Is the Fujifilm X-M5 good for travel?

Yes. At 355 g with the battery and a compact size, it is an excellent body to take everywhere. Its light weight is one of the main reasons I chose it.

Which lens should I pick for portraits on the X-M5?

The Fujinon XC 35mm f/2 is a great starting point. Its 53 mm equivalent and f/2 aperture make it ideal for portraits, all at a very affordable price.

Does the X-M5 have in-body stabilisation?

No, it does not have in-body stabilisation (IBIS). It offers digital stabilisation in video, which crops the image slightly. For stills, use a fast enough shutter speed or a bright lens.

Do you need accessories for big hands?

If you have big hands, the SmallRig L-grip and thumb grip are almost essential. They clearly improve the handling of such a compact body.

My new camera: the Fujifilm X-M5

I recently treated myself: I went for a Fujifilm X-M5. I had been looking for a compact, versatile body for my travels for a while, and this little Fuji ticked every box. Here is why I chose it, what I paid, and my first tips if you plan to follow the same path.

Why the X-M5?

My choice came down to two main reasons.

The first is its portability. At 355 g with the battery and a compact footprint (112 x 67 x 38 mm), it fits anywhere. For travelling light without sacrificing image quality, it is exactly what I was after.

The second is that it is a Fujifilm. The brand's film simulations (the famous filters and recipes) deliver a look you can use straight out of the camera. You spend less time editing and more time shooting.

The X-M5 at a glance

26 MP X-Trans BSI CMOS 4 sensor, X-Processor 5, ISO range 160 to 12,800 (expandable 80 to 51,200), a fully articulating screen, video up to 6.2K and a 9:16 short video mode built for social media. No viewfinder and no in-body stabilisation (IBIS), but digital stabilisation in video.

One thing to note: there is no in-body stabilisation. For daytime photography or with a bright lens it is not an issue, but it is worth knowing before you buy.

My first lens: the XC 35mm f/2

To get started, I went with the Fujinon XC 35mm f/2, mainly for portraits. On the X-M5's APS-C sensor it gives an equivalent of roughly 53 mm in full frame, a focal length very close to human vision.

It is a lens I recommend without hesitation for beginners:

Very compact and light (just 130 g), so it does not unbalance the body.
A comfortable f/2 aperture for portraits and low light, with pleasant background blur.
Optically almost identical to the XF version, for a fraction of the price. The trade-off: a plastic barrel, no aperture ring and no weather sealing.

For everyday portraits, the value for money is hard to beat.

The budget: bought on sale

I kept an eye on the deals, and patience paid off.

Fujifilm X-M5 body only: bought for 719 € during a sale on Amazon.
XC 35mm f/2 lens: bought for 179 € instead of 199 €, also on sale.

If you are not in a hurry, waiting for a good deal makes a real difference on the final bill.

My tips

Here is the tip I wish I had before ordering, especially if, like me, you have big hands.

The X-M5 is tiny, and that is the whole point. But that compactness has a downside: handling gets uncomfortable fast when you have big hands. The body lacks grip and your thumb has nowhere natural to rest. For me, two SmallRig accessories are almost essential.

The two SmallRig accessories to get

The L-grip (SmallRig ref. 4875): an L-shaped handle that adds something to hold and includes an Arca-Swiss plate at the base. The body becomes much nicer to handle one-handed.
The thumb grip (SmallRig ref. 4878): it slides into the hot shoe and gives your thumb a solid rest. Great for stability and one-handed use.

Together, these two accessories transform the X-M5's ergonomics without adding meaningful weight. If you have big hands, treat them almost as a mandatory extension of the body.

The links

Fujifilm X-M5 body: view on Amazon
XC 35mm f/2 lens: view on Amazon
SmallRig L-grip (4875): view on Amazon
SmallRig thumb grip (4878): view on Amazon

Worth checking

The SmallRig links point to the product reference (ASIN). Depending on availability on your local Amazon, the colour or listing may vary. Always confirm X-M5 compatibility before ordering.

Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions about the Fujifilm X-M5

Is the Fujifilm X-M5 good for travel?: Yes. At 355 g with the battery and a compact size, it is an excellent body to take everywhere. Its light weight is one of the main reasons I chose it.
Which lens should I pick for portraits on the X-M5?: The Fujinon XC 35mm f/2 is a great starting point. Its 53 mm equivalent and f/2 aperture make it ideal for portraits, all at a very affordable price.
Does the X-M5 have in-body stabilisation?: No, it does not have in-body stabilisation (IBIS). It offers digital stabilisation in video, which crops the image slightly. For stills, use a fast enough shutter speed or a bright lens.
Do you need accessories for big hands?: If you have big hands, the SmallRig L-grip and thumb grip are almost essential. They clearly improve the handling of such a compact body.

In conclusion

The Fujifilm X-M5 is, for me, the ideal travel companion: compact, light, and with the Fujifilm look I love. Paired with the XC 35mm f/2 for portraits and the SmallRig accessories for comfort, it is a setup I recommend without reservation. More to come with the first shots.