Fujifilm X-T3

Fujifilm X-T3: full review

It’s a matter of fields of competence. If it’s true that Canon and Nikon are the unquestioned leader companies for DLSR cameras, there is no doubt that at the moment Fuji and Sony are unreachable in terms of mirrorless.

Indeed, also the mirrorless Fuijfilm X-T3 has surprised the market (video too), together with the rival Sony a7R III.

Design and ergonomics of X-T3

The design of Fuji X-T3 is austere, very simple, vaguely retrò. The total black version is really beautiful, but the black and silver one is even more attractive from the aesthetical point of view. Personal taste, of course.

The size is contained, but the camera body is very solid, with detailed finishing. The grip is jutting like in the previous model, so it’s comforting and comfortable. In the middle, Fuji X-T3 has EVF viewfinder, one of the features that make it soberly vintage.

On the top Fuji X-T3 has quite big rings, for a more comfortable use than the first mirrorless cameras.

In addition, in case you like holding something bigger, there is the VG-XT3 Vertical Battery Grip, an additional battery and, at the same time, a second grip attachable to the camera body of Fuji X-T3. The very interesting thing is that this second grip has also several commands, such as rings, shutter and focus buttons, and AE-L and AF-L buttons.

Main technical features

The sensor of Fuji X-T3 is 26.1 megapixel APS-C backlit format (without low pass filter). Compared to X-T2 it has faster and more precise focus even in low light conditions. As well, the processor underwent a significant improvement, since the new X-Processor 4 processes images three times faster than X-T2.

AF has also improved, with 2.16 million dots (phase detection) for a total coverage of the frame. This means precise focus also with peripheral objects in the frame, in low light conditions and with moving subjects.

The LCD display is not completely adjustable, but just up, down and right. I wonder why Fuji didn’t make it fully adjustable… Just a personal thought.

About connectivity I’d say that X-T3 is well aligned to the needs of the moment, it connects to social networks and clouds. There are also USB 3 and HDMI ports, and bluetooth connection.

Video

Sensor and processor guarantee very high quality videos. In Fuji X-T3, the distortion of moving subjects has been reduced, another step forward compared to the previous model, also for sports/wildlife shooting. With the “zebra” mode, you can immediately see the overexposed areas during clip recording.

With the “Eternal” mode you’ll have a simulation of a specific film for videos.

With X-T3, Fuji has definitely rushed into the approach to Panasonic Lumix GH5, long considered as the top product for video makers. It is a real shame, though, that with such fast and precise focus the tracking AF is missing during the recording.

Why buy Fuji X-T3?

First of all, because of its very high quality images, thanks to a fourth-generation sensor and a very quick processor. Then, extremely precise Autofocus, almost zero digital noise, and 11 fps burst mode with mechanical shutter (30 with the electronic one). Besides, Fuji X-T3 is really versatile, keeping high standards in any kind of photo.

On the road, it gives you picture with no need for post-production, with excellent jpg format. And then, with Bluetooth, sharing is instant and energy efficient.

With improved eyes and face recognition abilities, Fuji X-T3 is perfect also for portraits, editable with different modes thought for pose.

It’s not a full frame, but Fuji X-T3 is better than good for landscape photography, with wide color range from light to dark. The (almost completely) adjustable display will help you in the most difficult situations.

I kept the main skill of Fuji X-T3 for last - sports photography. Here, the focus speed is the most important feature, together with 11 frames per second burst mode.

The rivals of Fuji X-T3

Sony a6500 is among the fiercest rivals of Fuji X-T3. This APS-C mirrorless records 4k videos and has an unbelievably fast AF. Sadly, it has very complicated settings compared to X-T3.

Nikon D500 means action photography in APS-C DSRL. But of course, over weight and manageability Fuji X-T3 wins.

Sony A7R III is better than X-T3 in terms of Autofocus, faster and more precise. And it’s not to be forgotten that the image quality is really high. However, Fuji has a more affordable price and a smaller camera body.

I’ve already quoted Lumix GH5 for its extremely high quality videos. Probably, it still has something more than Fuji X-T3 in terms of recording, but definitely something less when we talk about photo image quality.