Fujifilm X-Pro3 Dura Black

Fujifilm X-Pro3 Dura Black - the beautiful jewel of street photography

The Fujifilm X-Pro3 Dura Black is a digital camera designed with the film ethos in mind, it is a completely unique mirrorless camera that is easily identifiable by the type of viewfinder, the hidden LCD screen and the black finish inspired by the style of the rangefinder camera.

However, shooting hasn't been a victim of style and the 26.1 megapixel X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor with X-Processor 4 pulsing inside the X-Pro3 produces footage that delivers every time. For stills and DCI/UHD 4K video, it works. The sensor and processor operate in the ISO 160-12800 sensitivity range in a wide range of lighting conditions.

Taking a picture is one thing, but there are resources elsewhere, a sophisticated design that includes a hybrid multi viewfinder combining an optical viewfinder and a 3.69 million dot OLED panel. These two viewing modes can be switched instantly with a dedicated lever on the front of the camera, allowing you to choose between fast and simple or accurate and versatile. The X-Pro3 LCD back screen has been upgraded to a hide-away 180° swivel touchscreen with a resolution of 1.62 million dots. The unique screen keeps its 3-inch image protected when not in use, while another smaller screen displays settings. The design allows for a streamlined shooting method that keeps you in the moment. The camera also has built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for wireless sharing, and naturally comes with two memory card slots.

26.1MP APS-C X-Trans BSI CMOS 4 sensor and X-Processor 4 runs an image pipeline that starts from a backlit sensor that brings smooth tones to images, improves low-light performance, and lowers the native ISO of previous models to 160. The X-Trans sensor uses randomized pixel layout, which increases sharpness and image quality because a low-pass filter is not required. Unlike traditional pixel patterns, the X-Trans formula mimics traditional film behaviour rather than current digital technology does. Colours are refined and eye-catching, while reducing moiré and jaggies.

Next up is the on-cell phase lock autofocus system, with 425 selectable points covering the entire area of the cell. The AF system is faster and more accurate than before, in a wide range of lighting situations. Image capture and focusing is slick with the upgraded X-processor 4 chomping at the bit. The system is truly responsive.

Hybrid Multi Viewfinder optical and electronic viewfinder in the same camera is special but also convenient and, above all, fun. On the OVF side, shooting is simple and familiar, while the EVF side is flexible. Selecting the display mode is easy with a dedicated switch on the front of the camera.

Optical viewfinder is bright and natural as you might expect, cropping and tracking the subject is easy. Its improved design incorporates the functionality of an electronic rangefinder that mimics the functionality of a mechanical rangefinder while simultaneously displaying an electronic viewfinder over an optical one. The OVF is also equipped with a multi-magnification function that automatically changes the magnification of the viewfinder depending on which lens is in place.

The electronic side of the detector is a 3.69 million dot 0.66x OLED with unprecedented colour accuracy and 100 fps refresh rate (200 fps - Smoothness priority). In other words, the lags are very small and motion smooth for panning and tracking. EVF allows you to see the exposure before you take the picture and the viewfinder can be customised to suit your taste.

Rungon design is, as mentioned, unique. The Fujifilm X-Pro3 Dura Black surface is treated to an almost diamond-hard finish using Duratech technology. The LCD design is designed to maximise the user's time on the viewfinder, not staring at the screen. The LCD is a handsome three-inch specimen with 1.62 million dots and even responds to touch.

Two slots is an absolute must and that's why a smart camera manufacturer will put them in. Image storage is flexible and reliable. The top panel features a series of lockable dials and levers that make controlling the camera intuitive and quick. Direct controls can be found for shutter speed, ISO (which is ingeniously integrated into the shutter speed dial) and more. Exposure compensation on the ring gear is +/- 3 EV in 1/3 steps. There is a push-button on the rear roller to facilitate certain functions.

Focus joystick makes focusing fast and intuitive, allowing you to easily control focus points while shooting.

Integrated Bluetooth 4.2 is an energy-efficient way to efficiently transfer images to your mobile device, or control your camera remotely.

UHD and DCI 4K video recording the repertoire is impressive. It's not a video camera by any means, but if there's a moment you want to capture on video, it's easy with the Fujifilm X-Pro3. With built-in DCI/UHD 4K at 30 frames per second, X-Processor 4 allows fast write speeds when recording 4K video. And it helps reduce ”rolling shutter” distortion when shooting moving subjects. The camera has a 2.5mm port and a 3.5mm adapter for an external mic.

Film simulations and hail adjustments. Fujifilm's long history in traditional film is strongly reflected in the X-Pro3's film simulations. These simulations emulate the look and feel of Fuji classics such as Eterna, which mimics cinematic film with muted colours and rich shadow tones. Acros, on the other hand, offers smooth tones, deep blacks and precise detail on the black and white side. Included, of course, is Classic Chrome, designed to produce muted tones and strong colour reproduction, like old-fashioned slide film. There are other simulations too, and a new addition is Classic Negative which is pure porn, a stunning simulation that brings a tear of nostalgia down the cheek. In addition to the film simulations, the Rae effect is more controllable than before, and the print has a very organic look, especially in print. Visually, the camera is different from the old X-Pro2 model, as the Fujifilm X-Pro3 Dura Black surface is clearly more dignified looking. If you want a camera with a basic finish, check out the X-Pro3 model.

Fujifilm X-Pro3 Dura Black - specs

• Pixels: 26.1 Megapixels
• Maximum resolution: 6240 x 4160
• Aspect ratios: 1:1, 3:2, 16:9
• ISO Sensitivity: auto, 160 - 12800
• Mechanical shutter: 1/8000 - 1 second
• Exposure compensation: -3 to +3 EV (1/3 EV steps)
• Video modes:
  • DCI 4K (4096 x 2160) @ 23.976p/24.00p/25p/29.97p [100 - 200 Mb/s]
  • UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) @ 23.976p/24.00p/25p/29.97p [100 - 200 Mb/s]
  • DCI 2K (2048 x 1080) @ 23.976p/24.00p/25p/29.97p/50p/59.94p
  • Full HD (1920 x 1080) @ 23.976p/24.00p/25p/29.97p/50p/59.94p
• Focus type: auto and manual Focus
• Focus modes: continuous-servo AF (C), manual focus (M), single-servo AF (S)
• Precision points: phase detection 425 points, down to -6 EV
• Electronic OLED / Optical viewfinder
• Detector resolution: 3690000 pixels
• Detector magnification: 0.5x
• Screen size: 3″
• Screen resolution: 1620000 dots
• Display type: 180° rotating touch LCD
• Memory card slots: dual slot: SD/SDHC/SDXC
• Connections: USB Type-C (USB 3.0), 2.5mm Sub-Mini
• Wireless: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
• Battery: 1 x NP-W126S Rechargeable lithium.ion