Hands-on field-test of the Fujifilm X-Pro3 filmed around Florence, Italy! Check prices on the X-Pro3 at B&H: bhpho.to/2PbbguK Buy Gordon a coffee: www.paypal.me/cameralabs Gordon's In Camera book at Amazon: amzn.to/2n61PfI / Amazon uk: amzn.to/2mBqRVZ Like Cameralabs? Get the T-Shirt: redbubble.com/people/cameralabs/shop 02:03 - Design and build quality 03:56 - Screen 08:48 - Viewfinder experience 14:30 - Image quality, HDR, Mono, Classic Negative 19:48 - Movie features and quality 21:20 - Verdict and final thoughts
Thankyou Jordan, yours and Kai's style inspired me to get out and spend more time in front of the camera, rather than being the King of B-roll all the time...
i really like how your reviews are always close to heart... starts off technical then gets personal and treats the camera as an actual tool not as something to keep comparing to every other camera released...the experience shooting with the xpro3 far outweighs whatever came out and whatever will. thank you Gordon.
Isn’t it wonderful that we each have our own ideas of what makes a good street camera. When I owned an X100F I had the screen turned off most of the time preferring to use the viewfinder. I used a pre-production X-Pro3 for around 6 hours recently and have to say I loved it and can’t wait to get one, but it’s not for everyone. As you found when testing it, I think a lot of people that are complaining about the screen may actually enjoy the experience given the chance to try one for a while. Love your reviews.
merllin359 I think you are right. I wasn’t sure about this camera at first as I do sometimes use the back screen for some covert photography, I also owned the pro 2 & I often turned off the rear screen. But the more I see this camera the more I think I would enjoy it. Plus you can use it at waist level using the screen. I think I want one 📷😉
My favorite street camera was Bessa R3A (film rangefinder) with 1:1 optical VF. It allowed to use both eyes - one in the OVF and another eye to watch around and see what happens. But it only works with 1:1 VF, otherwise it would hurt your eyes
Hi Gordon: Your review of the Pro 3 was likely the best I have seen. Especially useful was the information about the viewfinder. Thanks so very much for taking the time and making the effort!
These in-depth videos makes me so happy! Just bought you a cup of coffee or two to show my appreciation :) Keep up the good work! // Greeting from Sweden
I fell out of love with photography recently, and put this down to focusing more on gear than experience. My best experiences have been with film cameras and the Panasonic G1 and 20mm f1.7. I think this camera keeps the flexibility of interchangeable lenses, but looks like a lot of fun with the 23mm on 90% of the time. Very tempted, thanks Gordon
Thanks, Gordon, for the best and most balanced review I’ve seen of this camera yet. Everyone seems to get hung up on the rear screen, but I think it shows an understanding on Fuji’s part as to what type of photographer will be looking seriously at this model, and I applaud them for not trying to make it a “camera for everyone.” That said, I’m not sure how I feel about the change to the optical viewfinder. The OVF (really, the option to switch back and forth between it and the EVF) is one of the big draws of this and the X100 series for me. Many if not most street shooters are going to lean toward the 18mm or 23mm lenses, or at most the 35mm anyway, but it seems an odd step in the wrong direction.
Finally, an in-depth, practical, and eminently useful review of this new offering by Fuji. I especially like the lack of whining about the flip-down screen. I welcome it. I do wish it was fully articulated, though, much like the X-A7. But maybe a future iteration will include that. In any event, I thoroughly enjoyed your review. Well done Gordon. Well done indeed.
Great review and great pictures! I have the X-T3 and do not think I will make the switch, but it is very tempting. Beautiful camera with some really unique features.
Great review. Best coverage of the OVF so far. Question: how does the battery life compare to the X-T3? Better when primarily using the OVF or similar?
I can tell you how much i got on one charge: 230 shots almost entirely with the OVF or tilt screen, plus a couple of minutes of video and a very small amount of playback and menu navigation through the EVF. So a mix!
Agree, finally a reviewer being honest about the advantages and disadvantages of the new OVF. Most reviewers skip over the disadvantages really quickly, almost as if they are embarrassed to talk about those! The 50mm and 18mm frame lines on the X-Pro2 are still really usable, but the viewfinder itself is smaller (and shows more distortion), so it is a trade-off. For me, I am not ready to give up the 18mm and 50mm frame lines yet (I could live with the 35mm frame lines in the X-Pro3).
I can only agree with everyone here: after nearly 20 other videos talking about the XPro2 and XPro3, I have to admit that this is one of the most engaging and informative. Your signature mix of conversational style, hands-on shots, walk-and-talk vlog mode (in Florence, always lovely) and deep user understanding of the Fuji mechanics, pros, cons, workarounds - it's just superb. Thank you.
Just watched it and commented. Excellent! Mirrors my experience and the obvious (but admittedly small) drawbacks I also have quibbles about. Beautiful work.
Always love ur reviews Your the only UA-camr that actually explains things properly and I now have a good understanding on how the hybrid viewfinder actually works it’s positive and negatives with various types of lenses etc, before your review I think I must have seen about 2 Dozen reviews and I learnt nothing but boring specs.
Really excellent review, was genuinely on the fence but as a 35mm shooter I think Ill stick with my xpro2 because I do enjoy the optical finder. No other reviewer Ive seen had mentioned the magnification issue. Many thanks
@@cameralabs it depends how much one want to spend for limited improvement of experience. I'm a xpro2 user, too, up to now I think I will hold on to my beaten xpro2
I just need two of these x-pro3's with a 24mm and 50mm equivalent and backup batteries and I will never lust for another digital body again. It's like Fuji made a camera for me..
Like your new vlogging style and one of your best reviews Gordon. This is certainly the most polarizing camera release of 2019. You did a great job in sharing the viewfinder experience and highlighting the pros and cons.
Classic Negative looks absolutely gorgeous! Fuji just understands something about color perception! It has visual appeal, style and elegance. So much better than the competiton.
Great video, mine is arriving today and can't wait!!! Just subbed and liked! Very very thorough, thank you! I'll definitely be looking over your other vids!
I've seen all the reviews about specs so it was quite refreshing to see yours about the actual shooting experience. I am totally intrigued by this camera. Can't wait to see one in person.
A wonderful review. You did the thing that really matters most - showing us the differences in the old and new viewfinders. I still have to touch and try to decide if the XP2 or XP3 would be a better fit for me. But now I have a clearer understanding of the situation. I do have the X100F and will keep it, whether or not I buy an X-Pro2 or 3. You may very well be right that, for the 23mm at least, it could be superior. It's small, of course. The mechanical shutter is a leaf shutter, and it's darn near silent. Many of the complaints people seem to have about the X-Pros don't seem to apply. For instance, the parallax correction in the finder works perfectly to crazy-close distances. (Yours may well have been an early-production-run hiccup. I can't imagine them screwing that up. But who knows.)
I purchased one a few weeks ago and really enjoy using it. The screen is a controversial topic, but it is one of the reasons I decided to purchase it. Thanks for the video.
I've always liked your unbiased approach to reviewing cameras. If I ever want to know about a camera other than Olympus, I come to you. Thank you for keeping it real.
@@cameralabs Hahaha. Sorry, my grammar is not the best. What I meant to say is that I'm not interested in other cameras that are not labeled 'Olympus'. If by any chance a non-Olympus camera is kind of good on paper, then it is your review that I come to, to learn about such and such camera. All the other reviewers seem biased or paid for by those other companies. But you, my friend, tells it like it is. I really appreciate that. Have a great start of your week.
Another nice feature of becoming used to shooting with the OVF is that one can lease the camera on all the time and hardly drain the battery at all. This works well with street photographer, however, the camera does come back to live very quickly, but I just like knowing the thing is alive and ready go instantly go.
I appreciate much that Fujifilm cultivates the aps-c segment and I love to have devices that only have what I need to enjoy without feeling to have a duplicate of my cellphone (I have a kindle ebook, a Fujifilm x100 and a shozy alien music player that has no screen). With the other companies I feel myself pushed to "upgrade" to full frame :l
One benefit of the OVF with a lens greater than a 50mm focal length is that you can "pre-aim" before switching to the EVF to finalise and capture the frame. I'm certainly thinking of wildlife shots with my 55-200mm where it can be hard to find the chosen subject at range with a long zoom, but this makes it so easy. You know, those times when the wife suddenly tells you there's a kingfisher posing on the far river bank...
I was skeptical about the new screen setup, but now I really like it. I stay more focused on getting my shots right in camera. It takes me back to my days of shooting film!
Awesome video ! Thank you for the great review and information ! I am definitely waiting till at least next summer to see what they do with the X100 series. Hopefully they give us some information by then !
My 2 cents, Ricoh GR Ill for street photography and Fuji X-T3 for everything else. The limiting of both info.and functionality on the back of the Pro kills it for me. We pay more to get more not less. Nice vlog Sir.
I handled and shot the Pro 3 this past weekend. It’s a beautiful camera although the duratec finish looked disgusting with gunk and fingerprints. The bigger EVF is a welcome change and the camera feels snappy. I will get one in the used market 6 months from now.
YIKES! 3 Euros for a hot dog? Brilliantly thoughtful and thorough review, Gordon. Thank you. X-Pro3 is definitely not for me but I'd jump on an X-E4 (please, Fuji). It would be the perfect complement to my X-T3.
Awesome review. I had an X-Pro-2, but sold it for a Canon R6. It's great, but it's not a lot of fun to shoot with. So, I've been longing for a return to Fuji. I loved the format and build quality of the X-Pro-2, but hated that fiddly shutter speed/ISO dial. But I overlooked the Pro-3 because most reviews focused on the polarizing LCD. Only recently did I learn that they had actually addressed my dial issues by allowing you (finally!!!) to set to "C" and adjust ISO with the front command dial. This camera would have been perfect for me, but the last three years I've been using something that is good, but brings me no joy. Arghhh... Now I'm on the hunt for a used or refurbished model, because Fuji no long makes this camera.
@@cameralabs Well, it is Fuji... so who knows. 🙂I suspect there will be a Pro-4, but sadly I feel the X-E line is dead. No rumors for either upcoming (although both are discontinued) but no way they kill off the Pro line... I hope.
I owned the original X Pro 1. The image quality was incredible. I originally loved the form factor and the handling; however, by the end of a year the novelty wore off and I sold it. I have great respect for Fuji glass and colours.
Hi Gordon! Great review, really looking forward to seeing more in-detail reviews of this camera. I only have one question which I haven't been able to get an answer to: Does face/eye-detect AF work while looking through the OVF?
@@cameralabs That's really unfortunate! I asked another reviewer about this and he mentioned that while the face/eye detect frame didn't appear (as you report), the subjects still seemed to be in focus. Was this your experience? I would be totally okay with no indication, as long as the subject is still in focus.
@@MinerDolan hmmm, I would have to do more testing. I wonder if the face and eye detect is even enabled during OVF view, as the single area seems to over-ride everything.
When it comes to Fuji camera there’s always a lot of discussion about price and as I read these comment I compare Fuji price too Canon and Nikon. Which both had high end products which you a choice on what to buy. If the X-Pro3 is out of your price range buy one that is. What’s so hard about that?
Thanks a ton Gordon for the review i was looking for. Just Perfect, esp. 23mm comparison with XPro2 .... and one can switch to EVF from OVF if we want to use 35mm (50 equiv.) or longer for the XPro3, ... and that, if we are to use 23mm f/2 WR with XPro3, then folks can wait for X100V due for a release, otherwise the 23mm f/1.4 should be the obvious choice for XPro3, being 1 stop faster
Nice review, Gordon... I am torn between X-T3 and X-Pro3; can't make up my mind which one to get, and time is running out, as I have to make up my mind soon! You give a great feel for the optical viewfinder; a much better comparison with the X-Pro2 than any other review I've seen so far. You took some very artistic sample images to demonstrate Classic Negative, by the way, and your book is also great; I'm a fan. Q-Menu on the mini-display? I love your suggestion and hope Fujifilm are listening and we get it in a firmware update!
@@cameralabs 23mm my main goto lens... love them both f/1.4 and f/2. The other focal length I use for portraits is the 50 and 56mm... and this is where I might be better off with the X-T3... it's a tough decision!!
This camera looks neat, but I am not convinced it has much more going for it than the Olympus Pen-F (RIP). The Pen has a similar focus on producing high quality jpgs, while having a more useful rear LCD that can also be folded away for a more focused shooting experience. For that matter, it’s probably worth considering a used M8 or M9 if you’re thinking of paying this price.
10:16 "traditional mirrorless cameras" Amazing that digital photography has come so far that there is now a sense of heritage and tradition. What a time to be a photographer!
Wonderful review. The image quality and sound of your vlog were great but the stabilization made your movement look robotic. What camera are you filming on? Thank you
Do you mean the lower magnification in the viewfinder? No, the earlier models physically switched optics in the viewfinder which are no longer present here.
I just got an X-Pro3. I've had a couple X100's and a Pro2. I may be one of the ten people that actually use the OVF so my request is statically HUGE. On all the other hybrid viewfinders I've used from Fuji, in the OVF mode the parallax frame lines move to compensate when the shutter is 1/2 pressed and return to the neutral infinity position as soon as the shutter button is released. On the Pro3 I have, The parallax correction moves the framing box but DOES NOT RETURN TO THE NEUTRAL POSITION. This is VERY annoying when recomposing the next image at infinity after many years of muscle memory stored with the other Fuji Hybrids. If one close focuses and the frame moves to the lower right it remains there even when the camera is turned off and on again. And besides, it just ain't right, Mate. I would very much appreciate a response from you since I call support and they were clueless. I writing to you since you have a popular channel and perhaps some influence with Fuji on ideas or complaints.
Nice review, all about the experience, like this format ! As a glasses wearer, I am still debating if this new EVF is finally good for me (a deal breaker for me on the Xpro 2, too small evf)... In fact, I am thorn between this one and the Sigma fp. Both are different, but also both are all about the experience (for stills only).
The fp is certainly an interesting camera, but you'd really need to get it in a cage for stills photography, as the body is not comfortable to hold for long. As for the X-Pro3, the viewfinder has longer eye relief than before, but you'd really have to try it for yourself.
@@cameralabs Just came home from Tenerife with a full SD-card. Perfect travelcamera, but sometime you want to get closer than 23 mm. Thats the only issue.
@@C-JOHANSSON definitely. I'm wondering how it will work for me as my only camera on a trip. I did one with the RX100 VII last year - and made a travel light video about the experience - and enjoyed the zoom range, but the camera itself doesn't connect with me as well as the X100V.
Film photography “From the sixties and seventies, and even into the eighties”. You might have included the nineties and the zeros. I've read that commercial digital cameras began appearing as early as 1975, but the first one I saw in a camera store was in the late nineties: A Nikon Coolpix that cost £1000 for the 1mp version and £2000 for the 2mp variant! So apart from real estate dealers and very few others, nobody would buy them. It wasn't until well into the new millennium that digital became a real competitor to film. Personally I bought some small digital Olympus cameras in the early zeros, but although they were very practical for putting snapshots of players on my chess club's website (I was co-webmaster for a few years), they were terribly slow! Press the shutter button and a full second would pass before the image was taken. It wasn’t until I got the 7mp Olympus SP-510 UZ in 2006 that affordable digital cameras were good enough for me to give up film photography, and at that time the film development business was still pretty much at it's highest point. I didn’t buy my first DSLR until 2012. And I don’t think I was very unique in any of this.
There certainly have! The last generation of Canon SLRs for instance. The Eos 3 was introduced in November 1998, the Eos 300 and 3000 in 1999, the Eos 30 and 33 in October 2000, and the Eos 300v was released in 2002.
I got an answer from Fuji regard the fact the parallax correction position does not return to the neutral position when you release the shutter button. Wanna know what they say? "Deal with it." If people don't complain they are not going to fix it. Fuji is backing off their commitment to fix stuff on their own without people complaining. And I haven't seen firmware upgrades for older models for some time. SO COMPLAIN? Since it has the same processor, let's see how many of the features new on the Pro3 are made available for the X-T3. Wanna bet not too many? I'll take that bet.
im in between the xpro 3 and xt3 cause id love to switch between video and pictures but since both can film at 4k 30 , but quality and long lasting as a camera i guess the xpro 3 is the right choice no?
@@cameralabs And I appreciate that as that seems to dovetail with the intention of the camera. I was just curious whether there was an AF performance gap that one should be aware of: speed, accuracy, low-light hunting, etc.
I personally prefer the X-T3, but still really enjoyed the X-Pro 3 - it's quite .a big difference though, so maybe give it some time to see if it clicks with you.
Gordon Laing Thanks Gordon I was never impressed with the xt3 it felt cheaply made and results were never outstanding either now that may of been down to me. I should never of left my Olympus system I only fid that because of the constant comments about mft coming to a end. 😔
Tronam not sure as didn’t have the xt1. I know the xt3 is put together in China now. I’m sure you will love it. I’m currently in between cameras so will keep my eyes open over the next few months.
Hello again Gordon: I forgot to ask you about possible lenses on the XPro3. The 16-55/2.8 does not have OIS, and likewise with most of the primes. Can you offer an opinion as to the "necessity" of OIS with the XPro? One would venture to say that all things being equal OIS would likely be desireable.
It's a bit like asking how much sauce should you put on your chips. It's personal! Depends how much you shake. Depends how much yu like to compose with a steady view. Depends how much you want to handhold slow shutters. For me, anti-shake is very useful, but I still love shooting with Fujifilm's prime lenses for their speed and quality, so I make the sacrifice below 50mm. But above 50mm, i need IS.
Hands-on field-test of the Fujifilm X-Pro3 filmed around Florence, Italy!
Check prices on the X-Pro3 at B&H: bhpho.to/2PbbguK
Buy Gordon a coffee: www.paypal.me/cameralabs
Gordon's In Camera book at Amazon: amzn.to/2n61PfI / Amazon uk: amzn.to/2mBqRVZ
Like Cameralabs? Get the T-Shirt: redbubble.com/people/cameralabs/shop
02:03 - Design and build quality
03:56 - Screen
08:48 - Viewfinder experience
14:30 - Image quality, HDR, Mono, Classic Negative
19:48 - Movie features and quality
21:20 - Verdict and final thoughts
Half way through my cup of tea, and feeling a little bored. Opened UA-cam, and behold: more coverage from Gordon on the X-Pro3... brilliant!
@@fellowcitizen everything I do, I do it for you! Always trying to make tea breaks that bit more enjoyable!
@@cameralabs
Wait, so the actual area captured changes with the focus point?
How are you supposed to shoot like that?
@@nemezote no, it changes with the focus distance due to parallax
the best X-Pro3 review in UA-cam
Thanks, that's what I'm aiming for!
I watched hours of X-Pro3 reviews - I found this one to be the most helpful for me. Thanks!
This is a wonderful episode Gordon! I'd love to see more like this!
Thankyou Jordan, yours and Kai's style inspired me to get out and spend more time in front of the camera, rather than being the King of B-roll all the time...
+100
Always the best camera reviews on YT. Thank you Gordon for this cracking review, I really enjoyed the through the EVF/OVF portions.
Thanks Ryan, glad you found it useful!
i really like how your reviews are always close to heart... starts off technical then gets personal and treats the camera as an actual tool not as something to keep comparing to every other camera released...the experience shooting with the xpro3 far outweighs whatever came out and whatever will. thank you Gordon.
Thanks! I think I'll do more like this...
Isn’t it wonderful that we each have our own ideas of what makes a good street camera.
When I owned an X100F I had the screen turned off most of the time preferring to use the viewfinder.
I used a pre-production X-Pro3 for around 6 hours recently and have to say I loved it and can’t wait to get one, but it’s not for everyone.
As you found when testing it, I think a lot of people that are complaining about the screen may actually enjoy the experience given the chance to try one for a while.
Love your reviews.
Thanks, glad you liked my review!
merllin359 I think you are right. I wasn’t sure about this camera at first as I do sometimes use the back screen for some covert photography, I also owned the pro 2 & I often turned off the rear screen. But the more I see this camera the more I think I would enjoy it. Plus you can use it at waist level using the screen.
I think I want one 📷😉
My favorite street camera was Bessa R3A (film rangefinder) with 1:1 optical VF. It allowed to use both eyes - one in the OVF and another eye to watch around and see what happens. But it only works with 1:1 VF, otherwise it would hurt your eyes
Hi Gordon: Your review of the Pro 3 was likely the best I have seen. Especially useful was the information about the viewfinder. Thanks so very much for taking the time and making the effort!
You're very welcome, i think it's worth putting in the extra effort to show how things work!
finally somebody's talking about it correctly
These in-depth videos makes me so happy! Just bought you a cup of coffee or two to show my appreciation :) Keep up the good work! // Greeting from Sweden
Can't beat this video. One of my favourite presenters, my favourite make of camera and a city I love. Thanks Gordon.
Thankyou, glad you like it!
THE most helpful insightful review ever of this unique approach of a camera. Well done!
Thankyou!
I fell out of love with photography recently, and put this down to focusing more on gear than experience. My best experiences have been with film cameras and the Panasonic G1 and 20mm f1.7. I think this camera keeps the flexibility of interchangeable lenses, but looks like a lot of fun with the 23mm on 90% of the time. Very tempted, thanks Gordon
Gordon, for a UA-camr, you take pretty nice photos! You’re also one of the few channels I watch when it comes to gear reviews.
Thankyou!
Thanks, Gordon, for the best and most balanced review I’ve seen of this camera yet. Everyone seems to get hung up on the rear screen, but I think it shows an understanding on Fuji’s part as to what type of photographer will be looking seriously at this model, and I applaud them for not trying to make it a “camera for everyone.” That said, I’m not sure how I feel about the change to the optical viewfinder. The OVF (really, the option to switch back and forth between it and the EVF) is one of the big draws of this and the X100 series for me. Many if not most street shooters are going to lean toward the 18mm or 23mm lenses, or at most the 35mm anyway, but it seems an odd step in the wrong direction.
Thanks! I think maybe I should have qualified some of my viewfinder statements more - I think overall Fujifilm has improved the experience here...
I remember reading your reviews about the Canon 5D when I first got into photography. Great video!
Thanks for sticking around - that was one of my first!
Finally, an in-depth, practical, and eminently useful review of this new offering by Fuji. I especially like the lack of whining about the flip-down screen. I welcome it. I do wish it was fully articulated, though, much like the X-A7. But maybe a future iteration will include that. In any event, I thoroughly enjoyed your review. Well done Gordon. Well done indeed.
Great review and great pictures! I have the X-T3 and do not think I will make the switch, but it is very tempting. Beautiful camera with some really unique features.
Great review. Best coverage of the OVF so far. Question: how does the battery life compare to the X-T3? Better when primarily using the OVF or similar?
I can tell you how much i got on one charge: 230 shots almost entirely with the OVF or tilt screen, plus a couple of minutes of video and a very small amount of playback and menu navigation through the EVF. So a mix!
Agree, finally a reviewer being honest about the advantages and disadvantages of the new OVF. Most reviewers skip over the disadvantages really quickly, almost as if they are embarrassed to talk about those! The 50mm and 18mm frame lines on the X-Pro2 are still really usable, but the viewfinder itself is smaller (and shows more distortion), so it is a trade-off. For me, I am not ready to give up the 18mm and 50mm frame lines yet (I could live with the 35mm frame lines in the X-Pro3).
I can only agree with everyone here: after nearly 20 other videos talking about the XPro2 and XPro3, I have to admit that this is one of the most engaging and informative. Your signature mix of conversational style, hands-on shots, walk-and-talk vlog mode (in Florence, always lovely) and deep user understanding of the Fuji mechanics, pros, cons, workarounds - it's just superb. Thank you.
Thanks, I'm glad you enjoyed it! You may also like my recent X100V long term test
@@cameralabs Will check now. Thank you. It's possible I've already seen it, as I've been shooting with the x100v (and Sony a7c) for 2 years now. 🙏👍🏽
Aha. I see it now. Brand new!
Just watched it and commented. Excellent! Mirrors my experience and the obvious (but admittedly small) drawbacks I also have quibbles about. Beautiful work.
Always love ur reviews
Your the only UA-camr that actually explains things properly and I now have a good understanding on how the hybrid viewfinder actually works it’s positive and negatives with various types of lenses etc, before your review I think I must have seen about 2 Dozen reviews and I learnt nothing but boring specs.
Thanks! I always try and demonstrate the features and show the pros and cons...
Really excellent review, was genuinely on the fence but as a 35mm shooter I think Ill stick with my xpro2 because I do enjoy the optical finder. No other reviewer Ive seen had mentioned the magnification issue. Many thanks
You're welcome! But I do feel the X-Pro3 viewfinder is better overall as it's larger to start with.
Phew! I didn’t realise this either and I’m 50mm shooter so the white box would be pretty small 👀
@@cameralabs it depends how much one want to spend for limited improvement of experience. I'm a xpro2 user, too, up to now I think I will hold on to my beaten xpro2
I just need two of these x-pro3's with a 24mm and 50mm equivalent and backup batteries and I will never lust for another digital body again. It's like Fuji made a camera for me..
Wandering around in front of the Uffizi...I have only been there in July or August, it's nice to see so few tourists for a change!
That classic chrome could not be more at home in Florence. The way those yellows are rendered is mwah
That's what I thought!
this review is impressive!
the view of ovf with 23mm & 35mm part is very helpful for me! thank you
Like your new vlogging style and one of your best reviews Gordon. This is certainly the most polarizing camera release of 2019.
You did a great job in sharing the viewfinder experience and highlighting the pros and cons.
Thanks, i enjoyed filming it!
The viewfinder experience could get old very fast.
Classic Negative looks absolutely gorgeous! Fuji just understands something about color perception! It has visual appeal, style and elegance. So much better than the competiton.
I agree, I love it too!
@@cameralabs actually, the officials said that the Classic Negative resembles Fujicolor Superia film stock.
Great video, mine is arriving today and can't wait!!! Just subbed and liked! Very very thorough, thank you! I'll definitely be looking over your other vids!
Thanks!
Looks Beautiful! Great Review! Thanks Gordon!
Thanks! Hope you enjoy the approach...
Excellent explanation and demo of the optical finder!
I've seen all the reviews about specs so it was quite refreshing to see yours about the actual shooting experience. I am totally intrigued by this camera. Can't wait to see one in person.
It's better in person than the concept suggests...
Excellent, refreshing, comprehensive review. Thank you!
Excellent review with more "Photographer" user content, unlike some vlogs on you tube, example the EVF and OVF - thanks Gordon
You're welcome, glad you liked it!
Excellent review, Gordon, with some details others have failed to tease out!
Thanks!
I'm glad you came to Italy, and thanks for this very interesting video.
I need no excuse to visit Italy, I LOVE IT! Glad you enjoyed the video!
A wonderful review. You did the thing that really matters most - showing us the differences in the old and new viewfinders. I still have to touch and try to decide if the XP2 or XP3 would be a better fit for me. But now I have a clearer understanding of the situation.
I do have the X100F and will keep it, whether or not I buy an X-Pro2 or 3. You may very well be right that, for the 23mm at least, it could be superior. It's small, of course. The mechanical shutter is a leaf shutter, and it's darn near silent. Many of the complaints people seem to have about the X-Pros don't seem to apply. For instance, the parallax correction in the finder works perfectly to crazy-close distances. (Yours may well have been an early-production-run hiccup. I can't imagine them screwing that up. But who knows.)
I purchased one a few weeks ago and really enjoy using it. The screen is a controversial topic, but it is one of the reasons I decided to purchase it. Thanks for the video.
Thanks Gordon ,very clear and precise review . Just bought one to go with my XT4 . Mostly for the streeet .
Very compelling review. Like the new style as well. Thanks for your efforts.
Thanks, glad you liked it!
The best review of the Fujifilm X-Pro3.
Cheers Mate!!
Thanks!
I've always liked your unbiased approach to reviewing cameras. If I ever want to know about a camera other than Olympus, I come to you. Thank you for keeping it real.
Thanks, but why wouldn't you come to me about Olympus too?
@@cameralabs Hahaha. Sorry, my grammar is not the best. What I meant to say is that I'm not interested in other cameras that are not labeled 'Olympus'.
If by any chance a non-Olympus camera is kind of good on paper, then it is your review that I come to, to learn about such and such camera. All the other reviewers seem biased or paid for by those other companies.
But you, my friend, tells it like it is. I really appreciate that.
Have a great start of your week.
Thank you. First honest and comprehensive review.
Why thankyou!
great presentation, Gordon. Love your review of this camera
Thanks!
Brilliant video Gordon, enjoyed every minute!
Thanks!
Loved this review Gordon, must visit Florence in the rain, it looked a lot quieter than when I was there 2 months ago
It still felt busy! Not as busy as Rome the week before though!
The camera isn't enough to make me upgrade, but I LOVE the classic negative tones.
Yes! Hopefully it'll come to the X-T3 and X-T30 as well...
Another nice feature of becoming used to shooting with the OVF is that one can lease the camera on all the time and hardly drain the battery at all. This works well with street photographer, however, the camera does come back to live very quickly, but I just like knowing the thing is alive and ready go instantly go.
Love that there was a guy photographing a model as you walked by! 4D subframing.☺️
Did you see my nod to them just beforehand?!
☺️No I’m sorry I didn’t see that!
I appreciate much that Fujifilm cultivates the aps-c segment and I love to have devices that only have what I need to enjoy without feeling to have a duplicate of my cellphone (I have a kindle ebook, a Fujifilm x100 and a shozy alien music player that has no screen). With the other companies I feel myself pushed to "upgrade" to full frame :l
As always, thorough and very nicely done.
Thanks!
One benefit of the OVF with a lens greater than a 50mm focal length is that you can "pre-aim" before switching to the EVF to finalise and capture the frame. I'm certainly thinking of wildlife shots with my 55-200mm where it can be hard to find the chosen subject at range with a long zoom, but this makes it so easy. You know, those times when the wife suddenly tells you there's a kingfisher posing on the far river bank...
Gordon, the quality of you videos is superb...
Thanks!
I love this camera!!
Thanks for sharing.
I was skeptical about the new screen setup, but now I really like it. I stay more focused on getting my shots right in camera. It takes me back to my days of shooting film!
I felt like that too!
Was waiting for this. Love your reviews. Keep it up! BTW, hope you didn’t get pickpocketed in Italy.
Thanks, and don't worry, I made it back in one piece!
Awesome video ! Thank you for the great review and information ! I am definitely waiting till at least next summer to see what they do with the X100 series. Hopefully they give us some information by then !
I look forward to seeing what they do with the X100
Great reviews keep it up 🙃
Thanks! Did you enjoy the vlog style presentation on this one?
@@cameralabs
Your videos are so helpful
M200 review was very helpful
And Canon sl3 was helpful 😎
My 2 cents, Ricoh GR Ill for street photography and Fuji X-T3 for everything else. The limiting of both info.and functionality on the back of the Pro kills it for me. We pay more to get more not less. Nice vlog Sir.
Thanks! The Ricoh is nice too...
Is that a Tribble tucked down you're sweater Gordon?
That's the trouble...
@@cameralabs ua-cam.com/video/hptfm3r3a58/v-deo.html
excellent review Gordon
Thanks!
Superb review. Very useful and practical.
2024 and still the best camera reviewer
Thanks, I appreciate that!
I handled and shot the Pro 3 this past weekend. It’s a beautiful camera although the duratec finish looked disgusting with gunk and fingerprints. The bigger EVF is a welcome change and the camera feels snappy. I will get one in the used market 6 months from now.
I have heard that about the Dura coatings - I've only spent a decent period with the non-Dura version.
Looks sweet but the X-T3 is more suitable for me as I prefer to use something more conventional.
Nice to have options, though
Sure thing, I love the X-T3 too
Could definitely see the appeal for the X-Pro3 though. Know a few dedicated street people who are genuinely interested
Very detailed professional video man... Thanks
You're welcome!
This was so much informative. Thank you so much
You're welcome!
Very thorough! Just what I was looking for :)
You're welcome!
YIKES! 3 Euros for a hot dog? Brilliantly thoughtful and thorough review, Gordon. Thank you. X-Pro3 is definitely not for me but I'd jump on an X-E4 (please, Fuji). It would be the perfect complement to my X-T3.
Glad you enjoyed it! I wonder if they will update the XE series?
Awesome review. I had an X-Pro-2, but sold it for a Canon R6. It's great, but it's not a lot of fun to shoot with. So, I've been longing for a return to Fuji. I loved the format and build quality of the X-Pro-2, but hated that fiddly shutter speed/ISO dial. But I overlooked the Pro-3 because most reviews focused on the polarizing LCD. Only recently did I learn that they had actually addressed my dial issues by allowing you (finally!!!) to set to "C" and adjust ISO with the front command dial. This camera would have been perfect for me, but the last three years I've been using something that is good, but brings me no joy. Arghhh... Now I'm on the hunt for a used or refurbished model, because Fuji no long makes this camera.
I would expect an updated one in the next year
@@cameralabs Well, it is Fuji... so who knows. 🙂I suspect there will be a Pro-4, but sadly I feel the X-E line is dead. No rumors for either upcoming (although both are discontinued) but no way they kill off the Pro line... I hope.
I owned the original X Pro 1. The image quality was incredible. I originally loved the form factor and the handling; however, by the end of a year the novelty wore off and I sold it. I have great respect for Fuji glass and colours.
You'd be amazed how far they've come in autofocus and handling compared to the original.
Hi Gordon! Great review, really looking forward to seeing more in-detail reviews of this camera. I only have one question which I haven't been able to get an answer to: Does face/eye-detect AF work while looking through the OVF?
Good question and NO, it doesn't seem to work in the OVF - it certainly doesn't indicate it graphically anyway.
@@cameralabs That's really unfortunate! I asked another reviewer about this and he mentioned that while the face/eye detect frame didn't appear (as you report), the subjects still seemed to be in focus. Was this your experience? I would be totally okay with no indication, as long as the subject is still in focus.
@@MinerDolan hmmm, I would have to do more testing. I wonder if the face and eye detect is even enabled during OVF view, as the single area seems to over-ride everything.
Fuji photos looks beautiful
When it comes to Fuji camera there’s always a lot of discussion about price and as I read these comment I compare Fuji price too Canon and Nikon. Which both had high end products which you a choice on what to buy. If the X-Pro3 is out of your price range buy one that is. What’s so hard about that?
Thanks a ton Gordon for the review i was looking for. Just Perfect, esp. 23mm comparison with XPro2 .... and one can switch to EVF from OVF if we want to use 35mm (50 equiv.) or longer for the XPro3, ... and that, if we are to use 23mm f/2 WR with XPro3, then folks can wait for X100V due for a release, otherwise the 23mm f/1.4 should be the obvious choice for XPro3, being 1 stop faster
Glad you enjoyed it!
Nice review, Gordon... I am torn between X-T3 and X-Pro3; can't make up my mind which one to get, and time is running out, as I have to make up my mind soon!
You give a great feel for the optical viewfinder; a much better comparison with the X-Pro2 than any other review I've seen so far.
You took some very artistic sample images to demonstrate Classic Negative, by the way, and your book is also great; I'm a fan.
Q-Menu on the mini-display? I love your suggestion and hope Fujifilm are listening and we get it in a firmware update!
If you often use very wide or long lenses, or shoot lots of action or video, I'd get the X-T3.
@@cameralabs 23mm my main goto lens... love them both f/1.4 and f/2. The other focal length I use for portraits is the 50 and 56mm... and this is where I might be better off with the X-T3... it's a tough decision!!
This camera looks neat, but I am not convinced it has much more going for it than the Olympus Pen-F (RIP). The Pen has a similar focus on producing high quality jpgs, while having a more useful rear LCD that can also be folded away for a more focused shooting experience.
For that matter, it’s probably worth considering a used M8 or M9 if you’re thinking of paying this price.
10:16 "traditional mirrorless cameras" Amazing that digital photography has come so far that there is now a sense of heritage and tradition. What a time to be a photographer!
Question!: If I like using the OVF, do you feel the X-Pro2 is better than the X-Pro3? Thank you!
Wonderful review. The image quality and sound of your vlog were great but the stabilization made your movement look robotic. What camera are you filming on? Thank you
Thanks! I used the DJI Osmo Pocket for the vlog sequences.
Nice video. Isn’t the build quality significantly higher than the xt3? Im after made in Japan not China.
Great review,thank you.
Great video Gordon. Do you think that the ''issue'' with coverage above 23mm could be fixed with software update?
Do you mean the lower magnification in the viewfinder? No, the earlier models physically switched optics in the viewfinder which are no longer present here.
Thanks Gordon
I wonder if one can tolerate the xpro3 ovf if one is customed To very large and nice leica m viewfinder.
Great review as usual, sorry if it’s been asked but what camera did you shoot this with ? Many thanks
It's on the caption at the start!
I just got an X-Pro3. I've had a couple X100's and a Pro2. I may be one of the ten people that actually use the OVF so my request is statically HUGE. On all the other hybrid viewfinders I've used from Fuji, in the OVF mode the parallax frame lines move to compensate when the shutter is 1/2 pressed and return to the neutral infinity position as soon as the shutter button is released.
On the Pro3 I have, The parallax correction moves the framing box but DOES NOT RETURN TO THE NEUTRAL POSITION. This is VERY annoying when recomposing the next image at infinity after many years of muscle memory stored with the other Fuji Hybrids. If one close focuses and the frame moves to the lower right it remains there even when the camera is turned off and on again. And besides, it just ain't right, Mate.
I would very much appreciate a response from you since I call support and they were clueless. I writing to you since you have a popular channel and perhaps some influence with Fuji on ideas or complaints.
Wood looks great with classic negative profile.
Everything looks good in Classic Negative!
Nice review, all about the experience, like this format !
As a glasses wearer, I am still debating if this new EVF is finally good for me (a deal breaker for me on the Xpro 2, too small evf)... In fact, I am thorn between this one and the Sigma fp. Both are different, but also both are all about the experience (for stills only).
The fp is certainly an interesting camera, but you'd really need to get it in a cage for stills photography, as the body is not comfortable to hold for long. As for the X-Pro3, the viewfinder has longer eye relief than before, but you'd really have to try it for yourself.
Nice review! Keep up your good work!
Thanks! I have some more Fujifilm lens reviews coming soon!
@@cameralabs Nice, looking forward. I have a X100V but must order a X-PRO3 now as well. Thats your fault!
@@C-JOHANSSON hah! I'm about to go on a trip with the X100V, I really like it.
@@cameralabs Just came home from Tenerife with a full SD-card. Perfect travelcamera, but sometime you want to get closer than 23 mm. Thats the only issue.
@@C-JOHANSSON definitely. I'm wondering how it will work for me as my only camera on a trip. I did one with the RX100 VII last year - and made a travel light video about the experience - and enjoyed the zoom range, but the camera itself doesn't connect with me as well as the X100V.
Man I love the looks of this camera so much but I don't really know if it is the camera for me or if I should go for an XT4.
Film photography “From the sixties and seventies, and even into the eighties”. You might have included the nineties and the zeros. I've read that commercial digital cameras began appearing as early as 1975, but the first one I saw in a camera store was in the late nineties: A Nikon Coolpix that cost £1000 for the 1mp version and £2000 for the 2mp variant! So apart from real estate dealers and very few others, nobody would buy them. It wasn't until well into the new millennium that digital became a real competitor to film. Personally I bought some small digital Olympus cameras in the early zeros, but although they were very practical for putting snapshots of players on my chess club's website (I was co-webmaster for a few years), they were terribly slow! Press the shutter button and a full second would pass before the image was taken. It wasn’t until I got the 7mp Olympus SP-510 UZ in 2006 that affordable digital cameras were good enough for me to give up film photography, and at that time the film development business was still pretty much at it's highest point. I didn’t buy my first DSLR until 2012. And I don’t think I was very unique in any of this.
I was referring to when NEW film SLRs were being made and released. Have there been any since the late 80s apart from perhaps a top Nikon F?
There certainly have! The last generation of Canon SLRs for instance. The Eos 3 was introduced in November 1998, the Eos 300 and 3000 in 1999, the Eos 30 and 33 in October 2000, and the Eos 300v was released in 2002.
I like the walk through Firenze!
Me too1
Thank you Gordon. Very nice review. One question: does the OVF have framing lines for the XF 27mm?
You'd be best checking the manual from the Fujifilm website, but I'm pretty sure if has frames for the common primes between 23 and about 50 ish.
I got an answer from Fuji regard the fact the parallax correction position does not return to the neutral position when you release the shutter button. Wanna know what they say? "Deal with it." If people don't complain they are not going to fix it. Fuji is backing off their commitment to fix stuff on their own without people complaining. And I haven't seen firmware upgrades for older models for some time. SO COMPLAIN?
Since it has the same processor, let's see how many of the features new on the Pro3 are made available for the X-T3. Wanna bet not too many? I'll take that bet.
Fujifilm has released lots of firmware updates for their cameras - I think they're pretty good in that regard compared to many companies.
im in between the xpro 3 and xt3 cause id love to switch between video and pictures but since both can film at 4k 30 , but quality and long lasting as a camera i guess the xpro 3 is the right choice no?
Why did fuji cancel the zooming feature of the OVF?
Lovely review. You mentioned the X-T3 had the edge in movie mode, burst mode and AF? Can you elaborate on that, specifically AF?
I think it may have more options, but tbh, I spent much more time on the experience than the specs for this one.
@@cameralabs And I appreciate that as that seems to dovetail with the intention of the camera. I was just curious whether there was an AF performance gap that one should be aware of: speed, accuracy, low-light hunting, etc.
Thanks Gordon excellent video again sadly I sold my xt3 to get the xpro 3 so now back to the drawing and have a look at other systems 😩
I personally prefer the X-T3, but still really enjoyed the X-Pro 3 - it's quite .a big difference though, so maybe give it some time to see if it clicks with you.
Gordon Laing Thanks Gordon I was never impressed with the xt3 it felt cheaply made and results were never outstanding either now that may of been down to me. I should never of left my Olympus system I only fid that because of the constant comments about mft coming to a end. 😔
Tronam not sure as didn’t have the xt1. I know the xt3 is put together in China now. I’m sure you will love it. I’m currently in between cameras so will keep my eyes open over the next few months.
Hello again Gordon: I forgot to ask you about possible lenses on the XPro3. The 16-55/2.8 does not have OIS, and likewise with most of the primes. Can you offer an opinion as to the "necessity" of OIS with the XPro? One would venture to say that all things being equal OIS would likely be desireable.
It's a bit like asking how much sauce should you put on your chips. It's personal! Depends how much you shake. Depends how much yu like to compose with a steady view. Depends how much you want to handhold slow shutters. For me, anti-shake is very useful, but I still love shooting with Fujifilm's prime lenses for their speed and quality, so I make the sacrifice below 50mm. But above 50mm, i need IS.
@@cameralabs Perfect....thanks.
Just curious why you use your left eye to look through the viewfinder. It just seems wrong to me.
I've always been a left eye shooter.