'Better than the Fujifilm X100VI' – my dream camera is on sale for Black Friday, but I might be swayed by something different

Update – as of 5pm on Cyber Monday, Amazon has matched the price of the Fujifilm X-E5 body, selling it for just £1,175. The cost of the camera with the 23mm F/2.8 kit lens has also dropped by a further £50 at Wex, now just £1,349.

Earlier this year, I was fortunate enough to be at the launch event of the Fujifilm X-E5. And I was hooked, fast. Billed as a Fujifilm X100VI with interchangeable lens capabilities, this dainty little camera left me feeling like the glass slipper, which had finally been reunited with Cinderella.

Ever since, I've toyed with pulling the trigger on one, but I've held out in the hopes of a solid deal for Black Friday. Remarkably, it has been discounted this time out – you can buy one for just £1,175 at Wex!

It's not the biggest price cut ever, but for a new camera which has been incredibly popular, it's impressive to see a discount at all. It's worth noting that the deal in question doesn't include a lens – the kit with the 23mm F/2.8 pancake lens also sees a discount, though, down to £1,349.

But that's part of the problem I'm having. I really do love the Fujifilm X-E5, it's a camera which has stayed in my mind ever since I shot it, and it ticks pretty much every box I have.

If we all bought with hearts and hearts alone, there'd be no contest. The trouble is, my head is also weighing in on the decision – and making it a tougher call.

Both Wex and Amazon currently have the Fujifilm X-T50 on sale for £1,199, but that deal includes a kit lens. It's not as pretty – the X-T50 looks more like a classic SLR, where the X-E5 is modelled after a rangefinder – but otherwise the specs are very comparable.

Given the lower cost and bundled kit lens, the X-T50 is looking like a much more attractive buy, even if it's not the one I really want. It's a classic head versus heart dilemma, and I'm right in the thick of it. Which would you choose?

Sam Cross is an award-winning journalist, with nine years of experience in the media industry. His work can be found in publications as diverse as Oracle Time, Metro and Last Word on Sports.

Here at T3, Sam is best known as the brand’s go-to guy for all things luxurious – from exquisite watches to fine fragrances; the latest performance vehicles to intricate audio equipment, and more.

He’s often found travelling around the world to test new launches, complete with high-end backpacks and suitcases in tow. And when he’s not adding to his air miles, Sam can be found in front of a video camera, bringing his distinctive brand of storytelling to T3’s social media channels.

Sam also loves all things analogue including listening to music on vinyl or cassette, and photography on vintage film cameras.