Fujifilm’s X Summit 2024 Brings 2 New Lenses and a New Camera

Collage of new Fujifilm Products announced at X Summit 2024. Including Fujifilm X-M5, XF16-55mm F2-8 WR II, and XF500mm F5-6 R LM OIS WR
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Today, Fujifilm announced three new products into the X-series family – 2 new lenses and a fun-sized mirrorless camera body aimed at content creators. As far as the news goes, Fujifilm has been teasing the new lenses on social media ahead of their announcement and they lived up to the hype with the announcement of the new XF16-55mm F2.8 WR II and the XF500mm F5.6 LM OIS WR – the longest prime on the XF system. Rounding out the news was the announcement of the all-new X-M5 X-mount camera, here’s what you need to know about all three.

A Needed Update to a Workhorse and an All-New Pro Lens for Sports and Wildlife

Being a fan of Fujifilm’s cameras doesn’t mean there aren’t things I wish they would improve on – the XF16-55mm F2.8 WR lens was one of them. With today’s announcement, Fujifilm is updating its workhorse standard zoom lens with two major updates – reducing its size and weight. The new dimensions and weight of the lens appear to be minor tweaks on paper but as someone that traded their old version 1 lens for a lighter, longer lens in the Tamron 17-70mm F2.8, I can tell you just how important that 11% size reduction really is. For those hybrid photographers or videographers, adding the Aperture De-Click Switch will also be something to note as it promises to make continuous aperture control far more manageable without having to clean up audio in post.

On the longer end of the lens news, Fujifilm’s XF500mm F5.6 LM IOS WR is a lens that’s built for pros – whether they’re birding/wildlife or sports photogs. This is Fujifilm’s longest super telephoto available and is packed with features that pros would want – including the ability to limit focus range, the ability to increase range with a teleconverter, weather-resistant construction, and all without the need for a monopod. Weighing just under 3lbs, the FUJINON XF500mm F5.6 is a beast that’s easily tamed for all-day shooting whether in the backcountry or the sidelines.

FUJINON XF16-55mm F2.8 WR II Key Features via Fujifilm

  • Zoom Range – 16mm to 55mm (24-84mm – 35mm equivalent)
  • Maximum Aperture – F2.8 across the zoom range
  • Lens Construction – 11-group, 16-element configuration with 4 aspherical lenses, 1 Super Extra-low Dispersion (ED) lens, and 3 ED lenses
  • Minimum Focus Distance – 0.3m/11in.
  • Dimensions (diameter x length) – Wide: 78.3mm x 95mm; Tele: 78.3mm x 122mm (approximately 11mm shorter than previous model)
  • Weight – 410g/0.9lbs (approximately 14 ounces lighter than previous model)
  • Special Features – Aperture De-Click Switch to toggle between stepped aperture control for still photography and smooth continuous aperture control for videography

FUJINON XF500mm F5.6 R LM OIS WR Key Features via Fujifilm

  • Focal Length – 500mm (762mm – 35mm equivalent)
  • Lens Construction – 21 elements in 14 groups including 3 ED and 2 Super ED elements
  • Dimensions (diameter x length) – 104.5mm x 255.5mm
  • Weight – 1335g/2.94lbs
  • Compatible with Fujifilm’s 1.4x and 2x teleconverters without a drop in image quality

The Fujifilm X-M5 – A New Camera for Creators

If you’re looking for a content creation device with a solid range of lenses to choose from, Fujifilm is hoping budding creators will look to the Fujifilm X-M5 as their first “real” camera. Fujifilm called this a “tool for the ‘camera curious’” – as it brings many of the technologies and film simulations that make Fujifilm’s other cameras so appealing all in a far more compact size (and compact price).

The X-M5 will feature dual control dials at the top of the camera body, holding onto the retro vibes of other, more expensive camera bodies, and a vari-angle touchscreen LCD. The X-M5 is also the first Fujifilm camera to use a three-microphone array to help vloggers capture the best sounds – no matter how they hold the camera. In keeping with the ticking off the boxes of content creators, the Fujifilm X-M5 features the ability to record video at 9:16 (portrait) aspect ratio natively, making it easy to capture and then share. You can capture up to 6.2K/30p with full open-gate compatibility and as high as 240 frames per second if you’re okay with 1080P.

Speaking of sharing your video, Fujifilm is introducing new 8 Mbps and 25 Mbps video files that make it even easier to transfer your videos to a smartphone for sharing with your adoring public.

Truthfully, I’m not interested in the creator aspect of the camera but can see this becoming a go-to for travel. I love my X-Pro3 and I won’t trade it (again) for anything but it can be bit chunky when traveling. A camera as small as the X-M5 with solid video chops (yeah, I still won’t recommend using the X-Pro series for video) is like having an X-S20 in my preferred form factor and using the existing batteries I own.

Fujifilm X-M5 Key Features via Fujifilm

  • Sensor – 26.1-megapixel, X-Trans CMOS 4 with X-Processor 5 image processor
  • Image Stabilization – Digital Image Stabilization (movie mode only)
  • ISO Range – ISO 160-12,800
  • Focusing – Intelligent Hybrid AF (TTL contrast AF / TTL phase detection AF) with single, continuous, or manual option
  • Video – 6.2K/30P open gate; 4K/60P, 1080/240P
  • Audio – three-microphone array with Surround, Front Priority, Back Priority, Front & Back Priority
  • Connectivity – Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB Type-C USB 10Gbps, HDMI type D, 3.5mm, stereo mini connector (Microphone), 3.5mm, stereo mini connector (Headphone), Hot shoe
  • Storage – SD Card (-2GB), SDHC Card (-32GB), SDXC Card (-2TB), UHS-I
  • Dimensions (W x H x D) – 111.9mm x 66.6mm x 38.0mm (4.40in x 2.62in x 1.49in)
  • Weight – Approx. 355g (0.78lbs)

Pricing and Availability

There was a lot to unpack after this year’s Fujifilm X Summit with the introduction of 2 pro lenses and a new camera for those considering something “better than their phone.” I’m very interested in trying out the new X-M5 and might even consider it as my next personal/fun camera. If you’re interested in any of these Fuji has also announced when we can expect them: