Fuji X-A2 Technical Info

by Mike Tomkins | Posted 01/15/2015

Sensor

At the heart of the Fuji X-A2 lies a 16.3-megapixel APS-C sized CMOS image sensor. That's the same resolution as in the X-A1, and just as in that camera, there are no on-chip phase-detection autofocus pixels -- this is a contrast-detection only camera. Likewise, it's still a standard RGBG Bayer-filtered sensor, and doesn't use Fuji's proprietary X-Trans technology as in higher-end models.

ISO sensitivity, just as in the previous camera, ranges from ISO 200 to 6400 equivalents by default, and can be expanded to encompass everything from ISO 100 to 25,600 equivalents.

Processor

Performance is still quite good for an entry-level model, however, thanks to the EXR Processor II which is also retained from the prior design. Fujifilm rates burst capture performance at 5.6 frames per second for as many as 30 JPEG, 10 RAW+JPEG, or 10 RAW frames. See our Performance page to see how the X-A2 performed in the lab.

The company also specifies a start-up time of 0.5 seconds, a focus speed of 0.3 seconds, a shooting interval of 0.4 seconds, and a shutter lag of 0.05 seconds. Of course, it should be borne in mind that these are manufacturer figures, and so can't be directly compared to our in-house test figures.

Optics

Although the Fuji X-mount of the X-A2 is unchanged, the kit lens that comes with it isn't.

The Fujinon XC16-50mm II F3.5-5.6 OIS zoom lens that comes with the X-A2 in the US market is, as the "II" designation would suggest, a development of the earlier optic, which launched alongside the Fuji X-M1 in 2013. Compared to that lens, the optical formula of 12 glass elements in 10 groups -- three of them aspherics, and one being extra-low dispersion glass -- is unchanged. So, too, is the seven bladed, rounded aperture diaphragm.

So what's new? The optical image stabilization function now has a greater corrective range of 3.5 stops, to CIPA testing standards. We're not exactly sure what the corrective range of the prior optic was to CIPA standards -- we believe Fuji rated it to four stops, but that was to an in-house standard -- but we believe the improvement is on the order of 0.5 to 1 stop.

The new lens also focuses a little closer, to just 15cm, where the original version could focus to 30cm in Macro mode at wide-angle.

Display

The most significant change in the Fuji X-A2 is its updated LCD monitor assembly. Given that there's no electronic viewfinder support on this model, it's a pretty important distinction.

The screen itself -- a three-inch, 920,000 dot LCD -- is unchanged, and as in the earlier model, it's mounted on an articulation mechanism. What has changed is that the screen can now not only tilt 175 degrees upwards and at least 45 degrees downwards -- in the past, it tilted around 90 degrees up or down -- but also slide upwards once at its full extent, raising it above the top deck of the camera.

Translation: The Fuji X-A2 is now selfie-friendly.

Autofocus

Also new for the X-A2 are several autofocus functions not found in the earlier camera. The new Auto Macro AF function means you no longer need to switch between standard and macro autofocus ranges -- the camera will do so automatically based on your subject.

Also new are Multi-Target AF and Eye Auto Focus. The latter is particularly nifty, not only outlining your subject's face in a face-detection box, but also indicating the location of the eye on which the camera will attempt to focus.

As in the earlier camera, focus is determined using only contrast-detection algorithms, as there are no on-chip phase-detection AF pixels. Note that the new kit lens can now focus even closer, to just 15cm, however.

Exposure

Just like its predecessor, the Fuji X-A2 offers full Program, Aperture-priority, Shutter-priority and Manual shooting modes, and it meters exposures with a 256-zone TTL Multi metering system that can also be set to Average or Spot modes.

Exposure compensation is available within a range of +/-2.0 EV in 1/3 EV steps. Three-frame exposure bracketing is also available, with a step size of 1/3, 2/3 or 1EV.

Flash

The Fujifilm X-A2 includes both a built-in, popup flash strobe and a hotshoe for external strobes. The internal strobe is the same as that of the X-A1, and has a rather weak guide number of seven meters at ISO 200, equivalent to about five meters at ISO 100. Automatic flash exposures are determined using Super i-Flash metering. There is, of course, still a flash hot shoe on the top deck for external strobes, as well.

Creative

A healthy selection of creative options are on offer in the Fuji X-A2, and all but one of them are inherited intact from the X-A1. As we've grown to expect in Fujifilm's cameras, you can emulate the look of classic Fuji films from days gone by, with Film Simulation modes including Velvia, Astia, Provia, Sepia, and Black & White available, but this is now supplemented with Fuji's newer Classic Chrome film simulation.

There's also an Advanced Filter function which provides access to eight effects: Toy Camera, Miniature, Dynamic Tone, Pop Color, Soft Focus, High Key, Low Key and Partial Color. You can also superimpose two shots upon each other, using the Multiple Exposure function.

And for RAW shooters, you can process your images in-camera.

Movie

Just like its predecessor, the Fuji X-A2 is capable of Full HD (1,920 x 1,080 pixel) movie capture at 30 frames per second, with the option of dropping to HD (1,280 x 720 pixels) at the same frame rate. And as in that camera, movies are saved in a .MOV container with H.264 compression and linear PCM stereo audio.

Wireless

The ability to send your images and movies winging their way to smartphone or tablet without cables, too, is inherited from the X-A1. The Fuji X-A2 provides Wi-Fi wireless networking connectivity, complete with a Wi-Fi button on the top of the camera body, and works hand-in-hand with iOS or Android phones and tablets, using the company's free Fujifilm Camera Application app.

The X-A2 can also print wirelessly to Fuji's Instax Share SP-1 Smartphone Printer via your compatible smart device.

Connectivity

Connectivity options in the Fuji X-A2 include USB 2.0 High-Speed data, a Type-C HDMI mini connector for high-definition video output, and a hot shoe for external flash strobes.

The USB connector also doubles as a remote terminal for the optional RR-90 Remote Release cable, which provides both half-press and full-press shutter control.

Storage

Just as in its predecessor, the Fuji X-A2 stores images and movies on Secure Digital cards, including SDHC, SDXC and UHS-I types. File formats for still images include both RAW and JPEG, and movies use H.264 compression in a .MOV container. It's worth noting that Fuji recommends Class 10 or higher SD cards if you plan on shooting movies or image bursts.

Power

One last improvement of note in the Fuji X-A2 is its battery life. While it uses the exact same NP-W126 lithium-ion rechargeable battery as in its predecessor, the X-A2 is now rated as good for 410 frames on a charge, to CIPA testing standards. That's a healthy improvement of 60 frames (17%) over the prior model.