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Fujifilm X-T3, the evolution of the X series into the 4th generation

The X series was launched with the X100 in 2011. X-Pro1, released in 2012, was the first model equipped with an X-Trans CMOS sensor as well as the EXR Processor Pro. Over the past seven years, the X series and its sensor combined with image processor have continued to evolve, with the introduction of the X-Trans CMOS II EXR Processor Pro II in the X-T1 and X-Trans CMOS III X-Processor Pro in the X-Pro2 and X-T2. Three generations of evolution have steadily improved the quality and mobility of the X series. The X-T3, equipped with the new X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor and X-Processor 4, ushering in the fourth generation of the X-Series.

Photo equipment

New X-Trans CMOS 4 Sensor and X-Processor 4

The Fujifilm X-T3 features the latest fourth generation APS-C X-Trans CMOS 4-series sensor with 26.1MP, no low-pass filter. It uses a unique X-Trans CMOS color filter to eliminate moiré and color distortion, and is the first camera in the series to have a backlit structure to improve resolution without degrading the S/N signal-to-noise ratio. In addition, ISO160, previously only available as an advanced ISO, is now part of the basic ISO range. This is very useful for daytime outdoor shooting or when you want to achieve a bokeh effect with fast lenses.

The Fujifilm X-T3 features the new X-Processor 4 image processor, which adds a new “monochrome tint” setting in film simulation modes, based on FUJIFILM’s proprietary technology for diverse color expressions. Warm blacks and cool blacks, traditionally obtained by selecting specific photographic papers and developers, have been carefully recreated digitally to expand the scope of monochrome expressions. This function is available in the standard “Monochrome” mode as well as in “ACROS” mode, which delivers smooth halftones, rich blacks and great textures.

Fujifilm X-T3 introduces “Color Chrome”, previously only available on FUJIFILM’s medium format GFX50S. The effect gives deeper colors and increases tonal transitions in subjects with very saturated colors, such as bright flowers with shadows – a commonly known challenge to reproduce gradation. The high-speed processing power of X-Processor 4 makes it possible to apply the effect not only to single shots, but also in continuous shooting.

Photo equipment

Improved low-light autofocus and tracking of moving objects

X-Trans CMOS 4 equipped with 2.16 million phase detection pixels, more than 4 times the number of phase detection pixels of existing models, the phase detection area is now located over the entire sensor area approx. 100% . Fast and accurate phase-phase autofocus can be used even on a subject far from the center of the frame. The low-light phase AF limit has also been increased by about 2 steps from -1EV to -3EV, allowing accurate focusing in low-light environments such as candlelight or at night.

In addition, the X-Processor 4’s high computing speed and advanced phase detection algorithm can refocus and detect AE 1.5 times faster than existing models, and ensure accurate autofocus even when shooting sports with fast and chaotic movement in the frame.

Face detection autofocus performance for recognizing moving people has improved by half compared to existing models. Eye-detecting autofocus supports tracking autofocus mode AF-C , which provides automatic focus control even when shooting portrait photography in motion. The X-T3 focuses accurately when shooting a face from the front or from the side, even in situations where autofocus with face or eye detection has previously been difficult. Face and eye recognition autofocus function also available during movie recording.

Mirrorless Cameras

New video viewfinder with improved performance

The Fujifilm X-T3’s EVF has a high resolution of 3.69 million dots with a high magnification ratio of x0.75. Display delay time of only 0.005 seconds and refresh rate of about 100 frames per second ensure smooth motion detection, enabling accurate identification of subject movements and focus positions. Unlike existing models, continuous shooting at 11 frames per second with a mechanical shutter no longer requires an additional battery pack, allowing for fast burst shooting while keeping the camera light.

New “Sports finder” viewfinder mode makes it easy to capture moving subjects. In this mode, an area of 16.6 million pixels cropped x 1.25 is marked on the LCD screen/viewfinder, which defines the boundaries of the photo. This is especially useful for sports and wildlife photography, as you can see the subject’s movements directly behind the shooting frame and use a shorter blackout time than usual.

Increased sensor readout speed and high-speed processing capability lets you fully appreciate AF/AE tracking and blackout-free continuous shooting at up to 30fps with approx. 16.6 million pixels cropped x 1.25 in real-time at 60 frames per second to observe subject movements. The effect of line scanning distortion rolling shutter , a typical problem with electronic shutters, is reduced by half compared to existing models.

Not to miss the big moment, the Fujifilm X-T3 has a new “Pre-shoot” function in which the camera starts shooting as soon as the shutter button is pressed halfway. You’ll never miss an important shot, which used to happen because of the delay between when the shutter button is fully pressed and when the photo is actually taken.

Fujifilm

Photo equipment

Design features and usability

The Fujifilm X-T3 inherits the design features of the X-T2, such as the control dials on the top panel, the viewfinder positioned centrally for extra stability and a comfortable grip. The model’s standard color is silver, a more classic shade than the limited edition graphite silver used in previous models. A design that reminds you of traditional film cameras meets outstanding practicality, making this a camera you’ll enjoy owning for years to come.

The camera has new features to improve usability:

The EVF diopter adjustment is locked by pulling and rotating the diopter wheel to prevent unintentional adjustments when carrying the camera.

The Fujifilm X-T3 uses a high-contrast touch display with a wider viewing angle and enhanced usability to provide a more intuitive experience than previous models.

The Fujifilm X-T3 inherits features from the X-H1, such as large control dials on the top, buttons on the back, and convenient use of the front and rear control dials.

A headphone jack is provided on the camera body so that all accessories needed for video recording, such as microphone and HDMI devices, can be centrally connected to the body for added mobility when shooting video.

Connector access cover is removable for easy connection of HDMI cable, microphone, headphones. Connector layout also won’t interfere with the installation of video trim and video shooting accessories.

The USB connector supports USB Type-C USB3 specifications.1 Gen1 . Anker external battery power bank can be connected to significantly increase the maximum frame count and video recording time.

Mirrorless cameras

Enhanced video quality

This is the world’s first mirrorless digital camera with the ability to record in 4K/60P 4:2:0 10-bit resolution video to an internal SD card. It’s also the world’s first mirrorless digital camera with an APS-C or larger sensor, capable of outputting 4K/60P 4:2:2 10-bit images via HDMI. Supported video formats include the widely used H.264/MPEG-4 AVC as well as H.265/HEVC for greater data compression. This enables high bitrates of 200Mbps at 4K/60P 4:2:0 10-bit resolution, and parallel output via HDMI during recording. Available video compression options: ALL-Intra and Long GOP. With ALL-Intra video is recorded at 400Mbps.

Up to 50% faster sensor reading speed than existing models, enabling it to quickly read 4K/60P videos in 17ms. For smooth playback of fast-moving subjects, the distortion effect of line scanning has been reduced. Support for 10-bit camera color depth increases the amount of color information by 64 times compared to 8-bit. All this combined with a dynamic range of 400% approx. 12 steps for richly graded images, such as landscape photography.

Introduction of a new noise reduction process and the new “reducing interference between frames at 4K resolution” function has reduced noise by about 2 notches. The new noise reduction process has an increased level of noise detection accuracy for improved noise reduction. Inter-frame noise reduction at 4K resolution uses differential data between adjacent frames. In addition, the minimum sensitivity setting for F-Log and DR400% has been reduced from ISO800 to ISO640 compared to current models, meeting the needs of videographers.

In addition to the aforementioned features, the Fujifilm X-T3 will support video recording in Hybrid Log Gamma HLG format, one of the international ITU-R BT standards, when the firmware update is installed in late 2018.2100. The firmware upgrade is also designed to allow the X-T3 to display film simulation and F-Log simulation effects simultaneously when shooting, as requested by users.

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John Techno

Greetings, everyone! I am John Techno, and my expedition in the realm of household appliances has been a thrilling adventure spanning over 30 years. What began as a curiosity about the mechanics of these everyday marvels transformed into a fulfilling career journey.

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Comments: 2
  1. Delaney

    What specific features and improvements does the Fujifilm X-T3 offer compared to its predecessors in the X series?

    Reply
  2. Addison Lewis

    What specific features or advancements does the Fujifilm X-T3 offer compared to its predecessors, marking it as the 4th generation of the X series?

    Reply
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