Fujifilm is bringing out a new entry-level camera in their X-A budget mirrorless range of cameras – the Fujifilm X-A5. I’ve been a huge fan of Fujifilm for many years, and have been looking for a compact camera that I’d use strictly for stills and it looks like the new X-A5 from Fuji may be it. The tiny camera features the familiar Fujifilm “retro design” and sports a new 24.2 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, which has the same megapixel count as the Fuji X-T2 and X-T20 sensors, but it does not have the X-Trans technology, since it was designed for the more budget X-A range. Either way, 24 megapixels is more than enough for beginners and enthusiast photographers like me, so no complaints there.
The 4K video feature that is advertised however is pretty lacklustre as it is limited to 5 minutes and 15 frames per second making it unusable for traditional video.
There seems to be 4K Burst feature allowing to capture frame grabs from the 4K footage and use as stills, but other than that I see no other use for the 4K on this camera, which is a bit of a shame.
The new Fujifilm X-A5 also has a 180 degree tilting touch screen, which may come of use if you take “selfies” or tend to do some “vloging”. Bluetooth and WiFi compliment the ample connectivity of this camera allowing users to quickly transfer images to a computer or smartphones. In Full HD you can record up to 60fps, with 23.98/24/50p also available. Underwhelming, but then again, this is an entry-level camera that comes in at an entry level price point of $600, which also gets you a kit lens.
Fujifilm X-A5 Features
- New 24.2MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
- 3.0″ 1040k-Dot Tilting LCD Touchscreen
- UHD 4K at 15fps
- 1080p at 60/50/30/25/24fps
- Hybrid AF System with Phase-Detection AF
- 4K Burst Function for Stills at 15 fps
- Multi Focus Mode for Focus Stacking
- Maximum ISO of 12,800
- Compact, Weighs 1.1 lb with Kit Lens
- Bluetooth Connectivity for File Transfer
- Compatible with new XC 15-45mm f/3.5-5.6 OIS PZ Lens
- Price with 15-45mm lens: $599 at B&H
In addition, Fujifilm also announced a new compact kit zoom lens for the X-A5 – the Fujifilm 15-45mmF3.5-5.6 OIS PZ,
The big new feature here is the addition of phase detection autofocus system, and a newly developed image processing engine that offers a processing speed 1.5 times faster than previous models. When you add this to the world-renowned Fujifilm image quality and proprietary colour reproduction technology, all of a sudden you get the X-A5 makes a lot of sense for travel and enthusiast photography.
You can see an unboxing of the camera thanks to the Fuji Guys Channel here:
The regular range of ISO sensitivity has been extended to ISO 12,800, while those looking for more artistic expression can benefit from the 11 variations of Fujifilm’s unique Film Simulation Modes.
The camera also features 17 variations of Advanced Filters including the new “Fog Remove” and “HDR Art.” The rear LCD touch screen also uses the new touch-panel GUI, facilitating intuitive touch-panel operation using fingertips so that you can check the effect of Advanced Filters and Film Simulations for added usability.
The new Fujifilm X-A5 is priced at $600 together with the new 15-45mm kit zoom lens and can be ordered from authorised dealers such as B&H here. Shipping is estimated for early to mid-February.
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