The type of consumer that Fujifilm envisions purchasing the X-A5 is relatively well-defined. For example, Instagram influencers and female family record keepers’ are more likely to be the focus of the company’s features, brochure, and promotional materials than tech-obsessed guys are. Again, this is because women mainly use Instagram.
So let’s not be negative about it. This is a large audience that deserves friendly camera equipment just as much as anybody else, and the features of the X-A5 need to be evaluated with this audience in mind to be effective.
See: Best Lenses for Fujifilm X-A5 | Best Memory Cards for Fujifilm X-A5 | Best Gimbal for Fujifilm X-A5 | Best Video Lenses for Fujifilm X-A5 | Best Flash for Fujifilm X-A5 | Fujifilm X-A5 Black Friday Deals | Fujifilm X-A5 Bundles Deals
Fujifilm X-A5 Mirrorless Digital Camera w/XC15-45mmF3.5-5.6 OIS PZ Lens - Silver
- Optical Zoom: 3.0
- Video Capture Resolution: 4K Uhd 2160P
- Display Size: 3.0
- Viewfinder Type: Flexible Lcd
- Optical Zoom: 3.0
- Video Capture Resolution: 4K Uhd 2160P
- Display Size: 3.0
- Viewfinder Type: Flexible Lcd
Fujifilm X-A5 Features
The X-A5 is a beginner-friendly mirrorless camera, which means that it does not have an electronic viewfinder; instead, it just has an LCD screen on the rear of the camera for composing shots. This is perhaps the most crucial point to make regarding the X-A5.
And although it’s possible that experienced photographers won’t be wowed with the X-A5, the camera wasn’t created with them in mind. Instead, it’s geared toward smartphone upgraders who are accustomed to using touchscreen interfaces and don’t mind taking photos at a shorter distance.
A standard CMOS sensor may be found within the X-A5, as opposed to one of Fujifilm’s more sophisticated X-Trans sensors, such as the one found within the X-T20. This has happened to us in the past with Fujifilm’s entry-level models, and we seriously doubt that anyone other than an experienced photographer could tell the difference in the image quality between the two.
Fujifilm X-A5 Build Quality
The Fujifilm X-A5 features an aluminum shell with a leather-like trim that comes in your choice of one of three colors: black, brown, or pink. The design of this camera gives it an appealing retro appearance.
The new 15-45mm power zoom kit lens makes it more pocketable than previous entry-level Fujifilm mirrorless cameras. Still, if you place it side-by-side with the original X-A1 from back in 2013, it is evident that not much else has changed outwardly regarding the camera’s design.
The critical controls are precisely the same as they were on the X-A1. The only substantial modifications are minor variations in the trim and materials, a few beveled edges, and maybe an additional millimeter or two in height.
That is not a problem because the X-A series cameras have always had a pleasing aesthetic and a comfortable and natural feel in the hands of the user. There is a sizable mode dial located on the top of the camera, which allows you to make a speedy selection between the auto-everything mode, scene modes, effect filters, and manual control. How you select will be determined by the level of your camera knowledge and the amount of time you have available to fiddle with the settings.
Fujifilm X-A5 Performance
The Fujifilm X-A5 does have an advanced on-sensor phase-detection autofocus system, which should deliver faster and better autofocus than the contrast-based systems on older cameras. However, a lot will depend on the AF technology in the lens that you’re using, which boils down to how fast its AF motors are.
After switching the 15-45mm kit lens over to an older X-A1, it became clear that the new camera does seem a little bit faster than the older one, but there isn’t much difference between them. The Fujifilm X-A5, although not the slowest mirrorless camera we’ve tested, does not have the quickest autofocus speed we’ve seen.
What it does provide, though, is an AF mode that is suitable for almost any scenario. For example, you have the option of setting it to the Wide/Tracking mode if you are content to let the camera decide what to focus on, setting it to the Zone AF mode if you have a general idea of which area your subject is located in, or setting it to the Single Point AF mode if you want complete control over the focus point.
Not only can you pick where to focus using the Zone and Single Point modes, but you can also adjust the size of the focus zone or point using the control wheel on the back of the camera. In addition, because the eyes must constantly be in focus for a portrait to be compelling, the autofocus mode that detects movement in the subject’s eyes is ideal for shooting people.
Fujifilm X-A5 Image Quality
The image quality is where this camera truly shines. While it does not contain Fujifilm’s top-of-the-line X-Trans sensor technology, the ordinary 24.2MP CMOS sensor included in the X-A5 nevertheless performs exceptionally well. These images have excellent sharpness, color saturation, and exposure.
You can obtain amazing images without getting too involved with the intricacies. However, more experienced photographers can still take manual control to the same degree as they would with more expensive enthusiast cameras.
Are the scene modes necessary for you? Probably not, considering that the standard P mode performs exceptionally well in various environments and grants you more control over the camera’s settings.
In a similar vein, although the Advanced Filter options appear to be intriguing, they are a bit of a letdown. However, the Toy Camera filter is very heavy-handed, and the HDR filter is pretty poor. On the other hand, the Partial Color filters produce exciting results in black and white, and the Miniature Filter can work well if you can find the right-angled overhead View of your subject. Again, however, the HDR filter is pretty poor.
You should use an app on your smartphone to play with special effects and retro styles. Alternatively, you may take standard pictures with the X-A5 and edit them on a computer afterward.
Fujifilm X-A5 Specs
Body type | Rangefinder-style mirrorless |
---|---|
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 |
ISO | Auto, 200-12800 (expandable to 100-51200) |
Boosted ISO (minimum) | 100 |
Boosted ISO (maximum) | 51200 |
White balance presets | 7 |
Custom white balance | Yes (3 slots) |
Image stabilization | No |
Uncompressed format | RAW |
JPEG quality levels | Fine, Normal |
Autofocus | Contrast Detect (sensor)Phase DetectMulti-areaCenterSelective single-pointTrackingSingleContinuousTouchFace DetectionLive View. |
Digital zoom | Yes |
Manual focus | Yes |
Number of focus points | 91 |
Lens mount | Fujifilm X |
Focal length multiplier | 1.5× |
Articulated LCD | Tilting |
Screen size | 3″ |
Screen dots | 1,040,000 |
Touch screen | Yes |
Screen type | TFT LCD |
Live View | Yes |
Viewfinder type | None |
Minimum shutter speed | 30 sec |
Maximum shutter speed | 1/4000 sec |
Maximum shutter speed (electronic) | 1/32000 sec |
Aperture priority | Yes |
Shutter priority | Yes |
Manual exposure mode | Yes |
Subject/scene modes | Yes |
Built-in flash | Yes |
Flash Range | 5.70 m (at ISO 200) |
External flash | Yes |
Flash modes | Auto, instant on, flash off, slow synchro, rear-curtain synchro, commander |
Continuous drive | 6.0 fps |
Self-timer | Yes (2 or 10 secs) |
Metering modes | MultiAverageSpot |
Exposure compensation | ±5 (at 1/3 EV steps) |
AE Bracketing | ±3 (3 frames at 1/3 EV, 2/3 EV, 1 EV steps) |
WB Bracketing | Yes |
Resolutions | 3840 x 2160 (15p), 1920 x 1080 (60, 50, 24, 23.98p), 1280 x 720 (60p, 50p, 24p, 23.98p) |
Format | MPEG-4, H.264 |
Modes | 3840 x 2160 @ 15p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 60p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 50p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 30p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 24p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 23.98p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1280 x 720 @ 120p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1280 x 720 @ 60p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1280 x 720 @ 50p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1280 x 720 @ 24p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1280 x 720 @ 23.98p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM |
Microphone | Stereo |
Speaker | Mono |
Storage types | SD/SDHC/SDXC card (UHS-I supported) |
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
USB charging | Yes |
HDMI | Yes (mini-HDMI) |
Microphone port | Yes |
Headphone port | No |
Wireless | Built-In |
Wireless notes | 802.11b/g/n + Bluetooth 4.1 LE |
Remote control | Yes (Wired or via smartphone) |
Environmentally sealed | No |
Battery | Battery Pack |
Battery description | NP-W126S lithium-ion battery & USB charger |
Battery Life (CIPA) | 450 |
Weight (inc. batteries) | 361 g (0.80 lb / 12.73 oz) |
Dimensions | 117 x 68 x 40 mm (4.61 x 2.68 x 1.57″) |
Orientation sensor | Yes |
Timelapse recording | Yes |
GPS | None |
Fujifilm X-A5 Verdict
The Fujifilm X-A5 is not designed for experienced photographers but for Instagrammers, lifestyle photographers, and ‘life-loggers’ who want an upgrade in quality and features from a smartphone, and the X-A5 certainly delivers on that front. However, experienced photographers may also find the X-A5 to be helpful.
It may have a screen that is a bit smaller than that of a smartphone, and its camera may be a little larger and more cumbersome to hold at times. Still, despite these drawbacks, it opens up an entirely new world of photography that is just beyond the capabilities of a smartphone.
Fujifilm X-A5 Price
Fujifilm X-A5 Mirrorless Digital Camera w/XC15-45mmF3.5-5.6 OIS PZ Lens - Silver
- Optical Zoom: 3.0
- Video Capture Resolution: 4K Uhd 2160P
- Display Size: 3.0
- Viewfinder Type: Flexible Lcd
- Optical Zoom: 3.0
- Video Capture Resolution: 4K Uhd 2160P
- Display Size: 3.0
- Viewfinder Type: Flexible Lcd