Ive been saving up for months now to finally pull the trigger on a Fujifilm X-T5 because Im planning this huge three week trip to Japan in late September and I really want to have a proper camera by then. Im currently using an old Sony a6000 but the colors on the Fuji just look so much better in all the sample shots Ive seen online plus I really want that 40MP sensor for some big prints I want to make. Anyway I was doing some digging on some forums and some people were saying that Fuji almost never puts their newest X-T bodies on sale unless there is a major holiday coming up like Black Friday but then I saw a post on a rumors site about a potential Spring or Summer Savings event happening in Europe right now. It gets confusing though because I dont know if those sales ever actually make it over here to the US or if retailers like Adorama or B&H usually just do their own thing. My budget is pretty tight because I still need to buy the 23mm f2 and maybe a zoom lens for the trip so even a $100 or $200 discount would be a massive help for me. Do you guys think there is any chance of a price drop in the next month or so or should I just stop waiting and buy it now before it goes out of stock again...
Honestly, I wouldnt count on a massive price drop for the Fujifilm X-T5 Mirrorless Digital Camera Body anytime soon. Fuji is pretty stingy with discounts on their flagship stuff until its been out way longer. You might see a tiny rebate during a summer sale, but its super risky waiting if you have that Japan trip coming up. You really need time to learn the menus and dials before youre standing in Tokyo trying to figure out the AF settings... trust me, you dont want to be reading the manual on the plane. If youre worried about the budget, maybe grab the Fujifilm XF 23mm f/2 R WR Lens used or refurbished to save some cash instead of waiting for a body sale that might never happen. Better to have the gear in hand and tested than to be stressed out a week before your flight. Just be careful with stock levels too, they can be a bit flaky lately.
Look, Ive been shooting with Fuji gear for a long time and their pricing is incredibly stubborn. Youre probably looking at a $100 discount at most if a summer sale hits the US, which isnt enough to really move the needle. If youre dead set on that 40MP sensor for your prints, just buy it now but save your cash on the glass instead.
- Buy the Viltrox 23mm f1.4 AF Lens for Fujifilm X-Mount instead of the native Fuji version. Its way cheaper and works great for street photography.
- Pick up the Sigma 18-50mm f2.8 DC DN Contemporary for Fujifilm X for your zoom. Its much lighter and cheaper than the Fuji 16-55mm equivalent.
- Keep an eye out for a used Fujifilm X-T5 Mirrorless Digital Camera Body Silver on sites like MPB to shave off a few hundred dollars. In my experience, having the camera early to master the settings before your Japan trip is worth way more than waiting on a hypothetical discount.
Coming back to this... basically if you are worried about the budget but want that 40MP sensor, checking the used market might be your best bet instead of waiting for a sale that might never happen. Sites like MPB or KEH are super reliable because they actually grade the gear and give you a warranty, unlike random eBay sellers. I buy almost all my stuff there and never had an issue. Since you mentioned needing lenses too, here is how I would compare the zoom options to keep the total cost down:
- Sigma 18-50mm f2.8 DC DN Contemporary Fujifilm X
- This is super tiny, has a constant 2.8 aperture, and is honestly amazing for travel. Its usually cheaper than the Fuji zooms too.
- Fujinon XF 18-55mm f2.8-4 R LM OIS
- You can find these used for like $300-350. Its a classic for a reason, though it lacks the 40MP optimization that some newer lenses have.
- Fujinon XF 23mm f2 R WR
- If you grab this used alongside the body, you save enough for a few nights of sushi in Tokyo. Check out CamelCamelCamel for Amazon price history or use Honey to track price drops. Youll see that the Fujifilm X-T5 Mirrorless Digital Camera Body rarely budges. Id just grab the body now so you have time to get used to the dials... fuji handles way different than sony.
Like someone mentioned, waiting for a major price drop on the Fujifilm X-T5 usually ends in disappointment. Most here agree the discount wont be huge before your trip. I spent weeks tracking prices for my current setup and honestly, it just added unnecessary stress for very little gain.
- Gear familiarity matters more than saving a few bucks
- Buying early avoids potential stock issues
- Focus on the travel experience Basically, getting it sorted now ensures youre ready for Japan.
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