Want to try X-T3; please talk me out

It's a GAS thing, I know. But I can use the video capability for a project that I am currently preparing for. Plus, images from the x series I've been browsing appeal to me. I don't know if it's just the style of photography that is different with Fuji users, but even mundane subjects look good for some reason.

This year I've invested in two lenses (16-35 f4 & 24-70 2.8II), upgraded to a good filter system and filter glass, and flash triggers for my 5DIII. With the release of the EOS R, my glass purchases likely now have a lower secondary market value.

I know what I should do, which is nothing, and just be happy. But the X-T3, especially with it's video capabilities would be a very useful buy for me right now. I wouldn't try to run with two systems though, and after just spending $3000 toward my canon kit, it's imperative that I would need to choose one system.

I've been pondering the X-T3 with the kit lens, as that's not too huge of investment to go along side my current kit. Although I know that the 18-55 will not be enough nor a fair trial for the Fuji system, and I will need to add some lenses over time, but I can't allow that with a full Canon kit.

I'm not a brand warrior; I started with Canon and that's where I stayed. If it was financially reasonable to move away, I wouldn't hesitate to at least try the X-T3, knowing I'd have some wiggle room in value with my current gear. I'm not in the position, nor am I the type of person to throw money away. I always live out my decisions, but it's a drag this time because of a justifiable use case. Possibly a "proper tool" situation.

It's too bad Canon had to gimp their release.

fujifilm's x-trans system would be a significant departure from your traditional canon dslr. factor in a learning curve. having both, I love the fuji cameras but still have my canons. remember that all of the fuji's, except their medium format(s), are aps-c 150% crop sensors. Maybe rent an X-T3 & kit lens - see if it works for you - but familiarize yourself with the ergos and controls beforehand or you'll spend the rental period climbing the learning curve - which isn't that tough, but its different than traditional menu & controls in canikon dslr's & related. final thought - don't dismiss that kit lens! - it's a sweet little chunk of glass.

enjoy!
dale

Don't do it! ....my work here is done.

What are you shooting and do you need the functionality of the X-T3? The 5D3 does alright 1080.

Having said that the video quality does look amazing and it should be with DCI 4K60 10-bit f-log at 400Mbps H.265 (very light codec so the 400Mbps gives huge detail unlike Canons implementation using MJPEG and 500Mpbs found in the 5D4).

Two Hot Shoes wrote in post #18707078
What are you shooting and do you need the functionality of the X-T3? The 5D3 does alright 1080.

Having said that the video quality does look amazing and it should be with DCI 4K60 10-bit f-log at 400Mbps H.265 (very light codec so the 400Mbps gives huge detail unlike Canons implementation using MJPEG and 500Mpbs found in the 5D4).

It's going to be an interview style setup; mostly one person, sometimes two but not regularly. I'm using magic lantern @ 14bit compressed 1080p raw, and it is good (only 8 or 10 bit output from grading software). One of the issues is that youtube down-samples 1080, where 4K gets a better compression routine. I'd rather be above the standard instead of pushing to reach the standard.

The rest is just GAS.

The X-T3 has solid 4K out and you can always adapt your lenses as focusing probably won't be an issue in this case.
The only thing you might want to look at is the 20min record time in 4K and the battery will only you 45-60mins unless you add the grip then you get 3 times the battery time. Of course if you use an external recorder like a Ninja you can record all day (with external power too) & get 4:2:2

Fuji still haven't allowed raw video out over HDMI (I'm hoping for them to pony up for a ProResRaw licence) but I'd say 10-Bit F-log 4:2:2 is good enough for most. For the money it's a good bet at the moment IMO.

Two Hot Shoes wrote in post #18707164
The X-T3 has solid 4K out and you can always adapt your lenses as focusing probably won't be an issue in this case.

So far I have a predetermined "set", everything measured and documented for easy reproducibility. So yes, it could even be manual focus.

I was curious about the adapting thing and was searching this forum last night for thoughts. Kinda grim on the adapter front, and it seems like adapting is counter intuitive to the Fuji system. At least more so than with Sony.

10-Bit F-log 4:2:2 is absolutely good enough for what I'm doing. It's not cinema.


Thank you for all the replies!

If you want to try the Fuji system for stills, pick up a used X-T1 and start there... Still an amazing camera and it is ergonomically the same as the X-T2 and X-T3...

SuperSirLink wrote in post #18708378
it is ergonomically the same as the X-T2 and X-T3...

Except the buttons. IIRC the buttons on the XT1 were squishy and hard to push. Not unbearable but the later models were much nicer.

Also the dials are a little stiffer and the exp comp dial is narrower and as such a little more hidden from the edge of the body

All I can say about this from personal knowledge, is that I added an XT1 a few years back, and for what I do primarily, it would never come close to sufficing.
It's a crop mirror-less, so it and the lenses are very portable, I like it for that.

I shot bit with the X-T3 today the AF is so very much improved, both eye AF and tracking, over the X-T2. I only popped in to pick up an XF8-16/2.8 so was nice to spend 30mins playing about with the camera also. It's a world apart from the X-T1 in speed.

benji25 wrote in post #18709853
Except the buttons. IIRC the buttons on the XT1 were squishy and hard to push. Not unbearable but the later models were much nicer.

Yes, I had an X-T1 before getting the X-T2... They are subtle improvements for sure, just meant you interact with them the same way... The X-T1 is a good low cost way of getting that same layout of the X-T3 and will allow you to get a sense of if you like it or not...

Now it will not deliver the same video specs, but for stills it is a great intro to the system...

Lots of yt reviewers as well as a handful from forums are all saying the AF is noticeably snappier than the xt2.. in stills and video

Speaking of video, they say hlg recording coming in a future firmware update.(not that id use it?)

Also , fantastic that you can punch in to check focus while recording video..

that XT3 is very tempting but I am resisting my GAS since I only got the XT2 in may. So I want to get atleast a year out of it before I do an upgrade