Is The Fujifilm X-T3 Still Worth It In 2024?
A Photographer’s Review of the Fuji X-T3
I was recently asked about my go-to photography camera, and for the past 2 years, I've been using the Fuji X-T3. Despite newer models like the X-T5, I have no plans to replace my X-T3 anytime soon.
So, is the Fujifilm X-T3 still worth it in 2024? In short - yes. In this post, I'll delve into why this camera remains relevant for me and might be a compelling choice if you're in the market for a new camera this year.
Fujifilm’s Color Science - Worth The Hype?
Fujifilm colors.
Are they different?
Fuji users often highlight the distinctive color science of their cameras - personally, this is something I also champion. Many say the color rendition resembles film, reflecting Fuji’s clear mission to align its modern gear with the film experience. From a technical perspective, unlike other camera systems that typically use a "Bayer Pattern" sensor, Fuji employs their special “X-Trans” sensor with a different pattern, one that captures light and color more randomly. It is this randomness that imparts a film-like quality to the images straight out of the camera, and ultimately gives Fuji files a different look.
The Bayer Sensor pattern (left) in comparison to the X-trans Sensor (right). The X-trans collects light in a more random manner, leading to a more “organic” image feel. Source.
In general - I do notice a big difference, and in most cases, I prefer the look of Fujifilm’s colors straight out of camera. That said, are they “technically” better? Maybe not, but I’d pledge I’ve never achieved the types of colors I can get with these RAW files on any other camera system.
The Build - Ergonomics, Size, and Film-like Experience
Prior to getting this camera, I did get an opportunity to try out a couple different bodies, and the thing that hooked me was the ergonomic, film-like feel of these cameras. I think most Fuji users would agree that, across the lineup, there’s an experience felt that strongly mimics what one feels when shooting with a film camera like a Nikon F3 or Canon AE-1. Looking at the shape of the X-T3 and the style of the dials/buttons, you can see where the build comes from. By default, each dial has to be physically adjusted - so to adjust the shutter speed, you’d have to manually twist the shutter speed dial to the speed you’d like.
Looking at a Canon AE-1 for comparison, we can see the same is true for this old paper weight. To adjust shutter on many older cameras, you had to physically move it - very unlike the modern day cameras on which all can be controlled by the touch of a screen.
Couple the body’s character with the traditional feeling aperture rings on many of the lenses, and you have yourself a SLR doppelganger. Many (not all) of Fuji’s lenses compatible with the X-T3 have manually adjustable aperture rings - equipped with aperture readings marked along the lens and all!
Fujifilm’s commitment to sharing film photography heritage through their new products is evident, and for me, it makes the experience of working with their cameras that much more enjoyable.
Other Specs
Numbers and technical stuff and metrics and data, hooray. In all seriousness, I didn’t get this camera for the specs, and I don’t keep it for any of them either, but I do think there are a few worth mentioning here. That said - I’m not really a tech guy, so I’m not going to give you a bunch of info here, just going to focus on the things I personally have found important to me.
Sensor & Resolution
The camera boasts a 26.1MP sensor, which to me, was pretty impressive considering it’s ASPC sensor (crop-sensor). I previously shot with Canon gear, and prior to this, was using a 5D MK IV - though the 5D definitely packed more power, and had a cleaner image, all things considered, the difference is so minimal to my eyes it makes me wonder why I ever used a full-frame camera in the first place.
Something to consider - with a lot of resolution, comes a lot of data. The raw files from this camera are pretty big, and I tend to overshoot, so I have filled quite a lot of hard drives in the last couple years. Be ready to spend money on portable drives!
Video
Again, not a tech guy, so I don’t want to go too deep here. Also not a video guy either. My take is, the video on this camera is impressive. Full 4K DCI footage at up to 60 frames per second is incredible, especially when you couple that with built-in FLOG footage.
I come from Canon, where only certain cameras had LOG capabilities, and some had to be shipped off to have a factory install the C-LOG profile. Crazy. The X-T3, being budget friendly (next point), is actually a good option for a cheap video set up.
Price point
Right now - the Fujifilm X-T3 can be purchased between 700-900$, give or take. Compare this to the TikTok driven price tags associated with some of the popular cameras in Fuji’s line up, like the X100V, this is pretty reasonable.
Because this camera can also handle being a main body (it’s literally my only camera right now), I’d say it's a pretty good option in 2024. And this isn’t just for photography.
It's even been the topic of many videos as a “budget friendly” option for videography - check out this video by Anson & Co on YouTube, for example.
Again, before some TikToker ruins it for all of us, it might be worth it to grab the X-T3 or one of Fuji’s other “older” camera bodies.
The Con(s)
There are probably plenty more cons than I am going to go over in this post, but to me, only one really comes to mind as I write this - the battery life. It’s bad. Like, possibly the worst battery life I’ve ever experienced with any electronic device, bad.
I typically don’t leave my house without a tote bag or sling of some sort because anytime I use this camera I have to bring 3-4 extra batteries since they run out like its nothing.
That’s something I miss about Canon. I don’t think I changed my Canon 6D’s battery more than twice in the many years I shot with it…
That said, this is probably not a big deal to many, but for some reason, it drives me absolutely nuts. I’ve heard there’s a better battery life with the newer X-T5 though. Still not switching.
The Verdict: Is The Fujifilm X-T3 Still Worth It In 2024?
In short, I’d say yes. That said, I will say it totally depends on who is buying it, and why they are buying it. As an introduction to the Fujifilm system, the price is obviously unbeatable for what you get - a non-fixed lens camera with beautiful color science.
For someone looking to just pick up a “side camera,” it could also be a strong fit, but other alternatives like the forever over-priced X100 line up may be best in that case.
Either way, despite its flaws, and the existence of its successors, I still think it holds up, and would argue the Fujifilm X-T3 is still worth it in 2024.
