FUJIFILM X-T3 Promises Faster Autofocus and 4K 60 fps Video

FUJIFILM has unveiled the new FUJIFILM X-T3 — the fourth generation of the company’s X Series mirrorless cameras — and it boasts a few major improvements.

This new mirrorless is packing a back-illuminated 26.1MP X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor and X-Processor 4 processor. FUJIFILM also claims the camera’s autofocus had been “dramatically” improved.

“We are proud to introduce the new X-T3 to market as not only the latest addition to our X Series mirrorless lineup of digital cameras, but as an introduction to fourth generation technologies that feature substantial performance enhancements over previous models, delivering high AF performance, superb color reproduction and outstanding image quality to photographers and videographers alike,“ said Yuji Igarashi, General Manager of the Electronic Imaging Division and Optical Devices Division of FUJIFILM North America Corporation.

Overview

The X-T3 uses the fourth generation 26.1MP X-Trans CMOS 4 APS-C sensor with no optical low-pass filter. It’s the first APS-C back-illuminated structure sensor with phase detection pixels placed across the surface, which should “improve image resolution” without compromising the signal to noise ratio, according to FUJIFILM.

ISO160 is now part of the standard ISO range. It was previously only available as an extended ISO.

Side view of the X-T3
The X-T3 now shoots 4K 60 FPS Video

The X-T3 also debuts the X-Processor 4 processor. The processor features a Quad Core CPU, achieving processing speeds 3 times faster than current X Series models. The camera shoots 4K 60p video with 4:2:0 10-bit output — a feature not often seen in consumer cameras. FUJIFILM additionally claims the camera is capable of implementing complex image processing tasks quickly, like FUJIFILM Color Chrome Effect or Monochrome Adjustment function.

The rolling shutter has also been reduced to 11 milliseconds, so the rolling shutter effect should be reduced. Also, it’s worth mentioning that the X-T3 doesn’t have in-body stabilization. You’ll have to stabilize in other ways.

“Dramatically Improved” Autofocus

The phase detection AF has been improved with 2.16M phase detection pixels. You can select up to 117 autofocus points for speed or 420 for more accuracy. The low-light phase detection AF limit has been increased over the X-T2 by 2 stops, from -1EV to -3EV.

The Face Detection AF has been improved as well. Eye Detection AF now supports the AF-C mode to maintain focus tracking. Face and Eye Detection AF is also available now while shooting video.

Design

The OLED electronic viewfinder on the X-T3 has a 0.5-inch 3.69 million dots with a 100 fps refresh rate and 0.005-second lag. This should be sharper than the X-T2. The camera’s back LCD screen is touchscreen. There’s still a three-way tilting mechanism, but unfortunately, you can’t tilt the camera 180 degrees for vlogging.

Also, the X-T3 now has both a microphone and headphone jack.

Pricing and Availability

FUJIFILM will release the X-T3 on September 20 for $1,500. You can get the XF-10-55 kit lens included for $1,900. To learn more about the X-T3, go to fujifilm.com.

Sean Berry
Sean Berry
Sean Berry is Videomaker's managing editor.

Related Content