Fujifilm X-A7

The Fujifilm X-A7 is a compact mirrorless camera from 2019. At 320g and 119 x 68 x 41mm, it fits a small bag or a jacket pocket with a slim lens attached.

It suits everyday photographers who want interchangeable lenses without the bulk. The Fujifilm X mount gives access to the brand's lens range, and the APS-C sensor covers prints, cropping and family albums with room to spare.

Owning it means composing on the rear screen, because there is no viewfinder. The flip-out touchscreen makes that comfortable at waist level or when filming yourself. There is no weather sealing, so it is a camera for fair conditions and a little care.

The 24MP APS-C sensor gives plenty of resolution for prints and generous crops. You can trim a frame to tighten the composition and still have a file that holds up, which helps when a longer lens stayed at home.

The autofocus system offers 425 points. Burst shooting reaches 8fps at its maximum, enough for fleeting expressions and gentle action, though that figure is a top speed rather than a promise of sustained shooting.

Sensitivity runs from ISO 100 to 12800, covering sunny streets through dim interiors. The 1/4000 top shutter speed handles most daylight work, though very wide apertures in strong light may need a neutral density filter instead.

There is no in-body stabilisation, so shake control depends on the lens you fit or your own technique. In low light, a stabilised lens, a faster shutter or a small tripod keeps frames sharp.

The camera records 4K video, giving footage enough resolution for cropping in edit or viewing on large screens. Frame rates reach 60fps for smoother motion when a project calls for it. Check the mode list before assuming the highest resolution and fastest rate can be used together.

A built-in timelapse function handles interval shooting on its own, handy for clouds, crowds or a sunset without extra gear.

Clips record in MPEG-4 or MOV, two common container formats. The flip screen earns its place here: tilt it to check framing on a tripod, or turn it toward yourself when presenting to camera. With no viewfinder, that screen is also where you confirm the shot while recording.

Composition happens on the 3.5-inch LCD, whose 2,760,000 dots render fine detail, and live view keeps the on-screen preview current. Touch control speeds up setting changes, and the screen flips out for low, high and front-facing angles.

A built-in flash covers dim rooms when you want to travel light, and the camera also accepts an external flash when you need more power and control.

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are both built in for wireless connection. There is no GPS, so the camera itself does not tag locations, and there is no weather sealing either, so keep rain and dust away from the body.

A single slot takes SD, SDHC and SDXC cards with UHS-I support, so fast cards are available for bursts and video. With one slot, you cannot record to two cards at once, so offloading important work as you go is a good habit.

The NP-W126S battery is rated at 270 shots. Real endurance varies with how much you lean on the screen, and this camera always does, since there is no viewfinder. A charged spare is sensible for a long day.

USB charging lets you top the battery up from a laptop or wall adapter between shoots, which suits a small travel kit.