I noticed more nuanced fore-mid-background relationships to create depth. Mountain light filtered through the trees and reflected in cabin windows.
I heard a raven's wings flutter as it perched on the power line overhead. That’s when a new world opened up and taking pictures became fun again.Īs a result, my senses heightened. In a good way! Because my hardwired tendencies finally gave way to the minimalist spirit of the camera. Initially, I resented that the camera forces me to adapt my shooting style. Therefore, I am now forced to use the viewfinder much more frequently. No doubt from the past fifteen years of ‘chimping’ with SLR cameras. It makes apparent how painfully dependent I am on that instant LCD feedback. If you're like me, fiddling with a hidden LCD screen to review images and menu settings is highly irritating. There is an adjustment period one must contend with. On the first go with the X-Pro3, old habits interfere with the process. Photographers who are intrigued by the idea of less distraction, more constraint and a departure from the norm should keep reading. If it doesn't appeal to you, simply move on because this is not the droid you’re looking for. However, it's not an entirely new concept as the Leica M10-D is a very similar design. No doubt that it is a bold design choice and it will likely make or break your decision to use such a camera. We can't do a Fujifilm X-Pro3 camera review without addressing the controversial hidden LCD screen. I’ve tested it first hand on my X-Pro2 in some of the nastiest, wettest weather. It all adds up to a build quality that you immediately appreciate in your hands. The Dura-Black has a charcoal appearance and is prone to smudges from oily fingers so I would recommend the Dura-Silver if you need your camera looking pristine at all times. Also, thanks to a cold plasma, there is an anti-scratch coating (Dura-Black and Dura-Silver) courtesy of Citizen watches, that's even more sleek and durable. Now with a titanium build that's even stronger. This third generation has only improved on the premium feel. The viewfinder at the far left means that my nose does not have to smash up against the camera back. All buttons are easily accessed with the right hand. In my opinion, the X-Pro models have one of the best ergonomic designs of any camera out there. On initial impression, the X-Pro3 is an exquisite piece of hardware. Advanced hybrid viewfinder = Realtime optical and faster/clearer electronic viewingĪs a Fujifilm X-Photographer I had access to a pre-production model while traveling through rural Colorado.Hidden LCD = Less distraction, heightened awareness.
Half a century ago, photographers used rangefinders with manual precision to compose scenes, anticipate action, and capture the decisive moment. Old school rangefinders bring a simplistic joy to photography that’s rare to experience in modern day. Simply because the X-Pro design is based on the core tenants of these classic cameras. In a Fujifilm X-Pro3 camera review, one must first contemplate the concept of rangefinder cameras.