Fujifilm X-T3 is Announced
Today sees the announcement of the long-awaited Fujifilm X-T3.
I haven't been involved in this camera in any way, and in fact, until I received the press release earlier, I didn't know anything about the camera beyond the rumours - just like everybody else.
However, today I'm going to be getting my hands on an X-T3 and I'll be using it for a few days so I hope to have a First Impressions review in the next few days. Watch this space.
I'll likely do a YouTube video post sooner, so if you haven't already, please do subscribe to my YouTube channel.
As always, I'll be totally honest with my findings when using the camera in earnest.So for now, all I can do is tell you about the things I'm excited about in the X-T3 based on the specifications. I'll find out over the next few days whether those excitements will be justified.
Here is Jonas Rask's packshot image of the camera:
Back-Illuminated Sensor
If you are anything like me, you wouldn't actually know what this means. So I've done a bit of research on your behalf.Essentially, it means all the jiggery-pokery needed for the light to hit the sensor is moved from the front to the back. This is good as it means better low light performance and less noise.At least that's what I think it means.
Eterna Film Simulation
This made its debut in the X-H1 and I've made a couple of commercial films using the X-H1 and Eterna so I'm excited to see this hit the X-T3 also.
200 Shot Buffer
When I started shooting professionally ten years ago I'd be lucky to get 2 images before the buffer stalled. So apparently, and again I'll test this, the buffer depth is now 200 images when shooting JPEG at 8 frames per second. You'll also be getting 35 frames or so in the buffer in RAW.That's incredible. And I *think* the X-T2 only had a buffer depth of around 52 or 53 so that's a huge improvement.
-3ev Low Light AF Limit
To be honest, I don't really struggle with the X-T2 in regular low light, but this sounds like I'll have an even better experience now.
4k/60p in 10 Bit
As I build the video element of my business 4k is becoming more important. Being able to shoot at 60p for true slow motion is pretty cool. In 10 Bit..... well, according to the press release this is the first camera in the world in a mirrorless camera with APS-C or larger sensors.
30fps Sport Mode
I'm not sure I'll ever need 30fps for stills, but I know a lot of wedding photographers who do shoot continuous throughout the whole day. I believe the 30fps is in the crop mode (16 mp) but you'll still be able to shoot at insane rates even without the sports mode activated. Kudos!
Pre Shot Mode
If I'm reading this right, this will be really useful for shooting through the moment. The camera will effectively start taking images as you are preparing to take the shot. An example I can think of is when a guest hugs a bride. There is only really one image needed, but the camera will shoot around that moment on our behalf. I'm really interested to see how this pans out.
100% Phase Detection Coverage
This is certainly one of the headline features for me. I think the Canon R that was announced yesterday as 88% coverage? I may be wrong but that rings a bell. Having a 100% coverage is going to mean fast an accurate focus acquisition right across the frame. Very, very cool for weddings and street photography.
Double the performance Face Detection
Not to be mistaken with the aforementioned, Phase Detection. According to the specification, face detection is twice as good as that in the X-T2...... again, really good stuff for us wedding photographers.
Touch Screen
For those that love such tech, and I'm gradually getting more used to touch screens this will be very useful.I can see me stalking around wedding receptions pretending I'm playing with the back of the camera when instead, I'm taking a picture of Uncle Fred asleep in the corner of the room.
Colour Chrome Effect
I use this on my GFX 50S and it's really neat actually. I mean, you may not use it exclusively, but if you want to add some real depth to the colour in your images this is great. I hope it works as well in the X-T3 as it does in the GFX 50S.
Monochrome Adjustment
This. Now, THIS is something I've been asking for for a very long time. I'm glad it's rippled up the list and finally made it into a camera.Imagine being able to fine tune the warmth or coolness of your black and white jpegs in the camera?I think this might just be the most exciting thing for me as somebody who almost always has to add subtle warmth to my jpegs. I really am excited by this.
Evolution, it seems
It looks like the camera looks very similar to the X-T2. Which makes sense, because the design of the X-T2 is pretty much perfect in my mind. The side folding tilt screen, of course, is one thing that I'm already hankering after but it's great that they have put the headphone jack etc in the body now reducing the need for the grip.Its a linear progression by the looks that keep with the heritage that Fujifilm has created.I'm really looking forward to getting a good feel for the camera and if you check back in a few days I'll hopefully have had enough time to produce my overview review.Until the specs of this camera became available I actually hadn't paid much attention to the X-T3. I use my X-T2, but not as much as my X-Pro2s. To me, the X-T2 has always been the backup camera but honestly, I couldn't be more excited by these specifications.I'm eager to get the camera in my hands and will report back here pronto.You'll be able to pre-order the Fujifilm X-T3 today from my good friends at Wex PhotoYou'll almost definitely find an amazing review and stunning images as always over at Jonas Rask's website.
Full Press Release and Specification of the Fujifilm X-T3
The X Series began with the 2011 release of X100. The X-Pro1, released in 2012, became the first model to feature the X-Trans CMOS sensor, which uses a unique color filter array based on FUJIFILM’s extensive photographic expertise to achieve exceptional image-resolving performance and control of false colors at the same time, as well as the EXR Processor Pro image processing engine compatible with the sensor. For seven years, the X Series and its sensor – image processing engine combination have continued to evolve, with the company unveiling “X-Trans CMOS II” / “EXR Processor Pro II” in the X-T1, released in 2014, and “X-Trans CMOS III” / “X-Processor Pro” in the X-Pro2 and X-T2, released in 2016. The three generations of evolution have constantly advanced the X Series’ image quality and mobility.The latest model, X-T3, features the new X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor and X-Processor 4 image processing engine, ushering in a new, fourth generation of the X Series.[New devices]
X-Trans CMOS 4: This is the back-illuminated APS-C sensor with more than 4 times the number of phase detection pixels than current models (*3), distributed across the surface. It boasts a high S/N ratio and the lowest sensitivity of ISO160 despite its 26MP resolution. The low-light autofocus limit has also been extended to -3EV, enabling accurate AF even in low light conditions, e.g. scene lit only with candlelight.
X Processor 4: This engine has 4 CPU units to achieve image processing speed about 3 times faster than that of current models (*3). Not only boosting AF accuracy and speed substantially, the engine is the world’s first (*2) to delivers 4K/60P 10bit output, meeting the needs of professional videographers, in a mirrorless camera equipped with a sensor in the APS-C size or larger. It is also capable of instantaneously handling complex image processing tasks such as FUJIFILM’s unique “Color Chrome Effect” and “Monochrome Adjustment” function, achieving Warm Black / Cool Black tone in digital, which is adopted as one of the way of expression for monochrome print in silver halide film.
The X-T3 takes full advantage of the capability of these fourth-generation devices to enjoy significant performance improvement.
Higher image quality: Highest level of 26.1MP resolution in APS-C size sensor. Also, it achieves keeps as low level of noise as current models (*3) even increasing the number of pixels.
Dramatically improved AF performance: 1.5 times faster processing speed than current models (*3) to deliver faster and more accurate AF, and substantially enhanced performance in face / eye detection AF thanks to 2.16M phase detection pixels arrayed at entire frame.
Significant improvement in tracking performance of fast-moving subject: Delivering blackout-free continuous shooting (*4) of up to 30 fps while using smooth Live View of 60fps to check your subject.
Video performance for professionals: Supporting 4K/60P 4:2:0 10bit internal SD card recording as well as 4K/60P 4:2:2 10bit HDMI output, which can be filmed at the same time. Also, featuring the video-specialized Film Simulation mode “ETERNA,” popular with the X-H1.
*1 X-TransTM is FUJIFILM Corporation’s trademark or registered trademark. The sensor has a unique non-periodic filter array to reduce the appearance of moire patterns and false colors without the use of an optical low-pass filter.*2 As of September 6, 2018, according to FUJIFILM data*3 Comparison with current models “FUJIFILM X-T2” and “FUJIFILM X-H1”*4 Available only when using the electronic shutter[Main features]
Use of the Series’ fourth-generation devices, new sensor “X-Trans CMOS 4” and new processor “X-Processor 4,” for the highest image resolving performance, color reproducibility and fastest processing in the history of the X Series
(1) The X-T3 features the X Series’ fourth-generation APS-C sensor, newly developed “X-Trans CMOS 4” (26.1MP, without low-pass filter). It uses the unique color filter array synonymous to X-Trans CMOS sensors to control moire and false colors and adopts the Series’ first back-illuminated structure to improve image resolution without compromising the S/N ratio. Furthermore, the sensitivity of ISO160, previously available only as extended ISO, is now part of the normal ISO range. It is very useful in daylight outdoor shooting or when trying to achieve bokeh with a fast large-aperture lens.(2) The X-T3 uses the new “X-Processor 4” image processing engine to add the new “monochrome adjustment” function to the Film Simulation modes, which are based on FUJIFILM’s proprietary technology to deliver diverse color expressions. Warm black and cool black, conventionally achieved with a choice of specific photographic papers and developers, have been faithfully reproduced digitally to broaden the scope of monochrome expressions. This function is available in the standard “Monochrome” mode as well as the “ACROS” mode, which provides smooth halftones, deep blacks and beautiful textures.(3) The “Color Chrome Effect,” previously only available in FUJIFILM’s medium-format mirrorless digital camera “GFX50S,” is featured in the X-T3, the first in the X Series. The effect produces deeper colors and gradation in subjects with highly saturated colors, such as vivid-colored flowers with shadows, a notoriously difficult photo subject for gradation reproduction. The high-speed processing power of the X-Processor 4 means this effect can be applied not only in single shots but also in continuous shooting.
Use of the new devices and improved algorithm for significant improvement in AF performance in low light and when tracking a moving subject
(1) The X-Trans CMOS 4 has 2.16M phase detection pixels, more than 4 times compared to current models (*3), increasing the phase detection AF area to entire frame (approx. 100%). Fast and accurate phase detection AF can be used even on a subject that is positioned away from the center of the frame. The low-light phase detection autofocus limit has also been extended by around 2 stops from -1EV to -3EV, making it possible to accurately focus in low light conditions, e.g. a scene lit only with candlelight, or night-time photography. Furthermore, the X-Processor 4’s high processing speed and improved phase detection algorithm means the camera refocuses (AF) and meters (AE) 1.5 times more frequently than current models (*3) to enable accurate autofocus even when shooting sports involving fast and erratic movements across the frame.(2) The performance of face-detection AF on a moving person has been doubled over current models (*3). The eye-detection AF supports the AF-C mode, maintaining accurate focus tracking even in portrait photography that involves movements. The X-T3 focuses accurately when shooting a person front-on or side-on, even in situations where the face- or eye-detection AF previously had difficulty. The face- and eye-detection AF is available also during video recording to achieve smooth filming of persons.
Enhanced viewfinder performance improving the ability to track a moving subject
(1) The X-T3 features a 3.69-million-dot high resolution EVF with a high magnification ratio of 0.75x. The display time lag of just 0.005 seconds and refresh rate of approx. 100 fps ensure smooth display of motions, allowing you to precisely identify subject movements and focus positions. Unlike current models (*3), continuous shooting of 11 fps with the mechanical shutter no longer requires the optional vertical grip, enabling fast continuous shooting while keeping the camera weight low.(2) The new “Sports finder mode” makes it easy to capture a moving subject. The mode shows approx. 16.6M (1.25x crop) area marking in the LCD/viewfinder, and shoots the area within the marking. This is particularly useful for sports photography and wildlife photography, as you can check the movements of a subject just outside the shooting frame and take advantage of shorter-than-usual blackout time.(3) Increased read speed from the sensor and high-speed processing capability have made it possible to enjoy AF/AE-tracking, blackout-free continuous shooting(*4) of up to 30 fps in approx. 16.6M (1.25x crop) mode, while using smooth Live View of 60fps to check your subject. The rolling shutter distortion, a typical issue of electronic shutters, has been halved compared to current (*3) models.(4) In order to never miss a crucial shutter moment, the X-T3 has the new “Pre-Shoot” function (*4), in which the camera starts shooting as soon as the shutter button is half-pressed. You will never miss an important photo opportunity, previously caused by time lag between the moment when the shutter button is fully pressed and the moment when a photo is actually taken.
Design / operability and expandability
(1) The X-T3 inherits X-T2’s popular design features such as the positioning of dials on the top panel, central viewfinder style for added sense of stability, and excellent grip design for comfort. The silver color is lineup as standard, which features more classical tone compared with graphite silver, limited edition for previous models. Its styling that reminds you of traditional film cameras is combined with outstanding practicality, making it photographic equipment that is a pleasure to own for many years to come.(2) Enhanced operability and expandability in response to user feedback<Specific areas of operability enhancement>・EVF’s diopter adjustment is lockable achieved by pulling out and rotating a diopter knob, so as to prevent unintended adjustments while carrying the camera.・The X-T3 uses a touchscreen panel with higher contrast, wider viewing angle and better operability than those in previous models to enable intuitive operation.・The X-T3 inherits X-H1’s features such as large top-panel dials / rear-panel buttons and comfortable clicking touch of front and rear command dials.・A headphone jack is provided on the camera body so that all accessories required for video recording, such as microphone and HDMI devices can be centrally connected to the body for added mobility in videography.・Terminal cover is removable, providing easy connectivity for HDMI cables, microphones, headphones. Also it will not disturb when setting up with rig for movie shooting.・The USB terminal supports USB Type-C (USB3.1 Gen1) specifications. An Anker (*5) battery can be connected to significantly increase the maximum number of frames per charge and the maximum duration of video recording.
Enhanced video performance
(1) This is the world’s first (*2) mirrorless digital camera capable of internal SD card recording 4K/60P 4:2:0 10bit. It is also the world’s first (*2) mirrorless digital camera with APS-C or larger sensor capable of 4K/60P 4:2:2 10bit HDMI output. Supported video formats include the widely-used H.264/MPEG-4 AVC as well as H.265/HEVC for greater data compression. This enables the use of high 200Mbps bitrate in recording of 4K/60P 4:2:0 10bit, as well as simultaneous HDMI output while recording. Video compression options available are ALL-Intra (*6) and Long GOP. When using ALL-Intra, video is recorded at 400Mbps (*7).The sensor’s read speed is about 50% faster than current models (*3), which enables fast 17msec reading of 4K/60P video. The rolling shutter distortion has been reduced for smooth replay of a fast-moving subject. The camera’s support for 10bit color depth boosts the amount of color information 64 times compared to 8bit. This is combined with 400% (approx. 12 stops) dynamic range for capturing materials of rich gradation, such as a sunset landscape.(2) The introduction of a new noise reduction process and new “4K interframe noise reduction” function have reduced noise by the equivalent of approx. 2 stops. The new NR process has an enhanced level of noise-identifying accuracy for appropriate denoising performance. The 4K interframe NR function (*7) uses differential data between adjacent frames to reduce noise. Furthermore, the minimum sensitivity for shooting F-Log and DR400% footage has been extended from the current models’ (*3) ISO800 to ISO640, meeting the needs of videographers.(3) In addition to the abovementioned functions, the X-T3 will, after applying a firmware update to be released by the end of 2018, support video recording in the Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG), one of the formats defined in the ITU-R BT.2100 international standards. In response to user feedback, the firmware update is also due to give the X-T3 an ability to simultaneously output Film Simulation and F-Log footage.*5 Anker is trademark or registered trademark of Anker Innovations Limited or associated companies.*6 Available at 4K/29.97P, 25P, 24P, 23.98P, and FHD/59.94P, 50P, 29.97P, 25P, 24P, 23.98P when H.265/HEVC is selected.Not compatible with H.264.*7 Available at 4K/29.97P, 25P, 24P or 23.98P.Requires an SD card with the video speed class of V60 or above to record at the bitrate of 400Mbps
Product name, release date and pricing
Product name: FUJIFILM X-T3 digital cameraSee http://fujifilm-x.com/x-t3/ for details, including support information. 2．Optional accessories(1)Vertical Battery Grip VG-XT3 (designed specifically for the X-T3)・This grip is dust-resistant, water-resistant and capable of operating at temperatures as low as -10°C. It fits two batteries, bringing the total number of batteries to three, including the one on the camera body, to increase the maximum number of frames that can be taken per charge to approx. 1,100 (Normal mode). The camera does not need to suspend its operation to switch to a new battery, even during continuous shooting or video recording, providing a stress-free shooting experience.・The grip features the shutter release button, focus lever, AE-L button, AF-L button, command dials, Q button and Fn button to provide the same level of excellent operability in vertical shooting as you get in horizontal operation.・The VG-XT3 itself has battery-charging functionality. Using the AC adapter supplied (AC-9VS), you can fully charge two batteries at the same time in approx. 2 hours. (2) Leather Case BLC-XT3 (designed specifically for the X-T3)・This is a genuine leather bottom case with luxurious textures.The camera can stay in the case while the battery is replaced.・The case comes with a cloth to wrap the camera in when placing it in your bag. (3) Hand Grip MHG-XT3 (designed specifically for the X-T3)・This hand grip makes it substantially more comfortable to hold the camera when it is mounted with a large-aperture lense, thereby reducing camera shake. The camera's battery or SD cards can be replaced without having to remove the hand grip. The base can be used as a quick release shoe when using a dovetail mount on your tripod. (4) Cover Kit CVR-XT3・This is a cover kit specifically for the X-T3.＜Contained items＞・1 x Sync terminal cover・1 x Hot shoe cover・1 x Vertical battery grip terminal cover (black)・1 x Vertical battery grip terminal cover (silver)・1 x Terminal cover (5) Remote Release RR-100・This remote shutter release has a φ2.5mm jack.・Similarly to the camera’s shutter release button, pressing the button halfway focuses on a subject, and pressing it all the way down takes a picture.・In the BULB or continuous shooting mode, you can slide the shutter button to lock it.・It is packaged with a right angle adapter for ease of storage and to prevent unintended cable dislodgment. (6)Recommended accessories: Anker PowerCore+ 26800 PD (*8) (30W Power Delivery Wall Charger included) and Anker PowerCore Speed 20000 PD (30W Power Delivery Wall Charger Bundle included) (*9)・Use “Anker PowerCore+ 26800 PD” and “Anker PowerCore Speed 20000 PD”, which are both 30W Power Delivery Wall Charger bundle model, to significantly increase the maximum number of frames per charge and the maximum duration of video recording.*8 Anker and PowerCore are trademark or registered trademark of Anker Innovations Limited or associated companies.*9 Product may not be available on your country.
3. FUJIFILM X-T3 specification
Model name
FUJIFILM X-T3
Number of effective pixels
26.1 millions pixels
Image sensor
23.5mm×15.6mm (APS-C) X-Trans CMOS 4 with primary color filter.
Sensor Cleaning system
Ultra Sonic Vibration
Storage media
SD memory card (~2GB) / SDHC memory card (~32GB) / SDXC memory card (~512GB)
UHS-I / UHS-II / Video Speed Class V90 *10
Lens mount
FUJIFILM X mount
Sensitivity
Standard output
AUTO1 / AUTO2 / AUTO3 (up to ISO12800) / ISO160~12800 (1/3 step)
Extended output
ISO80／100／125／25600／51200
Continuous shooting
Approx. 30fps [Only electronic shutter, 1.25 x Crop ] (JPEG： 60 frames Lossless compression RAW： 35 frames Uncompressed RAW： 33 frames)
Approx. 11fps (JPEG: 145 frames Lossless compression RAW: 42 frames Uncompressed RAW: 36 frames)
Approx. 5.7fps (JPEG: endless Lossless Compression RAW: 62 frames Uncompressed RAW: 43 frames)
Pre-shot: Approx. 30fps [Only electronic shutter, 1.25 x Crop ] (max. 20 frames while half press, max. 20 frames after full press, total max. 40 frames)
*Recordable frames depends on recording media
*Speed of continuous shooting depends on shooting environment and shooting frames
Viewfinder
0.5 inch approx. 3.69 millions dots OLED Color ViewfinderCoverage of viewing area vs. capturing area: approx. 100%Eyepoint: approx. 23mm (from the eyepiece lens) Diopter adjustment: -4~+2m-1 (lockable)Magnification: 0.75× with 50mm lens (35mm equivalent) at infinity and diopter set to -1m-1Diagonal angle of view: approx. 38° (Horizontal angle of view: approx. 30° ) Built-in eye sensor
LCD monitor
3.0 inch, aspect ratio 3:2, approx. 1.04 millions dots touch screen color LCD monitor(approx. 100% coverage)
Movie recording
File format
MOV (MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, HEVC/H.265, Audio: Linear PCM / Stereo sound 24bit / 48KHz sampling)
Movie compression
All Intra/Long-GOP
* All Intra can be used with following settings.DCI4K/4K 29.97p/25p/24p/23.98p 400MbpsFull HD（2048×1080）/Full HD（1920×1080） 59.94p/50p/29.97p/25p/24p/23.98p 200Mbps
File size
［DCI 4K（4096×2160）］ 59.94p/50p/29.97p/25p/24p/23.98p 400Mbps/200Mbps/100Mbps 59.94p/50p: up to approx. 20min. 29.97p/25p/24p/23.98p: up to approx. 30min
Frame rate
［4K（3840×2160）］ 59.94p/50p/29.97p/25p/24p/23.98p 400Mbps/200Mbps/100Mbps 59.94p/50p: up to approx. 20min. 29.97p/25p/24p/23.98p: up to approx. 30min
Recording time
［Full HD（2048 ×1080）］ 59.94p/50p/29.97p/25p/24p/23.98p 200Mbps/100Mbps/50Mbps up to approx. 30min.
［Full HD（1920×1080）］ 59.94p/50p/29.97p/25p/24p/23.98p 200Mbps/100Mbps/50Mbps up to approx. 30min.
［Full HD（1920×1080) High speed rec.] 120p／100p 200Mbps(recording) up to approx. 6min.*For recording movies, use a SD memory card with UHS Speed Class 3 or higher.*For recording movies in 400Mbps, use a SD memory card with Video Speed Class 60 or higher.*Recording movies in 400Mbps can be done with DCI4K/4K 29.97p/25p/24p/23.98p.*DCI4K 59.94p/50p is not available when H.264 is selected.*Although movie recording will continue without interruption when the file size reaches 4GB, subsequent footage will be recorded to a separate file which must be viewed separately.
Film simulation mode
16 modes (PROVIA/Standard, Velvia/Vivid, ASTIA/Soft, Classic Chrome, PRO Neg.Hi, PRO Neg.Std,Black & White, Black & White+Ye Filter, Black & White+R Filter, Black & White+G Filter, Sepia, ACROS,ACROS+Ye Filter, ACROS+R Filter, ACROS+G Filter, ETERNA/Cinema),B & W Adjustment: -9~+9
Color chrome effect
STRONG, WEAK, OFF
Wirelesstransmitter
Standard
IEEE802.11b/g/n (standard wireless protocol)
Encryption
WEP / WPA / WPA2 mixed mode
Access mode
Infrastructure
Bluetooth®
Standard
Bluetooth Ver 4.2 (Bluetooth low energy)
Operating frequency (Center frequency)
2402 - 2480MHz
Power supply
NP-W126S Li-ion battery (included)
Battery life for still images*11
Approx. 390 frames (Normal Mode) When XF35mmF1.4 R is set.
Dimensions
(W) 132.5mm × (H) 92.8mm × (D) 58.8mm (minimum depth 35.4mm)
Weight
Approx. 539g (including battery and SD memory card)Approx. 489g (excluding battery and SD memory card)
Starting up period
Approx. 0.3sec.
Accessories included
Li-ion battery NP-W126S, Battery charger BC-W126S, Shoe-mount flash unit EF-X8, Shoulder strap,Body cap, Strap clip, Protective cover, Clip attaching tool, Hot shoe cover,Vertical Grip connector cover, Connector cover (detachable), Sync terminal cover, Cable protector Owner's manual,
*10 Please see the Fujifilm website (http://www.fujifilm.com/support/digital_cameras/compatibility/card/x/ ) to check SD memory card compatibility.*11 Approximate number of frames that can be taken with a fully-charged based on CIPA Standard.
