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Fujifilm X-A2 vs X-E2S

The Fujifilm X-A2 and the Fujifilm X-E2S are two digital cameras that were announced, respectively, in January 2015 and January 2016. Both the X-A2 and the X-E2S are mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras that are equipped with an APS-C sensor. Both cameras offer a resolution of 16 megapixels.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications
Fujifilm X-A2
versus
Fujifilm X-E2S
Fujifilm X-A2   Fujifilm X-E2S
Mirrorless system camera Mirrorless system camera
Fujifilm X mount lenses Fujifilm X mount lenses
16 MP – APS-C sensor 16 MP – APS-C sensor
1080/30p Video 1080/60p Video
ISO 200-6,400 (100 - 25,600) ISO 200-6,400 (100 - 51,200)
No viewfinder, LCD framing Electronic viewfinder (2360k dots)
3.0" LCD – 920k dots 3.0" LCD – 1040k dots
Tilting screen (no touchscreen) Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
5.6 shutter flaps per second 7 shutter flaps per second
410 shots per battery charge350 shots per battery charge
117 x 67 x 40 mm, 350 g 129 x 75 x 37 mm, 350 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Fujifilm X-A2 and the Fujifilm X-E2S? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

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Body comparison

The physical size and weight of the Fujifilm X-A2 and the Fujifilm X-E2S are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The X-A2 can be obtained in three different colors (black, brown, white), while the X-E2S is available in two color-versions (black, silver).

Size Fujifilm X-A2 vs Fujifilm X-E2S
Compare X-A2 versus X-E2S top
Comparison X-A2 or X-E2S rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Fujifilm X-E2S is notably larger (23 percent) than the Fujifilm X-A2. In terms of weight, the two cameras are very close. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the X-A2 nor the X-E2S are weather-sealed.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. In this particular case, both cameras feature the same lens mount, so that they can use the same lenses. You can compare the optics available in the Fujinon X Lens Catalog. Mirrorless cameras, such as the two under consideration, have the additional advantage of having a short flange to focal plane distance, which makes it possible to mount many lenses from other systems onto the camera via adapters.

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. If you want to switch the focus of the display and review another camera pair, you can move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons there.

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Body Specifications
  empty Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Fujifilm X-A2 117 mm 67 mm 40 mm 350 g 410 n Jan 2015 US$ 399ebay.com
2.
 
Fujifilm X-E2S 129 mm 75 mm 37 mm 350 g 350 n Jan 2016 US$ 699ebay.com
3.
 
Fujifilm X-A1 117 mm 67 mm 39 mm 330 g 350 n Sep 2013 US$ 399ebay.com
4.
 
Fujifilm X-A3 117 mm 67 mm 40 mm 339 g 410 n Aug 2016 US$ 399ebay.com
5.
 
Fujifilm X-A5 117 mm 68 mm 40 mm 361 g 450 n Jan 2018 US$ 399ebay.com
6.
 
Fujifilm X-A10 117 mm 67 mm 40 mm 331 g 410 n Dec 2016 US$ 399ebay.com
7.
 
Fujifilm X-E1 129 mm 75 mm 38 mm 350 g 350 n Sep 2012 US$ 999ebay.com
8.
 
Fujifilm X-E2 129 mm 75 mm 37 mm 350 g 350 n Oct 2013 US$ 999ebay.com
9.
 
Fujifilm X-E3 121 mm 74 mm 43 mm 337 g 350 n Sep 2017 US$ 899ebay.com
10.
 
Fujifilm X-M1 117 mm 67 mm 39 mm 330 g 350 n Jun 2013 US$ 699ebay.com
11.
 
Fujifilm X-T10 118 mm 83 mm 41 mm 381 g 350 n May 2015 US$ 799ebay.com
12.
 
Fujifilm X70 113 mm 64 mm 44 mm 340 g 330 n Jan 2016 US$ 799ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. The listed launch prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The X-A2 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 43 percent) than the X-E2S, which puts it into a different market segment. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down.

Sensor comparison

The size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Both cameras under consideration feature an APS-C sensor and have a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 1.5. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the review cameras among the medium-sized sensor cameras that aim to strike a balance between image quality and portability. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Fujifilm X-A2 and Fujifilm X-E2S sensor measures

The two cameras under review do not only share the same sensor size, but also offer an identical resolution of 16 megapixels. This similarity in sensor specs implies that both the X-A2 and the X-E2S have the same pixel density, as well as the same pixel size. It should, however, be noted that the X-E2S is a somewhat more recent model (by 1 year) than the X-A2, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the X-E2S has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The X-E2S has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

The Fujifilm X-A2 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 200 to ISO 6400, which can be extended to ISO 100-25600. The corresponding ISO settings for the Fujifilm X-E2S are ISO 200 to ISO 6400, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 100-51200.

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors. Like most digital cameras, the X-A2 uses a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. In contrast, the X-E2S employs a more randomized X-Trans layout of photosites, which according to Fujifilm helps to minimize moiré.

X-A2 versus X-E2S MP

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. This service assesses and scores the color depth ("DXO Portrait"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports") of camera sensors, and also publishes an overall camera score. The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.

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Sensor Characteristics
  empty Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Fujifilm X-A2 APS-C 16.0 4896 32641080/30p23.612.8151579
2.
 
Fujifilm X-E2S APS-C 16.0 4896 32641080/60p23.713.0160880
3.
 
Fujifilm X-A1 APS-C 16.0 4896 32641080/30p23.412.6139076
4.
 
Fujifilm X-A3 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p23.813.1166481
5.
 
Fujifilm X-A5 APS-C 24.0 6000 40004K/15p24.013.3180082
6.
 
Fujifilm X-A10 APS-C 16.0 4896 32641080/30p23.913.2169181
7.
 
Fujifilm X-E1 APS-C 16.0 4896 32641080/24p23.212.4129875
8.
 
Fujifilm X-E2 APS-C 16.0 4896 32641080/60p23.412.6140077
9.
 
Fujifilm X-E3 APS-C 24.0 6000 40004K/30p23.913.3176482
10.
 
Fujifilm X-M1 APS-C 16.0 4896 32641080/30p23.412.6137176
11.
 
Fujifilm X-T10 APS-C 16.0 4896 32641080/60p23.712.9154679
12.
 
Fujifilm X70 APS-C 16.0 4896 32641080/60p23.713.0160880
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. Both cameras under consideration have a sensor with sufficiently fast read-out times for moving pictures, but the X-E2S provides a faster frame rate than the X-A2. It can shoot movie footage at 1080/60p, while the X-A2 is limited to 1080/30p.

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Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the X-E2S has an electronic viewfinder (2360k dots), which can be very helpful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the X-A2 relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Fujifilm X-A2 and Fujifilm X-E2S along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

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Core Features
  empty Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Fujifilm X-A2none n3.0 / 920 tilting n 1/4000s 5.6/s Y n
2.
 
Fujifilm X-E2S2360 n3.0 / 1040 fixed n 1/4000s 7.0/s Y n
3.
 
Fujifilm X-A1none n3.0 / 920 tilting n 1/4000s 5.6/s Y n
4.
 
Fujifilm X-A3none n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
5.
 
Fujifilm X-A5none n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
6.
 
Fujifilm X-A10none n3.0 / 1040 tilting n 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
7.
 
Fujifilm X-E12360 n2.8 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
8.
 
Fujifilm X-E22360 n3.0 / 1040 fixed n 1/4000s 7.0/s Y n
9.
 
Fujifilm X-E32360 n3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/4000s 8.0/s n n
10.
 
Fujifilm X-M1none n3.0 / 920 tilting n 1/4000s 5.6/s Y n
11.
 
Fujifilm X-T102360 n3.0 / 920 tilting n 1/4000s 8.0/s Y n
12.
 
Fujifilm X70optional n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 8.0/s Y n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
The X-A2 has an articulated LCD that can be turned to be front-facing. This characteristic will be appreciated by vloggers and photographers who are interested in snapping selfies. In contrast, the X-E2S does not have a selfie-screen.

The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, the X-E2S is one of those camera that have an additional electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

The Fujifilm X-E2S has an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the X-A2 and the X-E2S write their files to SDXC cards. Both cameras can use UHS-I cards, which provide for Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s.

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Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Fujifilm X-A2 and Fujifilm X-E2S and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
  empty Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Fujifilm X-A2Ystereo / mono--mini2.0Y--
2.
 
Fujifilm X-E2SYstereo / monoY-micro2.0Y--
3.
 
Fujifilm X-A1Ystereo / mono--mini2.0Y--
4.
 
Fujifilm X-A3Ystereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
5.
 
Fujifilm X-A5Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y-Y
6.
 
Fujifilm X-A10-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
7.
 
Fujifilm X-E1Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0---
8.
 
Fujifilm X-E2Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y--
9.
 
Fujifilm X-E3Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y-Y
10.
 
Fujifilm X-M1Ystereo / mono--mini2.0Y--
11.
 
Fujifilm X-T10Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y--
12.
 
Fujifilm X70Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y--

It is notable that the X-E2S has a microphone port, which can help to improve the quality of audio recordings by attaching an external microphone. The X-A2 does not feature such a mic input.

Both the X-A2 and the X-E2S have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The X-A2 was replaced by the Fujifilm X-A3, while the X-E2S was followed by the Fujifilm X-E3. Further information on the features and operation of the X-A2 and X-E2S can be found, respectively, in the Fujifilm X-A2 Manual (free pdf) or the online Fujifilm X-E2S Manual.

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Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Is the Fujifilm X-A2 better than the Fujifilm X-E2S or vice versa? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.


Advantages of the Fujifilm X-A2:

  • Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
  • More flexible LCD: Has a tilting screen for odd-angle shots in landscape orientation.
  • More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
  • More compact: Is smaller (117x67mm vs 129x75mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (410 versus 350) on a single battery charge.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (43 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in January 2015).


Arguments in favor of the Fujifilm X-E2S:

  • Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
  • Better video: Provides higher movie framerates (1080/60p versus 1080/30p).
  • Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
  • Better sound: Can connect to an external microphone for higher quality sound recording.
  • Easier framing: Has an electronic viewfinder for image composition and settings control.
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1040k vs 920k dots).
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (7 vs 5.6 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
  • Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
  • More modern: Was introduced somewhat (1 year) more recently.

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the X-E2S emerges as the winner of the match-up (10 : 7 points). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera. A professional wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

X-A2 07:10 X-E2S

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Fujifilm X-A2 and the Fujifilm X-E2S place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera listing whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the specs-based evaluation of cameras can be instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the X-A2 and the X-E2S in practical situations. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate.

Expert reviews

This is why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The adjacent summary-table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

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Expert Camera Reviews
  empty  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Fujifilm X-A24/5......4.5/54.5/5 Jan 2015 US$ 399ebay.com
2.
 
Fujifilm X-E2S4.5/5....77/1004.5/54.5/5 Jan 2016 US$ 699ebay.com
3.
 
Fujifilm X-A1........4.5/54.5/5 Sep 2013 US$ 399ebay.com
4.
 
Fujifilm X-A3......74/1004.5/54/5 Aug 2016 US$ 399ebay.com
5.
 
Fujifilm X-A5..+4.1/5..4/53.5/5 Jan 2018 US$ 399ebay.com
6.
 
Fujifilm X-A10........4/54/5 Dec 2016 US$ 399ebay.com
7.
 
Fujifilm X-E14/5+ +..79/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2012 US$ 999ebay.com
8.
 
Fujifilm X-E24/5....80/1004.5/55/5 Oct 2013 US$ 999ebay.com
9.
 
Fujifilm X-E34.5/5+4.5/584/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2017 US$ 899ebay.com
10.
 
Fujifilm X-M13/5+..77/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2013 US$ 699ebay.com
11.
 
Fujifilm X-T104.5/5+ +..80/1005/55/5 May 2015 US$ 799ebay.com
12.
 
Fujifilm X704.5/5....76/1004.5/54.5/5 Jan 2016 US$ 799ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities of other camera models, just use the search menu below. As an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.

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    Specifications: Fujifilm X-A2 vs Fujifilm X-E2S

    Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Fujifilm X-A2 Fujifilm X-E2S
    Camera Type Mirrorless system camera Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens Fujifilm X mount lenses Fujifilm X mount lenses
    Launch Date January 2015 January 2016
    Launch Price USD 399 USD 699
    Sensor Specs Fujifilm X-A2 Fujifilm X-E2S
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format APS-C Sensor APS-C Sensor
    Sensor Size 23.6 x 15.6 mm 23.6 x 15.6 mm
    Sensor Area 368.16 mm2 368.16 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 28.3 mm 28.3 mm
    Crop Factor 1.5x 1.5x
    Sensor Resolution 16 Megapixels 16 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 4896 x 3264 pixels 4896 x 3264 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 4.80 μm 4.80 μm
    Pixel Density 4.34 MP/cm2 4.34 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter no AA filter
    Movie Capability 1080/30p Video 1080/60p Video
    ISO Setting 200 - 6,400 ISO 200 - 6,400 ISO
    ISO Boost 100 - 25,600 ISO 100 - 51,200 ISO
    Image Processor EXR Processor II EXR Processor II
    Screen Specs Fujifilm X-A2 Fujifilm X-E2S
    Viewfinder Type no viewfinder Electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.41x
    Viewfinder Resolution 2360k dots
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 920k dots 1040k dots
    LCD Attachment Tilting screen Fixed screen
    Shooting Specs Fujifilm X-A2 Fujifilm X-E2S
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF On-Sensor Phase-detect
    Manual Focusing AidFocus PeakingFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/4000s 1/4000s
    Continuous Shooting 5.6 shutter flaps/s 7 shutter flaps/s
    Electronic Shutterno E-Shutterup to 1/32000s
    Time-Lapse Photographyno IntervalometerIntervalometer built-in
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Single card slot
    UHS card support UHS-I UHS-I
    Connectivity Specs Fujifilm X-A2 Fujifilm X-E2S
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port mini HDMI micro HDMI
    Microphone Port no MIC socket External MIC port
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in Wifi built-in
    Body Specs Fujifilm X-A2 Fujifilm X-E2S
    Battery Type Fujifilm NP-W126 Fujifilm NP-W126
    Battery Life (CIPA)410 shots per charge350 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 117 x 67 x 40 mm
    (4.6 x 2.6 x 1.6 in)
    129 x 75 x 37 mm
    (5.1 x 3.0 x 1.5 in)
    Camera Weight 350 g (12.3 oz) 350 g (12.3 oz)
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