Update: Fujifilm has released the short "A Different Beyond" from cinematographer Matthew Libatique, ASC using the X-T3. You can watch it in its entirety here.
While we were putting the Canon EOS R through its paces, Fujifilm introduced a new mirrorless camera capable of shooting internal 4K/60p 4:2:0 10-bit to SD and 4K/60p 4:2:2 10-bit externally though micro HDMI. The X-T3 is a big leap forward from its predecessor, the X-T2, which introduced 4K/30p. Let's break it down.
Sensor
While not full frame, the X-Trans CMOS 4 and X-Processor 4 packs in 26.1 million pixels into its APS-C sized sensor (23.5mm x 15.6mm). The back-illuminated sensor has improved rolling shutter and better moiré and false color control without using a low-pass filter.
Fujifilm is also saying the new sensor has a faster and more accurate autofocus while tracking moving subjects. Its ISO range is 160 to 12800 (80 to 51,200 expanded) which puts its F-Log recording mode at a minimum ISO of 640. ISO increases in 1/3 step increments and a new “4K interframe NR” function reduces noise at ISO 12,800 by the equivalent of approximately 2 stops.
Video Recording
4K is supported in DCI or UHD with a maximum internal recording rate All-Intra 400Mbps 4:2:0 10-bit using a H.265 (HEVC) codec. There is no sensor crop when shooting in 4K mode up to 30p, however, at 4K 50/60p, the crop factor is 1.18x. Recordings are continuous, but when the file sizes reaches 4GB, footage will be recorded to a separate file. Supported formats:
4K DCI (4096 x 2160) 17:9
- All-Intra 400Mbps, H.265 (HEVC) 4:2:0 10-bit at 29.97, 25, 24, 23.98p.
- Long-GOP 400Mpbs, H.265 (HEVC) 4:2:0 10-bit at 29.97p.
- Long-GOP 200Mpbs, H.265 (HEVC) 4:2:0 10-bit at 59.94p.
- Long-GOP 200Mpbs, H.264 4:2:0 8-bit at 25p.
- Long-GOP 100Mpbs, H.264 4:2:0 8-bit at 24, 23.98p.
4K UHD (3840 x 2160) 16:9
- All-Intra 400Mbps, H.265 (HEVC) 4:2:0 10-bit at 29.97, 25, 24, 23.98p.
- Long-GOP 400Mpbs, H.265 (HEVC) 4:2:0 10-bit at 29.97p.
- Long-GOP 200Mpbs, H.265 (HEVC) 4:2:0 10-bit at 59.94p.
- Long-GOP 200Mpbs, H.264 4:2:0 8-bit at 25p.
- Long-GOP 100Mpbs, H.264 4:2:0 8-bit at 50, 24, 23.98p.
FHD (2048 x 1080) 17:9
- All-Intra 200Mbps, H.265 (HEVC) 4:2:0 10-bit at 59.94, 50, 29.97, 25, 24, 23.98p.
- Long-GOP 200Mpbs, H.265 (HEVC) 4:2:0 10-bit at 59.94p.
- Long-GOP 100Mpbs, H.264 4:2:0 8-bit at 50p.
- Long-GOP 100Mpbs, H.264 4:2:0 8-bit at 29.97, 25, 24, 23.98p.
FHD (1920 x 1080) 16:9
- All-Intra 200Mbps, H.265 (HEVC) 4:2:0 10-bit at 59.94, 50, 29.97, 25, 24, 23.98p.
- Long-GOP 200Mpbs, H.265 (HEVC) 4:2:0 10-bit at 59.94p.
- Long-GOP 100Mpbs, H.264 4:2:0 8-bit at 50p.
- Long-GOP 100Mpbs, H.264 4:2:0 8-bit at 29.97, 25, 24, 23.98p.
- Long-GOP 200Mpbs, H.265 (HEVC) 4:2:0 10-bit at 120p 2x/4x/5x
- Long-GOP 200Mpbs, H.264 4:2:0 8-bit at 100p 2x/4x/5x
As you can see, Fujifilm is taking advantage of the H.265 (HEVC) codec to offer its 400Mpbs format. If you want to stay in a H.264 workflow, the maximum recording rate is 200Mpbs 4:2:0 10-bit at 25p. If you drop down to 100Mpbs, 50, 24, and 23.98p are available. However, H.265 (HEVC) is being supported by the majority of editing software and the 10-bit color depth provides 64 times the color information in comparison to 8-bit.
The company is saying you can get about 12 stops of dynamic range when using its internal F-Log gamma curve and there's also the ETERNA picture profile mode that was first introduced on the X-H1.
In a future firmware update arriving at the end of the year, the X-T3 will support Hybrid Log Gamma HDR (BT.2100) and simultaneous 4K/60p 4:2:0 10-bit internal and 4K/60p 4:2:2 10bit HDMI output recording.
Autofocus
The X-T3 has increased its Phase Detection Autofocus (PDAF) to nearly 100% of the sensor while extending low light AF sensitivity from -1EV to -3EV. Fujifilm has improved its Face and Eye Detection AF modes as well. The one drawback being its inability to track subjects without a face. To keep focus, you'll need to change the focus point manually.
LCD & Viewfinder
The touch screen LCD is 3 inches with an approximate 3:2 aspect ratio and 1.04 millions dots. The LCD screen can be tilted but not swiveled but is quick to respond to touch. The OLED color viewfinder is 0.5 inches with 3.69 millions dots at a magnification ratio of 0.75x. Coverage viewing area and capturing area is nearly 100% and there's a lockable diopter.
Battery, Memory, Sound & Others
The X-T3 uses the same NP-W126S batteries you'll find in it's previous models. Fujifilm says you can get around 55 minutes shooting 4K 29.97p and 75 minutes in full HD 59.94p both with face detection autofocus off. The camera has two SD card slots. For recording movies in 400Mbps you'll need a SD memory card with Video Speed Class 60 or higher. For lower bit rates a UHS Speed Class 3 will suffice.
Audio is recorded in stereo sound 24-bit 48KHz. The X-T3 has a dedicated 3.5mm audio input and separate headphone output. The X-T3 is also equipped with WiFi, Bluetooth, and a USB Type-C digital interface. If you're wondering, there is no in body image stabilization (IBIS). Any additional stabilization will have to come from the lens. The X-T3 comes in an all black or silver top finish.
As reported by Jon Fauer at Film and Digital Times, cinematographer (and director) Matthew Libatique, ASC shot the film A Different Beyond using an early X-T3 model. You can view the film trailer above. There's also some cool behind-the-scenes photos of Libatique's rig you can view here. Fujifilm has also added X-T3 videos to its YouTube channel here.
What do you think? Has Fujifilm piqued your interest? Let us know in the comments below.
X-T3 Tech Specs:
- 26.1 Millions Pixels
- 23.5mm × 15.6mm APS-C X-Trans CMOS 4 Sensor
- 4K DCI/UHD
- H.265 (HEVC) H.264
- 400Mpbs All-Intra / 200Mpbs Long-GOP
- Fujifilm X Mount
- Mechanical / Electronic Shutters
- Improved AF
- Dual SD Card Slots
- Weighs: ~539g with battery (~19 oz)
- Dimensions: 5.2 x 3.65 x 2.31" (132.5 x 92.8 x 58.8mm)
