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The Fujifilm X-A1 is a brand-new small system camera aimed at beginners. Instead of the “X-Trans” CMOS sensor that is used in the more costly X-M1, X-E1, and X-Pro1 cameras, the X-A1 utilizes an APS-C CMOS sensor. This allows the camera to have a lower price point.
The X-A1 features a tiltable 3-inch LCD screen with 920K dots, burst shooting at 5.6 frames per second, built-in wi-fi, an EXR Processor II, a pop-up flash, an external hot shoe, a variety of film simulation modes, and creative effects. Additionally, it can record Full HD video at 30 frames per second.
The Fujifilm X-A1 may be purchased in either black, blue, or red and comes in a package with the XC16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OIS zoom lens for a total cost of £529.99 or $599.95, respectively. The red model is coated in the same type of synthetic leather used for the XF1 camera, in contrast to the dimpled leather used for the black and blue models.
See: Best Lenses for Fujifilm X-A1 | Best Memory Cards for Fujifilm X-A1
Fujifilm X-A1 Build Quality
Fujifilm’s X-series of premium digital cameras, which already include the top-of-the-line X-Pro1, the X-E1, X-M1, and the X100/S, has been expanded even further with the introduction of the new X-A1.
The X-A1 is almost identical in appearance to the recently released X-M1, with the primary difference being that the “X-Trans” CMOS sensor on the X-M1 has been replaced with a more conventional Bayer color filter array CMOS sensor on the X-A1. The X-A1 also continues to lack a viewfinder, but it does include a tilting LCD screen as well as wireless connectivity.
The Fujifilm X-A1, much like the other cameras in the X-series, is a classically designed interchangeable lens camera reminiscent of film rangefinders from the past. It has a charming vintage appearance that invites admiring attention from anybody who sees it. At the same time, Fujifilm has again included contemporary technology, which guarantees that the X-A1 is not only a throwback to simpler times.
As was the case with the X-M1, the X-A1 does not have a viewfinder of any kind—either optical or electronic—and it also does not accept a viewfinder that is placed on a hot shoe, which means that picture composition must be done with the camera held at arm’s length.
Using a Fujifilm X camera makes it so strange that you can’t hold it up to your eye, especially when Fujifilm has made such a big play of their innovative viewfinder technologies. Even though this may be inevitable given the significant decrease in size and weight and is in line with the X-main A1’s competitors, it does feel strange using a Fujifilm X camera that you can’t hold up to your eye.
On the other hand, due to the price point of the X-A1, it may be better suited to its target market of compact-camera upgraders looking to take their first step into the world of interchangeable lens cameras and who are accustomed to not looking through a viewfinder. This market is looking to take its first step into interchangeable lens cameras.
Fujifilm X-A1 Image Quality
The Fujifilm X-A1 is capable of producing photographs of exceptional quality. It captured noise-free JPEG photos at ISO 100 up to 6400, with only a little noise at ISO 12800 and more noticeable noise along with a small desaturation of color at the fastest ISO 25600 setting, which is an astounding performance for a camera with an APS-C sensor. The RAW files were again of outstanding quality, providing useable shots over the entirety of the ISO range from 200 to 6400.
The pictures were soft right out of the Fujifilm X-A1 when the sharpness setting was set to default. For the best results, you should do further sharpening in an application such as Adobe Photoshop; alternatively, you may modify the setting inside the camera.
The night image turned out quite well. The camera’s maximum shutter speed of 30 seconds was sufficient for most after-dark shots, and the Bulb mode enabled considerably longer exposures if necessary. While the Dynamic Range settings gradually increase the quality in the shadows and highlights, the Film Simulation options harken back to a different period in photography. Before you even take the picture, you’ll have some creative control over your JPEGs thanks to the Advanced Filters.
Fujifilm X-A1 Spec
| Body type | Rangefinder-style mirrorless |
|---|---|
| Max resolution | 4896 x 3264 |
| Other resolutions | S: (3:2) 2496 x 1664 / (16:9) 2496 x 1408 / (1:1) 1664 x 1664 |
| Image ratio w h | 1:1, 3:2, 16:9 |
| Effective pixels | 16 megapixels |
| Sensor photo detectors | 17 megapixels |
| Sensor size | APS-C (23.6 x 15.6 mm) |
| Sensor type | CMOS |
| Processor | EXR Processor II |
| ISO | AUTO / Equivalent to ISO200 – 6400 (Standard Output Sensitivity) |
| Boosted ISO (minimum) | 100 |
| Boosted ISO (maximum) | 25600 |
| White balance presets | 7 |
| Custom white balance | Yes |
| Image stabilization | No |
| Image stabilization notes | Supported with OIS-type lens |
| Uncompressed format | RAW |
| JPEG quality levels | Fine, Normal |
| Autofocus | Contrast Detect (sensor)Multi-areaCenterTrackingSingleContinuousFace Detection. |
| Manual focus | Yes |
| Number of focus points | 49 |
| Lens mount | Fujifilm X |
| Focal length multiplier | 1.5× |
| Articulated LCD | Tilting |
| Screen size | 3″ |
| Screen dots | 920,000 |
| Touch screen | No |
| Screen type | TFT LCD |
| Live view | Yes |
| Viewfinder type | None |
| Minimum shutter speed | 30 sec |
| Maximum shutter speed | 1/4000 sec |
| Aperture priority | Yes |
| Shutter priority | Yes |
| Manual exposure mode | Yes |
| Subject/scene modes | Yes |
| Built-in flash | Yes (Manual pop-up flash) |
| Flash Range | 7.00 m (ISO200m) |
| External flash | Yes (dedicated TTL Flash compatible) |
| Flash modes | Auto / Forced Flash / Suppressed Flash / Slow Synchro / Rear-curtain Synchro / Commander |
| Continuous drive | 5.6 fps |
| Self-timer | Yes (10 sec. / 2 sec.) |
| Metering modes | MultiAverageSpot |
| Exposure compensation | ±2 (at 1/3 EV steps) |
| AE Bracketing | ±1 (3 frames at 1/3 EV, 2/3 EV, 1 EV steps) |
| Resolutions | 1920 x 1080 30p, Continuous recording: up to approx. 14 min./1280 x 720 30p, Continuous recording: up to approx. 27 min. |
| Format | H.264 |
| Videography notes | MOV/H.264 |
| Microphone | Stereo |
| Speaker | Mono |
| Storage types | SD memory card / SDHC memory card / SDXC (UHS-I) memory card |
| USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
| HDMI | Yes (Mini HDMI Type C) |
| Wireless | Built-In |
| Wireless notes | Geotagging setup, Image transfer (Individual image / Selected multiple images), View & Obtain Images, PC Autosave |
| Remote control | Yes (RR-90 (sold separately)) |
| Battery | Battery Pack |
| Battery description | NP-W126 battery and BC-W126 charger |
| Battery Life (CIPA) | 350 |
| Weight (inc. batteries) | 330 g (0.73 lb / 11.64 oz) |
| Dimensions | 117 x 67 x 39 mm (4.6 x 2.62 x 1.54″) |
| Orientation sensor | Yes |
| GPS | None |
Fujifilm X-A1 Conclusion
The Fujifilm X-A1 is virtually the same camera as the X-M1 model released a few months ago; the only differences are the image sensor, a few new colorways, and a substantially cheaper price tag.
The image quality of the X-A1 does not suffer in any way, even though a more traditional Bayer color filter array CMOS sensor was utilized rather than the technologically revolutionary “X-Trans” CMOS sensor that is used on the other small system cameras in the X-series.
To choose between the two models, you should first examine the sample photos we have of the X-A1 and the X-M1 to see which one appeals to you more, and then consider whether or not you would want to save $150 / £150 by going with the X-A1.