Y2K nostalgia has given rise to knock-off apps like Dazz Cam and Tiktok filters that mimic film for a swipe-happy generation. And this is where Fujifilm is celebrated—delivering the real thing with decades of color science distilled into its Film Simulation (FS) system.
With each color mode designed to recreate a vibe inspired by film stocks, FS is what gives every Fujifilm camera its signature character and every user a chance to shoot unmistakable JPEGs straight out of its body sans post-processing. Among legacy favorites are Classic Chrome for muted tones, the black and white Acros, Velvia for vibrant colors, and Pro Neg for subtle portraits.
It has also created a community within a hobbyist scene long haunted by post-prod purists. Online groups now trade “recipes” (what the user community nicknamed custom FS setting combinations) the way film photographers once swapped lab notes when the X100V boomed into popularity.
With the cult-favorite nearly impossible to find nowadays due to its undying demand, fans have been looking for a Fuji alternative that captures the same charm but adds flexibility.
Known as “The Refined Classic,” the X-E5 arrives at just the right time.
The mid-range rangefinder-style mirrorless camera answers with:
- 20 Film Simulation modes including a new dedicated Film Simulation dial that lets you store and quickly access your own ”recipes;” the first Fujifilm cam to adopt the term and exclusively incorporate this feature
- Classic Display mode with Surround View function that offers a fully immersive, unobstructed viewfinder experience
- 5-axis in-body image stabilization (IBIS), which is a first for the X-E line, keeping handheld shots stable even in low light
- 40.2-megapixel X-Trans CMOS 5 HR sensor + X-Processor 5 that delivers fast autofocus, and AI subject detection that sharpens details
- Interchangeable lenses that adapt to any style, from street shooting to portraits to travel (minus points for the X100V)
- A front command lever that can be reassigned to control various shooting functions such as aperture, shutter speed, etc.
- A digital teleconverter that unlocks 1.4x and 2.0x zoom options by drawing on the detail of its high-res sensor
- Classic-meets-modern design with an aluminum top plate, anodized finish, and tactile dials that give it the feel of a film camera with today’s functionality.
Compact yet powerful, the X-E5 appeals to photographers drawn to the look of film but reliant on the flexibility of modern gear.
The X-E5 launched in the Philippines with a nod to heritage and reinvention. Fujifilm partnered with Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in Quezon City, a 400-hectare estate modeled after its Bataan counterpart, where classical architecture framed the camera’s timeless design.
As part of the partnership, Philstar Tech joined a photowalk at Las Casas, where media and creators tested the camera’s new features against a backdrop that underscored its analog-inspired design.
Here are some photos I took during the event:
During the launch, Fujifilm ambassador Rommel Bundalian, was able to show us some shots when he took the X-E5 for a spin around Metro Manila.
His favorite features include:
- The Film Simulation dial that’s both intuitive and addictive, making it easy to experiment with looks on the fly
- Portrait rendering, especially in Provia, which gave Filipino skin tones a natural yet cinematic finish
- IBIS performance, which is a welcome addition for handheld shooting, even at night.
The Fujifilm X-E5 is now available in the Philippines, priced at ₱91,990 (body only) or ₱104,990 with the XF23mm F2.8 kit lens. Early buyers will also receive exclusive inclusions, available through Fujifilm’s authorized stores.
