Fujifilm Launches Thirds Hybrid Rangefinder

2019.10.23

The groundbreaking Fuji X-Pro1 created a runaway success for the company as it introduces its first mirrorless platform based on an entirely new lens mount and introduced their unique X-Trans sensors. These sensors omit the anti-alias filter typically used at the time to prevent moire artifacts but with a 6x6 pseudo-random Color-Filter-Array that breaks the high-frequency pattern that causes moire without reducing optical resolution. The X-Pro1 also offers the very first Hybrid Viewfinder which remains a Fujifilm exclusivity to this day.

The Fujifilm X-Pro3 is the third mirrorless rangefinder in the series. It is features revised 4th-Generation X-Trans CMOS sensor that offers 26 megapixels with built-in Phase-Detect AF. It combines 2.1M Phase-Detection pixels that with Contrast-Detection to create a virtual 425-Point AF system of incredible speed and accuracy. The new sensor in the X-Pro3 delivers the most sensitive autofocus system yet with a sensitivity down to -6 EV which 2 stops better than most flagship digital cameras.

Fujifilm takes advantage of hybrid technology throughout the entire camera. The hybrid shutter covers speeds of 1/32000s to 15m plus allows for hour-long Bulb exposures. The continuous drive mode can capture full-resolution images at 11 FPS with the mechanical mode and 1.25X crop images at 30 FPS using the electronic-shutter. The fast readout of the Fujifilm X-Pro3 can also capture Cinema 4K video at 30 FPS, a resolution that very few cameras can record, even at 24 FPS.

The Hybrid Viewfinder has been revised too with a slight larger 0.5" EVF module with 3.7 megapixels that shows 100% coverage at 0.66X magnification. The EVF refresh-rate has been boosted to an incredible 200 FPS! The OVF aspect has been simplified with fixed optics. This shows 95% coverage at 0.52X magnification when a 50mm is attached. This changes dramatically depending on the lens uses with a longer focal-length showing more coverage with lower magnification and conversely less coverage with higher magnification with wider lenses.

Fujifilm is without a doubt the company that challenges itself the most. They were first to use non-traditional sensors with rotated pixels, dual-size photosites, pseudo-random color arrays, hybrid viewfinders, omitting traditional 4-way controllers and now they mounted the main LCD backwards on the X-Pro3. The result is a 3" LCD that has to be tilted down to be looked at. This display itself is a 1.6 megapixels high-resolution touchscreen. Mounted where the rear LCD typically is, there is now a 1.8" square Color eInk status display. This display adds nostalgia to rangefinder users by showing the color-mode and sensitivity as the matching box of film.

As a high-end digital camera, the Fujifilm X-Pro3 is built to a new level of durability. Its titanium body is optionally covered with a surface-hardening coating. The camera itself is fully weatherproof and freezeproof down to -10C. There are plenty of mechanical controls around the body for direct efficient controls.

This new rangefinder is expected to ship this year at a retain price of $1800 USD or $2400 CAD for the standard version. The surface hardened versions will sell for $2000 USD or $2700 CAD. Adorama and B&H Photo are already accepting pre-orders for the standard version.

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