Fujifilm X-Pro3: I love this camera!
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 30 июн 2024
- When I sold my Fujifilm X100V and X-T4 in January of 2023, the plan was always to replace both cameras but I couldn’t do it right away so I bought the X-T5 thinking I could pick up the X-Pro3 shortly after that. How wrong I was! Because of the rush to buy all things Fujifilm, I could not find this camera for a reasonable price for months. But I’m glad I stuck to it because I absolutely love this camera.
Also, this is the first video I have ever edited using Davinci Resolve. It was a big lift coming from LumaFusion and I found a lot of it to be overwhelming. But there's no denying that the color correction available in Resolve is a giant leap forward. Exciting!
Chapters:
00:00 Finding the X-Pro3 in 2023
01:44 The X-Pro3 as my X100V Replacement
02:37 Positive 1: The Hidden Screen
03:21 Positive 2: Lenses! The 35mm 1.4
03:39 Positive 3: The Design
05:28 Negative 1: The OVF
08:12 Negative 2: The Hidden Screen
09:00 Negative 3: The ISO Dial
10:00 Fujifilm Gripe About the &$#% Exposure Dial
10:59 The Conclusion
11:43 Like & Subscribe
12:03 One More Positive...
FOLLOW ME!
Glass: glass.photo/freitag
Mastodon: photog.social/@freitag
Instagram: / chrisfreitag
Threads: www.threads.net/@chrisfreitag 
Кино
I use both the EVF and the OVF on my X-Pro 3. I prefer the OVF when shooting for street because I don’t want to be distracted by seeing the depth of field and simulation in the EVF - I just want to focus on composition without distraction.
The second scenario I prefer the OVF is shooting at night. I find looking at the EVF at night to be unnatural and even with Boost mode on I am aware of the refresh rate. With the OVF I find I can work faster at night.
Thank you for that reasonable response about the OVF 😀. I can completely see the use case for it at night, I mean I can see it in my mind. The LCD on the X100V was way too distracting at night and I’d have to turn it off, I can see how looking straight through the glass would be helpful. I don’t do much at night so that’s a use case I hadn’t considered.
A very heartfelt story and well done video.
I sold all my fuji stuff a few years ago because I held a Z6II.
The x-pros never made it in the rotation. But this vid and realizing i'd like a smaller street / travel camera has convinced me i should consider this.
So many cameras, so little time. Thanks - tim
Thank you for commenting here, too. 🙂 I appreciate the feedback and you are right, there are so many cameras. All that really matters is that you use one.
X-Pro3 has been with me for some years. Better in my hands than x-E4, versatile and good specs, flexible since it slows to change lenses. Relatively lightweight with n combo with Fuji lenses. The exposure compensation dial always bumps as you said. Optical viewfinder is an asset, just as having no back screen which teaches you to shoot without looking at the result on screen, the optical VF also is an asset: saves battery life, easier on the eye, gives wider view on scene which helps framing.
Everything you stated here plus my venturing into manual focus lenses are all why I wanted this. I wanted to slow down, consider my photograph, be in the moment. Good call on the OVF as a learning tool, I should practice more.
Sincere review that really resonated with me. I too have just acquired an X-Pro3 for largely the same reasons as you (albeit I 'apprenticed' on the X-Pro2 first) and still own an XT-4 which sees very little action because of my preference for the X-Pro style and form. If Fujifilm ever bring out an X-Pro4 I'll be interested but until then the X-Pro3 suits me fine. BTW I never use the OVF either....;-)
What a wonderful comment, thank you. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Great points! I literally just got an xpro3 a couple months ago and i haven’t put it down since! I find it odd that there’s not much content on RUclips about this beauty
Thank you! It seems that a lot of the photography community are doing videos about the X-Pro2, but I stand by my choice. Congrats on getting yours (hope you didn't get raked over the coals :)
Love a guy honestly looking into the camera and speaking his mind. It helps us get to know you, but now that we knew you, we would love to see a couple of your photos.
Ha! Yes, I messed up on that one, I didn’t realize until after I posted this that I didn’t share any photos. I assure you, I share photos on all my other videos. 😀
I took my X-Pro3 with me all over Scotland and Italy, with the Fuji 35 f2 lens. Compact, awesome images, portable, and allows interchangeable lenses. I also own the Fuji 35mm 1.4 and 23mm f2. If/when the X-Pro4 comes out, I don’t know if I’ll upgrade. I like the concealed LCD as I use the viewfinder to frame my shots.
I feel you. They may stay with the concealed LCD, but I didn’t want to take that chance. And now that this is officially discontinued, the price will get worse.
Good video, I'm not going to flame you for not liking the OVF, not everyone does, I LOVE it on both my X-Pro3 and x100v and use it all the time. I bought the X-Pro3 last year for the same reason you did. I knew there was a good chance of an X-Pro4 in 2024 but I wanted the rear LCD of the X-Pro3 and figured Fujifilm would get rid of it in the X-Pro4 because a lot of people hate it.
Thank you! I’ve actually grown to enjoy it in certain situations since this video, like photographing at night. The X-Pro3 remains my go-to camera for every day photography.
Hey there!
First of all I wanna say that I truly appreciate your review, not much videos on the xpro3 as of late unfortunately, but I’m super glad you made one!
I love and couldn’t help but laugh along with you on your point with the OVF😂 it really did just occurred to me that nowadays it’s fast enough to shoot multiple times unlike analogue counterparts. Love your raw views and opinions, really did enjoy it!❤❤❤
Please do more vids on the Xpro3! Just bought mine the other day as well after waiting for YEARS! 😆
Maybe a tips and tricks on the Xpro3 perhaps? Or explore features not really known, like one of them being, if you long hold the lever from OVF to EVF, the OVF displays different types of focal lengths, alot of people might know this I’m not too sure, but I just found out about it recently haha
Thank you for such a thoughtful comment! I’m glad you enjoyed it and I will make more videos about my time with the X-Pro3. Stick around 😀
The X-Pro3 is my main camera. I don't use the OVF much, but I find that it's good at filtering out poor quality scenes and compositions. If a scene looks good without the artifice of a dramatic color profile and shallow depth of field, then I know it's a great scene. Of course, having the option to switch to EVF at any point is great.
That is a great use for it, thank you. I do switch between the two, especially when composing with a manual lens. I find that little tiny box that appears to assist with focus to be more reliable to my eye than the red lines in the EVF alone.
Proud owner of an Xpro3 here! I agree with all the points you said, even the negative ones, especially regarding the EC dial! But, 3 years on, and it’s just second nature for me now to always check Exposure Comp whenever I pick up my Xpro3.
I think Fujifilm did an amazing job with this camera and I am looking forward to see what Fuji will announce this fall.
You'd think I'd check after all this time back with Fujifilm but I just forget, especially in the moment. I fear that with the class action suit about the LCD panel breaking after extended use and the love/hate nature of the back of the camera that they'll abandon the *_idea_* of this camera, of what makes it special.
@@ChrisFreitag I’ve had no issues with my rear lcd panel but I am aware it is a known problem. I personally was drawn to the design in the beginning, and, it does have its merits, but I want a regular rear lcd now.
I just bought a refurbished x-pro3 from the Fujifilm website. The website said it wouldn’t come with accessories but luckily, it came with everything.
I just took it out to shoot and I freakin’ love it. I also have an x-e4 which I love as well but the x-pro3 just feels so great. I don’t mean just the ergonomics but the hidden lcd definitely gives it a different feel.
I bumped the exposure dial as well but I think I did that pulling it out of my sling.
I also have a Sony a7iv and an a7c. Love them as well. I do prefer the ovf/evf on the side though.
I got into Fujifilm trying to find an x100v.
Thanks for the video.
Lucky! I saw the refurbished models going for about $500 less than retail and was stung a little 😀. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it!
I wish my X100V had the same back screen as the X-Pro3.
I felt the same way. 🙂
I hope to hear more of your adventures with the X-Pro3! I'm constantly thinking about to getting one, but it just makes no sense right now. I decided to wait and see if they come out with a fourth one. Based on what it'll look like I'll either get the 4 or the 3. That will give me more time with my X-E4 and my Ricoh GR IIIx.
Phil!!! Thank you, sir. The X-E4 is a fine camera, I’d wait to see the next batch of releases.
@@ChrisFreitag Yeah, I believe the only differences are the screen and the OVF. Not enough to justify getting a second Fuji.
Oh, I also really liked hearing how much you enjoy the XF35F1.4. The only original Fuji lens I have is the XF16, which still is a little challenge.
WORTH EVERY PENNY. It is my favorite lens.
Great video. I had an Xpro2 and loved that camera. XPro3 is on my list for street and travel. I still have my adapters for various manual lenses (my preference - I don't care for AF or dial-activated aperture). Current main camera is a Leica SL, which I adore for my preferred style of shooting (full manual, simple interface).
I agree with the OVF comment. I typically went with the EVF to get a TTL view. Also, I fully agree with the EV dial. Totally bad location, and way to easy to change unintentionally
Thank you! I got a manual lens that I've been using more and more, going out last night in fact. I still have a lot to learn with manual focus but I see the appeal, I'm controlling more.
Regarding the exposure compensation dial: I use it a lot to achieve certain looks and recommend leaving the exposure compensation meter on display both in EVF and OVF. That way you always see where it's at and can correct quickly if needed! Great vid. Best regards
I’ve always had it in my display but never looked when composing. However, I’ve since traded my X-T5 for the XH2 (future video) and at first I found the PASM dial kind of frustrating, burying my settings behind hidden dials and menus. But in using it more, I can see that when I’m on aperture priority or shutter priority, how important that meter is to my photography. It took an entirely different kind of setup to get me to look over there.
Interesting journey! @@ChrisFreitag
Hahaha, the nose thing. I had the same experience, for a while I thought that my camera was broken😂
I honestly thought my X100V was getting stuck or something. Took a while to figure out 🤣
This is tied with the X-H1 as the most fun, engaging & inspiring camera I’ve ever used 🙌🏾
Agreed! (Although my other camera is now the X-H2, fun in a different way)
❤XPro3. Great job!
Thank you!
for a second i thought Pedro Pascal reviews camera gear now😅
anyways great points and reviews of Fuji Xpro3. my favorite fuji camera, beautifully designed
I’m nowhere near his level of cool!
Moved to XT5 but I do miss the rangefinder style of the xpro3. The OVF Is awesome!
That’s what happened to me. I had an X100V and an X-T4 and moved to an X-T5 and then missed the rangefinder style.
Hi, good morning dear. I'm watching your video it's really good❤❤❤
Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it 😊
The OVF is probably the main reason I love this camera (and loved my X-Pro2 previously). I think maybe some of the marketing focusing on ”retro” maybe gives the wrong idea. I find that I work better with my photography when I’m viewing through it in a direct way (i.e. the real world) and I know that the framlines aren’t 100% accurate. Not to mention that I don’t get the preview of the EVF. What this does is that it trains me to pre-visualize shots and this skill carries over to just watching things in real life.
You can also save on battery life by only using the OVF. I got through an wedding on pretty much one battery.
Another advantage (much like the manual controls) is that when I’m walking around my camera is always turned off, but then I turn it on as I bring it to my eye. Since the OVF is see through I can actually start the composition process *before* the camera is even turned out, and by the time I’m honing the the composition more accurately the framelines have appeared. Speaking of speed, if you use zone focusing (and your style of photography allows for it) you can be even faster as you don’t even need to engage the autofocus.
Absolutely love the OVF on this camera.
PS: I’m left-eye dominated and was totally able to train myself to use my right eye. It took about a week, and now I can’t see myself ever going back.
Thanks for making and sharing the video though!
Thank you for the thoughtful reply and your use of the OVF.
In my very next video about my attempt to capture the Perseids meteor shower, I talk about how much I was failing using any LCD screen from my X-H2 in both the back panel and EVF. And I discovered a very real-world use case for the OVF on my X-Pro3.
Then the video after that is about my use of the Voigtlander 23mm manual lens and how I’m using the OVF more. I think it was likely just that I hadn’t discovered its use yet due to how I was using the camera and the autofocus lenses. Still much to learn.
Thank you for watching.
I love the X-Pro3. I love it so much I bought a second one. I did all this before the rush on Fujifilm. I’ve had the Pro1 and the Pro2 and loved them too. But the Pro3 is my baby. I also have an X-T5.
Wow, you have two bits of tech gold. Why the 2nd one, as a backup?
@@ChrisFreitag Yes. I ran across a great “open box” deal on a Dura Silver model at B&H, and jumped on it. My first one is the standard black one. I use it the most because it doesn’t stand out as much.
I traded my XT2 and X-Pro1 to a X-Pro3 to reduce my gear and get a solid upgrade to the best digital camera out there in my opinion. I like the feel of the camera, the details like the film simulation lcd on the back and the flip screen too. One thing I miss is a small manual pancake 23mm lens like it is on the x100 series. It would be my perfect setup, I guess. I now also use the fantastic XF 35/1.4 and the Ttartisan 25/2. I consider getting the voigtländer 21/4 in M Mount, because it seems the sharpest and most compact manual lens for street photography but I am not sure it is worth the plunge.
I would love it if Fujifilm would release 23mm f/2 pancake. But I feel I have the next best thing with the 27mm f/2.8 pancake. Don’t let the 2.8 fool you, it’s perfectly fine in low light. I also just picked up the Voigtlander 18mm manual lens for X mount and so far it doing really well. Hoping to test it a lot this weekend.
@@ChrisFreitagYes, a 23/2 pancake for Fuji would be very nice. I didn't know about the voigtländer 18/2.8. Looks tempting but the price puts me off a little. I hope you are satisfied with it.
I actually like x-t3with smaller lens. Other fuji series cameras just doesn't have the same right feeling on my hand. Maybe I'll upgrade to xt6 when they don't ditch the battery grip anymore. I don't necessarily need the extra battery but that extra big grip when using big lenses is just reassuring
I am all for that, sticking with the camera you enjoy. I believe that if it’s the Fujifilm color you like, then any of their cameras regardless of age will work for you. Pick the one that feels good and get out there.
I agree 💯
🍻
Anyone tried the XE3 or XE4? No OVF or WR but same specs and image quality as the XPro's and less expensive ;-) Very happy with it.
Also a very popular camera that I know a lot of people love. I was specifically searching for a range finder style with hidden LCD panel but the X-E line is a very attractive option with its size and weight.
Still hoping they announce the X-Pro4 soon. If they change the design too much, at least it will probably reduce the aftermarket prices of this model.
As far as the OVF goes, for me it's totally about shooting experience and nothing about practicality. I already leave my XT4 viewfinder in natural live view (doesn't even preview exposure unless in auto) because I want to worry more about the composition, and I trust the camera to give me a versatile RAW file for editing. I also shoot Fuji X Weekly jpegs almost exclusively (I keep the RAWs, but those are a worst-case scenario). I also just love rangefinders, so I'm used to not having much of an image preview except for knowing exactly what's inside the frame. It's definitely a case of whether you prefer being "in the moment" versus having the most possible control over your final shot.
I read some rumor that the X-E4 will be the last of that model, maybe that means the X-Pro line gets more attention.
I’m getting better with the OVF since making this video. Definitely found a great use case for night photography.
I’ve noticed fuji cameras selling over msrp too. Took me a couple of months of searching to find a new black x-t5 at a normal price. The two stores near me were sold out and Online the prices were close to $2500 for a body. Not easy to get Fuji stuff where I live.
I didn’t realize it was across all models. Crazy!
Could just be a supply issue more than demand. Maybe due to the chip shortage.
One positive - an I really mean big positive in the long term - the optical viewfinder !!
What I mean is it does not harm ones eye-sight !
Of course nobody would think that EVF`s do , but this is exactly what I think they do !
Maybe one can not notice after some days of using, or weeks or month ... but one will realize that this use of EVF`s adds up the the use of cellphones and computer and ipad-screens .
I know what I am talking about - eyes are degrading much faster nowadays compared to former times.
But that might not bother others ...😆
An interesting take on the subject 🤔!
The only moment I used the OVF was once when the scene was on a pitch dark stage!
Shortly after making this video I found myself in a pitch black scene on a mountain and all EVFs and LCDs were blinding me, I couldn’t compose the shot! That’s when I discovered one of the benefits of the OVF.
I LOVE MY X-PRO3, I have 4 of fujinons TOP PRIMES, the 56mm 1.2, 35mm 1.4, 80mm 2.8 macro, and 23mm 1.4, I will never sell this baby. I shoot with my M6 and this ALL the time, waiting for the Leica Q3 to become readily available, still keeping my PRO3.
That is so interesting. I’m working on my next video and it’s about why I use Fujifilm. It’s not a brand thing, I like the experience. I’m interested in Leica, but I don’t think I’ll ever switch, I’ll just have both. You pretty much said what I was thinking. :)
Put me in the ‘🥰’ category. I have owned this beauty since late ‘21’ and haven't looked back. As an owner of 3 other Fuji bodies (X-T3/X-T5, X-E2s), the ‘3’ is my fun rig along with the X-E2s (the X-E2s was my first Fuji rig in 2016). The X-Ts are largely work rigs (action, sports, etc...). Should be interesting to see what an X-Pro 4 might offer. I am loving the 40MP on my ‘5’, but still annoyed that Fuji took away the Battery Grip (likely the main reason I kept the X-T3). A 40 MP X-Pro 4, might be tempting. BTW, likely in the minority here, but I love the much-maligned LCD display, yeah, I said it, I love it. To this date, I use the traditional method of framing a shot, through the viewfinder, save for a few low-down (on my stomach) shots, I have never used the flip screen. I have been shooting since 1980, old habits die hard. Great vid…👍
It’s just fun to use! Thank you for the comment, that was also fun 🙂
It was such a great selling camera and successful endeavor for Fuji it's interesting it was discontinued with no "X-Pro4" in sight. Same with the previous 2 versions. I've held off on this due to price and may "re-buy" the X-Pro2. I enjoyed shooting with it so well that I may just accept the differences from the 3.
They’re making me nervous, I don’t want them to give up on the original design choices they made with the Fujifilm X Series.
Another reason to consider the X-pro 2 is the reliability viz
The connecting ribbon (X-pro 3) breaking, which is exacerbated/caused by opening the screen beyond 90 degrees. Whilst we may not open the screen past 90 degrees, who knows what the previous owners did 🤦♂️.
The other reported issue (which I have experienced) is the shutter button sticking and the ability to Half Press has gone and it requires more pressure to fire the shutter and it can sometimes fire twice or not at all.
All things considered, the X-Pro 2 might be a safer bet!
All true. Sometimes you gotta roll the 🎲!
@@ChrisFreitag tru dat, I jumped at purchasing mine (having coveted the camera for months) when I saw a reputable camera store selling it for £200 less than the going rate. After a few months I learned of the class action and then experienced the mushy shutter button issue . . . Which I fixed by coaxing a hint of graphite powder down the sides of the shutter release assembly (literally good as new now). Just hoping the previous user was as gentle with the screen as I have been 🤷🤞
Oh and more generally, congrats on getting your X-Pro 3. I also bought it specifically because it discourages use of the LCD (when I want to shoot with an LCD I’ll use my iPhone) and because of the little ERF screen inside the OVF, which is my preferred way to focus with manual lenses.
And good choice to get the black model. I have the Dura-Silver model and while it looks pretty, it is a fingerprint magnet and attracts too much attention to itself. The black version is so stealth and better for street.
I cut A LOT out of my video because I had so much to say but on the cutting room floor I left out that I recently got a Voigtlander 23mm f1.2 manual lens and I have been practicing zone focusing and manual focus. And I have been using the ERF with red focus peaking to set focus in the OVF. For me, for now, I’m slow with the OVF this way. But in my mind that’s good because I’m getting deeper in the moment.
The black was only a reaction to having the silver X100V for a couple of years. I was ready for a change.
@@ChrisFreitag Amazing. I bought the Voigtlander 23mm a month ago and love it. I spent a couple of months using adapted old Canon FD lenses from my daughter’s classic cameras to assure myself that I’d like the manual lens experience on my X-Pro given it lacks a real split-prism or rangefinder patch and settled on the ERF with focus peaking. I was worried about all the mixed reviews of the Voigtlander and people complaining about field curvature issues, but I’m loving it. It’s replaced my XF27 2.8 as the default lens on my camera. Look forward to hearing about your experience with the Voigtlander in the future.
Chris, you're a left-eye shooter-so the 'being able to see what's happening with one eye, and the other eye sees the finder framing of the same thing' is not going to work for you. For me, as a right-eye dominant shooter, very different. Great review, thanks.
Well that makes sense, duh 😆. Probably didn’t even think of it because I don’t ever even lift the camera to my face that way. Thanks for watching!
I just fill in the white Fujifilm text with a black marker pen. Problem solved. I can recommend the 7artisans 35mm1.2 mark2, a superfun lens with a vintage vibe.
I tried black tape but it fell off. 😆 I did get the Voigtlander 23mm1.2 and have been enjoying it. Thanks for the recommendation, always looking at lenses.
I own the X-Pro2 and I feel the same about the iso and exposure comp dials..like why!?
And why do I still not check it? WHY?
I like the OVF for flash photography. That is the only time I would use the OVF.
Interesting! I haven’t even dabbled in flash photography yet.
@@ChrisFreitag The OVF helps when you have to underexpose your subjects. Therefore, you won’t see the image in the EVF but you can see it on the OVF. Flash photography brings out a beautiful “pop” especially with portraits.
2:23 - there´s a quick fix for that: black tape.
Tried that! Tape kept coming off. 😜
One klick to c, for iso and you can use a command dial for iso.
Ah, thank you! I never knew what the C on the dial was for
@@ChrisFreitag i am a bit jealous, that you have a pro3, i so hope that they make a pro4 with ibis (i need ibis because i have shaky hands).
Hopefully there’s a Pro4 coming. Seems weird it hasn’t been announced yet.
@@ChrisFreitag As they said they make no xe5? i fear fuji is currently shrinking their lineup to fewer models.
It would be crazy to make no 100v succesor, as they sell those faster than they can build. The h line seems to be the pro line and the t line for enthusiasts. I hope too that they dont cut the pro line too, because they think its too niche.
Given that the Optical viewfinder is redundant for you, why the Xpro3 over the Xe4? Don't get me wrong I'd love an XPro3 I think its the most beautiful looking camera on the market but I cant afford one.
I was wondering when someone would ask this question! The first thing I'd like to get out of the way is I don't think there's a bad Fujifilm X camera in the lineup, even older used models get that Fuji look in your photography. An X-E4 is a nice, small camera but I'm pretty sure it doesn't even have an EVF, which I prefer. The other models, like the X-T series and X-H series have an EVF but it's closer to the center of the camera. It works identically to the EVF of the X100 or X-Pro cameras, just located in a different spot. So while I may not use the OVF, the "optical" view through the glass, I still prefer the EFV in that spot on the camera.
@@ChrisFreitag Thanks Chris, me too. I'm trying to justify getting one without the guilt trip of `just because I love it!' haha Either this or the GFX 50R
The XE4 does have an EVF, albeit a crappy one.
Oh right, does that thing come in the box or do you have to purchase it?
@@ChrisFreitag it’s built in to the camera.
I don’t think I would pay all that money for a small sensor camera, as nice as it is. I’ll keep my x100v and keep my eye on Canon rp prices.
Totally understood. I wanted the X100V with interchangeable lenses and a concealed LCD, so I had to pay a price for it. Those reasons probably aren’t good enough for most people.
One problem. It’s discontinued.
True, which does not bode well for price.
XT3 build was tighter better
I have no doubt the X-T3 is a great camera
1:32
Fuji Gear Acquisition…. FuGA! 😂
Oh you have no idea. Stay tuned!
Anybody who doesn't understand the purpose of an OVF wider than what will be captured does not understand its purpose for street photography.
True enough!
Lol they’re in a class action lawsuit with this model. I hope you have insurance.
Yep, and from what I’ve read it’s with people who’ve had the camera for years and the LCD panel fails after opening the flip screen all the way many times. I don’t use the flip screen that way, doesn’t change my feeling about the camera. Cheers!
and people think you have leica camara lol
I don’t know about that, missing a key logo
Love my XPro3
It really is a love or hate camera.