Attention! Now arriving on your photographic B&H Photo Wish List: the newest Fujifilm X-series flagship, the Fujifilm X-T3. As many of you know, Fujifilm has carved out a distinct niche in the photo world with its retro-styled cameras, armed with beautiful X-Trans sensors and mated to extraordinary optics. The X-Pro line's rangefinder DNA appeals to one group of shooters, while the X-T cameras have been the standard-bearers of the X-series fleet. The Fujifilm X-T2 was a welcome refinement of the X-T1, and it looks like the brand-new X-T3 is a nice improvement over the X-T2. If it isn't broken, just make it better.
What is new with the X-T3? Let's have a look… inside and out!
Specs, Please
The X-T3 is equipped with a fourth-generation X-Tran CMOS APS-C sensor. This one is backlit and has been given a slight bump in resolution, to 26.1MP, and a new lower base ISO of ISO 160. Directing all of the information and operation of the new camera is the new X-Processor 4—a Quad Core unit with 3x the processing power of the X-T2's brain. This enhanced processor allows for faster processing of autofocus information and file crunching, among other things.
Speaking of autofocus, now you have wall-to-wall 100% frame coverage with more than two million phase-detection pixels providing automatic focusing information. Focusing may now be achieved down to -3 EV where the X-T2 was left gasping at -1EV. The new processor is crunching focus information 1.5x more frequently than before. There are new and improved algorithms for face and eye detection.
A 3.69-million-dot-resolution viewfinder shows you the world with a magnification ratio of 0.75x. And, even without the new battery grip, you can shoot at 11 fps in mechanical shutter mode. If 11 fps isn't fast enough for you, there is a Sports Crop Mode that reduces resolution to 16MP, provides crop framing lines that allow you to see the action past the edge of the new capture area, and fires the camera at a blistering 30 fps.
Those familiar with the pleasures of manual focusing with the mirrorless Fujifilm X-series cameras have a new mode to try out—a digital microprism. This mode simulates old-school manual focusing with a microprism focusing screen.
Video
Fujifilm has continuously stepped up its video capabilities through the X-series evolution. The X-T3 is rocking internal SD-card 4K 60p 4:2:0 10-bit recording and is the first camera with an APS-C or larger sensor that is capable of 4K 60p 4:2:2 10-bit HDMI output. Video formats include H.264/MPEG-4 AVC, as well as H.265/HEVC for data compression, which enables the use of high 200 Mbps bitrate and simultaneous HDMI output while recording. The X-T3 sensor's read speed enables fast 17 msec reading of 4K 60p video, and a reduction in the rolling-shutter distortion for smooth replay of a fast-moving subject. 10-bit color depth for video boosts the amount of color information 64 times, compared to 8-bit, and is combined with approximately 12 stops of dynamic range. Also new is a noise-reduction algorithm and 4K inter-frame noise reduction. The minimum sensitivity for shooting F-Log footage has been lowered from ISO 800 to ISO 640.
Body Refinements
Side by side, the X-T3 and X-T2 will pass as identical twins. However, the X-T3 incorporates a few refinements to the body. The rear buttons are a bit thicker on the X-T3—protruding from the body a hair more for a better tactile response. Giving the camera a slightly less chunky overall appearance, the top dials are thinner, resembling the X-H1's dial profile, and the exposure-compensation dial is now a bit smaller in diameter to help prevent incidental rolling of the dial. The EVF diopter knob now locks to avoid accidental adjustment. The handgrip looks to be a bit deeper, too.
The side door is now removable (don't lose it or you'll be buying the CVR-XT3 Cover Kit) for video shooters, and that door now covers a headphone jack and USB-C receptacle that allows in-camera battery charging.
Overall, though, those familiar with the X-T2 will have an adjustment period of zero seconds when getting familiar with the X-T3.
Accessorize Me
Also released with the new X-T3 is the new Vertical Battery Grip VG-XT3 that holds two additional NP-126S batteries (same as many other X-series cameras) to give you up to 1,100 images per charge in the normal mode, as well as a plethora of buttons to control camera functions. The MHG-XT3 Metal Handgrip gives enhanced ergonomics for horizontal shooting, and a genuine leather BLC-XT3 case protects your investment. A new remote release, the RR-100 has been rolled out, too.
Yes, Please
The X-T3 body is available in black or silver and as a kit with the XF 18-55 f/2.8-4 R LM OIS zoom lens. Are you ready for the Fujifilm X-T3? What are your thoughts? Share them with us below!
