Is the Fujifilm X-T3 Still Worth It Years Later?

As impressive as the day it was released, but now for a steal.

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8MomentScore

I ecstatically purchased the Fujifilm X-T3 when it hit the market. After three years of using this camera as a tool of choice for professional wedding photography, I can honestly say this bad boy continues to be one of the best deals our current market offers.

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To Know:

Despite being three years old, the Fujifilm X-T3 equips a beautiful 26.1MP X-trans CMOS 4 sensor. It retains the same image quality, ISO performance, and autofocus speed as the Fujifilm X-T4 minus the in-body image stabilization (IBIS) and newer battery model. Such results embody top-tiered Fujifilm performance that's friendlier on the wallet.

What We Love:

Incredible Ergonomics

Retro styling, tactile exposure dials, and a slew of custom function buttons

Peace of Mind

Dual card slots for redundancy and weather-resistant to protect from the elements

Speedy Performance

11 FPS still shooting with mechanical shutter and up to 4K60 fps video.

The Details:

Brand: Fujifilm

Product Type: Mirrorless Camera

Best For: Photographers looking for a professional-grade mirrorless camera balancing image quality, compact size, and price.

An Amazing Photography Machine

After three years of continuous professional use, I can honestly say that the X-T3 nonetheless holds up, and then some. It allows you to shoot in low-light churches, effortlessly capture fleeting moments, and keep up with fast-paced action on the dance floor. Equipped with dual card slots, a speedy 11fps operation, and a rugged, weather-resistant body build — the quality is as good as it gets.

While the image quality won't be as clean as other full-frame options, the stunning color science and more natural grain pattern of the X-Trans sensor still holds its own despite being a crop sensor. In a similar vein, the Fujifilm autofocus is not as peppy as its Sony or Canon competitors. Thus, if you familiarize yourself with its intricacies, it'll easily keep up with even the most demanding wedding-related situations. Additionally, with the releases of the more modern Fujifilm lenses, the autofocus improvements can be significant when paired with the 18mm 1.4, 23mm 1.4, or 33mm 1.4.

Battery Life, IBIS, and the Screen

Your decision to choose the Fujifilm X-T3 over its newer counterpart, the Fujifilm X-T4, will come down to a few critical choices — IBIS, battery life, and the LCD screen. If you depend on IBIS for your workflow, the X-T4 will be more enticing. For documentary photography, moments are captured using a higher shutter speed and flash photography, minimizing IBIS's impact on the final image.

The newer batteries on the Fujifilm X-T4 can shoot an entire wedding on a single battery. While the Fujifilm X-T3 tends to burn through 2 to 3 batteries for a 6 - 8 hour wedding, there is an optional vertical battery grip. However, the X-T3 shares the same battery with the X100VI, X-S10, and X-E4. Despite the lower capacity rating, having the same battery system across all these cameras can prove beneficial.

Lastly — the contentious LCD screen sparks offense. If you prefer the multi-angle flip screen for vlogging and videography, the Fujifilm X-T4 is better suited. However, as someone who regularly shoots low-angle and high-angle shots, I prefer the tilt screen of the Fujifilm X-T3 as it keeps the LCD in line with the shooting axis for a more realistic, hands-on capturing experience. It all comes down to preference.

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Conclusion

The Fujifilm X-T3 packs the same features I've loved since day one but now sits at a lower price point. This more accessible value invites a professional-grade camera as a tool for beginners in the industry. Its tactile exposure-dials inspire users to learn the intricacies of manual exposure. One can feel the direction of an image with each click. Whether you're a veteran or a budding creative, I'm confident that the Fujifilm X-T3 will serve you well no matter what you throw at it.

What We Rate


  • Skill Level
    • Just getting started
    • Understands manual settings
    • Shoots regularly
    • Professional

  • Photo Quality
    • Passable
    • Pretty Good
    • Really good
    • Best Out There

  • Auto Focus
    • Always hunting
    • It Works
    • It Works Quickly
    • Quick and Locked In

  • Low Light
    • Very noisy.
    • Average
    • Clean
    • Crisp and Clean

  • Battery Life
    • Sucks
    • Not bad
    • Good
    • Really Good

  • Rugged Ability
    • Leave it in the studio
    • Daily Carry
    • Traveler
    • Mountain Goat

  • Build Quality
    • Cheap
    • What You’d Expect
    • Solid
    • Top Of The Line
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