FUJIFILM X-T5 vs The Original FUJIFILM X-T1
Introduction
How much has Fujifilm image quality improved from the original X-T1 to the modern X-T5?
To find out, I compared a series of real-world landscape images captured with both cameras to evaluate detail, ISO performance, and dynamic range recovery side by side. While both cameras use APS-C sensors and Fujifilm X-mount lenses, the Fujifilm X-T1 features a 16 megapixel sensor released in 2014, while the X-T5 uses a 40 megapixel sensor introduced in 2022, making this an interesting look at nearly a decade of Fujifilm camera evolution.
For this comparison, all images were captured in RAW format and compared side by side in Lightroom using real-world landscape examples, ISO testing, and exposure recovery tests. Images were imported using Lightroom’s default settings and captured using the Fujifilm 70-300mm and Fujifilm 16-55mm lenses with manually matched white balance settings for consistency. Downscaled X-T5 files were also compared to better understand how the higher resolution sensor performs at equivalent output size.
Watch the Full Comparison
Watch the full side-by-side comparison video below, including landscape image comparisons, ISO testing, underexposure and overexposure recovery, and detailed image quality observations.
Key Takeaways
Resolution and Detail: The Fujifilm X-T5’s 40 megapixel sensor captures substantially more detail than the 16 megapixel X-T1 when viewed at 100%, though the higher resolution files can sometimes appear slightly softer at the pixel level. When X-T5 files were downscaled to match the X-T1, sharpness appeared nearly identical.
ISO Performance: At full resolution, the X-T5 showed slightly more visible noise in shadow areas, though this largely disappeared when files were downscaled to equivalent output size. In downscaled comparisons, the X-T5 generally appeared slightly cleaner than the X-T1 at higher ISO values.
Dynamic Range Recovery: During underexposure testing, both cameras handled three-stop recovery reasonably well, though the X-T5 appeared slightly cleaner when downscaled. At more extreme five-stop recovery levels, the X-T5 retained somewhat cleaner files with less visible banding and noise.
Highlight Recovery: During overexposure recovery tests, the X-T5 appeared to recover blown highlights slightly better than the X-T1, retaining a bit more color and detail in overexposed areas.
Bottom Line: While the Fujifilm X-T1 still produces excellent still images for its age, the X-T5 delivers improvements in noise handling, dynamic range recovery, and resolution. That said, the X-T1 remains surprisingly capable, especially considering its age and relatively low cost on the used market.
RAW Files
Download the original RAW files from this comparison to inspect the images yourself, test your own editing workflow, and inspect the files in Lightroom, Photoshop, or your preferred RAW editor.
Check Current Pricing
Check current pricing and availability below:
Fujifilm X-T5
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Fujifilm X-T1 (Used)
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Fujifilm 70-300mm
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Fujifilm 16-55mm
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