Fujifilm today announced the Fujifilm X-A5, a budget-priced compact interchangeable-lens digital camera with an updated sensor and improvements in performance. It also is being packaged with the first Fujifilm X-mount zoom lens to offer a power zoom. The lens and camera combination are the lightest camera-zoom combination in Fujifilm’s highly-regarded X camera series.
Key features:
- 24MP APS-C Sensor
- Top ISO range increased to ISO 12,800, extendable to 51,200
- First X-A with phase detection plus contrast AF
- Improved user interface
- 3-inch, 1040K-dot flip-up LCD touchscreen monitor rotates 180 degrees
- Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
- In-Camera RAW Processing
- 11 Film Simulation Modes
- 4K, HD video recording
A follow-up to last year’s X-A3 (a relatively short-lived model), and will exist side-by-side with the X-A10, which uses the old 16MP sensor and remains Fuji’s lowest-cost interchangeable-lens compact camera. Costing approximately $100 more than the X-A10, the Fujifilm X-A5 has the newer 24mm sensor and is available with the new 15-45mm f/3.5-5.6 OIS PZ, the first electric-powered zoom lens for X-Mount cameras.
Snapshooter-Friendly Design
While the Fujfilm X-A5 has extensive manual control options, it is designed to appeal to snapshooters who want the flexibility of an interchangeable-lens camera but the compact and light convenience and ease of use of a simple point-and-shoot camera. It’s a great option for people who are stepping up from smart phone cameras and, thanks to built-in Bluetooth technology, can be operated from a mobile device, which will also allow users to conveniently share photos online.
Weighing 496 grams with the lens, the X-A5 is the lightest camera-zoom combination Fujifilm has made to date in its X line of interchangeable-lens cameras. The camera utilizes a newly-developed 24MP APS-C sensor that they say offers improved scene recognition accuracy, color reproduction and skin tone reproduction. The ISO range, which now reaches ISO 12,800, makes the camera a good choice for low-light photography and for photographing fast subjects.
The X-A5 is equipped with a large rear LCD monitor that can rotate 180 degrees. The rear LCD monitor uses the new touch-panel GUI, facilitating intuitive touch-panel operation. When rotated 180 degrees, the Rear Command Dial automatically switches to the Zoom and Shutter Release function for shooting selfies. The rotation also activates the Eye AF function automatically to create high quality self-portraits with sharp focus on the subject’s eyes. The Portrait Enhancer Mode, offering its ability to produce beautiful skin tones, has also evolved with the new user interface.
Bluetooth technology has been incorporated for quick, easy, and automatic transfer of still images and videos to paired smartphones and tablet devices, using the free smart-device app “Fujifilm Camera Remote.” The camera is also compatible with Fujifilm Instax SP-3 printer ().
The X-A5 offers 11 variations of Fujifilm’s unique Film Simulation Modes. The camera features 17 variations of Advanced Filters including the new “Fog Remove” and “HDR Art”.
For videographers,
The X-A5 features a variety of 4K video capabilities. Utilizing the Burst Function, users are able to shoot 15 frames per second in 4K image quality, ensuring that photo opportunities are never missed. Offering an HD video function to record videos up to quad speed for slow motion clips and a Multi Focus Mode which stacks 4K quality images and automatically changes the depth of field setting, the X-A5 is the perfect companion for a wide range of creative captures.
The only major feature lacking in the X-A5 is an electronic viewfinder. For that you would need to step up to a mid-range model such as the Fujifilm X-E2s, X-T10, or the advanced Fujifilm X-E3.
New Lens Is First With Power Zoom
The X-A5 kit debuts the new Fujinon XC15-45mmF3.5-5.6 OIS PZ, the first electric-powered zoom lens for the X Mount. The lens has the minimum working distance of just 5cm, ideal for clear close-up shots. The smooth electric-powered zooming mechanism that starts from the wide angle 23mm end (35mm film format equivalent) gives freedom in composition framing still images and video.
The Fujinon XC15-45mmF3.5-5.6 OIS PZ will also be available for standalone purchase.
Pricing and Availability
The Fujifilm X-A5 will available starting February 8, body with XC15-45mm lens, in Silver, Brown, and Pink, from Adorama, for $599.95. The Fujinon XC15-45mm f/3.5-5.6IOS PZ lens will be available separately starting March 15, in Silver or Black, for $299.95.
