The Fuji X-A1 resides at the low end of the Fuji X-Series lineup of mirrorless cameras. The camera is so small and light. It feels much like a point and shoot camera in your hand when equipped with the Fuji XF 27mm f/2.8 pancake lens (40.5mm equivalent on a full frame camera).
Fuji X-A1 Key Features
- 16.3MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
- EXR Processor II
- 3.0″ 920k-Dot Tilting LCD Monitor
- Full HD 1080p Video with Stereo Sound
- Built-In Wi-Fi Connectivity
- Extended Sensitivity to ISO 25600
- Continuous Shooting Rate of 5.6 fps
- Advanced SR AUTO and Q Menu Button
- Film Simulation and Advanced Filters
- Fujifilm XC 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OIS Lens
The X-A1 features a 16.3MP conventional CMOS sensor, as opposed to the X-Trans sensor found in other Fuji X-Series mirrorless cameras. In fact, the X-A1 is virtually identical to the X-M1 with the exception of the sensor. It’s also $200 cheaper than the X-M1 at $599 for the X-A1 equipped with a 16-50mm kit lens.
Of course, the 16-50mm kit lens is much larger than the 27mm lens pictured here and that changes up the size factor of the camera. While that’s not much different than other mirrorless cameras out there with traditional kit lenses, I would like to see something more compact like what Sony has done with its 16-50mm compact kit lens, which would be perfect for this camera and the X-M1.
The controls on the X-A1 are great with a standard mode dial and an additional selection dial on the top-right. A hot-shoe on top is compatible with the Fuji EF42 and EF20 speedlights.
The autofocus of the X-A1 is fast and accurate and the camera delivers a respectable shot-to-shot time – even when changing focus range from close to distant subjects.
The biggest miss on the X-A1 is an electronic viewfinder, which is not a typical feature on such a low-end camera. If you want an EVF, you will need to step up past the X-M1 to the X-E2 or X-Pro1.
Overall, the Fuji X-A1 looks like a great entry-level camera and is priced right at $599 with a kit lens. The 27mm pancake lens is a perfect combination with the Fuji X-A1 as a walk-around package and should be on the short list of lenses to pick up next.
The Fuji X-A1 is available from Photography Bay’s trusted retail partner, B&H Photo, at the following link:
By making your photography purchases at B&H Photo through these links, you are helping Photography Bay to continue bring quality camera tests, news and reviews. Thanks for your continued support.
