Even Fuji fans call the X-Pro 3 a design failure
It is then of no surprise that the below video made by Youtuber Seim received a lot of dislikes and negative comments by Fuji fans. Seim, who is himself a big Fuji fan, was very critical of Fuji's design decision to hide the flip out screen and replace it with a gimmicky OLED mini-screen that shows old film simulations. He was also critical of the lack of IBIS and some other smaller things. He had some great points in his video, and backed it up with solid reasoning.
One Fuji fan vented in the comments:
"I think you have no clue what you are talking about!Another one agreed with Seim and offered some great insights:
Why would Fuji produce all the same cameras? They want to attract different users to their system, so if you want general purpose camera also strong in video, you have X-T3, if you do not need dual card slot and extra pro features use X-T30 or X-E3, if you need ibis and use heavier glass use X-H1, and then if you shoot mainly photos there is X-Pro3 for you.
Why the hell would they put all the same features in all of their cameras?"
"I think you're the only one expressing a sane option on this in video.
To add to what you said, the camera market is in decline. Fundamentally, this is because camera companies cannot explain to regular people why they shouldn't just use their phone. (That's easy. Hold something actually made for taking pictures. Get better results, good enough to print large on your wall. Get more choice in lenses and perspectives. Oh and it'll probably be cheaper than an iphone these days.) This has allowed the phone industry to be all about the cameras (to the exclusion of all else). Meanwhile, camera companies have relatively bad UI. Not a single camera has a built-in tutorial, on say, the exposure triangle, when you boot it up for the first time.
So we get a stagnant pool of users who fight about brands and gear. Rarely does defensiveness, gatekeeping, and snobbery get to a camera company, but fuji decided that the audience for the x-pro line needed to be limited, for whatever reason. I look forward to when they swap the ecomp dial for a useless film release lever. The thing about making a pretend film camera is that it's like zeno's paradox. You can cut down the camera as much as you like, but you'll never really turn it into a film camera. Just ask Nikon about the reception to the df. (Love that camera btw, grip is lovely, and I wish we got more d series sensors in smaller bodies.)
Thom Hogan memorably said recently: "If the camera market only consists of older men with disposable income who like to brag about the size of their major asset, then the camera market is doomed."
The new Fuji X-Pro 3 cameras tend to get dirty very easily. Eew... (source).What is your opinion on the upcoming X-Pro 3? Share in the comments.
Your bias really shows here, just because you dont like Fuji gear? let go of the hate dude. Let go.
ReplyDeleteBias? LOL. The camera is the same as the previous model, a few cosmetic changes, they only crippled it with a silly LCD design. You don't need to be biased to see that this camera will be a dud.
DeleteAre you serious? "the same as the previous model" is it hell the same! you are biased, and it damn well shows. I love the Z6 just as much as you do but wow dude, let go of the hate.
DeleteIt's sad to see how bad Fuji has become. Sony is releasing same cameras with a different model name and adds a few gimmicks. Now Fuji is the same, basically. The X-T3 is a nice camera, but that's about it. They're now trying to milk their customers with these gimmicks and stupidly overpriced crop lenses. I'm totally off the Fuji train.
DeleteI agree with you, this camera is gimmicky and useless. Fuji is on the same trip as Sony, they're basically copying Sony. Here's how: First they keep bringing out the same cameras, they just change the model name, add a few buttons, software features and sell you the same sensor. Fuji fans are so excited. Secondly, they both focus on expensive high-megapixel cameras (GFX 100, Sony A7R IV) that have poor usability and bad ergonomics, and have lots of software issues. But the so called influencers give them a pass because they keep getting products from them to get content. Meanwhile Nikon and Canon are actually showing real innovation with their Z and EOS R series, be it in lenses and in bodies. These systems are superb "out of the box" and in many ways much better than Sony Alpha and Fuji X. And the latter two had years, almost a decade long jumpstart... well, I'll stick to the traditional camera brands, because I want solid quality and real innovation.
ReplyDeleteThis right here is exactly what I have been thinking for months now. Fuji is beginning to remind me of Sony, I'm sure they would be capable cameras but they're overhyped cameras that clickbaiters and influencers gush over for some reason and Fuji's fans are becoming almost as toxic as Sony fans. If you want the experience of shooting film then just shoot film I mean seriously?? It's a total gimmick and it looks like every wannabe street photographers wet dream camera.
DeleteI think they're good for what they are. I use both Nikon DSLRs (35mm) and Fuji (I have an X100f that I just have on me all the time and an X-T3). I like the compact size of Fuji for travel, the images are nice, ergonomics are really good for a camera of its size, and I personally have found them to be pretty reliable so far (knock on wood!). They're better than Nikon at some things, worse at others, so for me it's a trade off. But if I'm shooting APS-C, or want to go small and light, or not stick a large camera and lens in someone's face, then I'm using a Fuji.
ReplyDeleteI guess I didn't answer your question. Yeah, it's a gimmick, but then again so is having a hybrid viewfinder. When you get down to it, they produce a solid line of usable SLR-like cameras in the X-T and X-H, and everything else is for niche users. Given that they continue to grow and expand (in terms of units shipped and sold) while the rest of the camera market shrinks, they obviously are doing something right.
DeleteThis article is spot on, I'm glad I found your blog! Keep on rocking.
ReplyDelete