FUJIFILM X-PRO3 REVIEW - 1 MONTH LATER

[@cameraman655]

Been shooting with the ‘3’ going back to 2020 an I have not looked back. For me (one of the oddballs no doubt), the hidden LCD was a big plus. Coming from the film era (even playing around with the Leica M6 back in the 80s), making the switch from Canon back in 2017, after some 37 years, to Fuji was a no-brainer (never mind that I left Kodak for Fuji’s film offerings in 1988). Bottom line, Fuji’s reverence for analog alongside the latest tech, sold me when I first shot with an X-E2s. The X-Pro 3, while not perfect, (no camera is) has served me well, alongside my X-T3 and X-E3.

[@you8636]

It’s a great camera for old film photographers. I only use it in manual mode with my M mount lenses and its phenomenal. A wonderful machine to utilize zone focus and enjoy the day shooting without wanting to fold down the screen and see what i just shot. I think that’s the difference between photographers and people who buy cameras to talk about gear, some of us are trained eyes ready to shoot and the rest are trying to figure it out while working. If you’re the latter this camera likely isn’t for you.

[@TheErajat]

Well said. I'm surely in the latter group but I did appreciate that this camera made me work through the viewfinder a 100% of the times. Due to this camera having manuals controls, I could for the first time see the exposure change with the change in every f-stop. Call me a novice but I sure do see the appeal of this camera.

[@Lansunous]

Hi, what M lenses would you recommend for this camera? Currently, I'm shooting with the 23f2. Thanks in advance

[@you8636]

@@Lansunous I shoot a 28mm Vougtlander at 40mm equiv. and its perfect. Also shot the 21 and 75 which are both great options.

[@renex8434]

I would love to see the next X-Pro with a screen like the x100v has…

[@d.idowuolutosin4250]

This is was a very interesting review on the X-Pro3. As an avid Fujifilm shooter, I would say out of all the Fujifilm cameras I've owned and shot with, the X-Pro3 is the first one to feel like the complete package especially has it relates to street and travel photography. The biggest complaint about this camera has been concerning the LCD and that's never been an issue for me because I shot film, so chimping is not a thing for me. Also, I'm not a person who uses the LCD to shoot with, I'm an EVF/OVF shooter only. There are a few things that annoy me about the camera but they're not enough of an annoyance that it would cause me to sell the camera. There are only two other Fujifilm cameras I would consider buying at the moment to compliment the X-Pro3 and that would be the X-T3 and X100v. I currently shoot the X-Pro3, Leica CL, and the LUMIX S5 as it relates to digital mirrorless cameras and I use M glass on all of them, mostly Voigtlander. In my view, this camera just works. I would agree however, it is a bit pricey in comparison to other Fujifilm bodies and other APS-C cameras on the market. To me, the X-Pro3 gives you everything you need as a complete package for traditional street photography and is no slouch in the studio or for professional work. I use it with my LUMIX S5 for portrait sessions and it does what I need it to do. It is my hope that Fujifilm leaves the LCD as is in the X-Pro4, add IBIS and better manual dials with the new X-Trans sensor and it will continue being the perfect camera.

[@Goughie]

Thank you for the kind words and interesting perspective! I’ve really enjoyed using it, and it think similar to you in that I have other cameras that compliment it very well. As an only camera I can see why over time the limitations could become very frustrating. My dilemma at the moment is that from a digital perspective I have an XT4, and XPro3 and an X100V and I’m not sure all 3 make much sense! Therefore which two do I keep! Hard to know at this point!

[@eagleeyephoto8715]

I fully agree with you, and would like to see only two items on X-pro 4 different.Magnification glass for OVF back and update on a Focus point parallax to be set back as it used to be on all x-pro body's so you can get focusing between near and infinity.

[@d.idowuolutosin4250]

@@Goughie the reason, I didn't buy the X-T4 is because of the new battery design and the flippy screen. I prefer a tilting screen for street photography like the one on the X-T3 or the X-H1. As for the battery, I have too many as it is and the X-T4 would cause me to buy a new set of batteries. I love the fact that the X-T3, X-Pro3, and X100v all use the same battery. That makes for a better ecosystem of batteries because they're interchangeable. I wish Fujifilm made a longer-lasting battery with the same footprint that that ship has sailed already with the new batter design for the X-T4 and the upcoming X-H2. If it were me, I'd sell the X-T4 and buy an X-T3. The IBIS and new battery system on the X-T4 isn't really an advantage. If IBIS is a must-have buy a LUMIX S5 or GH6.

[@d.idowuolutosin4250]

@@eagleeyephoto8715 I wish Fujifilm finds a way to make manual focus only versions of their glass and added a true rangefinder system to their OVF. Imagine that.

[@eagleeyephoto8715]

@@d.idowuolutosin4250 Yeah you can still go Leica but for me there ware always limiting things with Leica that I didn't like it .Back in the film day's I used Contax G. Fujifilm x-pro is kind of copy of digital Contax.I agree on fully manual lens idea. Fujifilm should come up with the trio of fast manual focus lenses with contacts and frames with overlay, something what is Cosina already doing with Voigtlander lenses.

[@luxdalet]

One of the best reviews for this camera. Was kind of surprised about the battery, but the photos and style make for a great case of this camera's strong points. Awesome video as always mate!

[@abp1400]

I'm betting the X-pro 4 will have a fully articulating flip out rear screen like the X-T4. You can close it when you want to or have it open to "chimp." Best of both worlds. Or maybe they'll have a flip up screen like X-E4.

[@Goughie]

If I had to take bets… I think I’d go with your XT4 suggestion, and hopefully bring back the viewfinder mag and seems likely they’d sell more

[@01615]

I had the dura silver and it was a fingerprint magnet. The black paint is simple, yet perfect for the xpro3

[@Goughie]

Good to know!

[@thomasfries3393]

I have the dark dura, same finger print issue, I gave up to worry about it. The handling of this camera is awesome, hard to explain, take it and shoot then you will feel it.

[@Red-xz1gk]

It’s a great camera to take with you everywhere everyday because of the form factor, size and weight. The OVF is a great feature to use for FL 27-50 as long as you stick to AF. It’s the closest thing you can get until you upgrade to the real RF. XT4 is superior in specs given its ibis, AF, battery life, video and EVF, but it’s not a camera I feel comfortable (size and weight) or inspiring (form factor) to use daily to me. Great review!

[@ericthestone]

Used to own both Xpro2, Xpro3 and now XE4. Gotta say I prefer the Xpro2 much better than the Xpro3. Not just the LCD but I love the D pad buttons! I love my XE4 now solely because size and weight.

[@Goughie]

I can definitely see how many people would prefer the Xpro2

[@petrvokurek2286]

I haven´t used the X-Pro 3 but I use the X-Pro 2 proffessionally and I just can´t imagine not having the back screen...not that I could not use slightly improved AF...but the lack of a screen at the back is a deal breaker for me. I know the screen is there...but it´s supposed to be hidden...The X-Pro 2 is my favourite camera of all times. The eronomics are just spot on. On my X-T3 the exposure comp dial is so small it´s really hard to turn it...however, on the X-Pro 2 I can comfortably turn it with my thumb without taking the camera away from my eye. Such a lovely camera the X-pro 2. I´m sorry the X-pro 3 is crippled by the back screen. Otherwise I would be shooting it instead of the X-T line...

[@moopindomoop7442]

A word of advice ... this is not a review of your face. Next time please show more camera and photos over your face. It is so intensive and hard to watch. Oterwise good .. cheers. Also speak 20% more slowly.

[@Goughie]

Ahhh! But 20% slower would mean you’d see my face even more!

[@mattstolzman]

In Poland used Xpro2 cost as much as used XT3, I'm an XT4 user and I really crave that rangefinder style camera for my personal photography.

[@babalooey100]

The Leica Ms have had parallax compensation since 1954

[@WhoIsSerafin]

Ibis wouldn’t make the camera any bigger, when Olympus and Panasonic can put them in tiny bodies for many years. I’m so interested in the 100v but that lack of stabilization just can’t get me to cough up 1400 dollars

[@Goughie]

Olympus and Panasonic have a sensor half the size. That’s how they continue to be small. Maybe the next one will have stabilisation! Fingers crossed

[@KeithHodgkinson]

Good balanced review as you say a niche camera.I would love one but want to use 28mm with the OVF.How far can you go with longer lenses ie 75/90 or would that depend on your eyesight due to the smaller box. IBIS would be a bonus , cheers.

[@Goughie]

I’m not sure what the max focal length is! I’ve struggled to find out when googling too!

[@7artisansOfficial]

Wow, thank you so much for your review!

[@Goughie]

Oh hey there! 👀

[@julian.km85]

Noah exploded 🔥keep going you incredible human being 💯

[@simonhawkins7004]

Hi .. Great vid and honest review 👌.. I may fall into that niche.. I hardly ever chimp , when reviewing pics I always look through the viewfinder and rarely the LCD ... I'm looking to change my x100f for a Fuji with interchangeable lenses .. already have an xt2 and lenses that I'm totally happy keeping .. so this xpro 3 could be what I'm looking for ... ps .. what are those black covers and where can a person get em .. the ones that are stopping your peak design tabs from slapping about .. I really need whatever that is .. please help .. 👍😁👍

[@Goughie]

I always Amazon search “camera lug protectors” and they come up! Thank you for the kind words!

[@just_eirik]

About the battery life thing, you said you don’t always remember to shut your camera off, which answers one of my questions. My other question is, how many shots do you take during a full day of shooting?

[@Goughie]

Honestly no idea without really looking into it, two batteries last me most of the day walking around Bath

[@C-JOHANSSON]

Are they JPGs taken with filmsim? Which simulation? Nice colors!

[@troz856]

My favourite 35mm film camera is the Contax G1. I've spent years looking for a digital equivalent, and in this camera I think I've found it.

[@avs4365]

Lucky to own two and love 'em! However have had a sub monitor failure. On DPReview, you'll find this is not an unknown problem leading to the failure of the LCD. Fuji fixed it within a week at a cost of £200.

[@Goughie]

Ahhh! Good that it can be fixed! Pretty steep though! Week turnarounds good too! Where are you based?

[@avs4365]

@@Goughie In the UK. Complete LCD renewal. Off/On replacement I guess. As I commented, this appears to be a reported problem but not something large enough to persuade Fuji to recall as with Nikon a few years back. Still, at my advance age I seriously doubt I will purchase anything else for my needs - love the switching back and forth with the OVF/EVF. Different challenges.

[@frankiacone6642]

I swold mine. Fuji has a class action lawsuit on this camera. Sensor issues.

[@Goughie]

I think it might be durability of the ribbon connector not the sensor, same sensor is in all cameras of the range

[@CollectiveMindz]

I love my xpro2 and xt4. xpro3 is nice but not worth it to buy over my xpro2.

[@norasanpo1145]

FYI: Leica framelines also move when you change focus to compensate for parallax effect, not unique to Fuji.

[@firstnamelastname9955]

I shoot this camera with a metabones speedbooster, Canon FD lenses, an ebony wood grip, and an ebony soft release shutter button and could not be more satisfied with the feel, build quality, metering, and low light performance. This camera reignited my love of photography after a 5 year hiatus (previously shooting film all-manual). I recommend this camera to anyone who is 100% comfortable shooting full manual, guestimating exposure, and using hyperfocal distance for focusing - it will give you a film feel and save you A LOT of money in developing.

[@jonathanthompson7084]

can you record on this?

[@Goughie]

It does have video yes! Wouldn’t be surprised if 4k would overheat reasonably quickly

[@randomstuffman01]

Very nice. Thanks. toronto canada.

[@forneverarrow]

Very nice review and even nicer photography! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@OutingJournal]

OVF lack zoom (magnification)

[@dimitriss.2630]

May I ask your view on the haptic feedback you get from the shutter button? In my camera, when I half press the shutter button I need to put that extra effort to press it down in order to focus and then the remaining distance till I actually take the photo is minimal with no "click" feeling. It feels a bit soft. How is it in your side?

[@Goughie]

Tbh it feels like any Fuji camera that I’ve used or really any camera for that matter. I think generally Fuji might be a little softer than other brands I’ve just, but never to the point that I’ve actually noticed If I remember tonight I’ll actually have a look

[@MARKLINMAN1]

When did this model come out? Thanks in advance. Nice review.

[@Goughie]

Oct 2019

[@დეადევაძე-ხ6ო]

Does it have a portrait?

[@REMY.C.]

I came to the same conclusion after owning the x-pro 3 for 2 years. I just can't recommend it to anyone. Too many bad design choices lead to serious limitations and an overall "mah" user experience. It's even worse if you're a fan of manual lenses, the instant you hook one of these on the camera you realize the OVF is pretty much useless and you end up using the EVF that drains the battery especially in sunny days. The rear little screen is the most useless thing I have ever seen on a camera. The lift/ iso dial is pretty bad. As someone who likes to shoot in low light, I would have liked to have some knobs with some kind of phosphorescent markings. The supposedly hidden screen is a bad one and telling me "it's to focus on the act of photography" is just total non sense. I extremely rarely chimp to look at what I shot, in fact most of the times I look at the photos I took weeks or months after the facts. But having a digital camera with plethora of settings that you need to change quite often (depending on your use) is really a hassle with such a bad screen design. 8 would have preferred a screen that flips horizontally 180⁰ so I can use it or hide it whenever I want. Ergonomics is mah for big hands. Had to buy a grip. I think the best way to use and enjoy this camera is to use it exclusively with Fuji lenses and to set it once and for all as a point and shoot and only then you'll enjoy it fully. It's beautifully made, very sexy and solid with those titanium plates. I lately got a brand new xt4 and it's grip + batteries for 1400 euros and it's way more convenient especially if one's want to do video.

[@palamj2]

I owned the X-Pro3 for 18 months, sold it recently. The back scroll wheel is a disgrace, the rear hidden screen is frustrating and the OVF is poor and not a great experience compared to the digital viewfinder. Battery life was poor as well why i don't know when you don't have a live screen running and at times i did try using the OVF. Bye Bye X-Pro3 it's been replaced with the sensible X-T3.

[@Goughie]

Definitely has its limitations! And if you struggle to love them, then the XT cameras are better in literally every way

[@palamj2]

@@Goughie And i got the ‘D’ pad back which was on my X-Pro2……

[@Goughie]

@@palamj2 the d-pad isn’t something I ever really loved so that part didn’t effect me much! But I know the pain; the XE4 not having a rear thumb wheel really annoyed me 😂

[@WilsonGomez]

Chipping is the main reason why people complain about poor battery on a camera. If you don't use the rear screen you can charge your camera every month or two months.

[@Goughie]

Every month or two?! One day trip to Bath required two batteries

[@GrahamBridgemanClarke01]

Regret got fed up with your review after 4 minutes. Seem you seem to be trying hard to pick holes in the camera. I have had the camera from the day its was released. Its a good camera and gives great images - isn’t that what its all about only!

[@Goughie]

That’s a shame; ends with how much I like it 😂