It’s been over half a year considering that Fujifilm revealed the 3rd version of its mirrorless interchangeable-lens X-T series, the X-T3

Fujifilm was kind sufficient to provide me an X-T3 system for a month in November, and I was self-centered sufficient to overlook their e-mails to return it for the previous 2 months. Yes, the X-T3 is so excellent I want I might keep it permanently.

Because that’s not a choice, I’m here to share my experience utilizing the X-T3 over the previous 3 months– and why I’m currently feeling classic about my impending split with it. Right off the bat, this is more of a love letter to the X-T3 than a real evaluation (all right, perhaps I’m overemphasizing a little).

However prior to we enter into the specifics, a couple of words on the technique I took in this evaluation– and a quick storytime detour.

” Do video camera evaluations even matter?”

After investing 3 years studying art theory and visual appeals, among my most significant post-university remorses was that I never ever got to try out visual arts beyond school– or put my theoretical understanding to the test. So in 2017 I chose to alter that, and set out to purchase my extremely first video camera.

Just Like any other acquiring choice, I review lots of video camera evaluations and specifications that I hardly comprehended; and when there disappeared evaluations delegated browse, I headed to YouTube and viewed videos of my top-pick electronic cameras in action. However even after all that research study, I still didn’t feel comfy deciding on a last option.

Then I stumbled upon a brief, however extremely poignant, piece by Gigaom creator Om Malik, where he asked precisely the very same concern that was pestering me at the time: ” do video camera evaluations even matter?”

All I would like to know from evaluations is how it feels in hand, the images it makes, and what is the real efficiency from a day-to-day use stand point,” Malik composed. “The sensing unit size, the sensing unit type, and what type of processors imply definitely nothing– what matters is the images.”

In the very same piece, Malik revealed an example of an evaluation that did exactly that. The evaluation in concern concentrated on the X100 F— the 4th version of Fujifilm’s fixed-lens X100 series that uses outstanding image quality in a pocketable body; it was composed by popular wedding event and X-photographer, Kevin Mullins.

( Please keep in mind that X-photographers are basically overdue Fujifilm brand name ambassadors. So take that as you will.)

What basically made Mullins’s article on the X100 F so engaging wasn’t the technical information he supplied (and there was lots of that), however the images he took with it. I was definitely enamored by Mullins’s deal with the X100 F, I was both motivated and completely horrified by his skill.

However there was something I was specific about: the X100 F is an extraordinary video camera, and if I put in the effort– it might assist me one day make images that influence others the very same method Mullins motivated me.

Now there’s one caution we must voice out: although the very best display of the capability of a video camera is the images it produces, it likewise takes an excellent professional photographer in order to make the most out of the abilities a video camera offers you.

Purchasing a video camera that provides exceptional images will not make you an excellent professional photographer; what it will do however is offer you the tools to produce fantastic images. However to attain that, you will require to put in the hours, concentrate on your work, and focus your vision. There’s no chance around that.

After checking out Mullins’s evaluation, I eventually opted for the X100 F Though I might’ve chosen a more flexible design and got an interchangeable-lens video camera, my experience with the X100 F has actually persuaded me I made the best call. The repaired lens made me zero in on dealing with what I have, which in turn assisted me end up being a much better professional photographer in the long run.

This brings me to my evaluation of the X-T3. While I’ll discuss a few of the tech powering the X-T3, this piece is more of a review of my experience utilizing the video camera, and a presentation of the images I took with it, rather of a full-blown evaluation.

I must likewise discuss that although I have actually been covering innovation for over 3 years now, I’m neither an innovation customer, nor an expert photographer. I’m more of a non-photographer who periodically takes honest images in the streets.

Lastly– and this is an essential disclaimer– all images have actually been modified (some quite greatly) to my taste. For the sake of openness, I will likewise consist of links to out-of-camera samples in the captions under each image. This must offer you a much better concept of the X-T3’s in-camera processing abilities, and the post-processing versatility you get in RAW files.

Body and style

Let me start with this: the X-T3 is a discussion starter.

Fujifilm electronic cameras are typically motivated by the traditional analog appearance, and the X-T3 is no various. The X-T3 has an unique 80 s feel, similar to Fujifilm’s Fujica series. Undoubtedly, I could not count the number of times a complete stranger would stop me on the street, indicate the X-T3, and ask me if I’m shooting on movie– or simply enthusiastically nod in approval: “Cool video camera!”

Not just is the X-T3’s style definitely beautiful, however rather practical too.

The video camera sports 3 different analog controls for ISO, shutter speed, and direct exposure payment. While just the previous 2 are lockable, the direct exposure payment dial is quite tough, so you will not need to stress over inadvertently turning it.

There are 2 extra– front and rear– command dials, which can be tailored to your requirements. I personally utilize the rear dial to tweak the shutter speed when essential, and the front dial to change in between various custom-range ISO vehicle modes.

The rear side of the video camera includes a joystick (which you can utilize to choose your focus point when shooting) and a dial pad with 4 arrows, each of which can be tailored. I personally disabled the arrow faster ways, as I discovered myself inadvertently clicking them a bit frequently. Still, it’s excellent to have alternatives.

Unlike its X-T2 predecessor, the X-T3 likewise boasts a touch-enabled screen, which you can tap to concentrate on your topic. This was undoubtedly among the modifications I was most curious to evaluate out, however I discovered the joystick far more dependable when it pertained to focusing. The 3.2-inch screen tilts up or down, along with side to side; sadly for vloggers however, it does not turn to the front.

XF35 mmF2 R WR, F/4.0 ( out-of-camera sample)
XF35 mmF2 R WR, F/5.6 ( out-of-camera sample)

I must likewise discuss that the body is sealed versus dust and wetness– and after hours of shooting in the rain, I can validate the weather-sealing works as planned.

Inside Fujifilm’s X-T3

The X-T3 features Fujifilm’s brand-new X-Trans CMOS 4 sensing unit and X-Processor 4 image processing engine. The business states the brand-new tech provides 3 times the processing speed of existing designs– and I want to concur with this contrast following my trial with the video camera.

The X-T3 is still an APS-C format video camera, and with the current hardware upgrade it’s quickly among the very best 1.5x-crop options out there.

XF35 mmF2 R WR, F/8.0 ( out-of-camera sample)
XF35 mmF2 R WR, F/5.6 ( out-of-camera sample)
XF35 mmF2 R WR, F/5.0 ( out-of-camera sample)

We will not get unfathomable into this, however here’s a quick specifications low-down for you:

  • 261 million pixels (up from 24.3 million pixels for the X-T2)
  • Optimum resolution of 6240 ×4160 pixels (3:2 element ratio)
  • Brand-new base ISO of 160 (efficient in shooting RAW as much as ISO 12,800)
  • 425- point hybrid autofocus system
  • High-resolution 3.69- dot electronic viewfinder (EVF)
  • 4K video 10- bit video recording abilities (30 p complete width, 60 p at 1.18 crop)
  • 11 frames per 2nd when shooting in burst mode with mechanical shutter (20 when utilizing the electronic shutter, and 30 when contending a 1.25 x crop with the electronic shutter)
  • Double UHS-II SD card slots
  • USB-C adapter
  • Measurements: ( W) 132.5 mm x (H) 92.8 mm x (D) 58.8 mm
  • Weight: 489 g (omitting battery and SD sd card)

So what do all these specifications imply for you? To name a few things, unbelievably quick autofocus (AF) efficiency.

XF35 mmF2 R WR, F/5.6 ( out-of-camera sample)
XF35 mmF2 R WR, F/5.6 ( out-of-camera sample)

Originating From the X100 F (where AF is currently probably quick), I was shocked to find just how much quicker the X-T3 AF is. It’s challenging to explain the experience, however the AF was the single most outstanding function of the X-T3, a minimum of in my book.

Undoubtedly, the autofocus system assisted me record some minutes I would’ve quickly missed out on had I been shooting with my X100 F: or simply put, it might make the distinction in between a fantastic and an average shot.

The cable car was really relocating this shot, and yet the X-T3 still handled to concentrate on my target– no face or eye detection support utilized. XF35 mmF2 R WR, F/7.1 ( out-of-camera sample)
Another fine example of a shot where timing was vital, and the X-T3 provided. XF35 mmF2 R WR, F/5.6 ( out-of-camera sample)
XF35 mmF2 R WR, F/3.6 ( out-of-camera sample)

Fujifilm declares the AF enhancements are best observed at low-light conditions, however truthfully– the AF efficiency shines through in any circumstance you can possibly imagine.

The brand-new sensor-processor mix appears to have actually likewise brought enhancements in video camera IQ. Fujifilm was currently understood for its outstanding out-of-camera JPEGs (and numerous integrated movie simulation profiles), however this is much more noticeable with the X-T3.

XF35 mmF2 R WR, F/4.0 ( out-of-camera sample)
XF35 mmF2 R WR, F/2.0 ( out-of-camera sample)
XF35 mmF2 R WR, F/4.0 ( out-of-camera sample)

For a more technical breakdown of the innovation inside the X-T3 (or a much deeper check out its video abilities), take a look at DPRreview’s evaluation— they have actually done a terrific task of summarizing both the benefits and drawbacks of the video camera.

The X-T3 in action

As you may’ve currently thought, the X-T3 is an outright pleasure to shoot with.

Even after weeks of utilizing it, the X-T3 kept happily unexpected me with its exceptionally quick and precise AF system. This is especially outstanding when we take into consideration Fujifilm lenses aren’t all that quickly, compared to other options on the marketplace.

Fujifilm lent me 3 various lenses to experiment with– XF16-55 mmF2.8 R LM WR, XF23 mmF2 R WR, and XF35 mmF2 R WR— however I mainly shot with the 35 mm prime lens (53 mm equivalent). In all fairness however, the XF35 mmF2 R WR is amongst the fastest lenses in Fujifilm’s lineup.

XF35 mmF2 R WR, F/3.6 ( out-of-camera sample)
XF35 mmF2 R WR, F/8.0 ( out-of-camera sample)
XF35 mmF2 R WR, F/8.0 ( out-of-camera sample)

While it’s not precisely pocketable, the X-T3 is still light-weight sufficient to bring around all over. I mainly shoot in Amsterdam, however I likewise brought it in addition to me on my journeys to London, Sofia, and Barcelona.

Thanks to its revamped sensing unit and processor, the X-T3 promotes enhanced face and eye detection AF abilities, assuring to concentrate on moving individuals two times as quick in contrast to previous designs.

While the face and eye detection includes work relatively precisely in easy conditions, things get a little irritating when it concerns shooting complex scenes with various individuals in the frame– like street photography.

That’s likewise why I wound up disabling face and eye detection, and mainly utilized the joystick to concentrate on my topics.

I make certain the topic’s face would’ve remained in focus had I utilized AF face-assistance here. XF35 mmF2 R WR, F/7.1 ( out-of-camera sample)
Exact same about this one. XF35 mmF2 R WR, F/5.6 ( out-of-camera sample)
Aaand this one too. XF35 mmF2 R WR, F/8.0 ( out-of-camera sample)

That stated, I did rely on the X-T3’s metering system to pick the ISO for me. Fujifilm permits you to choose as much as 3 custom-made ISO vehicle modes, which you can even more adjust by experimenting with the direct exposure payment settings.

Originating From the X100 F which utilizes Fujifilm’s older sensing unit and processor tech, I was impressed with the development the business has actually made when it emerges metering.

XF35 mmF2 R WR, F/5.6 ( out-of-camera sample)
XF35 mmF2 R WR, F/5.6 ( out-of-camera sample; reward points if you identify the distinction in between the modified and unedited variation

While the battery life is absolutely nothing remarkable, I regularly handled to get over 400 images on a single charge– possibly since I shoot in burst mode. For context, Fujifilm declares about 390 shots on a single charge in its marketing products.

My only drawback with the X-T3 is that it did freeze on a couple of unusual celebrations. Absolutely nothing a fast reset could not repair, however I saw I lost a couple of frames at the same time (considering that I often shoot in burst mode). The good idea is that I have not experienced this problem after the current firmware upgrade.

Disregarding these separated missteps, the X-T3 is a really exceptional video camera that can be an important tool to both specialists and casual lovers alike.

XF35 mmF2 R WR, F/5.6 ( out-of-camera sample)
XF35 mmF2 R WR, F/5.6 ( out-of-camera sample)
XF35 mmF2 R WR, F/5.6 ( out-of-camera sample)

So should I purchase it?

If you remain in the marketplace for a brand-new– possibly even your extremely initially– video camera, you must definitely take the X-T3 into factor to consider.

At $1399(body just), the X-T3 is not inexpensive by any methods; nevertheless, it’s reasonably economical compared to other electronic cameras in the very same variety, such as and Nikon’s D500 and Panasonic’s GH5.

If you take place to currently own a video camera that uses a comparable efficiency, you may be much better off hanging back up until the next version of the X-T series; or up until X-T3’s cost has actually dropped a little.

XF35 mmF2 R WR, F/2.8 ( out-of-camera sample)
XF35 mmF2 R WR, F/5.6 ( out-of-camera sample)
XF35 mmF2 R WR, F/4.0 ( out-of-camera sample)

Then there is the just recently released X-T30 which loads the very same sensing unit and processor tech, however loses a few of the X-T3’s premium functions– like weather-sealing– and a couple of buttons.

Still, it’s a bit more compact, and considerably less costly at $899(or $ 1,299 consisting of the XF18-55 mm lens). Obviously, you will need to wait a bit longer for the X-T30 up until it goes on sale in March.

XF35 mmF2 R WR, F/4.0 ( out-of-camera sample)
XF35 mmF2 R WR, F/4.0 ( out-of-camera sample)
XF35 mmF2 R WR, F/8.0 ( out-of-camera sample)

As far as my love with the X-T3 goes, I hesitate I will not be copping it for the time being. I ‘d be lying if I stated I will not miss out on toying around with it, however it’s challenging to validate dispensing over a grand for the X-T3 when my X100 F still provides equivalent outcomes (as far as still images address least, the circumstance is a bit various when it concerns video).

However if I unexpectedly feel the requirement to update my photography toolbox– or hop into making videos– I can state with no doubt: the X-T3 will be my outright leading choice.

XF35 mmF2 R WR, F/3.2 ( out-of-camera sample)
XF35 mmF2 R WR, F/4.0 ( out-of-camera sample)
XF35 mmF2 R WR, F/4.0 ( out-of-camera sample)

Oh, and if you delighted in checking out the images I took with the X-T3, do not hesitate to follow me on Instagram for more of where that originated from!

Here are a couple of more shots prior to you go however:

XF35 mmF2 R WR, F/5.0 ( out-of-camera sample)
XF35 mmF2 R WR, F/5.6 ( out-of-camera sample)
XF35 mmF2 R WR, F/4.0 ( out-of-camera sample)
XF35 mmF2 R WR, F/3.2 ( out-of-camera sample)
XF35 mmF2 R WR, F/3.6 ( out-of-camera sample)
XF35 mmF2 R WR, F/8.0 ( out-of-camera sample)
XF35 mmF2 R WR, F/8.0 ( out-of-camera sample)

Released February 26, 2019– 15: 47 UTC.

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Item X-T3 by Fujifilm