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Great mix between size/weight and image quality

Started Sep 20, 2020 | User reviews thread
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HaroldC3
HaroldC3 Veteran Member • Posts: 3,067
Great mix between size/weight and image quality
21

I shoot landscape photos.  I have been doing so for about 7 years and mostly with Canon.  Most recently I had tried the EOS R for about 2 months and while there were certain things I really liked about the camera I could not deal with the weight/bulk/size of the setup.  Before that I had an EOS M6 (v1) and shot with that camera for 3 years.  I got a lot of great images from it but Canon's lack of support to that system and Fuji's complete support of their system prompted me to switch.

So why did I choose the X-T3 and not the 4?  Simple.  I don't need IBIS and I plan to use an L-bracket and the fully articulating screen is a hindrance.  Am I glad I chose the X-T3?  Absolutely. Could I have gotten by with the X-T2, I think so.

Here's what I like about the X-T3:

  • The dynamic range is quite good for APS-C
  • The X-T3 is extremely customizable.  So much so there are more customizable buttons than I know what to do with.
  • The EVF is really pleasant to use.
  • The build of the camera (and lenses) is miles above the Canon M line (one reason for the premium price though)  
  • I like the "mode dial" implementation of Fuji.  You can set any of the dials to auto and that determines what mode the camera is in.  
  • Weather sealing.  I haven't had to use it yet but I do with the zoom lenses (10-24, 18-55, 55-200) were weather sealed as well.  
  • Quality of images.  Before I received my X-T3 I researched a lot about the options for processing RAF files.  In the end, I found CaptureOne to work best for me and it has been producing great results for me. 

Here's what I'm neutral about:

  • Fuji film simulations.  I have yet to find how best to use them for me.  The fact CaptureOne has the film simulations is a bonus.
  • Grip.  I think for the most part the grip is okay.  I have an L-bracket ordered that has an added grip.  The fact you can add a grip is a plus.
  • Two memory card slots.  Initially I tried using both memory card slots.  I used one for Raw and one for Jpegs and found I never looked at the JPegs.  When I did I wasn't happy with the detail compared to what I could get from The Raws.  So for now I am only using one card but it will come in handy on vacations for the added assurance.
  • The premium price.  While I understand the price is relative to the quality of the product sometimes I question the high price.  I think that's why I chose to buy all of my kit used.  
  • The Fuji menu system.  I'm not sure how most people feel about the menu system.  I think Canon has a really good menu system and Fuji's is just different.  I do like the fact you can register menu items to My Menu.

Here's what I don't like:

  • The LCD angle movements are rigid and not very smooth
  • Can't register certain menu options to the My Menu group
  • Can't have more than one screen display customized in live view.  This is hard to explain but Canon cycles through at least 2 liveview screens where you can change what's on the screen.  So if you want say the histogram on one and not the other you can do that.
  • Battery life is not great.  Yes you have the option of a battery grip (which Canon EOS M doesn't even offer) but I wouldn't like the added bulk.
  • Camera strap lugs.  I despise the camera strap connection for the X-T series.  It was the same for the Canon EOS M6.  I just find it difficult to trust and the fact it sticks out.

I still haven't gotten any wall hanger quality images as we were under lockdown for a good week from hazardous air from wildfires.  But below are a few images I have taken thus far.

 HaroldC3's gear list:HaroldC3's gear list
Canon EOS M6 Nikon Z7 Canon EF-M 22mm f/2 STM Canon EF-M 15-45mm F3.5-6.3 IS STM Nikon Z 14-30mm F4 +3 more
Fujifilm X-T3
26 megapixels • 3 screen • APS-C sensor
Announced: Sep 6, 2018
HaroldC3's score
5.0
Average community score
4.8
bad for good for
Kids / pets
unrated
Action / sports
unrated
Landscapes / scenery
excellent
Portraits
unrated
Low light (without flash)
unrated
Flash photography (social)
unrated
Studio / still life
unrated
= community average
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