REVIEWED: Fujifilm X-A3 mirrorless camera
Consistently great 24 megapixel images and a selfie-friendly swivel screen make the inexpensive Fujifilm X-A3 mirrorless interchangeable lens camera a reasonable option for travel
This entry-level mirrorless interchangeable lens system camera is all about simplicity, and for the most part, it meets that brief. An advanced compact aimed at those that love taking ans sharing photos – with selfies and filters top of the list – the Fujifilm X-A3 nevertheless just fails to hit the mark.
Travel-friendly design
Weighing 339g and measuring 117x67x40mm, the Fujifilm X-A3’s battery can be recharged via micro USB, which is an absolute boon for travel since you don’t have to cart about a proprietary charging cradle. TravGear’s only criticisms about the design are its plastic construction and the lack of viewfinder. It ships with a capable 16-50mm kit lens with a f/3.5-5.6 aperture, with a plethora of other lenses available.
Selfie features
The Fujifilm X-A3 also features a 180° titling LCD screen and a ‘smile’ mode that automatically takes a photo if it detects a smile. It’s also go ten built-in Instagram-style digital filters and Film Simulation modes – such as Toy Camera, Miniature and a Fisheye – and a nice panoramic mode.
Photo quality
The Fujifilm X-A3’s 24.2 megapixel photos are generally awesome, with loads of sharpness and great colour saturation, However, it does lack image stabilisation. Nevertheless, autofocus and even touchscreen focus both work well, though the latter is best avoided for maximum detail. The X-A3 can also shoot in RAW, too, thought doing so slows down the camera noticeably. Burst mode becomes painful to use.
Lacks usability
However, despite an impressive design and great quality images, the Fujifilm X-A3 is not as easy to use as a phone, with its user interface just as old-fashioned as its retro good looks. A generally slow operator, sadly the OS presents a learning curve to beginners that’s unwelcome. And considering that it’s trying to appeal to selfie-takers and the smartphone generation, that shortcoming is likely to prevent the otherwise impressive Fujifilm X-A3 from becoming the ultimate travel camera.