Today, I want to talk to you about something that might surprise a few of you: I just bought the Fujifilm X-T3.
Now have a brand new X-T3 in my hands—and even though it’s not exactly a new release, it definitely feels new to me all over again.
This time, the camera came as part of a kit that included the vertical battery grip, which I honestly wasn’t sure I’d enjoy.
The pictures that I will show here are compressed and size reduced – exported from Lightroom and 85 compression with Irfanview.
But after just a short time with it, I have to admit… I’m genuinely impressed. Not only by the grip, which adds a surprising amount of comfort and functionality, but by the entire feel of the camera itself.
So in this post, I want to walk you through my first impressions of the Fujifilm X-T3 and how it feels in 2025, how it holds up compared to newer Fujifilm models, and why I decided to return to this particular camera after all this time.
Why Choose the Fujifilm X-T3?
So why did I decide to buy a new Fujifilm camera, especially an old model like the Fujifilm X-T3 that doesn’t have IBIS and just 26.1 megapixels?
The reason is Fujifilm X-P{RO3, the camera that I’ve used recently during my Easter holiday.
I share with you in another article why I love so much the older Fujifilm bodies with the new lenses and what they are offering to me.
The number one reasons, of choosing Fujifom X-T3 is the old Fujifilm sensor that I love from the Fujifilm X-Pro3, X-T3, X-E4, X-T4, and so on—the old sensor that focuses as fast in AF-S as the new Fujifilm X-T5, as the new Fujifilm X-T50.
For street photography and everyday photography, I am not relying on eye AF with Fujifilm. My main setting for AF is AF-S single point.
So I thought that the Fujifilm X-T3 would work well with AF-S single point. And to my surprise, yes, it’s working very fast, very accurately. I feel that it’s even a little faster than the Fujifilm X-Pro3.
But also it’s comparable to the Fujifilm X-T50 with AF-S single point. So no worries regarding AF.
Also, Fujifilm states that with their last firmware, this camera focuses as fast as the Fujifilm X-T4.
Fujifilm X-T3 Handling
Fujifilm X-T3 Screen
I chose to buy Fujifilm X-T3 for the tilt screen. This is the reason I didn’t bought the Fujifilm X-T4 (because of the flippy screen).
Fujifilm X-T3 has the screen that I love from the Fujifilm X-T5.
This was one of the reasons to get Fujifilm X-T3 — the screen, the fact that I can tilt this screen to shoot in vertical mode it is very, very important.
Fujifilm EVF
What I also like about Fujifilm X-T3 EVF even is the great magnification and eye point. I can also change the magnification so I can see entirely the image. Great advantage in comparison to X-T10, X-T20, X-T30, X-T50 lineup.
Fujifilm X-T3 Grip
Fujifilm X-T3 grip is helping a lot to shoot in vertical mode. You have all the buttons and wheels on this grip, so it’s fully functional.
You can shoot this camera in vertical mode like no other camera. I’m really loving Fujifilm X-T3 a lot for this. The handling for vertical shooting with this grip and with the X-T3 screen is very good.
With Fujifilm X-T5 can’t do this because you don’t have a grip on the X-T5!
Fujifilm X-T3 grip is great for vertical shots but also for landscape shots.
More than that, this grip is ultra-light. So I don’t feel that it’s putting much weight on the Fujifilm X-T3 setup (body, lens and grip).
Why Get Fujifilm X-T3 In The Modern Era?
First, Fujifilm X-T3 is not as old as Fujifilm X-T1 and X-T2.
Second, I have the old firmware that I love, which doesn’t change my AF settings. Also, when I’m changing recipes, I will not lose the settings that I’m doing in the field.
But unfortunately, Fujifilm X-T3 doesn’t save custom white balance shift.
So if you want to shift the white balance for your Fujifilm recipes, this shift overrides all the Q slots.
Fujifilm X-T3 doesn’t function like the X-Pro3, X-E4, X100V, and also the X-T30 Mark II. Basically, if you really want to enjoy the a good firmware flow from Fujifilm, you really need to go to those cameras.
But do I regret it because I don’t have the white balance shift in my Q slots? No. Because the firmware is very simple, very easy to use. It’s not as complicated and as busy as the new firmware from Fujifilm X-T50/X-T5.
Fujifilm X-T3 White Balance Shift Solution
I would have wanted white balance shift saved, but there is a workaround.
You can set three custom white balances and also, in the name of your recipes, you can put a note regarding how you shift the white balance if you want to do this.
This workaround is working pretty ok for me on Fujifilm X-T3.
Because I use just two recipes for the moment: check my Fujifilm recipes here.
Of course, I would have wanted the X-Pro3, X100V, and X-T30 white balance shift and firmware, but Fujifilm didn’t update it.
Fujifilm X-T3 Handling and Button Layout
The first thing you notice when picking up the Fujifilm X-T3 again — especially after trying more modern cameras — is just how well-built it is.
The Fujifilm X-T3 dials are clicky, the body feels dense and durable, and it carries that Fujifilm charm. It’s compact but not too small. It looks great, it feels great, and that matters more than most people admit.
With the grip attached, the handling changes quite a bit. It feels more DSLR-like — in a good way. The extra battery life and vertical shutter button are real bonuses.
For long sessions, it’s just a more confident setup.
I didn’t expect to like the grip this much, but it honestly makes the Fujifilm X-T3 feel like a complete tool.
Fujifilm X-T3 doors aren’t playing. You have side doors on each side. You don’t have rubber doors. They are firm; they are staying in place, not like the X100VI door.
Also, the buttons are very clicky. I can change easily values on the shutter speed dial and the ISO dial. I don’t know if this is happening because the camera is a little used, but, in general, I’m keeping my settings locked, so it’s not a problem.
Fujifilm X-T3 ISO wheel and the shutter speed wheel—they aren’t feeling hollow like the Fujifilm X-T5 wheel.
Fujifilm X-T3 build quality compared to the Fujifilm X-T5 regarding wheels and buttons, I feel it is better. They are also plastic, but it’s not as cheap in hand as the Fujifilm X-T5 dials — really loving this a lot!
Fujifilm X-T3 has a D-pad, joystick and any control I would want.
Fujifilm X-T3 vs Fujifilm X-T5 vs X-T50
Fujifilm X-T5 vs Fujifilm X-T3
Fujifilm X-T3 it’s how it’s staying amazing in hand.
Why?
Because it is 10 grams lighter than Fujifilm X-T5 and it is longer and taller than Fujiflm X-T5.
Fujifilm must make cameras a little longer and a little taller to have the weight better distributed.
Fujifilm X-T3 in hand is not feeling like a brick. It’s not feeling like the X-T5 in hand.
Fujifilm X-T3 center weight is very well balanced.
What does this means:
- Fujifilm X-T3 it’s staying great with small and old Fujifilm lenses
- Fujifilm X-T3 also stays great with the WR lenses!
Fujifilm X-T3 vs Fujifilm X-T50
Fujifilm X-T50 is going the same route as the Fujifilm X-T5. It is small. It is cramped. And Fujifilm X-T50 in hand (subjective feeling) – feels heavier!
Why? Because of the distribution of the weight.
The Fujifilm X-T3 grip is really amazing and grippy.
I feel the Fujifilm X-T3 grip is better than Fujifilm X-T5.
Probably because it is taller than the X-T5 and longer than the X-T5.
Fujifilm X-T3 pairs excellent with Fujifilm 18mm F1.4.
Finally, I have a Fujifilm body that I feel I really like to pair with the 18mm F1.4 or with the new WR lenses.
This wasn’t happening to me with the X-T5 because the X-T5 is shorter, and it’s not as wide as the X-T3.
Regarding handling and ergonomics and weight, it is the perfect Fujifilm camera (for me).
Fujifilm X-T3 Mechanical Shutter Sound
Fujifilm X-T3 mechanical shutter it is very silent— more silent, I would say, than the X-T30 Mark II and also than the X-T50.
It’s sounding exactly like the shutter of the X-Pro3, that I really love.
Fujifilm X-T3 Manual Focus Controls
One of the things I still love about the X-T3 is how manual focusing feels.
The focus ring of my Voigtlander Ultron 27mm is smooth and responsive, and when paired with Fujifilm X-T3 excellent focus aids — like focus peaking and digital split image — you actually want to use manual focus.
It’s fast, intuitive, and satisfying, especially for street or portrait work where precision matters.
Highlights of manual focusing on the X-T3:
- Focus peaking is accurate and easy to see, even in bright daylight and it disappears when you lightly press the shutter button (not like on X-T50/X-T5)
- Also you will exit automatically from the punch in zoom image (not like X-T50)
- The digital split image mode works well for fine-tuning
- The EVF and LCD both give you enough resolution to judge critical focus
- Focus ring feedback is smooth and tactile — it feels intentional
There’s something grounding about taking control of your focus manually, and the X-T3 makes that process feel purposeful rather than tedious.
Short Pros – Why the Fujifilm X-T3 Still Shines in 2025
Excellent autofocus in AF-S – Fast, reliable, comparable to X-T5 and X-T50
- Classic tilt screen – Perfect for vertical shooting, better than flippy screens
- Superb grip (with battery grip) – Game-changer for vertical shooting and ergonomics
- Better weight distribution than X-T5 – Feels lighter and more balanced in hand
- Great build quality – Solid body, satisfying clicky dials, no wobbly doors
- Great handling with modern lenses – Pairs beautifully with WR primes like 18mm f/1.4
- D-pad, joystick, full controls – More physical controls than newer compact bodies
- Silent mechanical shutter – Comparable to X-Pro3, smoother than other X-T bodies
- Simple, clean firmware – Less cluttered than current generation UI
- Affordable on the used market – Great value for a professional-level tool
Short Cons – Where the X-T3 Falls Short in 2025
- No IBIS – Requires careful technique or stabilized lenses
- White balance shift not saved in Q slots – Can be limiting for film simulation users
- Older sensor (26MP X-Trans 4) – No upgrade to the newer 40MP resolution
- Lacks new firmware features – No improved subject detection or eye AF updates and no white balance shift saved on each Q slot
- Grip adds bulk (but is optional) – Might not be for everyone in street photography
Conclusion: The X-T3 Is Still a Street Photography Beast
In present days, Fujifilm X-T3 remains a hit (probably the best made in the Fujifilm X-T lineup) — a camera that many overlook because of its age but which delivers incredible performance for the price.
With fast and reliable autofocus in AF-S mode, a beautifully minimal yet functional firmware, and the best-in-class tilt screen for shooting vertically, it brings a timeless shooting experience that modern Fujifilm bodies often overcomplicate.
Its ergonomics outclass even newer models like the X-T50, and when paired with the optional battery grip, it becomes a true workhorse — even for portrait or vertical shooters.
While it lacks IBIS and a few software refinements, those tradeoffs are minimal if you’re focused on street, documentary, or everyday photography and even wedding photogrpahy!
Fujifilm X-T3 Review Final Words
If you’re looking for a pure photography experience — no distractions, just a camera that gets out of your way and lets you shoot — then the Fujifilm X-T3 still delivers that magic.
In fact, it may just be the most underrated gem in Fujifilm’s lineup in our present days!
Fujifilm X-T3 Image Gallery
