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Fujifilm X-A5 Comparison Review

The Fujifilm X-A5 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera that was officially introduced in January 2018 and is equipped with an APS-C sensor. It offers a resolution of 24 megapixel.

camera

Is the Fujifilm X-A5 a good camera? The X-A5 has a Camera Elo of 2536. This rating puts the X-A5 among the top 50 percent of all mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras. In terms of its sensor size category (APS cameras), the X-A5 ranks among the top 20 percent. Based on its within category standings, the camera earns a 4-star performance rating.

Headline Specifications
Fujifilm X-A5
Mirrorless system camera
Fujifilm X mount lenses
24 MP, APS-C Sensor
4K/15p Video
ISO 200 - 12 800 (200 - 51 200)
no viewfinder, LCD framing
3.0 LCD, 1040k dots
Tilting touchscreen
6 shutter flaps per second
450 shots per battery charge
117 x 68 x 40 mm, 361 g

Read on to find out more about the camera's size, sensor, features, reception by expert reviewers, and how it compares to other digital cameras.

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Body comparison with a credit card

The physical dimensions of the Fujifilm X-A5 relative to a credit card are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are presented. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Fujifilm X-A5 vs credit card front
X-A5 versus credit card top view
X-A5 and credit card rear side

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the Fujifilm X-A5 alongside a set of similar cameras. If you want to review a particular camera pair side-by-side, just move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible comparisons there.

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Body Specifications
#   Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Fujifilm X-A5 117 mm 68 mm 40 mm 361 g 450 n Jan 2018 399ebay.com
2.
 
Fujifilm X-T200 121 mm 84 mm 55 mm 370 g 270 n Jan 2020 699ebay.com
3.
 
Fujifilm X-T30 118 mm 83 mm 47 mm 383 g 380 n Feb 2019 899ebay.com
4.
 
Fujifilm X-A7 119 mm 68 mm 41 mm 320 g 440 n Sep 2019 499ebay.com
5.
 
Fujifilm X-T100 121 mm 83 mm 47 mm 448 g 430 n May 2018 599ebay.com
6.
 
Fujifilm X-E3 121 mm 74 mm 43 mm 337 g 350 n Sep 2017 899ebay.com
7.
 
Fujifilm X-T20 118 mm 83 mm 41 mm 383 g 350 n Jan 2017 899ebay.com
8.
 
Fujifilm X-A3 117 mm 67 mm 40 mm 339 g 410 n Aug 2016 399ebay.com
9.
 
Fujifilm X-A10 117 mm 67 mm 40 mm 331 g 410 n Dec 2016 399ebay.com
10.
 
Fujifilm X-A2 117 mm 67 mm 40 mm 350 g 410 n Jan 2015 399ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D3500 124 mm 97 mm 70 mm 415 g 1550 n Aug 2018 429 amazon.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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The listed prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The Fujifilm X-A5 was launched in the US market at a price of $399. 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. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

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Sensor comparison with a 35mm slide

The size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units 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 are more costly to manufacture and tent to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

The Fujifilm X-A5 features an APS-C sensor and has a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 1.5. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the Fujifilm X-A5 among the medium-sized sensor cameras that aim to strike a balance between image quality and portability.

Fujifilm X-A5 sensor measures

For most 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 alternative cameras.

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Sensor Characteristics
#   Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Fujifilm X-A5 APS-C 24.0 6000 40004K/15p24.013.3180082
2.
 
Fujifilm X-T200 APS-C 24.0 6000 40004K/30p24.113.6199184
3.
 
Fujifilm X-T30 APS-C 26.0 6240 41604K/30p24.113.5189583
4.
 
Fujifilm X-A7 APS-C 24.0 6000 40004K/30p24.113.6195584
5.
 
Fujifilm X-T100 APS-C 24.0 6000 40004K/15p24.013.4182983
6.
 
Fujifilm X-E3 APS-C 24.0 6000 40004K/30p23.913.3176482
7.
 
Fujifilm X-T20 APS-C 24.0 6000 40004K/30p23.913.2170481
8.
 
Fujifilm X-A3 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p23.813.1166481
9.
 
Fujifilm X-A10 APS-C 16.0 4896 32641080/30p23.913.2169181
10.
 
Fujifilm X-A2 APS-C 16.0 4896 32641080/30p23.612.8151579
11.
 
Nikon D3500 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.013.4185183
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 also of capturing video footage. The X-A5 indeed provides movie recording capabilities. The highest resolution format that the X-A5 can use is 4K/15p.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. The adjacent tables list some of the other core features of the Fujifilm X-A5 along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

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Core Features
#   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-A5none n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
2.
 
Fujifilm X-T2002360 n3.5 / 2780 swivel Y 1/4000s 8.0/s Y n
3.
 
Fujifilm X-T302360 n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 8.0/s Y n
4.
 
Fujifilm X-A7none n3.5 / 2760 swivel Y 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
5.
 
Fujifilm X-T1002360 n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
6.
 
Fujifilm X-E32360 n3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/4000s 8.0/s n n
7.
 
Fujifilm X-T202360 n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 8.0/s Y n
8.
 
Fujifilm X-A3none n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
9.
 
Fujifilm X-A10none n3.0 / 1040 tilting n 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
10.
 
Fujifilm X-A2none n3.0 / 920 tilting n 1/4000s 5.6/s Y n
11.
 
Nikon D3500optical n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
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The LCD screen on the Fujifilm X-A5 is flexibly attached to the body. In particular, the LCD can be tilted vertically to facilitate odd-angle shots in landscape orientation. This tilting design is often preferred, for example, by street photographers to a fully articulated, swivel type of LCD attachment, as it is more unobtrusive during shooting than a screen that flips out to the side.

articulated screen
Flexible screen on the X-A5

One convenient feature of the X-A5 is the presence of an on-board flash. While this built-in flash is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light to brighten deep shadow areas.

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Connection 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-A5 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
#   Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Fujifilm X-A5Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y-Y
2.
 
Fujifilm X-T200Ystereo / monoYYmicro3.1Y-Y
3.
 
Fujifilm X-T30Ystereo / monoY-micro3.1Y-Y
4.
 
Fujifilm X-A7Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y-Y
5.
 
Fujifilm X-T100Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y-Y
6.
 
Fujifilm X-E3Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y-Y
7.
 
Fujifilm X-T20Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y--
8.
 
Fujifilm X-A3Ystereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
9.
 
Fujifilm X-A10-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
10.
 
Fujifilm X-A2Ystereo / mono--mini2.0Y--
11.
 
Nikon D3500Ymono / mono--mini2.0--Y
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It is notable that the X-A5 has a microphone port. Such an external microphone input can help to substantially improve the quality of audio recordings when a good external microphone is used.

Further information on the features and operation of the X-A5 can be found in the free online Fujifilm X-A5 Manual or on the Fujifilm support site.

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Expert reviews

While the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it says nothing about, for example, the handling, responsiveness, and overall imaging quality of the X-A5 in practical situations. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased. This is where reviews by experts come in. The adjacent 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]).

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Review Scores
#    Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Fujifilm X-A5..+4.1/5..4/53.5/5 Jan 2018 399ebay.com
2.
 
Fujifilm X-T2003.5/5..4/582/1004/54.5/5 Jan 2020 699ebay.com
3.
 
Fujifilm X-T305/5+ +5/584/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2019 899ebay.com
4.
 
Fujifilm X-A73/5..3.5/581/1004/53.5/5 Sep 2019 499ebay.com
5.
 
Fujifilm X-T1004/5+4.5/579/1004/54.5/5 May 2018 599ebay.com
6.
 
Fujifilm X-E34.5/5+4.5/584/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2017 899ebay.com
7.
 
Fujifilm X-T205/5+ +5/582/1005/54.5/5 Jan 2017 899ebay.com
8.
 
Fujifilm X-A3......74/1004.5/54/5 Aug 2016 399ebay.com
9.
 
Fujifilm X-A10........4/54/5 Dec 2016 399ebay.com
10.
 
Fujifilm X-A24/5......4.5/54.5/5 Jan 2015 399ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D35004/5..4/575/1004/54.5/5 Aug 2018 429 amazon.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

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Fujifilm X-A5 FAQ

Below are some additional questions and answers concerning some particular features of the X-A5.

What technology is the imaging sensor in the Fujifilm X-A5 based on?

The camera features a CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensor.

What is the ISO sensitivity range of the Fujifilm X-A5?

The camera has a native sensitivity range from ISO 200 to ISO 12800.

Does the Fujifilm X-A5 have a selfie-friendly screen?

Yes, the LCD-screen of the X-A5 is flexible and can be turned to be front-facing for capturing selfies.

What is the life expectancy of the shutter in the Fujifilm X-A5?

Fujifilm does not publish a shutter rating for the X-A5. Yet, shutters in comparable cameras from other manufacturers are said to be good for at least 100 000 actuations. It should be noted, though, that this number represents a Mean Time before Failure. The shutter might fail earlier, or it might last longer. Anyway, in order to exhaust an expected shutter life of 100 000 shots over, say, three years, one would have to take about 100 pictures each and every day.

Is completely silent shooting possible with the Fujifilm X-A5?

The camera has an electronic shutter option, so that it is indeed feasible to capture images without any shutter noise.

Do I need to purchase an external camera trigger to shoot time-lapse sequences with the Fujifilm X-A5?

No, the Fujifilm X-A5 has an intervalometer built-in, so that low frequency shooting (for example, flower blooming, sunset, moon rise) can be undertaken without the need to purchase a separate external intervalometer and related software.

Is it difficult to use manual focus lenses with the Fujifilm X-A5?

The X-A5 offers focus peaking as a manual focus aid. This feature works by placing a colored highlight on in-focus zones within the image.

Does the Fujifilm X-A5 feature an autofocus assist light?

Yes, the camera has a lamp built-in that can illuminate the subject and improve autofocus in low-light settings.

What is the fastest shutter speed that can be used with the Fujifilm X-A5 for flash photography?

The X-A5's flash sync speed is 1/180 sec.

Does the Fujifilm X-A5 support the Ultra High Speed (UHS) bus interface for SD cards?

Yes, the camera can indeed use UHS-I cards (data transfer speed of up to 104 MB/s).

Which battery does the Fujifilm X-A5 use?

The camera gets its power from the NP-W126S (here at amazon), which is a rechargeable Lithium-Ion power pack.

Where can I find the best deals for the Fujifilm X-A5?

Grey imports from Asia, as found on ebay, are often very attractively priced. However, these cameras come without a warranty from Fujifilm.

Camera to camera comparisons

If you would like to see a side-by-side review with another camera, just make your choice using the following search menu. An 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 Summary
    Camera Model Fujifilm X-A5
    Camera Type Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens Fujifilm X mount lenses
    Launch Date January 2018
    Launch Price USD 399
    Sensor Specs
    Sensor Technology CMOS
    Sensor Format APS-C Sensor
    Sensor Size 23.5 x 15.7 mm
    Sensor Area 369 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 28.3 mm
    Crop Factor 1.5x
    Sensor Resolution 24 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 6 000 x 4 000 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 3.92 μm
    Pixel Density 6.50 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 4K/15p Video
    ISO Setting 200 - 12 800 ISO
    ISO Boost 200 - 51 200 ISO
    Screen Specs
    Viewfinder Type No viewfinder
    Top-Level Screen no Top Display
    LCD Framing Live View
    LCD Size 3.0 inch
    LCD Resolution 1040k dots
    LCD Attachment Tilting screen
    V-logging Friendliness Front-flip possible
    Touch Input Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs
    Focus System On-Sensor Phase-detect
    Manual Focusing AidFocus Peaking
    Maximum Shutter Speed 1/4000s
    Continuous Shooting 6 shutter flaps/s
    Shutter Life Expectancy100 000 actuations
    Silent ShootingElectronic Shutter
    Time Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer Built-in
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot
    UHS card support UHS-I
    Connectivity Specs
    External Flash Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 2.0
    HDMI Port micro HDMI
    Microphone Port External MIC port
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in
    Bluetooth Support Bluetooth built-in
    Body Specs
    Battery Type NP-W126S power pack
    Battery Life (CIPA)450 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging USB charging
    Body Dimensions 117 x 68 x 40 mm
    (4.6 x 2.7 x 1.6 in)
    Camera Weight 361 g (12.7 oz)

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