FUJIFILM X-PRO3
The rangefinder-style X-Pro3 has all the technology inside that you’d expect, but its design is a nod to the days of film
A rangefinder-style camera that houses some impressive modern technology
We’ve become used to the idea that Fujifilm introduces a new sensor and processing engine in one camera and then successively works through its range, making fairly predictable upgrades. And while the X-Pro3 has the same 26.1MP X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor and X-Processor 4 engine as the X-T3, and the same rangefinder-like design as the X-Pro2, it strikes out in a new direction. Fujifilm has decided to make it even more retro than the camera it replaces by putting the main screen behind the back panel. That means it’s only visible if you tilt the panel down from the top.
In a nod to film cameras, the X-Pro3’s back panel has a 1.28-inch colour screen that displays the film simulation mode, which looks a bit like the film box tabs that act as a reminder about which film is loaded.
If you’re used to shooting with a digital camera, even the X-Pro2, this change in the screen location comes as quite a jar. Many of us now instinctively look at the back of the camera after taking a shot or two to check we’re getting what we want. If you want to review your images on the X-Pro3, you either have to flip the screen down or look in the electronic viewfinder.
It’s the same deal with the menu. If you’re the sort of photographer who likes to dip into menus frequently, the X-Pro3 may not be the camera for you. However, if you like to set up your camera at the start of a shoot and then concentrate on the focus, exposure
and composition without opening the menu very often, it could be just what you’re looking for. We found it helped us with getting into the zone when shooting out in the streets of London and Florence.
As usual with the X-Pro series, Fujifilm has opted for a traditional exposure control arrangement, with an aperture ring on the lenses and shutter speed, sensitivity (ISO) and exposure compensation dials on the top plate. These dials and the rear adjustment dial have a high-quality feel that adds to the pleasurable experience of using the camera.
Like its predecessor, the X-Pro3 has a rectangular shape and a rangefinder-like design. In addition, the viewfinder combines an optical viewfinder with an electronic one. A switch on the front of the camera lets you change quickly between the two. The 0.5-inch, 3.69 million-dot OLED electronic viewfinder is excellent, and it provides an accurate preview of images as they will be captured, taking into account aspects such as the exposure, white balance and film simulation mode settings.
The optical viewfinder, however, is a reverse Galilean unit that shows electronic bright frames to indicate the angle of view. If you use a long lens, the frame is quite small around the centre of the frame, and if you use a lens wider than 23mm the image extends beyond what’s visible in the finder. It’s the ability to see outside of the image frame with streetfriendly focal lengths like 35mm and 56mm that makes the X-Pro line’s optical viewfinder popular among documentary and wedding photographers. It helps you to anticipate the framing of the subject.
The downsides to using the optical viewfinder include the fact that the lens is visible in the bottom right corner of the viewfinder, and the inability to see the impact of camera settings. Although we shot a lot with the optical viewfinder, the EVF made life much easier in many situations.
As the X-Pro3 has the same sensor as the X-T3, the new camera has the same Intelligent Hybrid autofocus system that uses contrast and phase detection. There’s a choice of up to 425 AF points in a 17x25 grid, which means you can target the point of focus very precisely.
However, Fujifilm has developed the firmware further for the X-Pro3, and the AF system is claimed to operate at down to -6EV. We can’t verify the figures, but the X-Pro3 handled low-light conditions very well during our testing.
The image quality from the X-Pro3 doesn’t come as a surprise. It’s excellent, with noise controlled well throughout the native sensitivity range
The X-Pro3 has an all-metal build, complete with titanium top and bottom plates, which makes it very durable. It certainly feels good in your hand. In addition, the Duratech-coated models, which cost an extra £180/$200, are claimed to be scratchproof.
Aside from the issues associated with the hidden screen, the X-Pro3 handles very well. The front and rear grips both have new rubber strips that make the camera feel a bit safer in your grasp than previous incarnations. The mini-joystick on the back of the camera also falls in the right place for your right thumb, so you can switch AF points quickly.
The image quality from the X-Pro3 doesn’t come as a surprise. It’s excellent, with noise controlled well throughout the native sensitivity range (ISO 160-12,800).
Fujifilm has introduced a new film simulation mode called Classic Negative with the X-Pro3, and we loved its slightly boosted contrast and subtle colours. It seems to suite a wide range of subjects.