Fujifilm X-T3: SA pricing and availability announced

As expected, Nikon’s competitors have answered its mirrorless challenge after announcing the Nikon Z7 and Z6 late last month. First to arrive is Fujifilm with the new X-T3, the camera maker’s fourth-gen X series mirrorless camera in five years. While it’s not getting into the full-frame arena, the Fujifilm X-T3 is giving X-T2 almost every reason to upgrade, plugging up the small holes that made its predecessor less than perfect.

First, there’s the upgrade in silicon. The X-T3 now features the new 26.1 megapixel X-Trans CMOS sensor, capable of shooting 4K video in 60 fps. This goes hand in hand with the new X-Processor 4, a quad-core CPU that promises thrice the speed of its current X series. Then there’s the AF system with 2.16 million phase detection pixel that covers nearly 100% of sensor. This makes it possible to use PDAF even in low light conditions and face-detection on a moving person.

Fujifilm, however, has also stepped up its game by providing a feature that X-T2 owners wished they had right from the start: a touch screen. While it’s still not up to modern standards with a 1.04 million-dot LCD panel, the multi-angle LCD monitor can now at least be a secondary way to control the camera. It still doesn’t do selfies, sadly.

And last but by no means the least, the X-T3 now has connectors built directly into the body, including headphone, microphone, and HDMI ports. No longer will you need to buy an accessory just to get those features. That said, having a vertical grip and added battery might not sound that bad either but at least now you have a choice.

The Fujifilm X-T3 is set to launch on September 20 globally, but will only reach us end October and while its pricing is not yet set in stone, it’s expected to go for R23 999 for the body only. R29 999 with an 18-55 mm lens. That’s definitely cheaper than the competition, though Fujifilm apparently started making the camera in China to cut down on costs.

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Papi Mabele

Papi Mabele has a marketing background, he is a digital marketing expert with extensive experience in launching and building global brands in the emerging markets. Papi is also an avid tech writer, enthusiast and all round tech junkie. As a freelance writer and analyst he has been numerously published in Popular Mechanics (SA), GQ South Africa, Premier Magazine, Driven Magazine, Bloem News, Courant, The Weekly, Enthooze Magazine and PiE magazine amongst others.