Fujifilm X-Pro3
With a hidden main screen, this camera aims to appeal to traditionalists.
There are generally two styles of Fujifilm mirrorless cameras. There’s those that look a little like smaller DSLRs, with the viewfinder centrally mounted and offering a large, deep grip. By contrast, the X Pro series is a flatter, rangefinder style design, with the viewfinder in the left-hand corner.
The X-Pro has always been the model most beloved by traditionalists, but for the X-Pro3, Fujifilm has taken that one step further by removing the main screen from view altogether. Aiming to give a similar to experience to shooting with an analogue camera, the only thing you’ll see on the small rear screen on the back of the camera is a selection of shooting settings (such as film simulation mode, battery life and remaining shots).
Aiming to stop photographers from ‘chimping’ (constantly looking at your images in playback in between shots), you can access a screen by pulling the back down to reveal a hidden device. It’s one of those things that you’re either likely to think is completely insane, or you’ll fall in love with it.
One thing’s for sure – it’s different – and it’s hard to say that about any other current mirrorless camera. The viewfinder is another oddity too, offering both electronic and optical via the flick of a switch – something for both traditionalists and those with more modern sensibilities.
Aside from this unusual feature, there are plenty of other specifications to like too. It’s unlikely to be picked up by sports and action photographers, but with up to 20fps available (or 30fps with a crop), fast shooting can come in handy in certain situations.
As we’ve come to expect from Fujifilm, images directly from the camera show excellent colour, and with plenty of different film simulations available, there’s something to suit every taste, too. Detail is very nicely rendered, while exposures are generally well balanced in most situations.
On the whole, handling is good, with a good amount of direct access dials for settings such as shutter speed, exposure compensation and aperture. Other settings can be accessed via the ‘Q’ button – but you will either need to look through the viewfinder or flip down the screen to see the menu. A small joystick comes in handy for changing the AF point.
This is probably not a camera we’d recommend for first-timers, but anybody with a little experience – especially Fujifilm fans of course - will find a lot to like.