FUJIFILM X-Pro3: A Sensational Camera with Advanced Skills

The FUJIFILM X-Pro3 is a 26-megapixel mirrorless camera built around a smart optical/electronic viewfinder. It’s been designed to give you a look of a classic rangefinder.

This is the third iteration of the first X-mount camera from FUJIFILM that features top and base plates. However, the most notable feature you get here is the hidden rear panel that flips down to unfold a touchscreen LCD.

Another low-resolution LCD panel is also provided that displays the basics shooting settings when the main panel is folded. We will look into it in more detail.

FUJIFILM X-Pro3 Design

True to the design style of FUJIFILM, the new X-Pro3 comes with an attractive retro look that resembles the rangefinder-style cameras from the past. At first glance, the body of the camera may feel very blocky, however, on closer inspection, you will realize that every inch of it has stylish design reflections.

To make it a durable camera, the FUJIFILM X-Pro3 is built with a magnesium frame, while Precision-machined titanium is used to make the top and base plate of the body. And finally, a coating is applied.

A standard model comes with a black finish with dials and buttons that are also black. There are two variations – Dura Black and Dura Silver. They are coated with Duratech which is applied to the exterior surface of the body. This makes the camera body ten times as scratch-resistant as titanium but requires some extra cash.

The FUJIFILM X-Pro3 is dust and weather-proof and if paired with a weather-resistant Fuji lens, you can use it no matter what the conditions are.

A headline feature that caused quite a controversy in the photography community is the hidden LCD panel in the camera that can only be accessed and viewed once it’s flipped down. When flipped back up the main panel is hidden, and instead, you can use a smaller sub monitor to check your critical camera settings.

The main LCD is a three-inch touchscreen with 1.62 million-dot resolution, making it bright and detailed. You can tilt it downwards 180 degrees which makes it easier to shoot with for street photographers.

When folded back, a small 1.28-inch color LCD takes the place of the main panel. However, it’s not backlit and can be hard to read in low light conditions. It gives you access to a number of operations such as ISO, Shutter Speed, Exposure Compensation, Aperture, and Film Simulations.

A hybrid Viewfinder is another unique feature of the FUJIFILM X-Pro3 that can be changed from an Optical Viewfinder to an Electronic Viewfinder with just a flick of a control on the front of the camera.

The Optical Viewfinder gives a crystal clear view and displays key information such as Shutter Speed, Exposure, ISO, and other details. The OVF features a magnification of 0.52x while the 0.5-inch OLED EVF has a 3.69 million-dot of resolution with a 100 percent coverage area.

FUJIFILM X-Pro3 in Use

The FUJIFILM X-Pro3 employs the latest X-Processor 4 and the 26.3-megapixel X-Trans sensor. The camera has been exquisitely tuned to get the maximum performance out of these chips. Consequently, the autofocus system is remarkably fast and grabs a clear focus on the subject.

Thanks to the upgraded face and eye detection system, subjects on the move are easily tracked. The autofocus system holds on to the eye and maintains focus even if the subject is dynamically changing its position. Using an impressive 11 fps maximum shooting capability of the camera you can lock on to your subject in full motion and deliver incredible stills.

The Autofocus Range Limiter is another neat touch and a piece of big news for street photographers. It comes with two presets that allow you to limit autofocus of the FUJIFILM X-Pro3 from two meters to infinity or five meters to infinity.

Talking about the low-light performance of the X-Pro3, certainly, it depends on the focus acquiring capability of the lens. Regardless, the low-light performance is outstanding and effectively managed, thanks to the Intelligent Hybrid AF system of the camera.

More to this, the ISO of the FUJIFILM X-Pro3 ranges from the ISO 160 to 12,800 and can be extended to ISO 51,200.

As for image quality, the camera delivers exceptional JPEGs straight out of the camera. In fact, you will probably want to shoot in JPEG only as they offer several in-camera adjustments, sharpness, and a number of film simulation modes.

Of course, the camera allows you to shoot in RAW as well and capture exceptionally detailed images that can be processed through any post-production software to get your desired results.

The X-Series cameras of FUJIFILM always came loaded with a ton of film simulations and the FUJIFILM X-Pro3 is no exception. This state-of-the-art masterpiece offers an incredible 16 unique film simulation effects.

How Does the FUJIFILM X-Pro3 Compare?

Although the FUJIFILM X-Pro2 was a great camera to shoot with and still is, the X-Pro3 is even better. The X-Pro3 has some major upgrades over its predecessor including its sensor, AF system, design, and many other areas.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Conclusion

The FUJIFILM X-Pro3 undoubtedly is an exciting camera intended for street photographers. Even if you belong to a different niche, this camera can still deliver beyond your expectations.

It represents a unique design and employs latest technology from an imaging giant that has developed a remarkably impressive camera to shoot with.

The camera produces beautiful images with great color and sharpness. It offers a stylish rangefinder design with numerous physical controls and a hidden LCD. The AF system is fast, and the hybrid viewfinder is impressive.

Aditionally, a generous number of different film simulations can help you become more creative. In short, the FUJIFILM X-Pro3 excels in every department.

While the camera is more expensive than any other flagship product from FUJIFILM, it can offer a lifetime of enjoyment throughout your photography journey.