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Fujifilm X-A5 vs X-E3

The Fujifilm X-A5 and the Fujifilm X-E3 are two digital cameras that were announced, respectively, in January 2018 and September 2017. Both the X-A5 and the X-E3 are mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras that are equipped with an APS-C sensor. Both cameras offer a resolution of 24 megapixels.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications
Fujifilm X-A5
versus
Fujifilm X-E3
Fujifilm X-A5   Fujifilm X-E3
Mirrorless system camera Mirrorless system camera
Fujifilm X mount lenses Fujifilm X mount lenses
24 MP – APS-C sensor 24 MP – APS-C sensor
4K/15p Video 4K/30p Video
ISO 200-12,800 (200 - 51,200) ISO 200-12,800 (100 - 51,200)
No viewfinder, LCD framing Electronic viewfinder (2360k dots)
3.0" LCD – 1040k dots 3.0" LCD – 1040k dots
Tilting touchscreen Fixed touchscreen
6 shutter flaps per second 8 shutter flaps per second
450 shots per battery charge350 shots per battery charge
117 x 68 x 40 mm, 361 g 121 x 74 x 43 mm, 337 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Fujifilm X-A5 and the Fujifilm X-E3? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

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Body comparison

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Fujifilm X-A5 and the Fujifilm X-E3. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The X-A5 can be obtained in three different colors (silver, brown, pink), while the X-E3 is available in two color-versions (black, silver).

Size Fujifilm X-A5 vs Fujifilm X-E3
Compare X-A5 versus X-E3 top
Comparison X-A5 or X-E3 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Fujifilm X-E3 is notably larger (13 percent) than the Fujifilm X-A5. However, the X-E3 is markedly lighter (7 percent) than the X-A5. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the X-A5 nor the X-E3 are weather-sealed.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. In this particular case, both cameras feature the same lens mount, so that they can use the same lenses. You can compare the optics available in the Fujinon X Lens Catalog. Mirrorless cameras, such as the two under consideration, have the additional advantage of having a short flange to focal plane distance, which makes it possible to mount many lenses from other systems onto the camera via adapters.

The battery packs of both cameras can be charged via USB, which can be very convenient when travelling.

The adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. In case you want to display and compare another camera duo, you can use the CAM-parator app to select your camera combination among a large number of options.

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Body Specifications
  empty Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Fujifilm X-A5 117 mm 68 mm 40 mm 361 g 450 n Jan 2018 US$ 399ebay.com
2.
 
Fujifilm X-E3 121 mm 74 mm 43 mm 337 g 350 n Sep 2017 US$ 899ebay.com
3.
 
Fujifilm X-A2 117 mm 67 mm 40 mm 350 g 410 n Jan 2015 US$ 399ebay.com
4.
 
Fujifilm X-A3 117 mm 67 mm 40 mm 339 g 410 n Aug 2016 US$ 399ebay.com
5.
 
Fujifilm X-A7 119 mm 68 mm 41 mm 320 g 440 n Sep 2019 US$ 499ebay.com
6.
 
Fujifilm X-A10 117 mm 67 mm 40 mm 331 g 410 n Dec 2016 US$ 399ebay.com
7.
 
Fujifilm X-E2S 129 mm 75 mm 37 mm 350 g 350 n Jan 2016 US$ 699ebay.com
8.
 
Fujifilm X-E4 121 mm 73 mm 33 mm 364 g 380 n Jan 2021 US$ 849 amazon.com
9.
 
Fujifilm X-T20 118 mm 83 mm 41 mm 383 g 350 n Jan 2017 US$ 899ebay.com
10.
 
Fujifilm X-T30 118 mm 83 mm 47 mm 383 g 380 n Feb 2019 US$ 899ebay.com
11.
 
Fujifilm X-T100 121 mm 83 mm 47 mm 448 g 430 n May 2018 US$ 599ebay.com
12.
 
Fujifilm X-T200 121 mm 84 mm 55 mm 370 g 270 n Jan 2020 US$ 699ebay.com
13.
 
Nikon D3500 124 mm 97 mm 70 mm 415 g 1550 n Aug 2018 US$ 429ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices give an idea on the placement of the camera in the maker’s lineup and the broader market. The X-A5 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 56 percent) than the X-E3, which puts it into a different market segment. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down.

Sensor comparison

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow depth-of-field in order to isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

Both cameras under consideration feature an APS-C sensor, but their sensors differ slightly in size. They nevertheless have the same format factor of 1.5. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Fujifilm X-A5 and Fujifilm X-E3 sensor measures

Even though the X-A5 has a slightly larger sensor, both cameras offer the same resolution of 24 megapixels. This implies that the X-A5 has a lower pixel density and larger individual pixels (with a pixel pitch of 3.92μm versus 3.92μm for the X-E3), which gives it a potential advantage in terms of light gathering capacity. In addition, the X-A5 is a somewhat more recent model (by 4 months) than the X-E3, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the X-E3 has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The Fujifilm X-A5 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 200 to ISO 12800, which can be extended to ISO 200-51200. The corresponding ISO settings for the Fujifilm X-E3 are ISO 200 to ISO 12800, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 100-51200.

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors. Like most digital cameras, the X-A5 uses a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. In contrast, the X-E3 employs a more randomized X-Trans layout of photosites, which according to Fujifilm helps to minimize moiré.

X-A5 versus X-E3 MP

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). The adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of comparator-cameras.

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Sensor Characteristics
  empty Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Fujifilm X-A5 APS-C 24.0 6000 40004K/15p24.013.3180082
2.
 
Fujifilm X-E3 APS-C 24.0 6000 40004K/30p23.913.3176482
3.
 
Fujifilm X-A2 APS-C 16.0 4896 32641080/30p23.612.8151579
4.
 
Fujifilm X-A3 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p23.813.1166481
5.
 
Fujifilm X-A7 APS-C 24.0 6000 40004K/30p24.113.6195584
6.
 
Fujifilm X-A10 APS-C 16.0 4896 32641080/30p23.913.2169181
7.
 
Fujifilm X-E2S APS-C 16.0 4896 32641080/60p23.713.0160880
8.
 
Fujifilm X-E4 APS-C 26.0 6240 41604K/30p24.213.7208585
9.
 
Fujifilm X-T20 APS-C 24.0 6000 40004K/30p23.913.2170481
10.
 
Fujifilm X-T30 APS-C 26.0 6240 41604K/30p24.113.5189583
11.
 
Fujifilm X-T100 APS-C 24.0 6000 40004K/15p24.013.4182983
12.
 
Fujifilm X-T200 APS-C 24.0 6000 40004K/30p24.113.6199184
13.
 
Nikon D3500 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.013.4185183
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.

Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. The two cameras under consideration both have sensors whose read-out speed is fast enough to capture moving pictures, but the X-E3 provides a faster frame rate than the X-A5. It can shoot movie footage at 4K/30p, while the X-A5 is limited to 4K/15p.

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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. For example, the X-E3 has an electronic viewfinder (2360k dots), which can be very helpful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the X-A5 relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Fujifilm X-A5 and Fujifilm X-E3 along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

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Core Features
  empty Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Fujifilm X-A5none n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
2.
 
Fujifilm X-E32360 n3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/4000s 8.0/s n n
3.
 
Fujifilm X-A2none n3.0 / 920 tilting n 1/4000s 5.6/s Y n
4.
 
Fujifilm X-A3none n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
5.
 
Fujifilm X-A7none n3.5 / 2760 swivel Y 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
6.
 
Fujifilm X-A10none n3.0 / 1040 tilting n 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
7.
 
Fujifilm X-E2S2360 n3.0 / 1040 fixed n 1/4000s 7.0/s Y n
8.
 
Fujifilm X-E42360 n3.0 / 1620 tilting Y 1/4000s 8.0/s n n
9.
 
Fujifilm X-T202360 n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 8.0/s Y n
10.
 
Fujifilm X-T302360 n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 8.0/s Y n
11.
 
Fujifilm X-T1002360 n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
12.
 
Fujifilm X-T2002360 n3.5 / 2780 swivel Y 1/4000s 8.0/s Y n
13.
 
Nikon D3500optical n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

One difference between the cameras concerns the presence of an on-board flash. The X-A5 has one, while the X-E3 does not. While the built-in flash of the X-A5 is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light.

The X-A5 has an articulated LCD that can be turned to be front-facing. This characteristic will be appreciated by vloggers and photographers who are interested in snapping selfies. In contrast, the X-E3 does not have a selfie-screen.

The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, both cameras under consideration feature an electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

The Fujifilm X-A5 and the Fujifilm X-E3 both have an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the X-A5 and the X-E3 write their files to SDXC cards. Both cameras can use UHS-I cards, which provide for Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s.

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Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Fujifilm X-A5 and Fujifilm X-E3 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
  empty Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Fujifilm X-A5Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y-Y
2.
 
Fujifilm X-E3Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y-Y
3.
 
Fujifilm X-A2Ystereo / mono--mini2.0Y--
4.
 
Fujifilm X-A3Ystereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
5.
 
Fujifilm X-A7Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y-Y
6.
 
Fujifilm X-A10-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
7.
 
Fujifilm X-E2SYstereo / monoY-micro2.0Y--
8.
 
Fujifilm X-E4Ystereo / monoY-micro3.2Y-Y
9.
 
Fujifilm X-T20Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y--
10.
 
Fujifilm X-T30Ystereo / monoY-micro3.1Y-Y
11.
 
Fujifilm X-T100Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y-Y
12.
 
Fujifilm X-T200Ystereo / monoYYmicro3.1Y-Y
13.
 
Nikon D3500Ymono / mono--mini2.0--Y

Both the X-A5 and the X-E3 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The X-E3 was replaced by the Fujifilm X-E4, while the X-A5 does not have a direct successor. Further information on the features and operation of the X-A5 and X-E3 can be found, respectively, in the Fujifilm X-A5 Manual (free pdf) or the online Fujifilm X-E3 Manual.

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Review summary

So how do things add up? Which of the two cameras – the Fujifilm X-A5 or the Fujifilm X-E3 – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.


Arguments in favor of the Fujifilm X-A5:

  • Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
  • More flexible LCD: Has a tilting screen for odd-angle shots in landscape orientation.
  • More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
  • More compact: Is smaller (117x68mm vs 121x74mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (450 versus 350) on a single battery charge.
  • Easier fill-in: Is equipped with a small onboard flash to brighten deep shadow areas.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (56 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More modern: Is somewhat more recent (announced 4 months after the X-E3).


Advantages of the Fujifilm X-E3:

  • Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
  • Better video: Provides higher movie framerates (4K/30p versus 4K/15p).
  • Easier framing: Has an electronic viewfinder for image composition and settings control.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (8 vs 6 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in September 2017).

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the X-A5 emerges as the winner of the contest (8 : 5 points). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera. A professional wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

X-A5 08:05 X-E3

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Fujifilm X-A5 and the Fujifilm X-E3 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera listing whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the specs-based evaluation of cameras can be instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the X-A5 and the X-E3 in practical situations. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased.

Expert reviews

This is why expert reviews are important. The table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

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Expert Camera Reviews
  empty  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Fujifilm X-A5..+4.1/5..4/53.5/5 Jan 2018 US$ 399ebay.com
2.
 
Fujifilm X-E34.5/5+4.5/584/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2017 US$ 899ebay.com
3.
 
Fujifilm X-A24/5......4.5/54.5/5 Jan 2015 US$ 399ebay.com
4.
 
Fujifilm X-A3......74/1004.5/54/5 Aug 2016 US$ 399ebay.com
5.
 
Fujifilm X-A73/5..3.5/581/1004/53.5/5 Sep 2019 US$ 499ebay.com
6.
 
Fujifilm X-A10........4/54/5 Dec 2016 US$ 399ebay.com
7.
 
Fujifilm X-E2S4.5/5....77/1004.5/54.5/5 Jan 2016 US$ 699ebay.com
8.
 
Fujifilm X-E44/5..4/5..4.5/54/5 Jan 2021 US$ 849 amazon.com
9.
 
Fujifilm X-T205/5+ +5/582/1005/54.5/5 Jan 2017 US$ 899ebay.com
10.
 
Fujifilm X-T305/5+ +5/584/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2019 US$ 899ebay.com
11.
 
Fujifilm X-T1004/5+4.5/579/1004/54.5/5 May 2018 US$ 599ebay.com
12.
 
Fujifilm X-T2003.5/5..4/582/1004/54.5/5 Jan 2020 US$ 699ebay.com
13.
 
Nikon D35004/5..4/575/1004/54.5/5 Aug 2018 US$ 429ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you are interested in seeing how other cameras pair up, just make your choice using the following search menu. As an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.

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    Specifications: Fujifilm X-A5 vs Fujifilm X-E3

    Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Fujifilm X-A5 Fujifilm X-E3
    Camera Type Mirrorless system camera Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens Fujifilm X mount lenses Fujifilm X mount lenses
    Launch Date January 2018 September 2017
    Launch Price USD 399 USD 899
    Sensor Specs Fujifilm X-A5 Fujifilm X-E3
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format APS-C Sensor APS-C Sensor
    Sensor Size 23.5 x 15.7 mm 23.6 x 15.6 mm
    Sensor Area 368.95 mm2 368.16 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 28.3 mm 28.3 mm
    Crop Factor 1.5x 1.5x
    Sensor Resolution 24 Megapixels 24 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 6000 x 4000 pixels 6000 x 4000 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 3.92 μm 3.92 μm
    Pixel Density 6.50 MP/cm2 6.52 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter no AA filter
    Movie Capability 4K/15p Video 4K/30p Video
    ISO Setting 200 - 12,800 ISO 200 - 12,800 ISO
    ISO Boost 200 - 51,200 ISO 100 - 51,200 ISO
    Screen Specs Fujifilm X-A5 Fujifilm X-E3
    Viewfinder Type no viewfinder Electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.41x
    Viewfinder Resolution 2360k dots
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 1040k dots 1040k dots
    LCD Attachment Tilting screen Fixed screen
    Touch Input Touchscreen Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Fujifilm X-A5 Fujifilm X-E3
    Focus System On-Sensor Phase-detect On-Sensor Phase-detect
    Manual Focusing AidFocus PeakingFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/4000s 1/4000s
    Continuous Shooting 6 shutter flaps/s 8 shutter flaps/s
    Electronic Shutterup to 1/32000sup to 1/32000s
    Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inIntervalometer built-in
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Single card slot
    UHS card support UHS-I UHS-I
    Connectivity Specs Fujifilm X-A5 Fujifilm X-E3
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port micro HDMI micro HDMI
    Microphone Port External MIC port External MIC port
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in Wifi built-in
    Bluetooth Support Bluetooth built-in Bluetooth built-in
    Body Specs Fujifilm X-A5 Fujifilm X-E3
    Battery Type Fujifilm NP-W126S Fujifilm NP-W126S
    Battery Life (CIPA)450 shots per charge350 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging USB charging USB charging
    Body Dimensions 117 x 68 x 40 mm
    (4.6 x 2.7 x 1.6 in)
    121 x 74 x 43 mm
    (4.8 x 2.9 x 1.7 in)
    Camera Weight 361 g (12.7 oz) 337 g (11.9 oz)
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