Fujifilm X-T3 launched

The silver/black version of the X-T3, shown with the XF 18-55mm kit lens. (Source: Fujifilm.)

A key component is the new 4th generation X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor, which supports an effective resolution of 26.1 megapixels,  the highest for a APS-C size sensor. Renowned for its characteristic colour reproduction technology and ability to suppress moiré without requiring a low-pass filter, the new X-Trans chip also introduces back-side illumination and copper wiring which together boost light capturing efficiency and processing speeds. Coupled with the new sensor is the X-Processor 4 image processing engine, a quad-core processor chip that enables the camera to support professional video performance. The X-T3 becomes the first APS-C mirrorless digital camera to support 4K/60p 4:2:0 10-bit internal SD card recording, as well as 4K/60p 4:2:2 10-bit HDMI output and enable simultaneous shooting in both formats. The video-specialised “ETERNA” Film Simulation mode, made popular with the X-H1, is included in the new camera.

A new monochrome adjustment function added to the Film Simulation modes enables photographers to tailor colour reproduction to meet specialised requirements. This function is available in the standard Monochrome mode as well as the ACROS mode, which provides smooth halftones, deep blacks and attractive textures.  The Colour Chrome Effect, which was previously only available in the medium-format GFX50S mirrorless camera , makes its first appearance in an X-Series model in the X-T3. 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.

Autofocusing speeds and accuracy have also been improved,  thanks to 2,160,000 phase detection pixels, which are arrayed across the entire image frame. This is four times the number of other current models and it enables fast and accurate phase detection AF with off-centre subjects. The low-light phase detection autofocus limit has also been extended by roughly two stops from -1EV to -3EV, enabling accurate focusing in dim lighting. An improved phase detection algorithm enables AF and AE metering 1.5 times more frequently than current models. Face detection AF performance  on a moving person has also been doubled and the eye-detection AF supports the AF-C mode, maintaining accurate focus tracking on moving subjects. Face- and eye-detection AF is also available  during video recording and operates effectively when subjects are  front-on or side-on and in situations where the face- or eye-detection AF previously had difficulty.

The sensor’s read speed is about 50% faster than current models, which enables fast 17 msec reading of 4K/60p video, reducing the potential for rolling shutter effects. The X-T3 is also the first mirrorless digital camera capable of internal SD card recording of  4K/60p 4:2:0 10-bit video as well as 4K/60p 4:2:2 10-bit 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 bit-rate in recording of 4K/60P 4:2:0 10-bit, as well as simultaneous HDMI output while recording. Video compression options available are ALL-Intra and Long GOP. When using ALL-Intra, video is recorded at 400Mbps.  The camera’s support for 10bit color depth boosts the  colour resolution by 64 times compared to 8-bit. This is combined with 400% (approx. 12 stops) of dynamic range. A new 4K interframe noise reduction function reduces noise by the equivalent of roughly two stops and a new NR process uses differential data between adjacent frames to reduce noise.  In addition, the minimum sensitivity for shooting F-Log and DR400% footage has been extended from the current models’ ISO 800 to ISO 640. A firmware upgrade will be released by the end of 2018, adding support for 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.

The X-T3 features a 3,690,000-dot 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 motion.  A new Sports finder mode shows a 1.25xcropped image (approx. 16.6-megapixels) that covers the recorded area, enabling photographers to check movements of any subject just outside the shooting frame and take advantage of shorter-than-usual blackout time. Increased read speed from the sensor and high-speed processing capability enable AF/AE-tracking, blackout-free continuous shooting at up to 30 fps with the 1.25x crop with significantly reduced rolling shutter distortion. The X-T3 also introduces a new Pre-Shoot function, in which the camera starts recording as soon as the shutter button is half-pressed.

Other features that have been improved include the following:
– The EVF’s dioptre adjustment is lockable achieved by pulling out and rotating a dioptre 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.
– The 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 battery can be connected to significantly increase the maximum number of frames per charge and the maximum duration of video recording.

The all black version of the X-T3, shown with the VG-XT3 Vertical Battery Grip and XF 18-55mm kit lens. (Source: Fujifilm.)

Optional accessories include the VG-XT3 Vertical Battery Grip, which is  designed specifically for the X-T3 and boasts the same dust-and water-resistance and is 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, increasing the shooting capacity to approximately 1,100 frames/charge. The grip includes a shutter release button, focus lever, AE-L button, AF-L button, command dials, Q button and Fn button and supports USB charging via the AC adapter supplied (AC-9VS). Two batteries can be recharged in approximately two hours.

Other accessories include the BLC-XT3 genuine leather bottom case, which comes with a wrapping cloth, the  MHG-XT3 hand grip, the CVR-XT3 cover kit and the RR-100 remote release. The X-T3 is also compatible with  Anker’s PowerCore+ 26800 PD and PowerCore Speed 20000 batteries PD.

The X-T3 will be available in all-black and silver/black colours and can be purchased from leading photographic store and selected retailers from the end of September 2018. It has a recommended retail price of AU$2499 for the camera body. For full details, click here.