ReviewX-E5 vs X100VI after four months with both

I've had the X100VI since spring last year and added the X-E5 with the 27mm this summer, mostly so I could go wider or longer without carrying two cameras. Four months in, here's where I've landed.

The X-E5 with the 27 pancake is almost the same size as the X100VI and the image quality is the same as far as I can tell, same 40MP sensor and the same recipes load on both. The X100VI wins on the hybrid viewfinder (I use the OVF way more than I expected!) and the leaf shutter for flash outdoors. The X-E5 wins because I can change lenses, and the film sim dial is honestly delightful.

For JPEG shooters like me they're both perfect. If I had to keep one... the X100VI, but only because I already own it and I'd feel silly selling it after waiting so long for it. If you're buying today and don't have either, get the X-E5 and a pancake. Ask me anything!

this is super helpful. the x-e5 is so tempting as a second body for my x-t5 tbh

Acros said:

If you're buying today and don't have either, get the X-E5 and a pancake.

The X-E5 and a pancake is the better buy. You said it yourself.

Acros said:

the leaf shutter for flash outdoors

x100v owner here and the leaf shutter is the only reason i'd never sell it. flash in daylight at 1/1000 is magic for portraits. did a set of my mate in the park last summer with a tiny speedlight and the sky went that deep blue, no nd, no faff. cant do that on the x-e5 without hss and that kills the flash power

Both too expensive. But the X-E5 at least gives you lenses for the money.

petra_n said:

Both too expensive.

I won't argue with that one. The X100VI waiting list nearly broke me. Four months refreshing a shop page. Never again

Does the X-E5 have IBIS? For travel at night that would decide it for me, the X100VI is beautiful but I like to change lens

Yes, both have IBIS! It's a big part of why the X-E5 makes sense at night with the 27, I can handhold way slower than I expected. Like 1/8 at night in Chinatown and still sharp most of the time. Faces moving is another story of course