Fuji XT5 Street photography: Is this the perfect camera?
Update June 2025: I’m now well and truly back in the Philippines and while I have been shooting a lot with the X100VI I am also excited to have recently bought both the Fuji 23mm f/2 and the Fuji 18mm 1.4. Both of these lenses are prime contenders for the kind of travel and street photography I will be doing more of over here. I’m currently working on an article pitting the XT5 + 23mm f2 against the X100VI. The results are interesting so far and I’ll be publishing them soon.
Update: I’ve now published the article putting the XT5 + 23mm f2 lens against the X100VI.
I have seen alot of Fuji XT5 street photography lately. As I dip my toes into the world of street photography, I find myself on the hunt to see why the XT5 is so often praised by street photographers. Recently, I’ve been exploring the Fujifilm XT5 for street photography, as it has garnered a lot of praise for its features and design. After shooting in the rainy streets of Coventry for my latest youtube video, I want to share my thoughts on how the XT5 might just be the perfect camera for someone like me who’s just starting out. If you want to see my rainy street photography experience, be sure to check out my YouTube video.
What Makes a Good Camera for Street Photography?
As a beginner (to street photography), I’ve learned that a camera for street photography should have several key characteristics:
Size and Portability
One of the first things I noticed about the Fuji XT5 is its size. It’s compact enough to carry around without feeling bulky, which is perfect for me as I wander through city streets. Being lightweight makes it easy to move quickly and blend into my surroundings, helping me capture genuine moments without drawing too much attention. How it compares to the X100VI
LCD Screen Design
The three-way tilt screen is another feature I love. As someone who is still getting comfortable with composing shots on the screen rather than viewfinder (for POV videos), this flexibility allows me to frame photos from different angles without attracting unwanted attention. Whether I’m shooting at waist level or getting low to the ground, this screen makes it easy to get the shot I envision.
User-Friendly Controls
The physical control dials on the XT5 offer an inspiring shooting experience. While they may feel slower than the typical PASM dials found on many cameras, I appreciate being able to check my settings visually without digging through menus. I’m often focused on capturing moments, so knowing that my settings are as I intended gives me peace of mind.
Image Quality
One of the most impressive aspects of the XT5 is its 40MP resolution. This high resolution allows me to crop images without losing quality, which is particularly useful when working with prime lenses on the street.
Discreet Design
I find the look of the XT5 appealing; it’s not as imposing as a large DSLR. This discretion is crucial for me, especially when I want to capture candid moments. A camera that looks less intimidating makes it easier to shoot natural scenes without disrupting the environment.
Custom Settings and Speed
The XT5 includes seven custom slots for saving various settings, which is incredibly helpful as I experiment with different styles and conditions. I appreciate the fact that the autofocus system is fast enough for my needs, especially when I’m out in the unpredictable nature of street photography.
Depth of Field
With its APS-C sensor, the XT5 provides extra depth of field for a given aperture compared with 35mm sensors. I find this a positive as I often want more depth of field in street shots.
Film Simulations
Fujifilm’s film simulations are very popular and for good reason. I love that I can tweak these settings to get the look I want, and often, I find myself just as happy with the JPEGs as I am with the RAW files. This feature allows me to have fun experimenting without too much editing later.
My Experience Shooting in Coventry
During my recent adventure in Coventry, I was eager to test the XT5 in real-world conditions. The rain provided a unique atmosphere, and knowing the camera was weather-sealed gave me the confidence to shoot without worrying about the elements.
The compact size made it easy for me to navigate through the city, capturing spontaneous moments of daily life. The tilt screen proved invaluable as I crouched to shoot reflections in puddles, allowing me to get creative without drawing attention. The physical controls let me make quick adjustments, ensuring I was ready to capture fleeting moments.
The 40MP images I captured turned out beautifully, with rich colors and impressive details. Even after cropping for composition, the images held up remarkably well. Pairing the XT5 with Fujifilm’s compact f/2 primes made for a lightweight setup that excelled in the wet conditions.
Fujifilm XT5 street photography: is this the Perfect Camera for Beginners in Street Photography?
In my experience so far, the Fujifilm XT5 seems like a fantastic choice for someone just getting into street photography. Its combination of size, image quality, intuitive controls, and customizable features make it approachable for newcomers. My time shooting in Coventry reinforced my belief in its capabilities. If you are considering alternatives to the X-T5 then I have a detailed hands on with the X100VI.
If you’re considering your first camera for street photography, I highly recommend giving the Fuji XT5 a shot. And don’t forget to check out my YouTube video for more insights and examples of the camera in action. For further discussions and tips on photography, feel free to explore my personal blog
Happy shooting, and may you capture many beautiful moments on the streets!