It has been over two years since Fuji gave us the amazing X-T2 and today, the company unveiled its latest update to the popular camera, the Fujifilm X-T3. Although it sports the same retro look as its predecessor, the X-T3 has seen a number of important upgrades. First of all, the camera features a newly-developed 26 MP BSI X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor with a native ISO range of 160-12800. Thanks to a much beefier quad core image processor, the camera not only has a much faster and more capable autofocus system (425 AF points, 100% coverage), but also very impressive video features (battery life has also improved as a result of faster image processing). Continuous shooting speed has been pushed to 11 FPS without requiring a battery grip, while the EVF has also been boosted to be able to run at 100 FPS refresh rate in boosted mode.
The video features in particular make the X-T3 an attractive camera for professional videography needs. The Fuji X-T3 is now capable of recording up to 4K at 60P in 4:2:0 10-bit format internally to an SD card (at 200 Mbps) and even 4:2:2 10-bit output is possible to output via HDMI (both H.264 and H.265 video formats are supported). In addition, the sensor readout speed has also been increased, resulting in reduced rolling shutter effect. Focus peaking and zebra stripes have now been added when shooting 4K content, something the X-T2 was incapable of. And lastly, Fuji was able to add a new noise reduction algorithm for 4K video shooting, decreasing the minimum sensitivity for shooting F-Log footage to ISO 640. All this makes the X-T3 the first APS-C camera on the market to feature such impressive video features.
It is certainly an interesting trend for Fuji to push towards a video-centric camera, because just a few years back, Fuji cameras were known to have some of the worst video recording features on the market. And now we have the X-T3, which is the best APS-C camera today for shooting high quality video. This shows that the company is continuing to listen to its customer base and building cameras that are not only excellent for photography, but also for videography needs.
Other notable changes include a USB Type-C port for quick transfer of data and external charging, a removable input ports door, a lockable diopter, customizable touchscreen functions, improved Eye Detection AF (now supports AF-C mode), new “Sports Finder Mode” to be able to shoot up to 30 FPS (electronic shutter) with a 1.25x crop factor, Color Chrome Effect and more button customizations.
Unfortunately, the Fuji X-T3 does not feature in-body image stabilization (IBIS) like the X-H1 does, which is a bummer considering how helpful IBIS can be when doing stills or video. Personally, I am a big fan of Fuji’s IBIS on the X-H1 and I find it to be almost on par with IBIS on Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II (which is excellent), so it is sad to see this feature not present on X-T3. Lastly, Fuji continues to use the same old NP-W126S battery, which is a bit weak when compared to other mirrorless cameras on the market. I wish Fuji moved up to the larger and more powerful NP-T125 battery from the GFX50S on its high-end cameras and kept the small battery for compact cameras like the Fuji X100F.
Overall, aside from the small issues noted above, it looks like Fuji has made yet another killer camera to make it a worthy upgrade for X-T1 and potentially even X-T2 users.
Fuji X-T3 Specifications
Below are the main specifications of the Fuji X-T3:
| Camera Feature | Fujifilm X-T3 |
|---|---|
| Sensor Resolution | 26.1 MP |
| Sensor Type | BSI CMOS (X-Trans) |
| Sensor Size | 23.5 x 15.6mm |
| Low-Pass Filter | No |
| Sensor Pixel Size | 3.75µ |
| Image Size | 6240 x 4160 |
| Image Processor | X-Processor 4 |
| Native ISO Sensitivity | ISO 160-12,800 |
| Viewfinder Type | OLED (Electronic / EVF) |
| Viewfinder Coverage and Magnification | 100%, 0.75x |
| Built-in Flash | No |
| Flash Sync Speed | 1/250 |
| Storage Media | 2x SD (UHS-II) |
| Continuous Shooting Speed | 11 FPS |
| Eye Detection AF | Yes |
| Number of AF Points | 425 AF Points |
| Video Maximum Resolution | 3,840 x 2,160 (4K) @ up to 60 FPS |
| HDMI Output | 4:2:2, 10-bit |
| LCD Size and Type | 3.0″ Tilting Touchscreen LCD |
| LCD Resolution | 1,040,000 dots |
| Wi-Fi / Bluetooth | Yes / Yes |
| Battery Life | 390 (CIPA) |
| Weather-Sealed Body | Yes |
| Weight (Body Only) | 539g |
| Dimensions | 133 x 93 x 59mm |
| MSRP Price | $1,499 Body-only |
Promotional Videos
Below are the promotional videos created by Fuji and its affiliates:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GuxoF_NL_WA
Official Press Release
Here is the official press release:
Valhalla, N.Y., September 6, 2018 – FUJIFILM North America Corporation today unveiled the new FUJIFILM X-T3, launching the X Series mirrorless digital cameras into its fourth generation. Introducing an all-new back-illuminated 26.1MP X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor and X-Processor 4 processor, the X-T3 delivers superb image quality, dramatically improved AF performance, exceptional tracking performance of fast-moving subjects and blackout-free burst shooting. The X-T3 is also the first APS-C mirrorless camera capable of 4K/60P 10bit recording to meet the needs of professional videographers.
“We are proud to introduce the new X-T3 to market as not only the latest addition to our X Series mirrorless lineup of digital cameras, but as an introduction to fourth generation technologies that feature substantial performance enhancements over previous models, delivering high AF performance, superb color reproduction and outstanding image quality to photographers and videographers alike,“ said Yuji Igarashi, General Manager of the Electronic Imaging Division and Optical Devices Division of FUJIFILM North America Corporation.
Fourth Generation X-Trans CMOS 4 and X-Processor 4 for Improved Resolving Performance, Color Reproducibility, and Faster Processing
Featuring the latest, fourth generation 26.1MP X-Trans CMOS 4 APS-C sensor with no optical low-pass filter, the FUJIFILM X-T3 boasts the highest performance in the history of X Series. Utilizing the unique color filter array of X-Trans CMOS sensors to control moiré and false colors, it is the first APS-C back-illuminated structure sensor with phase detection pixels distributed across the surface to improve image resolution without compromising signal to noise ratio. With the X-T3, ISO160 is now part of the standard ISO range, previously this was only available as extended ISO, perfect for use in bright scenes or when trying to shoot wide open with a fast, large-aperture lens.
The new X-T3 debuts the X-Processor 4 processor which features a Quad Core CPU to achieve a processing speed 3 times faster than current X Series models. Providing incredible AF accuracy and speed, the processor is also the first to deliver 4K/60P 10bit output, fulfilling the performance needs of professional videographers. It is also capable of implementing complex image processing tasks in an instant, such as the unique FUJIFILM Color Chrome Effect or Monochrome Adjustment function.
The new FUJIFILM X-T3 features the Color Chrome Effect, previously limited to the FUJIFILM GFX 50S medium format mirrorless digital camera, which produces enhanced color gradation in highly saturated colors such as vivid-colored flowers with shadows, a notoriously difficult subject to reproduce. With the high-speed processing power of the X-Processor 4, this effect can be applied not only to a single shot but also during continuous shooting.
Exceptional Autofocus and Viewfinder Performance
With the X-T3, AF performance receives a dramatic improvement from previous X Series products, increasing the phase detection AF area to the entire frame with 2.16M phase detection pixels providing fast and accurate phase detection AF. The low-light phase detection AF limit has been increased over the X-T2 by 2 stops, from -1EV to -3EV, making it possible for photographers to accurately focus in low light conditions, perfect for night photography.
Furthermore, the X-Processor 4’s high processing speed and excellent phase detection algorithm means the camera refocuses (AF) and meters (AE) 1.5 times more frequently than the X-T2, enabling accurate autofocus even when photographing subjects that change speed and move erratically across the frame, such as sports photography. The performance of Face Detection AF has also been improved. Eye Detection AF now supports the AF-C mode to maintain accurate focus tracking. Face and Eye Detection AF is also available during video recording to achieve smooth filming of subjects.
The X-T3 offers photographers incredible viewfinder performance, with the ability to now track a moving subject in the 3.69-million-dot high resolution EVF with a magnification ratio of 0.75x. Further the X-T3, allows continuous shooting of 11fps with the mechanical shutter without the optional vertical battery grip, enabling fast continuous shooting while maintaining a low weight.
Additional enhancements to the X-T3 include a display time lag of just 0.005 seconds and a EVF refresh rate of 100fps for smooth display of moving subject or when panning the camera. A new sports finder mode for enhanced capture of moving subjects is especially useful for sports and wildlife photography, and a new pre-shoot function, which allows photographers to start shooting as soon as the shutter button is half-pressed to ensure the moment is never missed.
Enhanced Video Performance to Meet the Needs of Professionals
The X-T3 is the first mirrorless digital camera capable of internal SD card 4K/60P 4:2:0 10bit recording and the first mirrorless digital camera with APS-C or larger sensor that is capable of 4K/60P 4:2:2 10bit HDMI output. Supported video formats include the widely-used H.264/MPEG-4 AVC as well as H.265/HEVC for greater data compression, which enables internal recording of 4K/60P 4:2:0 10bit at200Mbps bitrate as well as simultaneous HDMI output. The X-T3 sensor’s read speed has been increased from that of the X-T2, enabling17msec reading in 4K/60P video, reducing rolling shutter distortion for smooth recording of fast-moving subjects. 10bit color depth for video boosts the amount of color information 64 times compared to 8bit, and is combined with approximately. 12 stops dynamic range to enable capture of subjects with rich gradation of color.
Also introduced in the X-T3 is a new noise reduction algorithm and 4K inter-frame noise reduction, the minimum sensitivity for shooting F-Log footage has been lowered from ISO800 to ISO640, further enhancing the camera’s performance to meet the needs of videographers.
Designed for Ultimate Operability
Inheriting the popular design of the X-T2, dials are positioned on the top panel, and the camera features a central viewfinder and excellent grip design for stability and comfort. The X-T3 also incorporates enhancements to its design, including a lockable EVF diopter adjustment to prevent unintended adjustments while carrying the camera, and a touchscreen panel with higher contrast, wider viewing angles and better functionality for more intuitive operation. In addition, the X-T3 offers larger top-panel dials than the X-T2, and larger rear-panel buttons and a more pronounced press function of the front and rear command dials, as found on the X-H1.
X-T3 Vertical Battery Grip
The Vertical Battery Grip VG-XT3 is designed to be dust-resistant, weather-resistant and capable of operating at temperatures as low as -10°C/14° F, and holds two additional batteries to increase the maximum number of shots to 1,100 (in normal mode). The grip features a shutter release button, focus lever, AE-L button, AF-L button, front and rear command dials, Q button and Fn button to provide the same level of excellent operability with vertical shooting as with horizontal.
X-T3 Metal Hand Grip
The MHG-XT3 Metal Hand Grip makes it substantially more comfortable to hold the camera when it is mounted with a large-aperture lens, in order to reduce camera shake. The battery or SD cards can be replaced without having to remove the hand grip, and the base can be used as a quick release shoe when using a dovetail mount on a tripod.
FUJIFILM X-T3 Key Features:
- 26.1MP X-Trans CMOS 4 Sensor with primary color filter
- X-Processor 4 Image Processing Engine
- Capable of 4K/60P and 10bit output
- Features 4 CPU units
- Startup time of 0.3 seconds
- Shutter time lag of 0.045 seconds
- High-precision, 0.5-inch, 3.69 million dot OLED color viewfinder
- Viewfinder magnification of 0.75x
- Wide viewing angle (diagonal 38º and horizontal 30º)
- Display time lag of just 0.005 seconds, refresh rate of approx. 100fps
- Robust magnesium alloy body
- Continuous Shooting
- 30fps [Only electronic shutter, 1.25 x Crop ] (JPEG: 60 frames Lossless compression RAW：35 frames Uncompressed RAW：33 frames)
- 11fps (JPEG: 145 frames Lossless compression RAW: 42 frames Uncompressed RAW: 36 frames)
- 5.7fps (JPEG: endless Lossless Compression RAW: 62 frames Uncompressed RAW: 43 frames)
- Pre-shot: Approx. 30fps [Only electronic shutter, 1.25 x Crop ] (max. 20 frames while half press, max. 20 frames after full press, total max. 40 frames)
- Movie Recording (using a card with the UHS Speed Class 3 or higher)
- File format
- MOV (MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, HEVC/H.265, Audio: Linear PCM / Stereo sound 24bit / 48KHz sampling)
- Movie compression
- All Intra/Long-GOP, can be used with the following settings: DCI4K/4K 29.97p/25p/24p/23.98p 400Mbps, Full HD（2048×1080）/Full HD（1920×1080）94p/50p/29.97p/25p/24p/23.98p 200Mbps
- File size/ Frame Rate/ Recording Time:
- DCI 4K（4096×2160）］ 94p/50p/29.97p/25p/24p/23.98p 400Mbps/200Mbps/100Mbps 59.94p/50p: up to approx. 20min. 29.97p/25p/24p/23.98p: up to approx. 30min
- 4K（3840×2160）］94p/50p/29.97p/25p/24p/23.98p
- 400Mbps/200Mbps/100Mbps 59.94p/50p: up to approx. 20min. 29.97p/25p/24p/23.98p: up to approx. 30min
- Full HD（2048 ×1080）］ 94p/50p/29.97p/25p/24p/23.98p 200Mbps/100Mbps/50Mbps up to approx. 30min.
- Full HD（1920×1080）］94p/50p/29.97p/25p/24p/23.98p 200Mbps/100Mbps/50Mbps up to approx. 30min.
- Full HD（1920×1080) High speed rec.] 120p／100p 200Mbps (recording) up to approx. 6min.
- Recording movies in 400Mbps can be done with DCI4K/4K 29.97p/25p/24p/23.98p.
- DCI4K 59.94p/50p is not available when H.264 is selected.
- For recording movies, use a SD memory card with UHS Speed Class 3 or higher. For recording movies in 400Mbps, use a SD memory card with Video Speed Class 60 or higher
- LCD Monitor
- 0 inch, aspect ratio 3:2, approx. 1.04 million dots touch screen color LCD monitor (approx. 100% coverage)
- 16 Film Simulation Modes
- PROVIA/Standard, Velvia/Vivid, ASTIA/Soft, Classic Chrome, PRO Neg. Hi, PRO Neg. Std, Black & White, Black & White +Ye Filter, Black & White +R Filter, Black & White +G Filter, Sepia, ACROS, ACROS +Ye Filter, ACROS+R Filter, ACROS+G Filter, ETERNA/Cinema), B & W Adjustment: -9~+9
- Bluetooth® Ver. 4.2 low energy technology
- 16 Film Simulation Modes
- Accessories included:
- Li-ion battery NP-W126S
- Battery charger BC-W126S
- Shoe-mount flash unit EF-X8
- Shoulder strap
- Body cap
- Strap clip
- Protective cover
- Clip attaching tool
- Hot shoe cover
- Vertical battery grip connector cover
- Connector cover (detachable)
- Sync terminal cover
- Cable protector
- Owner’s manual
FUJIFILM X-T3 Accessories:
- X-T3 Vertical Power Booster Grip VG-XT3
- Weather-resistant design fits two additional batteries
- X-T3 Metal Hand Grip MHG-XT3
- Enhanced ergonomic design for horizontal shooting
- X-T3 Bottom Leather Case BLC-XT3
- Genuine premium leather
- X-T3 Cover Kit CVR-XT3 includes:
- Sync terminal cover
- Hot shoe cover
- Connector cover
- Vertical battery grip connector cover, black
- Vertical battery grip connector cover, silver
- FUJIFILM Remote Release RR-100
- Battery Charger BC-W126S
Part of me was amused to see a new firmware update for a camera which didn’t arrive at customers when it was published. Doesn’t appear intensely tested this time.
But the other part thought “quick reaction” of Fuji. Not waiting until they get burried with complaints.
It’s a ver interesting camera body. That Fuji goes into “rebate, rebate”-battle before the camera even arrived the stores, gives it a kind of needy smell whichleads me to doubt Fuji’s prices to be serious. A new camera, b7ndled with some lenses and 650 $ off right at the beginning? Weird.
Don’t they trust their own product?
When reviewing this camera, as well as the usual thorough in-camera tests, I would request that some A3 prints are made of the best shots, and without extensive post processing. What do the colours / noise handling characteristics for the typical JPEG profiles actually look like in the ink?
I suspect Fuji are now going to suffer at the hands of the big three now that they all have small, full frame, high MP, mirrorless offerings on release.
I’m primarily a Nikon photographer but love my little Fuji XE-2 (as a ‘carry around’) for its portability and excellent image quality while putting up with its clunky retro controls, lack of image stabilisation and the difficulty of getting the best out of its RAW files (Thank you Iridient).
Having got tired of waiting for Nikon to get their act together, I was about to invest in a Fuji XH-1 but now that Nikon’s Z6 and Z7 are finally out, my mind is changing.
How can Fuji compete with a future proof mount heralding some stunning new lenses, an unbeatable sensor, proper controls and IBIS in a body which if anything is smaller than Fuji’s? I have a feeling that hitching their wagon to APS-C may prove to be their downfall. No wonder they are discounting from the get go.
The Z6 and Z7 do have flaws and are not yet pro level cameras but when pitched againsy Fuji, for me, there is no longer any doubt.
Fujifilm will be fine. Nikon is too late to the party. Sure, the Fujifilm is an APSC sensor but loyal Nikon users will have to invest in new lenses whereas a Fujifilm loyalist can use existing lenses which is exactly what I am going to do.
You may thinks so, that’s fine, but I really don’t think it’s late at all. Nikon was smart, I would rather say, they delayed it, rather than being late, and they developed new mount for the future, which should bring a lots of goodies. I’ll see in next month or so, how things develop, but I think, I left Fuji in favor of Z6 and new S lenses. The time will show who’s right, who’s wrong!
I will use my already existing lenses withh the new Z7. Looking forward to using long and optically great lenses as well as fast primes. Fuji has big gaps in the lomg FL section, their new 200/2 isjust not long enough and the 100-400 lacks of speed. Fuji was my first toe in the ML waters, it was and is nice to use if 24 MP are enough, but some things Nikon still does better, in other things Fuji does a remarkable job. Choice is good…
Or think about it backwards from the consumer perspective.. What reasonably priced mirrorless product does Nikon have to compete with Fuji? Not everyone wants or needs an expensive camera and lenses. Seems like the smartest thing is to have good less expensive bodies to get new people into the system.
Seems like a pretty big hole in the Nikon lineup. Likely we’ll continue to see Fuji be profitable, potentially more so.
a lot if “seems”, “not everyone” (since when are cameras for everyone?) and “likely”…
Also, check for yourself how affordable a 12-24/4 or a 300/2.8 equivalent (in terms of DoF) lens from Fuji really are?
Usually I like reading your articles, Nasim, but this one is an exception. If a speclist makes 2/3 of an article, you just repost what I also could read on Fuji’s page.
I care about your opinion, if you alrady got one, and if not, I can wait. Just don’t repost only.
The new X-T3 certainly is interesting, I’m rather confused that Fuji already offers rebates before the official sale is starting. And if it’s not Fuji, then it’s a dealer. This camera business now will experience interesting times. We still have and workmwith high class DSLRs which suddenly appear to go for extremely low prices on the 2ndhand market. Some of the sellers not only accept 50% loss, but upt to 70% of the original price. So, what to do? Buying a supercheap high class DSLR or a very tempting new mirrorless first gen.?
Joachim, but it is just an announcement post :) It was supposed to be posted this way, as it is not an analysis of particular features or any sort of overview – I just summed up some of the key information for our readers.
As for rebates, Fuji has always done some funky stuff with rebates. I just don’t understand why they have to announce a camera, then immediately start a rebate with it. Perhaps that’s their way to drive the initial demand for a camera, but it is still pretty confusing to me personally. In terms of buying a DSLR or a mirrorless camera, that’s obviously your choice. If the price is the same, I would personally go for the mirrorless option to be on the edge and enjoy the new technology. But if the DSLR is way cheaper, then it might be the best option to go, at least for now. In five years time, things are probably going to be different…
I’m glad I passed on the XT-2. I will be getting this camera. Thanks for the report.
I think sales of the X-H1 just dropped 80%. It’s hard to reconcile the X-T3 with the X-H1, Fiji’s marketing strategy seems to have suddenly taken a hard turn. Surely the X-T3 was in development even before the X-H1 was released. I don’t know what development lead time is but the new sensor alone must have been in development for a long time. I wish they would simply drop the retro look and form and simply pursue excellence in design, wherever that might take them. It’s not a film camera and doesn’t need to look like one.
“I wish they would simply drop the retro look and form and simply pursue excellence in design, wherever that might take them.” Please, never! The Fujifilm camears are just they way I like to shoot. The of feel of being connected to the process of making the image is perfect.
Now that Sony, Nikon, Canon and Fuji have all revealed new cameras and lenses, I wonder what’s left for Photokina… a Panasonic full-frame, maybe an Olympus Pen or OMD, and “something” from Ricoh/Pentax?
Every camera manufacturer now tries to lump as much advanced video capabilities as possible into its new cameras, thus pushing up the cost quite unnecessarily.
For people like me who are not interested in take video, I wish new cameras could come in two lines, one cheaper S-line for still photography only and one S+V-line for those who like the best of two worlds.
I agree with you 100%. I have no desire or need for video in my cameras. I just want a camera to be a camera!
It doesn’t really push up the cost much. Consider that the video capabilities extend the market which increases volume of the product sold. That in itself is a huge reason why the camera doesn’t cost more. Factor in live view/EVF which is the majority of the work needed for video is already done. And advances in video aid the improvement of EVF and live view. The video work accounts for some licensing fees and some R&D but the gains in sales far outweigh their non-development.
The new Z7, A7RIII, EOS R are awesome, but the Fujis are special. They can’t outpace the Ferraris or the Lamborghinis of cameras, but photography is art, not Formula 1. The painting of Mona Lisa is tiny in the Louvre. No one cares about what brush Van Gogh used for his paintings. And who cares if the Moon Boat photo is grainy. The camera that disappear in your hand and becomes an extension of your vision is the best camera. So far Fuji doesn’t best for me in this regard.