I am really interested in the future Fujifilm X-Pro3, as I had the X-Pro1 and now, I happily use the X-Pro2. We all have specific reasons to love the X-Pro series and I think the X-Pro3 would be an interesting topic to discuss, too.

Looking at the launching dates of X-Pro1 and X-Pro2, compared to the dates when X-T1 and X-T2 were launched, I hoped I could see a pattern in Fujifilm’s calendar;  where X-Pro series presents us technical improvements that will follow on the X-T series. But with the rumoured X-T3 launching date for September 2018 and no consistent info on the upcoming X-Pro3, this pattern isn’t valid any longer. We’ll have, this time, the X-T3 before the X-Pro3, that we almost know nothing about. It seems the market trends and the competition can dictate changes in the calendar pattern I was talking about.

I invite you to share your impressions on the X-Pro3; what would you like to see on this future model? When do you think it will be announced?

So far, I could only speculate that X-Pro3 will get the improvements (which are rumoured and confirmed) to be implemented within the upcoming X-T3:

1. New X PRO Processor. A new, faster one, or we could speculate the presence of 2 X Pro Processors, to cope with the new performance requirements;

2. New software, with improved AF and better noise reduction – at least what we see inside the X-H1. If X-T3 is supposed to bring improvements over the X-H1’s performance, then it is safe to assume the X-Pro3 will incorporate them, as well;

3. New X-Trans sensor, as originally rumoured, with a resolution over 24 MP, but less than 30 MP. A 26 MP resolution BSI X-Trans sensor could make sense, in order to get slight resolution improvements, but still not sacrificing low-light performance and not putting too much strain on the processor(s). The phase detection on the entire surface of the sensor sounds really great;

4. Improved ISO performance. The base ISO 160 (why not ISO 100?) seems like an improvement, also good for the long exposure photography.

4. Additional film simulations, like ETERNA, NATURA and SUPERIA (plus the improved AF and noise reduction I was mentioning above) and maybe video improvements (that I don’t find particularly necessary, especially when we have X-H1 for that and even the improved X-T2, not to mention the upcoming X-T3);

5. A better build body with more scratch resistant cover, better weather sealing and with a more resistant magnesium alloy chassis, as the X-H1 is over the X-T2; with 25% improved resistance. I think there is room for improvement, regarding a more solid build for the battery door and SD cards compartment door, from the points of view of both weather sealing and squeakfreeness (if it’s not a real word, it should be :))

What I also would like to see is:

A. A better battery life – as this is also a very important aspect and with increased performance, may also come an increased energy consumption.

B. A larger viewfinder – at least at the eye exit level, with a better refresh rate for the electronic viewfinder. I think the viewfinders of the X-T2 and X-H1 offer great performance. As we start to use the electronic viewfinder more than the optical one (just take a look at the extended Fujinon lens range, with bigger, longer, heavier lenses), we might just accept the idea that there could be a future X-Pro camera fitted with an EVF only. I know, the hybrid viewfinder in X-Pro and X100 series cameras is like the unique, gorgeous feature of their personality, that put those beautiful cameras aside and makes the stand out from the crowd. But we shouldn’t dismiss the advantages of a super huge EVF, let’s say 0.80X magnification and over 4 million dots OLED display. Would you say no to this?

C. Some button reconfiguration – if necessary, or an extra Fn button, for better accessibility. Also, the possibility to configure (why not) all the buttons, assigning them the functions that fits our style of shooting. The main dials on top of the camera could be bigger, for improved ergonomics. The Exposure Compensation Dial could be made to operate under more physical force, in order to avoid accidental changes in exposure compensation.

I don’t have a long list of requests, as I am happy with my X-Pro2, but I think I have covered important aspects that we could (and we would like to) see in the upcoming X-Pro3.

I invite you to share your ideas and comments.

May the Light be with you!

PS: Following Patrick’s updates from Fujirumors, we hope the new X-Pro model will be an attractive camera. The details we still have no news about, hopefully will be improvements of the existing features that we enjoy today, plus some new capabilities, which can close the gap between a Fujifilm flagship camera and the rivals from Sony, Nikon and soon, Canon, who already started to make the competition even harder.

All photos and text – © Sebastian Boatca 2018 / www.sebastianboatca.com