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.
Is the Fujifilm X-A5 a good camera? The X-A5 has a Camera Elo of 2836. This rating puts the X-A5 among the top 30 percent of all mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras. In terms of its sensor size category (APS cameras), the X-A5 ranks among the top 10 percent.
| 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.
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.
The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the Fujifilm X-A5 alongside a set of comparators. If you want to review a camera pair side-by-side, just select a right-side comparator from among the camera models in the table. Alternatively, you can also move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible comparisons there.
| Camera Model |
Camera Width |
Camera Height |
Camera Depth |
Camera Weight |
Battery Life 1 |
Weather Sealing |
Camera Launch 2 |
Launch Price (USD) |
Street Price |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fujifilm X-A5 | 117 mm | 68 mm | 40 mm | 361 g | 450 | n | Jan 2018 | 399 |  | |
| Canon SX730 | 110 mm | 64 mm | 40 mm | 300 g | 250 | n | Apr 2017 | 399 | | |
| Fujifilm X-T30 | 118 mm | 83 mm | 47 mm | 383 g | 380 | n | Feb 2019 | 899 | | |
| Fujifilm X-A7 | 119 mm | 68 mm | 41 mm | 320 g | 440 | n | Sep 2019 | 499 | | |
| Fujifilm X-E3 | 121 mm | 74 mm | 43 mm | 337 g | 350 | n | Sep 2017 | 899 | | |
| Fujifilm X-T20 | 118 mm | 83 mm | 41 mm | 383 g | 350 | n | Jan 2017 | 899 | | |
| Fujifilm X-A3 | 117 mm | 67 mm | 40 mm | 339 g | 410 | n | Aug 2016 | 399 | | |
| Fujifilm X-A10 | 117 mm | 67 mm | 40 mm | 331 g | 410 | n | Dec 2016 | 399 | | |
| Fujifilm X-A2 | 117 mm | 67 mm | 40 mm | 350 g | 410 | n | Jan 2015 | 399 | | |
| Fujifilm X-A1 | 117 mm | 67 mm | 39 mm | 330 g | 350 | n | Sep 2013 | 399 | | |
| Panasonic TZ90 | 112 mm | 67 mm | 41 mm | 322 g | 380 | n | Apr 2017 | 449 | | |
|
Notes: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders. (1) Number of images that can be taken on a full battery charge according to the CIPA-standard; (2) Official announcement. |
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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.
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 comparator-cameras.
| Camera Model |
Sensor Class |
Resolution (MP) |
Horiz. Pixels |
Vert. Pixels |
Video Format |
DXO Portrait |
DXO Landscape |
DXO Sports |
DXO Overall |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fujifilm X-A5 | APS-C | 24.0 | 6000 | 4000 | 4K/15p | .. | .. | .. | .. | |
| Canon SX730 | 1/2.3 | 20.2 | 5184 | 3888 | 1080/60p | .. | .. | .. | .. | |
| Fujifilm X-T30 | APS-C | 26.0 | 6240 | 4160 | 4K/30p | .. | .. | .. | .. | |
| Fujifilm X-A7 | APS-C | 24.0 | 6000 | 4000 | 4K/30p | .. | .. | .. | .. | |
| Fujifilm X-E3 | APS-C | 24.0 | 6000 | 4000 | 4K/30p | .. | .. | .. | .. | |
| Fujifilm X-T20 | APS-C | 24.0 | 6000 | 4000 | 4K/30p | .. | .. | .. | .. | |
| Fujifilm X-A3 | APS-C | 24.0 | 6000 | 4000 | 1080/60p | .. | .. | .. | .. | |
| Fujifilm X-A10 | APS-C | 16.0 | 4896 | 3264 | 1080/30p | .. | .. | .. | .. | |
| Fujifilm X-A2 | APS-C | 16.0 | 4896 | 3264 | 1080/30p | .. | .. | .. | .. | |
| Fujifilm X-A1 | APS-C | 16.0 | 4896 | 3264 | 1080/30p | .. | .. | .. | .. | |
| Panasonic TZ90 | 1/2.3 | 20.2 | 5184 | 3888 | 4K/30p | 19.1 | 10.6 | 106 | 36 |
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.
| Camera Model |
Viewfinder (Type or 000 dots) |
Control Panel (yes/no) |
LCD Size (inch) |
LCD Resolution (000 dots) |
LCD Attach- ment |
Touch Screen (yes/no) |
Mech Shutter Speed |
Shutter Flaps (1/sec) | Built-in Flash (yes/no) |
Built-in Image Stab |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fujifilm X-A5 | none | n | 3.0 | 1040 | tilting | Y | 1/4000s | 6.0 | Y | n | |
| Canon SX730 | none | n | 3.0 | 922 | tilting | n | 1/3200s | 5.9 | Y | Y | |
| Fujifilm X-T30 | 2360 | n | 3.0 | 1040 | tilting | Y | 1/4000s | 8.0 | Y | n | |
| Fujifilm X-A7 | none | n | 3.5 | 2760 | swivel | Y | 1/4000s | 6.0 | Y | n | |
| Fujifilm X-E3 | 2360 | n | 3.0 | 1040 | fixed | Y | 1/4000s | 8.0 | n | n | |
| Fujifilm X-T20 | 2360 | n | 3.0 | 1040 | tilting | Y | 1/4000s | 8.0 | Y | n | |
| Fujifilm X-A3 | none | n | 3.0 | 1040 | tilting | Y | 1/4000s | 6.0 | Y | n | |
| Fujifilm X-A10 | none | n | 3.0 | 1040 | tilting | n | 1/4000s | 6.0 | Y | n | |
| Fujifilm X-A2 | none | n | 3.0 | 920 | tilting | n | 1/4000s | 5.6 | Y | n | |
| Fujifilm X-A1 | none | n | 3.0 | 920 | tilting | n | 1/4000s | 5.6 | Y | n | |
| Panasonic TZ90 | 1166 | n | 3.0 | 1040 | tilting | Y | 1/2000s | 10.0 | Y | Y |
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.
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.
| Camera Model |
Hotshoe Port |
Internal Microphone |
Internal Speaker |
Microphone Port |
Headphone Port |
HDMI Port |
USB Port |
WiFi Support | NFC Support |
Bluetooth Support |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fujifilm X-A5 | Y | stereo | mono | Y | - | mini | 2.0 | Y | - | Y | |
| Canon SX730 | - | stereo | mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | Y | Y | |
| Fujifilm X-T30 | Y | stereo | mono | Y | - | micro | 3.1 | Y | - | Y | |
| Fujifilm X-A7 | Y | stereo | mono | Y | - | mini | 2.0 | Y | - | Y | |
| Fujifilm X-E3 | Y | stereo | mono | Y | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | - | Y | |
| Fujifilm X-T20 | Y | stereo | mono | Y | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | - | - | |
| Fujifilm X-A3 | Y | stereo | mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | - | - | |
| Fujifilm X-A10 | - | stereo | mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | Y | - | - | |
| Fujifilm X-A2 | Y | stereo | mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | Y | - | - | |
| Fujifilm X-A1 | Y | stereo | mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | Y | - | - | |
| Panasonic TZ90 | - | stereo | mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | - | - |
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.
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 (cameralabs, dpreview, ephotozine, imaging-resource, photographyblog).
| Camera Model |
camera labs |
dp review |
ephoto zine |
imaging resource |
photography blog |
Camera Launch |
Launch Price (USD) |
Street Price |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fujifilm X-A5 | + | .. | 4/5 | 4/5 | 3.5/5 | Jan 2018 | 399 | |
|
| Canon SX730 | + | .. | 4/5 | .. | 4/5 | Apr 2017 | 399 | |
|
| Fujifilm X-T30 | + + | 84/100 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | Feb 2019 | 899 | |
|
| Fujifilm X-A7 | .. | 81/100 | 4/5 | .. | 3.5/5 | Sep 2019 | 499 | |
|
| Fujifilm X-E3 | + | 84/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Sep 2017 | 899 | |
|
| Fujifilm X-T20 | + + | 82/100 | 5/5 | .. | 4.5/5 | Jan 2017 | 899 | |
|
| Fujifilm X-A3 | .. | 74/100 | 4.5/5 | .. | 4/5 | Aug 2016 | 399 | |
|
| Fujifilm X-A10 | .. | .. | 4/5 | .. | 4/5 | Dec 2016 | 399 | |
|
| Fujifilm X-A2 | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | Jan 2015 | 399 | |
|
| Fujifilm X-A1 | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | .. | 4.5/5 | Sep 2013 | 399 | |
|
| Panasonic TZ90 | + + | .. | 4/5 | .. | 4/5 | Apr 2017 | 449 | |
|
| Notes: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available. | |||||||||
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.
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 X-A5 based on?
The camera features a CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensor.
What is the ISO sensitivity range of the X-A5?
The camera has a native sensitivity range from ISO 200 to ISO 12800.
Does the camera 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?
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 flash?
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 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 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 of this and 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.
- Canon 600D vs Fujifilm X-A5
- Canon G9 X Mark II vs Fujifilm X-A5
- Canon XT vs Fujifilm X-A5
- Fujifilm X-A2 vs Fujifilm X-A5
- Fujifilm X-A5 vs Nikon D1H
- Fujifilm X-A5 vs Nikon D70s
- Fujifilm X-A5 vs Olympus E-400
- Fujifilm X-A5 vs Sony A6100
- Fujifilm X-A5 vs Sony A7R IV
- Fujifilm X-A5 vs Sony A9 II
- Fujifilm X-A5 vs Sony HX80
- Fujifilm X-A5 vs Sony RX100
| 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 | |
| LCD Framing | Live View | |
| LCD Size | 1040k dots | |
| LCD Attachment | Tilting screen | |
| Touch Input | Touchscreen | |
| Shooting Specs | ||
| Focus System | Contrast-detect AF | |
| Manual Focusing Aid | Focus Peaking | |
| Maximum Shutter Speed | 1/4000s | |
| Continuous Shooting | 6 shutter flaps/s | |
| Shutter Life Expectancy | 100 000 actuations | |
| Silent Shooting | Electronic Shutter | |
| Time Lapse Photography | Intervalometer Built-in | |
| Fill Flash | Build-in Flash | |
| Storage Medium | SDXC cards | |
| Second Storage Option | Single card slot | |
| UHS card support | UHS-I | |
| Connectivity Specs | ||
| External Flash | Hotshoe | |
| USB Connector | USB 2.0 | |
| HDMI Port | mini 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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