Fujifilm X-T3 review

Fujifilm X-T3 Review: Image quality

In the past we witnessed a jump in resolution from the X-T1’s 16.3-million-pixel X-Trans sensor to the 24.3-million pixel X-Trans III chip found inside the X-T2. The X-T3’s new 26.1-million-pixel X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor doesn’t offer such a leap in terms of resolution, but its back illuminated structure is what’s important, allowing it to produce cleaner looking images across its ISO range than we’ve previously seen on any X-Series camera.

The way the sensor handles noise across its native range (ISO 100-12,800) whilst preserving such a fine level of detail is extremely impressive. This is great news for those who frequently work in low-light, and while ultimately the best image quality is resolved from the cameras raw files, JPEGs don’t disappoint. Users who shoot JPEGs at high ISOs may wish to reduce the automated noise reduction from the menu to produce results that don’t appear as heavily processed.

At the time of testing, the X-T3 wasn’t supported by Adobe, so we used the supplied Raw File Converter EX 3.0 powered by Silkypix software to convert our raw files before inspecting them meticulously.

Fujifilm X-T3 Review: Resolution

The lack of optical low-pass filter plays its part in a maximum of 3400/lph being resolved between ISO 80 and ISO 400. Similarly to the X-T2, resolution takes a slight hit at ISO 800, dropping to 3,200l/ph. At ISO 3200 and ISO 6400 the figure continues to exceed 3,000l/ph. Users who find themselves pushing the X-T3 to ISO 12,800 will be very impressed by the level of detail that’s resolved at this setting, which we recorded at just above 2,800l/ph.

Rotating the ISO dial to its “H’ setting, revealed a further drop in resolution at ISO 25,600 (2,600l/ph), with 2,400l/ph being resolved at its maximum sensitivity of ISO 51,200. Users will find the option to set the ‘H’ setting between ISO 25,600 and ISO 51,200 from the button/dial settings in the main menu and should note they’re only available when the mechanical shutter is used.

Fujifilm X-T3 Review: ISO and noise

The X-T3’s back-illuminated X-Trans 4 sensor puts in a strong noise performance. Shoot between ISO 80 and ISO 800 and you’ll be guaranteed wonderfully clean images free of noise. It’s only when you select ISO 1600 that you’ll begin to notice luminance appearing. Noise is so well controlled at ISO 1600 and ISO 3200 that users won’t hesitate from using these settings.

Luminance noise is also handled magnificently at ISO 6400, but it does start to become a little more pronounced in images captured at ISO 12,800. The level of detail that’s resolved at ISO 12,800 isn’t quite what it is at ISO 3200, but this wouldn’t put me off from cranking the X-T3 up to ISO 12,800 when challenged by a low-light situations. Users will find it’s just about possible to shoot at ISO 25,600 in an emergency, but I’d advise to stay clear of these extended settings, especially ISO 51,200, if you want to preserve the finest quality in your images.

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