FUJIFILMX-T3 TEST
The only other mirrorless cameras to record 10-bit internally are the Panasonic GH5 and GH5S, which are rightly heralded as two of the best mirrorless cameras for video use. The Fujifilmone can also output its 4K 60p 4:2:2 10-bit signal via HDMI and simultaneously record 4K 60p 4:2:0 10-bit to its internal SD card for an instant backup. The Fujifilm can also record F-Log footage internally with a minimum ISO of 640 and a firmware update will see Hybrid Log Gamma coming later this year, which is ideal for fast HDR workflow. The camera has microphone and headphone sockets, with a flap that can be removed for when the camera is on a rig, rather than just getting in the way. It shows Fujifilm has become very serious about making a camera for professional filmmakers. On the older X-T2, the only way to get a headphone socket was to add on the extra battery grip, which gave an increase in recording time but added to bulk and expense. In UHD or DCI 4K video at 60p, there is a slight 1.18x crop of the sensor. At 30p or below, the X-T3 records oversampled video using the full width of the sensor and you have a choice of All-Intra or Long GOP compression at up to 400Mbps, which needs a fast V60-spec SD card. In 1080p HD, it records at up to 120fps for super slowmotion, but there is a 1.29x crop. Much of these speed improvements are thanks to the faster internal processor, which also gives a big improvement in rolling shutter performance. It’s hardly noticeable until really provoked and is certainly better than any other Fujifilm cameras andmany mirrorless rivals, too. The AF in videomode is very good, as well, using phase detection
points tomake it quicker andmore reliable, with usable face tracking, although serious video shooters will stick tomanual focus and use peaking, of course. For this, there is also a punch-in to check focus feature and adjustable zebras help nail exposure. But to avoid the AF at all is tomiss out on some of the benefits of the latest technology. It can acquire focus quickly and hold it on fast-moving subjects. It performed admirably when we used the camera to shoot the Goodwood Revival motor sport festival. It locked on to racing cars and bikes well and, in darkened rooms around the track, nailed focus quickly and precisely. It’s claimed to focus in light levels as low as -3EV and there’s no reason to question this. And thanks to the touchscreen, you can tap to focus and it’s near- foolproof. There are options for choosing which parts of the screen are active, to prevent your nose accidentally pushing on the screen and changing the focus point when you’re using the viewfinder. The era of usable AF for video is here, as long as you understand when it will work for you and when it’s best to stick tomanual. The three-way tilting LCD touchscreen doesn’t fully articulate, though – something the selfie generation will miss. But in a nod to serious users, the EVF dioptre adjustment wheel is now lockable to avoid
“It performed admirably when we used the camera to shoot theGoodwoodRevival festival”
LEFT It locked on to racing cars and bikes well and, in darkened rooms around the track, nailed focus quickly.
89
WINTER 2018 PRO MOVIEMAKER
Powered by FlippingBook