Could the Fujifilm X-T1 Offer More Value Than the X-T5?

In this video, we compare the Fujifilm X-T5 and the Fujifilm X-T1, two iconic cameras that offer exceptional value for different types of photographers. We’ll break down the key differences between these two models, focusing on features like image quality, autofocus performance, build quality, and overall user experience. Whether you're a landscape, street, or portrait photographer, we’ll explore which camera provides the best bang for your buck based on your needs and budget. If you’re wondering which of these Fujifilm cameras delivers the most value in 2025, this comparison will give you all the insights you need to make an informed decision.

With the X-T5 boasting cutting-edge technology and the X-T1 offering a more affordable, classic feel, the choice depends on what matters most to you. We’ll look at video capabilities, lens compatibility, and the overall Fujifilm ecosystem to help you determine which camera gives you the best value for your money. Whether you’re upgrading from an older model or looking to dive into the Fujifilm X series, this detailed comparison will give you the answers you’re looking for.

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0:00 Intro
0:27 X-T1 v X-T5
1:50 Example images
3:36 Photography Made Simple
4:03 Close up images
4:50 landscape images
5:05 Comparisons
6:45 Example images
7:25 Conclusion

[JeDxDeVu]

I have the Xt1 and I've recently gotten a bunch of manual focus lenses and it's just alot of fun. The Xt5 is a Tesla and the Xt1 is a old 911. You'll get to your destination with both just depends what kind of journey you want.

[backpackmc]

Xt1 is slowly but surely becoming a classic, even outside the fuji family.

One thing I've not seen mentioned is that due to the specific noise pattern*, you can up-res an image before processing, and it looks _very very_ good. I've done multiple 30"x40" prints, to great feedback.

* The noise looks very non linear, more akin to film grain. I know the preference is for 'clean' images, but to me that just makes everything look sterile and artificial.

[fredschmidt]

I have my X-T1 mainly because of you, Chris, and my need for a second body to use when kayaking with my 16-80 and my X-T3 with the 70-300. No need to change lenses. I got it January 22'. It seemed as though the used price went up every time you did a video about it. I traded in my X-T3 for the X-T5 to get IBIS and just got the 18mm F1.4 to go with it. The X-T5 is more like the X-T1 than the X-T3 was. I love the shutter release on both more. The X-T5 jpegs have their own magic like the special sauce of the X-T1 jpegs. The X-T5 is really more of a direct decedent of the X-T1 than any other X-T camera so far in my opinion. The X-T5 goes back to the original intent of Photography First of the X-T1, it's great great grandfather.

[martinandreasson]

I had my own journey with the X-T1. I got my first when it came out and traveled to paris on my 40th birthday with it instead of bringing my Nikon gear. I fell in love with it, had 3 lenses with me in a pretty small bag and took some of my favorite images using it that trip. Fast forward in life i had both the X-T2 and 3 and also the X100F, sold all that and went through the leica Q ( two times! ) and now the last couple of years after i started film i also wanted to adapt vintage lenses to also give my digital images a bit of an analog look. So i decided yet again on a X--T1 because i know its a great camera, and especially for adapting lenses the smaller body suited me well. And yet again i have loads of fun with it, even bought a fuji 16mm f2, 8 with Af to play around using it with the family. And the X-T1 comes with me almost as much as my Nikon or leica if not more :D
Cheers!

[instantchti]

The XT1 is also the camera that saved fujifilm, and therefore provided a wider clientele. It is with it that Fujifilm prospered.

[jimmazurek]

I have the XT1 for images and the XT2 for video and webcam work. and feel no need to spend a lot of money for little if any improvement.

[juanplus]

I got an X-T1 about a month ago and it has been fun. I bought a $20 adapter to my classic pentax film lenses and it has been a blast. The colors and grain are something else.

[noelbodle]

I still use my X-T1 regularly, had it converted to 830nm infrared and the images are wonderful particularly when paired with the 14mm 2.8. I’ll continue to use it till it eventually dies. Even survived a dunking in a lake 💪

[kevinmoore]

I love your enthusiasm for Fuji cameras it always adds something to the videos. I used to shoot with canon but now use an x-t3 which I love, I have a few lenses but the 35mm f/2 is on it most of the time.

[duringthemeanwhilst]

I'm lucky enough to have an X-T5, T4, T2 and E1. It's been interesting to see how they've progressed from the X-Trans 1 and X-Processor 1 to the 5th generation. I've never shot with an X-Trans 2 camera like the X-T1, but hope to get hold of one (or a T10 or E2) this year to complete my set.

I have to say that of the four I currently own, the image output of the X-T2 is the nicest to my eye. It has a really lovely "look".

[God_is_in_the_details]

I have two xt1 bodies, so is gratifying to hear the image output isn't crap, in relative terms. I've captured some wonderful images using the 16-55 and 50-140, and before that with the humble 18-55 on xe1 and xe2. I'm aiming for an xh2s next; though I do mainly landscape, I also capture people in live action so critical focus is ... critical. Thx for all your work, Chris. The how-to material is great, will be referencing.

[kevinburke]

Thank you. Nice review. The XT-1 is still what it was... a nice honest, tactile camera that takes a very good (but, not as sharp) photo. All comes down to what do you REALLY need.

[victoradi]

I just bought a band new xt1 yesterday, very lucky to find one with the kit lens 18-55.thanks to your channel I’ve learned a lot about these special cameras. My xe2 is slowly dying, I noticed it 2 weeks ago so I decided to get the xt1 with the same sensor just in case it packs up finally. Thanks Chris, great video as always.

[mmSummarit]

It's unclear to me if Chris took the comparison pictures with the same lens, or if he used the X-T1 with the TTArtisan manual focus lens and the X-T5 with the modern zoom, which of course would be a bit like apples to oranges.

[christiankos]

In first scene it was rather the poorer vintage 3p lense compared to the stellar XF16-55. Besides of the nicer colour rendering of XT-1 sensor, especially skin tones, the XT-1 is still more than suffient for most - as well as the 16MP are still good enough for DIN A2 and even A2 prints. If AF / CAF, IBIS use with long teles and flash syncro is not key hardly any hobby shooter will push the XT-1 to its limits. It´s less about gear and rather about the one using it.

[kchiker]

This video was timely. I have the XT1 and just bought an XT5. I'll probably still use the same 18-55 kit lens as well as the XF27mm R WR I just bought for walking around Europe.

[nevvanclarke]

I feel you could get about seven or eight different Fuji film cameras and put them side-by-side and take the same photo with the same lens and Shane film simulation and you would probably get very similar results from nearly all of the Fuji film camera bodies that have been released in the last seven or eight years. Is that a bad thing no it is not a bad thing whatsoever. It's just the ergonomics size and different way cameras operate. That will give you a very similar result, but some people are more focused on their traditional dials, but then they also have now cameras that are more aimed at people who came from DSLR, so it is fantastic because you can do it your way and it's a matter of finding the camera body that suits you and then working with what you have. I have been only a member of the Fuji film family so to speak in the last six or eight weeks with a small X – S 10 camera but it is absolutely fantastic and it's really made me think about the different Fuji film cameras that are available as they are wonderful cameras. I've kind of gone through just about all of the different Fuji film cameras and read their reviews and listen to YouTube commentators talk about each model and honestly you'd very rarely find a brand of camera where people are bagging. Yes the auto focus is not perfect on some of the models, but does it have to if it takes another split second or 2 to get a photo it doesn't matter. If you're that short of time, then maybe consider a different Robbie. Yes, there are probably different brands of cameras that are better at video. Hello Sony hello Cannon... But you know that buying a Fuji film, probably the XT5 and a new HS-2... Have probably stepped it up a notch, and now pretty close to sony and cannon. In terms of the XT5, it's probably just a suped up fully upgraded XT4 and again, that's not a bad thing. I don't like seeing cameras that totally change from the previous model, as it is too much of a learning curve, and you move away from what made the previous camera good there are a couple of manufacturers that are guilty of this.

[Galeidan]

Used to own X-T1, X-T2 and X-T3. I thought I'd love X-T1 colors but for some reason in this comparison I do prefer X-T5 colors. Might be the lens also? Both are fine but I would get X-T5 because of IBIS, 40 MP, autofocus and dual card slots.

[barrymckay]

I have both an X-T1 and an X-T2. I actually prefer the rendering on the X-T1 but the ease of operation of the X-T2 keeps me using it.

[braxtonjens]

I went from a canon rebel T6i, to a Fuji xt-1. That was because I could do an even swap. I love the fuji, and I love that I get photos SOOC that I actually like! Yes, only vintage SLR lenses on it.