The Fujifilm X-T3 is the latest X series camera from Fujifilm, updating the X-T2. This is the 4th generation of the X-series with a whole new 26mp BSI CMOS sensor and new image processor, offering increased resolution, and high-speed continuous shooting, as well as upgraded video recording. The Fujifilm X-T3 is available now, priced at £1349 body only.

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Fujifilm X-T3 Features

With a new 26mp APS-C BSI CMOS sensor and X-Trans 4 colour filter array, the camera offers a wider ISO range than previous models. The ISO range is ISO160 to ISO12800, which can extend to ISO80 (Low), up to ISO51200. The sensor does not feature a low-pass filter. Fujifilm says the new sensor will allow the use of an f/1.0 lens, which Fujifilm had on display at Photokina 2018. The sensor is manufactured with the latest sensor technologies, including copper wiring.

With a new BSI CMOS sensor, noise performance should be improved. It’s also a higher resolution with a 26mp sensor, and thanks to lower noise, image quality should also be improved. Fujifilm has tested the new camera for long exposures, and the camera is said to give better performance even for 15 minute long exposures when compared to the X-T2. The X-T3 is the first APS-C camera with a BSI CMOS sensor since the Samsung NX1. 

With a new high-speed quad-core image processor that is 3 times faster than the processor in the X-T2, the camera offers improved focus performance and AF/AE that is 1.5x faster. Focus accuracy is improved, thanks to more phase detection AF points that now cover the whole sensor. This is said to give a higher success rate for both low contrast subjects as well as high-frequency subjects (such as birds feathers, etc). Face and eye detection have been updated to give quicker focusing performance, with this even working when shooting in AF-C continuous mode.

There’s a 3inch touch-screen, with 1.04million dots - this can be tilted up / down, as well as out from the camera body, for vertical / portrait shooting, or when using the camera on a tripod. The electronic viewfinder features 3.69m dots, 0.75x magnification, dioptre correction, and a large rubber eye surround. There’s eye-detection so that the camera will automatically switch between the screen and the EVF.

Colour Chrome effect live view has been added from the GFX 50s. This gives better detail in bright saturated colours, where there would normally be overexposed colours. Monochrome adjust has been added, giving you warm and cool (tint) monochrome expression.

The battery life of the camera is 390 shots, an improvement over the X-T2. The new battery grip, VG-XT3, extends the battery life to 1,100 shots and is available for £299.

High-speed continuous shooting

High-speed continuous shooting at up to 30fps is available, using an electronic shutter (with a 1.25x crop, 1/60s rolling shutter – X-T2 was 1/27s) at 16.6mp, and up to 60 shots. The camera gives a blackout-free view whether using the screen or the EVF, even when shooting up to 30 or 20fps, with continuous AF/AE.

You can also shoot at 20fps with an electronic shutter, at the full-resolution, for up to 79 frames (JPEG). Fujifilm has added pre-shot burst shooting, so you can shoot 0.5 to 1 second before a full press of the shutter release button (30/20/10fps options).

The camera can shoot at 11fps (at full resolution) using the mechanical shutter, and shoot 145 JPEG images, or 42 raw images (lossless compression raw). On the X-T2, this required the optional battery grip.

Fujifilm X-T3 Key Features

• 26.1-megapixel X-Trans CMOS 4 (BSI APS-C CMOS sensor)
• X-Mount, Quad-core X Processor 4
• 3.69m dot EVF, 0.75x magnification
• 3inch tilting touch-screen, 1040K dot resolution
• ISO160-12800 extends down to ISO80 and up to ISO51200
• 4K CINE video recording, 60fps, 10-bit 4:2:0 internal recording, 4:2:2 external
• FullHD video up to 120fps
• 30fps continuous shooting (electronic shutter, 1.25x crop)
• 20fps continuous shooting (electronic shutter, full-resolution)
• 11fps continuous shooting (full-resolution)
• Phase-detection AF, -3 EV sensitivity, 425 AF points and 100% coverage
• Face and eye-detection focus
• Dual SD card slots (both UHS-II)
• Available in black or silver

Fujifilm X-T3 Handling

The X-T3 may look, on first inspection, just like the X-T2, however, the camera is actually slightly larger and heavier, with an updated body construction, comprising of 4 magnesium alloy pieces, the top, front, back and bottom.

The thumb grip on the back is now slightly larger, giving you a larger area for your thumb to grip on to. The dioptre adjustment is now lockable, and the EVF eye relief has been improved, meaning that your nose is further away from the screen. The rear button size has been improved, being slightly larger.

The shutter speed dial and drive mode dial has been optimised, and if you view the cameras side by side, you’ll be able to see a subtle difference here. Boost mode is now available without the need for the optional battery grip. With so many external controls it's easy to change settings, and both the ISO speed and shutter speed dials can be locked. 

The camera feels very solidly built, and the main components are painted black. In the box is an external (pop-up) flash, the EF-X8. 

Focus options - There are three pages of focus options which you can configure, with a choice of the following areas: 

• Single point
• Zone
• Wide/tracking
• All

There are AF-C (Continuous) custom settings - with 5 preset scenarios, with one that can be customised, with settings for tracking sensitivity, speed tracking sensitivity, and zone area switching. You can switch between 117 or 425 AF points, and these cover almost the entire screen. There are options for Pre-AF - on/off. Face and eye detection are options and greatly help with portraits. AF illumination helps assist in low-light conditions, and the AF system is sensitive down to -3EV. 

There are numerous MF assistance modes, including focus peaking, digital split image (colour/black and white), digital microprism (which emulates film SLRs), however, this is not as easy as film SLR cameras. You can also use the touch-screen to set the focus point. 

The electronic viewfinder (EVF) has a high resolution of 3.69m dots, and 0.75x magnification, giving a very clear and crisp view of the scene, and dioptre adjustment mean you can set it for your eyes. The colour of the EVF matches the screen. The touch-screen looks good, and with a 3-way tilting screen, it's easy to alter for the best view. The resolution is 1040K dots, which is good enough, but not as impressive as those with a higher screen size, and higher resolution. 

You can choose how the dual-card slots are set up, for sequential, backup, or raw/JPEG recording. When using both card slots you can select which card slot to use for photos, and which to use for video. 

The menu system is quite clearly laid out with different sections for each main set of options. There are so many options it can take a while to find the settings you want, for example, there are 5 pages of video options. Thankfully there is a "My Menu" screen, where you can put your most commonly changed settings. You can't use the touch-screen to change menu options, nor can you use the touch-screen for the Q (Quick) menu. 

Wi-Fi features - Using Fujifilm's Remote Camera app, available for iOS and Android devices, you can remotely control and shoot with the camera as well as start/stop video recording. You can select photos to transfer to the smartphone/tablet or receive photos sent from the camera. In addition, you can use the app to add GPS / geotagging information to photos. The app is quite easy to use, and Bluetooth is built-in for low-power image transfer, compared to Wi-Fi. 

The optional battery grip is bigger than the one for the X-T2 – and allows seamless switching between batteries even when recording video, as well as extending the battery life from 390 shot to 1,100 shots. There's a USB Type-C connection, and this can be used to charge the camera when out and about.