Fujifilm X-A3 Review

The Fujifilm X-A3 is an excellent camera that has a vintage-like appearance and delivers photographs that are dependable and of high quality. This entry-level mirrorless camera is reasonably priced and easy to get to know. At the same time, images can be quickly transferred to a phone via the primary but comprehensive and reliable Fujifilm Camera Remote app. It was designed as a step up from both a smartphone and a point-and-shoot compact.

People who have a passion for photography but are aware that most of the great photographs they see on Instagram are taken with a “real” camera rather than a phone are the audience that Fujifilm targets with this highly sophisticated camera.

As a result, an attempt has been made to attract those who are vain by providing an LCD screen that can be tilted by 180 degrees and a “smile” option that will capture a picture if it recognizes a sly grin. The same can be said for its hundreds of filters reminiscent of Instagram and its best-in-class Film Simulation settings.

See: Best Lenses for Fujifilm X-A3 | Best Memory Cards for Fujifilm X-A3

Fujifilm X-A3 Features

The Fujifilm X-A3 has an APS-C sensor with 24.2 megapixels, which is a size that is comparable to the sensors found in many DSLR cameras, even though the camera itself is very tiny. Although it has the exact resolution as its more costly siblings, like the X-E3, X-T20, and X-T2, the sensor has a somewhat different physical design. This is the case even though the resolution is the same.

The image sensor on this chip utilizes a more conventional primary color filter design than Fujifilm’s X-Trans technology. While there is certainly nothing inherently wrong with the latter, the former means that the image quality of this chip will not be entirely on par with its premium siblings.

The X-A3 has a native ISO range that extends from 200 to 6400 and can be expanded to 25,600 if required; however, we do not recommend utilizing this setting for anything other than an absolute last option. The focusing technology is generally remarkable, even though it is not the quietest.

Fujifilm X-A3 Design

The X-A3, like most other Fujifilm cameras, has a surthrowback aesthetic. Although there are some aluminum components, such as the front cover, top plate, and top dials, the overall feel of the product is more like that of plastic. This was the case even though the review unit we received was finished in a two-tone faux leather and metallic brown color (it is also available with faux leather in black or pink).

The rig flap covers a micro USB port on the right-hand side of the camera. This is how you charge the X-A3; in our opinion, it is more convenient than using a battery charging cradle. Additionally, this side of the camera houses the micro HDMI output. Finally, the undercarriage houses an SD card slot and a battery compartment (rated at 410 shots).

The size of the X-body, A3, in addition to the goals of the camera, places constraints on the camera’s tactile controls. The rear of the camera features shortcuts for the autofocus, timer, burst shooting, and white balance settings. In contrast, the front of the camera contains a small dial for toggling between single, continuous, and manual shooting. The dial is located next to the lens.

Fujifilm X-A3 Image Quality

In our assessment, even though we had access to several other lens options, we relied mainly on the 16-50mm kit lens that most purchasers would receive. Despite this limitation, this lens has an aperture range of f/3.5-5.6, yet it performed well in our testing. It is a solid all-purpose lens.

Handheld images were impressive because of the camera’s exceptional focusing performance and built-in anti-shake mechanism (though its constant beeps and whirs get annoying). Touchscreen focusing is also an option, although it should be avoided whenever feasible if you want the sharpest possible image.

The X-A3 comes equipped with a respectable number of creative filters, which is another homage to the Instagram generation. There are a total of ten, including Nostalgic (to whom?) Toy Camera, Miniature, which adds graded blurring to make scenes look like table-top models, and Fisheye, which distorts images in a fisheye-like manner. In addition, you have access to eleven different Film Simulation settings, all of which were developed by Fujifilm and are known for producing more nuanced and rewarding images.

Fujifilm X-A3 Specs

Body type	Rangefinder-style mirrorless
Sensor
Max resolution	6000 x 4000
Image ratio w:h	1:1, 3:2, 16:9
Effective pixels	24 megapixels
Sensor size	APS-C (23.5 x 15.7 mm)
Sensor type	CMOS
Color space	sRGB, Adobe RGB
Color filter array	Primary color filter
Image
ISO	Auto, 200-6400 (expandable to 100-25600)
Boosted ISO (minimum)	100
Boosted ISO (maximum)	25600
White balance presets	7
Custom white balance	Yes
Image stabilization	No
Uncompressed format	RAW
JPEG quality levels	Fine, Normal
File format	JPEG (Exif Ver 2.3)RAW (Fujifilm RAF format)
Optics & Focus
Autofocus	Contrast Detect (sensor)Multi-areaCenterSelective single-pointTrackingSingleContinuousTouchFace DetectionLive View.
Autofocus assist lamp	Yes
Manual focus	Yes
Number of focus points	77
Lens mount	Fujifilm X
Focal length multiplier	1.5×
Screen/viewfinder
Articulated LCD	Tilting
Screen size	3″
Screen dots	1,040,000
Touch screen	Yes
Screen type	TFT LCD
Live view	Yes
Viewfinder type	None
Photography features
Minimum shutter speed	30 sec
Maximum shutter speed	1/4000 sec
Maximum shutter speed (electronic)	1/32000 sec
Exposure modes	Program AEShutter PriorityAperture PriorityManual
Built-in flash	Yes
Flash Range	7.00 m (at ISO 200)
External flash	Yes
Flash modes	Auto, instant on, flash off, slow synchro, rear-curtain synchro, commander
Flash X sync speed	1/180 sec
Drive modes	SingleContinuousSelf-timer
Continuous drive	6.0 fps
Self-timer	Yes (2 or 10 secs)
Metering modes	MultiAverageSpot
Exposure compensation	±3 (at 1/3 EV steps)
AE Bracketing	±3 (3 frames at 1/3 EV, 2/3 EV, 1 EV steps)
WB Bracketing	Yes
Videography features
Resolutions	1920 x 1080 (60p, 50p, 30p, 24p), 1280 x 720 (60p, 50p, 24p)
Format	MPEG-4, H.264
Microphone	Stereo
Speaker	Mono
Storage
Storage types	SD/SDHC/SDXC card
Connectivity
USB	USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
HDMI	Yes (mini-HDMI)
Microphone port	No
Headphone port	No
Wireless	Built-In
Wireless notes	802.11b/g/n
Remote control	Yes (Wired or via smartphone)
Physical
Environmentally sealed	No
Battery	Battery Pack
Battery description	NP-W126S lithium-ion battery & USB charger
Battery Life (CIPA)	410
Weight (inc. batteries)	339 g (0.75 lb / 11.96 oz)
Dimensions	117 x 67 x 40 mm (4.61 x 2.64 x 1.57″)
Other features
Orientation sensor	Yes
GPS	None

Fujifilm X-A3 Verdict

This retro-styled, entry-level mirrorless interchangeable lens system camera with Instagram-style filters and a smile shutter for selfies is geared towards ‘photographers’ following an upgrade; nonetheless, there will be a learning curve for most people using this camera.

However, because of its consistently solid photos as well as its lightweight and simple design, it is an alternative that offers good value to DSLR owners who are searching for an occasional trip camera.

Fujifilm X-A3 Price