The Fujifilm XA5 is the latest installment in the XA affordable entry-level mirrorless camera series, it aims at social photographers who want to step up from the smartphone photography game. The camera was recently announced and is planned to hit the market in February 2018.
The XA5 boasts an all new 24.2 megapixel APS-C sensor and is the first camera in XA series with an embedded phase detection pixel technology which allows to focus more confidently and is twice as fast than the XA3. The skin tone reproduction and subject recognition technology is also improved. However, the burst mode shooting speeds remain the same as the X-A3 at a respectable 6 FPS.
The image processing engine has been upgraded, it now processes pictures 1.5 times faster than before. The ISO performance has also received an improvement and the maximum ISO is now 12800 (extendable to 51200), up from 6400 (extendable to 25600) in the X-A3. However, the sensor still lacks the Fujifilm’s X-Trans Technology.
The body is really compact and light weight, it measures at 117x68x40mm and weighs 361g including the battery which makes it the lightest body in the XA series.
The XA5 also offers 4K video recording but it is only limited to 15 FPS for up to 5 minutes max, it can only be used for high speed photography and is available in a feature called the Burst Function. Drop down the resolution to 1080p and you can record at 60 FPS for up to 14 minutes max, you can shoot a 27 minutes clip at 720p resolution.
There is a variable focus mode that stacks 4K pictures while automatically adjusting the depth of field. There is also a quad speed mode for slow-mo footage.
The XA5 will come with a brand new lens, the XC 15-45mm f3.5-5.6 which is the first to offer motorized zoom for the X Mount cameras. The lens is optically stabilized and lightweight making it a useful lens for videos. It measures at 2.46×1.74″/62.6×44.2mm and weighs only 135 g.
The camera also comes equipped with Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity. Two new advanced filter functions have been added, “Fog Remove” and “HDR Art,” bringing the total to 17.
You also get external mic input, it is a 2.5 mm jack so you will need an adapter if you have a 3.5 mm jack microphone. On the back there is a 3 inch display, it is 1.04-million-dot LCD touchscreen that can be tilted to 180 degrees which is an interesting option for vloggers.
The battery life has been extended to around 450 shots on a single full charge. Overall this camera seems like a great entry level options with some really great specs and features.
The XA5 will cost around $600 including the kit zoom lens and is expected to go on sale in February 2018. It will be available in three synthetic leather colors, brown pink and black. The lens can also be purchased separately for $300, sale starts on March 15th 2018.