Fujifilm is giving its entry-level mirrorless camera a significant upgrade, announcing the arrival of the X-A7 on Thursday, Sept. 12.
The newest member of Fujifilm's impressive X series lineup will ring in at $700 with the kit lens. It's scheduled to be released on Thursday, Oct. 24.
The New Fujifilm X-A7
Fujifilm's last generation entry-level mirrorless camera X-A5 just came out in 2018, but the company made major adjustments for this year's upgrade.
For one, the new X-A7's screen is notably larger at 3.5 inches with a 16:9 aspect ratio, compared to the previous 3-inch with 3:2 aspect display.
One significant change is it comes equipped with a newly developed 24.24-megapixel APS-C sensor. While the MP count is the same as the X-A5, the new sensor has 8.5 times more phase detection pixels, which makes the autofocus of the X-A7 much faster and more accurate. Burst speed for photo images remains the same at 6 fps.
According to Fujifilm, the X-A7 also features improved low-light performance with the sensor producing clear images with low noise even at incredibly high sensitivity of ISO51200.
A few shooting modes have been added as well, including Bright Mode in Advanced SR Auto function for more vivid images and "Light Trails" in Scene Position mode to capture trails of light through long exposure.
Video, Body Tweaks
Another area that Fujifilm focused on improving is video capabilities. The X-A7's video recording sees a slight improvement, now capable of shooting 4K at 30 fps, a definite upgrade from last year's disappointing 15 fps. In full-HD and HD video modes, the company says that the camera can record at 60 fps. It is also the first X series camera to include a "Countdown Video" mode, allowing users to set the video's duration of 15, 30, or 60 seconds.
Handy and lightweight, the X-A7 body weighs just 320 grams and tops in at 455 grams with the Fujinon XC 15-45MM F3.5-5.6 OIS PZ kit lens. It also introduces a vari-angle monitor to the X series collection, letting users adjust the 3.5-inch screen to all angles.
Along with the basic colors of silver and dark silver, Fujifilm's new camera comes in the more playful hues of mint green and camel.
What Critics Say
Photography website DP Review dubbed the X-A7 as "the first good entry-level mirrorless ILC (interchangeable lens camera)."
In an initial hands-on review on the website, Jeff Keller described the camera's screen as the best he has seen in a budget camera. Other highlights mentioned include the redesigned layout at the back of the camera, improved responsiveness of the menu, and a new viewing option comparing the different modes in Film Simulation.
Mike Tomkins also noted in a review on Imaging Resource that the X-A7 features a redesigned Smart Menu that lets beginners have an easier time in getting the shots they want.
