FujiFilm X-A1 Pro Reviews

The Fujifilm X-A1 is the least expensive X-series camera that Fuji sells; while it doesn't feature the company's unique X-Trans image sensor, it's still a solid performer.

While the Fujifilm X-A1 is intended to be an entry-level model for Fujifilm's X-series cameras, it is an outstanding camera in its own right. If you can live without a viewfinder you'll discover what is arguably the best CSC in its price bracket. While it's a bit on the complicated side for beginners, it has the style, performance and handling to appeal to the more ambitious casual photographers, while its photographic versatility, superb image quality and Fuji's growing line of top-quality lenses (plus that M-mount adapter) will sell it to enthusiasts on a budget. It has unquestionably the best high-ISO noise control of any current CSC under £900.

The new Fujifilm X-A1 is essentially the same camera as the X-M1 model that was introduced a few months ago, just with a different image sensor, some new colourways, and a significantly lower price tag. Despite swapping the technologically innovative “X-Trans” CMOS sensor used on the other X-series compact system cameras for a more conventional Bayer color filter array CMOS sensor, the X-A1's image quality does not suffer in any way. So deciding between the two models comes down to looking at our X-A1 and X-M1 sample images to see which you personally prefer, and then deciding if you'd like to save £150 / $100 by opting for the X-A1. The lower price-tag makes the X-A1 better suited to its target market than the X-M1. We can more easily forgive the lack of any kind of viewfinder, for example, on this cheaper model, as compact camera upgraders will be very used to composing their pictures by holding the X-A1 at arm's length. Given that they're so similar, the X-A1 still retains a few of the X-M1's annoyances that we don't like so much, mainly concerning the wi-fi options, which are limited to transferring images from the camera to a smartphone and back again, and syncing to a PC - there's no remote control options or direct connection to a wi-fi network, as on some rival models.

Elegant controls, but it doesn't share its pricier siblings' outstanding image quality

The Fujifilm X-A1 puts in a very good performance, and although we felt it was missing a few niceties when stood beside its closest competitors, we found them easy to overlook on account of the affordable price. That's the key thing about the X-A1: at £499 all in - including the 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 lens - the camera is a bit of a bargain. Great to use - and there's built-in Wi-Fi for saving images straight to your PC, managing them via an Android or iOS app - it's also the camera that represents Fuji's expanding platform. But it is more basic than the original models in the range that pushed "pro" aspirations. Then there's the competition. With the likes of the Samsung NX300 falling in price, and other models such as the Panasonic GX7 and Olympus E-PL5 offering super-fast autofocus that's more A-list than Fuji's offering, there're some serious alternatives out there. So serious they chink the X-A1's armour. Or, we mean, faux leather.

The 16-50mm OIS kit lens, despite being a kit lens, delivers excellent image quality with a useful wide-angle to telephoto zoom range and includes a good sized lens hood. The combination of this lens and the compact body makes for a compelling package, with the added bonus of a good 3inch tilting screen and built in Wi-Fi connectivity. For those that want a more traditional feeling camera, as well as a built in viewfinder, you would be best looking at the X-E1, however for the price, the X-A1 delivers excellent results with good controls and layout. The X-A1 is the most affordable Fujifilm X series CSC available yet, and despite using a "standard" APS-C CMOS sensor, delivers impressive image quality, with low noise right up to ISO3200 and ISO6400 while retaining good levels of detail. Some may even find the results from this camera preferable to the results from the more expensive X-M1. With the introduction of the X-A1, Fujifilm also introduced a number of more affordable lenses, making the Fujifilm X series a much more compelling system. With impressive image quality and a camera packed with features, we would highly recommend the Fujifilm X-A1.