Fujifilm X-Pro3  Camera Review

Reviewed Apr 26, 2021 at 11:49am
Retest Sep 05, 2023 at 03:22pm
Tested using Methodology v0.12 
Fujifilm X-Pro3
7.9
Travel Photography 
8.1
Landscape Photography 
7.4
Sport & Wildlife Photography 
6.7
Vlogging 
8.1
Studio Video 
5.8
Action Video 
 0

The Fujifilm X-Pro3 is an interchangeable-lens mirrorless rangefinder-style camera with a unique hybrid optical and electronic viewfinder. This retro-inspired APS-C model has a reverse flip-out screen that encourages using this hybrid viewfinder in photography but can make it a bit unwieldy to shoot video. Still, it offers impressive image quality and records sharp, clear footage in 4k and FHD. It's also decently portable and amazingly well-built. However, depending on your choice of camera settings and usage patterns, its battery life is only adequate.

Our Verdict

7.9
Travel Photography 

The Fujifilm X-Pro3 is very good for travel photography. It offers impressive image quality, with a fairly wide dynamic range and good noise handling capability, even at higher ISO levels. Its wide shutter speed range is also well-suited to capturing everything from long-exposure shots to stills of fast-moving subjects. Its autofocus system is also impressively quick and accurate when it comes to tracking moving subjects. If you're looking to give your photos a distinctive flair, the camera has a couple of film-inspired visual effects that you can apply. That said, depending on your settings and usage patterns, its battery life is a little on the short side. It can also sometimes be a little heavy to carry around handheld for long periods, though its metal construction looks and feels premium.

Pros
  • Impressive image quality.
  • Excellent build quality.
  • Great autofocus performance in photography.
Cons
  • Battery life can be somewhat short.
8.1
Landscape Photography 

The Fujifilm X-Pro3 is great for landscape photography. It offers a reasonably wide dynamic range, and images are quite low in noise, even at higher ISO levels, which is good if you plan on shooting in darker environments. The FUJINON XF 18-55mm F2.8-4 R OIS lens also has a fairly wide maximum aperture, allowing for a clear separation between subject and background. Its magnesium and titanium body feels amazingly well-built and is rated as weather-sealed. Its reverse flip-out screen is sharp, clear, and bright enough to see under direct sunlight, but its unusual, slightly cumbersome design encourages you to use the hybrid viewfinder to compose your shots unless you're planning on shooting below waist level.

Pros
  • Impressive image quality.
  • Excellent build quality.
Cons
  • Battery life can be somewhat short.
7.4
Sport & Wildlife Photography 

The Fujifilm X-Pro3 is good for sports and wildlife photography. Its maximum continuous shooting speed is reasonably quick, though it takes some time to clear its buffer, so it's best to keep continuous bursts fairly short. Image quality is great overall, with impressive noise handling capability at higher ISO levels and a fairly high dynamic range. Its exceptionally fast maximum shutter speed when using its electronic shutter and responsive autofocus system should also let you capture clear stills of fast-moving subjects.

Pros
  • Impressive image quality.
  • Excellent build quality.
  • Great autofocus performance in photography.
Cons
  • Battery life can be somewhat short.
  • Long buffer clearing time.
6.7
Vlogging 

The Fujifilm X-Pro3 is okay for vlogging, though it isn't designed for this use. Its reverse flip-out screen can't be seen when the camera is pointed at you, and the camera can feel a little heavy if you're using it handheld for long periods. While it lacks in-body stabilization, the optical stabilization feature in its FUJINON XF 18-55mm F2.8-4 R OIS lens helps it do a great job of smoothing out camera shake in 4k and FHD recording. It offers impressive video quality in either resolution too. Its autofocus system also does a superb job of continuously maintaining focus on subjects' faces.

Pros
  • Exceptional autofocus performance in video.
  • Impressive video stabilization performance.
Cons
  • Reverse flip-out screen can be clunky to use for video.
  • Battery life can be somewhat short.
8.1
Studio Video 

The Fujifilm X-Pro3 delivers impressive overall performance for studio video. It's capable of recording at up to 30 fps in 4k or native 60 fps in FHD without a crop. Video quality is impressively sharp and detailed in either resolution, though there's noticeable visual noise in darker environments. Its F-log shooting mode yields a wider dynamic range in recording and allows for in-depth color grading while editing. Unfortunately, its reverse flip-out screen can't fully deploy when the camera is mounted on a tripod. While you can attach an auxiliary mic and plug in a pair of headphones via the use of a separate analog to USB-C adapter, it doesn't have an HDMI port to let you use an external recorder.

Pros
  • Exceptional autofocus performance in video.
  • Great video quality in FHD and 4k.
  • Easy-to-use menu system.
Cons
  • Reverse flip-out screen can be clunky to use for video.
  • No HDMI output.
5.8
Action Video 

The Fujifilm X-Pro3 isn't designed for action video. It isn't meant to be attached to a chest or helmet rig, though it's fairly compact and feels amazingly sturdy. It's rated as being weather-sealed. While it lacks in-body stabilization, it does a great job of smoothing out camera shake, too, in no small part due to the optical stabilization feature of its FUJINON XF 18-55mm F2.8-4 R OIS lens. Unfortunately, it's incapable of recording at more than 30 fps in 4k, so you can't record smooth action video or generate high-quality slow-motion footage in this resolution, though it does have a slow-motion mode in FHD that records 1080p at 120 fps.

Pros
  • Excellent build quality.
  • Impressive video stabilization performance.
Cons
  • Limited frame rate selection in 4k.
  • Battery life can be somewhat short.
  • 7.9
    Travel Photography
  • 8.1
    Landscape Photography
  • 7.4
    Sport & Wildlife Photography
  • 6.7
    Vlogging
  • 8.1
    Studio Video
  • 5.8
    Action Video
  • Changelog

    1.  Updated Sep 05, 2023: We re-processed the 'Photo RAW Dynamic Range' test scene photo using Lightroom rather than RawTherapee and re-uploaded it to the review for consistency with our current methodology.
    2.  Updated Aug 14, 2023: We've updated the sensor type to 'BSI CMOS' to reflect the sensor's back-illuminated design. We previously only noted that it was a 'CMOS' sensor.
    3.  Updated Jun 06, 2023: We've updated the 'App Name' in the 'Menu System' section of the review to reflect this camera's compatibility with Fujifilm's new XApp.
    4.  Updated Apr 05, 2023: Converted to Test Bench 0.12.

    Check Price

    Black (Body Only)
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    Dura Black (Body Only)
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    Dura Silver (Body Only)
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    Differences Between Sizes And Variants

    The Fujifilm X-Pro3 is available in three different color variants: 'Black', 'Dura Black', and 'Dura Silver', with the latter two variants having a special coating on the titanium top cover and bottom plate that's advertised as being scratch-resistant. We tested the 'Dura Black' variant, and you can see its label here. We tested it in conjunction with the FUJINON XF 18-55mm F2.8-4 R OIS lens, though other X-mount lenses can be used. We also expect the other color variants to offer similar overall performance when used with the same lens.

    If you come across another variant of this camera, let us know in the discussions so we can update our review.

    Popular Camera Comparisons

    Fujifilm X100V

    The Fujifilm X-Pro3 and the Fujifilm X100V have some similarities but are different types of cameras. The X100V is a fixed-lens compact, whereas the X-Pro3 is an interchangeable-lens camera. Both cameras use the same sensor and feature hybrid optical/electronic viewfinders, but the X100V is better for those seeking something more portable, while the X-Pro3 is better for those who prefer the flexibility to switch out and use different lenses.

    Test Results

    perceptual testing image
    Sort:
    RATINGS
    Category:
    All
    Design
    7.5
    Portability
    Height
    3.3" (8.4 cm)
    Width
    5.9" (14.9 cm)
    Depth
    1.8" (4.6 cm)
    Volume
    35.1 in³ (576.0 cm³)
    Weight
    1.11 lbs (0.50 kg)
    8.5
    Build Quality

    • Has a magnesium frame with a top cover and base plate made of corrosion-resistant titanium
    • 'Dura Black' and 'Dura Silver' color variants have a coating that's advertised as being scratch-resistant, though we don't test for this
    • Wheels, buttons, and thumb stick operate tightly and precisely
    • Input and output compartment is covered by a locking hinged flap with a weather-sealing gasket, though we don't test for this
    Body
    Body Type
    SLR-Style
    Water Resistance
    Weather-Sealed
    Mirrorless
    Yes
    Rugged
    No
    Hot Shoe
    Yes
    Customizable Button
    Yes
    Command Dial
    4
    Tripod Mount
    Yes
    Lens Mount
    X Mount
    Built-In Flash
    No
    Fastest Shutter Speed
    1/8,000 s
    In The Box

    • Fujifilm X-Pro3 mirrorless camera body
    • 1x NP-W126S battery
    • Sensor cover
    • Shoulder strap
    • Shoulder strap connections
    • Microfiber cloth
    • USB-A to USB-C cable
    • User manual
    7.0
    Ergonomics & Comfort
    Hand Grip: Small Hand
    Yes
    Hand Grip: Medium Hand
    Yes
    Hand Grip: Large Hand
    Yes
    Hand Grip: Extra-Large Hand
    Yes

    • Grip is a little small for users with very large hands but provides a secure hold thanks to its very well-textured surface
    • Reverse flip-out screen design encourages the use of the viewfinder to frame your shots
    • Plenty of room between lens and grip, so your fingers shouldn't feel pinched
    • Pulling up the shutter speed wheel reveals the ISO adjustment dial, which can take some time to get used to
    • Still easy to make exposure adjustments with your eye pressed against the viewfinder or when shooting below waist level with the screen
    • Back dial is easy to use, though the camera also has a thumb stick to navigate the menu or swap between focus points
    • AF drive button can be hard to reach for users with small hands
    Viewfinder
    Viewfinder Type
    Electronic and Optical
    Advertised Coverage
    100%
    Advertised Resolution
    3.69 million dots
    Advertised Magnification
    0.66

    Note: The results shown are for the viewfinder when used in EVF mode. You can press the toggle switch at the front of the camera that switches it to an optical rangefinder. It has an advertised magnification of roughly 0.52x and features frame overlays for a couple of different focal lengths, giving you a rough estimate of your photo composition.

    6.5
    Screen
    Screen Articulation Type
    Reverse Tilting
    Screen Max Brightness
    985 cd/m²
    Advertised Resolution
    1.62 million dots
    Size
    3.0" (7.5 cm)
    Touchscreen
    Limited

    Note: The results shown above are for the reverse flip-out screen. The camera also has a color memory LCD sub-monitor screen on the rear of the reverse-mounted display that can show various camera settings. In 'Classic' mode, it shows the current film simulation effect, remaining battery life, and camera ISO. Using it in 'Standard' mode allows you to customize what information is shown, including exposure parameters like aperture, shutter speed, and ISO.

    8.0
    Menu System
    Guide Mode
    No
    App Name
    Fujifilm XApp

    • Interface is very easy to navigate with physical controls
    • Navigation can sometimes feel a little clunky since you need to go through several sub-menus to reach the settings you want
    • Menu features some visual aids to help you understand a few of the functions
    • Doesn't have a guide mode to help novice users understand some brand-specific terminology
    0.0
    Built-In Lens
    Maximum Aperture
    No built-in lens
    Max Aperture (Full-Frame Equivalent)
    N/A
    Minimum Focal Length
    N/A
    Maximum Focal Length
    N/A
    Max Focal Length (Full-Frame Equivalent)
    N/A
    Optical Image Stabilization
    No
    Luminance
    N/A
    Light Falloff
    N/A
    Sensor
    Sensor Type
    BSI CMOS
    Advertised Effective Pixels
    26.1 MP
    Sensor Size
    APS-C
    Processor
    X-Processor 4
    Extended ISO Minimum
    80
    Native ISO Minimum (Base ISO)
    160
    Native ISO Maximum
    12,800
    Tested Firmware
    1.31
    6.6
    Battery
    Battery Type
    Fujifilm NP-W126S
    USB Charging
    Yes
    Use When Charging
    Yes
    Advertised Battery Life In Photo
    370 photos
    Tested Battery Life In Video
    60 min
    Photo General
    6.6
    Photo Shooting Speed
    Low Speed Continuous
    3 fps
    High Speed Continuous
    10 fps
    Silent Shooting Continuous
    11 fps
    Raw Buffer Size
    38 Photos
    JPEG Buffer Size
    10,000 Photos
    Buffer Empty Time
    20 s
    3.9
    Photo AF-C Tracking
    Autofocus Tracking Shots
    tracking-run-01-01
    Run 01
    AF-C Tracking 01
    Perfect Focus Hit Rate
    28%
    Usable Focus Hit Rate
    38%
    9.5
    Photo AF-C Center Point
    Autofocus Center Point Shots
    center-point-run-01-01
    Run 01
    AF-C Center Point 01
    Perfect Focus Hit Rate
    94%
    Usable Focus Hit Rate
    99%
    8.8
    Photo Image Stabilization
    Minimum Shutter Speed Achieved
    1/6 s
    In-Body Image Stabilization
    No
    Photo Image Quality
    7.7
    Photo RAW Dynamic Range
    Dynamic Range At Base ISO
    9.9 f-stops
    Dynamic Range At 1/500s Exposure Time
    8.4 f-stops
    Dynamic Range At 1/2000s Exposure Time
    7.1 f-stops
    Dynamic Range At 1/4000s Exposure Time
    6.5 f-stops
    8.1
    Photo RAW Sharpness
    See details on graph tool
    Vertical Edge MTF50 At Base ISO
    1,841 LW/PH
    Horizontal Edge MTF50 At Base ISO
    1,861 LW/PH
    8.0
    Photo RAW Noise
    See details on graph tool
    SNR 18% At 1/8 Exposure Time (125 ms)
    34.2dB
    SNR 18% At 1/125 Exposure Time (8 ms)
    25.6 dB
    SNR 18% At 1/1000 Exposure Time (1 ms)
    N/A
    SNR 18% At 1/4000 Exposure Time (0.25 ms)
    N/A
    Pictures Sample Gallery
    The Skate Park Picture
    JPEG Skate Park PictureDownload
    RAW Skate Park PictureDownload
    The Polish Church Picture
    JPEG Polish Church PictureDownload
    RAW Polish Church PictureDownload
    The Studio Picture
    JPEG Studio PictureDownload
    RAW Studio PictureDownload
    The Stairway Picture
    JPEG Stairway PictureDownload
    RAW Stairway PictureDownload
    Video General
    Video Features
    Full HD Video
    Yes
    4k Video
    Yes
    6k Video
    No
    Clean HDMI Output
    No HDMI
    Advertised Max Chroma Sampling Over HDMI
    No HDMI
    Advertised Max Bit Depth Over HDMI
    N/A
    Log Picture Profile
    Yes
    Recording Light
    Yes
    Audio
    Audio Test Sample
    Audio Recording
    Stereo
    Microphone Level Display
    Yes
    Video File Format And Compression
    MP4 H.264 / MPEG-4 AVC
    No
    MP4 H.265 / HEVC
    No
    MOV H.264 / MPEG-4 AVC
    Yes
    MOV H.265 / HEVC
    No
    AVCHD H.264 / MPEG-4 AVC
    No
    All-I Compression
    No
    4k Video
    8.5
    4k Video Frame Rate
    240 fps In 4k
    No
    120 fps In 4k
    No
    60 fps In 4k
    No
    30 fps In 4k
    Yes
    24 fps In 4k
    Yes
    4k Crop At Max Available fps
    1 x
    7.4
    4k Video Internal Recording
    Bitrate Maximum In 4k
    210 Mbps
    Bitrate Minimum In 4k
    100 Mbps
    Chroma Sampling In 4k
    4:2:0
    Bit Depth In 4k
    8 Bit
    Record Time Limit In 4k
    15 min
    Overheat Recording Interruptions in 4k
    0
    9.3
    4k Video Autofocus Performance
    Object Tracking In 4k
    9.3
    Face Tracking In 4k
    9.0
    Face Detection In 4k
    Yes
    Eye Detection In 4k
    Yes
    8.3
    4k Video Quality
    Low Light Capability In 4k
    7.5
    Test Scene Extract In 4k
    9.0
    6.1
    4k Video Rolling Shutter Effect
    4k Rolling Shutter
    6.3°
    Full HD Video
    9.2
    FHD Video Frame Rate
    240 fps In FHD
    No
    120 fps In FHD
    Yes, with a Crop
    60 fps In FHD
    Yes
    30 fps In FHD
    Yes
    24 fps In FHD
    Yes
    FHD Crop At Max Available fps
    1.25 x
    7.9
    FHD Video Internal Recording
    Bitrate Maximum In FHD
    200 Mbps
    Bitrate Minimum In FHD
    50 Mbps
    Chroma Sampling In FHD
    4:2:0
    Bit Depth In FHD
    8 Bit
    Record Time Limit in FHD
    30 min
    9.2
    FHD Video Autofocus Performance
    Object Tracking In FHD
    9.3
    Face Tracking In FHD
    8.9
    Face Detection In FHD
    Yes
    Eye Detection In FHD
    Yes
    7.3
    FHD Video Quality
    Low Light Capability In FHD
    6.5
    Test Scene Extract In FHD
    8.0
    7.0
    FHD Video Rolling Shutter Effect
    FHD Rolling Shutter
    4.0°
    Storage And Connectivity
    Storage
    Card 1 Slot
    SD Card UHS-II
    Card 2 Slot
    SD Card UHS-I
    7.5
    Inputs / Outputs
    USB
    USB-C
    HDMI
    No
    Headphones
    Yes
    Microphone
    Stereo
    Wi-Fi
    Yes
    Bluetooth
    Yes