Fujifilm announces new selfie-friendly X-A3 camera along with a 35mm-equivalent f/2 lens
posted Thursday, August 25, 2016 at 1:00 AM EDT
Fuji has announced two new products, an entry-level camera and an X-series lens. You can get all of the details on the new Fujifilm X-A3 camera here and the Fujinon XF 23mm f/2 R WR lens here.
Discussing the camera first, the Fujifilm X-A3 includes a newly-developed 24.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor in a compact, selfie-friendly camera body. The retro-inspired design includes numerous physical controls and an improved tilting mechanism for the 3-inch rear LCD, which can now tilt 180 degrees versus the 175 degrees of the X-A2. In addition to its expanded tilting capabilities, the LCD is also now a touchscreen, allowing for touch autofocus, shooting and zooming functionality.
Inside the camera, there are numerous new features, including additional Film Simulations, Advanced Filters and shooting modes. Video performance has also been improved with the addition of 60 frames-per-second Full HD recording.
The Fujifilm X-A3 will be sold with the Fujinon XC 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OIS II lens. The optic features 12 glass elements in 10 groups and offers users a 35mm equivalent 24-76mm focal length, making it suitable for a wide array of subjects.
To learn about the full list of changes and improvements included in the Fujifilm X-A3, read our preview.
Also announced today was the Fujinon XF 23mm f/2 R WR lens. Styled similarly to the recent XF 35mm f/2 lens, the 23mm f/2 features a stylish, compact design and offers Fuji X shooters a versatile 35mm equivalent focal length and fast aperture. The lens is also more compact and affordable than the existing XF 23mm f/1.4 R optic.
Utilizing a stepping motor within its inner-focus AF system, the XF 23mm f/2 is designed to provide fast, silent autofocus performance. When used with the X-Pro2 and X-T2's phase detection AF system, Fujifilm states that the new glass can focus in 0.05 seconds. Despite being lightweight, the lens still has a metal exterior and a premium build quality. Additionally, the XF 23mm sports weather and dust resistance.
The optical layout includes 10 elements in 6 groups including 2 aspherical elements. Super Electron Beam Coating (Super EBC) "ensures high performance by reducing both flare and ghosting" and the nine-bladed aperture promises "smooth and circular bokeh."
The Fujifilm X-A3 will be available exclusively in a kit with the 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OIS II lens in October for a price around $600, in either silver, brown or pink. Available only in black at launch, the new Fujinon XF 23mm f/2 R WR lens will be available in September for around $450.
For more information on the newly-announced products, please see the links below: