Fujifilm X-A2 Review

The X-A2 presents subtle improvements over the X-A1. Is this enough to make it stand out in a saturated entry-level market?

Fujifilm X-A2 Review – Resolution

In JPEG mode at ISO 200, the X-A2 resolves 2600l/ph compared to 2800l/ph when it’s set to Raw. The trend of Raw files resolving more detail than their respective JPEG continues through the ISO range right up to ISO 6400 – the highest setting the camera is capable of shooting uncompressed Raw files at.

Our lab results displayed 2400l/ph at both ISO 3200 and ISO 6400 set to Raw, revealing detail holds up well and doesn’t drop off too dramatically at such high settings. Beyond ISO 6400 the X-A2 records JPEG files up to ISO 25,600 and with fine detail being less impressive at the expanded settings, encouraging users to always shoot in Raw for ultimate quality.

Noise

As to be expected, the X-A2 produces very clean images at its lowest sensitivity setting (ISO 100) and continues to handle noise well throughout its range. At ISO 800 there’s a faint trace of luminance noise visible in shadowed areas at close magnification. Pushing up to ISO 3200 sees the level of noise increase, however it’s of such a fine texture it’s not derogatory to the final image.

The handling of noise at ISO 6400 is also particularly impressive with no trace of chroma noise whatsoever in our Raw files. The in-camera noise reduction that’s automatically applied to JPEGs at ISO 12,800 and 25,600 results in a more waxy appearance so ISO 6400 should be the upper limit at which users will want to push to.

Fujifilm X-A2, ISO 100