Hands On With The Fujifilm XT-3

Photokina 2018 will open later this month and more and more manufacturers step up and announce their new products for the show and Fujifilm is no exception. Their latest XT-(X) model is the third iteration and it brings plenty of improvements in both image quality, AF and video features.

After Nikon’s Z6/Z7 and Canon’s EOS-R comes Fujifilm with its XT-3. Although this isn’t a completely new camera like the other two – it seems to actually be a much more well rounded camera and doesn’t seem to face the same online criticism as the Nikon/Canon models (it has two fast memory card slots, very advanced video capabilities with what seems to be strong new AF system in stills and video, good ergonomics – if you like the more retro look of the Fuji cameras).

The new XT-3 – similar outside – very different internals

Really the only two major drawbacks that we can come up with (on paper at least) are the lack of a fully articulated monitor (which both the EOS-R and the GH5/S have) and the lack of in body image stabilization which almost all of its competitors have (apart from the Canon) and even the larger X-H1 included.

Top look at the camera

Here are some specs from the X-T3:

Sensor: a new 26MP BSI ‘X-Trans CMOS 4’ sensor.
AF system: new AF system (both for stills and video) including 425-point hybrid AF system with face/eye AF.
Viewfinder: 3.69M-dot OLED viewfinder (60 or 100 Hz.).
Screen: Two-axis tilt 3.0″ 1.04m-Dot touch screen.
Video: DCI and UHD 4K @60p at up to 200 Mbps;
Video features: 4:2:0 H.265 internal video capture (4:2:2 over HDMI), 24-bit audio capture, Internal F-Log capture, 1080p 120fps. The XT-3 has zebras, improved pre-amps, better (more controlled) rolling shutter and an updated interface as well.
Connectivity: Built-in Wi-Fi &Bluetooth with USB-C, mic/headphones/HDMI (the camera also has remote release connector and a flash sync terminal).
Shooting speed: 11 fps with mechanical shutter and 30 with e-shutter (in sports mode with 1.25x crop).
Storage: Dual SD card slots (both UHS-II compatible – similar to X-T2).
Extra features – night vision mode (the X-T3 has the ability to change the contrast level of the on-screen interface), large Indicators mode, digital microprism, sports finder mode (up to 30fps shooting with 1.25x crop but with full preview).
Battery – NP-W126S with 390 shots per charge (CIPA).
Weight: 539g / 19 oz.
Pricing: the XT-3 will sell for $1500 (body only) and $1800 with the 18-55mm kit lens.

USB-C is the new connection standard in the industry

Jordan Drake from DPR did a short “bonus” video on the video capabilities of the XT-3 (vs. that of the GH5)

The Fuji guys taking a look at the XT-3

B&H’s first look at the XT-3

You can find many more photography gear announcements and new products on our photography gear section here on LensVid.

Iddo Genuth

Iddo Genuth is the founder and chief editor of LensVid.com. He has been a technology reporter working for international publications since the late 1990's and covering photography since 2009. Iddo is also a co-founder of a production company specializing in commercial food and product visual content.