Our last visit to Fujifilm territory allowed us to meet the X-T100, a camera that takes excellent images but has an essentially nil 4K mode at 15 FPS. Convinced that this manufacturer can do better, we came across the Fujifilm X-T3, a true spaceship among mirrorless cameras. From 4Kp60 recording to its 20 FPS burst, through video oversampling, good battery performance, sealed body, and a high level of customization, the Fujifilm X-T3 is worth every penny, even though it hurts at first.
What happened to the price-performance relationship? Of course, it hasn't gone anywhere, and we basically follow it strictly when we present our recommended accessories. Today will be no exception, but beyond our priorities, we also can't make the mistake of ignoring half the market for a matter of prices. The Fujifilm X-T3 is not the first camera with four digits on its label that we've seen here (that honor goes to the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV), and it won't be the last. However, I think it's an excellent starting point to begin exploring and analyzing the case of the most complete mirrorless cameras that seek to compete among professional or semi-pro SLRs.
Fujifilm X-T3: Stepping into the ring with force
Announced in September 2018, the Fujifilm X-T3 uses a 26.1-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor and is accompanied by the fourth version of the X-Processor. Its ISO sensitivity ranges from 160 to 12,800 with a Boost in both directions from 80 to 51,200, and its multiple shutter configurations allow us to access values from 1/8000 to 30 seconds with the mechanical option, and from 1/32000 to 30 seconds with the electronic shutter. Its screen is 3 inches with 1.04 million dots of resolution, has touch support, and is tilting.
On the electronic viewfinder side, the specifications speak of a 0.5-inch OLED module with 3.69 million dots, 0.75x magnification, and 60 FPS, but its Boost mode raises the rate to 100 FPS, reducing latencies and times between blackouts. Some users say it's impossible to go back once you try Boost, but it puts a lot of pressure on the battery (more in the accessories section).
The autofocus of the Fujifilm X-T3 delivers a total of 425 points, is divided into three general modes (Single Point, Zone, and Wide/Tracking), and also includes face and eye detection, which according to Fujifilm was discarded and made from scratch. This allows it to better take advantage of the new hardware and place itself at a level similar to its direct competitors. However, its true potential emerges if we take the trouble to go beyond the presets and apply a dose of customization to its configuration. That helps compensate (to some extent) for any deficiency or false positive in very adverse situations. In short, the autofocus of the Fujifilm X-T3 is very flexible and should serve you well.
Despite the touch support on its main panel and the tendency of mirrorless cameras towards simple and reduced controls (e.g., the Sony Alpha A6300), the Fujifilm X-T3 is a true analog festival with three dials to compensate exposure, change shutter speed, and modify ISO sensitivity. Both the sensitivity dial and the shutter dial have locking systems that prevent accidental jumps caused by friction or involuntary movements. The Fn button is small and in a relatively uncomfortable position. The classic modes P, S, A, and M are there, although they require a couple of extra adjustments. At the same time, it's important to master the T function on the shutter dial to access intermediate values. Personally, I think any photographer can absorb these details in a matter of minutes, but the user manual deserves a thorough read. The Fujifilm X-T3 is not a mirrorless camera for beginners, and it should be treated as such.
As for its video modes, the Fujifilm X-T3 is simply wonderful as long as we adapt to its needs. The first is the use of a tripod, due to the lack of in-body image stabilization. In return, this mirrorless camera delivers 4Kp60 in 10 bits at 200 Mbps under H.265, but if you decide to drop to 30p you can access oversampling that uses the full width of the sensor and enables an average bitrate of 400 megabits per second. This in turn requires an SD card compatible with the V60 standard, which cost between 65 and 75 euros for 64 gigabytes (depending on the manufacturer). The Fujifilm X-T3 comes with two SD UHS-II card slots, so you won't have any problem organizing your images and videos. Finally, the camera's connectivity is reduced to WiFi n and Bluetooth 4.2 LE that easily links smartphones.
Accessories for Fujifilm X-T3
No anesthesia: The Fujifilm X-T3 is worth 1,900 euros with an 18-55 included in the package. Small detail saying 'worth' and not 'costs', because honestly, it earns every cent. If the idea of paying so much for a camera makes you uncomfortable, at least you'll feel calm knowing that its essential accessories have very reasonable prices.
Batteries and Power
With an average performance of 390 shots, the Fujifilm X-T3's battery sits a bit above its rivals in the mirrorless category, but we can lose up to 25 percent of charge if we rely heavily on Boost mode for the electronic viewfinder (and the rest of the camera). In an attempt to avoid any energy deficit, today we have three proposals. On one hand, the combo of the Gloxy battery compatible with the NP-W126 module and the Gloxy 2-in-1 hybrid charger for home and car (product code "0712006549,VDTS-4604-CH-VDTS-4242") costs just 40 euros for both accessories, and they will come to the rescue on more than one occasion. And on the other, the Fujifilm VG-XT3 grip appears. Its presence extends the total connected batteries to three, equivalent to about 1,200 shots. I imagine alternative grips won't take long to arrive, but the official model is very attractive.
Tripods and Supports
Once again, video recording on the Fujifilm X-T3 is among the best on the market, but with the lack of in-body stabilization, it's not a bad idea to add some kind of support. When looking for a tripod for Fujifilm X-T3, all arrows point to the inexhaustible Gloxy GX-T6662A, with a maximum working height of 1.6 meters and a load limit of 10 kilograms. Now, if you prefer a more compact solution, it's hard to go against the Clampod Takeway T1, which you can adjust to grip almost any surface, and as if that weren't enough, it's still on sale.
Backpacks and Bags
The magnesium alloy body and internal sealing make the Fujifilm X-T3 one of the most robust cameras, but it still requires a good storage and transport solution. This time we'll share a spacious solution and a compact one. First, the Gloxy Pro AW backpack brings a padded and customizable interior, wide and comfortable straps, a special tripod holder, auxiliary pockets for phones or a tablet, and a waterproof cover. And second, the Vanguard Discover 22 bag has enough space for the camera, a couple of lenses, a compact flash, memory cards, and a tablet.
Flashes
The Fujifilm X-T3 does not have a built-in flash, but it does have a hot shoe. That gives us a wide margin to add secondary accessories, however, our priority should be the acquisition of flashes and torches to help us successfully overcome all those low-light situations. Fortunately, choosing a flash for Fujifilm X-T3 is neither complex nor expensive. The first recommended model is the official EF-20, weighing 100 grams, with a tilting head, very comfortable light controls, and a built-in diffuser. Its direct alternative is the Meike MK-320, a bit heavier, with TTL, manual, slave, and strobe modes, micro USB interface, a small LCD screen, and a very competitive price.
Lenses
Any camera with a 1,900 euro price tag must be backed by a solid selection of lenses. The first step with the Fujifilm X-T3 is to lose fear of the X mount, since the magic of adapters gives us access to almost any model. Of course, there are also very interesting native options, among which the Samyang 12mm f/2.0 NCS CS stands out, a classic at this point in the wide-angle section, but no less useful. On the other hand, if you want to capture a bit of action and take advantage of the camera's burst, it's a good idea to add the Gloxy 500-1000mm f/6.3 telephoto lens, which includes a doubler and T2 adapter.
The Fujifilm X-T3 is one of the best mirrorless cameras that money can buy right now, period. Its image quality is extraordinary, and most likely every 4K recording will leave you speechless. It's not easy to afford, but it's worth it. Good luck!
