The 26-megapixel X-T3 (Fujifilm’s follow-up to the X-T2) maintains the same analogue look and feel as its predecessor but packs a slew of important updates under the hood. At $1,499 (body only; $1,899 with the 18-55mm f/2.8-4 R LM OIS kit lens), it’s affordable.

In addition to being the first APS-C mirrorless camera built around a BSI sensor, the X-T3 utilizes Fujifilm’s fourth generation X-Trans processor. The latter delivers speedier performance all around, including up to 30 fps continuous shooting with the electronic shutter (albeit with a 1.25x crop) and up to 11 fps with the mechanical shutter.

The X-T3 is the world’s first APS-C camera that offers 4K/60p 10-bit video recording to SD cards. Also of note is the camera’s 425 phase detection AF points that cover almost 100 percent of the sensor, a new EVF, a touchscreen LCD, a headphone jack and a native base ISO of 160, to name just a few of the many improvements versus the X-T2. Unfortunately, there’s still no in-body image stabilization.

The speedy Fuji X-T3’s autofocus easily kept pace with these colorfully garbed models on the runway. Photo © Theano Nikitas

Image Quality

I tested the X-T3 with the 18-55mm kit lens and found that image quality was, for the most part, excellent. Images were crisp and, using the standard (Provia) film simulation, colors were rendered accurately even when capturing the vivid colors of outfits in an edgy runway show at New York Fashion Week.

Image noise was kept fairly well under control up to about ISO 5000 (and a little beyond, depending on your expectations and needs). Pushing the ISO to 12,800 was slightly disappointing, though, and resulted in soft, grainy images. This was not unexpected but I had hoped for better results given the new sensor and processor. (Note: RAW file processing software was not available at the time of this review so all assessments are made for JPEG images only.)

Video features have been amped up, with 4:2:2 10-bit 4K/60p recording out to external recorders via HDMI output and 4:2:0 recording to an SD card. You can record to both an SD card and to an external recorder simultaneously thanks to the camera’s use of HEVC compression, a more efficient standard than the conventional H.264. Video quality was quite good, with almost non-existent rolling shutter. Hybrid Log Gamma will be added via a firmware update in the near future for high dynamic range work.

Design

Relatively compact and lightweight, the X-T3 weighs a little more than a pound (with battery and SD card) and measures about 5.2 x 3.6 x 2.3 inches. Like its predecessor, large dials—including those dedicated to ISO, shutter speed and EV settings—occupy most of the camera’s top panel. Although not to everyone’s liking, I appreciate the analogue look and feel the dials provide. The new touchscreen LCD is responsive and the high resolution EVF, with 100 fps refresh rate and minimal blackout, is a pleasure to use.

The X-T3 now offers a headphone jack and a USB-C port for in-camera charging. The side port cover can be fully removed, making it easier to attach cables and accessories.

While holding the camera is quite comfortable with the kit lens, the small handgrip doesn’t seem quite up to the task of balancing a longer, heavier lens. An optional hand grip (MHG-XT3) and vertical battery grip (VG-XT3) are available. While CIPA rates the battery life at a rather modest 390 frames (1,100 with the optional battery grip), I captured more than 700 still frames on a single battery.

What we liked

Performance was definitely on the top of our list, with faster processing and speedier autofocus, even in low light. Tracking was generally accurate, too. The X-T3 delivered on image quality, particularly at lower ISOs, with sharply detailed images and pleasing colors. The new adjustable black-and-white toning (warm or cool) feature helped create some interesting monotone photos as well.

The large dedicated dials are easy to use, especially since you can quickly lock and unlock them. The EVF is bright and clear with minimal blackout when taking advantage of the X-T3’s shooting speed.

What We Didn’t Like

Unfortunately, the X-T3 doesn’t have in-body image stabilization, which means you need to look to your steady hands (or an image-stabilized lens) to hold the camera still. I was a little disappointed in very high ISO results in straight-out-of-the camera JPEGs (RAW files should deliver better images, though).

But really, there’s very little to dislike about the camera—as long as you’re okay with using dedicated dials for ISO and shutter speed.

How it compares

The X-T3 is a significant update to the X-T2, and users of the latter camera may want to consider upgrading. If in-body image stabilization is a must, check out the Panasonic GX9 or the Sony a6500. But if you’re moving forward with video capture, the X-T3 is best with its 4K/60p recording.

Fuji has brought a BSI sensor and 4K/60p to APS-C mirrorless cameras for the first time. With its excellent performance and full feature set, this camera is a very strong contender in the crowded mirrorless arena.

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