Fujifilm
THE KIT BOBOWNS
FUJIFILM X-T3 The X-T3 combines Fujifilm’s unique back-side
illuminated 26.1-megapixel X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor with the powerful X-Processor 4 image processing engine to produce richly detailed images with striking, true-to-life colour. It has an ISO range of 160-12,800, expandable to 80-51,200, lightning-fast AF and a blistering 20fps burst mode. The X-T3 also boasts dual SD card slots.
LEFT St Mary’s Church, in the background on the left, and Nungate Bridge on the River Tyne, Haddington, East Lothian. Fujifilm X-T3 with XF10-24mm f/4 R OIS WR at 10mm. Exposure 1/90sec at f/8, ISO 160 ABOVE Upturned boats in Cove Harbour, Berwickshire. Fujifilm X-T3 with XF10-24mm f/4 R OIS WR at 10mm. Exposure 1/20sec at f/8, ISO 160 BELOW LEFT Looking towards Edinburgh Castle from The Vennel. Fujifilm X-T3 with XF10-24mm f/4 R OIS WR at 10mm. Exposure 1/140sec at f/5.6, ISO 160
“As soon as I put the XF10-24mm f/4 R OIS WR on the X-T3, I fell in love”
FUJIFILM X-E3 Fujifilm’s X-E series is the brand’s most compact collection of interchangeable lens cameras, sharing many features with the top-end X-T range. It was recently enhanced further with the introduction of the X-E4, a camera with a 26.1-megapixel X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor. It’s the first member of the series to boast a tilting monitor.
step of trading in all my Micro Four Thirds gear to help fund my Fujifilm venture. It was a difficult decision, but I knew it would be worth it. Later, I acquired an XF35mm f/2 R WR for my second X-T3 body. I was largely content, but in reality, my Fujifilm journey had only just begun. The next step of my switch began with a niggle. A body and wide-angle lens combination had always been a crucial part of my kit. I loved walking around with it, casually taking shots – it was a camera combo that you could simply stick in a coat pocket and go. After getting rid of my Micro Four Thirds set-up, that was the gear I missed more than I thought I would. By pure chance, I saw a YouTube review for a Fujifilm camera I never knew existed: the exquisite Fujifilm X-E3. I was blown away by the look of it. Luckily, I was able to source a brand-new body, obtaining the camera from a retailer for just under £350. Shortly afterwards, I also bought an XF23mm f/2 R WR prime. It’s the perfect lens in almost every respect. Best of all, it meant I’d finally restored my favoured walk-around set-up. My kit was truly complete. Six months have now passed since I became a fully fledged Fujifilm convert. That’s plenty of time to get to grips with the X Series, and it’s also a great time to share my thoughts. The Fujifilm X-T3 and the X-E3 can be all things to all photographers. You can use them with the utmost simplicity, secure in the knowledge that, nine times out of ten, they deliver the desired results with minimal effort. All you have to do is learn how to make it work for you. Rest assured, it’s easy to reach that happy stage.
I mainly shoot in aperture priority AE mode, with auto ISO and a few other basic settings configured. This allows me to leave the camera to take care of everything else, and I can be confident that almost every shot is a keeper. I think the X-T3’s 26.1-megapixel X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor gives any of the current line-up of full-frame cameras a run for their money. Its build and handling are sure to satisfy even the pickiest of users. As for the X-E3, it’s a delightful camera to use – small, compact and supremely effective. It works beautifully with the XF23mm f/2 R WR, one of the sharpest lenses I’ve used in any format. I tend to only shoot in Raw, though I’m aware that Fujifilm’s JPEGs are universally adored for their image quality. Instead, I prefer to have the last word while editing. Nonetheless, Fujifilm Raw files often look as if they don’t need any processing. They’re full of colour, have good contrast and a lovely tonal range, plus they‘re noise-free, depending on the ISO you’re using. The images are also very sharp, thanks to the resolving power of the XF23mm f/2 R WR and XF35mm f/2 R WR primes, while the XF10-24mm f/4 R OIS WR also delivers the goods on all levels. For a zoom, it’s an absolutely stellar piece of glass. Moving to Fujifilm was always going to be difficult because of my affection for the Micro Four Thirds system. In terms of building the best collection of cameras and lenses I could ever have imagined owning, however, it was one of the best decisions I’ve made. Photography is an exciting and enjoyable experience once more.
XF10-24MM F/4 R OIS WR The XF10-24mm f/4 R OIS WR is a lens that has earned a sky-high reputation, and it’s recently been upgraded. The new XF10-24mm f/4 R OIS WR (shown above) has the same optical design, but has gained weather-resistance, and even better image stabilisation.
XF23MM F/2 R WR The XF23mm f/2 R WR is one of Fujifilm’s stylish compact prime lenses, with weather- and dust-resistance, a f/2 maximum aperture and premium performance, thanks to advanced optical construction, including two aspherical lens elements.
FREE 48-HOUR FUJIFILMLOANS
The Fujifilm Connect loan service means you can try specific Fujifilm cameras and lenses in your own home, free of charge for up to two days (including delivery). Loans can be extended, and if you decide to purchase, Fujifilm will refund your loan fee. For full details of this special loan scheme, go to: fujifilm-connect.hireacamera.com/en-gb
Issue 87 | Photography News 17
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