Trusted Reviews is supported by its audience. If you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission. Learn more.

Fujifilm X-A1 Review

Sections

Verdict

rating-star rating-star rating-star rating-star rating-star

Pros

  • Impressive performance
  • Outstanding detail and ISO performance
  • Brisk overall performance
  • Pricey lens range

Cons

  • Screen only so-so
  • No viewfinder option

Key Specifications

  • 16.3MP APS-C CMOS sensor; 3-inch, 920k-dot vari-angle LCD; Fujifilm X mount; ISO 100-25600; Full HD 1920 x 1080, 30fps

What is the Fujifilm X-A1?

Fujifilm’s X-series of cameras has proved incredibly successful since its launch in 2010. The combination of advanced imaging technology in a distinctive retro body proved a winner, with the series reaching a pinnacle with the rangefinder-inspired X-Pro1.

The new X-A1 is more of an entry-level CSC, although it takes many of its design cues from the Fujifilm X-Pro1 in particular. Owing to its entry-level nature it’s much more affordable than the X-Pro1, so does it represent as attractive a proposition? Let’s take a closer look.

SEE ALSO: Best Cheap Compacts System Cameras under £500

Fujifilm X-A1 12

Fujifilm X-A1: Features

The sensor at the core of the X-A1 is similar to many of the other X-series models in that it is an APS-C chip with a 16-megapixel resolution. It does differ in one crucial area, however, as rather than being a Fujifilm X-Trans CMOS sensor, it is instead a conventional Bayer-filter CMOS chip.

One feature missing in comparison to several other Fujifilm X-series CSCs is a viewfinder. Although this is by no means uncommon for a CSC around this price point, it is somewhat disappointing that there isn’t even the option to attach an external viewfinder should you so wish.

Rather than use a viewfinder, photographers are instead going to have to rely upon the model’s LCD screen. The screen itself measures in at 3-inches and features a resolution of 920k-dots, and thanks to a horizontal hinge mechanism it can be tilted around 180 degrees for overhead and waist-level shooting.

SEE ALSO: Top 10 Best Cameras

Fujifilm X-A1 8

As is becoming the norm with the latest digital cameras, the Fujifilm X-A1 incorporates Wi-Fi functionality. This functionality is accessed through Fujifilm’s free Android and iOS-compatible app, and supports the wireless transfer of images as well as geotagging. Unfortunately the app doesn’t currently allow for wireless operation of the camera, although this might be a feature which is added on future updates.

Although the X-A1 supports full HD video capture at 1920 x 1080 and 30fps, the functionality itself isn’t as complete as on some competing CSCs and as a result feels a little undercooked.

As you’d expect for a camera in the X-series, the X-A1 supports the full range of manual shooting control in PASM capture modes. Alongside this manual control reside a range of custom modes, allowing for you to store your preferred shooting settings.

SEE ALSO: Top 10 Best DSLRs

Fujifilm X-A1 3

For the more entry-level photographers that might be attracted to the X-A1 there are a host of automated shooting modes available. These include standard scene modes, along with an SP automatic scene selection mode, as well as a host of film simulation settings.

Why trust our journalism?

Founded in 2003, Trusted Reviews exists to give our readers thorough, unbiased and independent advice on what to buy.

Today, we have millions of users a month from around the world, and assess more than 1,000 products a year.

author icon

Editorial independence

Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.

author icon

Professional conduct

We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.

Trusted Reviews Logo

Sign up to our newsletter

Get the best of Trusted Reviews delivered right to your inbox.

This is a test error message with some extra words