Fujifilm X-A3 vs X-A5: full comparison

The X-A5 leads on more headline specs, but the X-A3 counters on a lighter 339g body.

Also searched as XA3 vs XA5, and in the other order as XA5 vs XA3.

Not sure which one fits? Take the Fujifilm camera quiz and we will score both bodies against your answers.

The short version

The Fujifilm X-A3 and Fujifilm X-A5 are both Fujifilm X-A bodies. The X-A5 is the newer of the two, arriving in 2018. At launch the X-A3 was 599 USD and the X-A5 499 USD, making the X-A5 the more affordable of the two.

On paper the X-A3 is the stronger body of the two. It gives you a lighter 339g body.

The X-A5 isn't far behind. It hits back with face/eye-detection AF, 4K/15p video, and 450-shot battery life.

So which one? If you want a lighter 339g body, get the X-A3. If face/eye-detection AF is closer to what you actually need, the X-A5 is the smarter buy. And the X-A5 costs less — 499 USD at launch.

Where the X-A3 wins

  • +a lighter 339g body

Where the X-A5 wins

  • +face/eye-detection AF
  • +4K/15p video
  • +450-shot battery life

Who should buy the X-A3 or X-A5?

Buy the X-A3 if…

Pick the X-A3 if a lighter 339g body matters to you. It is the better fit for buyers who already lean toward X-A handling. Read the full X-A3 review for the use-case-specific pros and cons.

Buy the X-A5 if…

Pick the X-A5 if face/eye-detection AF, 4K/15p video matters to you. It also launched cheaper at 499 USD. It is the better fit for buyers who already lean toward X-A handling. Read the full X-A5 review for the use-case-specific pros and cons.

X-A3 vs X-A5: pros and cons

Fujifilm X-A3Fujifilm X-A5
  • 24.2 MP Bayer sensor in 339g
  • Touchscreen with flip-up selfie screen
  • 1080p/60 video
  • 410-shot CIPA battery life
  • First X-A with phase-detect AF
  • Cheapest Fuji with face/eye AF
  • 450-shot CIPA battery
  • 4K video (capped at 15 fps)
  • Contrast-detect AF only
  • No viewfinder, no IBIS, 1080p video
  • 4K capped at 15 fps, no log
  • No viewfinder, no IBIS

Pros and cons mirror the in-house X-A3 review and X-A5 review.

X-A3 vs X-A5: full specs

SpecProduct photo of the Fujifilm X-A3X-A3
2016 · $599
Product photo of the Fujifilm X-A5X-A5
2018 · $499
General
Release year20162018
Launch price599 USD499 USD
StatusDiscontinuedDiscontinued
Sensor & Image
Megapixels24.2 MP24.2 MP
Sensor generationBayerBayer
ProcessorEXR Processor IIEXR Processor II
ISO range200–6400200–12800
Autofocus & Burst
AF points4991
Subject detectionnoneface-eye
Burst (fps)66
Video
Max video1080p 60p4K 15p
CodecH.264H.264
Log profileNoNo
Physical
StabilizationNoneNone
ViewfinderNoneNone
LCD3" flip touch3" flip touch
Weather sealedNoNo
Weight339g361g
Storage
Card slots11
Card typesSD UHS-ISD UHS-I
Power
BatteryNP-W126SNP-W126S
Battery life (CIPA)410 shots450 shots
Software
Film sims56

Highlighted cells are best in class between these two. Specs sourced from public Fujifilm product pages.

In-depth reviews

For the full long-form review of each camera, see the Fujifilm X-A3 review and the Fujifilm X-A5 review. Each one carries the full spec breakdown, pros and cons, and where this body sits in the current Fujifilm lineup.