We review the Fujifilm X-A5!
While the buzz with Fujifilm is with its upcoming X-T100, the Japanese brand offers several X-series mirrorless cameras catering to budding photographers and vloggers. This is the case with the X-A5: An entry-level mirrorless camera that boasts of a simplified control layout and a few vlogger-friendly features such as a dedicated microphone jack and a flip-up touchscreen.
Paired with the XC 15-45mm 3.5-5.6 OIS PZ kit lens, the X-A5 aims to be a lightweight companion for documenting travels and other moments. We got to use the X-A5 as our go-to camera for several event coverages, which include two out-of-town trips.
Does it perform as advertised? Let’s do a rundown on its overall performance:
Same look and feel with the X-A3 with some new tricks
If you compare the X-A5 with last year’s X-A3, you’ll barely see any difference. The only changes we noticed here is the absence of a shooting mode in the front, since the X-A5 has it in the menu instead. Also, the X-A5 comes with a microphone jack. We did not use the microphone jack, however, as the X-A5’s in-camera microphone is sufficient enough. Nonetheless, having a microphone jack is important for vloggers who might not be satisfied with the X-A5’s internal microphone.
That being said, you get the same build of the X-A3 with the X-A5, which is pretty solid for a compact camera.
Very compact, especially with its new kit lens
Speaking of compact, the X-A5 comes with a new kit lens in the form of the XC 15-45mm f/3.5-5.6 OIS PZ. Traditional photographers might get confused with this new lens since it uses a power zoom instead of a mechanical zoom. On real-life use, the power zoom is smooth as silk and is a welcome feature especially to those who are into video.
With the new kit lens, the X-A5 is a lightweight workhorse, making it an ideal travel camera for those who do not like lugging around heavy DSLRs during a trip.
The battery is efficient even with extensive video shooting
Since it is closely similar to the X-A3, the X-A5 uses the same NP-W126S battery used in a number of X-series mirrorless cameras. Fujifilm claims that one full charge can do 450 shots, and this is the same with real-life tests: We would be shooting photos and videos most of the time during event coverages, and the X-A5’s battery lasts up to the end of the day with some juice to spare.
Like most Fujifilm cameras launched recently, charging the X-A5’s battery is easy via a MicroUSB port.
It shoots great photos AND videos
One of the main new features of the X-A5 is that it can shoot 4K video. However, you can only shoot at 15FPS on 4K, which makes it not ideal for vlogging. Nonetheless, shooting the X-A5 at Full HD 60FPS yielded us good footage that is very usable for vlogging. Check out two vlogs we made: One during our coverage in Balesin Island for Epson Fusion 9:
And another one during our test drive of the New Nissan Terra at Delta 5, Porac, Pampanga:
As for images, while you get the same 24-megapixel sensor from the X-A3, the X-A5 has an upgraded autofocus system consisting of a hybrid phase and contrast detection autofocus system. On real-life tests, however, we find the X-A5’s autofocusing a bit slow, though its tap-to-focus feature helps to compensate for it. As for image quality, the new processor on the X-A5 gets its work done with better scene recognition using the SR+Auto mode. Check out some of the photos we took:
Verdict: It is your next vlogging buddy
While it looks very similar to its predecessor, the X-A5 gets all the necessary upgrades needed in order for it to be a good vlogging camera. The addition of a microphone jack, the simplified zoom lens, and updated imaging processor all help in making the X-A5 capture good photos and videos. The autofocusing may be a bit slow for some, but we’re sure that Fujifilm is working on some new tech for its future consumer cameras.
With the vlogging-friendly X-T100 coming soon, the X-A5 showcases Fujifilm’s efforts in developing cameras that cater to the vlogging community.
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