Fujifilm X-M5 mirrorless camera and new lenses exposed in major leak ahead of official release

Fujifilm is reportedly preparing to launch three major products, as revealed in a recent leak. The Fujifilm X-M5 mirrorless camera, the XF 500mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR super-telephoto lens, and the XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR II zoom lens are expected to add new features and performance upgrades to the company's lineup.

The Fujifilm X-M5, weighing just 355 grams, will be the lightest model in the X Series lineup. Adding more weight to past leaks, it will likely be equipped with a 26.1 MP X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor and the X Processor 5. Video capabilities should include 6.2K video at 30 frames per second with 4:2:2 10-bit internal recording. The X-M5 will also come with advanced subject recognition, capable of tracking animals, cars, motorcycles, and more. If the leak is to be believed, it will feature 20 film simulation modes and an improved interface for vloggers, including a vertical video mode optimized for social media creators - also hinted in past leaks. The camera includes both advanced autofocus for professional users and an AUTO setting for beginners.

The Fujinon XF 500mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR lens will offer professional-level super-telephoto performance in a lightweight form, as per the leaks. The lens has a focal length of 500mm, which is equivalent to 762mm on APS-C sensors, making it suitable for wildlife, sports, and aviation photographers. The lens construction includes 21 elements in 14 groups, incorporating 5 ED and 2 Super ED elements to reduce chromatic aberrations.

It features an aperture range from f/5.6 to f/22 with a 9-blade diaphragm. The lens also has 5.5-stop optical image stabilization for improved handheld shooting, while the autofocus system includes a high-speed linear motor with inner focus. It is weather-sealed with 20 sealing points and a fluorine-coated front element for added protection in harsh conditions. The XF 500mm lens will weigh approximately 1,335 grams and can be paired with Fujifilm teleconverters to extend its reach to 700mm or 1000mm. The camera will be compatible with the Fujifilm X-H2S, X-H2, X-T5, X-S20, and X-T50, reports hint.

The Fujinon XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR II lens looks to be a versatile option for both photographers and videographers. It is a lighter upgrade to the original XF 16-55mm (currently $1,199 on Amazon), reducing weight by approximately 37%, bringing it down to around 410 grams. The lens has 11 groups with 16 elements, including 1 Super ED and 3 ED lenses. It will reportedly feature an Aperture Click Switch that allows users to toggle between stepped aperture control for stills and continuous adjustment for video. The autofocus system includes a linear motor with inner focusing. The XF 16-55mm lens is weather-sealed at 12 points for use in various conditions, and it is optimized to minimize focus breathing for smooth video transitions.

The X-M5 camera is set to launch on October 14, 2024, with the XF 500mm and XF 16-55mm lenses scheduled for release in November 2024. The good thing is, we won't have to wait too long for the aforementioned leaks to get confirmed. Although, for now, please take these leaks with a grain of salt, even though the source is specified to be quite reliable. 

Read about why we think the X-M5's missing features could be the compact camera's biggest strength at launch.