Fuji X-T3 First Shots: New sensor, new image processor, new lab sample photos

posted Friday, September 28, 2018 at 11:30 AM EDT

Click here to see our Fuji X-T3 Sample Images

Although at first glance, the new Fuji X-T3 looks very similar to its predecessor, there have been numerous refinements to the design and ergonomics. However, the insides, the imaging pipeline of the X-T3, have undergone the bigger upgrade. The Fuji X-T3 comes with the latest and greatest X-Trans sensor and X Processor chip. Going up slightly from the 24 megapixels of the X-T2, the X-T3 climbs to 26 megapixels with a new, back-illuminated X-Trans CMOS IV sensor. Paired with that is a newer, faster, quad-core X Processor 4, which Fuji says helps the X-T3 improve its Film Simulations, subject tracking and AF performance, as well as deliver better video features.

The X-T3 also has a wider native ISO range, with a lower base ISO of 160 compared to ISO 200 of previous Fuji X-Trans cameras such as the X-T2 and X-Pro2. The new back-illuminated sensor design allows for more light-gathering potential and a better signal-to-noise ratio, which make for improved noise performance.

Our First Shots series of Lab Sample images lets you explore this new camera's imaging performance across its entire ISO range. As always, we have have both out-of-camera JPEGs and RAWs available for download, as well as sample images shot with default noise reduction processing and NR processing set as low as it can go. Use our handy Comparometer to, uh, compare the X-T3's sample images against any other camera we've lab testing.

Below are a couple of quick comparisons, pitting the Fuji X-T3 against its predecessor, the X-T2, as well as another popular, enthusiast-class APS-C camera, the Sony A6500.