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PERFORMANCE: ISO
We put the X-A7 through our standard ISO test, shooting throughout the range to check for disruptive noise and any other aberrations. Results were very good indeed, so even at 6400 pictures were only slightly compromised by grain. Even the maximum 12,800 is an option if light levels are really low and you need fast shutter speeds. The expanded settings of 25,600 and 51,600 are only available in JPEGmode and quite smudgy.
200
800
1600
3200
Final word
Verdict
It may not use Fujifilm’s X-Trans sensor, but theX-A7’s chip still turns in some very good image quality. It’ll be an eye-opener for its target audience of phone-cam upgraders, but it’s really good
6400
12,800
by general standards, too. Control is amixed bag.The commands via the huge touchscreen are good, and work well enough that the physical buttons feel compromised, aside from those on the top-plate. Grip is also a problem, but possibly only for those used tomore than a phone or compact offers. Overall, there’s loads to like, and while it’s a bit pricey for an entry-level camera, theX-A7 packs in many features you’d expect to find on a higher-endmodel.
bodies, but the 24.2-megapixel Bayer-type chip produces plenty of detail nonetheless, with fine textures well captured. Colours in the Standardmode were natural and well saturated, and of course you get the excellent FilmSimulationmodes to enjoy. Exposures levels were generally on the money, too. See the ISO panel for more. The X-A7 shoots at up to 6fps, which is plenty for an entry-level camera. However, in Raw, you only get about six shots _ using a Lexar 2000X SD card – before the buffer slows to about 1fps. In JPEG, this improves to about 11 shots. Video sees an obvious improvement over the X-A5, with 4K at 30fps, and footage downsampled froma 6032x3392 original for greater quality, using an uncropped view from the sensor, width- wise. Beyond that, there’s a full suite of Full HD options up to 60p and some good slow-motionmodes at HD, and options to make time-lapsemovies in camera,. Battery life is OK for a camera in this bracket. I consistentlymanaged 400-500 shots in a variety of exposure types, but it depends on the performancemode you’re using. One niggle is that the battery bay door, which also houses the SD card slot, can't be opened when a quick-release plate or gimbal is fitted, as the screw is too close. However, you can charge the battery via the USB connection, which is good. KS
FEATURES Loads of modes for novice photographers to grow into.
22 /25
20 /25
HANDLING Amixed bag – touchscreen is good but it’s physically fiddly. PERFORMANCE Autofocus is good, but shooting speed is pedestrian. VALUE FOR MONEY There are good, cheaper models in this sector, but the X-A7 is still worth a look. OVERALL There’s plenty to like about the X-A7, and nothing to suggest it won’t be a hit with novice photographers and camera phone upgraders.
21 /25
25,600
51,200
22 /25
85 /100
PROS Touchscreen control, image quality, features CONS Physical handling, price
Go to photographynews.co.uk to seemore pictures and test results from the FujifilmX-A7
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