Beginner Fujifilm — X-A7 (2019): The most affordable X-mount entry — Fujifilm colour and film simulations with a large flip screen for beginners.
Film Photography Enthusiasts & Diptych Storytelling — Pentax 17 (2024): The best new film camera of the decade — manual controls, a sharp lens, and a half-frame format that doubles your roll and forces a new way of seeing.
Who should buy what
X-A7 (2019)
Quick take: The x-a7 is the most affordable. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | X-A7 (2019) | Pentax 17 (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £399 | £400 |
| Sensor | 24.2MP APS-C CMOS (Bayer, not X-Trans) | 35mm half-frame (18 × 24mm) |
| Resolution | 24.2MP | — |
| Video | 4K/30p, 1080p/60p | N/A — film camera |
| Autofocus | Phase-detect + contrast, 425 points | Zone focus (0.35m / 1m / 3m / ∞) |
| Stabilisation | None (no IBIS) | N/A — film camera |
| Burst Rate | 6fps | Manual wind-on |
| Battery Life | ~440 shots (CIPA) | 2× CR2 lithium batteries |
| Weight | 320g body only | ~165g (without batteries) |
| Dimensions | 118.0 × 80.6 × 55.2mm | 113 × 66 × 44mm |
| Weather Sealed | No | No |
| Viewfinder | None | Optical viewfinder with half-frame framelines |
| Screen | 3.5" fully articulating touchscreen | N/A |
| Mount | Fujifilm X-mount | 35mm film (ISO 25–3200 via DX coding + manual dial) |
| Memory Cards | Single SD UHS-I slot | 35mm 135-format film cartridge |
| Connectivity | USB Micro-B, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, micro HDMI | N/A |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | X-A7 | Pentax 17 |
|---|---|---|
| Family & Everyday | — | |
| Portrait | ||
| Travel | ||
| Vlogging & Video | — | |
| Street | ||
| Landscape | ||
| Everyday | — | |
| Low Light | — |
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