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Fujifilm X-A2 vs X-M1

The Fujifilm X-A2 and the Fujifilm X-M1 are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in January 2015 and June 2013. Both the X-A2 and the X-M1 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-M1
Fujifilm X-A2   Fujifilm X-M1
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 1080/30p Video
ISO 200-6,400 (100 - 25,600) ISO 200-6,400 (100 - 25,600)
No viewfinder, LCD framing No viewfinder, LCD framing
3.0" LCD – 920k dots 3.0" LCD – 920k dots
Tilting screen (no touchscreen) Tilting screen (no touchscreen)
5.6 shutter flaps per second 5.6 shutter flaps per second
410 shots per battery charge350 shots per battery charge
117 x 67 x 40 mm, 350 g 117 x 67 x 39 mm, 330 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-M1? 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 side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Fujifilm X-A2 and the Fujifilm X-M1. 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 measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The X-A2 can be obtained in three different colors (black, brown, white), while the X-M1 is also available in three color-versions, but different ones (black, silver, brown).

Size Fujifilm X-A2 vs Fujifilm X-M1
Compare X-A2 versus X-M1 top
Comparison X-A2 or X-M1 rear

In this particular case, the Fujifilm X-A2 and the Fujifilm X-M1 have exactly the same width and height, and, thus, have identically-sized bodies. However, the X-M1 is markedly lighter (6 percent) than the X-A2. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the X-A2 nor the X-M1 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 following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. 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
# image Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Fujifilm X-A2 117 mm 67 mm 40 mm 350 g 410 n Jan 2015 399ebay.com
2.
 
Fujifilm X-M1 117 mm 67 mm 39 mm 330 g 350 n Jun 2013 699ebay.com
3.
 
Fujifilm X-A5 117 mm 68 mm 40 mm 361 g 450 n Jan 2018 399ebay.com
4.
 
Fujifilm X70 113 mm 64 mm 44 mm 340 g 330 n Jan 2016 799ebay.com
5.
 
Fujifilm X-A3 117 mm 67 mm 40 mm 339 g 410 n Aug 2016 399ebay.com
6.
 
Fujifilm X-A10 117 mm 67 mm 40 mm 331 g 410 n Dec 2016 399ebay.com
7.
 
Fujifilm X-E2S 129 mm 75 mm 37 mm 350 g 350 n Jan 2016 699ebay.com
8.
 
Fujifilm X-T10 118 mm 83 mm 41 mm 381 g 350 n May 2015 799ebay.com
9.
 
Fujifilm X-A1 117 mm 67 mm 39 mm 330 g 350 n Sep 2013 399ebay.com
10.
 
Fujifilm X-E2 129 mm 75 mm 37 mm 350 g 350 n Oct 2013 999ebay.com
11.
 
Fujifilm X-E1 129 mm 75 mm 38 mm 350 g 350 n Sep 2012 999ebay.com
12.
 
Fujifilm X-Pro1 140 mm 82 mm 43 mm 450 g 300 n Jan 2012 1,699ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
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Any camera decision will obviously take relative prices into account. 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-M1, 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 imaging sensor is a crucial determinant 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. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its background. On the downside, larger sensors are more costly to manufacture and tend to 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-M1 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-M1 have the same pixel density, as well as the same pixel size. It should, however, be noted that the X-A2 is a somewhat more recent model (by 1 year and 6 months) than the X-M1, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the X-M1 has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The Fujifilm X-A2 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 200 to ISO 6400, which can be extended to ISO 100-25600. The Fujifilm X-M1 offers exactly the same ISO settings.

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-M1 employs a more randomized X-Trans layout of photosites, which according to Fujifilm helps to minimize moiré.

X-A2 versus X-M1 MP

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). The adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of comparator-cameras.

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Sensor Characteristics
# image 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-M1 APS-C 16.0 4896 32641080/30p23.412.6137176
3.
 
Fujifilm X-A5 APS-C 24.0 6000 40004K/15p24.013.3180082
4.
 
Fujifilm X70 APS-C 16.0 4896 32641080/60p23.713.0160880
5.
 
Fujifilm X-A3 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p23.813.1166481
6.
 
Fujifilm X-A10 APS-C 16.0 4896 32641080/30p23.913.2169181
7.
 
Fujifilm X-E2S APS-C 16.0 4896 32641080/60p23.713.0160880
8.
 
Fujifilm X-T10 APS-C 16.0 4896 32641080/60p23.712.9154679
9.
 
Fujifilm X-A1 APS-C 16.0 4896 32641080/30p23.412.6139076
10.
 
Fujifilm X-E2 APS-C 16.0 4896 32641080/60p23.412.6140077
11.
 
Fujifilm X-E1 APS-C 16.0 4896 32641080/24p23.212.4129875
12.
 
Fujifilm X-Pro1 APS-C 16.0 4896 32641080/24p23.112.3123874
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
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Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. Both cameras under consideration are equipped with sensors that have a sufficiently high read-out speed for moving images, and both provide the same movie specifications (1080/30p).

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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. The X-A2 and the X-M1 are similar in the sense that neither of the two has a viewfinder. The images are, thus, framed using live view on the rear LCD. The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Fujifilm X-A2, the Fujifilm X-M1, and comparable cameras.

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Core Features
# image 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-M1none n3.0 / 920 tilting n 1/4000s 5.6/s Y n
3.
 
Fujifilm X-A5none n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
4.
 
Fujifilm X70optional n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 8.0/s Y n
5.
 
Fujifilm X-A3none 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-E2S2360 n3.0 / 1040 fixed n 1/4000s 7.0/s Y n
8.
 
Fujifilm X-T102360 n3.0 / 920 tilting n 1/4000s 8.0/s Y n
9.
 
Fujifilm X-A1none n3.0 / 920 tilting n 1/4000s 5.6/s Y n
10.
 
Fujifilm X-E22360 n3.0 / 1040 fixed n 1/4000s 7.0/s Y n
11.
 
Fujifilm X-E12360 n2.8 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
12.
 
Fujifilm X-Pro11440 n3.0 / 1230 fixed n 1/4000s 6.0/s n n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
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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-M1 does not have a selfie-screen.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the X-A2 and the X-M1 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-M1 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
# image 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-M1Ystereo / mono--mini2.0Y--
3.
 
Fujifilm X-A5Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y-Y
4.
 
Fujifilm X70Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y--
5.
 
Fujifilm X-A3Ystereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
6.
 
Fujifilm X-A10-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
7.
 
Fujifilm X-E2SYstereo / monoY-micro2.0Y--
8.
 
Fujifilm X-T10Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y--
9.
 
Fujifilm X-A1Ystereo / mono--mini2.0Y--
10.
 
Fujifilm X-E2Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y--
11.
 
Fujifilm X-E1Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0---
12.
 
Fujifilm X-Pro1Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
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Both the X-A2 and the X-M1 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The X-A2 was replaced by the Fujifilm X-A3, while the X-M1 does not have a direct successor. Further information on the features and operation of the X-A2 and X-M1 can be found, respectively, in the Fujifilm X-A2 Manual (free pdf) or the online Fujifilm X-M1 Manual.

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Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Is there a clear favorite between the Fujifilm X-A2 and the Fujifilm X-M1? Which camera is better? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.


Arguments in favor of the Fujifilm X-A2:

  • Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
  • More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
  • 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 modern: Is somewhat more recent (announced 1 year and 6 months after the X-M1).


Reasons to prefer the Fujifilm X-M1:

  • Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in June 2013).

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the X-A2 emerges as the winner of the contest (5 : 2 points). However, the pertinence of the various camera strengths will differ across photographers, so that you might want to weigh individual camera traits according to their importance for your own imaging needs before making a camera decision. A professional sports photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a street photog, and a person interested in family portraits has distinct needs from a landscape shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

X-A2 05:02 X-M1

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Fujifilm X-A2 and the Fujifilm X-M1 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 comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance when actually working with the X-A2 or the X-M1. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased.

Expert reviews

This is where reviews by experts come in. The following table reports the overall ratings of the cameras as published by some of the major 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
# image  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Fujifilm X-A24/5......4.5/54.5/5 Jan 2015 399ebay.com
2.
 
Fujifilm X-M13/5+..77/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2013 699ebay.com
3.
 
Fujifilm X-A5..+4.1/5..4/53.5/5 Jan 2018 399ebay.com
4.
 
Fujifilm X704.5/5....76/1004.5/54.5/5 Jan 2016 799ebay.com
5.
 
Fujifilm X-A3......74/1004.5/54/5 Aug 2016 399ebay.com
6.
 
Fujifilm X-A10........4/54/5 Dec 2016 399ebay.com
7.
 
Fujifilm X-E2S4.5/5....77/1004.5/54.5/5 Jan 2016 699ebay.com
8.
 
Fujifilm X-T104.5/5+ +..80/1005/55/5 May 2015 799ebay.com
9.
 
Fujifilm X-A1........4.5/54.5/5 Sep 2013 399ebay.com
10.
 
Fujifilm X-E24/5....80/1004.5/55/5 Oct 2013 999ebay.com
11.
 
Fujifilm X-E14/5+ +..79/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2012 999ebay.com
12.
 
Fujifilm X-Pro15/5+ +..79/1004.5/54.5/5 Jan 2012 1,699ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? If you would like to see a different side-by-side camera review, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

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    Specifications: Fujifilm X-A2 vs Fujifilm X-M1

    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-M1
    Camera Type Mirrorless system camera Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens Fujifilm X mount lenses Fujifilm X mount lenses
    Launch Date January 2015 June 2013
    Launch Price USD 399 USD 699
    Sensor Specs Fujifilm X-A2 Fujifilm X-M1
    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 1080/30p Video
    ISO Setting 200 - 6,400 ISO 200 - 6,400 ISO
    ISO Boost 100 - 25,600 ISO 100 - 25,600 ISO
    Image Processor EXR Processor II EXR Processor II
    Screen Specs Fujifilm X-A2 Fujifilm X-M1
    Viewfinder Type no viewfinder no viewfinder
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 920k dots 920k dots
    LCD Attachment Tilting screen Tilting screen
    Shooting Specs Fujifilm X-A2 Fujifilm X-M1
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF Contrast-detect AF
    Manual Focusing AidFocus PeakingFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/4000s 1/4000s
    Continuous Shooting 5.6 shutter flaps/s 5.6 shutter flaps/s
    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-M1
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port mini HDMI mini HDMI
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in Wifi built-in
    Body Specs Fujifilm X-A2 Fujifilm X-M1
    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)
    117 x 67 x 39 mm
    (4.6 x 2.6 x 1.5 in)
    Camera Weight 350 g (12.3 oz) 330 g (11.6 oz)
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