Fujifilm X-A3

amazon Fujifilm X-A3 reviews

Design

The Fujifilm X-A3, a tiny 339g (11.6 x 66.9 x 40.4mm) mirrorless camera, is a proud addition that justifies the unique handiwork of Fujifilm’s designers. There has been extensive use of aluminum in the construction of the X-A3, at the front, covering the top of the engine body, which adds strength and durability to a camera whose very name recalls much of the nostalgia of the X-A2.

Another distinguishing feature is that the front of the X-A3 has leather only in selected areas as well. The model presents in three colors: pink, brown, and silver. X-A3’s leather is a lesser quality of brown and pink than both older versions of the same color X-A2; however, the camera seems softer and higher.

The front of the cheap becomes a mirror for the expensive beautiful Fujifilm models with the engraving of M / C / S (M: Manual, C: Continuous, S: one-shot) on it. A nice touch that makes it easy for users to access and switch between focus modes while capturing photos. The 3-inch touch screen on the back has a 180-degree flip-and-swivel function for capturing the perfect selfie. All the functional buttons are located to the right side of the screen for easy one-handed shooting. The top side has a flash, hot shoe, power on/off, shutter button, shooting mode dial, Fn button, and two other dials. The bottom holds power, battery, and memory card. The left side has one flash trigger for opening and closing. On the right side are connections with lids.

Though X-A3 looks pretty okay yet some imperfections may catch your eye, such as: the latch cover for the connection port imperfectly fixed and mentioning there is some deviation along its hinge axis; or, just running your hand on top left and down will practically render the metal frame, hitherto concealed; and this is a very vulnerable spot. This kind of ripples hints that Fujifilm might not have been really careful in finishing the product properly.

In general, the weight and user-friendliness make this camera a perfect-day camera. Changes onto the X-A3 have not discarded the vintage look associated with the Fujifilm. Then the two versions of pink and brown suit the female.

where can you get a Fujifilm X-A3 online

Fujifilm X-A3 Mirrorless Camera XC16-50mm F3.5-5.6 II Lens Kit – Silver: Buy it now

Fujifilm X-A3 Mirrorless Camera XC16-50mm F3.5-5.6 II Lens Kit – Brown: Buy it now

Fujifilm X-A3 Digital Camera w/ 16-50mm Lens (Brown) 16531647 + NP-W126 Lithium Ion Battery + External Rapid Charger + Sony 64GB SDXC Card + Case + Tripod + Flash + Card Reader + Card Wallet Bundle: Buy it now

Fujifilm X-A3 Mirrorless Camera XC16-50mm F3.5-5.6 II Lens Kit – Pink: Buy it now

Fujifilm X-A3 Wi-Fi Digital Camera & 16-50mm II XC Lens (Silver) + 50-230mm II Len + 64GB Card + Case + Flash + Battery & Charger + Tele/Wide Lens Kit: Buy it now

Fujifilm X-A3 Digital Camera w/ 16-50mm Lens (Silver) 16531635 + NP-W126 Lithium Ion Battery + External Rapid Charger + Sony 64GB SDXC Card + Case + Tripod + Flash + Card Reader + Card Wallet Bundle: Buy it now

Configuration

Though an entry-level model, the X-A3 has an astonishingly APS-C sensor resolution of the order of 24.2MP, in addition to FHD / 60fps video recording, an ISO of 200-20000 (extended ISO 100-25.600), and an improved focus matrix with 77 points over the 49 points of the X-A2 in continuous shooting at 6fps. Hence with a better resolution, focus matrix, as well as video recording speed, the X-A3 has certainly pulled ahead of its “predecessor”. With these specifications, the X-A3-ever more so-appears to fit the realm of an intermediate camera.

In practical experience, X-A3 captures very fine detail which is characteristic to Fujifilm. The image is in natural color with an orange tint, while plastic film imaging can elicit mild green images emotionally should the content fit. Fujifilm’s nostalgic styling will appeal to Instagram enthusiasts. It also performs well in varying light situations with its automatic white balance, rendering pleasing and accurate results. Unfortunately, low-light performance doesn’t seem to have undergone much improvement. Pictures taken at ISO 800 look OK, but at 1,600 they tend to be rather blurred.

The X-A3 boots quite quickly; geographically it takes less than 1s, thus ensuring the photographer makes at least some effort to capture a fleeting moment. It is compact enough to allow one-handed operation. The flip screen helps a lot for self-portraits, as easy as pointing with one finger to select the focus, touching to click, and zooming with two fingers. Anyone who doesn’t have a camera in their hands on a daily basis will be really easy to get inclined and take pictures with the X-A3. Everyone in the family can befriend this amicable camera.

To maintain a low cost, Fujifilm avoided integrating a viewfinder in the X-A3, making it a bit difficult to use in bright sunlight, rendering screen-based shooting awkward. With machine latency became another hindrance, since it would freeze after every click.

The battery is rated for around 400 images, with reduced performance on days when the touch screen is being used. Nevertheless, a good point is Fujifilm allows charging through a USB cable from an adapter, battery backup, or even from the computer, which is handy.

Function

Wi-Fi was used previously on the X-A2 only for transmitting pictures, but with the X-A3, one can now remote control the camera using the app “Fujifilm camera remote” installed on a mobile device. Though entirely not new, this improvement gives the X-A3 some credit against competitors.

Qualities of a Sensor and an Image

A 24.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor lies at the core of the Fujifilm X-A3. Unlike their more sophisticated high-end models, Fujifilm has specified that the X-A3 sensor integrates a conventional Bayer color filter arrayrather than the more advanced X-Trans sensors. While it may not seem like much, the image quality produced by this camera is still commendable for an entry-level.

With a stunning resolution of about 24.2 megapixels and representing some of the most highly detailed and highest-resolution images, they very well suit a multitude of photography genres-from landscape to portrait. The sensor should perform excellently under good light conditions, as it reproduces brilliant colors and good contrast while producing low noise. Fujifilm has established color science, which will not only benefit this entry-level camera but also provide high-end models with the same color profiles and popular film simulation modes.

The camera does well in low-light conditions-in fact, it puts in a good performance compared to other cameras in this class. The ISO range of 200-6400 (expandable to 100-25600) enables shooting quality under variable lighting conditions, although some noise becomes apparent at elevated levels, giving fairly usable images, especially when noise reduction is applied in post-processing. A balance is present in the JPEG-processing engine with regard to noise reduction and detail retention so that the resulting images are clean and sharp.

Autofocus and Performance

The autofocus system is a contrast-detection device with 49 focus points. However, it is not comparable to hybrid autofocus in top-end models included in this price range, but still performs quite decently in most situations. In good light, autofocus is very fast and precise and makes it quite acceptable for everyday photography.

While it sometimes struggles a little in poor light or with subjects moving, it is pretty reliable with static subjects or lit scenes. It also incorporates face and eye detection autofocus, a particularly handy tool for making portraits that ensures your subject’s eyes are in sharp focus.

This might be a disappointment for some, as the continuous shooting speed is not bad for an entry-level camera at only 6 frames per second, but it will allow you to freeze a fairly fast-moving subject like a child or a pet with relative ease. The buffer is sufficient for short bursts of activity, but it is important to keep in mind that the X-A3 is not designed for professional sports photography.

Ergonomics and Controls

One of the major advantages of the X-A3 would be its highly accessible interface. A marriage of physical controls and touch screen features makes operation of the camera easy even for newbies. On top, the dedicated mode dial allows very easy switching into different shooting modes such as full manual, aperture priority, shutter priority, and program mode.

The rear control dial and the function buttons can be customized to match your shooting style for direct access to whatever settings you use most. The Q menu activates a customizable quick menu on the LCD, from which settings like ISO, white balance, and film simulations can be adjusted without entering the main menu.

The camera features a very intuitive and responsive touchscreen interface. You can scroll through menus, select focus points, and preview images with little effort. Touch-to-focus and touch-to-shoot mean more convenience when composing shots.

Video Features

The Fujifilm X-A3 captures Full HD (1080p) video at up to 60 fps. While the camera will not shoot in 4K, its Full HD footage is decent, showing good color and smooth motion. While filming video, the camera allows the user manual control over exposure settings such that he/she can change aperture, shutter speed, and ISO to create the desired look.

Being that the LCD screen is tilting, this can aid the vlogger to see oneself while recording. The camera has its built-in microphone, but you can connect the hot shoe to an external mic for better sound. Note that since X-A3 lacks a microphone dedicated input, you’d have to use an adapter to attach an external microphone.

Connectivity and Battery Life

The X-A3 features built-in Wi-Fi for connecting your smartphone or tablet to the camera. With the Fujifilm Camera Remote app, you can remotely control the camera, transfer images, and geotag your pictures using your mobile device’s GPS, making it easy for you to share them on social media or backup your shots in cloud storage.

It runs on a rechargeable NP-W126S battery, which gives decent battery life for an entry-level mirrorless camera. Fujifilm rates the battery life at 410 or so shots per charge, which is more than adequate for a day’s leisurely shooting. If you plan to shoot a lot and record videos, it is generally wise to keep a spare battery.

With Fujifilm’s X-mount lenses available in a wide variety of highly esteemed lenses, the X-A3 accepts lenses within this range. Ordinarily, the camera comes with the Fujinon XC 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OIS II kit lens: a versatile zoom lens indeed suited for day-to-day photography. The lens incorporates an optical image stabilizer that minimizes camera shake effects and optimizes sharpness which is helpful in low-light situations.

As for those wishing to use their imagination, Fujifilm has many lenses, amongst them primes and zooms, wide angles and macros, and telephotos, to suit any need. Compact and lightweight, the X-A3 is an excellent traveling companion together with Fujifilm’s more compact prime lenses such as the XF 35mm f/2 R WR or the XF 23mm f/2 R WR.

Fujifilm also offers several accessories along with the lenses: from external flashes, hand grips, to remote shutters. Use an external flash on the camera’s hot shoe for improved lighting performance, while its built-in pop-up flash is handy for a little extra fill light in a tight spot.

Pros and cons

Pros

Compact and Stylish Design: Its retro styling and diminutive form factor add to the X-A3’s attractiveness and portability, which is easy to take around.
High-Resolution Sensor: The 24.2-megapixel APS-C sensor gives detailed high-resolution images, making it suitable for all types of photography.
Tilting Touchscreen: The 180-degree tilting LCD touchscreen is good for selfies and for vlogging-the touch function also becomes handy when navigating through menus and dialing in settings.
User-Friendly Interface: An ease of use for the camera, quite suitable for beginners, thanks to the blend of physical controls and touchscreen.
Film Simulation Modes: Fujifilm film simulation modes give photographers many options and tools to get different looks straight from the camera.
Powerful Battery: A battery able to work through one day of casual shooting, about 410 shots per charge.
Wi-Fi Connectivity: The built-in Wi-Fi enables image transfer and remote control using the Fujifilm Camera Remote app.
Wide Range of Lenses: Compatible with Fujifilm’s X-mount lenses, this camera lets you choose from a huge variety of excellent-quality lenses, shades, and zooms.

Cons

Limited Autofocus Performance in Low Light: The contrast-detection offspring of the autofocus family has problems in low-light scenarios, especially with fretting subjects, such as moving subjects.
No 4K Video Recording: The absence of 4K video recording might be a disadvantage for those users wanting to shoot high-resolution video.
No Electronic Viewfinder: The absence of an electronic viewfinder in the X-A3 may be an impediment for some photographers who find it easier to compose a shot using the viewfinder.
Limited Manual Control in Video Mode: Even with manual control over exposure settings while shooting in a video mode, there are fewer advanced video capabilities available on this model compared to higher-end models.
No Microphone Input: The lack of a dedicated microphone input restricts the available options for recording audio during video shoots.
Slow Continuous Shooting Speed: Slower than desirable at 6 frames per second, continuous shooting speed simply won’t capture fast action and sports photography.

Conclusion

Balanced fairly well in performance, image quality, and ease of use, the Fujifilm X-A3 represents a good all-around entry mirrorless camera. Its compact, stylish design is complemented by its high-resolution sensor and tilting touchscreen, making it an ideal entry point for the beginner and casual photographer. Film simulation modes increase creativity further, while X-mount compatibility means application across a large lens range from Fujifilm.

With some shortcomings in low-light autofocus and the lack of 4K video recording, the X-A3 is still good value for money. If you don’t mind these areas of compromise but prefer portability, ease of use, and super high-quality images, then the Fujifilm X-A3 would suit you great. Otherwise, check out the Fujifilm X-A5, Sony A6000, or Canon EOS M50 for faster focusing, 4K video recording, and an electronic viewfinder.

To summarize, the Fujifilm is a practical and stylish mirrorless camera built for good imaging every day and fun shooting for both newcomers and experienced hands.