Fujifilm
THE KIT ROB USED
X-T3 BODY The FujifilmX-T3 combines a 26.1-megapixel X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor with the X-Processor 4, and this fourth generation architecture provides greater detail, purer colours and lower noise. It also boasts unparalleled speed and autofocus performance in its class, so sports, wildlife and action photographers won’t miss a moment. There’s also state-of-the-art subject tracking and no viewfinder blackout as you fly through exposures at up to 30 frames-per-second in the new 16-megapixel Sports Finder mode.
XF16-55MM F/2.8 R LMWR A pro-level, fast standard zoom, this lens provides great flexibility in framing, fast autofocus, superb low-light and shallow depth-of-field options, and is backed up by full weather sealing.
“Everyone Imet and talked to loved the look and feel of the camera”
kit, the X-T3’s controls were delightful. I loved the simplicity of there not being a Mode dial, just the traditional rings and dials, and their position in relation to each other. The only thing I’d add would be to make the A (auto) setting drop in with a slightly different click on the shutter and ISO dials, so it could be found ‘blind’. The menus and buttons themselves, I found to be massively customisable, too. I followed some setup advice on YouTube, which gave me super-quick ways of accessing metering modes, and back button focus. If I’d had more time I would have watched some more tutorials on autofocus modes and the best techniques for reducing high ISO noise, even though I liked the texture in monochrome. Using an EVF was a real eye- opener for me, and the plethora of information in the viewfinder surpassed both my DSLRs. I especially liked the live histogram, and being able to watch the exposure change in real time as you adjust setting in manual was a joy. The intuitive, physical controls, each with a definite purpose, just seemed so logical. I liked the shutter speed moving in full stops, then the ability to make fine adjustments with the aperture ring or ISO dial in thirds of a stop. Combining
this with the live viewfinder histogram made manual control so much easier than with my DSLRs. When processing shots, I do very much like the embedded lens and camera profiles which Lightroom automatically applies. No need to make your own lens corrections or scroll through a list – excellent! There’s a good possibility that I’d switch to the X-T3. I found the camera intuitive, and packed with clever technology, so it could definitely replace the Nikon D750 which I use for general purpose photography, and I’d also want to look into Nikon- to-Fujifilm lens adapters as some of my kit has sentimental value. My time with the X-T3 has also made me consider the X-T30 as a street and travel tool. At work I discovered a few other Fujifilm users, and immediately found myself in celebratory conversations about X Series cameras, how great they find them and how refreshing the design has been for their enjoyment of photography. Everyone I met and talked to loved the look and feel of the camera, it was easy to learn enough functions to feel comfortable in the short time available and was fun to use. It does feel like taking the leap away from DSLRs is a liberating decision.
XF50-140MMF/2.8RLMOISWR This versatile weather-resistant telephoto zoom gives an equivalent 70-200mm range; this, combined with its constant f/2.8 aperture and fast, quiet AF, makes it a superb option for sports and wildlife photography.
the air. I had a few autofocus mishits and occasionally the unfamiliar layout affected my reaction time, but it was still enjoyable and reliable. In those tricky low-light conditions I found the X-T3 comparable to my D750 in autofocus and subject tracking – and it was much easier to carry around all day, especially with the additional battery grip, which improves vertical handling. Being used to larger, deeper DSLR bodies, I found the gripless body a little too slim for my hands, so preferred to have it attached all the time. With its lightness, I’d like to try it with a handstrap from the top right to bottom right corner, so you could slide your hand between this strap and the body. My Nikon bodies have a deeper right-side moulding, and will hang on my fingertips. Despite these few concerns I really like the camera, and could see myself using it in non-action scenarios very easily. Away from the race situation, and with more time to adapt to the new
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Issue 75 | Photography News 45
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