Fujifilm X-A7 Mirrorless Introduces Novel Features

2019.09.14

Fujifilm recently unveiled their new Entry-Level Mirrorless Digital Camera as a significant rethinking of previous X-A-series models. The X-A range always offered a traditional Bayer CMOS sensor and a simple feature set while providing more controls than the majority of competing camera, thanks to the inclusion of Dual Control-Dials, a traditional Mode-Dial and Aperture-rings on most Fujifilm X-mount lenses.

The heart of the Fujifilm X-A7 is a 24 megapixels APS-C CMOS sensor with standard Bayer and Anti-Alias filters. While this is the most common design for modern digital cameras, higher-end Fujifilm mirrorless use a X-Trans CMOS sensor without Anti-Alias Filter and a 6x6 Pseudo-Random Color-Filter-Array which requires more processing power which the X-E, X-T and X-Pro series can provide. The sensor has new copper wiring that transmits electrical signals faster which allowed Fujifilm to push the performance of the X-A7 a notch ahead of the X-A5 that precedes it. The sensor has a ISO 200-12800 standard sensitivity-range which is expandable to ISO 100-51200. A hybrid shutter mechanism can shoot anywhere between 1/32000s and 30s, plus make Bulb exposure of up to an hour.

The new 24 MP sensor incorporates 364 Phase-Detection AF points with very wide coverage area. Combined with a speedy processor, the X-A7 should be able to focus and tracking subject significantly faster than before. At full-resolution, the X-A7 can shoot continuously at 6 FPS. The main speed improvement is from the sensor-readout which can process the entire imaging-area width which corresponds to 6K pixels. The captured stream from this is converted in 4K Ultra-HD video at 30 FPS which should produce sharp video with very few moire artifacts.

Fujifilm makes some significant change to the X-A design which makes it look like a more advanced camera, resembling more the X-E series, except without a viewfinder. It does not provide any way to add one either. Instead, the X-A7 sports a 3.5" Widescreen (16:9) LCD mounted on a rotating hinge which optimizes the camera for video more than images. The larger screen made Fujifilm move the rear control-dial to the top-plate which makes it much more comfortable to access.

The Fujifilm X-A7 is very lightweight at 271g and relatively compact for an APS-C model. This new camera is expected next month for $700 USD or $900 CAD, including a compact XC 15-45mm F/3.5-5.6 OIS PZ lens with Power-Zoom that makes videos smoother. Both Adorama and B&H Photo are already accepting pre-orders at these links.

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