The New Fujifilm X-Pro 3 is slated to launch later this year, but will it be “pro” enough?
One of the most anticipated Fujifilm cameras in 2019 is the X-Pro 3. The X-Pro 2 is one of the most loved cameras in Fujifilm’s current line up, and expectations are high for its successor, but will it be “pro” enough when it finally hits the streets later on this year? Let’s take a quick look at what’s expected, and what we think would absolutely put it over the top and would make it truly a pro camera.
A recent article over at Mirrorless Rumors shows that Fujifilm has recently registered a new camera with Bluetooth capabilities with an internal name of FF190002. This filing has many believing that this is the highly anticipated X-Pro 3, and seeing as Fujifilm is expected to announce the camera this fall, it may very well be the case, but what can we expect from the X-Pro 3, and what will it take to really make it a “pro” camera.
At its core, the Fujifilm X-Pro 3 will likely be very similar to the very popular X-T3. The X-Pro 3 will probably have the same 26.1 Megapixel APS-C X-Trans sensor, and the same quad-core image processing chip. This is a good thing as we all know just how capable the X-T3 is when it comes to producing beautiful images. We wouldn’t be surprised if there are even more tweaks to the Autofocus system on top of the ones that we’re just implemented into the X-T30. One thing Fujifilm is hands down the best about is improving on already great systems in a timely manner, so seeing more improvements to their AF systems by fall 2019 wouldn’t surprise us at all.
So we know the X-Pro 3 will have a great sensor and image processor, but what else will it have that will set it apart from the rest of the cameras in Fujifilm’s line-up? Just what will take it over the edge to make it a truly “pro” model? We would love to see IBIS implemented into the X-Pro 3. Fujifilm have toyed around with this before in the X-H1 and they have had plenty of time to make the tech better, so it would be great to see it implemented into the X-Pro 3. IBIS would also help set the X-Pro 3 apart even more from the X-T3 and the X-T30, which at the end of the day are incredibly similar cameras.
Perhaps the biggest weakness of Fujifilm cameras is their sub-par battery performance. Users can still only expect to get about 300 shots or so before you get the dreaded flashing battery symbol in the corner of the LCD. At this stage of the game, Fujifilm really needs to give us increased battery performance with the X-Pro 3. We’re sure they don’t want to drastically alter the Rangefinder style design too much, but giving a slightly larger grip that can hold a larger battery would be welcomed by most.
The hybrid viewfinder is really what sets the X-Pro series apart from other cameras in the Fujifilm line-up, and we absolutely want this feature to stay, but giving the X-Pro 3 an EVF with increased resolution would be great to see, and so would a touchscreen LCD with increased resolution and better contrast so that it is easier to view out in the blinding sun. These may not seem like big things, but they can make a huge difference when it comes to ease of use. While the X-Pro 3 may not be the ideal camera for video, it would be nice to have the same great 4K video features that the X-T3 has. Those capabilities along with IBIS would make this one of the best cameras for videographers on the market.
At the end of the day, the X-Pro 3 will sell by the boatload regardless of its final specs. The Rangefinder design is admired, and loved by many, and this alone will help it sell like hotcakes, but with the other improvements we have listed here, the X-Pro 3 would be a killer camera for both photographers, and videographers alike. Chuck in some more film simulations, increase battery life, add in IBIS, and a better electronic viewfinder and the camera will win the hearts of many professional photographers. What do you want to see in the new Fujifilm X-Pro 3? Let us know in the comment section below.