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- The Fujifilm X-T6 is tipped for a September release date
- There's no word yet on what upgrades 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 back in November 2022 and described the stills-focused mirrorless camera as 'the best full-frame alternative around'. Three-and-a-half years later, and with just a smattering of major new APS-C cameras released — including the Sony A6700 and Nikon Z50 II — it's the same story.
The X-T5 still has an unrivalled 40MP sensor with in-body image stabilization, which is tidily packaged into a lightweight retro body that's a joy to use, and is supported with a wide range of X-mount lenses.
And despite its age, the X-T5 remains the 'best overall' in my best Fujifilm cameras guide and I absolutely still recommend it in 2026 — even if its price is practically the same at is was at launch, and even with the rumored Canon EOS R7 II and the X-T5's successor (presumably called the X-T6) potentially on the horizon.
That being said, a successor to the X-T5 will undoubtedly get Fujifilm fans excited, and the current model can be improved upon. I believe that with the following upgrades, the rumored X-T6 could be a crop-sensor masterpiece.
1. The next generation processor
Since the X-T5, Fujifilm has gone about putting the X-Processor 5 chip it introduced into consequent models, such as the X-E5, X100VI, X-T30 III and X-M5. We're now due a next generation processor.
What benefits a new processor will bring, we can't know for sure, but typically we can expect improved power efficiency (read: better battery life) and a boost in burst shooting speed and length. Indeed, while the X-T5 is very quick — it can shoot at 15fps with the mechanical shutter, or up to 20fps with the electronic shutter (but with a 1.29x crop) — its buffer is limited.
That 15fps speed can be maintained for 119 JPEGs or just 19 raw files, which is pretty modest, while the 20fps rate lasts for 168 JPEGs / 23 raw. I'd expect the X-T6 to shoot for longer, making those top speeds more useable. Adding pre-capture for burst shooting would go down well with me, too.
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 SDs.
2. Improved autofocus
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, then a step up in autofocus performance will be appreciated in the X-T6.
For example, the very best autofocus systems today don't just recognize subject type, be it people, birds, animals or vehicles, but also body shape and even detect the type of action to determine which subject to focus on and where. Some such as Canon's EOS R1 and EOS R5 II even offer face registration so you can prioritize specific people — handy for scenarios such as weddings and team sports.
Should the X-T6 introduce any of the above and indeed provide reliable and accurate autofocus, then it'll be a notable step up in autofocus performance from the X-T5.
3. A new sensor
The X-T5 already has a fantastic 40MP sensor. No other APS-C camera can beat it for resolution, plus it's stabilized which helps for sharp shots when shooting handheld. So what could Fujifilm do with a next-gen sensor?
I suspect in the X-T6, we could be looking for a stacked sensor for faster readout speeds, though if Fujifilm goes down this route, it places the high-speed X-H series in question. A stacked sensor would level up the X-T series hybrid skills and make it an even better camera for action photography and video. However, if there's still life in the X-H series yet, then perhaps a partially stacked sensor would make for a sensible middle ground.
Combined with a new processor, a new sensor could also deliver improved dynamic range and better low light quality, bringing the X-T series closer to full-frame quality.
4. Design tweaks
The X-T5 is a treat in the hand, but a few design tweaks could make the X-T6 even better.
Starting with displays, the tilt screen could be swapped out for a versatile vari-angle display. I personally don't mind a tilt-only screen which can feel more robust and doesn't interfere with side ports, but I can appreciate the clamor from would-be upgraders for the vari-angle type which can be seen from more angles.
I would, however, like to see a boost in EVF quality and performance. A brighter, higher-resolution display with a faster refresh rate feels like a sensible upgrade.
5. New lenses and kits
OK, so this isn't camera-specific and would also apply to the X-T5, but Fujifilm built up a lot of excitement when it hosted a live event in March, asking viewers to vote for their favorite of 14 Fujifilm lens concepts.
Two weeks later the results were confirmed, and the XF 16-80mm F2.8 concept (24-120mm effective) proved most popular, followed closely by the XF 18-50mm F1.4.
I bring the top lens up here because it could conceivably be part of an X-T6 lens kit, while the current kits for the X-T5 aren't quite as exciting.
Now to be clear, this is a concept and Fujifilm hasn't said if it will indeed make any of the concept lenses it presented to fans. But if it were to — and Fujifilm Rumors has also suggested there could be two lenses coming 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 great strides in outright image quality improvements, but I predict an X-T6 will be a more rounded camera that cements Fujifilm's place at the top of the APS-C tree.
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