Fujifilm has unveiled the entry-level X-A7 with some key new features that make it a nice upgrade over its predecessor, the X-A5. At just $700, it’s billed as a perfect entry for casual shooters wanting to step into the Fuji X system.

At the core of the stylish X-A7 is a newly-developed 24.24-megapixel APS-C sensor, which uses copper wiring to enable high-speed data readout, and features phase detection pixels across the entire sensor surface to enhance AF speed and accuracy.

This enables AF tracking of a moving subject as well as Face/Eye detection AF with ease. The camera also records smooth 4K/30fps video and high-speed video, catering to the ever-growing need for high-quality video for use in Vlog and other media.

There’s no built-in viewfinder, but on the back of the camera is a 3.5-inch 2.76-million-dot viewfinder with the maximum luminous intensity of approx. 1,000 candelas to guarantee intuitive operability on the rear panel. Furthermore, this is the first X Series model that features a “vari-angle” monitor that users can adjust to any angles. It’s a flip-out articulating touchscreen LCD, so you can shoot from a wide range of angles and touch, tap, and swipe to adjust settings and effects.

Weighing just 320g, the X-A7 sounds pretty impressive for every street photographer as a very functional travel camera to take on some more lightweight trips.

Main features

Newly-developed image sensor delivering premium image quality and outstanding AF performance

• The X-A7 features a newly-developed 24.24MP APS-C sensor. Combined with Fujifilm’s unique color reproduction technology, accumulated over 80 years, the sensor produces vibrant colors in what Fujifilm calls “memory colors,” exactly as the users remember them to achieve photography of premium image quality.
• The quality of images taken at high ISO sensitivity has been improved over that of the current model. The sensor delivers clear images with low noise even at the ultra-high sensitivity of ISO 51200, which is particularly useful when shooting a fast-moving subject or in low light conditions.
• The sensor uses copper wiring to enable high-speed data readout, and features about 8.5 times more phase detection pixels than the current model across the entire sensor surface to enhance AF speed and accuracy. This not only enhances AF tracking of a moving subject and Face/Eye detecting AF performance, but also allows users to attain fast and accurate autofocus even in low light.
• Increased data readout speed also significantly reduces the rolling shutter distortion, often observed when shooting a fast-moving subject.

A stylish camera body weighing just 320g and capable of shooting approx. 440 frames per charge

• The X-A7’s stylish camera body weighs just 320g, which is about 41g lighter than the current model. When combined with its kit lens, FUJINON Lens XC15-45mmF3.5-5.6 OIS PZ, the weight comes to just 455g, offering great portability.
• Its energy-efficient design allows users to take approx. 440 frames per charge. Users can take the camera out for travel or many hours to shoot snapshots of day-to-day scenes without caring about the remaining battery.

Enhanced video recording functions

• The X-A7 reads data from all the pixels on the sensor and uses the ample information equivalent to 6K to produce 4K video.
• It is capable of recording smooth 4K/30fps video, twice the frame rate of the current model, and can record at 60fps in full-HD and HD video modes.
• The camera records up to about 15 minutes of 4K video and up to about 30 minutes of full-HD and HD video continuously.
• This is the first X Series camera to feature the “Countdown Video” mode, in which the users can specify the duration of video to be filmed from the options of 15 seconds, 30 seconds or 60 seconds.
• The HD High-Speed Video function records HD video at up to 4x frame rate to achieve smooth video even when replaying a fast-moving subject in slow motion.

Bright and large rear-panel LCD monitor for excellent operability

• The X-A7 features a large 3.5-inch LCD monitor with the wide aspect ratio of 16:9 on its rear panel. It provides a touch-response performance equivalent to or better than that of smartphones in general, enabling easy camera operation. Furthermore, a new “Smart Menu”, which enables intuitive operation, allows users to adjust shooting settings with ease while checking the picture’s brightness, bokeh level, Film Simulation effect and aspect ratio on the screen.
• The rear LCD monitor boasts the maximum luminous intensity of approx. 1,000 candelas for a high degree of visibility. Users can clearly check the subject on the screen even on a bright sunny day outside.
• This is the first X Series model that features a “vari-angle” monitor that users can adjust to any angles. It makes it easy to shoot from high- and low-angles, and can be rotated to shoot self-portraits. It can also be used in conjunction with the Portrait Enhancer Mode for self-portraits of advanced quality.

Diverse shooting modes to facilitate your photographic creativity

• “Bright Mode” has been added to the Advanced SR Auto function, designed to automatically select the optimum shooting settings. Fujifilm’s High Dynamic Range (HDR) technology is fully utilized to produce brighter and more vivid pictures.
• For the first time in the X Series, the X-A7 offers “Light Trails” as a “Scene Position” mode for selecting the ideal camera settings for the chosen scene. This option uses long exposure to capture trails of light, e.g. car’s headlight. The shooting progress can be checked in the Live View mode as users enjoy the magical effect.

Reinforced connectivity and connection stability with smartphones and tablet devices

• With the use of the Bluetooth Low Energy technology, the X-A7 can automatically transfer stills and videos to a pre-paired smartphone or tablet device via the free FUJIFILM Camera Remote app for smartphones and tablet devices. The enhanced connectivity and connection stability enable easy and instant sharing of your favorite photos on social media.
• The X-A7 also supports wired data communications with smartphones and tablet devices. The wired data communication can transfer data about 8 times faster than in the wireless, significantly reducing time required to send large data, e.g. video files, to your device.

Sample pictures:

The Fujifilm X-A7 will cost $700 with a Fujinon XC 15-45mm f/3.5-5.6 OIZ PZ kit lens when it arrives on October 24th. If you’re looking to stand out a bit from the crowd, it comes with mint green and camel color options, along with the usual silver and dark silver.
You’ll also be able to get it in “navy” in some regions.

More info on Fujifilm’s website.