*note: This is an abridged version (about 70%) of the full and most updated version of the X-T3 review on keithwee.com
If memory doesn’t fail me, when the Fujifilm X-T1 was released back in Jan 2014, it’s excellent implementation of physical dials, tilt-screen, great handling and of course that huge ‘center-ed’ EVF propelled the brand forward towards more serious and professional users – and of course, easily made the X-T series the best selling (vs the X-Pro and X-E) in Fujifilm.
In reality, it wasn’t a perfect fairytale story. For example, the X-T1 back then was plagued by light leak issues & the dreaded mushy D-pad that took time to correct but yes – from then on, Fujifilm has learnt from experience and has evolved fast with the X-Pro2, X-T2 and of course, the recent X-H1 (my review here)
In a way if you lack the patience to read through the end, there is no need to doubt, the X-T3 is a crazily refined sequel to the X-T2 that improves on its predecessor in most of the ways that matter most: next generation sensor / processor, autofocus, overall performance down to a staggering zero black out 30 FPS, immersive EVF, handling and yes, ever improving video capabilities – giving one a very capable camera successor to the X-T2.
A first glance might have you believe that Fujifilm barely changed a thing with the X-T3’s design. And to my relief, they have indeed maintained a nearly identical, SLR-styled body. This is important to seasoned users, few people like having to adjust their muscle memory of buttons with every new body release.
Ok, we all know there will be a long list of improvements the X-T3 brings over X-T2, but let me focus on sharing a summary of the most significant improvements that the Fujifilm X-T3 will bring us (I am trying to keep this review to lesser than 1800 words )
New BSI X-Trans IV CMOS sensor and X-Processor 4 processor.
The wait for the 4th generation X-Trans IV sensor took almost 3 years and this generational jump brings along with it the key improvements that matters most:
X-Trans IV brings a Back-illuminated (BSI) sensor that features improved low-light performance and improved speed performance (the X-T3 can now do 30 FPS JPEG+RAW with a huge buffer), significantly better AF reliability with phase detection coverage on the full sensor area, improved dynamic range and megapixel count has been upped slightly to now 26 megapixels.
Native ISO is now ISO160 to ISO12800 (extended ISO at ISO80 and ISO25600). As with BSI sensor technology, the low light performance (or phase detection sensitivity) has now improved to -3 EV from a previous -1 EV in the X-T2 and X-H1.
Construction and Handling
The camera is constructed from magnesium alloy and of course weather-sealed. All around the camera shows excessive attention to detail, from the knurled dials to the improved depth of the grip.
The dials, the physical controls that all Fujifilm users love are all there. One glance is all one needs to set Aperture, Shutter Speed, ISO, Exposure compensation – all without even glancing at the LCD screen and that’s the way I want my camera to be.
For a camera worthy to be seen as for the professional, the basic is now Dual-Slot SD support and the X-T3 carries on this tradition with Dual UHS-II SD support. A surprise to me was that the X-T3 came with the more modern USB-C port that also supports in-camera charging.
That huge EVF and zero black-out in continuous shooting.
The electronic viewfinder has always been a badge of pride on the X-T series and the X-T3 is not allowed to disappoint with its ‘immersively’ large EVF that is sized at 0.75x with 3.69 million dots. If numbers don’t make sense to you, you gotta steal a peek on the X-T3’s EVF to understand.
The X-H1 saw a 50% boost in EVF resolution from the X-T2 and the X-T3 follows suit. Any EVF is judged on 3 counts: Size, Resolution and refresh speed and the X-T3 clears all 3 exemplarily.
It’s brighter, smoother, and yes, gives performance akin to zero black out even when shooting at 30 FPS. The zero black out also applies to LCD shooting and its mad. Unlike other brands, Fujifilm’s focus has always to not rush to be the first adopter of tech but to take its time to do it right & I’ve never imagined a Fujifilm camera to be able to do this until now but more on this later.
AF performance and speeds
Fujifilm has further dramatically improved autofocus performance on the X-T3. I remember 4 years ago the X100 frustrated with its 49 points but now the X-T3 brings with it 425 points (all fully selectable in AF-S and AF-C). In comparison, the X-H1 has 325 points in AF-S and only 91 points are selectable in AF-C.
Moving subjects with either the Zone or Wide/Tracking or even Single-point AF modes are much easier to capture now— and the focus stick is a huge help when trying to key in such precise focus. The AF points basically covers almost the whole frame. Fujifilm says the X-T3 can hit focus in lighting as low as-3EV, and yes, handling the camera shows so.
Sports Finder and Pre-Shot ES Mode + Improved Continuous shooting performance.
One department the X-T3 have improved dramatically is its slant towards a fast action camera, (its not a hard guess that this goes in line with the release of the XF200mm F2) Now in Electronic Shutter alone, one gets up to 30 FPS (note, at 1.25x crop at 16.6 megapixels) In Mechanical Shutter mode, one gets 11 FPS .
The Pre-Shot ES mode new to Fujifilm cameras works similar to other sports modes, starting capture with the shutter half-pressed, ensuring that no moments are lost when capturing high speed motion.
With the market’s recognised speed demon maxing out at 20 FPS, a question I had was why 30 FPS. Frankly i seldom went beyond 10 FPS even when shooting wildlife but then, after trying it out I was very taken aback by the difference it can make to one’s shooting – allowing one to choose between the very part of a second between consecutive images. The buffer was a surprise, even at 30 FPS Raw+JPEG, the camera showed no signs of slowing down at the 10th second.
To put this in perspective, the following 27 shots was well, from one scene.
GIF composite on the 27 images shot in HIGH continuous on Keithwee.com
Video prowess.
Fujifilm has never been really know for video prowess but the X-T3 really takes a significant step forward in video improvements. There is now Zebra support in the X-T3, a long requested for feature plus built in Slow-mo (5x at 120p) and improved rates up to 400 Mbps.
Coupled with the significantly improved tracking AF capabilities and updated video options such as 4K/60P 4:2:0 compatible with 10-bit SD recording in camera (also 4K/60P in 4:2:2 10 bit HDMI output) , it is now even easier for the professional or enthusiast to create.
Battery Grip VG-XT3
Like the X-H1 and X-T2, the flagship workhorse model definitely comes with an optional battery handgrip and its the VG-XT3.
Similar to the X-H1 and X-T2 grips, The VG-XT3 adds to battery life a good extra 2 batteries worth plus a full plethora of buttons (Fn, Q, AE-L, AF-L), and on top of that an additional joystick.
Before I move on further, I am sure some users will want a visual comparison of the X-T3 vs the X-T2 and here you go, slightly taller and thicker – and yeap, one will also notice a very slight increase in weight. Number lovers will want to know the X-T3 comes in at 132.5 x 92.8 x 58.8 mm and 539 g (batt and SD cards inclusive).
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