Fuji Upgrades Entry-Level Mirrorless

2016.08.25

Today, Fuji unveiled the successor to their entry-level mirrorless digital camera. The new Fuji X-A3 boasts a standard 24 megapixels APS-C CMOS sensor with Anti-Alias Filter and a Bayer Color-Filter-Array, just like its predecessor. Recall that higher end siblings use a 6x6 Pseudo-Random X-Trans sensor and do not need a Low-Pass filter. As an entry-level model, the X-A3 has a single control-dial and no viewfinder, nor provision to add one.

The 24 megapixels Fuji X-A3 has a hybrid design, combining a retro look and modern digital controls which should be familiar and intuitive to entry-level users. Thanks to the presence of an aperture-ring on most X-mount Fujinon lenses, this camera can be operated more efficiently than most mirrorless aimed at beginners. For lenses without an aperture-ring, the camera control-dial toggles between exposure parameters with an easy press.

The advantage of having a standard CMOS sensor is that this camera produces more conventional rendering and is more easily supported by RAW processing tools. The anti-alias filter also avoid moire artifacts at the expense of critical sharpness. The sensor is paired with a fast processor which lets the X-A3 shoot continuously at 6 FPS. Its hybrid shutter offers an ultra-fast 1/32,000 shutter-speed and Bulb exposures up to an hour. A 3" LCD with 1 megapixels which tilts upwards 180° and built-in WiFi round-up the important features of the X-A3.

The Fuji X-A3 is expected in October for a low suggested price of $599 USD, including a Fujinon XC16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OIS II lens. Preorders are already accepted by B&H Photo and Adorama.

• Digital Camera