T
here’s something appealing about the
X–A7: it somehow manages to exude
old–school charm while offering pretty
much everything a photographer needs. It
neatly picks up where the X–A5 left off,
getting some physical tweaks to the body
along with performance upgrades.
From the front, the X–A7 looks identical to
its predecessor, using the same X–mount on
which you can attach either the bundled
Fujinon XC 15–45mm f/3.5–5.6 OIS PZ kit lens
(the same one that came with the X–A5) or
use any of the better X–mount optics.
The rear display is now a 3.5–inch
touchscreen with a 2,760k–dot resolution
that’s fully articulating. It’s also wider, with
an aspect ratio of 16:9, meaning you get a
bigger and sharper view of the world when
compared to the X–A5’s 3–inch display that
had a resolution of just 1,040K dots and an
aspect ratio of 3:2.
However, it’s the brand–new sensor under
the hood of the X–A7 that makes the new
camera worth the upgrade. It might share the
same 24.5MP pixel count from earlier but
the new Bayer–filter sensor, Fujifilm promises,
has copper wiring that significantly reduces
noise levels and offers faster readouts too.
The X–A7’s sensor also has a lot more
phase–detection autofocus pixels than
before, with an extended ISO range of100–51000, both of which are excellent for
an entry–level camera.
Of course, 4K recording is the norm now,
but thankfully it’s available at 30fps on the
X–A7 as opposed to the rather disappointing
15fps on the X–A5. A microphone socket is
available but, like the X–A5, it’s the non–
standard 2.5mm type that needs an adaptor
— but you do get an adaptor in the box.
All the usual creative modes from the X–A5
have made their way to the successor model,
along with the addition of a new Bright Mode
(to capture HDR images with a single shot)
and a Light Trails option.
With top–notch image quality that will
please the most expert of photographers,
it’s an excellent little snapper. Autofocus
performance is impressive for both stills and
video, which even some enthusiast–level
cameras have trouble with. Even the lack of
a viewfinder didn’t bother us.
Our only complaints are about the
ergonomics — there’s barely a grip to speak of
and the joystick isn’t within easy reach of the
thumb. You have to support the weight of
the camera by holding the lens every time
you need to reach for the joystick.
THE BOTTOM LINE. There are cheaper
options, but none match the autofocus
performance, ease–of–use and image quality
of the X–A7. SHARMISHTA SARKARFujifilm X–A7
Compact, light and almost perfect — it’s
the ideal travel companion
$699 From Fujifilm, fujifilm.com
Features 24.24MP APS–C sensor, 4K/30fps video, 3.5–inch LCD display, 320gFUJIFILM X–A7
Superb autofocus
performance
Excellent image quality
Large, high–res LCD
display
Clunky touch interface
EXCELLENT52 FEB 2020 maclife.com
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