Fujifilm X-T3 Review: The APS-C Champion!
Fujifilm India XT3 review .
We at GMax Studios, have been Fujifilm users for a pretty long time, from using their analog cameras and their films to their mirrorless cameras like the X-E1 and the X-100 series. Fujifilm were one of the first companies to introduce mirrorless cameras and slowly the traction caught on and Sony and Panasonic made up for the lost miles. But now, Fujifilm is back with a bang with its new mirrorless camera, with its predecessor: Fujifilm X-T3.
Also read: Fujifilm X-T3 price in India reduced
Source: Fujifilm Global
Body
The Fujifilm’s magnesium alloy body makes it a very rugged and solid camera to feel and hold.
It has got dials on top for the ISO exposure compensation and shutter speed, it is also sealed against dust and moisture which makes you very confident while using it extreme conditions.
Almost all the dials and the buttons at the back of the camera are user customizable making using this camera truly a joy.
You can even customise the touch screen patterns on the X-T3 by assigning the pattern that is; left, right, up and down.
It also has two UHS two slots.
Inside this camera it has a 26 megapixel X-Trans CMOS sensor, but thanks to the X-Processor 4 you can hardly feel any lag while taking pictures
Source: GMax Studios
The Fuji Colours
There is total of nine colour profiles in-built in the Fujifilm X-T3:
PROVIA/STANDARD
Velvia/VIVID
ASTIA/SOFT
CLASSIC CHROME
PRO Neg.Hi
PRO Neg.Std
ACROSS (+YE/R/G FILTER)
ETERNA
MONOCHROME
Source: GMax Studios
What made Fujifilm great in the days of analog photography was their colours and it did some phenomenal work with their film. In fact, it was impossible to think of film photography without thinking of Fujifilm and when they came out with their mirrorless cameras they were able to replicate the same colour using the colour profiles in their mirrorless cameras. The Fujifilm X-T3 has a total of 16 film simulation modes including our personal favourites which are classic chrome and across in fact we will go as far as to say that the Fujifilm X-T3 is one of those cameras that make everything look good and we really don't feel like touching the JPEGs at all the images coming out of the Fujifilm X-T3 are extremely sharp thanks to the superb optics of the Fujinon lenses. This is one camera where even the kit lens shines.
Source: Fujifilm Global
ISO
The Fujifilm X-T3 has an ISO range of 160 to 12,800 and in the H-mode while taking photographs, you can go as high as 51,200. As far as noise is concerned, while we were shooting with it we did not see any noise up to 4000 ISO. In fact, the colour noise at ISO 4000 is practically zero.
Source: GMax Studios
Focus Points
This camera has a total of 425 Hybrid autofocus points which cover almost the entire frame. It also has face-detect and eye-detect which work pretty well. In fact, it is the only camera which allows you to choose whether you want to focus on the right eye or the left eye which makes it pretty unique, in our opinion. The face and eye detect also worked under streetlights which was personally quite surprising to us.
AF-C
When you're taking pictures with the Fujifilm X-T3 you can control the autofocus speed by using the various AF-C custom settings built into the camera. The setting include; tracking sensitivity speed tracking sensitivity, and zone area switching depending upon the subject that you are shooting.
In video mode, you can control the tracking sensitivity and the AF speed as well, if you are focusing manually. The Fujifilm X-T3 has a digital micro prism as well as a digital split image. As far as the burst mode is concerned, the X-T3 gives you extra 3 frames at a frame rate of 11 frames per second by using the mechanical shutter and gives you a speed of 30 frames a second if you are using the electronic shutter the 30 frames-per-second comes with a price though, and that is a 1.25X crop.
Source: Fujifilm Global
Source: Fujifilm Global
Source: Fujifilm Global
Video
This camera is capable of shooting 10-bit 4K up to 60 fps in 4:2:0 internally, using the HEVC codec. If that is not enough, you can shoot 10-bit 4:2:2 4K up to 60 frames per second using a compatible external recorder.
Source: GMax Studios
We know we have said this before, but the Fujifilm colours are absolutely fantastic. This is evident not only by taking photographs but shooting video as well. While they have especially made Eterna films simulation for getting the film look while shooting video, it is the classic chrome that is our personal favourite and which we feel that does not require any calibrating at all. While there are quite a few cameras on the market that do a great job with autofocus while taking photographs but while shooting video, not so much. This is where the Fujifilm X-T3 really shines.
Lens Compatibility
It is also possible to mount the Fujinon cine lenses onto this camera for some really serious video work and if all this was not enough you can shoot F log at a base ISO of 640.
Source: GMax Studios
Connectivity
As far as connectivity is concerned, there is an app for that. Using the Fujifilm camera mode you can connect the camera directly to the smartphone and control it as well as transfer photographs directly to be shared online.
Cons
So while we have absolutely loved using this camera so far there are few things that we don't like about it.
Source: GMax Studios
The first being a simple design flaw. So taking the mode dial here for example, at one end you have the video mode and at the other end you have your panorama mode. Considering that most of the people would be using either shooting the movie mode or photography mode (S mode) either these modes should have been next to each other or they should have been at the extreme ends.
Secondly, the battery life could really be improved. We know that this camera has got a new processor which is faster and the kind of data that it is processing is really a lot but then one can definitely hope.
Thirdly, we really feel that this camera would have truly been complete had the screen flipped out totally to face the shooter while shooting that is a complete flip out screen but that is not the case it flips out it tilts it flips in this strange funny manner but it does not flip out completely to face the shooter as if you were taking a selfie.
Source: GMax Studios
Last but not least, the lack of inbuilt image stabilisation that is one thing that we really missed in this camera wise shooting handheld.
The Fujifilm X-T3 is a truly spectacular camera not just for the price it comes at not just for the features that it offers but also for the colours and for the fact that it truly truly inspires you to shoot more pictures and that quality very few cameras have.
So this is what we really think about the new Fujifilm X-T3. Its small, robust, reliable and an extreme beast in a small size that it comes in.
Here are a few pictures as a result from the Fujifilm X-T3.
If you haven’t watched our latest comprehensive review on the Fujifilm X-T3, please watch it below and also do not forget to visit our YouTube channel and subscribe, if you haven’t already.
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CES 2019 - Highlights and things to watch out for
CES 2019 highlights
CES 2019 is a wrap folks. The show that brought us a week long of excitement and gadget goodness will return after a year.
Here were some of our favorite camera products that were showcased at CES 2019.
Nikon Z Series 14-30MM f/4.0 Lens
Source: Nikon Global
Nikon introduced the new Nikorr Z series 14-30 F/4 S ultra wide zoom lens on the first day at CES 2019. The NIKKOR Z 14-30mm f/4 S is an ultra-wide-angle zoom lens that covers a 14 mm to 30 mm range of focal lengths with a constant maximum aperture of f/4 throughout the range. According to Nikon, the lens is part of the S-Line, a newly designated grade of NIKKOR Z lenses that adhere to a new benchmark in optical performance, creating new definitions of design principles and quality control.
Nikon Firmware Upgrade
Nikon has announced a firmware update that will enable raw video output to an external recorder, Eye AF and CF Express card compatibility. Nikon’s new mirrorless cameras, the Z6 and Z7 will be more than capable of outputting a RAW signal to the Atomos Ninja V.
With this new firmware update Nikon intends to announce its long awaited Eye auto-focus feature in their mirrorless cameras like the Z6 and the Z7. The Eye AF is a very good helping-hand when it comes to taking pictures such as portraits, event or street photography scenario. According to Nikon, the technology/feature is in its last and final implementation phase. In the demonstration video below, you can see it acquires the eye as fast as a Sony/Fujifilm has been able to do with their mirrorless technology.
Source: Nikon Europe YouTube Channel
Nikon has also announced that their new mirrorless cameras will be compatible with the new CF express cards after the firmware update. These cards use the same form-factors as the XQD cards which are the only data transfer interface used in the Z6 and Z7.
Source: ProGrade Digital Website
DJI Smart Controller
Source: ProGrade Digital Website
Source: DJI Global
DJI has introduced a smart controller for some of the drones it makes. By some we mean the latest drones like the Mavic 2 Zoom and the Mavic 2 Pro. DJI Smart Controller comes with a built-in microphone and speaker for “expanded options” such as live streaming. It can also playback video through the HDMI output port at 4K with H.264 or H.265. Of course, wi-fi is required for live streaming.
Source: DJI YouTube Channel
Sharp Micro Four Thirds 8K Camera
Sharp 8K Pocket Camera
Sharp introduced a prototype 8K Micro Four Thirds pocket camera. The camera is more than just a concept and it will be officially announced this year. In a lot of ways, the camera looks quite similar in design to a 4K Black Magic Pocket Camera.
According to Sharp, the camera will record 8K (7680×4320) at up to 30fps using H.265 compression. Sharp also claims that they are working on giving the camera the ability to record 8K 60p. The camera looks to be very minimalistic in its design, with very few physical buttons or dials. It has an SD card slot and we believe it to be UHS II type, as per the requirement of the footage.
Sharp claims it to be the ideal Vlogger/YouTuber camera because of its 5 inch flip-out touchscreen. Sharp has incorporated a very large screen because getting critical focus when shooting in 8K is not an easy task.
Nikon Z6 Filmmaker’s Kit
Source: Nikon Global
For users who are looking to take full advantage of the Nikon Z 6’s industry-leading video capabilities, this powerfully cinematic camera is now available as part of a new Filmmaker’s Kit. The bundle includes a range of equipment that helps users unlock the Z 6’s advanced video features and powerful potential.
Here’s everything included in the filmmaker’s kit:
NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S lens
Mount Adapter FTZ
Atomos Ninja V 4K HDR 5” Monitor Recorder
Rode VideoMic Pro Plus
MOZA Air 2 3-Axis Hand-Held Gimbal Stabilizer
Additional EN-EL15b battery
Coiled HDMI cable
12-month Vimeo Pro membership
Complimentary Nikon School Online class
Lexar 1 Terabyte SD Card
Source: Lexar Global
Lexar announced a 1 TB 1TB 633x SDXC™ UHS-I card to end your sorrow.
The main features are:
Leverages Class 10 UHS-I (U3, V30) technology for a read transfer speed up to 95MB/s (633x)*
Capture high quality images and extended lengths of stunning 1080p full-HD, 3D, and 4K video**
Enjoy shooting longer without changing cards with this high-capacity 1TB memory card
High-speed file transfer from card to computer to dramatically accelerate workflow
Kodak Smile Camera
Source: Kodak Global
Kodak has announced a new Instant Camera range which offers you the choice of a real print out or a digital copy of your image. In all, two cameras have been revealed: the 16-megapixel Kodak Smile Classic and the Kodak Smile, which offers up an LCD screen, a 10-megapixel digital camera, and microSD card slot.
Ista360 TITAN
Source: Insta360 Global
Launched at CES 2019, the Titan produces 10,560 x 5,280 video and stills. Not only that, it can capture both in 2D (monoscopic) and 3D (stereoscopic) formats.
Ordinary 360 cameras use a two small smartphone-size sensors back to back, with a 180+ degree fisheye lens over each, then stitch the two hemispherical images into a single 360 degree image in-camera in real time. The Titan uses the same advanced FlowState image stabilisation system used in its Insta360 One X model.
So those were the best highlights of CES 2019 that caught our eye.
What do you think we missed? Comment down below.
Sony's major firmware adds new features to Sony A9, A7iii and A7Riii
Sony announced a major feature upgrade to its a9, a7iii and a7riii mirrorless cameras that will be available via a firmware update.
After the big announcement of the new Sony α6400, Sony announced major firmware updates to its acclaimed full-frame α9 camera and the Sony Alpha A7III and Sony A7RIII cameras.
Source: Sony Global
Sony just released its new APS-C camera α6400, which will supposedly target Vlogger’s/YouTuber’s under various demographics.
Just after the announcement Sony released a statement on various platforms as well as on their official website that they shall be releasing their new firmware update for their mirrorless camera, Sony α9, they have named it the Version 5.0 update.
The upcoming firmware Version 5.0 for α9 adds Sony's newly developed Real-time Tracking mode for object tracking. This mode utilizes Sony's latest algorithm—including Artificial Intelligence-based object recognition—and processes color, subject distance (depth), pattern (brightness) as well as spatial (distance) information to ensure that all subjects can be captured with extreme accuracy and precision. When photographing or videographing humans or animals, face and eye position information is recognized by AI and the subject's eye is monitored in real time with extremely high tracking precision. In addition, "Tracking On" helps initiate real-time tracking at any time by simply pressing a custom-assigned button and "Touch Tracking," which quickly activates through the touch screen.
Source: Sony Global
Source: Sony Global
“With this new firmware version 5.0, Sony's acclaimed α9 camera will receive advanced "Real-time Eye AF," the latest version of Sony's acclaimed Eye AF technology. This exciting new capability employs AI-based object recognition to detect and process eye location data in real time, resulting in improved accuracy, speed and tracking performance of Eye AF. In all autofocus modes, the camera can automatically detect the eyes of the subject and activate Eye AF with a half press of the shutter button, and the camera will seamlessly track the eyes at all times when in AF-C mode. The new firmware will also enable photographers to select the preferred eye (left or right) of their subject as the focus point.”
- Sony Global
Other focusing capabilities that will be available with the new firmware include Touch Pad, Touch Tracking, an extended phase-detection AF aperture range that has been increased from F11 to F16, and Fast Hybrid AF for movie shooting that provides smooth, automated focusing for movies.
Below are some of the points that Sony claims will help with the performance of the camera and what they have added to improve it.
The new Version 5 will improve image quality. The camera will more accurately account for subtle changes in light for smoother, more natural tonal gradations in elements like the sky.
Sony has added a new white balance algorithm in the firmware so that the images that are produced are more consistently balanced while burst shooting.
There are new functions for efficient controls and data management which basically include the My Dial and Dual Slot media menu improvement, rating and protect functions.
It also adds compatibility with Sony's new Imaging Edge Mobile application - the successor to the PlayMemories Mobile application.
The Version 6.0 firmware for the α9 camera will add Eye AF for animal eyes, an exciting new feature for wildlife photographers that will enable interval shooting functionality for creating time-lapse movies.
The new system firmware update Version 5.0 is scheduled for launch in March 2019, and Version 6.0 is scheduled for Summer 2019.
Do not worry. Sony has not forgotten about the α7R III and α7 III full-frame cameras.
Source: Sony Global
Source: Sony Global
Sony's popular α7R III and α7 III full-frame cameras will both receive enhanced Real-time Eye AF performance with the upcoming firmware Version 3.0. This will be available in AF-C mode with a simple half-press of the shutter button. Real-Time Eye AF for animals will also be available.
The cameras will also receive interval recording functionality that will allow for simple creation of time-lapse movies. The new feature can be set for anywhere between 1 and 60 seconds, with a total number of shots from 1 to 9999. AE tracking sensitivity can also be adjusted to "High", "Mid" or "Low" during interval recording, allowing for reduced changes in exposure over the shooting interval.
The new system firmware update Version 3.0 is scheduled in April 2019.
If you don’t know how to update the firmware of your Sony camera then watch our video below.
Source: GMax Studios YouTube Channel
Sharp Unveils It's New M4/3 8K Pocket Camera
Sharp’s 8K Camera, the YouTuber’s delight?
8K video anyone? Sharp Global introduces the 8K micro four thirds pocket camera
Las Vegas, USA: Day 2 at the CES 2019, Sharp has introduced a prototype 8K Micro Four Thirds pocket camera. The camera is more than just a concept and it will be officially announced this year. In a lot of ways, the camera looks quite similar in design to a 4K Black Magic Pocket Camera.
Sharp 8K Pocket Camera
Black Magic Pocket Camera (4K)
According to Sharp, the camera will record 8K (7680×4320) at up to 30fps using H.265 compression. Sharp also claims that they are working on giving the camera the ability to record 8K 60p. The camera looks to be very minimalistic in its design, with very few physical buttons or dials. It has an SD card slot and we believe it to be UHS II type, as per the requirement of the footage.
Sharp claims it to be the ideal Vlogger/YouTuber camera because of its 5 inch flip-out touchscreen. Sharp has incorporated a very large screen because getting critical focus when shooting in 8K is not an easy task.
It has a Mini XLR port, full-size HDMI, USB-C, headphone, and a microphone jack.
As an 8K camera with a Micro Four Thirds sensor has tiny pixels, so we wouldn’t expect the camera to be very good in low light shooting conditions. Dynamic range could also be limited.
Let us know below what you think about the new Sharp 8K concept pocket camera.
Yay or Nay?
