in camera technology, particularly highlighting an advanced telephoto system and an enhanced ultra-wide lens. While the complete specifications are still under wraps, these initial hints indicate a major advancement in mobile photography.
A Strong Triple-Camera System
Vivo X200 Ultra
Vivo X200 Ultra camera sensors
The Vivo X200 Ultra is anticipated to come with a triple-camera configuration featuring focal lengths of 14mm, 35mm, and 85mm. Each of these sensors is believed to boast a larger sensor size and premium optics, ensuring top performance in diverse lighting conditions. The new camera system intends to eliminate the hassle of selecting between lenses for various shots, as all three will provide exceptional image quality for both photos and videos.
The Largest Periscope Telephoto Lens Yet?
Vivo X200 Ultra’s periscope camera is bigger than the previous generation
One of the standout features of the X200 Ultra’s camera array is its 200-megapixel periscope telephoto lens, which is reportedly larger than the one featured in the X100 Ultra. This new camera module offers a 38 percent boost in light intake thanks to a wider aperture, which should enhance low-light performance and produce sharper images at long distances.
Moreover, Vivo has integrated cutting-edge optical technologies, including specialized lenses, prism improvements, and a novel coating that enhances night photography, autofocus, stabilization, and detail at extreme zoom levels. The ultra-wide-angle camera is also set to be considerably larger than usual, making it perfect for capturing landscapes, architectural images, and stable wide-angle videos. These upgrades suggest that Vivo aims to provide a versatile and powerful imaging experience with the X200 Ultra.
Tags: smartphone photography, Triple-Camera System, Vivo X200 Ultra
March 3, 2025
Xiaomi 15 Ultra Photography Kit Legend Edition: DSLR Controls & 2000mAh
Key Takeaways
1. New Xiaomi 15 Ultra Smartphone: Introduced at Mobile World Congress, it comes with a dedicated Photography Kit Legend Edition for enhanced photography.
2. Innovative Camera Grip: The kit features a USB-C connected camera grip with customizable controls for focus, exposure, and more, mimicking traditional camera functions.
3. Stylish Design Elements: Includes a vegan leather back cover inspired by Leica, with options for decorative rings and professional lens filters.
4. Enhanced Software Features: Fastshot mode allows quick adjustments for street photography, aiming to replicate DSLR handling on a smartphone.
5. Battery Power for Extended Use: The camera grip has a built-in 2,000mAh battery, ensuring it supports long photo sessions without needing a recharge.
Xiaomi has introduced the new Xiaomi 15 Ultra flagship smartphone at the Mobile World Congress, along with a unique Photography Kit Legend Edition aimed at enhancing the experience for smartphone photographers. Priced at €199, the kit is available separately from the phone and provides both hardware and software benefits.
Innovative Camera Grip
The centerpiece of the kit is a camera grip that connects through USB-C. It includes a removable shutter button, available in red or black, mimicking the functionality of a traditional camera: a half-press locks focus, a full press captures the image, and holding it down activates burst mode. The grip features handy dials for manual adjustments of exposure (EV), shutter speed, ISO, and white balance. There’s even a lever for quick zoom changes and focal length adjustments, along with a dedicated button for starting video recording. Powering this setup is a 2,000mAh battery, ensuring it can last through extended photo sessions.
Stylish Design Elements
Additionally, the kit includes a back cover made of vegan leather, taking inspiration from Leica’s iconic red-and-black aesthetic. This cover has a round cutout capable of accommodating either a decorative ring or a 67mm filter adapter ring for attaching professional-grade lens filters. To improve comfort during horizontal shooting, a detachable thumb support is part of the package.
Enhanced Software Features
On the software front, the Fastshot mode streamlines street photography by allowing users to preset exposure, focus, and shutter settings for quick adjustments. The overall design aims to replicate the feel of a DSLR directly on your smartphone, complete with tactile controls and a modular setup. Xiaomi has indicated that more information regarding regional availability will be provided in the future.
Source:
Link
Tags: Photography Kit Legend Edition, smartphone photography, Xiaomi 15 Ultra
February 16, 2025
Xiaomi 15 Ultra Captures Record-Breaking Car Performance
Key Takeaways
1. Xiaomi is set to launch its flagship model, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, and its high-performance vehicle, the SU7 Ultra, this month.
2. The SU7 Ultra recently achieved a record lap time for a four-door car at both the Nürburgring Nordschleife and the Shanghai International Circuit, with pre-orders starting at approximately $111,000.
3. Xiaomi aims to sell 300,000 vehicles in 2025, including 10,000 units of the SU7 Ultra, marking a significant increase in their automotive sales goals.
4. The Xiaomi 15 Ultra features a powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and a quad-camera setup, including a 200 MP periscope lens for enhanced photography.
5. The phone is rumored to have a 6,000 mAh battery with fast charging options, while the global version may feature a slightly smaller 5,410 mAh battery.
Xiaomi is preparing for an exciting month ahead with the introduction of its flagship model for 2025, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, along with its high-performance vehicle, the SU7 Ultra. The company has been actively promoting both products. Recently, Xiaomi Mobile shared a video showcasing the SU7 Ultra breaking a lap record at the Shanghai International Circuit, filmed entirely using the Xiaomi 15 Ultra.
SU7 Ultra Sets New Records
On the automotive side, the SU7 Ultra has made headlines by achieving the fastest lap time for a four-door car at the Nürburgring Nordschleife in October. Now it is taking on the Shanghai International Circuit, clocking in at an impressive 2:9.994. Pre-orders for this sedan began in October, starting at CNY 814,900 (around $111,000). Deliveries are expected to commence once the car officially launches alongside the Xiaomi 15 Ultra later this month.
Xiaomi has big ambitions for its automotive sector; they plan to sell 300,000 vehicles this year, including 10,000 SU7 Ultras. This sales goal would represent a twofold increase compared to 2024 and would mark a significant milestone for the tech giant as it seeks to expand in the car market.
Xiaomi 15 Ultra: A Photography Powerhouse
The Xiaomi 15 Ultra is anticipated to be a formidable device. It’s likely to be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and will come equipped with a quad-camera setup. This includes a 50 MP main camera featuring a 1-inch sensor, a 50 MP ultrawide lens, a 50 MP short-range telephoto lens, and a 200 MP long-range periscope telephoto lens.
The 200 MP periscope lens, which offers 4.3x optical zoom, along with the Sony LYT-900 primary sensor, promises to enhance low-light and zoom photography significantly. Xiaomi’s CEO, Lei Jun, has already shared sample photos that showcase the phone’s night photography capabilities, which has only increased the excitement around the launch.
Impressive Battery Life and Charging Features
Rumors suggest that the phone will include a robust 6,000 mAh battery, supporting 90W wired and 50W wireless charging options. However, the global version, set to be unveiled at MWC Barcelona on March 2, may come with a slightly reduced 5,410 mAh battery.
With its advanced features and ambitious sales goals, it is clear that Xiaomi is determined to make a significant impact in these highly competitive markets.
Tags: smartphone photography, SU7 Ultra, Xiaomi 15 Ultra
February 4, 2025
Realme 14 Pro Series 5G Launch at MWC 2025: What to Expect
Realme has announced that it will take part in the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025, taking place in Barcelona. During the event, the company will globally unveil the Realme 14 Pro Series 5G and reveal its strategic plan for the next three years. This series first appeared in China and was also launched in India just last month.
Focus on Youthful Design and Technology
Under the slogan “Tech Drives. Style Thrives.”, Realme is set to emphasize mobile technology and styling aimed at younger audiences. The company plans to showcase enhancements in optical imaging to boost smartphone photography as well as AI-powered features from the Realme NEXT AI Lab, which are intended to improve user engagement and camera functionality.
Groundbreaking Features
The Realme 14 Pro Series 5G will introduce the world’s first cold-sensitive color-changing smartphone, featuring upgrades in performance, design, and imaging capabilities. Additionally, Realme will exhibit its waterproof technology and AI enhancements. Attendees can experience these innovations in person at Hall 3, Booth 3B4, where Realme will provide product demos and interactive displays. The specifications for the device should closely resemble those of the Indian models in the Realme 14 Pro series.
Specifications of Realme 14 Pro Series (Indian Models)
Both the Realme 14 Pro and 14 Pro+ are available in a Pearl White color that shifts from white to blue when temperatures fall below 16°C. The Realme 14 Pro+ boasts a 6.83-inch micro-curved AMOLED display with a resolution of 1.5K (2800 × 1272), which offers sharper visuals compared to the Pro’s FHD+ screen. It is powered by a Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 processor and has a robust 6000mAh battery that supports 80W fast charging. The phone operates on Realme UI 6.0, based on Android 15.
The camera configuration includes a 50MP Sony IMX896 (1/1.56″) primary sensor, a 50MP 3x periscope lens with 120X SuperZoom, as well as an 8MP ultra-wide sensor. For selfies and video calls, it has a 32MP front camera that ensures excellent photo quality.
On the other hand, the Realme 14 Pro features an FHD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, delivering smooth graphics. It can reach a maximum brightness of 1400 nits globally, peaking at 4500 nits locally for HDR content. The device is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Energy 5G chipset (4nm) and comes with 8GB of RAM. This model also includes a 6,000mAh battery, but it only supports 45W fast charging. The Realme 14 Pro is equipped with a 50MP Sony IMX882 (1/1.95″) primary sensor featuring OIS, a 2MP monochrome camera, and a 16MP front camera.
Source:
Link

Tags: MWC 2025, Realme 14 Pro Series, smartphone photography
October 30, 2024
Sharp AQUOS R9 Pro: High-Performance Smartphone with Leica Cameras
Sharp is getting ready to launch its top-of-the-line smartphone, the AQUOS R9 Pro, which will first hit stores in Japan in early December 2024. Following that, the phone will also be released in Taiwan, Indonesia, and Singapore. The R9 Pro is designed to attract mobile photographers and tech enthusiasts, emphasizing photography, performance, and advanced features. Before it officially arrives in stores, the company has shared most of the AQUOS R9 Pro’s specifications through a press announcement.
Advanced Photography Features
Focusing on photography, the AQUOS R9 Pro comes with a triple-camera setup created in partnership with Leica. Each camera—standard, wide-angle, and telephoto—boasts impressive 50.3 MP sensors. The main camera is equipped with a sizable 1/0.98-inch sensor, making it perfect for low-light environments and enhancing night photography.
Versatile Lens Options
The wide-angle lens provides a 122° field of view, which is great for both landscape and macro photography, while the telephoto lens offers 2.8x optical zoom and up to 20x digital zoom, enabling users to capture sharp images of far-away subjects. Support for Dolby Vision improves video quality, making colors more vibrant and clear. Plus, a conveniently placed large shutter button on the side of the device allows for quick access to the camera and ensures focus locking without the need to touch the screen.
Tags: AQUOS R9 Pro, Leica camera, smartphone photography
October 15, 2024
Fujifilm X-M5: Compact, Affordable Replacement for X-T30
Fujifilm has revealed its new APS-C camera, the X-M5. While it isn’t designed as a compact, professional tool, the hardware and features suggest that it serves as an excellent substitute for the more affordable Fujifilm X-T30 II. This year, the Fujifilm X-T50 was introduced as the direct successor to the X-T30 II, boasting significant improvements in almost every aspect of the camera.
Price Concerns
However, with these enhancements, the X-T50 now comes with a steep $400 increase compared to the X-T30 II, making it less appealing for newcomers and those on a budget who preferred the older model. Fujifilm recognized this issue, continuing to produce and sell the X-T30 II even after the X-T50’s launch. At the moment, the X-T30 II seems to be sold out virtually everywhere, suggesting that it might be time for a suitable successor to step in.
Features and Target Audience
Some critics might point out the Fujifilm X-M5’s absence of In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS), Electronic Viewfinder (EVF), and built-in flash, along with its older X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor, as significant drawbacks. Nonetheless, its specifications are well-suited for the audience Fujifilm is targeting — the social media-savvy smartphone photographer. The features of the Fujifilm X-M5 include:
From the specifications, it’s evident that the Fujifilm X-M5 is quite capable, especially considering its small size of just 112 × 67 × 38 mm. This makes the X-M5 6 mm narrower, 15 mm shorter, and 9 mm thinner than the X-T30 II, while still matching or surpassing it in nearly every performance aspect, even without an EVF. The Fujifilm X-M5 seems to cater mainly to younger individuals who prioritize sharing content on social media. This is further emphasized by the camera’s integration with smartphones. For this demographic, the X-M5 will surely provide a notable upgrade in quality over smartphones for both photos and videos without compromising convenience.
Portability and Value
The X-M5 is not only compact enough to fit into a small backpack or a jacket pocket, but it also connects directly with smartphones for easy sharing. Additionally, the X-M5 will be offered in a kit priced at $899 that includes the optically stabilized Fujifilm XC 15-45 mm F3.5-5.6 OIS PZ lens. This essentially addresses one of the main weaknesses of compact cameras — the absence of IBIS — for an extra $100. Even when considering used options from platforms like MBP and KEH, there are very few cameras that can match the X-M5 in terms of price and features, with only the $1,098 Sony ZV-E10 II and the $1,096 Nikon Z fc coming close. However, these alternatives fall short in tactile experience and video resolution and frame rates.
The user-friendly film simulation dial and a variety of intuitive tactile controls, paired with the Fujifilm X-App’s numerous image transfer options, suggest that the X-M5’s intended audience isn’t professional photographers or serious hobbyists looking for an everyday camera. Instead, it’s for those seeking something that combines the ease of use and affordability of a smartphone with the image quality and potential for growth of a mirrorless camera. Given that the X-S20, which shares most of its hardware with the X-M5, is already known to be an exceptional hybrid camera, it’s safe to say the Fujifilm X-M5 will be a resounding success in its intended market.
Fujifilm, DPReview, Notebookcheck.
Tags: Fujifilm X-M5, Fujifilm X-T30 II, smartphone photography