Fujifilm X-Pro3 Review

Update: This review is in two parts. In Part One, August 2020, unfortunately, I had to return the X-Pro3 due to a defect. I re-purchased the X-Pro3 in April of 2021 and have updated the review in Part Two to reflect my opinion and added new sample images after using the camera for a longer period of time.

Fuji X-Pro3 Review

Fujifilm X-Pro3 Review - Part One, August 2020

If you have read my Fujifilm X-Pro2 review, you would know that I am a fan of the X-Pro series from Fujifilm. I hope you enjoy the type of movie where they cut straight to the end scene and then rewind to let the viewer know what led to that moment.

This first-look review is a bit like that and I couldn’t possibly have predicted how it would play out. Much to my surprise, It ended with me returning the Fujifilm X-Pro3. But hang in there; it is not as horrific as it sounds.

A woman is sitting on a log enjoying the sunset at English Bay Beach in Vancouver. Sample image from a Fujifilm X-Pro3 — English Bay Beach, Vancouver, Fujifilm X-Pro3, XF 23mm f/1.4 R @ f/1.4

Fujifilm X-Pro3 camera with the XF 23mm f/1.4 R lens. X-Pro3 Review — The Fujifilm X-Pro3 shown with the Fujifilm XF 23mm f/1.4 R

Fujifilm X-Pro3 - Introduction

The Fujifilm X-Pro3 was released in the fall of 2019, just a little too late before we left Canada for a long period of travel. Poor timing if you ask me as I am sure it would have been fun to bring this camera along. I briefly tried the X-Pro3 in Copenhagen but did not find it all that different from my Fujifilm X-Pro2 at the time.

The body style, weight, and overall feel were very similar to the X-Pro2. Obviously, the new screen and titanium finish stood out. While on the road I had my travel budget to worry about and hence did not seriously entertain the idea of upgrading.

This first look review will be more a personal take on the Fujifilm X-Pro3 than a step-by-step breakdown of the camera. I will list a few pros and cons below.

My wife and I returned from our four and half months of travel at the end of February, just before the lockdown. Perhaps needless to say, we live in uncertain times and the dust has not really settled but I after some deliberation I decided this was the right time to get the Fujifilm X-Pro3.

Fujifilm X-Pro3 camera viewed from above — Fujifilm X-Pro3. Almost identical to the Fujifilm X-Pro2 with the addition of the C function to the ISO dial and the Fn lettering has been removed from the top right function button. The titanium finish looks great.

Handling the Fujifilm X-Pro3

Familiarity is the keyword. It fits like a glove. Like an old friend, but new. Since the Fujifilm X-Pro1, I have grown accustomed to the body style and layout of the X-Pro cameras and prefer them over the X-T cameras from Fujifilm.

I like the tactile hands-on ISO/shutter speed and exposure compensation dials and the form factor of the camera cannot be underestimated, reminiscing old film cameras.

The aesthetics of the camera are even better now with the titanium finish of the Fujifilm X-Pro3. I chose the black version. I prefer it over the dura lack.

The smudging look of the dura finishes would get to me I am afraid (OCD) and I am not keen on the extra cost of $200.00. At this point, I have not seen the dura Silver version.

The eyepiece of my X-Pro2 has fallen off and I know it is a common issue for many X-Pro2 photographers. Several attempts to glue it back on have failed. This makes the new eyepiece on the X-Pro3 a very welcome feature. There is no rubber ring that can come off and the diopter is now hidden and not easily moved out of its position inadvertently.

During my time with the Fujifilm X-Pro3, I did not mind the hidden LCD with the sub-monitor. The screen flips down easily and if you have a good EVF that you can trust along with a histogram, chimping could become a thing of the past. I am as guilty as any.

Back alley in Gastown Vancouver. Sample image from a Fujifilm X-Pro3 camera — Gastown, Vancovuer, Fujifilm X-Pro3, Fujifilm XF 35mm f/1.4 R @ f/2.8

Fujifilm X-Pro3 in Action

Without having to find the manual online (There is no manual or battery charger in the box), I had the Fujifilm X-Pro3 set up to my liking within 20 minutes. The D-pad is missing meaning a few decisions have to be made as to which custom buttons to prioritize to your liking.

In order of priority, I picked ISO for the top button on the camera, face detection on the front of the camera, and shutter type above the Q button. I picked the rear command dial for film simulations and had fun scrolling through the film simulation styles on the sub-monitor. It is amazing how quickly you get over the fact there is no D-pad.

You can discuss if the “throwback old-style film cardboard in the back of the camera” shown in the sub-monitor is gimmicky or not but it is certainly well-executed. It is pretty cool but I suspect the novelty will wear off eventually.

It will be the one thing you show your uncle and he will say; “Wow, that is cool!”. And if you show it to your kids they will have no idea what you are talking about.

The sub monitor of the Fujifilm X-Pro3 showing the Classig Neg. film simulation — The sub monitor of the Fujifilm X-Pro3 showing the new Classic Neg. film simulation

I did catch myself wanting to review images on the LCD a few times to make sure I was exposing images within a good range. But as soon I confirmed I was in the ballpark it was surprisingly easy to leave the LCD closed.

The issue which led me to return the camera was with the EVF/OVF. I noticed right away it did not appear crisp/sharp like on my X-Pro2, no matter which diopter setting I used. I tried the brightness and smooth settings but to no avail.

Also when switching from OVF to EVF I had to adjust the diopter two stops to avoid a blurry image in the viewfinder. This is certainly not the case with my X-Pro2. I am not sure if this is a common or a known issue.

Fujifilm X-Pro3, black, camera body — Fujifilm X-Pro3, black titanium

In my reviews of the Fujifilm X-T3 and Fujifilm X-H1, I alluded to issues with touch screens and the fact that I ended up turning off this feature as I found myself changing settings by inadvertently touching the LCD.

With the screen hidden as with the X-Pro3, I can see how this feature now would be more useful and would likely give it shot.

The flip-down screen opens up new ways of shooting from the hip. On my outing with the X-Pro3, I was eager to try it out and found that I used it more than I had expected. It is a wonderful way of shooting inconspicuously.

I felt engaged in the experience and was not trying to hide the fact that I was taking photos, but it somehow also felt nonintrusive in certain situations.

Waterfront Station in Vacouver. Sample image from a Fujifilm X-Pro3 — Fujifilm X-Pro3, XF 35mm f/1.4 R @ f/2, using the flip down LCD to compose the photo

Fujifilm X-Pro3 vs. X-Pro2

Under the hood, the most notable improvements in the Fujifilm X-Pro3 over the X-Pro2 are the 26.1-megapixel back-illuminated X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor and X-Processor 4, a new low ISO of 160, the 3.69m-dot OLED EVF, improved video specs, top and bottom titanium finish, and a host of options to tweak your JPEG images in-camera.

I am a RAW shooter and admit that, although praised by many, I rarely explore the JPEG engine. Occasionally I process RAW images in-camera and find this feature very handy when traveling and you want to share a few images on social media.

The Fujifilm X-Pro3 shown with a 7Artisans 35mm f/0.95 — Fujifilm X-Pro3, black, shown with a 7Artisans 35mm f/0.95

I am not sure the spec bumps of the Fujifilm X-Pro3 translate into a radically elevated user experience. We are talking about incremental improvements and putting the camera to my eye, shooting images, and looking at the final files the experience is not earthshakingly different. Perhaps the incremental improvements are good enough?

The X-Pro3 does, however, feel like a more refined camera and I am sure over time you would come to appreciate the subtle differences. I do like the “thinking outside the box approach” with the new design taking a page out of the Leica M10-D book.

Fujifilm X-Pro3, black, shown with the rear LCD flipped down — Fujifilm X-Pro3 with the controversial flip down rear LCD

Fujifilm X-Pro3 Image Quality

The Fujifilm X-Pro3 is the third camera I have tested with the X-Trans IV sensor. The other two are the Fujifilm X-T3 and Fujifilm X-T30. At first, I was skeptical about this sensor compared to the X-Trans III sensor in my Fujifilm X-Pro2 but I am slowly but surely warming up to it. Is it better or worse? I believe it is subjective.

I am however impressed with the new Classic Neg. film simulation. This film simulation is generally highly praised among Fujifilm photographers and I can see why. My testing was obviously limited but I was impressed by this first batch of files nonetheless.

A cranes sits on the dock in False Creek, Vancouver. Sample image from a Fujifilm X-Pro3 — False Creek, Vancouver, Fujifilm X-Pro3, XF 35mm f/1.4 R @ f3.2

Fujifilm X-Pro3 Conclusion, August 2020

As mentioned above, this was a much shorter stint than anticipated with the X-Pro3. Unforeseen circumstances have had me return the camera and I now have a moment to rethink the X-Pro3.

I already have the X-Pro2 and have no plans to part with it. There is no urgency and I am indeed keen on trying the Fujifilm X100V and Fujifilm X-T4 also. In part, because I am curious, and in part, I would like to review them.

What can you take away from this? The X-Pro3 is without a doubt a cool camera. It follows the spirit of the X-Pro series which never tried to be like all the other cameras out there.

It looks like it would be a solid performer and if I did not already have an X-Pro2 it would be an easier decision to just get a replacement copy which I am sure would not have the above-mentioned issues.

The Fujifilm X-Pro3 shown with an XF 10-24mm f/4 R OIS WR

The X-Pro cameras have moved into a higher price bracket where they become harder to justify for the image quality you get in return and it had me hesitating for quite a while.

This past week the Fujifilm X-T3 was reduced to $999.00 and it will give you the same image quality from the same sensor and the specs are comparable, if not better than the X-Pro3.

That is a difference of $800.00, which you can put in the bank or towards one or two nice lenses. But as I stated above, the X-Pro3 walks to its own beat. Whether you decide to walk along is a very personal choice. The above-mentioned prices may have changed by the time you read this review.

A woman walks by an old pain shop in East Vancouver, Canada. Sample photo from a Fujifilm X-Pro3 — East Vancouver, Fujifilm X-Pro3, XF 23mm f/1.4 R @ f/8

Fujifilm X-Pro3 Review - Part 2

Part 2 of this review is where everything falls into place. As of April 2021, I re-purchased the Fujifilm X-Pro3, this time a mint pre-owned copy that I found for $1600.00. The current retail price is $1799.00 + taxes. Instead of writing a new review, I have updated this page with my latest findings.

Obviously, I was disappointed when I had to return the first copy of the X-Pro3 and it took me a while to jump in again. While I hesitated, I always knew I had not given the X-Pro3 a proper chance and also anticipated that I would come to like it if I decided to get another copy.

The Fujifilm X-Pro3 shown with a Fujifilm XF 23mm f/1.4 R LM WR — The Fujifilm X-Pro3 shown with an XF 23mm f/1.4 R LM WR

Fujifilm X-Pro3 After a Month

Let's jump in and talk about the most controversial part of the Fujifilm X-Pro3 right away. In the first look review above I only had the camera for a day which is not enough time to adjust.

Having used the flip-down LCD screen now for over a month I can honestly say it does not bother me and dare I say I have come to really appreciate it.

 I have been shooting my film cameras lately and the experience with the X-Pro3 is not unlike that. After a while, you stop worrying about chimping and the urge slowly dissipates.

If you need or want to use the flip-down screen to compose images I find that it is faster to flip this LCD down than other articulating screens. The only caveat is using it on a tripod but there are workarounds for this.

A couple takes in the view at the waterfront in Vancouver. Sample image from a Fujifilm X-Pro3 — Vancouver, Burrard Inlet, Fujifilm X-Pro3, 7Artisans 35mm f/0.95

I was joking about the sub-monitor and how the novelty of it would wear off after a while. It has been the opposite for me. Although I shoot RAW, I find myself more and more shooting with the film simulation that I anticipate applying in editing and I find this saves me time as photos will pop up in Capture One with the film simulation already applied.

This also means frequently switching the film simulations. The sub-monitor gives me a quick confirmation of which film simulation I am on and when switching it I have to hold the camera up to my eye. And I do find it visually very pleasing, still.

Fujifilm X-Pro3 shown with the XF 33mm f/1.4 R LM WR

Fujifilm X-Pro3 Custom Setup

I have made a few changes to the custom setup mentioned above. The top panel Fn button is still for ISO, the front button is for AF Mode, the AE-L button is face detect, the back scroll wheel is for focus check, and the button above Q is for film simulations.

I have also completely changed the Q menu to prioritize self-timer, shutter type, manual focus assist, face/eye detection settings, and touch screen mode. I still have not used the touch screen.

Fujifilm X-Pro3 shown with the XF 18mm f/1.4 R LM WR — Fujifilm X-Pro3 and XF 18mm f/1.4 R LM WR

Fujifilm X-Pro3, a More Refined Camera

After shooting the X-Pro3 for a while you do feel that the Fujifilm X-Pro3 is a more refined camera compared to the X-Pro2. I apologize for using a car analogy, but it feels like a new car where the shocks are firm and responsive, the steering is accurate, and when you put the pedal to the metal there is an instant response.

Does that mean my X-Pro2 is ready for pasture? Not at all. I still use it for product photography, and for copying negatives, and it will make a great second camera for events or if I want to shoot a couple of primes for street photography.

I have added a few new sample images and please let me know if you have any comments or questions below.

Please see more sample images below.

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Fujifilm X-Pro3 - Sample Images

Below are sample images from Vancouver. Images are processed in Capture One Express. Some images may be slightly cropped and I used Fujifilm film simulations, such as Classic Neg.

Please click to view larger images.