Fujifilm PH wows select media with their 4th Generation Mirrorless System in PH: The X-T3

Fujifilm X-T3 Launch

Fujifilm says the birth of the 4th Gen. Mirrorless System, the X-T3 is for the ultimate joy in photography, plus the true reproduction of unique colors.

Select media were invited for a quick run with the Fujifilm X-T3.

There was the usual product preview conducted by Glenn Gatan and then followed by a crash course (a refresher’s course for me) by Mikko David, a sports and motoring photographer.

Glenn walked us through the new features in the X-T3, telling us that this will completely satisfy our photography and videography needs. That the X-T3 is now powered by the new X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor and an X-Processor 4 image processing engine.

The X-T3 has a 26MP resolution in APS-C size sensor with a dramatically improved and super fast autofocus. Glenn said it is up to 1.5x faster than the current models.

Mikko David, on the other hand, patiently guided us on how to use the X-T3 on (fast) moving objects both indoor and outdoor. He shared his honed skills in sports photography.

Mikko shared that the X-T3 is now possible to deliver AF/AE-tracking blackout-free continuous shooting up to 30FPS in approximately 16MP while using Live View of 60fps to monitor the subject.

The X-T3 is the first digital camera capable of 4K/60P 4:2:0 bit internal SD recording, as well as 4K/60P 4:2:210bit HDMI output, which can be filmed at the same time.

The XT-3 inherits the design of the X-T2: the position of the dials and central viewfinder (DSLR style). The top dials have an improved lock, which I appreciate the most because you can’t change the settings accidentally during a shoot.

Fujifilm X-T3 Key Specs

26MP BSI ‘X-Trans CMOS 4’ sensor

425-point hybrid AF system

Improved AF Tracking and Face/Eye Detection AF

20 fps shooting with AF (11 fps with mechanical shutter)

30 fps shooting in 1.25x crop with electronic shutter

Sports Finder’ mode gives a preview of the area around a 1.25x crop

3.69M-dot electronic viewfinder

Three-axis tilting touchscreen

10 bit 4:2:0 H.265 internal video capture (4:2:2 over HDMI)

UHD/DCI 4K/60p from 1.18x crop region

UHD/DCI 4K/30p using full width of sensor

Internal F-Log capture (HLG coming by end of 2018)

Dual UHS-II SD card slots

USB C-type connector can be used for charging the battery

Headphone and Mic Sockets

Fujifilm X-T3 Availability & Pricing

The Fujifilm X-T3 is now available for pre-order. Official price is P86,990 (body only) and P109,990 (body +  XF18-55mmF2.8-4 R LM OIS) kit. The pre-order includes two batteries (NP-W126S), 50% on the vertical grip (VG-XT3) and 18 months extended warranty.

XT-3 versus the competition

• Fujifilm XT3 body only (P86,990) vs Nikon Z7 body only (P208,050) vs Nikon Z6 (P131,100)
• Fujifilm  XT3 body only (P86,990) vs Canon EOS R body only (P147,998)

Sample Shots

Fast AF

Conclusion

Fujifilm’s X-T3 is already the company’s 4th generation of mirrorless camera. Their competitors are just starting in the ball game. If lightweight is the subject matter, X-T3 wins with no contest, it is only 539g. Canon’s EOS R weighs 660g while Nikon’s Z7 weighs 675g.

Also, the autofocus is the best improvement. I know because I owned a Fujifilm XT-1 GS. The X-T3 can do sports photography now.