Reviews of Fujifilm Fujinon XF 16-80mm f/4.0 R OIS WR Zoom Lens Are Mixed, Possible Problems When Shooting Video

The Fujinon XF 16-80mm f/4.0 R OIS WR wide-to-long zoom lens has been one of the most long wished-for, long-awaited optics for Fujifilm’s APS-C/Super35 system cameras in recent years, and early reports from Fujifilm X-Photographer have been positive, especially regarding its apparent parfocal lens design. 

But then one might well expect brand ambassadors to wax lyrical and skip over possible pre-production and early firmware defects given reasonable expectations that Fujifilm will get it right in the end or at least in time for offical product release date. 

Not quite this time, apparently, as Fujifilm recently issued firmware version 1.02 for this now-shipping lens and some reviewers are already hoping that further firmware updates are in the pipeline. 

Fujifilm X-T3 with Fujinon XF 16-80mm f/4.0 R OIS WR zoom lens.

Fujifilm X-Pro3 pre-production model in Dura Black with pre-production Fujinon XF 16-80mm f/4.0 R OIS WR zoom lens, as seen at a Ted’s World of Imaging Touch-and-Try event in Sydney.

I was lucky enough to have a short time with a preproduction version of the Fujinon XF 16-80mm f/4.0 R OIS WR zoom at a recent Ted’s World of Imaging touch-and-try event for the Fujifilm X-Pro3, and found it worked well enough when shooting event stills on a Fujifilm X-H1 unequipped with firmware updates for the lens.

The lens is situated price-wise in-between the pro-quality, pro-priced red badge Fujinon XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR and the Fujinon XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 R LM OIS kit zoom, and there was some speculation that the Fujinon XF 16-80mm f/4.0 R OIS WR might be bundled with later-release Fujifilm X-T3s or the coming X-T4 as a higher-specced kit lens, especially for video production.

The 16-80mm’s parfocal focusing is especially attractive for video use as well as the lens’ apparent 6 stops of optical image stabilization that helps make up for its f/4.0 maximum aperture when handholding in low lighting when used on non-stabilized cameras like the X-T3, X-Pro3 and the coming X-T4.

Questions about the Fujinon XF 16-80mm f/4.0 R OIS WR’s optical qualities throughout its focal range were bandied about during the long pre-release period and I have yet to find a complete set of in-depth tests of the lens’ image quality and focusing performance.

In the meantime, pal2tech’s initial and subsequent video reviews have rather dampened my enthusiasm for the Fujinon XF 16-80mm f/4.0 R OIS WR.

Are what he is seeing in action when shooting video in particular early production model teething problems, uneven quality assurance, limitations in current firmware or the outcome of too many design and engineering compromises?

Zoom lenses are a set of such compromises compared to prime lenses and a certain amount of them are to be expected, especially in a lens with a longer-than-usual focal length range, but has Fujifilm compromised way too much?

pal2tech’s videos may help you make up your own mind, but I would recommend going off in search of more reviews by video professionals before definitively deciding against the Fujinon XF 16-80mm f/4.0 R OIS WR.

While some optical and autofocusing problems can be compensated for via firmware and during processing of raw stills images, video is more demanding of lens quality given that shortfalls in optical quality cannot be corrected in video non-linear editing software.

My experiences with Micro Four Thirds cameras and lenses, as well as Fujifilm’s APS-C/Super 35 gear, have amply proven the advantages of having a stabilized zoom lens in one’s kit when shooting documentary stills and video in trying conditions and available darkness rather than available light, so the Fujinon XF 16-80mm f/4.0 R OIS WR would, theoretically, fill a yawning gap in my Fujinon lens collection.

Provided that it is as good for video as it seemed to be for stills during my all-too-short time with the Fujinon XF 16-80mm f/4.0 R OIS WR at Ted’s.

Like many others, I have had high expectations for this lens given my longtime need for a gap-filling zoom lens for video and photography, and given the poor Australian dollar and consequent high price in local online and bricks-and-mortar stores.

Should I be reconsidering the Fujinon XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 R LM OIS kit zoom lens instead, and go off to ebay to look for the latter secondhand?

pal2tech: Fuji 16-80 Lens Review

pal2tech: Fujifilm 16-80mm Lens Firmware Update 1.01

pal2tech: Fujifilm 16-80 Lens Focus Problem Fix — Possible Solution

pal2tech: Fujifilm 16-80 Lens Firmware Update 1.02 – Can’t Test (and my thoughts)

Links

• pal2tech – YouTube channel

Help support ‘Untitled’

Clicking on the links and purchasing through them for our affiliate accounts at Adorama, Alien Skin, B&H Photo Video, Skylum, SmallRig or Think Tank Photo helps us continue our work for ‘Unititled’.

• FUJIFILM X-H1 Mirrorless Digital Camera Body with Battery Grip Kit – B&H – bundled with the unstabilized Fujinon XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR, this stabilized camera may still be the current best option for video despite its older generation sensor and processor.
• FUJIFILM X-Pro3 Mirrorless Digital Camera – B&H
• FUJIFILM X-T3 Mirrorless Digital Camera – B&H
• FUJIFILM XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR Lens – B&H
• FUJIFILM XF 16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR Lens – B&H
• FUJIFILM XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 R LM OIS Lens – B&H

Videos About Two Australian X-Photographers Using X-Pro3 Digital Rangefinder Camera, Megan Lewis and Michael Coyne, Now Online

Australian photographers rarely if ever feature in camera and lens makers’ marketing materials and few Australia female photographers are invited to become brand ambassadors whether they are based in Australia or overseas. 

Documentary photographer Megan Lewis features in one of two recently-released Fujifilm X-Photographer videos about the X-Pro3 digital rangefinder-style camera with documentary photographer Michael Coyne being her male counterpart. 

Both are long-time Fujifilm users and are well-qualified to offer their insights into the X-Pro3 as a dedicated documentary and photojournalism stills camera. 

Fujifilm X-Pro 3 with MHG-XPRO3 grip and Fujinon XF 35mm f/2.0 R WR prime lens. I prefer equipping my cameras with handgrips and vertical battery grips for versatility, stability and security when handholding lenses in a wide range of sizes and weights, although the smaller Fujinon lenses such as this XF 35mm f/1.4 R “Fujicron” standard prime lens may not benefit as much as larger prime and zoom lenses.

I have yet to have the pleasure of meeting either photographer, though I am keen to spend time with Megan Lewis to photograph her at work for ‘Unititled’ in order to show other female photographers that one can succeed as a documentary photographer or photojournalist.

In the immortal words of Geena Davis of the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media, “if she can see it, she can be it”, and so stories, photo essays and videos about female creatives like Megan Lewis are crucial to creating the possibility of women succeeding in their chosen professions to the point where we gain parity with men.

FUJIFILM X Series: Megan Lewis x X-Pro3 / FUJIFILM

FUJIFILM X Series: Different Breed: Michael Coyne x X-Pro3

Fujinon lenses used by Megan Lewis and Michael Coyne in these videos

Fujinon XF 10-24mm f/4.0 R OIS zoom lens.

Fujifilm Fujinon XF 16mm f/2.8 R WR “Fujicron” prime lens.

Links

• • FUJIFILM X Series – YouTube channel
  • FUJIFILM X Series – Megan Lewis x X-Pro3 / FUJIFILM – video
  • FUJIFILM X Series – Different Breed: Michael Coyne x X-Pro3 – video
  • Fujifilm-X – Different Breed: Michael Coyne x X-Pro3
  • Fujifilm-X – Megan Lewis x X-Pro3
  • Fujifilm-X – X-Pro3: Pure Photography
  • Wikipedia – Geena Davis
  • Wikipedia – Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media

Help support ‘Untitled’

Clicking on the links and purchasing through them for our affiliate accounts at Adorama, Alien Skin, B&H Photo Video, Skylum, SmallRig or Think Tank Photo helps us continue our work for ‘Unititled’.

• FUJIFILM X-Pro3 Mirrorless Digital Camera – B&H
• FUJIFILM XF 10-24mm f/4 R OIS Lens – B&H – used by Megan Lewis
• FUJIFILM XF 16mm f/2.8 R WR Lens – B&H – used by Michael Coyne

extrashot: Panasonic S1H – Amazing cinema camera or DSLM?

“Paul takes a first look at the Panasonic S1H. Is this simply a full frame GH5S or is there more to this DSLM? Perfect camera for vloggers or a real cinema competitor?”

Shape camera cage and rigging for Panasonic Lumix DC-S1, DC-S1R and DC-S1H 35mm sensor mirrorless hybrid cameras.

Commentary

Things have been quiet over at Panasonic Australia it seems since the release of the Lumix DC-GH5 and I have not heard a sound from the company’s PR people, so have not had any extended hands-on time with the Lumix DC-GH5S, Lumix DC-G9, Lumix DC-GX9, Lumix DC-S1, Lumix DC-SiR or the recently released Lumix DC-S1H.

So I am grateful for Paul of extrashot for this first look at the S1H, especially in the light of Netflix certifying the camera for use in Netflix 4K Originals productions.

I look forward to more in-depth reviews of the camera for use in movie productions appearing soon.

Panasonic’s longtime weak point has been its depth-from-defocus (DFD) Contrast Detection Auto Focus (CDAF) system that many users would prefer was actually Phase Detection Auto Focus (PDAF), but is this a big problem given potential users of the Lumix DC-S1H are more likely to use manual focus with it, as illustrated in the product shot above?

Links

• Cinema5D – Panasonic S1H Review – Is it the Best Full Frame Mirrorless Camera for Filmmakers yet?
• Darry Carey – Top Accessories for the Panasonic LUMIX S1H – video
• DPPreview – Netflix certifies the Panasonic S1H for productions, making it the smallest (and only stills/video) camera on the list
• DPReview – DPReview TV: Panasonic S1H First Look – “Jordan takes a first look at the new Panasonic S1H and wrestles with the moral struggle of cheating on his beloved GH5. Click below to download some ungraded sample clips from the S1H, including 6K footage.” – video
• EOSHD – Panasonic S1H becomes first and only mirrorless camera to be approved by Netflix – “same league” as Alexa LF
• extrashot – Panasonic S1H – Amazing cinema camera or DSLM? – video
• Leeming LUT Pro – “Leeming LUT Pro™ is the world’s first unified, corrective Look Up Table ( LUT ) system for supported cameras, designed to maximise dynamic range, fix skin tones, remove unwanted colour casts and provide an accurate Rec709 starting point for further creative colour grading.” – some reviewers have been commenting adversely upon the skin tones rendered by Panasonic’s S-Series and GH-Series cameras, but applying Leeming LUT Pro restores excellent colour to their video output. Paul Leeming is currently working on LUTs for S-Series Panasonic cameras so keep on eye his website.
• Netflix – Cameras and Image Capture: Approved Cameras
• Netflix – CAMERA PRODUCTION GUIDE | Panasonic S1H – PDF

Help support ‘Untitled’

Clicking on the links and purchasing through them for our affiliate accounts at Adorama, Alien Skin, B&H Photo Video, Skylum, SmallRig or Think Tank Photo helps us continue our work for ‘Unititled’.

• Atomos Store – B&H
• L-Mount Lenses – B&H – native mount lenses for Leica, Panasonic and Sigma mirrorless cameras.
• Panasonic DMW-BGS1 Battery Grip – B&H
• Panasonic DMW-BLJ31 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery (7.2V, 3100mAh) – B&H
• Panasonic DMW-RS2 Remote Shutter – B&H
• Panasonic Lumix DC-S1H Mirrorless Digital Camera (Body Only) – B&H
• Panasonic Lumix DC-S1H Mirrorless Digital Camera Filmmaker’s Kit – B&H
• Panasonic Lumix DC-S1H Mirrorless Digital Camera with Camera Cage Kit – B&H
• Panasonic Lumix S 24-105mm f/4 Macro O.I.S. Lens – B&H
• Panasonic Lumix S PRO 24-70mm f/2.8 Lens – B&H
• Panasonic Lumix S PRO 50mm f/1.4 Lens – B&H
• SHAPE Camera Cage with Top Handle for Panasonic Lumix S1/S1R/S1H – B&H
• Zacuto Camera Cage for Panasonic S1 – B&H
• Zacuto Store – B&H

PauL Leeming’s Leeming LUT Pro Now Released for Fujifilm F-Log, LUTs for Eterna Cinema, Pro Neg Std and HLG for Rec709 Coming Soon

Cinematographer/director Paul Leeming of Leeming LUT Pro and Visceral Psyche. Photograph made by Karin Gottschalk with Fujifilm X-T3 and Fujinon XF 56mm f/1.2 R then processed in Alien Skin Exposure X4 using Summer Blockbuster cinematic preset.

Australian feature film cinematographer/director Paul Leeming has released the first camera profile correction look-up table in his Leeming LUT Pro set for Fujifilm X-Trans sensor-equipped cameras, for Fujifilm’s F-Log logarithmic shooting profile, with Eterna Cinema, Pro Neg Std and HLG for Rec709 LUTs to come. 

This is a significant and long-awaited event given that Fujifilm has finally delivered on its longtime promise to radically improve its cameras’ video capabilities with the Fujifilm X-T3 and X-H1, with the coming X-H2 hopefully improving on the X-T3 as a moviemaking hybrid mirrorless camera in Super 35 format. 

Super 35 has long been the feature film format of choice for narrative and documentary production, and the arrival of improved video capabilities on Fujifilm’s X-T2 cameras was a relief after the disappointment of the X-Pro2’s video support. 

Leeming LUT Pro for F-Log on Fujifilm cameras with X-Trans sensors

Still frame from sample footage of Leeming LUT Pro for Fujifilm F-Log in use with video from Fujifilm X-T3.

Even the recently announced X-Pro3 appears to have 4K Super 35 video features that may prove good enough in a pinch when more video-oriented cameras are unavailable.

The Leeming LUT Pro expose and correction methodology is based on exposing to the right aka ETTR followed by correction via camera-specific look-up-table files in one’s nonlinear editing suite or colour grading software of choice.

The ETTR method’s most vocal proponent was the late Michael Reichmann who was in favour for its use in photography and videography, and although he and many other photographers constantly lobbied camera makers for auto-ETTR in their Live View-capable cameras, to no effect so far.

Why camera makers continue to ignore the necessity of optimal exposure is anyone’s guess.

For that reason I am grateful that Paul Leeming has applied himself to solving the problem of correct exposure followed by correcting colour via Leeming LUT Pro, with the added benefit of making footage shot on a variety of affordable cameras usable in the same timeline without excessive shot matching work.

The ideal, maximum possible dynamic range and realistic colours, using Leeming LUT Pro and Expose-To-The-Right (ETTR)

Footage with Leeming LUT Pro applied in nonlinear editing suite.

Uncorrected camera maker luma and colorimetry

“Uncorrected manufacturer luma curve and colorimetry. Notice how the X shape is all distorted and not straight, and how it artificially lifts the mids to make them much brighter (a favourite trick of the manufacturers to make their images appear brighter than the sensor is recording them).”

Luma curve and colorimetry levels corrected with Leeming LUT Pro

“Corrected luma curve. Notice how straight the X shape is. As an aside, you can also see the fixed colorimetry levels.”

In the light of camera makers’ tendency to fudge their camera’s video output as illustrated above, exposing to the right appears to make footage appear darker than one may be accustomed to, but Mr Leeming has made available other, secondary, LUTs to quickly and easily raise footage low values, as explained below.

As usual, the LUT will “darken” the footage, which really just means it will make the curve perfectly LINEAR. Examine the attached image using your waveform scope in your favourite editing software, and you’ll see what that means, with the exposure steps forming a perfect “X” shape in linear fashion. This is of course ETTR, so if you under-expose your image, it will look darker.

The LUT(s) don’t make the image darker. The LUT(s) correct the manufacturer luma curves to be linear. In most (but not all) cases, this results in the image “appearing” to be darker, but it’s not affecting anything, nor clipping anything, nor adding additional noise that wasn’t in the shot to begin with.

Don’t forget, you also have the Apollo Pro Quickies to use after the corrective LUT in case you want to brighten the image without clipping the highlights or adding any more shot noise. But when you can, please ETTR and save yourself the problems (and give yourself the cleanest possible log image to begin with).

If your shot after LUT application has its highlights not reaching 100% IRE, then you underexposed it. Use the zebras as per the guide to see where the clipping point is. Expose just shy of that and you’ll maximise sensor dynamic range and minimise shot noise.

If you HAVE underexposed or simply want a brighter image post-corrective LUT, try following it with one or more of my Apollo Pro Quickies, which are expressly designed to lift the shadows in a natural way without clipping the highlights.

Stills frames from feature film shot by Paul Leeming, ungraded then graded with Leeming LUT Pro

Ungraded, straight out of camera footage. The sort of non grading currently popular in Australian TV commercials.

Graded with Leeming LUT Pro. Cinematic and filmic, and far more emotive.

Settings for shooting video Fujifilm cameras for processing with Leeming LUT Pro

• Pro Neg Std, Eterna Cinema, F-log or HLG
• H265 recording format
• DR100 for all profiles
• Highlight tone 0
• Shadow tone 0
• Color 0
• Sharpness -4
• Noise Reduction -4
• Zebra level 100%

Quick and dirty Leeming LUT Pro for Fujifilm F-Log tryout with Fujifilm X-H1 F-Log footage

Ungraded, out of camera footage from Fujifilm X-H1 with F-Log.

Graded footage from Fujifilm X-H1 with Leeming LUT Pro for Fujifilm F-Log, plus a LUT from Leeming LUT Pro Quickies and colour correction.

I shoot documentary stills and video rather than make narrative feature movies, so often work alone under challenging conditions as in this example.

The Fujifilm X-H1 had a vintage Zeiss Jena Pentacon 50mm f/1.8 MC Auto prime lens attached to it via a Gobe M42-to-X-mount adapter with no neutral density filter, and I fudged on setting a custom white balance as I was more concerned with understanding the creative possibilities of this lens for video than in getting technicalities perfect.

An adapted 50mm lens on an APS-C/Super 35 camera equates to 75mm in the 35mm sensor format, which is one of my favourite focal lengths for documentary photography and video.

I have been throughly enjoying trying out this lens and its companion, a Panagor PMC 28mm f/2.8 wide-angle prime lens that Paul Leeming kindly gave us.

These sorts of vintage prime lenses are rare and overpriced here in Sydney, at least ever since camera stores like Foto Reisel with their secondhand gear cabinets closed down.

Fujifilm Super 35/APS-C hybrid cameras capable of shooting 4K and Cinema 4K F-Log video as well as in other picture profiles: X-T3, X-H1 and X-Pro3

Fujifilm X-T3 with VG-XT3 Vertical Battery Grip and Fujifilm XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 R LM OIS zoom lens.

Fujifilm X-H1 with VPB-XH1 battery grip and Fujinon XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR professional zoom lens.

Fujifilm X-Pro 3 with MHG-XPRO3 grip and Fujinon XF 35mm f/2.0 R WR prime lens.

Links

• Gerald Undone – Best LUT for Beginners – Leeming vs FilmConvert vs Buttery – “Comparing some quick color grades using the Leeming LUTs, the Buttery LUTs, & FilmConvert with some general color correction tips and usage scenarios.” – video
• Jon Pais – Getting Good Colors Using ETTR, X-Rite Colorchecker & Leeming LUT Pro – “I made this video in response to a viewer’s question about ETTR.” – video
• Jon Pais – How to Expose to the Right – “How to expose to the right using the X-Rite Colorchecker and false color.” – video
• Jon Pais – Leeming LUT Pro and Leeming LUT Quickies – “Leeming LUT Pro and Leeming LUT Quickies” – video
• Jon Pais – Leeming LUT Pro Sample Footage – “A quick demo of applying Leeming LUT Pro to Sony Cine2 footage.” – video
• Jon Pais – Response to Viewer – “I believe a viewer didn’t like the flat lighting in my last video, so I’m uploading one with a little more punch.” – video
• Leeming LUT Pro – website
• Paul Leeming – How to ETTR – Quick And Dirty Edition! – “How to Expose To The Right (ETTR) to maximise your camera’s sensor dynamic range :)” – video
• The Luminous Landscape – Expose Right – This once-essential website is now paywalled, though a limited number of free page views is permitted before paying for access.
• The Luminous Landscape – Optimizing Exposure – “In 2003 I wrote a tutorial titled Expose Right. To my knowledge this was the first generally available essay that discussed the realities of digital exposure, as opposed to that required for film. Since then the technique described has become known as ETTR (Expose To The Right)…. A live-view histogram-based auto-exposure system is all that needed to generate the best possible exposure from a technical perspective.”
• Wayback Machine – Expose (to the) Right: Maximizing S/N Ratio in Digital Photography
• Wayback Machine – Optimizing Exposure: Why Do Camera Makers Give Us 19th Century Exposures With Our 21st Century Cameras? – “In digital photography, exposing to the right (ETTR) is the technique of adjusting the exposure of an image as high as possible at base ISO (without causing unwanted saturation) to collect the maximum amount. So – here we are, more than a decade into the DSLR revolution (and the new century) and camera makers are still using 25, 50, even 100+ year old exposure technology in our latest cameras. Why? I really can’t say, but they should be taken to task for not delivering the best image quality that their cameras are capable of and thus get the optimum performance out of the digital image sensor.”
• Wikipedia – Colorimetry
• Wikipedia – Exposing to the right
• Wikipedia – Gamma correction
• Wikipedia – Hybrid Log-Gamma
• Wikipedia – Log profile
• Wikipedia – Luma (video)
• Wikipedia – Michael Reichmann – “Reichmann proposed a new digital exposure method called exposing to the right (ETTR) in 2003.”
• Wikipedia – Super 35

Help support ‘Untitled’

Clicking on the links and purchasing through them for our affiliate accounts at Adorama, Alien Skin, B&H Photo Video, Skylum, SmallRig or Think Tank Photo helps us continue our work for ‘Unititled’.

• Fujifilm XF and GFX Cameras – B&H
• FUJIFILM X-Pro3 Mirrorless Digital Camera – B&H
• Fujifilm XF Lenses – B&H

Three Blind Men and An Elephant Productions: FujiFilm X-Pro3 Hands-On: I’m Convinced. – video

“A technically modest upgrade yields big dividends….”

Links

• Three Blind Men and An Elephant Productions – FujiFilm X-Pro3 Hands-On: I’m Convinced.

Commentary

Worse eye relief in the X-Pro3 and an optical viewfinder that is not as good as the one in its predecessor, the X-Pro2, when it should have been radically improved upon?

I can see why so many online commentators are saying they may acquire a second X-Pro2 instead of an X-Pro3 when the prices drop or abandon rangefinder-style cameras altogether for the DLSR-style X-T3.

The proof is in the pudding, however, and such decisions are best made by trying out any new camera, just as Hugh Brownstone has done albeit all too briefly with the Fujifilm X-Pro3.

As for me, I am off to check the X-Pro3’s eye relief data, the OVF’s magnification factor and whether it still allows use of focal lengths from 18mm through to 56mm with full view and not cropped, as occurs when using a 16mm lens on the X-Pro2.

Help support ‘Untitled’

Clicking on the links and purchasing through them for our affiliate accounts at Adorama, Alien Skin, B&H Photo Video, Skylum, SmallRig or Think Tank Photo helps us continue our work for ‘Unititled’.

• FUJIFILM X-Pro3 Mirrorless Digital Camera – B&H
• Fujifilm XF Lenses – B&H

Fujifilm X-Pro3 Articles, Videos and Reviews By and About Fujifilm Brand Ambassadors, Staff Members and Others, Including Two Female X-Photographers!

Videos by and about camera brand ambassadors as well as product reviews by them, more properly referred to as articles given their often fiscal relationship with those brands, can be often frustrating affairs when needing to know how well the cameras and lenses in question perform in the field in the hands of users not unlike me. 

That is, self-funded independent documentary photographers and videographers.

I would love it if camera and lens makers made early efforts to get their gear to people like me for use in real assignments so we can hear how well or not it performs in the often demanding conditions in which we work.

The too-often generic overviews of just-released new gear by brand ambassadors and professional YouTube reviewers have their uses in painting broad-brush pictures, but they need to be rapidly followed by in-depth insights into performance in the field during real projects and for use in a range of specific moviemaking and photographic genres.

In my humble opinion.

Fujifilm X-Pro 3 in Dura Black finish with MHG-XPRO3 grip and Fujinon XF 35mm f/2.0 R WR prime lens. I am a fan of hand grips and vertical battery grips for cameras, especially when shooting documentary stills and video or portraits in available light and especially when shooting in available darkness, for better grip and stability handheld. I always default to all-black cameras when I can to maintain some degree of stealth and so am in two minds about the “black” and “silver” DuraTect finishes on the two Dura versions of the X-Pro2. Should X-Pro3 purchasers trade stealth for durability? Is Dura Black as recessive as plain old black paint and thus less noticeable than Dura Silver?

Fujifilm has, in its marketing material, pitched the X-Pro3 at street photographers and photojournalists, and given photographing in the street is a form of documentary, one I prefer to know by the name of urban documentary, and the X-Pro3’s rangefinder form factor is just as appropriate to portraiture, event photography, other forms of documentary, fine art photography, travel photography and more genres besides given this camera has apparently radically improved on its predecessor’s optical viewfinder and electronic viewfinder.

When I wrote about the X-Pro2, I saw it as three cameras in one – a Leica or Contax-style OVF camera, an EVF camera like my Panasonics and a miniature view camera thanks to its excellent fixed LCD monitor.

Over the years I have relied on my X-Pro2 in all three camera guises, for architectural photography, portrait photography, photojournalism, urban documentary and product shots, just as I did with a range of rangefinder-style cameras in film formats from 35mm through 120 roll film up to 4″x5″ sheet film.

Even, in a pinch, for shooting 4K video in a way not dissimilar to how I used 8mm and Super 8 rangefinder movie cameras during the height of the analog era.

Seeing the world OVF-style is a rather different thing to seeing EVF-style and even DSLR-style when shooting stills and video, I have found, and it is good to get out of one’s comfort zone in a regular basis.

I have yet to study the X-Pro3’s specifications in any depth, and the same applies to the videos and articles I am sharing on this page, but it appears that the X-Pro3’s video capabilities are well beyond that of the X-Pro2 though they do not, of course, match those of the amazing X-T3 and are somewhat in the ball park of the oddly-timed X-H1.

Videos

Four videos featuring two female X-Photographers, one female retail store staff member and one unnamed female photographer against the usual slew of male photographers and professional reviewers. Surely camera makers can do better than this in this day and age?

• Adorama – Fujifilm X PRO3 | Hands On with Daniel Norton – “… X-Pro3 is a true photographer’s tool that combines all the feeling of film with all the quality of digital.”
• bigheadtaco – First Look: The Titanium Clad Fujifilm X-Pro3 – “Warning: This is a long and nerdy video. If you want a shorter version, check out my shooting impressions video (link down below). Come back here if you want more details”
• bigheadtaco – First Shooting Impressions: Fujifilm X-Pro3 – “… I enjoyed using the unique articulating screen, the HVF is improved, and the updated firmware using the X Processor IV is impressive. “
• Charlene Winfred – X Pro3, A Different Breed – “Filmed o[n] the Fujifilm X-T3 and Fujinon XF 18-135mm F3.5-5.6”
• DPReview – DPReview TV: Fujifilm X-Pro3 Preview – Carbon Coated Classic or Titanium Trinket? – “Some might argue that Fujifilm’s new X-Pro3 rangefinder-style camera takes a page from the Leica playbook, omitting a full-time rear screen in favor of a more ‘pure’ shooting experience. Is the X-Pro3 a carbon-coated classic or a titanium trinket? Chris and Jordan aim to find out.”
• Fuji Guys Channel – Fuji Guys – FUJIFILM X-Pro3 – First Look – “Fuji Guys Francis and Billy give you a first look preview of the FUJIFILM X-Pro3.”
• FUJIFILM France – Imaging Business – Cyril ABAD X Pro3 – “… Mes attentes en terme de vitesse d’AF, de réactivité, de fluidité de l’EVF sont satisfaites. Le X-Pro3 est plus rapide, plus précis.”
• FUJIFILM UK – Looking back, moving forward. – The New X-Pro3! – “Say hello to the all-new X-Pro3. The exciting newcomer to our X-Pro range has been designed to minimise distractions, keeping you focused on the craft of photography. Watch the video to discover some of its exciting new features.” – depicts an unnamed female photographer.
• Fujifilm X / GFX España Oficial – X-Photographer Matías Costa – Fujifilm X-Pro3 – “El #XPhotographer Matías Costa fue seleccionado por FUJIFILM Corporation como uno de los integrantes del selecto grupo de probadores oficiales de la cámara #Fujifilm #XPro3. El resultado de su trabajo es el proyecto “La triple frontera de Gibraltar”. “
• FUJIFILM X Series – Different Breed: Alberto Selvestrel x X-Pro3 – “Italian photographer Alberto Selvestrel shoots on FUJIFILM X-Pro3.”
• FUJIFILM X Series – Different Breed: Eric Bouvet x X-Pro3 – “French X-Photographer Eric Bouvet shoots on FUJIFILM X-Pro3.”
• FUJIFILM X Series – Different Breed: Patrick La Roque x X-Pro3 – “Canadian X-Photographer Patrick La Roque shoots on FUJIFILM X-Pro3.”
• FUJIFILM X Series – Different Breed: Tomasz Lazar x X-Pro3 – “Polish X-Photographer Tomasz Lazar shoots on X-Pro3”
• FUJIFILM X Series – “FUJIFILM X-Pro3 “Create within Chaos” / FUJIFILM” – “Create within Chaos” X-Pro3″
• Fujifilm X Singapore – Fujifilm Singapore x Mindy Tan: Episode 1- Fuji Girl Series (X-PRO3) – “Using the Fujifilm X-Pro3, how can we photograph strangers? What motivates this documentary photographer? Learn from Mindy Tan, a Fujifilm X-photographer.”
• Gerald Undone – FUJIFILM X-Pro3: 7 Things to Love About This Camera
• Gordon Laing – Fujifilm X-Pro 3 preview: HANDS-ON first looks – “Hands-on first-looks preview of the Fujifilm X-Pro 3 camera! CORRECTION: Sorry, no 10 bit video, it’s 8-bit only, but the USB C can be used for headphones.”
• Kai W – Fujifilm X-Pro 3 Hands on First Impressions – “What the flip?!”
• Kevin Mullins – Fujifilm X-Pro 3 Review and Feature Overview – “… It’s a camera that may divide opinion, but if you are looking for a camera that will last forever, is amazingly quick, tactile and, in my opinion, the best Fujifilm camera fro Street Photography and Reportage work – this is the camera for you….”
• Lee Zavitz – Fujifilm X-Pro3 – Hands On Review – “So I was able to test out the new Fuji X-Pro3 for a week now and I made sure to shoot with it a lot! So much that I feel like it’s safe to call this a review. How do you feel about the hidden screen / Sub display? Love it or No?”
• Matt Brandon – Fujifilm X-Pro3 – Review – “Just days before the official release of the new Fujifilm X-Pro3, I managed to get my Friends at Fujifilm Malaysia to send me a sample camera. It was a preproduction. I say this because it had some very beta firmware in it, making it impossible to test out many of the new features. But the real buzz about this camera isn’t the latest software or new features like HDR and even the new film simulation, it is about the new design of the camera. The new LDC display or lack of it – so to speak. It features a controversial hidden display. In this video, only hours after I received the camera, I took it for a spin. Special thanks for Fujifilm Malaysia for the loan of the camera.”
• Matti Haapoja – FUJIFILM X-Pro 3 REVIEW – Film Look Straight In Camera?
• The Art of Photography – HANDS ON with the Fujifilm X-Pro 3!! – “It doesn’t have all the video options that the X-T3 does, but this camera is designed for still shooters. Having said that you still get 4k video and 8 bit log. I filmed all of the b-roll footage of the actual camera with an X-Pro 3.”
• Theoria Apophasis – X-PRO3 CLOSE LOOK & UNIQUE DETAILS!
• Wex Photo Video –Fujifilm X-Pro3: Vintage Meets Tech | Real-world Test – “… in this video Amy gets her hands on the new Fujifilm X-Pro3, along with several fast prime lenses.”

Articles, Reviews and Other Links

Two articles with more to come by Fujifilm Nordic X-Photographer Charlene Winfred, who is featured in the video at the top of this page.

• B&H Explora – More Revolutionary than Evolutionary: Fujifilm Launches the X-Pro3
• Charlene Winfred– Meeting the Titan: the Fujifilm X-Pro3 – “Over the next couple of weeks I’ll be sharing sporadic thoughts on the X-Pro3 on this blog, and also showing more photos.”
• Charlene Winfred– Meeting the Titan: Making the X-Pro3 movie with Ihsan Ibraheem – “This movie is the best part of the entire X-Pro3 project for me.”
• Fuji Rumors – fastest and best with rumours and coverage of new Fujifilm camera, lens and accessories releases.
• Fujifilm X – X-Pro3: Pure Photography
• Fujilove Magazine – First Impressions: The Titanium X-Pro3 – by Take Kayo aka bigheadtaco
• Leeming LUT Pro – Australian cinematographer/director is currently working on Leeming LUT Pro LUTs for Fujifilm cameras.

Help support ‘Untitled’

Clicking on the links and purchasing through them for our affiliate accounts at Adorama, Alien Skin, B&H Photo Video, Skylum, SmallRig or Think Tank Photo helps us continue our work for ‘Unititled’.

• FUJIFILM X-Pro3 Mirrorless Digital Camera – B&H
• Fujifilm XF Lenses – B&H

Gerald Undone: FUJIFILM X-Pro3: 7 Things to Love About This Camera – video

“…Counting down my favourite aspects of FUJIFILM’s new X-Pro3 including film simulation, video capabilities, the new sub monitor & hybrid viewfinder, and more.

Fujifilm X-Pro 3 Dura Black model with DuraTect coating and Fujinon XF 35mm f/2.0 R WR prime lens.

Commentary

Fast-talking Canadian Gerald Undone is currently one of the best and most knowledgeable cinematography and photography hardware reviewers of the moment and this video is one of the first I have encountered and it has  answered some questions for me.

One is just how scratch-resistant is the DuraTect coating on two versions of the X-Pro3 and Mr Undone has answered that by scraping a blade over his DuraTect Silver X-Pro3 without ill effect.

Links

• Fujifilm X – X-Pro3
• Gerald Undone – FUJIFILM X-Pro3: 7 Things to Love About This Camera – video

Help support ‘Untitled’

Clicking on the links and purchasing through them for our affiliate accounts at Adorama, Alien Skin, B&H Photo Video, Skylum, SmallRig or Think Tank Photo helps us continue our work for ‘Unititled’.

• FUJIFILM X-Pro3 Mirrorless Digital Camera – B&H
• Fujifilm XF Lenses – B&H

Fujifilm’s Fujifest Glocal 2019 Global Event Commences October 24, Excludes Australia, America Beyond New York City and Other Major Cities Worldwide

Now that Fujifilm has announced its reportedly revolutionary X-Pro3 digital rangefinder-style camera, what opportunity is there for all us non-Fujifilm Ambassador-type folks to see and try one? 

Fujifilm Global announced FUJIFEST Glocal 2019 back on September 21 with “We are coming to over 50 cities worldwide!!” and “The list will be updated as the time goes, so stay tuned!!” but a great many cities and countries are missing so far, most notably Sydney and Australia where I currently live.

Let’s hope that Fujifilm corrects these unfortunate omissions very soon! 

Links

• Facebook – Fujifilm X World
• Fuji Rumors – Fujifest 2019: Wordwide Fujifilm X-Pro3 Tour Dates and Locations – “At the most recent Fujifilm X summit, Fujifilm announced “Fujifest“, a series of events all over the world to give customers the chance to play around with the Fujifilm X-Pro3 and other latest and greatest Fujifilm gear.”
• Fujifilm X – Fujifest Glocal 2019
• PhotoPlus – Is Fujifilm Glocal 2019 kicking off at this event in New York on the 24th September 2019?

Help support ‘Untitled’

Clicking on the links and purchasing through them for our affiliate accounts at Adorama, Alien Skin, B&H Photo Video, Skylum, SmallRig or Think Tank Photo helps us continue our work for ‘Unititled’.

• FUJIFILM X-Pro3 Mirrorless Digital Camera – B&H
• Fujifilm XF Lenses – B&H

Fujifilm USA: Fujifilm Introduces the X-Pro3 – A Return to the Craft and Heart of Photography

https://www.fujifilmusa.com/press/news/display_news?newsID=881715

FUJIFILM INTRODUCES THE X-PRO3 – A RETURN TO THE CRAFT AND HEART OF PHOTOGRAPHY

Valhalla, New York, October 23, 2019 – FUJIFILM North America Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of the FUJIFILM X-Pro3, the latest rangefinder from the X Series range of mirrorless digital cameras, and perfect for photographers on the move who want top-level features, a low profile, and reliable durability.

Created with street photographers and photojournalists in mind, the features of the X-Pro3 are designed to keep the photographer focused on the subject. Its revolutionary hybrid OVF/EVF and hidden LCD touchscreen keeps the photographer in the moment, while its state-of-the-art imaging sensor and high-quality 4k video ensure spectacular results. X-Pro3 is a true photographer’s tool that combines all the feeling of film with all the ease and quality of digital.

The X-Pro3 is one of the most durable camera bodies in FUJIFILM camera history, thanks to the exterior use of titanium, known for its outstanding strength-to-weight ratio. Two color variations will be available with additional DuratectTM*1 (DR) surface-hardening technology for extra toughness and premium finish. The X-Pro3 uses the back illuminated 26.1MP X-TRANS CMOS 4 sensor and the X-Processor 4 image processing engine, first seen in the FUJIFILM X-T3 and then the FUJIFILM X-T30. Using this combination and new firmware, the phase-detection AF now works down to a luminance of -6EV; close to absolute darkness. Also new is CLASSIC Neg.Film Simulation mode, which is designed to simulate color negative film that was normally used for everyday snapshots.

More information about X-Pro3:

New OVF/EVF Combination: Great photography is all about freezing natural moments in time and X-Pro3’s impressive hybrid viewfinder ensures you are always fully immersed in that moment, without influencing it. The optical viewfinder (OVF) uses a 0.5x magnification and parallax-correcting frame lines to provide an uninterrupted and true-to-life view of what’s in front of you. It also allows you to see outside the frame so that you are always ready to catch the approaching action. Additionally, the 3.69M-dot OLED electronic viewfinder (EVF) offers a fast and high-quality representation of exactly how your image will look, with a 1:5000 contrast ratio for excellent clarity. When combined, this industry-leading technology provides an outstanding picture, helping to capture the world exactly as it is being seen.

Hidden 180-Degree Tilt and Touchscreen: Every aspect of X-Pro3 has been designed for photographers who like to live in the moment, but none more so than its hidden 1.62M-dot, tilting LCD touchscreen. When the LCD is closed, all that can be viewed is a mini-display showing essential settings, removing the distraction of a full screen while shooting. With your mind and your eye always on the scene in front of you rather than the scene you’ve just shot, you can find a connection not just with your subject, but also with your art. If seeking the perfect moment is instinctive to you, then look no further than X-Pro3 as your tool.

Incredible Sensor, Processor, and AF Performance: Lying at the heart of X-Pro3 is its state-of-the-art X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor and X-Processor 4 combination. This exceptional 26.1MP sensor uses a back-illuminated design to maximize quality and dynamic range, while its unique color filter array controls moiré and false color without the need for an optical, low-pass filter. Such outstanding imaging capability is complemented by the quad-core X-Processor 4. This powerful CPU not only ensures images are quickly and smoothly processed, but thanks to Fujifilm’s new algorithm, boosts AF performance with precision face and eye detection right down to -6EV.

Enhanced Body Design: X-Pro3’s timeless body design features a top and base plate constructed from titanium, which, despite being little more than half the density of stainless steel, is seven times more durable. In addition to classic black, the weather-sealed X-Pro3 is also available in DR Silver and DR Black, which utilize cold plasma technology for a scratch-resistant finish. This outstanding durability combines with a newly developed shutter release unit that ensures dependable precision and smoother, more responsive functionality to create a camera that can be relied upon to perform in nearly any situation.

Unparalleled Color Reproduction and Film Simulation Modes: Fujifilm’s legacy in color science has given it legendary status among image-makers across the world. During its 85 years in the industry, Fujifilm has been responsible for some of the most iconic photographic films in history. The exceptional knowledge gained has been poured into Fujifilm’s collection of 16 digital Film Simulation modes. This cutting-edge technology allows photographers to achieve stunning results straight out of camera and X-Pro3 introduces two exciting new additions to the Film Simulation mode collection: CLASSIC Neg. and MONOCHROMATIC Color.

The X Series’ first interchangeable lens camera, FUJIFILM X-Pro1, was released in February 2012, and its successor, FUJIFILM X-Pro2, debuted in March 2016 with vastly improved image quality and performance. The X-Pro Series has been embraced by many professional and enthusiast photographers who enjoy the classic rangefinder style, portability, and dials that enable intuitive operation. The X-Pro3 builds on the series’ legacy as the ultimate solution for photographers on the move who know the value of being in the moment.

The X-Pro3 camera will be offered with manufacturer’s suggested retail prices as follows:

$1,799.95 USD Black

$1,999.95 USD DR Black or DR Silver

$2,399.99 CAD Black

$2,699.99 CAD DR Black or DR Silver.

X-Pro3 is expected to go on sale in late Fall 2019. For more information, please visit https://fujifilm-x.com/en-us/x-pro3.

*1 Duratect is a trademark or registered trademark of Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.

About FUJIFILM North America Corporation, Electronic Imaging

For more information, please visit http://www.fujifilmusa.com/northamerica, go to https://twitter.com/FujifilmX_US to follow Fujifilm on Twitter, go to https://www.instagram.com/fujifilmx_us/ to follow Fujifilm on Instagram, or go to https://www.facebook.com/FujifilmXUS/ to Like Fujifilm on Facebook.  To receive news and information direct from Fujifilm via RSS, subscribe at www.fujifilmusa.com/rss.

About Fujifilm

FUJIFILM North America Corporation, a marketing subsidiary of FUJIFILM Holdings America Corporation, consists of five operating divisions and one subsidiary company. The Imaging Division provides consumer and commercial photographic products and services, including:  photographic paper; digital printing equipment, along with service and support; personalized photo products; film; and one-time-use cameras; and also markets motion picture archival film and on-set color management solutions to the motion picture, broadcast and production industries. The Electronic Imaging Division markets consumer digital cameras, and the Graphic Systems Division supplies products and services to the graphic printing industry. The Optical Devices Division provides optical lenses for the broadcast, cinematography, closed circuit television, videography and industrial markets, and also markets binoculars. The Industrial and Corporate New Business Development Division delivers new products derived from Fujifilm technologies. FUJIFILM Canada Inc. sells and markets a range of FUJIFILM products and services in Canada. For more information, please visit www.fujifilmusa.com/northamerica, go to www.twitter.com/fujifilmus to follow Fujifilm on Twitter, or go to www.facebook.com/FujifilmNorthAmerica to Like Fujifilm on Facebook.  To receive news and information direct from Fujifilm via RSS, subscribe at www.fujifilmusa.com/rss.

FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation, Tokyo, Japan, brings cutting edge solutions to a broad range of global industries by leveraging its depth of knowledge and fundamental technologies developed in its relentless pursuit of innovation. Its proprietary core technologies contribute to the various fields including healthcare, graphic systems, highly functional materials, optical devices, digital imaging and document products. These products and services are based on its extensive portfolio of chemical, mechanical, optical, electronic and imaging technologies. For the year ended March 31, 2019, the company had global revenues of $22 billion, at an exchange rate of 111 yen to the dollar. Fujifilm is committed to responsible environmental stewardship and good corporate citizenship. For more information, please visit: www.fujifilmholdings.com.

###

FUJIFILM and X-TRANS are trademarks of FUJIFILM Corporation and its affiliates.

© 2019 FUJIFILM North America Corporation and its affiliates. All rights reserved.

CONTACT:

Daniel Carpenter

FUJIFILM Holdings America Corporation

daniel.carpenter@fujifilm.com

914-529-2417

Fujifilm X-Pro 3 with MHG-XPRO3 grip and Fujinon XF 35mm f/2.0 R WR prime lens.

FUJIFILM Europe: The new X-Pro3

Fujifilm X-Pro3

Fujifilm X-Pro 3 with MHG-XPRO3 grip and Fujinon XF 35mm f/2.0 R WR prime lens.

Fujifilm X-Pro 3 with MHG-XPRO3 grip and Fujinon XF 35mm f/2.0 R WR prime lens.

Fujifilm X-Pro 3 with Fujinon XF 35mm f/2.0 R WR prime lens.

Fujifilm X-Pro 3

Fujifilm X-Pro 3

Fujifilm X-Pro 3 with Fujinon XF 35mm f/2.0 R WR prime lens.

Fujifilm X-Pro 3 with Fujinon XF 35mm f/2.0 R WR prime lens.

Fujifilm X-Pro 3 with Fujinon XF 35mm f/2.0 R WR prime lens.

Fujifilm X-Pro 3

Links

• B&H Explora – More Revolutionary than Evolutionary: Fujifilm Launches the X-Pro3
• Fujifilm Australia – Fujifilm X-Pro3 Announced
• Fujifilm Europe – Fujifilm introduces the mirrorless digital camera “FUJIFILM X-Pro3”
• Fujifilm Global – Fujifilm introduces the mirrorless digital camera “FUJIFILM X-Pro3”
• Fujifilm USA – FUJIFILM INTRODUCES THE X-PRO3 – A RETURN TO THE CRAFT AND HEART OF PHOTOGRAPHY
• Fujifilm X – X-Pro3: Pure Photography

Help support ‘Untitled’

Clicking on the links and purchasing through them for our affiliate accounts at Adorama, Alien Skin, B&H Photo Video, Skylum, SmallRig or Think Tank Photo helps us continue our work for ‘Unititled’.

• FUJIFILM X-Pro3 Mirrorless Digital Camera – B&H
• Fujifilm XF Lenses – B&H