What is the Fujifilm X-A5?
The Fujifilm X-A5 succeeds the Fujifilm X-A3 that was launched at the end of 2016 as the entry point to the Fujifilm X-Series without a mirror. It is designed primarily to attract vloggers and casual photographers looking to take the first step from the camera that is on their smartphone.
As you would expect from an entry-level mirrorless model that seeks to attract photographers to a new system, Fujifilm X-A5 is a compact and elegant mirrorless camera that comes with generosity but is easy to use.
Related: Best mirrorless cameras
Fujifilm X-A5 – Features [19659002] The X-A5 is based on a 24.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor recently developed that, like the previous X-A3, uses the traditional Bayer color pixel array instead of the patented X-Trans pixel array found in a Fujifilm mirrorless cameras in the highest range. The main difference between the X-A5 sensor and the 24.2MP chip similar to the X-A3 is that the new sensor benefits from the addition of phase detection technology.
The X-A5 also benefits from a "newly developed image processing engine" and although Fujifilm has not given it a real name, it is more likely to be an improved version of what was found inside the X-A3. Either way, Fujifilm claims that the new processor is 1.5 times faster than its predecessor.
While the hybrid auto-focus system of the X-A5 is not as advanced as those found in the more expensive Fujifilm cameras, such as the X-T20 and X-E3, it is certainly a step up from the X -A3. The new system employs a total of 91 AF points arranged in a rectangular grid of 13 x 7, which includes a central block of 35 phase detection points.
For comparison, the X-A3 provides 77 AF points, all of which are of the contrast detection variety. You can select from single point AF, AF area (using blocks of 9, 15 or 63 points), plus a wide AF mode that uses all 91 points and can be used to track moving subjects. Focus modes, meanwhile, extend to AF-S, AF-C and manual focus, with additional face / eye priority options for easy portraits.
The X-A5 is also the first entry-level Fujifilm mirrorless camera that offers 4K video capture, but with a maximum frame rate of only 15 fps , the overall quality is somewhat compromised, especially when the X-A5 moves quickly or faces fast-moving subjects. The maximum recording time of 4K of five minutes is a bit disappointing as well.
When switching to 1080p Full HD or 720p HD capture, the frame rate goes up to a much more respectable 60fps, backed by 50fps and 24fps options. A selection of high-speed capture modes is also available, including the ability to shoot 120 fps at 1080p Full HD.
The X-A5 also gains a 3.5mm input that can be used to connect an external microphone. If you want to use one for videoblogging purposes, you will probably need to invest in a side-mount bracket since placing a microphone directly on the shoe will likely compromise the front-end capabilities of the rear screen.
Exposure modes include standard Program quartet, aperture priority, shutter priority and manual modes (PASM), together with a fully advanced scene recognition mode automatic whose accuracy Fujifilm claims to have improved with the X-A3. These are backed by 18 individual effects of advanced filter and 10 individual scene modes, some of which (portrait, landscape, sport and night) get their own dedicated position on the dial of the exposure mode.
In addition to built-in Wi-Fi, the X-A5 also features low-power Bluetooth connectivity that makes it easy to connect previously paired cell phones. The required Fujifilm Camera Remote application is free for iOS and Android users.
Fujifilm X-A5: creation and handling
The sleek design associated with the Fujifilm X series cameras has long been one of the main selling points of the range, and the X-A3 is not a exception. While there is a lot of retro-rangefinder charm on the X-A5, there is also something undeniably elegant and modern about it.
Although not sealed in the open, the polycarbonate body feels at the height of a camera at this price and has a surprisingly heavy feeling. The molded grip is quite shallow, but it allows you to grip it well when combined with the rear footrest.
According to your position as an entry-level model, the dials and physical buttons have been reduced and there is only one function button to assign as you see fit. The d-pad provides direct access to the settings for autofocus, white balance, operating mode and self-timer, while the "Q" button on the back of the camera displays a quick menu on the rear screen that provides access to a commonly used range
Fujifilm X-A5 – Display
The X-A5 is equipped with a 3-inch tiltable LCD touch screen and 1.04 million dots that can be placed up 180 degrees, at which point the screen rotates automatically to facilitate the self-portrait.
The screen also provides some limited touch screen functions that allow you to select the active AF point or put the camera in the Touch Shot mode by which the camera focuses at your chosen point and then automatically release the shutter. The touch screen can also be used to switch between AF-S, AF-C and manual focus, although this occurs at the expense of the manual selector dial located on the front of the X-A3, which has been removed from the X- A5 in total.
In addition, the touch screen can also be used to select the desired movie simulation effect while using the camera in any of the exposure modes & # 39; PASM & # 39; or SR +, and also to switch between the various digital filter effects or scene positions while the camera is set in those particular exposure modes.
Meanwhile, in Playback mode, you can use the touch screen to slide between images and enlarge them with a pinch gesture. For anything else, you will need to use the menu on the camera.
Fujifilm X-A5 – Performance
Overall performance is quite good, with the camera taking more than two seconds to get up and ready to shoot. With the camera set to its maximum burst speed of 6 fps, we were able to take JPEG images continuously for about four or five seconds (24-30 images) without any noticeable decrease, although in the Raw capture this decreased to approximately six frames Consecutive [19659032] Fujifilm X-A5 "width =" 630 "height =" 420 "data-sizes =" auto "data-srcset =" https://ksassets.timeincuk.net/wp/uploads/sites/54/2018/ 05 / Cricket_Balls-1-1024×683.jpg 1024w, https://ksassets.timeincuk.net/wp/uploads/sites/54/2018/05/Cricket_Balls-1-300×200.jpg 300w, https: //ksassets.timeincuk. net / wp / uploads / sites / 54/2018/05 / Cricket_Balls-1-768×512.jpg 768w, https://ksassets.timeincuk.net/wp/uploads/sites/54/2018/05/Cricket_Balls-1-320×213 .jpg 320w, https://ksassets.timeincuk.net/wp/uploads/sites/54/2018/05/Cricket_Balls-1-620×413.jpg 620w, https://ksassets.timeincuk.net/wp/uploads/sites /54/2018/05/Cricket_Balls-1-920×613.jpg 920w, https://ksassets.timeincuk.net/wp/uploads/sites/54/2018/05/Cricket_Balls-1-1220×813.jpg 1220w, https: / /ksassets.timeincuk.net/wp/uploads/sites/54/2018/05/Cricket_Balls-1-630×420.jpg 630w "/>
Fujifilm XC 15-45 mm f / 3.5-5.6 OIS PZ, 1 / 30sec af / 6.4, ISO 800
The incorporation of phase detection in the sensor has improved notably The focus of the X-A5 skills also, with the camera providing a fast and accurate focusing hook in all less dark conditions.
While the X-A3 comes bundled with a manually operated 16-50 mm zoom lens, the X-A5 comes with the new Fuji XC 15 45mm f / 3.5-5.6 power-assisted zoom OIS PZ. This is the company's first motorized zoom designed for the X-mount system and comes with built-in optical image stabilization technology.
Fujifilm XC 15-45 mm f / 3.5-5.6 OIS PZ, 1 / 70sec in f / 4.5, ISO 800
The lens is operated through two control rings: one internal that operates the zoom in assisted power mode, and an external ring that acts as a manual zoom control that alters the focal length in increments of one minute, or as a manual focus ring depending on the AF mode in which it is set the camera.
While the compact size of the XC 15-45mm is undoubtedly a great combination for the tiny body of the X-A5, it feels rather plastic, up to the plastic lens mount. We also discovered that their motorized nature tended to delay us a bit. This is mainly because finding exactly the correct focal length for your composition can be a two-step process that requires the use of both rings.
Fujifilm XC 15-45 mm f / 3.5-5.6 OIS PZ, 1 / 20sec af / 7.1, ISO 800
In addition, it is also quite noisy, rather than the twin stereo microphones of the X-A5 will resume during the video capture. On the positive side, the XC 15-45mm is impressively sharp, especially when used between f / 4 and f / 11, and is capable of resolving excellent levels of fine detail when combined with the 24.2MP sensor of the X-A5.
Measurement is served through a 256-area module, with the option to select between Multi, Spot and Average measurement patterns. In general, this is very accurate, although we do notice an occasional tendency for the X-A5 to produce slightly darker results than we ideally wanted.
Fujifilm XC 15-45 mm f / 3.5- 5.6 OIS PZ, 1/400sec in f / 8, ISO 200
Color reproduction is also very good, and although the sensor Fujifilm's X-Trans is able to provide images with a little more force and immediacy, there really is not much error about the Bayer-array CMOS sensor of the X-A5.
Fujifilm X-A5 – Image quality
Fujifilm X-A5 – Resolution
The 24.2MP sensor of the X-A5 offers more than adequate details and happily resolves 3,200l / ph at ISO 100. The level of detail drops to 3,000l / ph at ISO 800 and 2,800l / ph at ISO 6400, but this is a good result and falls short of what we would expect. The detail is abruptly reduced to ISO 25,600 and ISO 51,200.
Fujifilm X-A5, resolution, JPEG ISO 100
Fujifilm X-A5, resolution, JPEG ISO 6400
Fujifilm X-A5, resolution, JPEG ISO 51,200
Fujifilm X-A5 – ISO and noise
JPEG processing on the X-A5 camera offers excellent results between ISO 100 and ISO 1600, with only a trace of smoothing visible at ISO 1600 and even only when the image is viewed at 100%. In ISO 3200, the softening is more pronounced and it is noticeable when the images are visualized at 50%; however, the images must remain usable in smaller sizes up to ISO 6400 and even ISO 12,800 with a single push. The higher extended settings of ISO 25,600 and ISO 51,200 show a marked loss of quality and it is better to avoid them if possible.
Fujifilm X-A5, noise, JPEG ISO 100
Fujifilm X-A5, noise, RAW ISO 400
Fujifilm X-A5, noise, RAW ISO 1600
Fujifilm X-A5, noise, RAW ISO 6400
Fujifilm X-A5, noise, JPEG ISO 25600
Fujifilm X-A5, noise, JPEG ISO 51200
Why buy the Fujifilm X-A5?
On a recent family trip to London, I took the X-A5 with me and used it to document our break, making extensive use of its fully automatic exposure modes as we expect that most new owners will initially also do so. I found that it is a relatively easy to use and relatively sensitive small camera. For buyers without a mirror for the first time, it certainly meets all the requirements while providing a host of more advanced features that users can explore and experience once they feel a little more secure.
Given its positioning as a basic model, we suspect that many users will shoot mainly JPEG, and in this sense the X-A5 can be trusted to offer uniform image quality good with a vibrant but accurate color and impressive levels of sharpness and detail.
The addition of 4K video support, while welcome, is somewhat undermined by the maximum frame rate of 15 fps and the five minute time limit. Hopefully, the next model of the line will increase the 4K capture to 25 fps, however, if I were the owner of an X-A5, I would probably stay with Full HD 1080p capture, as it is noticeably softer.
Finally, although the new XC power-assisted 15-45mm lens is impressively sharp for a kit zoom, its motorized nature can be as much of an obstacle as a help for taking pictures. However, apart from that, the X-A5 would undoubtedly make a great investment for buyers without a mirror for the first time.
Verdict
The Fujifilm X-A5 is an entry point in the company's line of mirrorless cameras of the X series. It will be good for beginners with good image quality, but it has some limitations and disadvantages that are worth considering before buying.