A mirrorless newbie tries the Fujifilm X-A7
“You can't teach an old dog new tricks” or so they say. For the longest time, I didn't want to believe that there was an imminent decline in DSLR use—after all, where would that place me? I had an outdated perception that it was the best possible choice for professionals. Maybe I was a purist; deep inside, I feared to learn something new.
If men were able to gracefully adapt from analog to digital at some point, shouldn't it be the same for me, too? Still, there's something so nostalgic about hearing that deafening shutter of a bulky, handheld device. So, if I had the opportunity to test a state-of-the-art mirrorless camera, will it finally make me a believer?
The Fujifilm X-A7 (P40,990) feeds on nostalgia with its old school appeal and modern convenience. The smart mirrorless camera, a 2019 release from the brand, is the first major redesign of Fujifilm's X-A series. Its wide, high-res touchscreen is something I can get by with a 3.5-inch flip-out unit and a 16:9 aspect ratio—a dream for landscape photographers. It's available in five colors: navy blue, camel, silver, mint and dark silver.
It carries a newly-developed 24-megapixel APS-C sensor to deliver premium image quality. It records smooth 4K/30fps video and high-speed video, catering to the ever-growing demand for vlog cameras. With the portrait enhancer mode, it allows for beautiful portraits enhanced by smooth, natural light. With high ISO setting—3200 during the New Year capturing fireworks—the quality is still high with minimal grain.
RELATED: Your Ultimate Guide to The Fujifilm Instax Mini LiPlay
Images using the Fujifilm X-A7 with XC 15-45mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens
I had two weeks to familiarize myself with the Fujifilm X-A7. An accurate face/eye autofocus is available but with no built-in viewfinder, it was a challenge to focus on subjects—having produced a succession of blurry images until I got the hang of it after a few tries. I find that the resolution of the rear screen is so much lower than the final output, which was jarring to me.
The smart mirrorless camera tries to appeal to phone photographers and photography enthusiasts with its foolproof, easy-to-navigate design. For travel and family photos, it’s a great choice—proof is the (undisclosed) collection of group photos from the holidays. As a professional, I consider it an alternative choice for intermediate photographers, too. The price tag is hefty for a beginner but with the XC 15-45mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens included, it's justifiable.
Now, am I a mirrorless convert? Not yet, but we'll get there eventually.
The Fujifilm X-A7 is available in all authorized Fujifilm dealers nationwide. To learn more, visit fujifilmph.com.
Art Alexandra Lara
