FUJIFILMX-T3 TEST
THE VERDICT
HOW IT RATES Features: 9
Fujifilm’s new X-T3 is right up there for video shooters who want to use a mirrorless camera. It’s a great all-rounder with all the bugs of previous Fuji X Series cameras ironed out. It’s affordable, can be used for all types of pro stills work, including action, and sets new standards for capturing high-quality video with incredible spec. It may look like a clone of the X-T2, but it has more resolution from an all-new sensor, is faster in terms of file processing with the knock-on effect of quicker autofocus and frame rates, has the viewfinder of the flagship X-H1 and video spec that outperforms it handsomely. Thanks to the new sensor and processor that’s triple the speed of the old one, the X-T3 out-performs the flagship in just about all areas. It can also record 4K video at 60p to give half-speed slow motion, something that’s become the new industry standard but one that not many cameras can do yet. The X-T3 might not have the full-frame sensor that many newer rivals have, but it’s smaller and cheaper.
For amirrorless camera, it has the lot except in-body stabilisation and an articulating screen Performance: 9 4K 60p at 4:2:2 10-bit sets the benchmark and fast frame rate HD is excellent, too Handling: 8 It handles like a pimped-up old-school SLR, which is not natural for use as a video camera Value formoney: 9 For the price, there’s nothing that comes close to its performance and features stills tool is very impressive and it’s very affordable compared to other mirrorless cameras Pros: A stunning upgrade to the old X-T2 in every way, with amazing video performance Cons: AF isn’t quite as advanced as others for fast action, not full-frame OVERALL RATING: 9/10 The performance as a video and
trouble adapting to the retro-style controls as the X-T3
can be customised to work like a Nikon or Canon with two control wheels changingmajor settings. If you don’t like Fujifilm’s systemof using a ring on the lens to change aperture, you can customise it. It remains a cool-looking retro cam that is simple to get to grips with and use quickly and efficiently. For slower shooting when usingmanual focus, Fuji has also introduced a digital microprism focusing aid, which is designed to simulate the view through a film SLR finder. This might sound like it’s purely a bit of fun retro design, but it’s supposed to be a useful way of usingmanual focus accurately. Some people might find it helpful, but it wasn’t particularly useful for the shooting on the test. For shooting stills, the X-T3 packs a punch that’s shockingly good for a camera with an APS-C sensor. At our test, the Raw software was not available so could only inspect JPEGs, which we used in the default in-camera modes. Having said that, the files were detailed and sharp, with bold, saturated colours even in standard setting. Skin tones are pleasing and natural. The noise is very well controlled, too, even pushing the ISO up to 6400 and above, which is the maximummost pros would need realistically. You can blow up the images significantly and there is not a huge difference between the files and those from the most expensive and latest full-frame cameras.
ABOVE The X-T3 is traditional in style with retro controls, but is packed with the latest tech to help pros.
More information
fujifilm-x.com
91
WINTER 2018 PRO MOVIEMAKER
Powered by FlippingBook