The Fujifilm X-T5 remains my favorite APS-C camera years later, and that means the rumored

The Fujifilm X-T6 has a September release date
It is not yet known what updates it could have.
However, the X-T5 is still, in many ways, the best APS-C camera ever made.

We reviewed the Fujifilm X-T5 in November 2022 and described the fixed-focus mirrorless camera as “the best full-frame alternative out there.” Three and a half years later, and with only a few major new APS-C cameras released, including the Sony A6700 and Nikon Z50 II, the story is the same.

The X-T5 still It has an unrivaled 40MP sensor with built-in image stabilization, which is neatly packaged in a lightweight retro body that is a pleasure to use and is compatible with a wide range of X-mount lenses.

And despite its age, the

1. The next generation processor

Since the X-T5, Fujifilm has been incorporating the X-Processor 5 chip that it introduced in subsequent models, such as the X-E5, X100VI, X-T30 III and X-M5. Now we have a next generation processor.

We can’t know for sure what benefits a new processor will bring, but we can typically expect greater power efficiency (read: better battery life) and an increase in the speed and duration of burst shooting. In fact, while the

That 15fps speed can be maintained for 119 JPEGs or just 19 raw files, which is quite modest, while the 20fps speed lasts for 168 JPEGs/23 raws. I would expect the X-T6 to shoot longer, making those top speeds more usable. Adding pre-capture for burst shooting would also suit me well.

Another way to improve burst shooting performance would be to adopt the faster CFexpress Type B card type, saving one of the two slots for that type of card, rather than twin SD cards.

2. Improved autofocus

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The X-T5’s subject detection autofocus is really good, but rival systems from Canon, Sony and even Nikon are better overall. So, if you shoot a wide range of subjects and rely on autofocus, you will notice an improvement in autofocus performance on the X-T6.

For example, today’s best autofocus systems not only recognize the type of subject, whether people, birds, animals or vehicles, but also the shape of the body and even detect the type of action to determine which subject to focus on and where. Some, like the Canon EOS R1 and Canon EOS R5 II, even offer facial registration so you can prioritize specific people, useful for scenarios like weddings and team sports.

If the X-T6 introduces any of the above and indeed provides reliable and accurate autofocus, then it will be a notable step up in autofocus performance over the X-T5.

3. A new sensor

APS-C vs Full Frame

(Image credit: Fujifilm)

The X-T5 already has a fantastic 40MP sensor. No other APS-C camera can beat it in resolution, plus it’s stabilized, which helps get sharp shots when shooting handheld. So what could Fujifilm do with a next-generation sensor?

I suspect that on the X-T6 we might be looking at a stacked sensor for faster readout speeds, although if Fujifilm goes down this route it will put the high-speed A stacked sensor would enhance the XT series’ hybrid abilities and make it an even better camera for action photography and video. However, if there is still life in the XH series, then perhaps a partially stacked sensor would be a sensible middle ground.

Combined with a new processor, a new sensor could also offer improved dynamic range and better low-light quality, bringing the XT series closer to full-frame quality.

4. Layout adjustments

Fujifilm X-T5 camera sitting on a table

(Image credit: future)

The X-T5 is a delight in the hand, but some design tweaks could make the X-T6 even better.

Starting with the displays, the tilting display could be swapped out for a versatile vari-angle display. Personally, I don’t mind a tilt-only screen that may look more robust and doesn’t interfere with side ports, but I can appreciate the clamor from potential upgraders for the type of vari-angle that can be viewed from more angles.

However, I would like to see an increase in EVF quality and performance. A brighter, higher-resolution screen with a faster refresh rate seems like a sensible upgrade.

5. New lenses and kits

Well, this isn’t camera-specific and would also apply to the X-T5, but Fujifilm generated a lot of excitement when it hosted a live event in March, asking viewers to vote for their favorite of the 14 Fujifilm lens concepts.

Two weeks later, the results were confirmed and the XF 16-80mm F2.8 concept (24-120mm effective) proved to be the most popular, closely followed by the XF 18-50mm F1.4.

I mention the top lens here because it could possibly be part of an X-T6 lens kit, while the current kits for the X-T5 aren’t that interesting.

Now, to be clear, this is a concept and Fujifilm hasn’t said if it will actually make any of the concept lenses it introduced to fans. But if it were, and Fujifilm Rumors has also suggested there could be two lenses alongside the X-T6 in September this year, then it could be one of the best camera kits available.

Overall, I don’t think there will be any big strides in absolute image quality improvements, but I predict that an X-T6 will be a more well-rounded camera that cements Fujifilm’s place at the top of the APS-C tree.

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