Don’t let the search for deals overwhelm you. Even with a limited budget, the world of photography always provides an opportunity. In the past, we haven’t hesitated to recommend used cameras, but competition among new ones is fierce, and occasionally something very interesting comes along. That brings us to the Fujifilm X-A3. Its older sister already appeared in this section in early August, but for less than 350 euros, we can now get a very attractive package of specifications.
Once more in the trenches. Once more with the desire to find the best ‘first camera’ at the best price, without the limitations of smartphones or the extreme sacrifices of some ultracompacts. A camera with enough flexibility to produce excellent images right out of the box, and to expand its configuration later. Fujifilm has several candidates, such as the X-T100 (now below 500 euros). However, today we’re taking a close look at the Fujifilm X-A3, which, even with a couple of years under its belt, remains a good choice for casual and social photographers.
Fujifilm X-A3: ‘Selfie Machine’
Originally announced in August 2016, the Fujifilm X-A3 features a 24.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor paired with the EXR Processor II image processor. Its ISO sensitivity ranges from 200 to 6,400, with a boost in both directions to 100 and 25,600, while its shutter speed ranges from 1/4,000 to 30 seconds, or up to 1/32,000 with its electronic shutter. Its three-inch screen is touch-sensitive and tilts 180 degrees for selfie mode, with a resolution of 1.04 million dots. All camera operations go through this screen, as there’s no dedicated viewfinder. You can add an external one as an accessory, but it’s not critical or mandatory in this case.
The autofocus system on the Fujifilm X-A3 uses a total of 77 points (with a maximum grid of 11 x 7) based on contrast-detection technology. At the time of launch, continuous autofocus had several performance issues, especially with moving subjects. However, Fujifilm released a couple of firmware updates that improve its behavior. Today, the autofocus is a few steps above, but it would be a mistake to consider this mirrorless suitable for sports or extreme action. It prefers calm, relatively static environments.
This is also reflected in the burst mode. The specs mention a maximum of 6 fps with a buffer of 10 JPEG frames, and a ‘low’ mode of 3 fps that extends the buffer to 50 frames. The only catch is that combining burst with real-time tracking is too much for this small mirrorless. Its speed tends to drop to 1 fps under those conditions, so it’s not entirely recommended. Fortunately, the camera compensates for these weaknesses with excellent image quality in both JPEG and RAW. It’s definitely worth experimenting with RAW on the Fujifilm X-A3. What about video? Maximum 1080p60, decent quality, nothing extraordinary. It’s not its priority.
The interface of the Fujifilm X-A3 might surprise some beginners. It looks more complex than it actually is at first glance, but the back has a design that reminds us of several ultracompacts. The real action is on top thanks to its two dials, a feature not often seen at this price point. The only Fn button is next to the shutter, and the mode dial has a single entry for custom settings.
Including the C option, the rest of the entries on the mode dial are Full Auto or SR Auto (SR+), Advanced Filters (ADV.), Special Scenes (SP), Face Smoothing, Landscape, Sports, Night, Manual (M), Aperture Priority (A), Shutter Priority (S), and Programmed Auto (P). Because of the number of filters and scenes, I recommend a look at the official manual. It’s fewer than 170 pages, but all the detailed information is there, in solid Spanish.
Accessories for Fujifilm X-A3
All the natural weaknesses of the Fujifilm X-A3 dissolve with a price tag of 340 euros. It once sold for more than 600 at launch, a number that seriously hurt its competitiveness, but today the story is different. Just for its image quality and the wide availability of affordable accessories, the X-A3 becomes tempting.
Batteries and Power
The specifications of the Fujifilm X-A3 reveal a performance of 410 shots per full battery charge, a parameter that’s not bad at all compared to other mirrorless cameras. That means we don’t have to invest too much here. With a compatible Gloxy NP-W126 battery, it will be more than enough, and the hybrid Gloxy 2-in-1 charger for home and car expands our recharging possibilities on the move. The product code "0712006549,VDTS-4604-CH-VDTS-4242" corresponds to this set.
Tripods and Supports
With some of the autofocus issues resolved, the camera shouldn’t give major problems in one-handed use, but any attempt at long exposures or astrophotography makes the search for a tripod for Fujifilm X-A3 a mandatory step. Two classic options here: The first is the Gloxy GX-T6662A tripod, made of aluminum alloy, with anti-slip legs, and a maximum load of ten kilograms. The second is the Clampod Takeway T2. Super compact, it grips almost anything, with a maximum of 40 kilograms, and a tripod mode for better selfies, and an unbeatable price.
Backpacks and Bags
The Fujifilm X-A3 is not a very large camera. On the contrary, it is one of the most compact solutions in the mirrorless space. But it can accept lenses that dramatically increase its dimensions, and on top of that, it lacks weather sealing. In other words, it needs good transportation. A classic option is the Fancier Delta 400a bag. Three colors available, liquid resistance, and a modifiable interior set the pace for this fabulous bag. Don’t like its style? Then maybe the Genesis Gear Orion bag is a superior alternative for you. It’s more compact, but it manages to give extra space for our tablets, and the same versatility inside.
Flashes
The Fujifilm X-A3 has a built-in flash, but its power may not be sufficient in some cases. The good news is that we don’t have to spend large amounts. For less than 90 euros you can get the official Fujifilm EF-20 flash. Small, light, guide number 20, and of course, fully compatible.
Special Kits
We’ve reached the end, which means entering the miscellaneous section for the Fujifilm X-A3. First? Cleaning. The Gloxy 6-in-1 kit brings everything we’ll need to keep dust and other annoying particles at bay. Second? A small photo studio to optimize the images of everything you want to share, and why not, sell. 40 centimeters per side, lights, special backgrounds, and absolute portability.
Solid JPEGs, excellent RAW shots, cheap accessories, 340 euros. Two years ago, it would have been almost impossible to recommend the Fujifilm X-A3. Today, with that price and two firmware updates, it’s a great ‘first camera’ for any enthusiast. Good luck!
