Conclusion
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Overall conclusion
The Fujifilm X-T3 is arguably the best stills/video camera on the market right now. More expensive full frame cameras will offer better still image quality and cameras with in-body image stabilization will be easier to shoot video with, but nothing offers this balance of image quality and movie capability in a single package.
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| ISO 160 | 1/1400sec | F2.8 | Fujinon XF23mm F2 |
Even better, the X-T3 does both things in a way that makes them enjoyable. The X-T series has already established a fan-base of photographers with its traditional, dedicated-dial interface but, while this can also be used for video, we'd recommend using the (still fiddly) Movie Silent Control mode if you're switching back and forth, since it allows separate exposure settings for each style of shooting.
With the X-T3, you get excellent JPEGs with some of the industry's most attractive color options, access to an extensive selection of dedicated lenses, only now with improved autofocus and class-leading video. Crucially, none of the video features get in the way of its excellence as a stills camera.
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| ISO 1000 | 1/75sec | F4 | Fujinon XF 16-55mm F2.8 @ 50mm |
The camera isn't flawless: you'll need to configure the autofocus to suit your subject's behavior more than with some of its rivals, and face detection doesn't deal well with multiple subjects, but neither of these is likely to be a deal-breaker for most people. Video and, to a lesser extent, prime lens shooters would benefit from the in-body stabilization of the X-H1.
Fujifilm has taken one of our favorite sub-$2000 cameras and supercharged it. Stills-focused X-T2 owners only need upgrade if they feel held back by their current camera's AF ability, but for everyone else not bewitched by the call of full-frame, the X-T3 should be extremely tempting as a do-nearly-everything option.
What we think
Wenmei Hill
Editor
| There’s an unquantifiable joy for me when using a Fujifilm camera (it’s simply fun to shoot with), but now with the improved AF and Face/Eye detection, there are some serious technical capabilities to back it up. When paired with a long prime like the XF 90mm F2, the portraits I have been able to get out of this combination are some of my favorites. And although Face Detection got in the way when the scene was more crowded, switching it off gave me a consistent and enjoyable experience with the high quality images I expect from a camera of this class. |
Carey Rose
Editor
| I find that the Fujifilm X-T3 is the new APS-C camera to beat. It's fast, shoots beautiful photos and video, comes with the most capable autofocus system I've ever seen from Fujifilm, and it's all wrapped up in a stylish body that demonstrates form and function can indeed coexist on a modern camera. |
Compared to its peers
The X-T3's most direct rival is the Sony a6500: another APS-C mirrorless camera able to shoot stills and 4K video. The Fujifilm wins out comfortably, for us. Autofocus performance is broadly comparable across the two cameras (though the Sony's Eye-AF system is better), but the operation and handling of the X-T3 is much better, as are its video capabilities. You'll miss out on the in-body stabilization of the a6500, but Fujifilm's array of lenses helps make the whole system more attractive.
The Nikon D500 is another obvious point of comparison. The DSLR would still be our choice for sports, action or wildlife photography but for most other photography, the X-T3's smaller size, higher resolution, attractive output and vastly better video make it the stronger option (though users of heavy lenses may prefer the D500's grip). Depending on your needs, the Fujifilm may have a wider choice of well-matched lenses than the Nikon.
Putting up more fierce competition is the Sony a7 III which, for a fair chunk more money, offers the step up in image quality that full-frame can bring, as well as in-body image stabilization and a larger grip. The X-T3 is arguably nicer to shoot and actually out-performs the 8-bit video of the Sony but it can't compete with its image quality or fully match the Sony's AF performance. However, the Fujifilm is less expensive and smaller, especially if you factor in the lenses you might want, so it depends on your priorities.
The X-T3's impressive video puts it into competition with the Panasonic GH5 and GH5S. The Panasonic pair certainly have better video support features (waveform display, uploadable LUTs for corrected displays, shutter angle reporting, 4:2:2 internal capture), but the Eterna color mode, along with the ability to shoot 10-bit at 60p are powerful counter-arguments. The larger sensor and more dependable AF even give the X-T3 the edge in some respects. And if you want to shoots stills too, it's a clear win to the Fujifilm.
Scoring
Scoring is relative only to the other cameras in the same category. Click here to learn about the changes to our scoring system and what these numbers mean.
Fujifilm X-T3 Category: Semi-professional Interchangeable Lens Camera / DSLR |
Build quality Ergonomics & handling Features Metering & focus accuracy Image quality (raw) Image quality (jpeg) Low light / high ISO performance Viewfinder / screen rating Performance Movie / video mode Connectivity Value | PoorExcellent | ||||
Conclusion As a stills camera the X-T3 is a pleasant update to one of our favorite APS-C cameras, significantly improving the autofocus. If you're interested in stills and video, though, it's knockout. The lack of stabilization holds the video back a touch but as a compact, relatively affordable do-everything camera, it's impressive. | |||||
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