The XT3 is not good enough

[Wellington100]

Given the rave reviews that the camera is getting and the favourable comparisons it is getting compared to the new Canon and Nikon offerings, it may seem churlish to argue that the camera is not good enough but here is my logic.

When the XH1 was released the reviewers and I think Fuji themselves carefully explained to us all that the XT, XPro and XE lines were Fuji's photo oriented camera lines but that the XH was the new hybrid camera designed specifically to cater to the videography and vlogging markets. This camera line was the one Fuji would challenge the likes of Canon, Sony and Panasonic with. It ticks all the essential boxes with its flippy screen, mic and headphone ports and IBIS.

You can surely guess what is coming next. The XT3 has been given the chops to tackle the videography market but it remains the ergonomically perfect stills camera. Lacking a flippy screen and IBIS, it makes for a poor hybrid and a very inadequate vlogging camera.

Surely Fuji should have upgraded the XH1 as well, I realise its a new model but the significance of the new sensor and firmware is more than enough to justify the upgrade.

I am in no doubt that Fuji will sell a lot of these cameras or that the tech will percolate to the XH1, probably with even more improvements. There is also an argument that having such advanced videography features in a stills oriented camera is better than not having it and that is true but given the direction Fuji has gone in now, the camera that will restore perfection and harmony to the top end of the Fuji range will surely be the XH2. Lets hope they improve the IBIS while they are at it.

 

[torppapa]

I am in no doubt that Fuji will sell a lot of these cameras or that the tech will percolate to the XH1, probably with even more improvements. There is also an argument that having such advanced videography features in a stills oriented camera is better than not having it and that is true but given the direction Fuji has gone in now, the camera that will restore perfection and harmony to the top end of the Fuji range will surely be the XH2. Lets hope they improve the IBIS while they are at it.

Well it's a hell of a camera for XT1 owners. For myself I have the XT20 and the XT2. Since the T20 does not get the firmware updates the T2 got I was thinking about a second T2. Now I will get the T3 and sell the T20.

The T3 is just good enough for me to get it over the T2. And if it turns out that the improvements are significant, I could sell the T2 as well (and get a second T3, since I don't like swapping lenses)

 

[Guyps]

Given the rave reviews that the camera is getting and the favourable comparisons it is getting compared to the new Canon and Nikon offerings, it may seem churlish to argue that the camera is not good enough but here is my logic.

When the XH1 was released the reviewers and I think Fuji themselves carefully explained to us all that the XT, XPro and XE lines were Fuji's photo oriented camera lines but that the XH was the new hybrid camera designed specifically to cater to the videography and vlogging markets. This camera line was the one Fuji would challenge the likes of Canon, Sony and Panasonic with. It ticks all the essential boxes with its flippy screen, mic and headphone ports and IBIS.

You can surely guess what is coming next. The XT3 has been given the chops to tackle the videography market but it remains the ergonomically perfect stills camera. Lacking a flippy screen and IBIS, it makes for a poor hybrid and a very inadequate vlogging camera.

Surely Fuji should have upgraded the XH1 as well, I realise its a new model but the significance of the new sensor and firmware is more than enough to justify the upgrade.

I am in no doubt that Fuji will sell a lot of these cameras or that the tech will percolate to the XH1, probably with even more improvements. There is also an argument that having such advanced videography features in a stills oriented camera is better than not having it and that is true but given the direction Fuji has gone in now, the camera that will restore perfection and harmony to the top end of the Fuji range will surely be the XH2. Lets hope they improve the IBIS while they are at it.

 

[georgehudetz]

It is my understanding that professional videographers often use gimbals to stabilize shots, in which case IBIS is superfluous.

So, Fuji has two high-end body lines capable of professional video - the T series and the H series (the H2 will no doubt match or perhaps exceed the T3 from a video standpoint). One with and one without IBIS. Choose which works best for you.

 

[justin_time]

IMO you are wrong and the X-T3 IS good enough.

Its good for stills and action within a compact body.

As you explained yourself, the X-H line is aimed at videographers with IBIS and the flippy screen.

There are many X-T users who would resent the extra size / weight that IBIS & flippy screen would add. And some even say IBIS reduces IQ.

If you want a Fuji with IBIS, flippy screen then either buy X-H1 now or wait for the H2 that is surely not far off.

 

[paul cool]

well do you know of anything better at that price point

 

[Mikeb9550]

I see them making the next release of the xt series a little larger after fuji can figure out IBIS in the smaller body then drop the H1. We might see an H2 but I am not sure. I dont think there is room in the market for both models imo. How many people do you think would still buy the H series if the T series had a flip screen and IBIS? They sure cant compete with full frame prices and do they really want to lower the T series even more when they will sell like hot cakes? Plus the T series has to compete with everyone else in that space that already have IBIS in their cameras. So by holding it back, they are going hurt on both fronts.

Sony killed the H series with the launch of the A7iii. Fuji needs to scrap it or start putting in a full frame sensor. Its the only way it can compete and really the only way I personally would consider buying one. Not sure what they were thinking to make a full frame size mirrorless and put in a crop sensor?

 

[paul cool]

why would they want a full frame sensor all those gorgeous lenses would be pointless ,lets see how the xt 3 fairs first which is more like apsc a9 in specs .

 

[rwbaron]

When the XH1 was released the reviewers and I think Fuji themselves carefully explained to us all that the XT, XPro and XE lines were Fuji's photo oriented camera lines but that the XH was the new hybrid camera designed specifically to cater to the videography and vlogging markets. This camera line was the one Fuji would challenge the likes of Canon, Sony and Panasonic with. It ticks all the essential boxes with its flippy screen, mic and headphone ports and IBIS.

Maybe you're correct but I son't remember it that way. I remember Fuji declaring the X-H1 as their "flagship" APS C camera but whatever.

You can surely guess what is coming next. The XT3 has been given the chops to tackle the videography market but it remains the ergonomically perfect stills camera. Lacking a flippy screen and IBIS, it makes for a poor hybrid and a very inadequate vlogging camera.

IMO the X-T3 lacks IBIS because Fuji (and many of it's customers like me) believe the size, weight and form factor of the X-Tn cameras is about perfect. Fuji has stated before that the shutter box/mount area in their X-Tn cameras is not large enough to accommodate a current IBIS shutter/sensor design. The larger form factor of the X-H1 was most likely to accommodate IBIS and Fuji didn't want to screw with what's working for them in the X-Tn series.

Surely Fuji should have upgraded the XH1 as well, I realise its a new model but the significance of the new sensor and firmware is more than enough to justify the upgrade.

You can't be serious. When has any camera company upgraded their high end camera (or any camera for that matter) after 7 months? The industry and customer backlash would be overwhelming. How would you feel if you'd just plunked down nearly $2K USD for the X-H1 and then a few months later Fuji introduced the X-H2? Talk about alienating their customer base.

I am in no doubt that Fuji will sell a lot of these cameras or that the tech will percolate to the XH1, probably with even more improvements. There is also an argument that having such advanced videography features in a stills oriented camera is better than not having it and that is true but given the direction Fuji has gone in now, the camera that will restore perfection and harmony to the top end of the Fuji range will surely be the XH2. Lets hope they improve the IBIS while they are at it.

On the contrary some of us never understood the timing of the X-H1 release and see that as the odd camera, not the X-T3. My guess is in about 6 to 12 months Fuji will straighten this out with the X-H2 which will be a larger, heavier X-T3 with IBIS for those that need it.

This doesn't at all detract from the X-T3.

Bob

 

[dual12]

I don't agree. I have 0 interest in a full frame camera, and I'm not alone in this. If I want a larger sensor, I'll go to medium format. FF is a non-starter for me.

 

[Vic Chapman]

I see them making the next release of the xt series a little larger after fuji can figure out IBIS in the smaller body then drop the H1. We might see an H2 but I am not sure. I dont think there is room in the market for both models imo. How many people do you think would still buy the H series if the T series had a flip screen and IBIS? They sure cant compete with full frame prices and do they really want to lower the T series even more when they will sell like hot cakes? Plus the T series has to compete with everyone else in that space that already have IBIS in their cameras. So by holding it back, they are going hurt on both fronts.

Sony killed the H series with the launch of the A7iii. Fuji needs to scrap it or start putting in a full frame sensor. Its the only way it can compete and really the only way I personally would consider buying one. Not sure what they were thinking to make a full frame size mirrorless and put in a crop sensor?

Right - because we all bought Fuji APS thinking we were getting FF didn't we.

None of what you write is correct. I suggest it is written more in hope that Fuji will fail. People were saying that 7 years ago when the X series was introduced.

If The Sony 7s are so great, why do we have so many converts from Sony.

Fuji are doing an excellent job of giving we users what we want - it may not be what you want, that is all. I don't think you understand what Fuji is about.

I don't want IBIS in my cameras until I'm forced to have it - same with video. I'm quite capable of handholding with stabilisation apart from the 100-400mm but that's because I'm in my seventies and simply find it too heavy to hold.

Vic

 

[Rand 47]

Given the rave reviews that the camera is getting and the favourable comparisons it is getting compared to the new Canon and Nikon offerings, it may seem churlish to argue that the camera is not good enough but here is my logic.

When the XH1 was released the reviewers and I think Fuji themselves carefully explained to us all that the XT, XPro and XE lines were Fuji's photo oriented camera lines but that the XH was the new hybrid camera designed specifically to cater to the videography ....

No, the H in X-H1 stands for hyper, not hybrid, and if you go back and look at all the Fuji announcement and advertising materials (not the many confused reviewers) they advertised it as “high performance.” Thicker body, beefed up lens mount, better finish coating, high performance shutter - suspended on springs, IBIS, tougher base plate and tripod socket, stuff like that - with a mind toward more dSLR-like handling for the upcoming larger, heavier lenses like the 200 f/2. It is the reviewers who injected the idea that this was “their video camera,” as the X-T3’s specs now clearly show was misguided (Fuji undoubtedly knew the specs of the T-3 at the time of the release of the H-1).

and vlogging markets. This camera line was the one Fuji would challenge the likes of Canon, Sony and Panasonic with. It ticks all the essential boxes with its flippy screen, ....

No, the X-H1 does not have a fully articulating “flippy screen” - it has the same two-way tilting screen of the X-T2.

mic and headphone ports and IBIS. . . .

No, the body of the X-H1 does not have headphone port. One must buy and use the vertical booster grip to get a headphone port, just like the X-T2.

You can surely guess what is coming next. The XT3 has been given the chops to tackle the videography market but it remains the ergonomically perfect stills camera. Lacking a flippy screen and IBIS, it makes for a poor hybrid and a very inadequate vlogging camera.

Surely Fuji should have upgraded the XH1 as well, I realise its a new model but the significance of the new sensor and firmware is more than enough to justify the upgrade....

This I can agree with fully. And, I suspect that the cycle time between the release of the H-1 and the H-2 will be much shorter than usual because many who love the form factor and toughness of the H-1, not to mention IBIS, will be chomping at the bit to have an H camera w/ the new sensor, etc. I’m guessing that the sales figures for the H-1 will plummet like a rock almost immediately.

I am in no doubt that Fuji will sell a lot of these cameras or that the tech will percolate to the XH1, probably with even more improvements. There is also an argument that having such advanced videography features in a stills oriented camera is better than not having it and that is true but given the direction Fuji has gone in now, the camera that will restore perfection and harmony to the top end of the Fuji range will surely be the XH2. Lets hope they improve the IBIS while they are at it.

Rand

 

[omichael]

It is my understanding that professional videographers often use gimbals to stabilize shots, in which case IBIS is superfluous.

So, Fuji has two high-end body lines capable of professional video - the T series and the H series (the H2 will no doubt match or perhaps exceed the T3 from a video standpoint). One with and one without IBIS. Choose which works best for you.

True: Anyone shooting video handheld is shooting amateur video. IBIS makes little difference. And if anyone can do a smooth zoom handheld he or she would be a rare bird indeed.

I don’t want Fuji ever putting IBIS in the xt/xp line. It’s a clunky interim technology anyway, with limited utility. I can’t imagine that its drawbacks will be overcome before other advances in sensor technology and more elegant solutions relegate it to the trash heap of history.

 

[Badwater]

Neither Canon or Nikon has any significantly good IBIS compared to the MFT makers. Thus Fuji is right up there with IBIS when targeting Nikon and Canon shooters.


As for video in the 4k era, Fuji is a more favorable choice for video as Nikon and Canon are lacking the features and functionality that the MFT and Sony video and hybird shooters have been using for years. So in that respect, it will be difficult for Fuji to attract the hybird market, even if Fuji does have better AF tracking and video formats.

With all that said. Fuji Xt3 is still a viable option for any hybird DSLR shooter that is considering mirrorless, and need a crop sensor to lighten the load. And most of those die hard DSLR video shooters will stick with a larger sensor because they believe it gives them an edge in clarity.

 

[Vic Chapman]

Serious videographers don't depend on body/lens stabilisation which is for vibration and slight camera shake. It will not handle body movements such as walking along a street to a pro standard. For that they use gimbals, with or without in-body/lens stabilisation.

Vic

 

[Astrophotographer 10]

Given the rave reviews that the camera is getting and the favourable comparisons it is getting compared to the new Canon and Nikon offerings, it may seem churlish to argue that the camera is not good enough but here is my logic.

When the XH1 was released the reviewers and I think Fuji themselves carefully explained to us all that the XT, XPro and XE lines were Fuji's photo oriented camera lines but that the XH was the new hybrid camera designed specifically to cater to the videography and vlogging markets. This camera line was the one Fuji would challenge the likes of Canon, Sony and Panasonic with. It ticks all the essential boxes with its flippy screen, mic and headphone ports and IBIS.

You can surely guess what is coming next. The XT3 has been given the chops to tackle the videography market but it remains the ergonomically perfect stills camera. Lacking a flippy screen and IBIS, it makes for a poor hybrid and a very inadequate vlogging camera.

Surely Fuji should have upgraded the XH1 as well, I realise its a new model but the significance of the new sensor and firmware is more than enough to justify the upgrade.

I am in no doubt that Fuji will sell a lot of these cameras or that the tech will percolate to the XH1, probably with even more improvements. There is also an argument that having such advanced videography features in a stills oriented camera is better than not having it and that is true but given the direction Fuji has gone in now, the camera that will restore perfection and harmony to the top end of the Fuji range will surely be the XH2. Lets hope they improve the IBIS while they are at it.

XT3 to my eye seems like a massive upgrade. Firstly that sensor and FPS is way up there.

2ndly the form factor of X cameras, which is what most of us love, has been even further enhanced with bigger dials etc and that lovely silver colour with black bottom half. Wonderful.

The extra video features brings into line with its competitors.

IBIS would be nice and hopefully Fuji can find a way to put it in their XT series like Sony has with their APSc cameras which are even smaller than Fuji's.

Personally whilst I like IBIS it would not be a deal breaker as you always have the wonderful high ISO performance allowing you to get a bright exposure with a fast shutter speed in almost any usual light.

Its less of an omission than only having a single card slot like Canikon both did with their expensive FF mirrorless offerings. Nikon in particular really generated a lot of upset with this decision. Oh well it seems most camera makers make at least one really bad mistake with their first gen cameras and even later gen cameras.

Greg.

 

[Sal Baker]

Given the rave reviews that the camera is getting and the favourable comparisons it is getting compared to the new Canon and Nikon offerings, it may seem churlish to argue that the camera is not good enough but here is my logic.

When the XH1 was released the reviewers and I think Fuji themselves carefully explained to us all that the XT, XPro and XE lines were Fuji's photo oriented camera lines but that the XH was the new hybrid camera designed specifically to cater to the videography and vlogging markets. This camera line was the one Fuji would challenge the likes of Canon, Sony and Panasonic with. It ticks all the essential boxes with its flippy screen, mic and headphone ports and IBIS.

You can surely guess what is coming next. The XT3 has been given the chops to tackle the videography market but it remains the ergonomically perfect stills camera. Lacking a flippy screen and IBIS, it makes for a poor hybrid and a very inadequate vlogging camera.

Surely Fuji should have upgraded the XH1 as well, I realise its a new model but the significance of the new sensor and firmware is more than enough to justify the upgrade.

I am in no doubt that Fuji will sell a lot of these cameras or that the tech will percolate to the XH1, probably with even more improvements. There is also an argument that having such advanced videography features in a stills oriented camera is better than not having it and that is true but given the direction Fuji has gone in now, the camera that will restore perfection and harmony to the top end of the Fuji range will surely be the XH2. Lets hope they improve the IBIS while they are at it.

XT3 to my eye seems like a massive upgrade. Firstly that sensor and FPS is way up there.

I seriously doubt you'll see any "massive" difference in sensor IQ, probably no noticeable difference in real photos. We'll see once RAW files and converters are available. Spray and pray capability will be enhanced for those who rely on it.

Sal

2ndly the form factor of X cameras, which is what most of us love, has been even further enhanced with bigger dials etc and that lovely silver colour with black bottom half. Wonderful.

The extra video features brings into line with its competitors.

IBIS would be nice and hopefully Fuji can find a way to put it in their XT series like Sony has with their APSc cameras which are even smaller than Fuji's.

Personally whilst I like IBIS it would not be a deal breaker as you always have the wonderful high ISO performance allowing you to get a bright exposure with a fast shutter speed in almost any usual light.

Its less of an omission than only having a single card slot like Canikon both did with their expensive FF mirrorless offerings. Nikon in particular really generated a lot of upset with this decision. Oh well it seems most camera makers make at least one really bad mistake with their first gen cameras and even later gen cameras.

Greg.