This is the most fun digital camera.

The finish is gorgeous. Fujifilm kept the text written on the bottom plate to a minimum. Clearly a lot of thought went into this camera to focus on just the important controls.

The X-Pro3 is slimmer than the X-Pro2 and I really like that. I don’t use the back screen much so I didn’t mind that the LCD was hidden. I wish Fuji didn’t even have the sub-monitor. It would be nice to not worry about damaging any screen on the back.

What really impressed me is the excellent focus, especially with the OVF which is so good, I use it 95% of the time. The OVF changes the way I photograph. I compose more carefully because I have to consider how my settings affect the image without seeing it change in an EVF. Not having everything done for me snaps me out of “sleepwalking” through the image creation process.

This camera was designed for a certain experience. I can’t imagine it sells in any high quantity but I applaud Fujifilm for making it.

I like the fact that Fuji attempted to make something unique...but as a photographer of many years I just think that this camera is just a mess. It’s trying to be too, niche and is confused about its identity..."for me".
In this form factor, I'll take my PEN-F all day long...even with the less than up-to-date technology. It makes great photos and is simpler and more than adequate...If JIP makes the PEN-F 2 in a more PRO configuration it could be nirvana!

Funny that all the muggles hate this camera so much.

Thanks Fuji for giving us this masterpiece.

Don't go out there. There's something in the fog. Great cornball movie.

Form factor - I don't see many comments about form factor, other than appearance, but for me, form factor is the main reason I sold my XT-2 and went for the Xpro3. Here's what I like: I'm mostly a left-eye shooter. When I put my eye behind a XT2 viewfinder that is near the middle of the camera, my nose and face cramps my ability to access the buttons and exposure comp dial. I have to wiggle my thumb in there. In contrast, when I look into the XPro finder that is on the left side of the camera, buttons and dials are freely accessible. AND . . here's a point that is critical to me, but maybe not to you: I have a big nose and with the XT2, I had to scrunch my noise or turn way to the side to look through the viewfinder. I could rarely see the edges of the viewfinder, even in the smaller mode. The XPro makes it easier and sometimes I'm using my right eye now, too. I didn't jump in cold. I rented an Xpro2 to check the ergonomics first. Liked it instantly.

Any difference in image quality? Not much but only if you pixel peep. The price difference (new) with the XP2 at £799 vs XP3 (standard black) at £1699 means its a no brainer. The XP2 still wins. When the XP3 is reduced to around £1100 I might get one. (Or I could get a 2nd hand XP2 and another lens!

I love that Fujifilm have been bold in introducing the X-Pro3, and it seems they’ve nailed the intent of getting tens of millions of dollars worth of free marketing for the brand. However, I do wish they had also quietly introduced a more conventional version of the X-Pro3, perhaps called the X-Pro3S. It would be the same as X-Pro3, but with a conventional screen. This is the first time I haven’t automatically upgraded to a newer technology model from my X-Pro2 :(

I might be wrong but I can’t see many people upgrading an X-Pro 2 for the X-Pro 3. Little if any increase in image quality, a few changes but worth upgrading? I doubt it. Nice camera but so is it’s predecessor.

Like my film days, I really like that this camera would get me back into focusing more on my shot, my setting and the conditions and not always checking the LCD for immediate results. I'm kinda' digging that idea.

I applaud Fuji for being brave and different enough to introduce a camera that is designed to add a bit of fun and enjoyment to one's photography. That sub monitor with the simulated film box tops is a really cool idea. For those who remember the film era or even those who just want to harken back to that, it is a fun twist. And it will encourage one to further use Fuji's famous film emulations.

As someone else noted, it's a very capable camera but one designed to "nudge" users towards a certain way of using. That's not a bad thing. People buy manual focus Leica rangefinders even when they don't need to buy a manual focus only camera to manually focus. People buy monochrome cameras to use B&W when again, they technically don't have to in order to have that feature.

If you read Fuji's marketing, they knew exactly what they were doing and knew this would be a somewhat controversial move and one not for all. But they did it anyway...so good for Fuji.

I'd never buy this camera because I'm sure I'd pop out the display all the time till I'd break it.

this is a true review, this camera has a one negative side - price. Otherwise its a great camera...

Fujifilm xpro 3 is a step towards mediocrity,
I used Xpro 2 with pleasure. I thought it was time to regenerate. I waited for Xpro 3. I got an Xpro 3 flash. It was as if xpro 2 had a different make-up. A screen is hidden. You turn it, you see it pull. Like a version of Leica monocrom. I never thought I had such an expectation. What would I expect from xpro 3? I asked this question. A design touch that will distinguish from Xpro 2. Looks like it would do me good. But never a hidden screen. I don't think I need that screen.

The XPro 3's biggest point of difference is in psychology and behavioural economics, rather than technology.
Like most other mirrorless cameras the XPro3 has a rear LCD and it has a viewfinder (two viewfinders, in fact).
But with other mirrorless cameras it's psychologically easier to use the LCD. If you want to use the viewfinder on a regular mirrorless camera, it's a conscious decision, because every time you raise the camera to your eye you have to ignore the fact that there's already a perfectly acceptable image of the scene staring you in the face on the LCD.
With the XPro 3 it's the other way round. There is an LCD, but it's tucked away, so simplest way to view the scene is through the viewfinder. If you do want to use the LCD, you have to flip it down. That's not a great effort, but the extra step makes the LCD a conscious choice rather than the default option. And that, psychologically, 'nudges' you to the viewfinder - just as other cameras 'nudge' you to the LCD.

"living in the moment, not a camera in sight"

Been through the comparison chart a few times now Richard.

Despite your conclusion...I'm convinced that the Xpro3's jpegs are consistently "sharper" and more colour accurate than it's nearest obvious rivals.

Next up for Fuji: Hidden shutter button that you can only access by sliding open a cover.

I am old enough to have used film cameras in this format. To people of my generation, the xp3 looks like a camera. To a newer generation used to only digital, the reaction tends to be quite different. I want to use a camera, not a computer. Fuji has been releasing a series of xp3 stories. Here is the latest:
https://fujifilm-x.com/en-us/stories/x-pro3-stories-4-love-of-photography/

I particularly like this paragraph:
The tagline for the X-Pro3 is “Pure Photography”, copy chosen with the auto industry’s “pure sports” tagline in mind. I find it interesting that cars do not qualify for the “pure sports” label on speed alone, even if they offer performance that puts them in the category of “supercars”. Handling and performance are not enough—if the car does not give a driver joy, its appeal and luxury status are called into question.

I think that sums it up. I want to have joy with photography. Otherwise what’s the point? It’s not just a product, it’s a process.

The new ovf is a big letdown.
The hole film experience doesn’t make sense if i have to use the evf to make the most of the camera.
It makes more sense to use a x-t3

Am I the only one who could not tell the difference in sharpness between the HDR sample image and the converted raw image? Even when I pixel-peeped at the twigs in the upper right hand corner, i couldn't tell the difference.

With the test scene comparison tool I have compared the X-Pro3 to the previous versions (X-Pro2 and X-Pro1) and also to the X-T3.
Specifically I have checked the color rendering of the four portraits in the test scene.
I have been very surprised to see that the X-Pro3 is very similar to the original X-Pro1 and very different from the current X-T3.
Do you agree?
Does it make sense?

This review is a very diplomatic one, but clearly says that there is probably a viewfinder where Fuji went wrong as I interpret itThen we are left only with the flip down screen. Shall this breed as they seem to call it overtake and make xpro2 redundant? I doubt it.

I don't understand the logic behind this "less is more" approach. For ~$150 you can buy a great film SLR or rangefinder. For $1800 you can buy some great gear that, should you choose to do so, you can operate as if it were this camera. It's like buying a car that has only an AF-radio and paying extra for that lack of features when a digital radio can simulate or includes AF. But it appears that some people go for that.

It's so funny reading all of the attacks on this camera.

But they're right. Consider the Nikon Df. You could shoot it using the old-style dials OR you could operate it just like any other DSLR.

You had the choice to work either way. The rear LCD on this Fuji gives you little choice. If you want to use it, you have to flip it down and it ruins the handling. We've seen fully articulated LCDs, so this thing is just silly.

Is there a dial for selecting the shooting mode?

The flip-down screen is lame. Why not make it fully articulating?

Overall, looks like a nice camera. If it was $800 and they threw in a lens...

Is it new?
We already saw cameras with fully articulated monitor that can flip and cover
since about 10 yrs ago.
Whats the difference?

Thanks for a thorough review!

"For me, the X-Pro3 ends up being a larger, prettier X100 that I can also mount a 56 or 90mm lens on."

I think this might be the X-Pro that that I finally buy! I'm a X100 (F at the moment) shooter that at times has been frustrated that I could not mount my 27mm, 60mm or 18-55mm or legacy lenses.

Bummer about the the the OVF at AF infinity focus but I use manual quite often so that may not be an issue. Ditto for the wider primes but my main film shooter is a M2 so I'm used to having to thinking beyond the frame times for focal lengths that do not fit fixed frames.

Your review has peaked my interest!

Is there any confirmation the X-Pro 3 is only being supplied with a USB cable to charge the battery in camera (not even a USB power adapter in the box)???

I buy their challenge to differentiate from the model from the others by adding the unusual back panel (I really want to say odd but one's oddness is the other's normal) but still think it was too much risk taking? But by watching all the positive reviews, X-Por lovers will still buy it regardless, I don't think the design affect much on their decision making, it's a new model, they want it!

This will appeal to fans of the rangefinder type camera and to those looking for a nostalgic experience. This allows Fuji to offer something unique and I suspect it will sell well enough. Personally it's not for me but then I'm not the target customer.

Since the screen can be flipped down below the camera LCD shooters can still hold the camera away from your face like a smartphone. What is missing, and Fuji missed the boat here, is the ability to rotate the screen for over the head shooting, which is arguably the most useful feature of an LCD and flush against the camera use.

Hi guys,

For the last two weeks I am considering changing my gear from Nikon to Fuji X pro3.
Currently I have d750+35 1.8, 50 1.4, 85 1.8. I am amateur photographer, recently I noticed that mostly because of the weight I carry I am taking my eq less often.
I was thinking to get x pro 3 + 23 2.0, 35 2.0 and 50 2.0 because of its portability and hopefully excellent camera/image performance.
I am still trying to get my pros and cons whatever I should change my gear or not.
Is there anyone who swapped from Nikon to Fuji system to give me some constructive feedback? Or just to help dispel my doubts? Many thanks

It may seem strange but the only thing that from an aesthetic standpoint I dislike about the camera is the word "delete" clearly and clumsily written on the back. A symbol would be more fitting this "purist" camera. Could even be a deal breaker for me. But that's just me.

We need a similar one but with lateral and horizontal sensor movements up to 12 degrees each direction and 5 primes with corresponding image circles. Call it Fujifilm XM 1.

Yummie Fuji colors... Like!

This camera is getting a "strong reaction" because it's a rather stupid design.

It's just that simple.

I simply can’t wait for the release of this camera for two reasons:

1. I truly want one.

2. Hopefully the comments from naysayers will dissipate into the ether.

Maybe I’m naive, but I’ve rarely seen the introduction of a new camera garner such a strong reaction. I certainly don’t remember this amount of negativity when I purchased my X-Pro-2.

Fuji copped out by leaving a small display on the back. A very small window on the top that shows only frames left or current custom mode would be better. I’d rather have the camera be thinner and more robust.

For this price & these dissapointing drawbacks I would rather take Z6 (now $1,696)

Something unusual and interesting so all the dullards churn out and like each others hipster comments as per usual.

Your title is incorrect. It does have a screen in sight. It is a tiny screen to display a Hipster faux film label.

I would prefer a version of this camera that eliminated the optical viewfinder altogether and secondly, had a tilt only OLED panel. I could like with it as it is if only the X-T3 didn't give you the same output with better ergonomics and a much better price.