The Fujfilm X-T50, silver, and Fujifilm XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 R LM WR

Fujifilm X-T50 vs. Fujifilm X-E5

I am sure many photographers have asked the above question when considering a Fujifilm camera in this price range. This review actually came about when my son-in-law, Simon, asked about a potential new camera. He has had Fujifilm cameras in the past, X-T20, X-Pro2, and X100V.

It dawned on me that I had not had a chance to review the X-T50, and I reached out to Fujifilm Canada. They kindly sent me a loaner for a review along with the XF 16-50mm f/2.8 R LM WR and XF 33mm f/1.4 R LM WR.

I recently bought the Fujifilm X-E5, and as this review took shape, it quickly became a debate between the Fujifilm X-T50 and the Fujifilm X-E5.

Fujifilm X-T50 and Fujifilm X-E5 side by side comparison — The Fujfilm X-T50, silver, with the Fujifilm XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 R LM WR and Fujifilm X-E5, black, with the XF 33mm f/1.4 R LM WR

Introduction

The Fujifilm X-T50 is almost two years old, but I am guessing that it will be more than a year before it is replaced. Fujifilm’s gen. 6 cameras can’t be too far off, but I think we will see an X-T6, X-H3, and possibly an X-Pro4 before a potential X-T60 arrives. This is pure speculation on my behalf.

The Fujifilm X-E5 is about 9 months old as of this review, but it uses the same sensor as the X-T50, so the image quality of the two cameras should be identical. The two cameras share many specs and differ mostly in ergonomics and looks.

In this review, I had the Silver version of the X-T50, but it also comes in Black and Charcoal Grey. I think the Charcoal Grey looks fantastic and wish my review unit had this color.

When this review was posted, the Fujifilm X-E5 retailed for $1,699.00 for the body alone and the X-T50 for $1,499.00.

Djembe drummer at English Bay Beach in Vancouver. Sample image from a Fujifilm X-T50 and XF 33mm f/1.4 R LM WR. — English Bay Beach, Vancouver, Fujifilm X-T50, XF 33mm f/1.4 R LM WR @ f/1.4

Build Quality, Specs, and Handling

As mentioned above, the Fujifilm X-T50 and X-E5 share many specs, but a few features and ergonomics set them apart. Essentially, Fujifilm is giving you a couple of choices: an SLR-style camera (X-T50) and a rangefinder-inspired X-E5.

There is nothing wrong with either; it purely comes down to your personal preference. Simon has a leg in both camps and likes them both, but leaned towards the X-50 because it reminded him of his first Fujifilm camera, the X-T20.

My personal preference is the X-E5. As a long-time user of all the X-Pro cameras, I have a soft spot for the rangefinder-style look of Fujifilm cameras.

The X-E5 comes in at a $200.00 premium over the X-T50, and in terms of overall build quality, I find that this price difference is warranted.

Cruise ship, Serenade of the Seas depart from Vancouver via the Lions Gate Bridge. Sample image from a Fujifilm X-T50 and XF 16-50mm f/2.8 R LM WR. — Lions Gate Bridge, Vancouver, Fujifilm X-T50, XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 R LM WR @ f5, 28mm

The Fujifilm X-T50 and X-E5 share the same 2.36m-Dot 0.62x OLED EVF, but the LCD on the X-T50 is nicer, featuring 1.840.000 dots vs. 1.040.000 on the X-E5. Looking at the LCDs side by side, it was hard to see the difference. The EVF is centered on the X-T50 and positioned on the left of the X-E5.

The X-T50 has a handy built-in flash. It is not super powerful, but it can be used for casual photography for some fill-in flash.

The X-T50 has a dedicated view mode button that is lacking on the X-E5. I have assigned my AEL/AFL button to this function, as I like to switch it quickly.

The diopter adjustment is better on the X-T50, but this shouldn’t be much of an issue, as you may not change it that often unless you share your camera with a partner.

The articulating LCD on the Fujifilm X-T50

In Action

In my paradigm, the X-T50 and X-E5 are both super compact and easy on your back. They weigh almost the same and are a joy to take for a walk or cycling around the city, as I usually do.

I almost don't feel like I have a camera with me compared to the full-frame equivalents I carry at times, and either the X-T50 or X-E5 would be excellent for travel.

One glaring annoyance with the X-T50 is that the joystick is constantly and inadvertently adjusted while walking or cycling, causing the focus point to be in the top left whenever I put the camera up to my eye.

It is easy to recenter it by center-clicking the joystick, but if you are in a hurry, this will delay the time before you are ready to shoot, and you may take a few frames before you realize the focus point is not where you thought it would be.

On the X-E5, the joystick is a bit shorter and requires a bit more effort or “wiggle” to adjust, so this is not an issue to the same degree. On the X-T50, I think I would end up turning this feature off, as it was constantly an issue for me.

The film simulation dial on the Fujifilm X-T50

Image Quality

Despite a few quibbles I had in my Fujifilm X-E5 review, I have come to like the 40-Megapixel sensor more and more as I have been putting it through its paces. The ability to crop, although I don’t do it extensively, is handy for framing an image slightly differently or straightening photos without noticeable loss of quality.

Photos from the X-T50 or X-E5 look exactly the same to me, and they should, as they share the same 40.2MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS 5 HR Sensor and X-Processor 5 Image Processor. The two cameras also have the same 7-stop IBIS (image stabilization).

The sample images in this review can be viewed at up to 2500 pixels wide, depending on your monitor's resolution. Please click to view larger photos if you're viewing on your PC or laptop, or pinch-zoom if you’re viewing on your phone.

Rear buttons layout and lcd panels of the Fujifilm X-T50 and X-E5 — The Fujifilm X-E5 LCD looks bigger in this photo but it is the same size as on the Fujifilm X-T50

Conclusion

You walk up to the counter in your favorite photography shop, and your eye is naturally drawn to certain cameras. It is hard to explain why, but I think it is important not to ignore this.

In the case of the Fujifilm X-T50 and Fujifilm X-E5, we are looking at cameras with largely the same specs and very similar functionality. So which one do you pick? I’d say, pick the one that inspires you to go out for photo walks, the one you’d like to take on a trip.

The image quality will be the same, but I hope I have pointed out a few differences that will help you make the right decision.

You can read my full review of the Fujifilm X-E5 here:

Fujifilm X-E5 - Review

Please see more sample images below.

Price / Availability

Thank you for reading my review. If you are planning a purchase and would like to support us, you can do so, at no additional cost, by using the affiliate links below. A small commission goes to us, helping us keep the wheels turning at 5050 Travelog.

Check the current price at B&H Photo

Fujifilm X-T50 - B&H Photo
Fujifilm XF 16-80mm f/2.8 R LM WR - B&H Photo
Fujifilm X-E5 and XF 23mm f/2.8 R WR - B&H Photo
Fujifilm X-E5 (body only) - B&H Photo

Thank you for being supportive.

Fujifilm X-T50 Sample Images

Below are sample photos from the Fujifilm X-T50, processed in Lightroom. I used Fujifilm film simulations, such as Nostalgic Neg. and Acros, for some of the images.

Please click to view larger images.