Preview of The Fuji X-A5 Mirrorless Camera:
Hey everyone. So, I wanted to let all of you know what is coming next. I actually have two new Fuji-related pieces of gear I’ll be writing reviews for. One is the Opteka 35mm f1.7 lens. I know what all of you are going to say: “We have plenty of 50mm equivalents for the Fuji!” But not only is this lens X mount, it’s about $90 new! Yes, you read that right, $90 bucks. I’ve been using it, and it’s actually decent too. I also have in my hands the new Fuji X-A5.
The new X-A5 is an entry level mirrorless camera that packs plenty of punch. It has a phase detection autofocus system that promises to be better than its predecessor’s, the X-A3, and while the sensor is not X-Trans like other X Series bodies, it still is 24 megapixels, which is more than plenty. Furthermore, it has Bluetooth, a 180 degree tilting rear LCD display for those who love selfies, and the battery is good for about 450 shots. Lastly, it comes with the new collapsible FUJINON XC15-45mmF3.5-5.6 OIS PZ. This is actually Fuji’s first electric powered zoom lens for the X Mount. Together, the combo weighs just 496 g making it the lightest camera and zoom kit in the X Series.
I will definitely go into depth about the Fuji X-A5 in my review along with the Opteka lens in its own review, of course. Both will be finished soon because I will be going to Japan near the end of the month :). Enclosed in this post are a few quick pics I took with the X-A5 and zoom lens combo. I processed them pretty quickly using Camera Raw in Photoshop CC because I have to catch my bus :). I hope you enjoy them, and thanks for stopping by!
Hey Patrick, thanks for these. You know I’ve been waiting for your pics and review. Look forward to reading and seeing more.
I’m not sure if you used x-a3 before to compare what improvement this camera has in terms of focus speed.
It is a bit shame that manufacturers don’t implement focus focus as a basic thing in all cameras when they have the tech. X-a3 is slow like the older gen X trans cameras.
Hope they realise they have to compete with smartphones, especially considering how well my Google pixie 2 does a good job.
Hope you caught your bus 🙂
Hi Mahesh!
Apologies for the late reply, and you’re welcome. Anytime :). Honestly, I don’t remember if I tried the XA3. I tried nearly all the X Series cameras, and it’s hard to keep track after a while lol. The autofocus isn’t as fast as any of the upper models, which you already know. But it’s no where as slow as the older X Series cameras. After using the X Trans cameras, you’ll notice maybe a slight delay but it’s definitely usable. I still have to try it out more at night though to get a better assessment. This review will come out soon though…want to make it before I go to Japan.
You’re thinking about the XA5 because of the non X Trans sensor right, Mahesh?
Best,
Patrick
Hi Patrick, yes primarily because X trans. I haven’t managed to get my head round to processing those files. Maybe I need to take lessons from you. All your reviews for X cameras have such crisp pictures. Although I do notice some sort of colour bleeding if that’s the right word under artificial lighting. E.g. there is this fish shop you always take a picture in. The X camera pictures are not as great as the one you have taken with the CL. The CL is crisp and looks accurate, if you know what I mean 🤐
Hi Mahesh,
I’m no expert but whatever I know, I’d be more than glad to share it with you. I’m serious too. Just send me an email if you ever have any questions (contact page), and I’ll try my best to help. With the nature of a review, there aren’t many times where I’ll have the extra time to spend too much on photos, so all I do is just play mostly with the levers in Camera Raw (well now, I use Capture One a lot). I also try not to go to crazy with editing because than I feel like I’m doing more Photoshop than actually representing the camera, which is what the review is all about :).
I can see what you mean though; I think the color accuracy, especially on the latest generation Leica cameras are pretty good. I find the files more easily manipulated as well. I notice auto white balance on them is good as well, at least from what I experienced. Consider buying a CL :).
Best,
Patrick
$90 lens for Fuji X? That’s crazy!
Yup! It’s actually pretty cool too :).
Hi Patrick
Thanks for all your hard work – love your site. I bought a Billing rucksack on the back of your review and have not been disappointed. I’m especially keen to read your review of the new Fuji zoom lens as it seems an ideal travel piece with stabilisation… if the optics are good enough? Do you know when it will be online?
Safe travel.
Best
Neil Hennessy-Vass
Hi Neil!
Thanks for the kind words and for taking the time to read my reviews! It really means a lot! I’m glad you’re enjoying the Billingham. They make great stuff. As the the X-A5, I should have the review definitely before the 24th, since that’s when I’m leaving (btw thanks for the safe travels). It may even be this week, if I can finish a Billingham review first. As for the lens that comes with the X-A5, it’s decent. It’s fine for travel but I’m not a fan of the electronic zoom. Other than that, the camera as a whole is light, and easy to carry around. If you have any other questions, feel free to let me know,
Best,
Patrick
Hi Patrick!
i love how you review the product. i’m new in photography and i’m looking for a nice budget mirrorless camera. I’m fond with night photography. have you try to take a night sky picture? and how was it?
Thanks!
Hi Elsa!
It’s great to hear from you, and thanks for the kind words! Welcome to photography! Are you talking about night/sky photography with a tripod? Unfortunately, I did not get to try that out much with this camera while I had it on loan but you shouldn’t have any trouble with it. The X-A5 is a decent camera, and it can be adjusted manually. My full review is coming up in a few days, if you’d like to read it.
Best,
Patrick