Fujifilm X-A1 Review

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.