Buzz
Design
The X-A3 is a compact and lightweight mirrorless camera. Its structure has been upgraded from the X-A2 with the use of aluminum on the front and top of the camera, enhancing durability, ruggedness, and user experience.
The leather covering of the X-A3 comes in brown and slightly subdued pink, which is a departure from the two same-colored versions of the X-A2. However, the leather is smoother and more luxurious. Currently, this non-flip mirrorless camera model offers 3 color options: pink, brown, and silver.
Despite being a budget-friendly product, the X-A3 incorporates many design elements from higher-end models, such as the mode dial with M/C/S focus modes (M: manual; C: continuous; S: oneshot). This enhancement allows users to easily switch between focus modes to capture the most satisfying images.
The back of the camera features a 3-inch touchscreen that can flip 180 degrees, convenient for selfies. All function buttons are conveniently placed next to the right side of the screen, making one-handed shooting effortless. At the top of the camera are the pop-up flash, hot shoe, power switch lever, shutter button, shooting mode dial, Fn button, and two customizable dials.
While it can be said that the design of the X-A3 has seen many improvements compared to the X-A2, it still suffers from some minor flaws. For example, the cover for the connection ports may not fit tightly and may have vertical misalignment. Or if you place your hand on the top left edge to swipe along the screen, you might easily get injured by the metal frame hidden inside.
Specifications - Performance
The X-A3 is equipped with a 24.2MP APS-C sensor, supports FHD/60fps video recording, and has an ISO range of 200-6,400 (expandable to 100-25,600). The autofocus system on the X-A3 has also been upgraded to 77 points instead of 49 points like on the X-A2, allowing for an improved continuous shooting speed of 6fps. With these specs, despite being an entry-level camera, the X-A3 can compete with some mid-range camera models.
Real-world experience shows that photos taken with the X-A3 have excellent detail. In the natural color mode, the images tend to have a slightly orange hue, while switching to the film simulation option leans towards a greenish tone. For Instagram enthusiasts, the vintage style of Fujifilm cameras will be a perfect fit. The camera also easily adapts to various lighting conditions, providing consistent and accurate white balance results.
Unfortunately, the low-light shooting capability of the X-A3 doesn't seem to stand out much. Photos taken at ISO 800 are acceptable, but at ISO 1600, there's noticeable color noise.
The X-A3's startup speed is under 1 second, allowing users to quickly capture fleeting moments. Especially, the flexible flip screen supports touch for selfie shooting experience like a smartphone. Users just need to touch to select focus point, touch to capture, and pinch to zoom.
The X-A3 doesn't come with a built-in viewfinder on the body, perhaps done by the manufacturer to reduce product costs. This poses a bit of a challenge in usage because you have to rely on the screen for each shot, and the screen's delay is quite long, making it difficult to capture consecutive shots as desired.
The battery life of the X-A3 only supports around 400 photos and may be lower if the touchscreen is on. However, a positive point of this camera is that you can use a USB cable to charge directly from an adapter, power bank, or computer.
Features
Previously, Wi-Fi connection on the X-A2 was only used for photo sharing, but now it can be used to remotely control the X-A3 via the Fujifilm Camera Remote software installed on mobile devices. Although not groundbreaking, this feature is an improvement that helps the X-A3 compete with its rivals.
Price
Currently, the Fujifilm X-A3 is priced at 10,088,000 VND, including the body and the Fujinon XC 16-50mm kit lens.
In general, the Fujifilm X-A3 mirrorless camera is quite compact and user-friendly, suitable for daily carry. The changes on the X-A3 do not detract from Fujifilm's nostalgic charm. The pink and brown color options are particularly suitable for women.
