Fujifilm X-A3 updates its cheap-ish mirrorless for folks looking to step up

Witha few exceptions, the Fujifilm X-A3 is close to indistinguishable from its predecessor, the X-A2, despite the fact that it's launching at a slightly higher price than the 2015 model did.

At $600 for a kit with the XC16-50mmF3.5-5.6 OIS II lens, this entry-level mirrorless interchangeable camera is definitely at the cheap end of the spectrum, but that's mostly because the entry-level models have gotten a bit more sophisticated and only older models occupy the sub-$700 segment. (I don't have UK or Australian prices yet, but the kit price converts to about £453 and AU$788.) It's expected to ship in the US in October.

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For the X-A3, the most notable enhancements include an increase in sensor resolution for the from 16.3 megapixels to 24.2MP, the addition of touchscreen capability to the LCD, a boost to 1080/60p video from 1080/30p and the addition of panorama and time-lapse recording.

At the same time, Fujifilm announced a more affordable 23mm lens than its old $650 (£690, approximately AU$1,200) XF23mm F1.4 R, the $450 XF23mmF2 R WR. (I don't yet have non-US pricing, but that directly converts to roughly £340 and AU$590.) The 23mm lenses have the equivalent angle of view on Fujifilm's APS-C sensor-based X series mirrorless cameras of a 35mm lens on a full-frame camera.

It uses the same design as the XF35mmF2 R WR: it's weather resistant, with stepper-motor-driven internal focus (for fast and quiet operation), a metal exterior and an aperture ring. The 9-blade aperture is intended to deliver round out-of-focus highlights (bokeh).

Camera specifications